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

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

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

"Ronnie brings probably the greatest trait of any player. He brings winning," said UH coach Gib Arnold. "He’s a kid who’s won at the highest level of California high school basketball; won a state championship and played on a great AAU team in the summer, and won at a high level. So Ronnie knows how to win. And that’s every bit as important as athleticism and all the other things, is getting a guy who knows how to win. I’m thrilled to have him with us, and plan on him bringing that winning mentality to our team."

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.

Gib considers Stevens to be an instant impact player.

"Yeah. He’s got the ability to do that, and as his game progresses, I expect him to do that," Arnold said. "Again, the transition for all high school kids, with the additional size, strength and athleticism that you find in Division I basketball, and the sooner he understands that, then he’ll be very effective for us, even as a freshman."