The University of Hawai'i men's basketball team is set to make its first NCAA Tournament appearance in a decade, facing No. 4 seed Arkansas in Portland. The Rainbow Warriors, ranked No. 13 in the West Region, secured their spot by winning the Big West Championship. This matchup on March 19 marks UH's sixth all-time NCAA appearance and the second under coach Eran Ganot, who led them to their first-ever NCAA victory in 2016. The program is coming off 24 wins, its best since 2015-16.

By the Numbers
  • Hawai'i has an all-time NCAA tournament record of 1-5.
  • The team captured the Big West Championship with a 71-64 victory over UC Irvine.
State of Play
  • Hawai'i will transition to the Mountain West Conference starting next season.
  • This tournament appearance follows their Big West victory, marking a significant achievement for the program.
What's Next

The Rainbow Warriors aim to upset Arkansas and advance to the second round of the NCAA Tournament, potentially enhancing their NCAA profile. A win would mark their first back-to-back victories in tournament history.

Bottom Line

This NCAA Tournament appearance offers a chance for Hawai'i to build on recent successes, showcasing their improved performance and aiming for a deeper run than in previous years. Their historical opportunities and player capabilities, particularly center Isaac Johnson, position them to challenge their opponents effectively.