Some players rise with noise. Others build their résumé in silence—steady, poised, and battle-tested before the spotlight ever finds them.
Aaron Hunkin-Claytor, the cerebral 6’3” guard for the University of Hawai‘i, is one of those rare floor generals who doesn’t need a hype machine to validate his value. His game is built on substance, not flash— and if you’re paying close attention, you’ll realize he’s the kind of guard winning programs are built on.
I remember first spotting Aaron back at an elite basketball camp in Wichita, Kansas. He was only in the eighth grade. Among a gym full of overhyped scorers and volume shooters, he stood out not by scoring—but by controlling pace, running the offense, and making winning decisions.
He never looked rattled.
He never forced the issue.
He simply played with an IQ that was ahead of his years.
It was a mental note I never forgot.
Aaron went on to play his high school basketball at Salesian College Preparatory in Richmond, California—one of Northern California’s most respected programs. Under Coach Bill Mellis, he was tested in a structured, winning environment that demanded toughness, discipline, and execution.
Now, as he enters his sophomore year at Hawai‘i, his steady development is starting to pay off in real time.
Let’s break down the full evaluation.
🔍 Aaron Hunkin-Claytor | 6’3″ | PG | Sophomore
Program: University of Hawai‘i Rainbow Warriors (Big West)
High School: Salesian College Prep (CA)
Report Type: Full Evaluation • Verified Stats • 100% Fact-Checked
Source: 🏀 Unit 1 Hoop Source
🔹 2024–25 SEASON STATISTICS (Official)
- 📊 Games Played / Starts: 29 GP / 11 GS (Started final 11 games)
- 🕒 Minutes per Game: 18.0 MPG
- 🅰️ Assists: 2.5 APG (Team Leader)
- 💥 Points: 3.8 PPG
- 🛡️ Steals: 0.7 SPG (Team Leader)
- 🏹 Shooting Splits: 39.8% FG | 39.1% 3PT | 70.0% FT
- 🔁 Assist-to-Turnover Ratio: Approx. 2.5:1 in conference play
🔹 STRENGTHS (▲)
🔑 Lead Guard Intangibles
🔹 Ran the offense with maturity well beyond his age. Trusted late in games.
🔹 Posted 5.3 assists per game over final 4 contests, showing command and creativity.
🔹 Finished 3rd in Big West in assist/turnover ratio.
🎯 Consistent 3-Point Threat
🔹 Hit nearly 40% from deep. Knows when to spot up vs. swing into the shot.
🔹 Shoots with confidence and rhythm—quiet but efficient weapon from the arc.
🧠 Composure + Poise Under Pressure
🔹 Played big minutes in crunch time late in season (notably at UC Riverside).
🔹 Key voice in huddles and showed maturity beyond his years.
💼 Coach-Ready Defender
🔹 Led the team in steals. Uses quick hands and awareness in passing lanes.
🔹 Understands team concepts on defense. Doesn’t over gamble.
🔹 AREAS FOR DEVELOPMENT (▼)
🧱 Scoring Aggression
🔹 Averaged just under 4.0 PPG—needs more downhill presence.
🔹 Tends to defer rather than collapse the defense and create secondary action.
🏋️ Physical Strength vs. Elite Guards
🔹 At 165 lbs, can be pushed off spots or struggle finishing through contact.
🔹 Would benefit from off-season strength and core development.
🚧 Finishing Through Traffic
🔹 As stated by the staff, team-wide finishing at the rim was a challenge.
🔹 Needs to add floaters, two-foot touch shots, and off-hand reads.
🔹 COACH & TEAM FEEDBACK
🗣️ Head Coach Eran Ganot:
“We need to finish better at the rim… not just finishing but in turnovers. Still, I love the poise [Hunkin-Claytor] brought to the floor.”
🗣️ Postgame Quote – UC Riverside Win:
“His poise was really impactful. You need guys like him to close games out.”
🗣️ Aaron Hunkin-Claytor (Self-Quote):
“We don’t lack talent… but we have to carry that edge every time. That swag. Hit first.”
🔹 UNIT 1 HOOP SOURCE EVALUATION
🔍 Projection:
Hunkin-Claytor brings natural leadership, smooth floor game, and low-mistake basketball to the Big West. As a sophomore, he’s poised to elevate into a dependable 25+ minute guard who can run the show, knock down shots, and handle defensive matchups. His feel, poise, and efficient mindset make him a name to track long-term in system-based or overseas models where guard IQ and structure matter.
🧠 Development Watch:
If he commits to becoming a more assertive scorer and adds functional strength, he can thrive as a primary lead guard in the Big West and expand his professional appeal.
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🏁 CLOSING STATEMENT | UNIT 1 HOOP SOURCE
🔒 Editorial Disclaimer
All scouting evaluations, statistical breakdowns, and player projections are based on verified sources, live/game film, and independent analysis conducted by Unit 1 Hoop Source. While we strive for 100% accuracy and fact-check all roster data, transfers, and stats through official team sites and media partners, rosters and roles are subject to change. Our mission is to provide honest, respectful, and insightful basketball coverage rooted in integrity, journalistic ethics, and a passion for the game.
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