SACRAMENTO — If the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament had a "Nice Guys Bracket," Washington State probably would cruise to the Final Four.

And 'Iolani School graduate Derrick Low, a 6-foot-2 junior guard who will lead the Cougars (26-7) into their second-round game against Vanderbilt (21-11) today at 11:40 a.m., probably would be a lock for the Nice Guy All-Region team.

Among the many attractions that have made Low and the Cougars such a favorite to the hordes of media assembled here at ARCO Arena, a main one is their humble, courteous and pleasant "Aw, shucks" demeanor. And according to coach Tony Bennett, this was all by design four years ago.

"When we recruited that first class, my dad (then-head coach Dick Bennett) said we needed to get a bunch of guys that we could lose with first before we could win," Bennett said. "I didn't understand him at first, but what he was saying was that when you go through a rebuilding process, you're going to have to take a lot of tough losses and go through hard times. And if you have a group of young men who will go their own way and not stay true to the vision, it will be hard.

"But if they stay together through the hard times, when you enjoy some success, then that can really get going. And that's the kind of kid Derrick is, because like the rest of our guys, he had a real solid upbringing."

Despite playing on three state championship teams at 'Iolani and losing only four games to Hawai'i opponents in his last four years there, Low knew all about going through tough times.

His father, Ken, is a mechanic for TheBus and a single parent who has raised three kids almost by himself. During Low's senior year at 'Iolani, Ken had to endure five weeks without a paycheck while TheBus employees went on strike.

Unlike most of his 'Iolani classmates, Low did not have a driver's license or cell phone in high school.

But all the while, Low was never one to complain and was taught to be humble and polite no matter the circumstances.

"That's how my dad raised me, to be kind and to show courtesy," Low said. "And when I went to 'Iolani, (Coach Mark) 'Doc' (Mugiishi) preached the exact same thing, to always be humble and to play as 'One Team.' Then when I went to Washington State, with Coach Dick Bennett it was the exact same thing — he wanted us to always be humble and compassionate. So for me, I think I had an advantage and it was an easy transition."

Craig Lawson, who is in charge of media relations for Washington State basketball, said he has received numerous positive comments about Low and the Cougars this week.

"One veteran reporter called ours a 'throwback locker room,' because all the players were so nice and well-spoken," Lawson said. "There's been a lot of interest in Derrick this season and he's one of the most requested players we have, so he is the one who is most-often mentioned. He's definitely a humble guy."

Low has been bombarded with interviews this week, and visibly is exhausted from them when the sessions are over. But Lawson and another Washington State beat reporter said Low would prefer a low profile for legitimate reasons.

"He's on the shy side and doesn't want to be in the (media) limelight," Lawson said. "He'd rather be under the radar, because he doesn't think of himself as a superstar."

None of the Cougars do, and that seems to be a key to their success.

"When Coach Tony recruits players, he's looking to see if you are a good person, because he wants good people who are good guys and fun people to be around," Low said. "Good team chemistry is the most important thing. With us, he looked for players who could handle losing (with class) and who would keep fighting and wanting to improve. That's what helped us get to where we are today."

Washington State junior guard Kyle Weaver said Low does his part to maintain team harmony.

"He's a funny guy, and he keeps everyone laughing so that we enjoy ourselves and it's not always stressful," Weaver said. "Even this week, he's making sure we can still joke and laugh and take all this in, because it's an unbelievable experience for us. He's a good teammate."

Weaver, who is from Beloit, Wis., said Low also is a good ambassador for Hawai'i.

"He's in touch with that whole Hawaiian culture, and he's always representing Hawai'i," Weaver said. "Everything he does reflects on his home so well."

Those are comments that Ken Low likes to hear, as much or more so than the compliments about basketball.

"I've always told Derrick that this is about more than just four years of college," Ken said. "Your integrity and your reputation, those are things you will carry with you for a long time afterward. I was part of it, but 'Iolani also played a big part in molding him, and I'm glad he kept true and stayed in line with who he is. Some kids get caught up in the publicity, but if you look at how Derrick carried himself in the ninth grade and how he is now, he hasn't changed. I'm happy for that."

Reach Wes Nakama at wnakama@honoluluadvertiser.com.