Riley Wallace is not about to abandon the University of Hawai'i men's basketball team.

For one of his last orders of business as head coach of the Rainbow Warriors, Wallace will be honored at a dinner on Wednesday. Proceeds from the event will go to "The Riley and Joan Wallace Endowed Scholarship for Men's Basketball."

Wallace recently completed his 20th — and final — season as head coach at Hawai'i. Bob Nash was named as Wallace's successor last week, but Wallace's contract officially ends on April 30.

"It's important to me because I want the men's basketball program to be successful for years and years down the line," Wallace said. "What ever we raise from this dinner will go toward basketball scholarships. Ideally, I'd like this endowment from me and my wife to be over $100,000."

In future years, Wallace said he would like to host an annual golf tournament to raise more money for the scholarship fund.

"That's how much I love this program," Wallace said. "It's been my life for the last 20 years and I'm going to do what ever I can to make sure it keeps going strong."

Wallace said the endowed scholarship fund for the Hawai'i men's basketball program started during his tenure as head coach. Among the previous contributors is former Hawai'i star guard Anthony Carter, who donated $100,000 in 2002.

Wallace said the scholarship fund will help cover "out-of-pocket expenses" for the players, such as housing, meal plans and text books.

The dinner will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Stan Sheriff Center.

There will be a silent auction for various items, as well as musical entertainment.

Tickets are $125 per person. For information, call the UH basketball office at 956-6501.

SCHEDULE TAKING SHAPE

Nash said he still needs to find non-conference opponents to fill the 2007-08 schedule for the 'Bows.

Among the non-conference opponents that have committed to playing Hawai'i in the Sheriff Center are Illinois, San Diego, New Mexico, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, Long Beach State and Centenary.

Nash said the 'Bows will likely play two games each against San Diego and New Mexico — one game here and then a "return" game on the road.

He also needs two teams to fill the 2007 Rainbow Classic field. Committed teams are Louisiana-Lafayette, Northwestern, Ohio, Saint Mary's and St. John's.

Washington State — which is led by 'Iolani graduate Derrick Low — is close to reaching an agreement to play in the 2007 Classic.

Nash said he talked to Pittsburgh and Indiana about playing the 'Bows in the Sheriff Center, but neither team could fit Hawai'i in.

In any case, Nash said he will continue to try and schedule quality opponents for the 'Bows in future years.

"I want us to play the best competition out there," he said. "Hopefully, teams will want to come here and play us in front of our fans. If not, we'll see if we can get on the road more."

NASH IS OUT RECRUITING

Nash departed Honolulu late Tuesday night to meet with potential recruits on the Mainland.

Coaches cannot comment on specific recruits, but Nash said he will attend a tournament in Texas that is expected to draw more than 1,000 high school players from across the nation.

Hawai'i will have at least four scholarships to fill for the 2007-08 season.

WATERS SAYS THANK YOU

Dominic Waters, who recently completed paper work to transfer to Portland State, said it will be difficult to leave the fans of Hawai'i.

"The people made me feel like I have a home here and I really appreciate that," he said. "Even though I didn't do much in my two years, the fans made me feel like I did a lot, and I have to say thank you for that.

"I wish coach Nash and the University of Hawai'i well. I know they will be successful."

Waters averaged 6.3 points per game as the top reserve guard as a sophomore last season.

Reach Dayton Morinaga at dmorinaga@honoluluadvertiser.com.