The Hawai'i men's volleyball team has made changes to its lineup, coaching staff and practice schedule.

But the Warriors remain true to one fundamental philosophy: success depends on accurate passing.

"I think we'll be OK as long as we hold our own in the first-reception department," said coach Mike Wilton, whose team hosts British Columbia in doubleheaders Friday and Saturday in the Stan Sheriff Center. Matches are scheduled for 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., although the evening matches will involve the top rotation players.

The past two fall camps, former Olympic coach Carl McGown has served as a consultant. This fall, former UH setter Mason Kuo was added as a full-time assistant coach.

"Superlative after superlative," Wilton said of Kuo's contributions. "He's doing a wonderful job."

The Warrior are seeking to replace setter Brian Beckwith, middle blocker Dio Dante and opposite attacker Lauri Hakala.

Sean Carney, who was the state's Player of the Year as an 'Iolani School senior in 2003, and Slovenia-born Nejc Zemljak are the top candidates to succeed Beckwith. Barring an injury to Carney or Zemljak, freshman Sam Morehouse will redshirt.

Matthew Rawson and Keali'i Frank, who redshirted last season, are the top middles. Kyle Klinger retired from the sport, although he will remain on partial scholarship.

Dusan Matic, a 6-foot-7 middle blocker from Serbia, joins the Warriors in January. He played on the same club team as former UH middle Dejan Miladinovic.

Jake Schkud and Steve Grgas, who experimented as a middle last season, are the top opposite attackers. Rory Brandt, a left-handed transfer from Cal State Northridge, and Brock Hutchins, who returned from a church mission, join the competition in January.

Matt Vanzant, Ernie Vidinha, Jim Clar and Matias Brizuela are competing for the two outside positions.

Ric Cervantes and Cory Enriques will rotate at libero this weekend. Mike China, who is not playing this fall because of personal reasons, is set to rejoin the team in January.

Despite scheduling problems that sometimes force the Warriors to work out at 5:30 in the morning, the practices have been productive. But Wilton cautioned: "It's tough to gauge anything until we play somebody."

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.