Men’s Basketball Signs International Guard
The University of Hawai’i men’s basketball team has signed its second international player this week, Jacopo Van der Knaap, a 6-5 guard from Verona, Italy. Van der Knaap, 21, has four years of eligibility with the Rainbow Warriors.
International talent joins the Rainbow Warriors
Van der Knaap has played extensively throughout Europe, with roots in the Netherlands where he has played in a number of leagues, while also suiting up for the Dutch national team. Most recently, he played as an amateur for Tobarra CB in the EBA, a Spanish pro league. In 25 appearances during the 2023-24 season, he averaged 13.0 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game.
“Jacopo is a big guard who has a knack for scoring and can play multiple positions on the perimeter,” Coach Eran Ganot said. “He’s been an elite shooter with vast international experience and we love the poise and maturity he plays with.”
Van der Knaap’s younger brother Timoty, who plays with the Italian national team, recently signed with Bradley. UH has had players from 23 different foreign countries, but none from Italy or the Netherlands.
Van der Knaap joins a diverse group of international players at UH
Van der Knaap is the fourth player overall and second international player to sign with UH this spring. Earlier this week, UH landed forward Gytis Nemeikša, a Xavier transfer who originally hails from Lithuania.
The Rainbow Warriors welcome Van der Knaap to the team
