Dead-eye Valdes

Hawaii junior Aaron Valdes turned the Manoa College Summer League into his own personal shooting gallery on Tuesday.

The swingman went off for 43 points in Clark Hatch Fitness’ 130-125 loss to Wealth Strategy Partners. What was most notable about that scoring binge, though, was that Valdes — generally known as a streaky shooter — scored nearly all of it from downtown. For some perspective, he had just two 2-point field goals.

His 10th 3 of the game came in exciting fashion, a step-back rainbow shot over Rainbows alumnus Julian Sensley (24 points) to tie the game up with 7.3 seconds left in regulation. Sensley and WSP would have the last word, though, hitting the big buckets in OT.

In all, Valdes hit 11 3s in 24 attempts from long range (it was so many, I lost track when I interviewed him in the video). His percentage was actually quite a bit better most of the game, as he forced up some tough ones late with his team trailing. He hit nine in the first half alone.

Valdes said it was the most 3s he’s made (and attempted) in any game on any level of hoops. Check the video for his thoughts on that, and how it’s been for him as one of the primary UH players in the summer league. He and Grantco Pacific’s Brocke Stepteau were the only current UH players in action on Tuesday.

(Guard Isaac Fleming did some cheerleading from the side, but chose to not play. Other ‘Bows, like Roderick Bobbitt and Stefan Jankovic, have so far elected not to jump in.)

In the early game, the Bill Amis-led Chosen Few squad routed Grantco 84-65.

The summer league is off on Thursday and resumes on Saturday.

—————

Former Rainbow Warrior Negus Webster-Chan has appeared at some of the summer league games of late to watch his former teammates. He chatted with old acquaintances on the side again Tuesday. He declined to be formally interviewed, but it’s believed that Webster-Chan is pretty close to latching on with a pro team; he’s just visiting.

If there’s anyone left holding out hope that he will make a return with the ‘Bows … sorry, he’s hired an agent, which precludes him from using his remaining college eligibility.

Former coach Benjy Taylor also dropped by the league on Tuesday, and chatted some with his former players.