Articles
October 30, 2012
Posted by: Tamarah and Filed Under: Uncategorized
There are many joys that come with vacationing in Hawaii… hiking, snorkeling, surfing or just relaxing on the beach in the sun!
For the sports fans, spending the holiday’s in Hawaii includes all these things and MORE!! They get to watch top caliber basketball teams participate in this year’s Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic. The tournament will be held on December 22nd, 23rd and 25th!
This years field includes Arizona, East Tennessee State, Indiana State, Miami, Ole Miss, San Diego State, San Francisco and host team Hawaii. Each team will play 3 games in four days, at the Stan Sheriff Center in Honolulu.
Through our partners, we have some great travel options!
Travel packages and discount accommodations are being offered through Pleasant Holidays for fans. To lock in your travel and tickets, you can book online at Pleasant Holidays or call 1-800-877-5223.
For more information about the Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic, FOLLOW US on Twitter and Facebook.
With Aloha From: Reese Suzuki and Tamarah Tabor
October 25, 2012
Posted by: Tamarah and Filed Under: Uncategorized
ESPN Men’s Basketball has the Preseason Top 25 according to the USA Today Coaches Poll.
Two of the teams participating in the 2012 Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic are in the top 20!!
1) Arizona Wildcats – Ranked #11
Their first match up is November 11th against the Charleston Southern Buccaneers. You can catch most of their games on the Pac-12 Network, but their first game on ESPN is against a 2011 Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic participant, the Clemson Tigers. The Wildcats have a solid line up this year, with seniors Solomon Hill and Kevin Parrom. It looks to be an exciting season! Check out their schedule here.
2) San Diego State Aztecs – Ranked #20
Their first match up is November 9th against Syracuse (who is currently in the #9 spot). You can catch their first televised game on ESPN against #13 UCLA. The Aztecs two strong seniors, leading this years team, are James Rahon and Chase Tapley. It looks to be an exciting season! Check out their schedule here.
There are a few past tournament participating teams who have been voted into the top 25: Baylor #18 (2010), UNLV #19 (2009) and Florida State #24 (2010).
Other tournament participants who received votes but didn’t make the top 25 cut were: Kansas State (2011), St. Mary’s (2009), Butler (2010) and Xavier (2011).
The 2012 HADHC tournament field looks to be very competitive and will be exciting for fans to watch. Individual tickets, as well as tournament ticket packages, are on sale NOW. You may purchase your tickets online by visiting www.etickethawaii.com or in person at one of our ticket outlets. Tickets may also be purchased by phone at 808-528-HOOP (4667). For more info on tickets, go here.
With Aloha From: Tamarah Tabor and Reese Suzuki
October 15, 2012
Posted by: Tamarah and Filed Under: Uncategorized
University of Arizona– Wildcats
2012 record 23-12 overall, 12-6 (PAC-12)
Head coach Sean Miller has put together a top 5 recruiting class this season. The most notable are, the three five-star big men in center Kaleb Tarczewski, forwards Grant Jerrett and Brandon Ashley.
In the 2011 tournament, Mark Lyons put up numbers while player for Xavier. He recently transferred and will be present for his second Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic. With Lyons, the Wildcats look to build on a strong 2012 campaign and make some noise as a preseason top ten team.
East Tennessee State University– Buccaneers
2012 record 17-14 overall, 10-8 (Atlantic Sun)
Last season, ETSU took fourth in the Atlantic Sun Conference and reached the tournament semi-finals. This season looks to be an exciting year for the Buccaneers. They are returning two players with more than twenty starts from last season; senior guards Sheldon Cooley and Marcus Dubose. Head coach Murry Bartow and the Bucs enter the year with great expectations.
University of Hawaii – Warriors
2012 record 16-16 overall, 6-8 (WAC)
After competing in the WAC for 33 seasons, the Warriors are entering their first year as a member of the Big West Conference. Hawaii returns two starters, senior center Vander Joaquim and senior forward Hans Brereton. Joining the Warriors this year is former top 100 high school recruit junior guard Brandon Spearman. The Warriors had a sizzling showing in the 2011 tournament and look to have great expectation for the upcoming season.
