Uluave bypasses hoops to focus on football

Pena Fitisemanu (Kahuku), Salanoa Alo Wily (Kahuku) and Semisi Uluave (Punahou) took in a UH scrimmage earlier this year. Dennis Oda / Star-Advertiser
Pena Fitisemanu (Punahou), Salanoa Alo Wily (Kahuku) and Semisi Uluave (Punahou) took in a UH scrimmage earlier this year. Dennis Oda / Star-Advertiser

His heart says play basketball.

But Semisi Uluave’s mind says it’s time to move on to a big, bright future. Punahou’s 6-foot-6, 315-pound offensive lineman has decided to give up basketball to focus on football.

“Well, I had to think really hard and long about it. My parents really were supportive and helpful towards me and my decision,” he texted on Monday afternoon. “Basically, what played a big factor was that im not going to be playing basketball in college. So yeah. And I just wanted to focus on football.”


Uluave doesn’t have a serious history of injuries from playing basketball, but minimizing the risk would seem to increase his opportunities at the next level. A visit to UCLA is in the works.


“The UCLA trip will be in December,” he wrote.


Uluave showed versatility again recently, moving from guard to center for the state championship game against Mililani on Friday. Punahou rushed for 345 yards, including 260 by running back Wayne Taulapapa, in a 53-45 loss at Aloha Stadium.

A year ago, he played guard and tackle.

COMMENTS

  1. st. anthony trojan November 25, 2014 8:07 am

    he is a very big dude… bb coach must be sick he he he


  2. Moses Galletes November 26, 2014 5:32 am

    Have Oregon shown any interest?


  3. Kenna G December 1, 2014 12:05 pm

    I \,,/_ Laie boyz.


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