The Hawai'i Pacific men's basketball team, riding high on a conference-best five-game win streak, takes center stage in the Hoops in Hawai'i Classic. With a stellar record of 5-2 and an undefeated 2-0 start in PacWest Conference play, the Sharks, under the leadership of first-year head coach Jesse Nakanishi, are poised to showcase their talented roster against a lineup of formidable opponents.

The stage is set for a thrilling series of matchups, featuring nationally ranked Cal State San Bernardino, a Gary Payton-led Lincoln University, and a rematch against Alaska Anchorage. Coach Nakanishi and his squad are ready to face these challenges head-on, bringing a blend of offensive firepower and defensive prowess to the court.

"Grit" has been common theme for the Sharks' performances this season. Averaging 67.7 points per game, shooting at an impressive 44% from the field, 38% from beyond the arc, and maintaining a solid 75% from the free-throw line. The team's well-rounded play also extends to rebounding (30.9 per game), assists (11.1 per game), steals (4.9 per game), and blocks (5.1 per game), showcasing their commitment to excellence in every aspect of the game.

Leading the scoring charge is the dynamic Melo Sanchez, a returning sophomore out of San Diego, who has already surpassed 500 career points early in the season and averages an impressive 17 points per game. Diggy Winbush, a JuCo transfer from Chabot College, has proven to be a mainstay in HPU's starting rotation, averaging 12 points per game, including a standout 27-point performance against Westmont that earned him PacWest Player of the Week. Meanwhile on the defensive end, the towering presence of 7'4" center Matthew Van Komen has been a game-changer, anchoring the paint with an elite average of three blocks per game.

As the Hoops in Hawai'i Classic unfolds, witness "The Shark Way" continue to take this program to new heights as HPU looks to build even more momentum heading into 2024.