Sharpshooter Lands On Pelicans NBA Summer League Roster
Kamaka Hepa, the former University of Hawaii sharpshooting forward, was signed to the 2023 NBA Summer League roster for the New Orleans Pelicans. Who is Hepa? Why is he considered a hidden gem for New Orleans?
KAMAKA HEPA
- Height: 6'9"
- Weight: 222 lbs
- College: Hawaii, Texas
- Hometown: Utqiagvik, AK
- Honors: Team Captain, All-Big West Honorable Mention
- What's to Like?: 67 three-point shots as a senior, five double-doubles
HEPA IN COLLEGE
The Recruiting Services Consensus Index Rankings has the 6-foot-9 forward ranked No. 55 and is considered 'Fairly Successful.' After three seasons, he transferred from the University of Texas with 58 game appearances and 12 starts. Hepa shot 35.1% from the floor while averaging 2.4 PPG, 1. 6 RPG, 0.4 APG, and 0.4 SPG.
His performance at UT wasn't mind-blowing by no means. Hepa's increased playing time at Hawaii showed great potential as a Top 100 high school recruit. It's time for Kamaka Hepa to display his promise during NBA Summer League action for the Pelicans.
WHAT HEPA'S COACH SAID
In 2021, Hepa transferred to Hawaii to play for Hawaii's head basketball coach Eran Ganot. "He deserves every bit of success that comes his way, " Ganot told KHON2. "He's very professional. He's very respectful, and has the highest character. That matters. I think he's a late bloomer. He's only had two years of playing significant minutes. So he made a jump. He's about to make another jump here since the season's ended. This guy can really shoot. He's got great size, length, can really extend the floor as well. Can shoot a deep ball. Know how to play. Smart and a vocal leader...I think that this a very wise investment."
HEPA AS A SENIOR AND FUTURE
During his senior year, Hepa started all 33 games as the team captain averaging 11.5 PPG, 6.6 RPG (5.2 DRPG), 1.5 APG, and 0.8 BPG. The former Rainbow Warrior forward hit three-pointers at a rate of 39.6% (Junior) and 37.8% (Senior). Also, he's an excellent free-throw shooter burying 82.3% at Hawaii.
New Orleans has found success with undrafted free agents before with Jose Alvarado. Could Kamak Hepa become the next success story for the Pelicans during the four NBA summer league games?
We shall see. Hepa will join the Pelicans' first-round draft pick and another sharpshooter Jordan Hawkins in Las Vegas for the NBA Summer League games against the T-Wolves, Warriors, Suns, and Hornets.
PELICANS SUMMER LEAGUE ROSTER
- Jordan Hawkins, Forward
- Kamaka Hepa, Forward
- Tevian Jones, Guard
- Landers Nolley, Forward
- Liam Robbins, Center
- Dereon Seabron, Guard
