Chemeketas Botez Finds Comfort Zone at Hawaii

Maybe it was the weather. Or perhaps it was Hawaii's tradition of basketball success.

Whatever the reason, 6-11 Chemeketa (OR) center Chris Botez found his comfort zone on a recent official visit to Hawaii.

As a result, the Salem, Ore., native has signed with Hawaii, according to Chemeketa Head Coach David Abderhalden.

Botez visited Boise State (Apr. 9-11) and Hawaii (Apr. 16-18) before casting his lot with the Fighting Rainbow program.

"It was a gut instinct on where he felt the most comfortable," Abderhalden explained. "He liked both places a lot and had a tough time making a decision, but he thought Hawaii was the best fit for him."

Botez averaged 12.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.9 blocks and two assists per game in 2003-2004, shooting 59 percent from the floor. Chemeketa finished 24-7 in 2003-2004, and averaged 85 points per game.

The Chiefs' up tempo style suited Botez well.

"Chris is a kid who puts a lot of pressure on opposing post players because of the way he runs the floor, plus he's relentless on the backboard and causes problems on the defensive end by blocking shots, altering shots and taking charges," Abderhalden said. "Hawaii is getting a player who is most worried about winning, and he doesn't have to score points to be a factor."

Coming into his sophomore year at Chemeketa, Botez was most effective scoring in transition or reacting to loose balls on the offensive glass.

"While he's improved in that regard, he needs to get better scoring with his back to the basket," Aberhalden said. "But the biggest thing he needs to improve is his strength."

Botez currently weighs 225 pounds.

If he can successfully complete one or two summer courses at Chemeketa, Botez will have two years of eligibility remaining at Hawaii, beginning in the fall of 2004.