Hawaii guard Aaron Hunkin-Claytor to enter transfer portal

Point guard Aaron Hunkin-Claytor of the University of Hawaii men’s basketball team plans to enter the NCAA transfer portal next month, his father confirmed today.

Mario Claytor, a former Hawaii Hilo basketball player, said his son “loves Hawaii” and has a good relationship with his teammates and UH coaches. But Claytor said his son wants to seek his “value” through the portal. Claytor said the “door is open” to a possible return to the Rainbow Warriors.

The transfer portal opens April 7 for NCAA basketball players. Coaches from other schools cannot have direct contact with players who are not officially in the portal. But third-party representatives, such as agents, may have conversations. Claytor said about 15 schools have inquired about his son.

UH coaches and Hunkin-Claytor declined requests to discuss the situation.

Hunkin-Claytor, who grew up in Wahiawa and Laie, was a standout guard at ‘Iolani for two years through 2022. As a sophomore, he was named to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser’s Fab 15 All-State team. He moved with his family to California in 2022.

In two years with Salesian College Prep in Richmond, Calif., Hunkin-Claytor led the Pride to Tri-County Athletic Conference titles. In both seasons, he was named the conference’s Player of the Year.

Hunkin-Claytor reportedly turned down 17 offers to sign with the ’Bows in 2024. He played in 29 games, starting the final 11, as a UH freshman in 2024-25.

This past season, he started 17 games before suffering a season-ending toe injury. The ’Bows were 13-4 in games in which he started.

If Hunkin-Claytor departs, Isaac Finlinson, Isaiah Kerr, Tanner Cuff and AJ Economou would be the returning players from a team that won the 2026 Big West Tournament and competed in the NCAA Tournament.