In a third-floor conference room, surrounded by his enthusiastic staff, University of Hawaii head basketball coach Eran Ganot was in his happy place.

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In a third-floor conference room, surrounded by his enthusiastic staff, University of Hawaii head basketball coach Eran Ganot was in his happy place.

Three months after the Rainbow Warriors’ participation in the 2026 NCAA Tournament, Ganot and his staff checked off the boxes on the recruiting wish list.

“We’re excited about the group we’re bringing in,” Ganot said. “Do we have experience? Yes. Do we have size? Yes. Do we have guard play, shooting and versatility? Yes. There are established guys coming in. There’s a lot of depth and battles and guys competing for spots.”

The ’Bows, who begin the summer training session next week, have two more available spots.

Ganot also reorganized his staff. Gibson Johnson, a former UH post who was influential in building last season’s roster, was promoted to associate head coach. Noah Allen, another former ’Bow, was hired as an assistant coach. Former UH associate head coaches Adam Jacobsen and John Montgomery rejoined the staff. Clay Wilson, whom Ganot has labeled as a future head coach, returns as an assistant. Director of player development Juan Munoz and graduate manager Jake Nishimura also are back.

The ’Bows’ second youth camp was sold out. UH has not raised the camp fee — $275 per head — in 10 years.

Ganot also reached an agreement in principle on a contract extension.

“Yes, we have great character,” Ganot said. “Yes, we have great talent. The secret ingredient is the genuine passion for UH and Hawaii. I always say genuine wins the day. We’re genuinely fired up to be here.”

It has been a remarkable transformation from a year ago, when the ’Bows did not qualify for the eight-team 2025 Big West Tournament. Ganot entered the final year of a contract. But with a rebuilt roster heavy on experienced transfers, the ’Bows finished second during the regular season, earned a double bye and then defeated UC Irvine in the league’s championship game to earn a berth in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2016.

With six seniors and three heading to the portal (Isaac Finlinson, Aaron Hunkin-Claytor and Hunter Carter), UH quickly worked to retain guards Tanner Cuff and Isaiah Kerr. Cuff was the starting point guard at the end of fall training before suffering a season-ending ACL injury a few days ahead of the opener. Cuff also was influential in enticing center Isaac “Big Fish” Johnson, guard Hunter Erickson and Finlinson to sign with UH for the 2025-26 season. With Cuff and Kerr remaining, the ’Bows targeted posts, guards and wings. With commitments finalized, Ganot publicly spoke about the 2026-27 roster.

Ganot said Cuff and Kerr were the foundation of the reloading. Ganot noted Kerr “was a big piece of the championship team, and he played really well in big games. He’s coming into his second year (after transferring from Division II Chico State) with experience and confidence that he’s earned. He’s what we want the program to be about: hard work and great character.”

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There was a familiarity in signing transfers Marcus Adams of Arizona State and Bol Dengdit of UC San Diego. Adams, a 6-8 forward, played three games against UH — two at the Big West’s Cal State Northridge two years ago, when he averaged 16.5 points, and with ASU last November. Adams can play forward or wing.

Dengdit, a 6-11 post, started all 34 games for Big West rival UCSD the past season. He averaged 10.7 points and 5.2 rebounds.

Having faced Adams and Dengdit, according to Ganot, “We have more of an understanding what they can give us and how they fit.”

Houran Dan, a 6-10 Seattle transfer who grew up in China, and Northern Arizona transfer Zack Davidson will compete in the post. The ’Bows rotated seniors Isaac Johnson, Harry Rouhliadeff and Gytis Nemeiksa at the two post positions last season. Davidson used to accompany his father on business trips to Hawaii. Dan has said Hawaii is one of his favorite vacation destinations. Both embrace filling the void in the post.

“Relationships matter and it’s all about fit,” Ganot said of Dan, Davidson and Dengdit. “They all wanted to be in Hawaii. We wanted them because they fit what we’re all about. We’ve had an incredible track record with front-court players. People want to play, and they can see the void with the guys we lost.”

The ’Bows reinforced the backcourt with commitments from Tiger Cuff, Jaden Matingou and Chance Trujillo. Tanner Cuff’s younger brother recently completed a two-year church mission. Matingou, a three-year starting point guard at Division II Point Loma, averaged 11.9 points on 49.2% shooting, 4.1 rebounds and 4.3 assists. He led the Sea Lions to the PacWest regular season and tournament titles.

“That’s the fun part of evaluating, everybody has different journeys,” Ganot said of adding a second Division II player to the roster. “Isaiah and Jaden not just came from Division II programs, but very successful Division II programs. They played key roles being impactful on winning teams and in winning cultures. They’re older and they bring their fire, their motivation, their drive and confidence.”

Trujillo, a 6-4 guard from Utah Tech, tied the program’s single-season record with 73 3-point shots made.

Scotty Belnap played four years at Mater Dei High School in California before serving on a two-year mission.

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Belnap and Davidson were Mater Dei teammates.