Indiana State University – Sycamores
2012 record 18-15 overall, 8-10 (MVC)
Indiana State is coming off their third straight postseason appearance. Junior guard Jake Odum is the sole returning starter for the Sycamores this season. He posted a triple-double last season (10 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists) in a game against Fairfield during another ESPN Regional Television basketball tournament, the Old Spice Classic. It was the first triple-double since Sycamore Alumni, Larry Bird, recorded one against Drake in 1979.
University of Miami (FL) – Hurricanes
2012 record 20-13 overall, 9-7 (ACC)
The Hurricanes are returning four starters from last year’s NIT team, seniors Reggie Johnson, Kenny Kadji and Durand Scott, and sophomore Shane Larkin. Miami finished 6th in the ACC and is looking to build on a strong 2012-13 campaign.
Ole Miss – Rebels
2012 record 20-14 overall, 8-8 (SEC)
Following a successful 2011 season, Ole Miss is looking to build on the momentum. In the 2011-12 season, the Rebels participated in the NIT postseason tournament as a number 2 seed. Joining the Rebels this year is four-star recruit Martavious Newberry a freshman guard out of Booker T. Washington HS in Memphis,Tenn.
San Diego State University– Aztecs
2012 record 26-8 overall, 10-4 (MWC)
As a top 25 preseason team, head coach Steve Fisher and the Aztecs are looking make their 4th consecutive NCAA tournament this year. Four starters are returning this season, seniors James Rahon and Chase Tapley, and juniors Jamaal Franklin and Xavier Thames. Also, four-star recruit Winston Shepard looks to contribute to the team and help make it a successful season for the Aztecs.
University of San Francisco – Dons
2012 record 20-14 overall, 8-8 (WCC)
The Dons return three key players from last season including junior guards Cody Doolin and Dominique O’Connor, and junior forward Cole Dickerson. USF has gone to the postseason the past two years, including a win over hosting team Hawaii in the second round of the 2011 CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament.
For information on the travel packages available, please visit Pleasant Holidays.
With Aloha From: Reese Suzuki and T.Tabor
August 2, 2012
Posted by: Tamarah and Filed Under: Uncategorized
Diamond Head Classic Tournament Highlights:
- ESPNU will show all four first-round games featuring: Ole Miss vs. Indiana State, San Diego State vs. San Francisco, Arizona vs. East Tennessee State and Miami (FL) vs. Hawaii
- San Diego State is ranked No. 16 and Arizona stands at No. 17 in ESPN.com’s early Men’s Preseason Top 25 Poll.
- Six of the eight teams grabbed 2012 post-season berths.
The bracket for the 2012 Diamond Head Classic, held Christmas week: Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday, Dec. 22, 23 & 25, at the Stan Sheriff Center in Honolulu, Hawaii. The tournament has been set for the eight competing teams: host Hawaii, Arizona, East Tennessee State, Indiana State, Miami (FL), Ole Miss, San Diego State and San Francisco. The times of each game will be released at a later date.
Individual session tickets and all-session packages will go on sale to the public on Monday, Sept.17. For more information on tickets click HERE.
Note: East Tennessee State has replaced Texas Tech.
With Aloha From: Tamarah Tabor
March 9, 2012
Posted by: Tamarah and Filed Under: Uncategorized
Airzona: 21-10 (12-6 Pac-12)- The Wildcats finished their regular season as the 4th seed going into the Pac-12 Tournament which will be held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Arizona is set to face the 6th seed UCLA (19-13) Thursday 3/8/12 in the quarterfinals of the Pac-12 Tournament. As a bubble team, the Wildcats will need to impress the voters if they want to extend their season deep into March.
Hawaii: 15-15 (6-8 WAC)- The Warriors of Hawaii defeated Idaho on 3/8/12, in the first round of what is to be their last WAC Tournament. Hawaii split their season series against the Vandals this year and will look to their senior leader and multi-sport athlete, Jeremiah Ostrowski, for hope in extending the Warriors season.
Indiana State: 18-14 (8-10 MVC)- The Sycamores ended their regular season in the middle of the pack of the Missouri Valley Conference standings. There NCAA tournament hopes came to an end with a loss against a tough Wichita State team Friday, 2/2. But after strong regular season the Sycamores are prime contenders for the NIT or other post season tournaments.
