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The new-look University of Hawaii men’s basketball team has several options. The Rainbow Warriors can employ offensive sets utilizing two point guards, double bigs, three forwards and 6-foot-6 Quandre “Dre” Bullock as an ozone-touching wing. But when the ’Bows need a 7-foot center who can power his way for baskets, dish from the low post, set screens or slide out for jumpers, there is a favorite command: Go Fish. Of the ’Bows’ nine newcomers, Utah State transfer Isaac “Big Fish” Johnson has proved to be a match for several combinations as a post-up scorer, rim protector or stretch five. Johnson’s skills will be on display when the ’Bows play host to Chaminade in today’s exhibition at Bankoh Arena in Stan Sheriff Center. There is no admission fee for the intraisland game, which tips off at 5:05 p.m. Johnson earned his nickname in middle school in Utah when he and a shorter buddy referred to each other as “Big Fish” and “Little Fish.” The handle stuck through Johnson’s path as an American Fork High standout, church missionary in Ohio, Oregon freshman and Utah State player for three seasons. After he scored 19 points against TCU in the opening round of the 2024 NCAA Tournament, the “Big Fish” nickname gained popularity around Utah State’s Logan campus. The local Arctic Circle, a burger restaurant with 71 franchises in seven states, named a Swedish Fish-flavored concoction the “Big Fish Milkshake.” Last season, USU students celebrated Johnson’s big shots with the Big Fish Chomp, a two-armed motion simulating a shark’s chomping. The gesture was resurrected during UH’s exhibition against Pomona-Pitzer last week, when Johnson hit eight of nine shots for a game-high 18 points. “It’s not the Gator Chomp,” Johnson said of a similar motion used by fans of the Florida Gators. “I had to rebrand it. That’s the Big Fish Chomp. That’s part of my 3-point celebration … or when I get the crowd included. It’s a fun little thing.” Johnson and his wife, Audrah, have been having fun since moving to Hawaii this summer. Johnson, who often had been used at the four position, entered the transfer portal in search of a program where he could play as a true center. Johnson said UH fit his wish list. “Great guys, good personalities,” Johnson said of his coaches and teammates. “We’ve been able to connect really well.” Audrah, who was an outside hitter for Utah State’s volleyball team, also entered the portal. She now plays for Chaminade. Two days after their June wedding, the newlyweds arrived in Honolulu. “It’s been a blast,” Johnson said. “It’s been awesome. All my family and all my buddies back in Utah are saying how cold it’s getting. I’m just chilling in shorts and short-sleeve shirts. It’s great here.” Under conditioning coordinator Tanner Hull’s program, Johnson has lost 15 pounds, and now is down to 230 pounds with 8% body fat. “I feel I’m the strongest I’ve ever been, and I’m feeling more agile and quick, like I was in high school,” Johnson said. “It’s great to take hits and give hits, but still feel agile, like I can move.” Johnson’s versatility has opened the ’Bows’ offense. He can set up in the low post in the four-out scheme or drift to the perimeter. He can set a screen, rolling toward the post or popping out to the corner. In five UH seasons and 117 games through 2024, none of center Bernardo da Silva’s 692 shots was launched from behind the arc. Last season, center Tanner Christensen was 6-for-14 on 3s. Coach Eran Ganot said injuries have limited the ’Bows’ lineup experiments. During this six-week training period, Ganot noted, the ’Bows have had a full roster of available players for only one practice. Of the different combinations, a unique pairing has been a double post of Johnson and senior Harry Rouhliadeff, who was named captain last week. Both have inside-outside skills. “He’s a great dude,” Johnson said of Rouhliadeff. “There are a lot of different guys who can be captain. Harry’s the one guy who stood out (in preseason training) that he should be the captain.” Rouhliadeff said: “I’m very grateful and privileged to receive this honor. I’m a big believer in everything happens for a reason. Just me working day in an day out all leads up to this.”
