When the University of Hawai'i women's basketball takes the court tonight against Washington, the Rainbow Wahine's affable all-WAC performer Tanya Smith may finally understand what it means to be alone in a crowd.

The team makes its season debut in the Waikiki Beach Marriott Classic with an enviable assemblage of perimeter talent but just two true post players — 6-foot-3 Smith and 6-4 senior center Iwona Zagrobelna.

To ensure a fresh post presence on the floor at all times, head coach Jim Bolla will utilize a one-post offense, meaning Smith and Zagrobelna will rarely be on the court at the same time.

"I know that when I'm on the floor, I can't rest offensively or defensively," Smith said. "I'm the one who will have to block out and do battle with the other team's biggest person."

Bolla's plan for this year is to use a fast-paced transition game to increase the number of possessions and easy scoring opportunity. Yet, while speed can be an effective counter to size, the Rainbow Wahine post players will still have their work cut out for them in the paint — particularly against a young but very tall Washington frontline.

The Huskies have been playing their own version of small-ball with a starting line-up of three guards and two forwards. Still, their overall height is imposing.

Freshman Jess McCormack, a 6-5 forward/center, and junior Heidi McNeill, a 6-3 forward, started Washington's first game against Kansas State. McNeill was replaced in the starting lineup by 6-1 freshman Katelan Redmon in the Huskies' next game against Gonzaga.

The Husky bench includes 6-5 freshman center Kali Bennett, and 6-3 freshman forward Mackenzie Argens.

Zagrobelna remembers what that sort of luxury feels like.

"Last year, we had what we called 'Post Nation,' because we had a lot of height," she said. "This year, there's just two of us."

Yet, while 'Post Nation' may have been reduced to a small but powerful municipality, the rising talent in the guard and swing positions has the potential to more than compensate.

Bolla is expecting big things from his rebuilt backcourt of true freshman Keisha Kanekoa and redshirt freshman Leilani Galdones, two virtually interchangeable guards with advanced court vision and scoring skills.

"I like passing more than shooting, but if you leave me open for a 3, I'll take it," said Galdones, whose range extends to 22 feet. On this team, everyone on the court is a threat."

Senior swing Saundra Cariaga will round out the guard trio with long-armed defense, rebounding and scoring.

Paired with Smith in the starting frontcourt will be sophomore Dita Liepkalne, a potent inside-outside threat.

Bolla also has ample weapons off the bench, including senior point guard Amy Kotani, 6-1 junior college transfer Ebony Jones, and sweet-shooting Megan Tinnin.

Best known for her NBA-range 3-point shooting, Tinnin said she hopes to showcase other aspects of her overall game. A relatively big guard at 5-10, Tinnin can post up smaller, weaker guards. She can also drive and dish effectively.

"We want to counter (Washington's) size with quickness and pressure," Bolla said. "We want to push the ball for layups and cheap baskets. If we can shoot 45 to 50 percent, we're fine."

Reach Michael Tsai at mtsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.