The University of Hawai’i basketball team is picked to finish fifth in the nine-team Big West Conference, according to the Preseason Media Poll announced on Thursday.
Hawai’i, which has six players with previous starting experience on the current roster, received two first-place votes. The top four teams, in order, are UC Irvine, UC Davis, Cal State Fullerton and Long Beach State.
Hawai’i finished 14-16 overall last season, and in fifth place in the Big West at 8-8. Five players with starting experience return from last season: Sheriff Drammeh, Leland Green, Gibson Johnson, Jack Purchase and Brocke Stepteau.