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HONOLULU - The University of Hawai'i men's and women's basketball teams officially kicked off the start of the 2010-11 season with the UH 'Ohana Hoopfest Friday evening at the Stan Sheriff Center. Thousands of fans were on hand for a night highlighted by celebrity appearances and dance performances by both the men's and women's teams.

 

The evening began with performances by the UH band, cheerleaders, and the Rainbow dancers, as well as the Hypersquad Dance Company. Award-winning singer Amy Hanaiali'i sang the national anthem and Hawai'i Pono'i

 

Then the spotlight went to the introduction of the teams, starting with the Rainbow Wahine. Second-year head coach Dana Takahara-Dias presented this year's edition with 10 letterwinners returning and four newcomers joining the fold. The women entertained the crowd with a hip-hop performance choreographed by Marcelo Pacleb of 24-VII.

 

The 2010-11 Rainbow Warrior basketball team was also unveiled under the leadership of new head coach Gib Arnold. The fans were introduced to a bevy of new faces with 10 first-year players, joining four returnees. The team delighted the fans with a Tahitian inspired version of the haka directed by Manarii Gauthier and the dance group Ia Ora O Tahiti Nui. The coaches even joined in the fun with their own version of the haka.

 

Fans also were able to enjoy two celebrity games. Participating in the women's celebrity game were UH Chancellor Virginia Hinshaw, KGMB sports anchor Mike Cherry, Carole Kai of “Hawai'i Stars,” radio personalities Billy V and Sweety Pacarro, and comedians Big Steve Naelole and Tony Silva and James Roache of “Da Braddahs.”

 

The men's celebrity game featured world champion surfer Sunny Garcia, former UH football and NFL alumnus Ashley Lelie, Taylor Wiley of “Hawai'i Five-O and the cast of “Dog the Bounty Hunter.”

 

The evening was capped with an autograph session with both the men's and women's teams.

 

The Rainbow Wahine will play pair of exhibition games (Chaminade, Nov. 4; BYU-Hawai'i, Nov. 11) before opening the season with Cal State Northridge in the Jack in the Box Rainbow Wahine Classic on Nov. 19. Meanwhile, the Rainbow Warriors will host an exhibition against Chaminade on Nov. 6, before officially opening the 2010-11 regular season against Montana State on Nov. 12 in the Outrigger Hotels Rainbow Classic.

 

Season tickets are now on sale at the UH Ticket Office. Tickets may also be purchased at HawaiiAthletics.com or by calling 944-2697.