By KEVIN JAKAHI
Hawaii Tribune-Herald
Calvin Mattos found an enticing two-for-one deal too good to pass up: the recent Waiakea graduate will play pro basketball and perform in front of his hometown.
The 5-foot-9 point guard signed with the Hawaii Hammerheads, of the inaugural Oceania Basketball Association, who swayed Mattos away from a small UH-Hilo scholarship offer. Team president and coach Kevin Williams showered Mattos with aloha and enthusiasm.
“I was deciding between them and the Vulcans and took a long time to decide,” he said. “Playing with the Hammerheads is the better opportunity. Kevin Williams watched my video and showed more interest in me than UHH. He was calling me and texting me all the time. That’s why I went with him.”
The Hammerheads are the first professional basketball organization on the Big Island. By signing with the minor-league basketball circuit, Mattos forfeits his collegiate eligibility, but he has no second thoughts.
He already has a backup plan. Mattos plans to pursue auto mechanics and welding at Hawaii Community College once his playing days are over. That’s something Mattos is hoping won’t happen anytime soon.
“I’m excited to play,” he said. “Hopefully, this team and league will last a long time. A lot of people have been asking me about tickets. It’s in my hometown, so at least my family can come. I’ll probably have 25 to 30 people from my family and friends coming.”
With his Hammerheads’ signing, it’s another unprecedented achievement for Mattos, who was the first three-time BIIF player of the year for basketball. (Nancy Hoist, a 2004 Konawaena graduate, was the first three-time POY for the girls.)
“Calvin being the first player from Hawaii to go from high school straight to professional basketball is a historic day for Hilo and Hawaii basketball,” Williams said. “Adding the three-time BIIF player of the year was no-brainer for our organization.
“Our No. 1 goal is to give local players the opportunity to live their dreams of playing professional basketball and to win championships on the Big Island. Calvin fits perfectly with what we are trying to do. I believe Calvin is ready to lead our team and be the face of our franchise for many years to come.”
At Waiakea, Mattos was known for his clutch play, composure, and ability to create assets on and off the court: shots for teammates and team harmony.
On Thursday, a curveball came his way when told he’d be in the startling lineup with fellow local boys Aukai Wong, Lanaki Apele, and Isaiah Ekau. Joel Feigler, a 6-foot-10 center from Hawaii Pacific, is the other starter.
“I didn’t know that I’m starting,” Mattos said. “It’s going to be exciting to play with Aukai, Lanaki, and Isaiah and not just in open gym or men’s leagues. It’s for something now. We’re playing for our hometown and representing Hilo. Hopefully, we can make this thing big for Hawaii.”
To borrow a Williams’ catchphrase, starting the Local Four was a no-brainer.
“Fans will go crazy to see the local guys start,” Williams said.
Mattos turned 18 in April, so he’ll be a young man against much older and seasoned competition, which isn’t exactly new. Even as a Waiakea freshman he was playing in open gyms, where there’s no such thing as touch fouls; handling rough play is a necessary requirement.
He’s also a point guard, which means Mattos won’t be under the boards getting mauled by international giants. That’s a job for Feigler, Ekau, and 6-9 bench guy Anthony Gallagher, who has played pro ball in Europe.
“Once I start training and lifting, I’ll get better physically and mentally,” Mattos said. “My whole life I’ve been playing men.
“It’ll be a challenge. I just came out of high school. Guys will be bigger, better, and stronger. I’ll get in my work, and I’ll get better, especially knowing people are better than me. Over time, I’ll be able to compete with all these guys.”
Besides getting paid as a pro, there’s another benefit Mattos pointed out. The Hammerheads will travel to play opponents at Guam, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and American Samoa. That’s a golden travel package with an accompanying paycheck.
There’s also always a chance that a pro scout is watching a game or an organization’s stat geek is looking at some player’s market value or checking video.
But the biggest side benefit for Mattos hits close to home.
“Kevin Williams wants to make the Big Island go on the map,” Mattos said. “The young kids can see that anything is possible. If I can go straight to the pros out of high school, anything can happen, but you’ve got to put in the work.”
Net notes: The preseason opener is Aug. 5 against the Kauai Stars at UHH gym. The next day, the Hammerheads play Maui United. There’s an 8-10 year old tournament at 10 a.m. and a high school showcase. The all-day pass is $10 for adults and $5 for kids.