Miami (FL): 18-11 (9-7 ACC)- The Hurricanes will enter the ACC Tournament with a lot to play for. After a solid year and finishing tied for 5th in the strong ACC, Miami defeated Georgia Tech (11-19) on 3/8/12 in the first round of the ACC Tournament. Next up, they face #17 FSU. With a few wins in the tournament the Hurricanes could move back into the “bubble” for a possible tournament bid.
Ole Miss: 18-12 (8-8 SEC)- As winners of their last 3 games the Rebels of Ole’ Miss are streaking into this weeks SEC Tournament held in New Orleans, LA. There, they defeated Auburn (15-15) whom they split their season series with. Up next they face Tennessee and with a couple wins in New Orleans, Ole’ Miss could also find themselves in the “bubble watch” at weeks end.
#21 SDSU: 24-6 (10-4 MWC)- The SDSU Aztecs head into the Mountain West Tournament as the 2nd seed. Their first win was against the Broncos of Boise State (13-16). The Aztecs take on Colorado State next and will try to improve their tournament resume with a conference title, which would bolster their NCAA Tournament seed.
San Francisco: 20-13 (8-8 WCC) The Dons of San Francisco’s NCAA Tournament hopes died with a lost to #21 Saint Mary’s. But after a strong 20 win season in the surprisingly tough West Coast Conference the Don’s season is far from over, as they’ll probably land a spot in the NIT held at Madison Square Garden.
Texas Tech: 8-22 (1-17 Big-12)- The Red Raiders faced Oklahoma State in the first round of the Big 12 Tournament and fell 76-60. Texas Tech needed to win the Big 12 Tournament to receive a post season birth.
With Aloha From: Matt Dentone and Tamarah Tabor
February 11, 2012
Posted by: Tamarah and Filed Under: Uncategorized
Airzona: 17-8 (8-4 Pac-12)-Arizona is playing their best basketball of the season, winning 3 Pac-12 games in a row, including wins over Cal, Stanford and Colorado. The streaking Wildcats are set to face new conference opponent Utah Saturday, 2/11/12.
Hawaii: 13-10 (5-4 WAC)- The Rainbow Warriors are 5-4 and currently sit in 4th in the WAC standings. With March drawing near, Hawaii needs to show more consistency on the boards. They have a great opportunity this Saturday, 2/11/12 when they host Fresno State.
Indiana State: 14-11 (5-9 MVC)- With 5 games remaining in Indiana State’s regular season, the Sycamore’s are looking to gain as much momentum as they can before the MVC Tournament. The Sycamore’s play 2011 HADHC participant Southern Illinois Saturday, 2/11/12.
Miami (FL): 15-7 (6-3 ACC)- Riding a 5-game ACC win streak, including an overtime win at #5 Duke, the Hurricanes have hit their stride and are playing some of the best basketball in the country. Their schedule doesn’t get any easier though, as Miami heads to Tallahassee to play #17 Florida State Saturday, 2/11.
Ole Miss: 14-9 (4-5 SEC)- After two close losses to Alabama and Mississippi State, the Rebels look to get back on track against 2011 HADHC participant Auburn, Saturday, 2/11/12.
#14 SDSU: 20-3 (6-1 MWC)- #14 SDSU prepares for their biggest game of the season at #16 UNLV. The Aztecs won the twos previous match-up 69-67 in San Diego. The winner of this game will most likely decide the Mountain West Conference regular season champion.
San Francisco: 16-10 (6-6 WCC) Winning 4 of their last 5 games, the Don’s are appearing as “Cinderella Contenders” (for the WCC tourney) in the strong West Coast Conference. #13 Saint Mary’s leads the conference with a 22-3 record.
Texas Tech: 7-16 (0-11 Big-12)- Seeking their first conference win of the season, the Red Raiders host Oklahoma Saturday, 2/11/12.
February 3, 2012
Posted by: Tamarah and Filed Under: Uncategorized
Airzona: 14-8 (5-4 Pac-12)- After a healthy 85-61 win over Washington State, the Wildcats stalled in a 69-67 loss to U-Dub at home. More recently, Sean Miller and his Wildcats squad received their biggest win of the season with a 78-74 tripping of conference leader Cal in Berkley. Arizona will finish their road trip at Stanford Saturday, Feb. 4.
