The University of Hawaii men's basketball program is strengthening its family ties in a major way. Tiger Cuff, the younger brother of current Rainbow Warriors guard Tanner Cuff, is set to join the team this June upon completing a church mission in Brazil. The 6-foot-6 wing will bring his talents to Manoa with five years of eligibility to play four seasons, adding another chapter to the Cuff family legacy on the court.

This sibling reunion almost didn't happen due to their five-year age gap. "I never actually played with him because I'm a lot older," Tanner admitted. However, Tanner's own career path—extended after a season-ending ACL injury last November—and Hawaii's recent success have perfectly set the stage. The 'Bows, fresh off a 2026 Big West Tournament championship and their first NCAA Tournament berth in a decade, are preparing for their high-profile move to the Mountain West Conference on July 1.

For their father, Ryan Cuff, a celebrated Utah high school coach, seeing his sons as college teammates is a dream scenario. "It's the first time ever," he said. He recalls a lifelong, competitive dynamic where Tiger, despite always losing one-on-one battles growing up, was relentlessly driven to beat his bigger brother. "Tiger's catching up," Ryan noted with a smile. "Tanner better watch out."

Tiger, a former standout at American Fork High in Utah, was originally committed to Weber State—his father's alma mater. A coaching change there last month reopened his recruitment, and Tanner immediately went to work. "I was like, 'Gibson (Johnson), you need to get on him right away,'" Tanner recalled telling the UH assistant coach. "I'm trying to help out any way I can and build a good roster and go win the Mountain West now."

The brothers promise to be a versatile and intelligent duo. While the 6-foot-7 Tanner excels at creating offense off the dribble, Tiger is praised for his sharp outside shooting. Both share elite ball-handling skills, high basketball IQs, and a lifetime of immersion in the game. "They grew up with a basketball in their hands since they were in the crib," their father said.

As for Tiger's unique name? Ryan Cuff clarified it has nothing to do with the golf legend. "We're not golfers," he said. "His middle name is Luke. It's a family name... I said if it didn't fit, we could always go with his middle name. I got lucky, and she agreed, and the rest is history." Now, Hawaii basketball history awaits as the Cuff brothers finally team up, bringing a new wave of talent and family chemistry to the Rainbow Warriors as they enter the Mountain West.