Hiram Thompson and Dominic Waters might be a dynamic duo in training for the University of Hawai'i men's basketball team.

Thompson and Waters are true freshmen point guards for the Rainbow Warriors. They may not be quite ready for prime time during games just yet, but their potential is on display every day in practice.

"Our scout team is really good this year because of those two guys," Hawai'i head coach Riley Wallace said. "They're both quick, they both can shoot it. They really cause problems for (the starters). For true freshmen to show this much progress this early is a good sign for our future."

Thompson and Waters got their first NCAA Division I action in an 82-64 victory over Saint Louis on Nov. 26. Thompson had two points and two assists in six minutes; Waters did not score, but grabbed a rebound in three minutes.

They could get more playing time on Tuesday when the 'Bows host UNLV.

Junior guard "Little Matt" Gibson will remain on suspension for the game, so Thompson and Waters will move up the depth chart.

"There are still other guys ahead of them," Wallace said. "But if something happens to any of the guards ahead of them, I have confidence in both the freshmen. They're both ready to come in and play."

Technically, Thompson and Waters are competing for the same position. Ideally, they'd like to play together since Waters can move to shooting guard.

"We're roommates, we're both in our first year here, we get along," Waters said. "Because we practice so much together (on the scout team), we have great chemistry."

The 6-foot-2 Thompson is from El Dorado Hills, Calif. He is quiet with a no-nonsense type of game.

The 6-1 Waters is from Portland, Ore. He is gregarious with a flashy type of game.

Both were star players in high school, so they are still adjusting to their reserve roles.

"Even though I'm not getting that much playing time right now, I'm still trying to make my teammates better in practice," Thompson said. "And that's going to make me better as well."

Former UH standout player Alika Smith joined the 'Bows as a full-time assistant coach on Thursday. After reading about Smith's past accomplishments, Waters said he and Thompson would like to someday be in that company.

"I think if you put us in there together, we'd be a great tandem," Waters said. "I think we could be comparable to Alika and A.C. (Anthony Carter)."

Smith and Carter were nicknamed the "Dynamic Duo" during their two seasons together from 1996-98.

Because Thompson and Waters have been so quick to catch on, Wallace said there was never a thought of redshirting either player this season.

"I think they can both help us in games (this season)," Wallace said. "They're both smart kids and they both came from winning programs in high school, so they're as ready as any freshmen we've ever had."

Although Thompson and Waters are entering the program together, they may not leave at the same time.

Thompson is a member of the Mormon church, and said he will begin serving a two-year mission in either 2006 or '07.

Until then, they will continue causing problems for the Hawai'i starters during practices.

"I take big pride in that," Waters said. "That's like our way to prove ourselves, and if that's the role we have to play this year, we'll do our best at it."

GUEYE HURTING, BUT WILL PLAY AGAINST UNLV

Junior forward/center Ahmet Gueye hyperextended his right knee during practice on Friday, but said it will not keep him out of the starting lineup against UNLV on Tuesday.

Gueye was able to practice yesterday with a wrap and brace around his knee.

"It hurts pretty bad, but I have to tough it out," he said. "I will play for sure."

Gueye is second on the team in scoring with 14.7 points per game, and first in rebounding with 6.7 per game. He also leads the team with eight blocked shots and a 76.9 field-goal percentage.

Gueye had 21 points and seven rebounds in Hawai'i's 67-61 loss at UNLV on Nov. 22.

The 'Bows are 2-1; the Rebels are 2-3, and have lost three consecutive games since beating Hawai'i. UNLV lost at Oregon State, 69-63, yesterday.

Reach Dayton Morinaga at dmorinaga@honoluluadvertiser.com.