Story by
The Honolulu Star-Advertiser
Former Rainbow Warriors hope to continue careers in Las Vegas
- Story byThe Honolulu Star-Advertiser
- Former Rainbow Warriors hope to continue careers in Las Vegas
Former University of Hawaii basketball players Isaac "Big Fish" Johnson and Quandre "Dre" Bullock are hopeful of continuing their careers on the Ninth Island this summer.
Although both auditioned for teams, neither is expected to be selected in the 2026 NBA Draft on Tuesday and Wednesday at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. The last UH player to be drafted was forward Reggie Cross in the second round in 1989. A shoulder injury likely prevented guard Anthony "AC" Carter from being drafted in 1998. But Carter went on to play 12 NBA seasons and serve as an assistant coach for another eight years.
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Johnson and Bullock expressed a goal of playing in the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. All 30 NBA teams will field teams in the July 9-19 event at the Thomas &Mack Center and Pavilion on the UNLV campus. Their backup plan is to play professionally overseas.
"Hopeful," Johnson said of his chances of playing for an NBA summer team.
Bullock said: "Most likely I'll be in the summer league."
In their lone UH season, the 7-foot Johnson and guard/wing Bullock helped the Rainbow Warriors win the 2026 Big West Tournament and earn a berth in the NCAA Tournament. Johnson, who averaged 14.1 points, was named to the All-Big West first team and was selected as the league tournament's Most Valuable Player. He was the 'Bows' first NABC All-District first-team selection in 10 years.
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Bullock was named to the All-Big West second team after leading the 'Bows in rebounding (5.9 per game) and field-goal attempts (367) while averaging 13.8 points.
Johnson had sought a waiver that would have allowed him to play as a plus-year senior in 2026-27. But the NCAA denied the motion, making Johnson eligible for the draft. Earlier this month, Johnson worked out for the Houston Rockets.
"My agent was able to get me in contact with them and hook it up," Johnson said. "That was pretty sweet."
Johnson said it would be a "pleasant surprise" if he were drafted. "We'll see what happens."
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He said a more realistic scenario would be to receive an invitation to the summer league and, if he is not offered a contract, to pursue opportunities overseas.
"We're hoping it'll be in Japan," Johnson said.
Bullock had workouts with the Miami Heat and Toronto Raptors.
Bullock was training in Miami when he received a call from the Heat. Bullock said Heat president Pat Riley and head coach Eric Spoelstra watched from courtside seats as Bullock went through drills. Associate head coach Chris Quinn and assistant coach Caron Butler directed the session.
Last week, UH head coach Eran Ganot relayed a message that Toronto general manager Bobby Webster wanted to bring in Bullock for a workout. Webster is a 2002 'Iolani graduate.
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During testing, Bullock was measured at 6 feet 5 with a 6-8 wing span. Bullock was timed at 3.1 seconds in the three-quarter-court sprint and 10.7 seconds in the lane-agility course. Bullock, who was used mostly at the two and three for UH, played point guard in several drills during the workout.
"It was really good," Bullock said. "I competed a lot."
Bullock also received interest from the Milwaukee Bucks and Phoenix Suns.
"A lot of overseas looks, too," Bullock said. "That's the possibility."
Bullock said he would strongly consider playing professionally in Australia. Last month, UH teammate Harry Rouhliadeff signed a three-year contract to play for the Brisbane Bullets of the National Basketball League, Australia's premier pro basketball league.
"Just waiting until draft night and see what happens," Bullock said. "Whatever happens, happens."
