HONOLULU - University of Hawai'i men's basketball head coach Eran Ganot announced the addition of two outstanding backcourt players. Prep guards Aaron Hunkin-Claytor and AJ Economou (E-kahn-oh-mo) have each signed their national letter of intent to join the Rainbow Warriors. 

It will be a homecoming for Hunkin-Claytor, a 6-3 point guard who grew up on O'ahu before spending the last two seasons in Northern California. The native of Wahiawa, is currently enrolled at Salesian College Prep in Richmond, Calif., the alma mater of current UH all-conference guard JoVon McClanahan. Last season as a junior, Hunkin-Claytor was named Tri-County Athletic League Rock MVP after leading Salesian to 26 wins and an undefeated record in conference play (10-0).

Prior to moving to the mainland, Hunkin-Claytor shined at 'Iolani School earning a spot on the   Honolulu Star-Adverstiser's Fab 15 all-state team as a sophomore. Touted for his versatility, ball handling, passing and defense, Hunkin-Claytor turned heads while playing for the San Francisco Rebels and Jalen Green Elite on the club circuit. 

"We're excited to welcome Aaron to the Rainbow Warrior 'ohana," Ganot said. "He's one of the top point guards and floor generals in California and comes out of a great program in Salesian High School. His play-making ability, along with his winning mindset, will be a great addition to our program's culture. He has strong ties to Hawai'i and we're excited to have Aaron return home." 

Economou comes to Manoa with similar promise. The 6-5, 180 pound shooting guard is currently in his post-graduate year at the Southern California Academy, one of the elite prep schools in the country. For the last two years, he has competed with and against the nation's best players and programs. Southern California Academy has been ranked Top 5 nationally among post-graduate schools, while sending nearly three dozen players to the Division I ranks in the last three years.

Economou previously attended Santa Monica High School. As a junior he was named to the All-CIF Southern Section Division 2A team, while leading his squad to the a league championship and a spot in the CIF Southern Section playoffs. Economou, who boasts impressive athleticism and shot-making ability, was an elite lacrosse player before deciding to concentrate on basketball. 

"AJ is a highly-skilled guard who can play multiple positions with his size and athletic ability," Ganot said. "He's a gifted shooter and is a true two-way player that takes pride in guarding multiple positions. Playing at Southern California Academy has given him the opportunity to compete against and alongside some of the top competition in the country. We're extremely excited to welcome AJ to Hawai'i." 

Basketball runs in the family for both of the UH signees. Hunkin-Claytor's father Mario starred at UH Hilo and his sister Maya is currently a junior guard at Alcorn State. Economou's father, Greg, played college basketball at UConn and professionally in Greece, while his older brother Rip, suited up for Seattle U.