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Honolulu • Hawaii junior guard Aaron Valdes said Thursday he is giving up his final year of eligibility to turn professional.

Valdes, from Whittier, California, averaged 14.1 points and 5.5 rebounds last season. He was selected the Big West Conference Tournament's MVP after averaging 17.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 4.7 assists in the Rainbow Warriors' three victories.

Valdes is the second underclassman to leave the program, following junior forward Stefan Jankovic.