Sharks Weekly: HPU Men’s Basketball Builds on Experience and Culture Ahead of 2025–26 Season

It’s a season of both familiarity and fresh energy for Hawai‘i Pacific University men’s basketball. On this week’s episode of Sharks Weekly, play-by-play voice Paul Brecht was joined by head coach Jesse Nakanishi, senior guard Joshua West, and junior guard Quentin “Cue Ball” Meza to talk about what’s ahead for the Sharks as they gear up for the 2025–26 campaign.

For Nakanishi, now entering his third year at the helm, excitement comes easily when discussing his group. The Sharks return nine players from last season’s 15–14 (10-10 PacWest) squad — a level of continuity that’s become a rarity in the modern college basketball landscape.

“Every year brings new challenges and new excitement,” Nakanishi said. “But this group has been so coachable. I enjoy coming to practice every day.”

He credits that consistency to a program built on trust, accountability, and relationships that extend beyond the court. “The returners teach the newcomers how we do things,” he added. “That’s when you know your culture’s strong.”

West, one of four returning All-PacWest selections, said coming back felt natural after the way last season ended.

“I’m super excited to be back,” he said with a grin. “It’s about the relationships with the players and coaches. We’ve built something here, and we want to keep growing it.”

He admitted that having so many familiar faces around makes the early practices smoother and the team chemistry stronger. “We know each other’s games, and that makes it easier for the new guys to adjust,” he explained. “Everything just feels more connected.”

Among those newcomers is Meza, a transfer guard from Idaho State who began his career at Wofford. Known affectionately as “Cue Ball,” the former Utah Gatorade Player of the Year said choosing HPU came down to the people.

“As soon as I talked to Coach Nakanishi and Coach Cam, I knew this was the place,” Meza said. “The coaches and players have been so welcoming, and the culture here speaks for itself.”

His transition to island life has been smooth — from early morning workouts to learning team traditions. “It’s been great. The workouts, the chemistry — everything’s been awesome. I’m really excited for this season.”

Off the court, the Sharks continue to shine as one of HPU’s most community-minded programs. The team has spent the fall volunteering at mentorship programs, youth clinics, and community cleanups — something Nakanishi says is central to the program’s identity.

“Being born and raised here, I believe in relationships and giving back,” he said. “We have this platform to make an impact, and our guys gain just as much from those experiences as the people they meet.”

West recalled a powerful moment visiting families in transitional housing. “One of the little girls told us, ‘I wish we could do this every day,’” he said. “It really puts things into perspective and makes you appreciate what you have.”

With practices underway, the Sharks are focused on fine-tuning their style ahead of their November exhibition at Boise State. Nakanishi said the team will rely on tempo and toughness.

“We may not be the biggest team, but we’ll play fast, we’ll scrap, and we’ll figure it out,” he said.

West agreed, adding, “We know our motor’s going to be there. We’ll make teams uncomfortable.”

Meza, known for his confident shooting touch, said the style fits him perfectly. “Coach tells me to shoot the transition three every time,” he laughed. “It’s going to be a fun brand of basketball.”

After Boise, the Sharks will face Western Washington, Saint Martin’s, and both Alaska schools before their annual island rivalry stretch against UH-Mānoa, Chaminade, and UH-Hilo.

Nakanishi said those local matchups always bring a little extra excitement. “We’re human — of course there’s more juice when we play the other Hawai‘i teams,” he said. “But at the end of the day, it’s about playing our brand of basketball.”

As for Meza and West, both guards said they’re motivated by the same thing that brought them back or drew them in — the people.

“We’ve got a special group,” West said. “We’re ready to show it.”

Fans can listen to select HPU Men’s Basketball broadcasts this season on Hawai‘i Sports Radio Network, 95.1 FM / AM 760, and online. Click here for the latest HPU broadcast schedule.