A revamped Rainbow Classic will be a fitting way for the revamped University of Hawai'i men's basketball team to open the 2009-10 season.

The Rainbow Warriors — who have been making daily lineup changes due to injuries and other issues — will host Southern Utah tonight at 7:35 at the Stan Sheriff Center.

It is the opening night of the three-day Outrigger Hotels Rainbow Classic.

This is the 46th annual Rainbow Classic, but for the first time, the tournament will be played in mid-November instead of late-December. Also for the first time, the tournament will feature four teams instead of eight.

"Whether it's four teams or eight teams, it's still the Rainbow Classic," Hawai'i head coach Bob Nash said. "They still give away a trophy for first place, and that's what we're trying to get."

If so, the 'Bows will have to do it without two key big men. Starting forward and team captain Bill Amis (injured foot) and reserve 7-foot center Douglas Kurtz (NCAA suspension) will not be in uniform tonight.

Senior post players Petras Balocka and Paul Campbell will likely have to play extended minutes because of the absences of Amis and Kurtz.

"Me and Paul both played last year, so we've been through it," Balocka said. "We did all our conditioning to get ready for something like this. We just have to stay composed and play smart."

The top returnee for Hawai'i is senior forward Roderick Flemings. He was named to the Rainbow Classic all-tournament team last season. He finished the season averaging 16.6 points and 5.8 rebounds per game.

Flemings will likely be matched against Southern Utah's top player — 6-5 senior forward Davis Baker. He averaged 17.7 points and 4.7 rebounds per game.

Hawai'i assistant coach Larry Farmer, who scouted the Thunderbirds, described Baker as "a very good scorer."

"He never stops running; he's constantly working to get his shot," Farmer said. "He has range out to the (3-point line), but he's also good in mid-range."

Baker is apparently not afraid to shoot. He attempted 415 shots last season (by comparison, Flemings led Hawai'i with 356 attempts).

"Just take what ever the defense gives me," Baker said. "If they're playing off me, the 3 will be open. But most of my stuff comes in the paint, either pulling up or coming off screens."

Baker is also being asked to provide leadership for a youthful team. He is the lone senior starter.

The Thunderbirds have seven freshmen and three sophomores on their roster. Five freshmen are expected to receive significant playing time.

"We have guys just out of high school and this is going to be their first Division I game under the bright lights in a big arena like this," Southern Utah head coach Roger Reid said. "And you look at Hawai'i, and they're kind of the opposite. They're all experienced and, of course, they've been in this arena before."

Indeed, Farmer said Hawai'i will need to rely on their experienced post players — primarily Balocka, Campbell and Brandon Adams. Southern Utah's top post players are all freshmen and sophomores.

"Being physical and boxing out," Farmer said. "That's what we need to do."

McNeese State and Northern Colorado will meet in today's first game at 5 p.m.