If yesterday was any indication, the University of Hawai'i men's basketball team will need all of the next two weeks to get ready for its season opener against San Diego on Nov. 9.

The Rainbow Warriors participated in a private scrimmage against NCAA Division II Brigham Young-Hawai'i yesterday at La'ie, and UH head coach Bob Nash had mixed reviews for his players.

"It wasn't our best effort, but it was OK," he said. "I would say we're a little behind schedule right now, especially with our defense. But we've got time to improve and I'm encouraged with the effort that was there."

In accordance with NCAA rules, the scrimmage was not advertised, and the public was not allowed to watch.

There was no official scorekeeper, but Nash said BYUH prevailed in two of the three periods that were conducted.

"They're a very good team," Nash said of the Seasiders. "They were a good test for our guys, especially our young guys. It was good for them just to play somebody else besides their teammates, and good for the coaches to see how guys performed in that situation."

According to Nash, starting point guard Matt Gibson and reserve center Paul Campbell performed well yesterday.

"I wanted to mix things up — see how the old guys play together with the new guys," Nash said. "We used a lot of different lineups, and there were some that worked and some that didn't."

The only player who did not see action was sophomore Adhar Mayen, who is awaiting clearance on what Nash said is "a paperwork issue."

PLAYING THROUGH PAIN

Virtually every player on the Hawai'i roster has some type of nagging injury after the first two weeks of practice.

"That's just part of basketball," Nash said. "With the number of practices we've had, and going hard every practice, guys are going to get banged up a little here and there."

As one example, freshman point guard Kareem Nitoto has been practicing with a dislocated middle finger on his left hand. He practices with the middle and ring fingers taped together.

"It takes a little getting used to — it feels like I'm missing a finger, almost," he said. "The doctor told me it might nag me through the season, but it should get better. I can handle it. It's just a little pain and discomfort."

As another example, senior center Stephen Verwers has been battling back and neck injuries.

"It's just small little things you have to play through," he said. "I think everybody's got something. But the trainers do a good job of treating us and getting us ready."

Verwers added that the competition for playing time is keeping many of the 'Bows on the court for practice.

"Once you sit out, you miss all the stuff the coaches are putting in," he said. "You can lose your spot like that."

One player — freshman forward Ji Xiang — is out for the season due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. He underwent surgery on Thursday, and is expected to begin the rehabilitation process soon.

"I'm never going to expect a guy to play with an injury," Nash said. "But sometimes you have to play through pain."

DAILY RUN FOR 'BOWS

Back in April, when he was named as the replacement for Riley Wallace as head coach of the 'Bows, Nash commented: "They thought Coach Wallace worked them hard. They have no idea."

Through the first two weeks of practice, Nash has been true to his word.

Almost every practice ends with a grueling running drill.

Some days, the players have to run up and down the stairs of the Stan Sheriff Center. There are also various forms of "suicides" — sprinting up and down the court — and other gut-busting running games.

"We're trying to build stamina," Nash said. "And I think you have to do different things to keep the guys going."

Senior forward P.J. Owsley said: "We're definitely running more than last year. When you're doing it, it sucks. But it pays off, definitely. I think we'll be in shape for the season, that's for sure."

What's more, the 'Bows are also doing more full-court drills during practice, which means more running.

"We try to simulate game situations, so that means running with the ball up and down the court," Nash said. "If you take all the running we do during practice, and some of the (running) drills we do at the end of practice, our conditioning shouldn't be a problem."

Reach Dayton Morinaga at dmorinaga@honoluluadvertiser.com.