Hoops

Isaac Fotu leaves Hawaii, headed to Europe

yeah just read some similar reports, guess with that British passport he'll find a spot with a decent pay packet.

The following is Fotu’s statement in its entirety:

“After much thought and discussions with my family, I have decided to forgo my last 2 years at UH, and pursue a professional basketball career.

This was not an easy decision. I came to Hawaii to play for coach Gib and coach Akana, both were instrumental in me growing as both a person and basketball player. I believe this was going to best season yet.

I’ve turned down opportunities to turned pro every summer because returning to Hawaii was an easy decision, but now, with the program headed in a different direction, I believe it’s time to chase the professional basketball dream, and hopefully help support my family.

In regards to my ineligibility announced last week, which by the way had no bearing on my decision, I have hired an attorney to help clear my name, if and / or when any accusations are released by the NCAA.

I thank all my teammates (brothers) at UH, and mostly the fans of Rainbow Warrior basketball. The people of Hawaii have welcomed me since the day I arrived, and all that aloha made my stay enjoyable. I enjoyed every minute I got to represent the University of Hawaii and I will look back at many wonderful memories.

Aloha oe, until we meet again!”

Isaac Fotu
#42

http://www.kitv.com/news/Gib-Arnold-speaks-on-abrupt-firing/29451392

Isaac Fotu's former & recently fired Coach at the University of Hawaii speaking out about his abrupt firing.

I think it's more likely Pledger will get his foot surgery and Ibekwe & Wesley will stay

I think there are some bigger issues there, more particularly academic infringements by the program and its players.

No way would I cut Ibekwe. As much as I've like Wesley he's the one who has to go to make way for Fotu unless Pledger can go on injury waiver and get surgery on his foot.
As Paul said it may be a case of try to fit everyone under the cap.

Ideally you would have:

Jackson/Carter
Webster/TeRangi
Abercrombie/Bailey
Vukona/Fotu
Pledger/Ibekwe

Tai Wesley is too small to play C and NZ will get killed inside without a Rim Protector much like last season so Vickerman would be stupid to give up Ibekwe but Fotu is unlikely to sign for Duane Bailey's pay packet.

So at the moment we're looking at Cairns leading the race for the title with Brock Motum pushing Adelaide into 2nd favouritism (especially as we didn't get to play any of our games against them with Montreal :C so that's going to be a tough split for Perth to win).

Does adding Fotu to their line-up put NZ into this chase?

paul,

alternaively, they could put Pledger on the injury list and have his salary count towards Fotu's.

This way you can allow Pledger to sit out the rest of the year and have the required surgery, whilst bringing in a fit and healthy Fotu and retaining a nice shot-blocker in Ibekwe.

Hearing today that the Breakers will move on cutting Ibekwe to make room for Fotu.

Fotu to pen a 3-4 year deal with a euro/NBA out clause.

Less than a week after head coach Gib Arnold was relieved of his coaching duties, the University of Hawaii men's basketball team has lost a star player.

Sources said forward Isaac Fotu has left the team and plans to return to New Zealand to play professionally.

This comes after Benjy Taylor, the team's interim head coach, said at a press conference last week that Fotu was ineligible to play this season due to a pending NCAA investigation.

Fotu was an all-conference forward for UH last season. He ranked second in the Big West in scoring and led the 'Bows in field goal percentage.

Breakers have been chasing him since he left as a Development Player and it looks like they finally got their man.
Is Fotu's return coming at the expense of Tai Wesley or Duane Bailey I wonder?