Strange as it may seem, former Hawai'i pitcher Isaac Kamai made his collegiate debut nearly two years ago against, of all teams, Pacific.

The 2003 Kamehameha Schools graduate from Nanakuli now pitches for the Tigers, who are here for a three-game series against the Rainbows starting tonight at Les Murakami Stadium.

"I'm excited," Kamai said in a telephone interview Wednesday from Stockton, Calif. "I can't wait to play in front of my family."

His journey to Pacific wasn't exactly a straight shot. After the 2005 season as a red-shirt freshman with UH, Kamai planned to transfer to Sierra junior college to seek more playing time after pitching only two innings for the Rainbows. The left-hander went to play summer ball in Spokane, Wash., but injured his elbow and had Tommy John surgery from Dr. Lewis Yocum, the orthopedic surgeon who has performed the surgery on other UH pitchers.

With baseball not an option the coming school year, Kamai stayed home and took classes at Kapi'olani Community College, while doing his rehab at Sports Medicine Hawaii. He had the surgery in June 2005 and was ready by August 2006, one of the fortunate ones to be ready for action in a little more than a year, as opposed to those who need 18 to 24 months.

"Luckily, I was able to stay healthy the whole time," he said. "I didn't have very many setbacks."

Kamai also talked to UH pitchers Mark Rodrigues and Keahi Rawlins since both also had Tommy John surgery. Rodrigues missed two seasons while recovering.

"I talked to them before (the surgery) and asked them what to expect as far as the rehab process," he said.

During rehab, Kamai still stayed in touch with the Sierra coaching staff.

"I asked them to recommend me a school and it just happens one of the coaches knew coach (Steve) Pearse (Pacific assistant)," Kamai said. "He was their head recruiter. They gave me a fair shot."

Kamai said he will be used in relief usually to face a left-handed hitter. So far, he has pitched one-third of an inning, in the season opener on Feb. 2. But it's early in the season and roles could change, he said.

Kamai said he likes his new environment.

"It's a big change of scenery," he said. "It rains off and on and it gets pretty cold up here in Northern California. School is more tough, but there are less distractions."

Although listed as a junior, this is Kamai's second athletic season of eligibility within a four-year span. He already red-shirted at UH as a freshman during the 2004 season. After his senior season next year, his fifth academic year, like Rodrigues, he will have to apply for a medical hardship to gain a sixth year to play his fourth athletic season. But for now, Kamai is just looking forward to the weekend with hopes of a chance to pitch in front of his family.

"Especially, my dad (Joe Kamai)," Kamai said. "He was my throwing partner (during rehab). He hasn't seen me pitch in a real (collegiate) game."

Reach Stacy Kaneshiro at skaneshiro@honoluluadvertiser.com.