SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. - As the 2024 portion of the college basketball season kicks off, the Hawaii Pacific University (HPU) Sharks find themselves in prime position, boasting a 7-3 record and a share of the top spot in the PacWest Conference alongside island rival Hawaii Hilo. Riding high on the waves of success from the 2023 Hoops in Hawaii Classic, where they secured a 2-1 record, including a remarkable upset against #9 CSU San Bernardino, the Sharks are poised to make a splash in the Bay Area during a crucial two-game road trip against Academy of Art and Dominican.

One of the key contributors to HPU's success is none other than Melo Sanchez, who earned the prestigious Tournament MVP honors at the Hoops in Hawaii Classic. Sanchez's stellar performances have been a catalyst for the Sharks, and his elite scoring ability will undoubtedly be crucial as they embark on this road trip.

The Bay Area tour serves as a homecoming for two of HPU's players who honed their skills in Northern California. Alameda-native Josh Niusulu, a sharpshooter known for his proficiency beyond the arc, returns to the Bay Area averaging an impressive 36 percent from three-point range and nearly ten points per game. Niusulu, a product of Ohlone College, brings experience and a hometown edge that could prove pivotal in the upcoming matchups.

Meanwhile, Dominique "Diggy" Winbush, a standout from Chabot College, has emerged as a breakout player for the Sharks. Winbush's dynamic playstyle has earned him accolades, including a PacWest Player of the Week title earlier in the season. Averaging a solid 12 points per game, Winbush adds a potent offensive threat to the Sharks' arsenal, and his return to Northern California is sure to motivate him to shine on familiar turf where he had a stellar career for the Gladiators.

Coach Jesse Nakanishi has guided his squad admirably after a challenging 0-2 start, and the Sharks are now putting the entire conference and the broader west region on notice. With the blend of experience, skill, and newfound momentum, HPU is eyeing a deep run in March. As they take on Academy of Art and Dominican in the Bay Area, the Sharks aim to make a statement, signaling their intent to contend for conference supremacy and beyond.

The road ahead may be challenging, but with players like Niusulu and Winbush returning to their roots and the team's overall resilience, Hawaii Pacific University Men's Basketball is on a trajectory that demands attention. Keep an eye on the Sharks as they navigate the Bay Area battles and continue their quest for greatness in the 2024 season.