Hawai’i scoops up all-PacWest standout guard Jaden Matingou

HONOLULU – Why not go back to the well?

One year after going to the Division II ranks and pulling up an all-conference guard for the rotation, the University of Hawai’i men’s basketball team did it again as former Point Loma guard Jaden Matingou announced his commitment to the Rainbow Warriors on Sunday.

“I’m super excited to play for a program with such a passionate and supportive fan base,” Matingou said in an interview with HSRN. “Hawai’i feels like one big family from what I’ve learned and I’m excited and very appreciative to be a part of it.”

The 6-foot-3 guard was an all-conference 1st-team performer for the Sea Lions last season, averaging career highs across the board as he stepped into the starting point guard role for the PacWest regular season and conference tournament champions. Matingou tallied 11.9 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game in 32 starts for PLNU, shooting 49% from the floor and 36.4% from 3-point range.

Matingou flashed his potential throughout his first two collegiate seasons but burst onto the scene in his junior campaign, dropping 30 points in a preseason exhibition against Long Beach State before going on to score in double figures in 21 of his 32 appearances during the 2025-26 season.

The guard tormented fellow Mānoa resident Hawaii Pacific this past year as well, dropping 27 points, five rebounds and six assists on February 26 against the Sharks and a game-high 20 points in the PacWest semifinals on March 6 to eliminate HPU.

Point Loma made the NCAA Tournament in 2025-26 and advanced to the Sweet 16 round for the third time in the last four years. This PLNU group set a piece of Sea Lions history by appearing in regional title games in consecutive seasons for the first time in program history.

“I’m a competitor at heart and will do anything to win,” Matingou responded when asked about the type of player that Rainbow Warrior fans are getting. “I play with tons of energy – like Russell Westbrook – that’s why I wear No. 0. Off the court, I’m very intentional and driven … [but] a little more laid back than I am on the court.”

The 6-foot-3 guard also considered Montana, Colorado State, Cal State Fullerton, UC Irvine and others before deciding that he would make the islands his home for his senior season.

In three seasons, Matingou went 77-21 with the Sea Lions and tallied 718 points, 295 rebounds and 265 assists while appearing in 95 of 98 possible contests.

Matingou joins Arizona State F Marcus Adams Jr. as the earliest pickups for Hawai’i. The Rainbow Warriors currently are bringing back just two players from last season’s Big West championship squad as they move into the Mountain West.