Two from Hawaii say they'll play for UH
By Stacy Kaneshiro
Advertiser Staff Writer
Two more Hawai'i high school baseball players said they will accept scholarship offers from the University of Hawai'i.
Pearl City senior Bryson Namba, an honorable mention All-State third baseman, said he is being recruited as a catcher/third baseman. He will join the Rainbows for the 2010 season. He can sign a letter of intent in November.
Also, Campbell junior pitcher Charles "Kale" Ka'alekahi III said he has verbally committed to play for UH. He can sign in 2010 to join the Rainbows for the 2012 season. He is the second Hawai'i player to verbally commit as a high school junior. Incoming freshman Kolten Wong also verbally committed as a junior while at Kamehameha-Hawai'i.
The two join Kaua'i pitcher Trent Allianic, who verbally committed last month.
Namba played for the Hustlers of the Paradise League over the summer and caught for the first time. He apparently held his own.
"Potentially, he has the tools," said Hustlers coach Wade Mauricio, a former Rainbow infielder (1978 to 1980). "His arm strength is pretty good."
The 6-foot-2, 215-pound right-handed hitter is a potential power source.
"He's a power hitter," Pearl City coach Gary Nakamoto said. "He likes to pull the ball."
Namba said his choices were between UH and UNLV.
"I've always wanted to play for UH," Namba said. "I've always watched them play and I wanted to represent my state."
Namba said he decided to forgo football this season (he played defensive end last year) to concentrate on baseball.
Meanwhile, Ka'alekahi, a 6-1, 170-pound right-hander, pitched for the Sabers' junior varsity last winter and was promoted to the varsity in the spring during his sophomore year.
"It's a good school," Ka'alekahi said of his decision to choose UH. "I wouldn't mind staying home to play."
Campbell coach Rory Pico, also a former Rainbow infielder (1997 to 2000), said Ka'alekahi was one of his three starting pitchers this past season.
"He has a very high upside," Pico said. "He has a very loose arm. He should get better because he works hard. He improved a lot between his freshman and sophomore years. He improved his velocity and improved his command."
Ka'alekahi's fastball was timed in the low-to-mid 80 mph range during the prep season. But Pico added Ka'alekahi bumped his fastball to the upper 80s while playing in the Babe Ruth league during the summer.
NCAA rules prohibit college coaches from commenting on recruits or even acknowledging the players they are interested in recruiting.
Reach Stacy Kaneshiro at skaneshiro@honoluluadvertiser.com.