UH men's basketball signs highly regarded California forward

The University of Hawaii men's basketball team has signed highly regarded 6-foot-8, 225-pound forward Ronnie Stevens of Serra High School in California.

Stevens, who helped lead Serra to a 35-2 record and a state title, was ranked the No. 13 prep player in California by calihighsports.com.

He averaged 12.5 points, 10.5 rebounds and 4.9 blocks per game as a junior last season.

"What I like most about Ronnie is he is a winner," UH coach Gib Arnold said in a press statement. "He comes from a great Serra High basketball program in Los Angeles and knows what it takes to win championships. He comes from a great family and we're thrilled that he is now part of the Hawai'i basketball 'ohana."

Stevens will enroll next fall and have four years of eligibility.

Considered a top rebounder, Stevens turned heads during the AAU circuit this past summer when he had a 25-point, 16-rebound and six-assist game in the final of the Duel in the Desert Tournament.

Stevens chose UH after receiving interest from such schools as Colorado, Marquette, Nevada, New Mexico State, Oregon, San Diego State, TCU, Utah, Virginia Tech and Washington State.