With a simple "I'm coming back!" message, Davis Rozitis confirmed he'd be around for his senior season in 2013-14, turning the tide (at least for the moment) of early player departures that have plagued the Rainbow Warriors under Gib Arnold.

The 7-foot Latvian Rozitis, a popular teammate, will be the only player to play all four years under Arnold since the coach took over in 2010. Rozitis actually played the previous year at USC with Arnold on that staff, as well.

Rozitis has never been a first option in the middle, but that could change going into next season with no other game-tested DI centers on the roster at the moment. Redshirt freshman Caleb Dressler and the incoming freshman Stefan Jovanovic are the other centers on the roster. Isaac Fotu might be tried out there but it's not his natural position and he might have problems against some of the bigger bodies in the Big West should that happen.

————

Ferd Lewis touched upon the team's APR issues on Wednesday. I'm also hearing that it's going to be a close deal for both lost scholarships and a possible postseason ban. Stay tuned on this one. It could come down to one or two players' academic progress this spring semester before they depart the program, so it could be dicey.

————

City College of San Francisco point guard Quincy Smith's paperwork isn't finalized, thus no official statement from Arnold and Co., but it's not a cause for alarm yet. Sometimes it takes a while to process.

It came down to UH and Morehead State. He said he intends to send in his LOI paperwork at a joint ceremony with Corey Allen (also recruited by UH, but he committed to South Florida) in a Friday ceremony at Mt. SAC.

Here's what Nevels had to say on the matter in some Q&A:

Q: When did you know your decision?

A: I would say yesterday (Tuesday) or Monday, kind of. I just kept thinking it over and made the final decision yesterday.

Q: How was your Morehead State visit and what did the comparisons come down to?

A: I had a great trip down there. But at Hawaii I just felt more comfortable. I loved the arena, 10,000 people, you can't beat that. Coach Arnold, he's been the only coach to come down to L.A. consistently and see me consistently. It was my decision and that's what I wanted.

Q: How would you sum up your last two years in junior college, now looking ahead to Division I basketball?

A: These last two years I've just grown as a player. I'm not the same player or person I was. I just want to put in the work to put Hawaii in a chance to win the conference and then go to the NCAA Tournament.

Q: Being from Los Angeles and playing JUCO ball in California, how do you think you'll like it in the Big West?

A: It's going to be fun to play in the Big West. I know players in there, and all my family's going to come to the games. It should be a good experience.

Q: How familiar are you with your new Hawaii teammates?

A: I don't know them that well yet, but when I was out there, all of them were pretty cool people. So we should get along fine.

Q: How would you describe your playing style at guard?

A: First of all, I play the wing. I also bring scoring and defense. Just trying to win games at the end of the day.

Q: Are you comfortable playing the point if necessary?

A: Oh yeah, I could grow into that. That's one thing I really want to work on over the summer.

Q: Your percentages in junior college (57 percent from the field, 81 percent at the line, 47 percent on 3s) are pretty impressive. How did you attain those numbers?

A: I always try to be efficient when I'm shooting. So I mean, it was just hard work paying off and trying to make good decisions.

Q: Do you know what your plans are this summer? You coming out early for summer school second session?

A: Oh yeah, I'm going to get out there by then.

Q: Are you planning to play in the summer league?

A: I'm not sure, I haven't heard anything about it.

Q: Besides your comfort with the UH coaching staff, any other factors that led to Hawaii for you?

A: Just the opportunity that's there for me. You were even interviewing me before I decided to go there. It was a no-brainer.

Q: Coming out of Palisades High, what were your options?

A: I wanted to go Division I, but I wasn't the same player I am now. Doors weren't open for me.

Q: What are the biggest strides you feel you've made since then?

A: Just becoming bigger, faster, stronger. A better ball-handler. Just all-around.

Q: You planning to send in your paperwork to UH today?

A: I want to sign the papers on Friday. Me and Corey (Allen) are supposed to sign together.

Q: On Corey going to South Florida, were you hoping you guys would end up playing together?

A: I mean, I want him to make the best decision for himself. We had a great two years here, and we're both on a different journey right now."

