Like a Bat Signal corrupted by the Joker, the mischievous grin heralded the return of Aaron Valdes.

The Hawaii basketball sophomore was all smiles at Tuesday’s team practice. Not coincidentally, he’s recovered from a sprained ankle and recent illness and is primed to retake the court in Thursday’s game against Long Beach State at the Stan Sheriff Center.

UH’s leading scorer and rebounder is ready to put some recent struggles behind him as his team hits the stretch drive of the season.

When the hyper-athletic Valdes is having fun on the court, it tends to be infectious.

"Energy. I have to start bringing good energy," Valdes said. "That’s how it was at the beginning of the year. … So, I think that’s something I have to get back to as the season’s starting to wind down."

True, Valdes’ first college campaign as a regular starter hasn’t been a study of consistency. He’s enjoyed several explosive outings — notably, his career-high 34 points against Cal State Northridge on Jan. 10 — by uncorking vicious transition dunks, hitting spot-up 3s and using his wingspan and general athleticism to wreak havoc.

He’s also been kept in check at other times, particularly in Big West Conference play. His numbers are down somewhat, as he’s scored in double figures just twice in his last seven games. He also missed two of the past three, one to the sprain and one to illness.

At this late stage of the season, it’s possible to take for granted what the former walk-on has accomplished. Even for someone as gifted at leaping as he, jumping from 3.2 points and 9.2 minutes per game to 13.9 in 29.0 was no easy feat, especially in a season impacted by as much uncertainty as UH experienced with Gib Arnold’s departure.

Plus, being a go-to guy requires a whole different mind-set.

"I think for me, just stay humble. That’s my biggest thing," Valdes said. "There’s are times where I lose sight of stuff. Last couple games have been hard for me, not playing as good as I wanted to. … I’m just excited (to get back out there)."

UH coach Benjy Taylor, one of Valdes’ biggest backers, is eager to see the forward back at full health for the team’s three remaining regular-season games.

"He’s arrived. Of course he’s got a lot of things to work on, but all guys do," Taylor said. "Guys who are juniors and seniors. So, he’s arrived. … From (last year) until now, I think he has the ability to make the same jump next year. With the right motivation and work ethic, he can get there."

Those haven’t been in short supply since his arrival in Manoa for the 2012-13 season, which he eventually redshirted. Valdes has an everlasting source of inspiration in his family back in the greater Los Angeles area.

His parents, Andy and Julia, follow his exploits closely, as do his three older brothers, Andrew, Isaiah and Matthew. Some have delved into coaching in various sports and all are quick to offer feedback after his games.

Aaron grew up playing his older brothers 2-on-2 in the back yard, and later took them on in the pool as a water polo standout — the sport he nearly played in college instead of basketball. He took his share of losses as a youngster, but in a family of athletes, he eventually surpassed the rest, thanks in part to his 43-inch vertical leap.

There’s a common thread between his actual family and his extended (Rainbow Warriors) family.

He pranks all.

"The four of us like to keep things lighthearted. I think he definitely got more of the prankster gene," said his eldest brother, Andrew, 27, a former water polo standout at Occidental (Calif.) College. "Kind of a result of the three of us being older than him and kind of picking on him a little bit. He had to find his niche and find a way to get back at us or get his, in a way."

Get his he has.

"He went from getting his behind whipped by his older brothers, both in the pool and on the basketball court," Andy Valdes said. "But he has the last laugh now. They’re very competitive and all very loving. They push each other very hard on all levels."

Balancing work and play can be a battle for any college student, but Valdes has found a way to blend them.

Valdes is known for his irreverent Twitter persona (@Gumby_32), which will highlight basketball memes crossed with YouTube clips of pop culture references like Batman and other superheros.

"I like keeping up with all that stuff," he said. "(It’s) what keeps me up (emotionally) and makes me laugh. That kind of stuff keeps my mind off basketball, because I don’t like to think about basketball when I’m off the court. I like to have fun and be myself a lot of the time too. So, that kind of stuff helps me keep my mind off it and keep me fresh."

Dyrbe Enos, who redshirted the 2012-13 season alongside Valdes, rated him the team’s top prankster along with Brandon Jawato. But he’s a prankster with a purpose.

"He’ll joke around a lot, but when it comes time to buckle down and get serious he’ll get serious," Enos said. "He’s a hard worker and gives it all he’s got."