Hawaii coach Eran Ganot announces medical leave of absence

Hawaii head coach Eran Ganot will take a temporary medical leave of absence from the Rainbow Warriors, the school announced has announced. Ganot’s leave comes just one day before the team opens its season.

”Although it pains me to leave the team, there are certain health issues that I need to address,” Ganot said in a statement. “I have a plan and I will return. I appreciate my coaches, players and the administration and I look forward to returning to the court as soon as possible.”

Ganot has led the Warriors to a 77-48 record in his four seasons on the bench in Honolulu. In 2019-20, they will look to improve on last year’s 18-13 record and fourth place finish in the Big West.

Assistant coach Chris Gerulfsen will act as head coach in Ganot’s absence. Gerulfsen has no prior head coaching experience and is in his first season on Ganot’s staff. Before coming to Hawaii, Gerulfsen spent four seasons with San Diego and nine more with Hartford before that. He’s known as an offensive-minded coach, serving as the Torero’s offensive coordinator and revamping the Hawks’ offense.

Hawaii opens up the season Friday with a matchup against Florida A&M in Honolulu.