HONOLULU (KHON2) — When the University of Hawaii’s basketball season tips off, there’s one player who’s beyond happy to be suiting up for the home team.
Hawaii and basketball have always been part of Aaron Hunkin-Claytor’s life. His father played for UH Hilo and he was a star player at Iolani.
When his family moved to California, he missed everything about the islands. Now, he’s back and ready to make some noise in Manoa.
“The air is a lot cleaner here. When you get off the airplane, I feel like the air is a lot cleaner, the atmosphere, everyone’s nice,” he explained.
So when it was time to start looking at universities, it was no surprise to anybody which school topped his list.
“I don’t think it was a hard decision for me. My parents knew it wasn’t a hard decision. As soon as we left for sports and to get more recognition, I was like, I need to be home. So as soon as I got the offer, I committed,” he said.
Now he’s back, breathing that fresh island air again and just as important, enjoying some good family-style cooking.
He’s also fit in well with his new family on the court.
Despite an adjustment period every true freshman goes through, Hunkin-Clayton eventually found his way last season — starting the final 11 games of the season and leading the team in assists and steals.
“I take a lot of pride in that. When I first started, I was a little bigger than kids and I was a point guard. I was a big man out here, and I knew some things had to change, but being from here and showing other kids, that is possible when you take a risk on yourself, I think that’s a cool thing.”
With the new season about to tip off, he said he definitely allows himself to dream about the days of a sold-out Stan Sheriff Center and being part of a team that makes headlines far beyond Hawaii’s shores.
“We have a lot of good pieces. A lot of new transfers that are really good and have a chance to make some noise this year and make a big run into the Big West and into the NCAA tournament.”
“I think the program can get as big as we want to get, especially this year. It’s one of the steps we’re taking and the players that we have coming in with Nike and things like that it’s a huge step for us and we can be really good.”
Even though he knows there are many other great universities out there that might be willing to pay him for his services, Hunkin-Claytor said there’s something about playing in Manoa that cannot be duplicated.
“They show love, no matter what. They want us to play our hearts and defend the state as best we can; they show love and that atmosphere really helps instill confidence in everyone on the team.”
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KHON2 invites everyone to support Hawaii’s student athletes as we join the university for “Hawaii’s Team Drive,” a telethon and fundraiser.
The event is on Tuesday, Sept. 9, during our newscasts. Stay with us for all the details on how you can help the home team.