——————

Today (Wednesday) is the first day of the spring signing period. Missouri transfer Negus Webster-Chan said he'd send in his LOI paperwork as soon as he receives it from UH.

Rainbow Wahine coach Laura Beeman said there were no signings for her team today but there are recruits in the works.

Webster-Chan liked what he saw during his UH visit Friday and Saturday. The 6-7 swingman will have to sit out 2013-14 then will have three years of eligibility.

Saturday also came with acknowledgement from UH coach Gib Arnold that freshmen Manroop Clair and Ozren Pavlovic will not return for their sophomore seasons. This shouldn't come as a shocker to anyone who followed the program.

Clair will transfer to Seattle University of the Western Athletic Conference. Pavlovic will pursue a pro career back in his native Croatia. You can read more about that in Sunday's edition of the Star-Advertiser, with statements from Arnold and both players.

Unfortunately, it was too late to get some comments from Webster-Chan into the print edition, but he was happy to do some Q&A over the phone after he'd made his decision, and those comments will appear here.

Q: What about your experience out here made you want to make UH your next school?

A: Just the great atmosphere. A lot of great people over here. The coaching staff is great. They're funny. I enjoyed my time with them through the days, the time we spent together. A great group of guys on the team. I like their attitude, they're all positive. Nothing negative to say, everything was positive when I was playing with them. All that stuff. I loved it out here. The weather's just a bonus.

Q: What other activities did you do out here?

A: Today we went to the beach, I was surfing with Keith (Shamburger) and Brandon Spearman, Coach Gib and Coach (Brandyn) Akana and  their sons. That was something new for me to try. I liked it. It was really fun, actually.

Q: What other schools were coming at you once your transfer was announced? Any other visits lined up?

A: Nah, I didn't really have any other visits lined up. I really thought about it and I didn't really know if I wanted to go there, just like it wasn't worth actually signing up a visit. Boston College, Seton Hall, USC. There was a whole bunch. It doesn't even matter about those schools now.

Q: What made you decide Missouri wasn't the place for you?

A: Your first school is not always going to be the right fit for you. You have to experience it, you have to go through the season, the whole year to actually find out if it's the right fit for you or not. And I went through it and I found it wasn't the right fit for me to be in that situation. So I had to find a different situation, a better situation for myself and help me succeed and get to the next level.

Q: How do you think it will be for you sitting out the coming season?

A: I just look at it as extra time to work, get better, get stronger, get bigger, faster. Just be ready for when my name's called and my jersey's called.

Q: You're from Ontario, Canada. What's your background up there?

A: I still live there. Most of my family's out there. I went to prep school my junior year when I was 17. Been going to school in the States for three years now.

Q: What about your family background?

A: Yeah, I'm actually part-Chinese too. My mom's half on her side. My grandfather is Chinese, he's from Hong Kong.

Q: Any other hobbies or interests that led to your decision to go to UH?

A: Nah, I just felt this was the right fit for me where I could succeed better, coming to Hawaii and playing for this coaching staff. ... I just liked it a lot. I don't know how to say it. Hobbies, I played volleyball back home and stuff, but I had to stop playing competitively because I went to Huntington Prep and there was only basketball.

Q: I'd heard you're pretty versatile. You played point guard at Huntington?

A: Yes sir. My whole senior year I played point guard.

Q: Do you consider yourself a point guard, and how did that compare to what Missouri had you do?

A: 3, 2, 1. Whatever Coach Gib needs me that, I'll be there. I can play all those spots.

Webster-Chan, of Ontario, Canada, averaged 2.5 points and 2.0 rebounds in 15.5 minutes as a Tigers freshman, starting six of 32 contests. He connected on 16 of 59 3-pointers (27.1) percent). He'll have to sit out a year wherever he ends up, then will have three years to play three.

His requested release from Mizzou was announced on April 2, effectively giving UH and Gib Arnold his first shot to impress.

City College of San Francisco point guard Quincy Smith is currently slated to visit here next weekend, a few days after the Wednesday start to the signing period.

