NCAA Basketball: 5 best players from state of Hawaii of last decade

3. Samuta Avea – Hawaii

A 6’6 guard from nearby Hauula, Avea didn’t travel far, choosing to play his collegiate ball at Hawaii for the Rainbow Warriors. He’s had quite the unique experience in his career, arriving on campus way back in 2017 and contributing for those first three seasons. Unfortunately, he hasn’t been on court in two seasons, opting out of the post-COVID campaign and then suffering a season-ending injury this past season.

As a freshman, Avea found his way onto the court in nearly all of Hawaii’s games, including a 13-point effort early in the year. His contributions increased as a sophomore, but it was his junior year were he really started to shine. Now a full-time starter, Avea averaged 10.8 points and 4.3 rebounds per game. He got better as the year went along, ending the season with a career-high 20 points and 9 rebounds in a loss to Cal State Northridge.

When he got those chances as a junior, Avea was an important piece for the Rainbow Warriors and showed that he could be a talented shooter, hitting nearly 35% of his 3-point attempts. Obviously, it’s disadvantageous how the last two years have fallen for him, but he’s expected to return this upcoming year. Can he be the same type of impact player in the backcourt for this team?