Saturday’s practice in the Stan Sheriff Center was a light one, but also a very important one for the Hawaii men’s basketball team.
Sophomore guard Isaac Fleming made a conspicuous return to action after nearly two weeks of inactivity, which coach Eran Ganot previously called "personal issues" and said Fleming "has been given time off to get things in order."
Fleming at one point was absent for seven straight practices, calling into question his status with the program. But he appeared with the team in recent days, including as an inactive bench spectator for Thursday’s 101-96 overtime exhibition win over Chaminade. Saturday, however, was the first time in a while he actually looked like part of the team.
"The only thing I’ll say on Isaac is, his focus is where it needs to be right now in terms of re-acclimating himself, focusing on doing things right and going from there," Ganot said. "Taking it step by step. Other than that, no real other comment on him."
Fleming good-naturedly attempted various difficult dunks with teammates after practice. On his way off the court, he declined an interview with the Honolulu Star-Advertiser.
Before his sudden absence from team activities began on Oct. 27, Fleming was contending for a starting job in the backcourt. Senior Quincy Smith has been the first-team off guard in recent practices.
Ganot declined to say what Fleming’s playing situation would be for the season opener Friday vs. Montana State in the Outrigger Resorts Rainbow Classic.
Fleming was UH’s top reserve last season, averaging 9.5 points on 47.1 percent shooting. He made the all-tournament team for the Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic.
Junior forward Mike Thomas was also back in action for Saturday’s practice, bringing UH back to full strength — 15 healthy players. Thomas was sidelined in recent days with a strained meniscus.
On Thursday, Fleming and Thomas watched from the end of the bench as their teammates came back from a 22-point deficit to defeat the Silverswords.
"Today was 15, so that’s always encouraging," Ganot said.
