Loyola Marymount and then Columbia before coaching for several years in Connecticut and Virginia. And it really made an impact, as many of us were offered college scholarships because of that exposure,” says my daughter Becky, who played her college ball at We went to national tournaments in Vegas and Oregon and Washington. “Coach Agena recognized early that, in order for many of us to have a chance to play ball beyond high school, we had to go to big tournaments on the Mainland. “He presented so many opportunities to play at big-time tournaments in front of big-time coaches and against big-time players.” “Although basketball was our connection, Coach Agena instilled a work ethic in me off the court that I am proud of today,” says Richardson, a former star from Kalaheo and UC Santa Barbara, and now a teacher at Radford High School. Some of those he impacted over the years, like Derrick Low, Bobby Nash and Kyle Pape on the boys’ side, and Nani Cockett, BJ Itoman, Shawna-Lei Kuehu and Brandy Richardson on the girls’ side, can’t say enough about him. They compete hard and always give their best effort, but they also respect the game and show humility in victory and resolve in defeat.”Ĭoach Agena looks on as Logan Tanaka from Kalani High School practices drills. When watching a game, you can pick out the Kalakaua players right away not only for their refined skills, but also the way they play the game. “His fingerprints are all over the Hawaii high school game. “Dennis Agena is arguably the most influential figure in Hawaii basketball over the last few decades,” says long-time local high school coach Byron Mello. The first person I called to ask what I should do was Coach Agena,” says Elyse Umeda-North, a former All-State guard from Punahou, who played NCAA Division I basketball in the Ivy League and now runs a successful business in Honolulu, CrossFit 808. “After I graduated from Princeton, I was offered a coaching job at Samford University. His players, many of whom blossomed into all-stars in Hawaii and then onto impressive collegiate rosters all over the country, keep in touch. You have to have a good attitude, treat your peers well and respect your team.” “You have to be committed at home and to your schoolwork. “Commitment is key,” he says in his inimitable low-key style - serious and direct, yet gentle at the same time. For 50 years, Coach Agena has taught his players to be the best they can be - in basketball and in life.
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