By Kathryn Bender, Star-Bulletin
Eric Ambrozich has emerged as a solid player for the
Rainbows this season.
Catch. Turn and shoot.
Catch. Turn and shoot.
Most of the players had already left after the intense two-hour practice, but Eric Ambrozich was taking pass after pass from UH assistant coach Jackson Wheeler.
One nearby spectator noticed.
"He always stays for the optional time," said head coach Riley Wallace. "Eric is what it's all about.
"He's over a 3.0 every semester. He never opens his mouth unless he's got something to say that's worthwhile. He appreciates things and is very polite. Everyone around the whole program likes Eric."
They call him the "Big E" - and it's as much for big in stature and respect as it is for his physical size.
He's the blue-collar player that every successful team needs. Put on the hard hat and hit the boards. Pull on the work boots and set the picks. Show up ready to work hard every day.
Last season, he played in only five games due to an infected urinary tract and received a medical hardship that gave him another year of eligibility.
So last summer he worked on building up his 6-8, 195-pound body - and to fulfill a promise he made to himself.
"My goal from last year was to come in and be a starter, so I worked hard over the summer," said the junior forward, who transferred to UH from Saddleback (Calif.) Community College. "I knew I had to put some weight on and be stronger."
Now he is more than a role player. The Irvine, Calif., native is someone that should have the ball in his hands.
"He's the guy everybody looks for," Wallace said. "When he gets open and catches it, he shoots that turnaround jumper and you just feel like it's almost automatic. And the players have picked up on that."
His numbers so far prove it. He is third on the team in scoring with a 12.1 average and is shooting a team-high 63 percent (34-54) from the field.
Plus, he is money at the free-throw line with a 71-percent average (17-24), also tops on the team. That includes two icy tosses with 1.7 seconds left to beat Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo.
Ambrozich also is averaging 6.1 rebounds per game, third-best on the team.
"It's going pretty good so far," he said. "I like the team - we play together well.
"I just try to work hard, hit the boards hard. I think I can shoot, but I need to work on my defense. Being a little stronger helps there."
He was especially impressive in the Hawaii Nike Festival, when he scored 21 points against Cal Poly, including the winning free throws.
Then he added 18 points as the Rainbows improved to 6-1 by beating Ball State the next night. He also had 15 rebounds in the two games and was named tournament MVP.
Then some big-time recognition rolled in. He was named WAC player of the week for the Pacific Division.
"That's a great tribute to him, especially so early in the season," Wallace said. "It shows how his hard work has already paid off."
Catch. Turn and shoot.
Catch. Turn and shoot.
Tonight Pittsburgh vs. Maryland, 5 p.m.; Northwestern vs. Hawaii, 7:30 p.m.