—————

Meanwhile, last week's visitors Garrett Nevels and Corey Allen of Mount San Antonio College are continuing their tour of official visits. Nevels is at Morehead State this weekend while Allen is at South Florida, Mt. SAC coach Clark Maloney said Friday.

"They really enjoyed it," Maloney said of the pair's time at UH. "They really liked the direction of the program. They want something to compare it to."

—————

Junior center Davis Rozitis is believed to still be undecided on coming back for his senior year. We'll know either way on him before too long.

Freshmen Manroop Clair and Ozren Pavlovic have been mentioned as possible departures, but no official word there just yet.

—————

I've sensed this come up more and more lately: Is freshman Brandon Jawato on scholarship? Yes, Jawato was placed on scholarship soon after the team got back from the Warriors to Asia tour in 2011.

City College of San Francisco 6-foot freshman point guard Quincy Smith will take an official visit to UH this weekend, CCSF coach Justin Labach said on Monday.

Smith averaged 9.1 points, 3.6 assists and 1.7 turnovers on 46 percent shooting from the field, 74.2 percent from the free-throw line and 28.6 percent from the 3-point line. He swiped 2.3 steals per game.

He was a key cog for a Rams team that went 31-0 before losing in the CCCAA playoffs.

"He's a great kid. Real tough. Probably the toughest guy we had on our team this year," Labach said. "Started every game for us. Came out of a prep school, but he's a local area kid from Deer Valley High School. His brother signed with UNLV this year, Kendall Smith. He's a point guard. He's really strong with the ball. He's got a very high basketball IQ. Super athletic, and a great defender."

Smith's prep school was La Jolla Prep, the same academy UH freshman Aaron Valdes attended. Here's a highlight video of his time there.

Labach said Smith also plans to visit North Texas and possibly Long Island.

CCSF has other players committed to Pacific, Marshall and Utah.

———————————

Meanwhile, the UH coaching staff was in Atlanta for the Final Four. We could hear very soon on any possible early player departures, as have defined the team's past two offseasons.

Freshmen are prime candidates for such movement, and UH had several of them. Also, junior center Davis Rozitis is set to graduate early and might elect to return to Europe once he's achieved his degree, so he has a decision to make.

Allen has visits coming up to Pittsburgh and South Florida and Nevels to Morehead State, and likely Seton Hall and New Mexico.

Nevels and Allen, reached in separate phone interviews, said they both enjoyed their time in the islands. Their trip included a tour of the UH campus and academics offices, dinner at the UH banquet on Wednesday night, and a surf session on Thursday morning before flying home. Neither sounded in a rush to make his decision where to play his final two years of college eligibility.

Here's what each had to say:

Garrett Nevels:

Q: What were you hoping to get out of your visit?

A: I wanted to see what it was like out here. Get a feel for the campus and the people. ... We walked around the campus. It was a real nice campus, I liked it a lot. After that, we met some academic counselors, and played (open gym) with the team. So it was a cool day.

Q: On playing with Allen at Mt. SAC and having success with the state JUCO championship:

A: Just hard work and being hungry from losing early in the playoffs in the year before. ... (Coach Clark Maloney) challenged us every day, kept on pushing us.

Q: When you go back home, do you know where you'll be in your recruitment process?

A: I want to use all my visits so I can really see which school would be the best fit for me.

Q: Where else are you visiting?

A: Morehead State, probably Seton Hall and probably New Mexico.

Q: What are you looking for out of the program you end up at?

A: Well, I didn't really know what to expect. This is my first time being on the main island. I like it a lot.

Corey Allen

Q: How do you like it in Hawaii?

A: It's my first time being in Hawaii. Got to see campus and the coaching staff, and all the support they have. It's pretty good so far. ... We got to play open gym with the guys. Some pretty good runs. I was pretty impressed with the bigs, how they played. That's one thing I was looking forward to, playing with some good bigs at the next level.

Q: Your style of play at Mt. SAC was pretty run and gun?

A: Yes sir, we were a run and gun team. We just ran the floor. Pressed people, fullcourt pressure. Then we just ran and scored at the other end. It's pretty good.

Q:I know you took a visit to UTEP previously. You planning any other official visits coming up?

