In an effort to rejuvenate the University of Hawai'i men's basketball program, head coach Bob Nash looked to its past.

Former Rainbow Warriors Tim Shepherd and Tes Whitlock will join Nash's staff this season.

Shepherd will serve as the director of basketball operations; Whitlock will be a video coordinator and student-manager.

"I think both those guys will be great additions," said Nash, who is in his first year as head coach of the 'Bows. "They've been here as players so they know what it takes to get it done."

Shepherd left a job as an elementary school counselor — and took a pay cut — to join the UH staff. According to Nash, some of Shepherd's duties will include travel coordination for road games, film exchange with opponents, and some scouting preparation.

"A lot of this is new for me," Shepherd said. "But this is a learning experience, and I've always wanted to get into coaching so this is a good way to start."

Shepherd was an assistant coach for the La Pietra girls team that won the ILH Division II championship in 2006.

He played at UH from 1989 to '93, and ranks eighth on the school's all-time list for rebounding with 577.

"As a player, Tim was an undersized guy who got the most out of what he had," Nash said. "So hopefully the (current players) can learn from him."

Eran Ganot, who was the director of basketball operations last season, was promoted to assistant coach for this season.

"I am aware of that, and (Ganot) is the guy I'm going to all the time if I have questions," Shepherd said. "Hopefully, I can move up in the future and start my coaching career, too."

Whitlock said he decided to return to school this year after an eight-year hiatus that included a brief stint in the NBA Developmental League. He will not get paid for his role with the team, although he will receive an athletic scholarship.

"I'm about a year away from getting my degree (in sociology)," he said.

Whitlock, 35, played at UH from 1994 to '96, and ranks seventh on the school's all-time list for 3-pointers made with 109.

According to Nash, Whitlock's duties will include video production of practices and games, as well as preparing the gyms for practices.

"I'm mopping floors, I'll do windows, anything," he said. "If that's what it takes to get into coaching, that's why I'm here."

Reach Dayton Morinaga at dmorinaga@honoluluadvertiser.com.