Don’t expect Isaac Fleming in the lineup when Hawaii opens its basketball season in two weeks. That’s how it looks today.
He missed most practices this week, and his father said on Twitter that the talented sophomore guard was going to put in transfer paperwork (which the son later denied).
It was time to ask his coach, Eran Ganot, about Fleming’s status. Here’s our brief text message exchange from Thursday:
DR: “What’s going on with Fleming? And what can you say publicly about it?”
EG: “Isaac is working through some personal issues and has been given time off to get things in order.”
DR: “Thanks … Any idea how long until he is back?”
EG: “No set timetable right now.”
DR: “Ok. In time for start of the season?”
EG: “No set timetable. Getting ready for practice today.”
That last sentence was a signal indicating there would be no more from Ganot about this situation, at least for now. You always know you’re not going to get a whole lot when “personal issues” is invoked, anyway. And his hands may be tied by confidentiality issues.
What we do know is that one of UH’s rotation players is out and the coach doesn’t know when he will be back. I almost threw “or if” in there, but the feeling I get from Ganot is that he does expect Fleming to return, eventually.
But who really knows?
The first assumption we’d have to make is that Fleming does “get things in order.”
The second is that he doesn’t make good on his repeated threats to transfer.
When Gib Arnold was relieved of his coaching duties just about a year ago, Fleming told me and UH hoops beat writer Brian McInnis (who has more on this saga at his blog, “Court Sense”) that he would not hesitate to move along if Benjy Taylor were not retained to coach the ‘Bows.
In April, when Ganot was hired for the permanent post, word was Fleming was likely on his way out. He hinted as much, tweeting “I have to do what’s best for me at the end of the day” and “It was a fun year I will always love Hawaii.”
But after consultation with his dad and meeting with Ganot, the resulting chirp was much more to the liking of UH fans:“I will not transfer to a high major and I will stick it out with my brothers!”
Indeed, he did not transfer … to a high, mid or low major. Nor to a minor of any height.
As a freshman, Fleming averaged 9.5 points and 23.1 minutes per game. He was a great fit for Taylor’s frenetic, loose style. His play was undisciplined and raw, not unexpected for a freshman.
Hawaii would not have won 22 games without Fleming’s energy and athleticism. He showed signs of future greatness.
But on a team full of players who must now adjust to structure, he’s the one with the biggest question mark next to his name.
Isaac Fleming has the talent to blossom into a true star, a key in Ganot’s vision of building a stable and strong program. Or, if he continues on his current path he won’t progress and it might eventually be determined the distractions aren’t worth it.
At this point, no one’s giving up on him. Ultimately, it’s up to him.
Reach Dave Reardon at dreardon@staradvertiser.com or 529-4783. His blog is at Hawaiiwarriorworld.com/quickreads.
