Warrior Insider

In sickness and in health, Ronnie Stevens (Black, No. 21 – Putback at 2:27) is making a commitment to the Hawaii basketball team.

Stevens, a 6-foot-9, 225-pound forward at Serra High School in Gardena, Calif., said today that he will sign with the Warriors.

“It feels like the best fit for me,” he said. “I met the coaches and the players and looked at the situation they have there and what they’re trying to build with Coach (Gib) Arnold and I decided I wanted to be a part of it.”

The website calihighsports.com ranks Stevens as the No. 13 prep player in California, and described his commitment as “the best recruit Hawaii has had in years, a guy who has incredible talents but even greater potential.”

Stevens made a recruiting visit to Hawaii two weeks ago, but had to stay in his hotel room for much of it because he was feeling sick.

“I was sick so I missed out on a lot of the fun,” he said. “But I saw enough to know that it was a great place.”

Stevens made a recruiting visit to Cal State Northridge last weekend, and chose the Warriors shortly after. Among the other programs that have been showing interest in Stevens are Utah, Nevada, Colorado, Marquette, TCU, Oregon and Washington State.

Stevens played a key role as a defensive stopper when he was a junior on last season’s Serra team that won a California state championship. He is expected to play a greater offensive role this season as a senior.

“I just want to develop my whole game to get ready for the college level,” he said. “I like to block shots and play defense.  Now I have to be more offensive-minded.”

Stevens said he will wait until the regular signing period in April to sign a national letter of intent with Hawaii. There is an early signing period in November, but Stevens said he wants to wait for his Serra teammates to receive offers so they can all sign in April.