Sharks Weekly: HPU Men’s Basketball Embraces Toughness, New Faces Following NCAA Tournament Run

Hawai‘i Pacific University men’s basketball enters the 2026–27 season looking to build on its return to the NCAA Tournament, with a retooled roster and an emphasis on toughness, competitiveness and maintaining the program’s upward trajectory.

Head coach Jesse Nakanishi joined Sharks Weekly alongside returning big man Zane Gaul and newcomer Will Woodward to discuss last season’s success, the challenges of rebuilding the roster and the expectations surrounding the Sharks’ upcoming campaign.

HPU finished 18-12 last season and reached the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2017, marking the program’s third appearance. However, that success came with significant roster turnover. All five starters from the postseason run have moved on, leaving Nakanishi to incorporate nine newcomers into this year’s team.

While the transition has required patience, Nakanishi believes the Sharks have made steady progress in establishing their standards and identity.

The biggest priority during recruiting was finding players who could bring greater physical and mental toughness.

“You can’t always coach effort and coach toughness,” Nakanishi said, explaining that he wanted players who already possessed those qualities and could immediately contribute to the program’s culture.

Gaul provides continuity as one of six returners from last season. The second-year forward credited his relationships with the coaching staff and his experience living in Hawai‘i as major reasons for remaining with the Sharks.

With so many new teammates, Gaul has also taken on a role in helping establish chemistry and familiarize newcomers with the program’s expectations.

HPU center Zane Gaul attempts a free-throw in the Sharks’ 88-76 loss to UH-Mānoa on Nov. 24, 2025 | Photo Credit: Michael Lasqero, HSRN

Woodward, meanwhile, brings an unconventional athletic background to HPU.

The 6-foot-7 forward began his collegiate career playing baseball at the University of Washington before transitioning to basketball at Bellevue College. After a successful season with the Bulldogs, Woodward caught Nakanishi’s attention during the recruiting process.

For Woodward, HPU’s recent success and the opportunity to contribute to a growing program made the decision appealing.

“When you look at the team and the success that they had last year, you can see that they’re looking to build something here, and I wanted to be a part of that,” Woodward said.

Beyond the roster, Nakanishi has also made changes to his coaching staff. Kyle Ruiz was promoted to associate head coach, while several new assistants joined the program. Nakanishi emphasized the importance of surrounding players with coaches who are invested in their development both on and off the court.

As the season approaches, HPU has been picked third in the PacWest preseason poll despite the significant turnover.

The Sharks will get an early test against the University of Hawai‘i in an exhibition matchup on October 25.

For Nakanishi, the focus remains on developing a team capable of responding to adversity while continuing the progress established over his first three seasons.

After returning to the national postseason, the next challenge is proving that success can become a consistent part of HPU men’s basketball.

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