Rebuilding the front court, the University of Hawaii basketball team received a commitment from a 6-foot-10, 275-pound center.
Tanner Christensen, who started all 63 games the past two seasons with Utah Tech, said he has accepted a scholarship offer from the Rainbow Warriors. He has one remaining season of eligibility.
“I just like the tradition of winning under Coach (Eran ) Ganot, ” Christensen said of his decision. “I really liked hearing what the coaches had to say. And the feeling of family within the program. Obviously, living in Hawaii is kind of a dream. It’s kind of hard to say ‘no’ to them.”
Christensen is expected to help fill the void in the post. Center Bernardo da Silva and forward Justin McKoy completed their NCAA eligibility at the end of the’Bows’ recently completed season. Mor Seck, a 7-foot-1 rim protector, announced on Saturday his intent to transfer. Harry Rouhliadeff and Akira Jacobs were the’Bows’ returning post players.
The past season, his second at Utah Tech, Christensen averaged 11.5 points on 56.4 % shooting, including 62.9 % on 2-point attempts. He grabbed 6.8 rebounds per game and blocked 48 shots.
Gibson Johnson, a former UH player and director of player development, is a Utah Tech assistant coach.
“He was one of our best guys this year, ” said guard /wing Beon Riley, who transferred to Utah Tech last summer after three seasons with the’Bows. “We gave him the ball in the post. He’s a very good back-to-the-basket player. He was able to shoot the ball really well. As much as I love playing with him, I’m happy he’s in good hands. I hope nothing but the best for him in the future.”
Christensen grew up in Spokane Valley, Wash., where he was a standout basketball player at University High.
“I’ve always loved playing basketball, ” Christensen said. “I had the hoop outside the house, playing whether it was raining, sunny or snowing. I was always out there as a kid.”
Christensen served a two-year church mission in Argentina, where he learned to speak Spanish fluently. After that, he played two seasons at Idaho, including the COVID year, where he earned a degree in finance. He is set to earn a master’s in accounting at Utah Tech. He will pursue a second master’s, in finance, at UH.
“I’m excited to branch out and start a new adventure, ” said Christensen, adding his wife also “is very excited ” about the couple’s move to Hawaii.
Christensen said he plans to ink a scholarship agreement with UH on April 17, the first day of the NCAA’s spring signing period for basketball prospects and transfers.
Seck enters portal
The paint is thinning for the Hawaii basketball team.
Mor Seck, a 7-foot-1 rim protector, has entered the NCAA’s transfer portal.
“I don’t want to leave Hawaii because the people are great out here, “ Seck told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser in a telephone interview. “I’d love to be in Hawaii. I don’t have a choice. I need to go somewhere I can grow up. I want to challenge myself and go to a different school.”
If he stayed, Seck was projected to have an expanded role with the Rainbow Warriors. Starting center Benardo da Silva and forward Justin McKoy completed their UH eligibility.
As a sophomore, Seck averaged 4.0 points and 2.9 rebounds as a reserve center during the 2023-24 season. But his impact was felt in the low post, where he amassed 20 blocks in 19 games and intimidated opponents into missed shots.
But 45 minutes ahead of the Jan. 25 game against UC Santa Barbara, UH announced Seck suffered a season-ending injury during a recent practice. A week later, Seck underwent surgery on his left ACL.
Seck said he is on track to resume playing basketball in October.
He said he expects to have “a lot of options “ for his next school. “I’ve got to see what’s best for me so I can go there, “ Seck said.
UH coach Eran Ganot said : “I have only positive things to say about Mor. We’ll be rooting for him from afar. I appreciate all he’s done for us. … I thank him for all he’s done for us. I feel he’s part of the family for life. I’ll always be there for him and rooting for him. I wish him the best.”
Harry Rouhliadeff and Akira Jacobs are the remaining UH forwards with extended playing experience. But Ganot expressed optimism the’Bows will be able to fill their voids.
“I like where we’re at, “ Ganot said. “I like where we’re headed. I feel good about the guys returning. I feel they’ll develop. Our staff has been all over it recruiting. We’ll add some really good pieces and build a really good team for us.”