It has been a long time coming for Hawaii Rainbow Warriors.
Ten years since their last NCAA Tournament appearance. Ten years since the program felt what March can be like.
Now they are back.
This time, it feels earned.
Hawaii won the Big West, handled its business, and put together a 24-8 season to get here. For a program that does not get many chances on this stage, this moment matters.
But this group is not just here to show up.
Back where they believe they belong
The last time Hawaii made the NCAA Tournament, they made it count.
They beat Cal in 2016 and gave the program one of its best moments. That is still the only NCAA Tournament win in school history.
That is what this team is chasing.
Eran Ganot was the head coach of that team. Now he has another group back in the bracket, trying to create something new.
A tough draw right away
There is no easing into this.
Hawaii opens Thursday against Arkansas Razorbacks, one of the hottest teams in the country and fresh off an SEC Tournament title.
Arkansas scores at a high level, plays fast, and has been through big games all season.
That is what Hawaii is walking into.
What gives Hawaii a chance
Hawaii is not going to overwhelm teams with star power, but they are tough and physical.
They are strong inside, they defend, and they play with discipline. They do not beat themselves often, and that matters in a game like this.
If they can control the pace and stay within reach, the pressure can start to shift.
That is how these games turn.
The moment in front of them
This is what March is about for teams like Hawaii.
Not just getting in, but doing something with it.
One game can change how a season is remembered. One game can bring a program back into the spotlight.
Hawaii has done it before.
Now they get another chance.
The bottom line
Hawaii is back in the NCAA Tournament, and that alone means something.
But the opportunity is right there.
A win on Thursday would not just end a long wait. It would give this program another moment people remember.