Jan. 16
Out West, Hawaii is getting little publicity despite a fast start. Coach Riley Wallace's team is 6-0 in the WAC for the first time in school history. In fact, the Rainbow Warriors entered the week as the lone unbeaten in league play.

Hawaii has been getting the job done with solid defense.

Hawaii has a nine-game win streak and a 15-2 overall record. This is Hawaii's best start since 1971-72 (17-1). Wallace's team has scored wins over Georgia, Fresno State and Wisconsin along the way. The only two losses came against Colorado State and San Diego State (by a total of five points).

There is no doubt the Rainbow Warriors have been getting the job done with solid defense. Hawaii is giving up less than 60 points per game while holding opponents below 40 percent from the floor.

Senior guard Mike McIntyre has displayed a hot hand lately. Last week he hit 7-of-12 trifectas and averaged 19.5 ppg (including a career-high 22 points vs. Louisiana Tech).

Hawaii has a difficult stretch ahead, playing the next three games on the road at San Jose State, Rice and Tulsa. That will make returning home to Honolulu, where the team has won seven straight and 18 of 19, even sweeter.

ILLINI'S LUCAS COMING BACK SOON
Illinois will be happy to have senior forward Lucas Johnson back in the lineup after recovering from a major ACL injury. He is likely to return Jan. 23 when the Illini meet Wisconsin.

The 6-foot-8 Johnson will provide leadership and an aggressive style. His return will also improve coach Bill Self's rotation up front. Johnson's presence has been missed.

SUPER SOPH
My midseason pick for the premier super sophomore in America is Jared Jeffries of Indiana. Jeffries has been a big factor in Indiana's 4-0 Big Ten start. I give him the nod over Caron Butler of Connecticut.

IMPACT PLAYERS
Besides super soph, a quick look at my choices for midseason impact players:
Diaper dandy: Dajuan Wagner, Memphis
Transfer: Jarvis Hayes, Georgia
Juco transfer: Ebi Ere, Oklahoma