The paint is thinning for the Hawaii basketball team.

Mor Seck, a 7-foot-1 rim protector, has entered the NCAA’s transfer portal.

“I don’t want to leave Hawaii because the people are great out here,” Seck told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser in a telephone interview. “I’d love to be in Hawaii. I don’t have a choice. I need to go somewhere I can grow up. I want to challenge myself and go to a different school.”

If he stayed, Seck was projected to have an expanded role with the Rainbow Warriors. Starting center Benardo da Silva and forward Justin McKoy completed their UH eligibility.

As a sophomore, Seck averaged 4.0 points and 2.9 rebounds as a reserve center during the 2023-24 season. But his impact was felt in the low post, where he amassed 20 blocks in 19 games and intimidated opponents into missed shots.

But 45 minutes ahead of the Jan. 25 game against UC Santa Barbara, UH announced Seck suffered a season-ending injury during a recent practice. A week later, Seck underwent surgery on his left ACL.

Seck said he is on track to resume playing basketball in October.

He said he expects to have “a lot of options” for his next school. “I’ve got to see what’s best for me so I can go there,” Seck said.

UH coach Eran Ganot said: “I have only positive things to say about Mor. We’ll be rooting for him from afar. I appreciate all he’s done for us. … I thank him for all he’s done for us. I feel he’s part of the family for life. I’ll always be there for him and rooting for him. I wish him the best.”

Harry Rouhliadeff and Akira Jacobs are the remaining UH forwards with extended playing experience. But Ganot expressed optimism the ’Bows will be able to fill their voids.

“I like where we’re at,” Ganot said. “I like where we’re headed. I feel good about the guys returning. I feel they’ll develop. Our staff has been all over it recruiting. We’ll add some really good pieces and build a really good team for us.”