Hawaii: 12-9 (4-3 WAC)- Hawaii received its second conference road win of the season with a 67-60 dubbing at Idaho. The Warriors will hit the hardwood again Saturday, Feb. 4 where they’ll face San Jose State. Hawaii beat the Spartans earlier this season at UH’s Stan Sheriff Center 82-69.
Indiana State: 13-9 (4-7 MVC)- The Sycamores are on a high after a thrilling double overtime victory over Evansville Sunday, Jan. 29. And after another win Wed. over conference opponent Drake, the men in blue will take their mini three-game win streak home to face a tough Wichita State team.
Miami (FL): 13-7 (3-3 ACC)- With consecutive ACC wins over Georgia Tech, Boston College and Maryland, the red hot Hurricanes look to continue their strong conference play Saturday at Cameron Indoor Stadium against #5 Duke.
Ole Miss: 14-7 (4-3 SEC)- The Rebels were able to grind out a tough 66-62 win against a game South Carolina team Saturday, Jan. 29. With crucial conference road games at Alabama and #19 Mississippi State lingering this week, the Rebels must stay poised.
#17 SDSU: 18-3 (4-1 MWC)- The nationally ranked Aztecs avoided another setback after Colorado State’s stunning upset with a clutch 58-56 win over Boise State. #17 SDSU will host TCU Saturday, Feb. 4.
San Francisco: 15-9 (5-5 WCC)- Riding a three-game win streak, the resurgent Dons look to continue their inspired play this week with a conference game at LMU.
Texas Tech: 7-14 (0-9 Big-12)- Seeking their first conference win of the season, the Red Raiders travel to Austin to play in-state rival Texas Saturday, Feb. 4.
January 26, 2012
Posted by: Tamarah and Filed Under: Uncategorized
Airzona: 13-7 (4-3 Pac-12)- The Wildcats will host Washington and Washington State this week as Arizona tries to separate themselves as competitors for the Pac-12 title.
- Points: Jesse Perry- 11.9 PPG
- Rebounds: Solomon Hill- 8.0 REB
- Assists: Solomon Hill- 2.9 APG
Hawaii: 11-8 (3-2 WAC)- The Rainbow Warriors are coming off a big win against NMSU (previously unbeaten in conference play), and will try to carry the momentum through their road trip against Utah State and Idaho.
- Points: Zane Johnson- 15.8 PPG
- Rebounds: Vander Joaquim- 9.7 REB
- Assists: Jeremiah Ostrowski 6.3 APG
Indiana State: 12-9 (3-7 MVC)- After a 59-54 conference win over Northern Iowa, the Sycamores look to continue climbing up the stiff Missouri Valley Conference standings as they face Evansville, Sunday 1/29/12.
- Points: Dwayne Lathan- 11.9 PPG
- Rebounds: Jake Odum- 5.5 REB
- Assists: Jake Odum- 5.5 APG
Miami (FL): 11-7 (2-3 ACC)- The Hurricanes raced by the Yellow Jackets in their 64-49 trouncing of Georgia Tech Tuesday night, and prepare for their meeting at Boston College, Sunday 1/29/12.
- Points: Malcolm Grant- 13.1 PPG
- Rebounds: Reggie Johnson- 6.9 REB
- Assists: Durand Scott- 3.4 APG
Ole Miss: 13-6 (3-2 SEC)- With consecutive wins against #15 Mississippi St. and Georgia, the Rebels look to continue their strong conference play Thursday 1/26/12 when #13 Florida comes to town.
- Points: Dundrecous Nelson- 11.6 PPG
- Rebounds: Murphy Holloway- 9.6 REB
- Assists: Jarvis Summers- 3.1 APG
#12 SDSU: 18-2 (4-0 MWC)- The Aztecs have won 11-games in a row and are currently one of the hottest teams in the country. SDSU eyes their 2/11/12 meeting at #15 UNLV as another tough test.
- Points: Chase Tapley- 16.4 PPG
- Rebounds: Jamaal Franklin- 6.8 REB
- Assists: Xavier Thames- 5.0 APG
San Francisco: 13-9 (3-5 WCC)- The Dons are coming off a thrilling 72-71 win over conference foe Portland. USF will lace up again tomorrow 1/26/12, where they’ll face the Broncos of Santa Clara (0-6 WCC).
