Fotu commits to Saint Mary’s
Former Kahuku standout Daniel Fotu gave his oral commitment to Saint Mary's. Cindy Ellen Russell / Honolulu Star-Advertiser.
Former Kahuku star Daniel Fotu has given an oral commitment to play basketball at Saint Mary’s, a source from Hawaii confirmed today.
Last winter, Fotu, a 6-foot-7 forward who lives in New Zealand, enrolled at Kahuku after the start of basketball season, spent the three months of basketball season in Hawaii and led the Red Raiders to the Division I state championship before moving back to New Zealand.
Fotu’s commitment to play for the Gaels was first reported by ESPN, which cited an unnamed source. He still has one season of high school eligibility remaining and is expected to play it in New Zealand.
At Kahuku, Fotu played his junior season for coach Brandyn Akana, a former University of Hawaii assistant and the brother of former UH star Jarrin Akana, who is now an NBA agent.
Fotu is the brother of Isaac Fotu, who starred for the University of Hawaii under former coach Gib Arnold. During a scandal that was investigated by the NCAA, Arnold and Brandyn Akana were relieved of their duties by UH under allegations that documents were altered and improper gifts were given to Isaac Fotu. Both Arnold and Akana were eventually penalized by the NCAA, and Isaac Fotu — after being suspended by UH — left the program.
Saint Mary’s, located in Moraga, Calif., made it to the second round of the NCAA Tournament in March, losing to Arizona 69-60 after beating VCU 85-77 in the first round.