HONOLULU — Hawaii men’s basketball assistant coach Mike Thomas has left the program, a university spokesperson confirmed to Spectrum News on Thursday night.

Thomas, a former Rainbow Warriors forward who got his first college coaching job under Eran Ganot for the 2021-22 season, left for personal reasons and recently returned home in California, UH said.

UH posted an opening for a men’s basketball assistant coach on its website sometime Thursday afternoon.

Thomas gave a statement later Thursday night: “It is with a heavy heart that I must say I’m stepping away from coaching and from the program. This job has been nothing but a blessing to be around great people and future men of importance within this Hawaii Men’s Basketball Program, and I’m grateful to God for them. This community has shown nothing but love and support and has motivated me greatly over the last year. The leadership, and I mean true leadership, from Coach Ganot and (Athletic Director) David Matlin, is nothing short of exemplary and I strive to be the men of character they’ve shown me to be. At this time, there are personal issues that I need to work through that are far greater than the game of basketball. I hope the public can respect my decision and my privacy as I strive through these things. Always and forever a ‘Bow.”

Ganot, who is entering his eighth season as head coach, could face a challenge to hire a replacement with just months until the 2022-23 season begins in November and even less time before practice ramps up. The departure of Thomas leaves UH without a minority assistant coach or staff member.

Ganot lauded Thomas on his way out, however, stating: "Mike is awesome. He recently communicated that he was going through some personal issues and we support him 100%. He's family for life and it's no secret that I hold him in the highest regard, a view shared by many. He was impactful here as a player and coach and always made us better. Can't thank him enough for all he has done for us."

Then-UH coach Gib Arnold recruited Thomas to UH from El Camino Real High in Woodland Hills in 2013. He remained with the program through two coaching transitions, including Benjy Taylor to Ganot for Ganot's first full head coaching job in 2015-16.

Thomas was the starting power forward on the record-setting UH team that went 28-6 and defeated California in the first round of the NCAA Tournament that year.

Ganot hired Thomas, a beloved teammate and the winningest player in program history, as a coach despite no prior experience at the college level, though Thomas, who has a passion for player development, worked with players while part of a private business from 2019 to 2021 and was an assistant coach at Harvard Westlake High over a similar time frame.

According to UH's job posting, applications for Thomas' replacement will be reviewed starting Aug. 5.

Brian McInnis covers the state's sports scene for Spectrum News Hawaii.