Hawaii Harry: Big man's March Madness dreams realised

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"I was just a kid playing junior rep basketball in Brisbane on a Saturday and now I'm playing on one of the biggest stages in basketball."

Could any quote sum up the journey of University of Hawaii captain and Aussie big man Harry Rouhliadeff any better?

The Brisbane product is finishing his senior season at the Rainbow Warriors in the best way possible after helping lead the team coached by former Australian Boomer and NBL guard Brad Davidson to the NCAA Division 1 men's tournament for the first time since 2016.

Hawaii, who also feature Australian basketball legend Patty Mills as their general manager, secured a ticket to March Madness after beating UC Irvine 71-64 in the final of the Big West Tournament.

The Rainbow Warriors will now face Arkansas in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Friday at 6.25am (AEST).

"It really means the world to me to be playing in the tournament," Rouhliadeff told basketball.com.au.

"I grew up watching college ball with dad and to live out that dream is something I’ll remember for the rest of my life."

It took a mountain of work for Rouhliadeff and the Rainbow Warriors to break a decade-long drought, including a tough run to the conference championship.

"It was a battle," he said.

"The Big West conference is really competitive and any team can win on any given night. Each game was a war and came down to who wanted it more. I'm so proud of our team for their grit and toughness.

"To go out as a conference champion as a senior, you can’t really come up with a better ending than that. I’m just so grateful and proud of the work I’ve put in to get to where I am. It’s been a grind.

"The University of Hawaii has meant the world to me. A place that I call home away from home, it’ll always be with me wherever I go. I’ve created a bond with the islands for the rest of my life. I'm so grateful to live in such a beautiful and special area of the world."

Working his way up from being a hard-nosed, no-nonsense and tough junior player, who wasn't really put among the best talents in Queensland for his age group until around under-18s, Rouhliadeff's journey is one for all aspiring college prospects to recognise.

He consistently led his club side, the Southern Districts Spartans, and high school team at Villanova College to championships and group accolades before taking his versatile skillset to a new level, earning his way into Queensland state teams for national championships.

Rouhliadeff quickly became a prototypical moden big man - someone who can handle the ball, play off dribble hand-offs, distribute the ball, play from the post and hit from the perimeter.

His rapid improvement and attitude attracted the attention of Hawaii and Davidson, who were able to secure the rising big man on a scholarship.

And his continued improvement has been there for everyone to see - going from averaging just 9.4 minutes with 3.2 points and 1.3 rebound per game in his freshman season, to 25.3 minutes with 10.8 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game while shooting 52.6% from the field and just under 40% from beyond the arc.

Now set to showcase his skills on the biggest college stage there is, Rouhliadeff said he can't believe the opportunity he has in front of him when he looks back at where he came from.

"It’s pretty crazy where this game can take you," he said.

"I was just a kid playing junior rep basketball in Brisbane on a Saturday and now I'm playing on one of the biggest stages in basketball. Unfortunately my family won’t be able to come out. I had them over for senior week which was really special for me."

While making the jump across the other side of the world can be daunting for a lot of teenage athletes, Rouhliadeff has had the fortune of having two Aussies play a major role in his college career.

From Davidson as head coach, to this season where one of his idols in Patty Mills has been the general manager.

"Brad has had such a huge impact on my development as a player and really helped me get to where I am," Rouhliadeff said.

"He’s also positively impacted my life. I see him and his family as a part of my family now.

"Having your idol become your GM left me pretty speechless. I watched him play ever since I was a little kid, his support and guidance has helped me become a better leader. He's one of the most down to earth people I’ve met."

Rouhliadeff says the chance to play in March Mardness is surreal but he's not taking it for granted, firmly focused on taking Hawaii as far as they can go as they head into the first round clash with Arkansas as underdogs.

But Aussies wouldn't have it any other way.

"I’m expecting a dog fight. Wouldn’t want it any other way," he said.

"They are a powerhouse in one of the best conferences in the country. I’m excited to throw my best punch."

Rouhliadeff is one of many impressive young Aussie big men to feature in March Madness with Florida's Alex Condon, Purdue Oscar Cluff and more to play a big role in who takes home this season's NCAA division one national championship.