A: I plan on taking one to Pittsburgh and to the University of South Florida. I'm going to compare all the schools and see which one best fits me.

Q: What did you tell yourself you'd be on the lookout for in your recruitment process?

A: Just trying to find the best situation. Playing time. Coaching staff. If I was comfortable at the school. My major, a good supporting cast as far as academics. That's about it.

Q: You and Garrett must have some pretty good synergy. What would it be like to play together at the next level, if it worked out that way?

A: Top-25 team. Personally, I don't think any guards out there put in as much work as us, and (we'll) try to win at the next level, just like we did at Mt. SAC.

—————

Check out tomorrow's (Friday) edition of the Star-Advertiser for some fresh comments from Vander Joaquim on his time at UH and his impending play in the Portsmourth Invitational Tournament.

They're believed to be primary targets among UH's top five recruiting prospects for next season. The guard pair arrived in Honolulu late Tuesday night, and will be here until Thursday morning. (Allen is pictured on left with Nevels on right.)

Having recruits in for a mid-week visit is pretty unusual for Gib Arnold, but was out of necessity with Arnold just returning from mainland recruiting and a dead period approaching during the Final Four.

Allen previously visited UTEP. It's believed this is Nevels' first official visit. Other schools expressing interest in the pair are West Virginia and Seton Hall, as well as a number of Big West and WAC schools.

Another pertinent question regarding tonight's banquet: will embattled senior center Vander Joaquim make an appearance coming off his infamous arena walk-out? No one has been able to tell me definitively either way so far — some people think he'll go, others say no. We'll find out soon.

If you didn't read Ferd Lewis this week, Hawaii has its eyes on both players. The two averaged about a combined 40 points during a 29-3 season.

UPDATED: The two players are taking visits to UH, but the exact time frame for their visits are unknown. They might be here this weekend or, as a source indicated, as late as Tuesday.

Nevels was the tournament MVP after scoring 32 points in the championship over Chaffey College. Allen added 25.

There could be a Joston Thomas-like situation here with the spelling of Nevels' first name. The Mt. SAC athletics site has it as Garret, while his Twitter account has the more common Garrett spelling.

Here's what Mt. SAC coach Clark Maloney had to say about the recruitment status of both Nevels and Allen on Wednesday.

"Hawaii has always been an interest of both of them. It still remains the same (they're undecided). I think they really like Coach Arnold, his staff. Their families really feel it will be a good situation for Garrett or Corey or both of them. So it hasn't changed. It's still the same."

What sense do you get about the breadth of their recruitment with other schools?

"Well, they're both very quality guys. Quality individuals on and off the court, and then on top of it, you add that they're kind of special basketball players. I mean, that right there is a great combination for coaches to want to have, want to get and make sure that's a part of their program. So it's been quite a few. It's actually been really exciting to see how many schools have gotten interested in all of our guys, not just Garrett and Corey."

Are either Garrett or Corey scheduled to make a visit out in the islands coming up?

"I have to speak to Garrett and Corey tonight. I know that there was something in the works, but definitively, no. I have to speak to them tonight."

Has either player indicated to you when they want to make their decision?

"Well, I know they both want to take a few visits. Definitely have something to prepare. I know they're trying to make a decision in a few weeks for signing day."

Well, we've had a couple of days to digest Hawaii's 69-65 season-ending loss to Air Force in the CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament.

Here's the short list of things the game could be remembered most for:

A) Air Force bombing 15 3s in 31 attempts without its best player

B) 12th man Michael Harper helping spark a 19-0 first-half run that put UH up three at halftime

C) Vander Joaquim ending his career by storming out of the Stan Sheriff Center with most of the second half still to play

D) OK, nothing is topping C

It was one of the strangest situations you'll hear about at a college basketball game, though it wasn't immediately known that when Joaquim disappeared through a tunnel, he intended to leave for good. Since Wednesday night, Joaquim's been getting skewered for quitting on his team on message boards, Twitter, comments sections, you name it.

Our Ferd Lewis opined on the matter in his column here (subscription required).

UPDATE: Vander sent me a message on the matter, though he didn't address his walk-out specifically.