- Points: Angelo Caloiaro- 14.0 PPG
- Rebounds: Angelo Caloiaro- 6.2 REB
- Assists: Cody Doolin- 3.1 APG
Texas Tech: 7-11 (0-6 Big-12)- The Red Raiders seek their first conference win, where they’ll face 2011 HADHC champion, Kansas State.
- Points: Jordan Tolbert- 12.8 PPG
- Rebounds: Jordan Tolbert- 6.4 REB
- Assists: Toddrick Gotcher- 2.6 APG
With Aloha From: Matt Dentone and Tamarah Tabor
January 17, 2012
Posted by: Tamarah and Filed Under: Uncategorized
The 2011-12 college basketball season is well underway and in the midst of some intense conference play. Listed below is an update on the exciting team field for the 2012 Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic. For more info on the Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic visit our website: www.diamondheadclassic.com
2012 HADHC Participating Teams Update:
Airzona: 12-5 (3-1 Pac-12)- The Wildcats are coming off a big conference win against rival Oregon State and prepare for another tough battle when they host Oregon (12-5), Saturday 1/14.
Hawaii: 10-6 (2-0 WAC)- The Warriors are off to a perfect start in conference play after their overtime win at Fresno State, but a bigger test lingers Sat. 1/14 when they face conference foe Nevada (13-3) and Thurs. 1/19 against Louisiana Tech.
Indiana State: 11-5 (1-0 MVC)- The Sycamores got a big 80-78 conference win against Evansville Tuesday night, and faced 2011 HADHC participant Southern Illinois this past Friday.
Miami (FL): 9-6 (0-3 ACC)- After a fast start, the Hurricanes look to get back on track, seeking their first conference win when Clemson (9-7) comes to town Wed, 1/18.
Ole Miss: 11-5 (1-1 SEC)- The Rebels of Ole Miss got their first SEC win Wednesday with a convincing performance against SEC rival Arkansas. The Rebels will laced up against 2011 HADHC participant Auburn this past Saturday.
#22 SDSU: 14-2 (0-0 MWC) The nationally ranked Aztecs finished their non-conference schedule on a high note as they handled Chicago St. 73-65. #12 UNLV played at SDSU Sat, 1/14… the Mountain West Conference powerhouses have begun conference play!
San Francisco: 11-8 (1-3 WCC)- The Dons got their first conference win Thursday in a 34-pont blow out against visiting Portland.
Texas Tech: 7-8 (0-3 Big-12)- The Red Raiders are still looking for that crucial first conference win after a tough loss to #10 Kansas.
With Aloha from Tamarah Tabor and Matt Dentone
December 20, 2011
Posted by: Tamarah and Filed Under: Uncategorized
Good news to all Rainbow Warrior and Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic fans! The University of Hawaii’s Stan Sheriff Center has a new state-of-the-art scoreboard to add to the arenas already sterling reputation.
The $2 million dollar renovation includes the main LED scoreboard along with four HD-quality video boards that will provide live game play, instant replays, in-game statistics and more! An upper panel and lower ring has also been added to the new scoreboard to feature different sponsors and fan information. Digital shot clocks, locker room game clocks and a new master control room have also been added to the arena.
For you electronic buffs the scoreboard will feature:
- 21-feet wide by 12-feet high 10mm LED pixel spacing video board
- Four video boards with 225,280 LED bulbs per board
- 3-feet high by 19-feet, 6-inches in diameter lower LED ring, featuring video elements that will rotate 360 degrees
- HD in-house camera capability, with two hand-held, wireless cameras and one mounted remote camera that will be used to shoot on-court promotional contests and interactive activities with fans in the stands.
- NBA-style transparent shot clocks visible from any seat in the arena
- Computer-generated video graphics will allow scoreboard messages to be continually updated during the course of the seasons.
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Welcome to the Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic blog! This is our third year, and we’re looking forward to a wonderful three days at the Stan Sheriff Center in Honolulu as well as some great play from this year’s field (Arizona, East Tennessee State, Indiana State, Hawaii, Miami, Ole Miss, San Diego State and San Francisco). Each school will compete in one game per day, advancing through a bracket-tournament format. Social media guru Tamarah Tabor will provide exclusive content. We welcome your feedback; after all, it’s a blog, right?