Players continue to leave the University of Hawaii men’s basketball team in droves, and it appears at least one of them is bound for the Big Island.
Kameron Ng announced Thursday that he was transferring to the University of Hawaii at Hilo, tweeting, “I’m excited for my new journey. All I ever needed was a chance. Let’s get to work.”
He spelled out “HILO” and posted a picture of himself in a Vulcans jersey.
Ng, a 5-foot-11 sophomore guard and a former standout at Saint Francis School in Honolulu, played in four games during this past season before opting out, citing COVID-19 concerns. Ng was named the Gatorade Hawaii boys basketball player of the year as a junior and senior.
As a freshman during the 2019-20 season, he appeared in 11 total games off the bench.
Also, UH guard Biwali Bayles has decided to remain in Australia and pursue a pro basketball career.
Bayles announced his decision to leave the UH basketball program on social media, and then confirmed it in a telephone interview with the Honolulu Star-Advertiser on Wednesday.
Bayles said the move will allow him to help support his family and pursue an aspiration of playing professionally.
“My family is in a difficult position,” Bayles said. “Obviously, homesickness played a major role in (the decision). Initially, I was planning to be with my family, and I felt (pursuing pro ball) is a better opportunity for me and my family, and I’m able to take care of them.”
UH coach Eran Ganot said he is supportive of Bayles.
“I love him,” Ganot said. “We have a really good relationship. He has a great family. All you can do in those situations is support him, which we do, and we’ll root for him.”
In his lone UH season, Bayles averaged 6.2 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.6 assists. He played in all 21 games, starting 12, and connected on 40.4 % of his shots, including 43.2 % on 3s.
Since the end of the season, foward James Jean-Marie and Justin Hemsley, and guards Justin Webster and Ng entered the NCAA’s transfer portal. In January, forward Manel Ayol opted to transfer.