Hawaii big man Isaac Johnson credits marriage for his hot start with his new team

Hawaii basketball center Isaac “Big Fish ”Johnson crunched the numbers.

“I was not married for four years of college basketball, and I have been married for one year, ” said Johnson, who transferred from Utah State this summer. “And this is far and above my best year of college basketball. Something’s working. I should have gotten married sooner, maybe.”

Johnson’s wife, Audrah, who also transferred from Utah State, is an outside hitter with Chaminade’s volleyball team.

“It starts with him and his sacrifice and his work, ” UH coach Eran Ganot said of Johnson’s success in the Rainbow Warriors’ 5-2 start. “It’s been a good fit for him. I think he’s enjoying Hawaii. It starts with him, but it’s all-encompassing. He’s happy here. His family’s happy here. You usually can do great things when you’re happy.”

Johnson, who is 7 feet, leads the’Bows with per-game averages of 16.1 points on 57.4 % shooting, 8.1 rebounds and 1.1 blocks. He also has hit 93.6 % of his free throws, including 34 in a row to match former guard Brock Stepteau’s school record.

“I’ve always had confidence in my shooting ability, ” Johnson said of the free-throw streak. “It’s a free opportunity for some points. Just step up to the line. One of my teammates, Isaiah (Kerr ), asked me what I go through mentally. I almost gaslight myself into believing it’s just me in the gym, just me alone. There’s nobody else there. No pressure. Just step up and shoot the ball. … That’s more of a recent (approach ), and it’s obviously working.”

In the’Bows’ offense, according to Ganot, Johnson provides more options as a foul magnet. Johnson has drawn 33 fouls in seven games.

“We play inside-out, ” Ganot said. “Some of that is getting to the line. But then you have to convert on the line.”

Against Hawaii Pacific on Monday, Johnson and posts Gytis Nemeiksa, Harry Rouhliadeff and Yacine Toumi combined to hit 23 of 25 free throws. The’Bows also scored 44 paint points, boosting their average to 31.2 per game.

The’Bows should be at full strength in the front court for tonight’s game against North Dakota in Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center. Tip-off is set for 7 :05 p.m.

Rouhliadeff, who missed two games after inadvertently colliding with a Manhattan player two weeks ago, amassed 14 points and eight rebounds against HPU. Forward Jalen Myers was held out for not complying with a team policy.

The’Bows are hopeful Kerr will be available. He has missed two games because of an ankle injury. Kerr is needed to help the’Bows navigate North Dakota’s presses and traps. The Fighting Hawks have forced 16.6 turnovers per game. Opponents are averaging 14.3 points off UH turnovers.

The Fighting Hawks have a demanding schedule. They have played road games against Alabama and Creighton. UH will be North Dakota’s third Big West opponent, following Cal State Northridge and a home-and-home with UC Riverside.

The Fighting Hawks have what Ganot termed as a “sniper ”—Zach Kraft, who has connected on 45.2 % of his 42 3-point shots. Garrett Anderson has hit 38.9 % of his 36 shots from behind the arc.

“I think the biggest thing to worry about is how we’re running our offense and building our wall on defense, ” Johnson said. “We need to be prepared with our defense, and running our sets, and worry about ourselves first. And then we’ll worry about what they do.”