"I felt really disappointed. It's been a frustrating season. Before I made my decision in coming back it was because I had a better expectation going into this season," he wrote.

He then alluded to his low playing time in the Air Force loss (seven minutes by the time he left), among other games this season, but said he had an overall positive experience in the islands.

"Overall I'm happy to play for the University of Hawaii and this chapter is close(d). ... I'm looking forward to my next chapter."

Unfortunately for the program, to have Joaquim's episode take place in his final game means that's the lasting image people will have. In a way, his stunning exit was a fitting, frustrating end to an underwhelming senior season that saw him get injured in the preseason — an MCL tear robbed him of explosiveness — and basically concluded with a humbling tag, Big West honorable mention. Wednesday night, while shocking to everyone on press row as word spread what happened, wasn't totally out of place in a senior year that was a pretty big step back from his All-WAC junior campaign.

Joaquim 2011-12: 14.3 ppg, 9.5 rpg, .560 FG%, .633 FT%, 58 blk, 21 stl, 33 AST, 65 TO

Joaquim 2012-13: 13.8 ppg, 8.2 rpg, .480 FG%, .764 FT%, 31 blk, 12 stl, 28 AST, 75 TO

Joaquim could very well go on to have a solid professional career, but what he did certainly won't look good to pro scouts. UPDATED: He was not ready to name his agent yet, but confirmed hiring one is in the works.

He improved his free-throw shooting in particular, and got to exhibit his 3-point touch this season. Yet his frustration with his coaches and teammates was visible in several games, home and away, and he became the face of the team's struggles late in the season.

Joaquim had some memorable moments this year, like the running 3-pointer he hit against Northern Arizona at halftime of the BracketBusters game and his play late in the loss to Illinois. He peaked in a 29-point, 15-rebound game against Ole Miss, another NCAA Tournament team, in the Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic.

Unfortunately for UH, he regressed from there, hitting 20 points only one more time — the aforementioned BracketBusters game. Big West play was generally a struggle for him against quicker, double-teaming guard-oriented teams.

Will you remember Joaquim for the breadth of his work at Hawaii, or its confounding conclusion?

Here's what UH is offering on short notice, straight from their release. Note the discounts offered to military personnel.

————

The University of Hawai`i Athletics Department will offer special ticket promotions for the 2013 CollegeInsider.com Tournament first-round game it is hosting against Air Force on Wednesday, March 20, at 7:00 p.m. in the Stan Sheriff Center.

Beginning today (Monday) at 5:00 p.m., fans can purchase upper-level, adult baseline seats in designated areas for 50% off online at etickethawaii.com and tomorrow beginning at 9:00 a.m. by visiting or calling the Stan Sheriff Center Box Office.

Since UH is hosting a military academy, all military members (active, reservists, and retired) can purchase seats anywhere in the upper level for $12 (maximum of eight tickets per military ID) by showing their military identifications card at the Stan Sheriff Box Office, either in advance or on game night.

Also, to encourage a strong student turnout, the $5 ticket price for UH Manoa students has been waived and students will be admitted by having their UH Manoa identification card scanned at the gate.

Season-ticket holders can currently purchase their tickets by logging into their online account at etickethawaii.com.  Tickets are also available for season-ticket holders at the Stan Sheriff Center Box Office between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Non-season ticket holders may begin purchasing their tickets online today beginning at 5:00 p.m. or at the Stan Sheriff Center on Tuesday at 9:00 a.m.

Tickets may also be purchased by calling 944-BOWS (2697) today (Monday) until 5:00 p.m. for season-ticket holders and on Tuesday beginning at 9:00 a.m. for non-season ticket holders There are limited phone lines, therefore, fans are encouraged to purchase online and can do so 24 hours a day.

Processing, handling, and convenience fees may apply.

Season Ticket Holder Prices
Lower Level                        $18
Upper – Adult                     $12
Upper – Senior Citizen     $10
Youth (4-HS)                       $4

Non-Season Ticket Holder Prices
Lower Level                         $24
Upper – Adult                      $16
Upper – Senior Citizen      $14
Youth (4-high school)        $5
UH Manoa Students          FREE