HONOLULU — University of Hawai’i men’s basketball coach Eran Ganot announced the addition of its second international basketball player this week with the signing of Jacopo (ya-cup-o) Van der Knaap. The 6-5 guard from Verona, Italy has four years of eligibility with the Rainbow Warriors.
Van der Knaap, who is 21 years old, has played extensively throughout Europe. While Van der Knaap grew up in Italy, he has 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. During one point in the season he poured in 20 or more points in four straight games. Van der Knaap initially gained exposure last year when he impressed against a trio of US collegiate teams on summer tour in Italy.
“Jacopo is a big guard who has a knack for scoring and can play multiple positions on the perimeter,” Ganot said. “He’s been an elite shooter with vast international experience and we love the poise and maturity he plays with. His development over the years has been impressive and we look forward to seeing that trend continue here. We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome Jacopo to the program.”
In 2022-23, Van der Knaap played 22 games for the Den Helder Suns in the BNXT League, the first tier pro league in both the Dutch and Belgian system. As a member of the Orange Lions Academy, he has also been part of the Netherlands national team program. Van der Knaap participated in the European Youth Basketball League and competed in the FIBA U20 European Championship in both 2022 and ’23.
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 is the fourth player overall and second international player to sign with UH this spring. Earlier this week, UH landed forward Gtyis Nemeikša, a Xavier transfer who originally hails from Lithuania.
2024-25 Signees
Tanner Christensen | 6-10 | 275 | Center | Spokane, Wash.| Utah Tech
A.J. Economou | 6-5 | 180 | Guard | Santa Moncia, Calif. | Southern California Academy
Marcus Greene | 6-2 | 190 | Guard | Gilroy, Calif. | Houston Christian
Aaron Hunkin-Claytor | 6-3 | 175 | Guard | Wahiawa, O’ahu | Salesian Prep
Gytis Nemeikša | 6-8 | 220 | Forward | Kaunas, Lithuania | Xavier
Jacopo Van der Knaap | 6-5 | 200 | Guard | Verona, Italy | Orange Lions Academy
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