It is 5:16 a.m., well before the sun would begin to peer over Rainbow Stadium and illuminate the University of Hawai'i's slumbering lower campus, when a Ford Explorer pulls into the deserted staff parking lot behind the Stan Sheriff Center and Bob Nash bounds out, a man on the move.

With newspaper in hand, a bag slung over his shoulder and purpose in each of his long strides, the 6-foot-7 inch Nash began the trip to the office. "Just like I have for the last 20 years," he said. "My normal routine, just a little earlier," he maintained.

With one big difference, of course. Yesterday, the third-floor basketball office that he unlocked was his to command. The team and program his to shape for at least the next three seasons.

Except for the light from his office, where Nash is intently at work on the computer, most of the athletic department is shrouded in darkness, only the custodial staff about.

Normally at this time the 56-year old Nash would have been running the 4-mile Ala Wai and University Avenue loop. But, life, as he once knew it, went from normal to fast-forward two weeks ago when he was named to succeed Riley Wallace.

This journey is best measured in the steady move up the row of side-by-side offices. From the fourth door down the corridor, where he had begun as a part-time assistant a quarter-century ago, Nash now has title to the head office, one that looks out over the arena he will be asked to fill.

Never mind that Wallace exited Monday and Nash has put off moving in until after the letter of intent signing period concludes May 16 and his wife, Domelynne, can "advise" on decorating, there is little doubt who is in charge. No matter where he sits.

Aides who once referred to him as "Bob" now call him "Coach Nash" and snap to in his presence. The ones he has chosen to retain, that is. Nash has put out the word that while T-shirts and shorts will be acceptable on occasion, they will not be universal attire. He has asked that the place be "tidied up; put in order."

These are but the early signs of change. Soon, we are told, it will become apparent through signings that he plans to increasingly target high school recruits over the heavily junior college-based plan favored by his predecessor. Changes are coming to the schedule, too. This summer, for the first time, Nash said he wants all players in summer school, at least for second session. The better to keep them on track for graduation and in the weight room.

Before he sifts through the e-mails about potential recruits and the continuing flow of congratulatory messages, Nash clicks the first item on his "in" basket. "Somebody wants to send me $850,000 — and all they want are my bank account numbers," Nash said.

"My lucky day."

Indeed.

Reach Ferd Lewis at flewis@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8044.