First-year head coach Bob Nash and the University of Hawai'i men's basketball team will officially be introduced to the public during "Twilight 'Ohana" on Oct. 12 at the Stan Sheriff Center.

That is the first day basketball teams can begin fall practices, according to NCAA guidelines.

The UH women's team — led by head coach Jim Bolla — will also be introduced that night.

The festivities will include a 3-point shooting contest between the men's and women's team, a slam-dunk contest for the men's team, and separate intrasquad scrimmages for the men's and women's teams.

The event is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m., and players from both teams will be signing autographs for the first hour.

The women's scrimmage is scheduled to begin around 9 p.m., with the men to follow around 9:20.

UH students can enter to participate in the Honolulu Ford Shot for Tuition contest. Two students — one male and one female — will win a tuition check worth $750 each. They will also win season tickets for men's basketball and membership into the Manoa Maniacs student spirit group.

For the Rainbow Warriors, seven players return from last season's 18-13 team, including starters Matt Gibson, Bobby Nash and P.J. Owsley.

Six new scholarship players have been added to the roster: guards Kareem Nitoto and Conrad Fitzgerald, and forwards Adhar Mayen, Paul Campbell, Bill Amis and Ji Xiang.

For the Rainbow Wahine, eight players return from last season's 15-14 team, including key contributors Tanya Smith, Amy Kotani and Saundra Cariaga.

SEASON TICKET SALES START ON OCT. 8

Season tickets for the 2007-08 UH men's and women's teams will be available starting Oct. 8.

Prices for men's tickets are $270 for lower level seats, $200 for upper level seats, $175 for senior citizens (65 and older) in the upper level, and $89 for students (4 through high school) in the upper level.

The package features 18 home games, including the Rainbow Classic.

UH students can purchase Manoa Maniacs or Super Rooter seats for $69, but that package does not include the Rainbow Classic games.

The UH men's team is scheduled to open the season at home on Nov. 9 against San Diego. The home schedule also includes non-conference games against Illinois on Nov. 16, Long Beach State on Dec. 9, and New Mexico on Dec. 27. There will also be eight home dates against Western Athletic Conference opponents.

Prices for women's tickets are $75 for adults and $60 for senior citizens. All seating for women's games is general admission. Students are free for all women's games.

The women's schedule includes 19 home games, including four non-conference tournaments.

Ticket packages can be purchased at the Stan Sheriff Center box office during normal business hours, or by calling 944-2697, or online at www.hawaiiathletics.com.