The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and St Mary’s College men’s basketball programs will play a charity exhibition game on October 20, at the SimpliFi Arena at Stan Sheriff Center. The game will serve as a way to help those impacted by the Maui wildfires.
The two basketball programs look to do their part in supporting victims of a natural disaster that has so far taken 115 lives and destroyed thousands of structures, the majority of which were residential.
“It’s hard to put into words how we are all feeling for Maui and its tremendous community,” UH Mānoa menʻs basketball head coach Eran Ganot said. “The devastation of the nation’s worst wildfire in more than 100 years has hit us all, near and far. Beyond our immediate thoughts and prayers, it has left us searching for ways we can help. We are pleased to announce this exhibition game as a way to support our friends and families on Maui.
“I want to thank St Mary’s College, Head Coach Randy Bennett, everyone here at the University of Hawaiʻi and all those involved as we come together for a vital cause. It’s been inspiring to see the full power of Hawaiʻi and our people during this tragedy. We encourage all to continue to find ways to support.”
The meeting will serve as a reunion of sorts for two coaches with a close bond. Bennett gave Ganot his first collegiate coaching job 20 years ago as a volunteer assistant at St Mary’s. This will be the first time the two coaches will square off against each other.
“It’s always an excellent opportunity to take on a quality opponent like the University of Hawaiʻi in exhibition play, but this adds an extra bonus for our team to help those in need,” Bennett said.
More details regarding the charity exhibition, including ticket information, will be provided in the near future.
