Last season's understudies are ready for leading roles this season with the University of Hawai'i men's basketball team.

Although the new recruits have been getting much of the preseason hype for the Rainbow Warriors, returnees such as Kareem Nitoto, Adhar Mayen and Paul Campbell are in the mix for starting roles because of their limited experience from last season.

"Those guys may not have played in a lot of games, but they've had one year in the system," Hawai'i head coach Bob Nash said. "That experience will be very valuable for them. It's their time now to try and seize a position."

All three players showed glimpses of ability last season.

Nitoto, a 6-foot-3 sophomore, scored 13 points in a late-season start as a replacement for injured starter Matt Gibson. Nitoto is now battling to become the starting point guard after averaging 11 minutes per game last season.

"I kind of took the role of playing the backup to Matt Gibson, and I learned a lot," Nitoto said. "This year, I don't see myself as a sophomore. I see myself as a leader and I want to run this team."

Mayen, a 6-8 junior forward, averaged just 9.2 minutes per game last season, but scored nine points in a late-season game against Idaho.

"I stayed here all summer and worked out, did weights to get stronger," Mayen said. "I feel a lot more confident now and I feel like I can get on the court and really help this team."

Campbell, a 6-10 junior, grabbed 10 rebounds in a game last season, but still averaged just 5.9 minutes per game. He is considered one of the best shot blockers on the roster this season.

"I feel like I can compete with anyone on the court this year," Campbell said. "Last year, the seniors were in front, but it was still a good way to learn."

Yesterday was the team's second practice of the season, and Nash said the five starting positions are still wide open.

"The returning guys still have a little edge because of that experience," he said. "But they have to help the new guys and see the value of the new guys blending in to make us a better team."

PRACTICING ON FILM

Every home practice for the 'Bows will be recorded on video this season, Nash said.

The coaching staff will review the video each night to help form a starting unit and reserve rotation.

"The camera is not biased," Nash said. "It shows you exactly what happened. Sometimes a player needs to see that for himself to understand what he's doing or not doing."

Nash said the video equipment was purchased through an account set up by donations from boosters.

"It's not state-of-the art, but it does what we need," he said.

TICKETS ON SALE

Season ticket sales for the UH men's and women's basketball teams will start tomorrow.

Tickets can be purchased at the Stan Sheriff Center box office on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., by calling 944-2697, or online at www.HawaiiAthletics.com.

Men's basketball season tickets are the same price as last year, ranging from $40 for UH students (upper level) to lower level seats at $270 plus $100 premium charge (single seats only).

Women's basketball season tickets have been reduced to $60 for adults ($75 last year) and $50 for senior citizens ($60 last year).

Men's basketball season ticket holders during the 2008-09 season will be given the first right of refusal for those seats for the 2009 Diamond Head Classic.

Individual game tickets for men's basketball start Oct. 27, with individual tickets for women's basketball next month.