Hiram Thompson technically is not one of the new recruits for the University of Hawaii men's basketball team.

In fact, he's the oldest recruit on the team, having become a Rainbow Warrior in 2005 — two years before Bob Nash became the head coach.

But a new and improved version of Thompson will be on display tonight when the 'Bows host Hawaii-Hilo in an exhibition game at the Stan Sheriff Center.

"I have a different mentality this year," said Thompson, a 6-foot-2 junior. "I do feel like this is a fresh start for me, just because I'm finally healthy."

Thompson had an injury-plagued sophomore campaign last season, but has emerged as the top point guard this season. He will be in the starting lineup and play a key role for the wounded 'Bows tonight.

"You could see in his body that he was stronger this year," Nash said. "He's worked awful hard. I think what you're seeing now is the Hiram Thompson we all envisioned. He's leading the offense, hitting shots, making good decisions — all the things you want from your point guard."

Thompson played a reserve role as a true freshman in the 2005-06 season. He then sat out the next two seasons while serving a church mission in Iowa.

He returned to the team last season, but injuries to both his hamstrings hampered his performance from start to finish.

"I don't think I was ever truly healthy," Thompson said. "Mentally, I tried to convince myself that I was fine, but the reality was I was never 100 percent."

Over the summer, he returned to his roots. He lifted weights and shot hundreds of baskets every day at his high school alma mater, Oak Ridge High in El Dorado Hills, Calif.

"I would go with my dad or my brother, or who ever else was around," he said. "Not too much running because I wanted to get my body healthy. But I worked on my shot as much as possible — worked on my form and just tried to improve every day."

After last season, Nash and his assistant coaches made it clear that the team needed an upgrade at the point guard position. Sharpshooting recruits Jeremy Lay and Dwain Williams were brought in to compete for the lead role.

Instead, Thompson has established himself as the team's most reliable guard through the first two weeks of practice.

"I agreed (with the coaches), we needed more guards," Thompson said. "I wasn't scared or insulted that they brought in new guys. I knew I had to get better myself."

Ironically, Thompson is now one of the few 'Bows who has not been hurt this season.

Junior center Douglas Kurtz (knee) and senior forward Brandon Adams (ankle) are expected to miss tonight's game. Lay (leg), Williams (thumb) and senior forward Roderick Flemings (abdomen) are considered questionable.

Still, the 'Bows should be able to start a big lineup featuring Thompson and 6-8 Adhar Mayen in the backcourt, 6-9 Bill Amis at small forward, 6-8 Petras Balocka at power forward and 6-10 Paul Campbell at center.

UH-Hilo's tallest player is 6-7 Zachary Wilde, and three other Vulcans are 6-6. The rest of the team is 6-3 and shorter.

"I hope none of our guys get broken in half," UH-Hilo head coach Jeff Law joked. "We're hoping to be competitive. It's one of those things where if we make some shots early and build some confidence, we could stay in it. But if things go bad early and we fall behind, it could be tough because we are a young team."

The 'Bows and Vulcans have met in six exhibition games since 2000. UH-Mänoa has won all six, and the only close game was last season, when the 'Bows won 72-70.

The final result and statistics will not count for either team.