Pomare debuts with double-double

11-19-2005

By Tom Shanahan, San Diego Hall of Champions

Gyno Pomare played a basketball game Friday night and finished with 15 points, 10 rebounds and four blocked shots. Nothing surprising about those numbers -- he averaged a double-double in high school at El Camino.

But this game was Pomare's college debut as a redshirt freshman for USD Friday night as the Toreros defeated Campbell University 91-80 in the season opener for both schools at Buies Creek, N.C.

North County basketball fans attending USD games this winter may not recognize the body and countenance wearing Pomare's blue-and-white USD jersey.

Pomare, the Toreros' starting center, has a new look. Gone is the soft body that in high school was listed as 6-foot-9 and 220 pounds. His height is now more accurately measured at 6-7.

His weighit is actually lighter, too, despite natural physical maturation. With a better diet and weight-lifting program, he's shifted his weight around and is now a sleeker, more muscular 218.

Also gone is the braided hairstyle Pomare wore throughout high school, replaced by an Afro that makes him look two inches taller ---- though he appeared more intimidating with the braids, especially with his Bill Russell-like wingspan and game face.

But as the Toreros open their season Friday at Buies Creek, N.C., against Campbell University, the only appearance Pomare is concerned with is a bigger and stronger presence on the court.

In high school, Pomare relied on superior quickness and turnaround jump shots. But last year, as he worked daily in practice against Brice Vounang and Brandon Gay ---- both of whom are now playing professionally in Europe ---- he realized the need to hold his defensive position in the paint and to create scoring opportunities with post moves.

"I had to hit the weights and get stronger," Pomare said. "Last year was a learning experience going against Brice. I learned I have to use my legs more, and that's where the squats in the weight room have helped me. I can still use my quickness, but I need to be stronger, too."

USD coach Brad Holland, whose Toreros don't play their home opener until Nov. 30 against San Diego State, said Pomare will start inside with senior power forward Nick Lewis (6-10) and senior small forward Corey Belser (6-7).

It's a lineup Holland believes will play bigger than it looks on paper.

"I think one of the signs of a really good player is if he plays taller than he is," Holland said. "Gyno is 6-7, but he plays 6-10. He changes shots. He's our best rebounder and he can rebound out of his area. He's also gaining more confidence in his scoring ability.

"I think he's been the pleasant surprise of practice season so far. I'm surprised he's separated himself from the other 4s (forwards) and 5s (centers) that we have."

At first, Pomare was frustrated that he didn't play as a true freshman, but he now recognizes the value of redshirting.

"I would have been a sitting duck last year," Pomare said. "I wouldn't have been able to rebound much. The year I took off allowed me to learn about college competition. It's been a long time, but now I'm excited to be playing again."

At El Camino, Pomare averaged 19.1 points and 14.0 rebounds a game as a senior, leading the Wildcats to back-to-back CIF Division I titles and two straight trips in the Southern California Regional semifinals in 2002-03 and 2003-04.

Even with Pomare's advanced game and success in high school, USD's lineup last year ---- with seniors Vounang and Gay and juniors Lewis and Belser ---- factored into the decision to redshirt Pomare.

"He would have played some last year, but he wouldn't have played every game and I think it would have been a frustrating year for him," Holland said. "He was a perfect candidate to redshirt. Instead of being a pretty good sophomore this year, I think he can be a very good redshirt freshman."

As for the new hairstyle, Pomare says that change hasn't been as calculated as his work in the weight room.

"Braids get messed up in a week or two," said Pomare, "and I don't have a car any more to get home and take care of them."

Of course, the new look that Pomare wants you to notice this season is his game on the court.