Hawai'i Pacific University men's basketball coach Tony Sellitto has not wasted any time in living up to his promise to bring more Hawai'i high school players into the Sea Warriors' program.

Three Hawai'i high school seniors — Advertiser State Player of the Year Kameron Steinhoff of Punahou, All-State first team guard Cheynne Lishman of Kalaheo and Kamehameha sharpshooter Kawika Lyons — have made verbal commitments to play for HPU next season.

Steinhoff and Lishman plan to sign their national letters of intent tomorrow; Lyons will attend Hawai'i Pacific on academic scholarships.

Sellitto, who returned to the HPU head coaching position last month after a six-year retirement, immediately announced plans to recruit more Hawai'i high school players.

"He said every year he plans to sign at least a couple local players and build the system around them, and I like that idea," said Steinhoff, a 6-foot-4 1/2 inch forward who expects to play shooting guard or wing at the college level. "I think it's a good idea, because we already know each other and it will help with team bonding."

Steinhoff overcame spleen removal surgery last September to average 15.4 points per game in the regular and postseason and lead the Buffanblu to their first state championship since 1999.

He said his initial plans were to play "somewhere in California," but Sellitto established contact with him almost immediately after being hired on March 3.

Steinhoff said he was told he might have a chance to play and contribute as a true freshman.

"(Sellitto) said it's going to take a lot of hard work and getting used to the college level," Steinhoff said.

Punahou coach Dan Hale said that although Steinhoff played a lot near the post in high school, he has perimeter skills and proved his ability against top Mainland competition.

"He faced up well against those (Mainland) guys in the preseason tournaments," Hale said. "He'll do great at that (NCAA Division II) level."

Lishman, a 6-2 shooting guard, established himself as one of the state's top outside shooters and helped Kalaheo win the O'ahu Interscholastic Association Eastern Division title with a 12-0 record this past season. He considered an offer from Notre Dame de Namur and walk-on opportunities at Hawai'i and New Mexico State.

But like Steinhoff, his plans changed once Sellitto offered a scholarship.

"I like (Sellitto's) system, I like the work ethic that he brings," said Lishman, who gave his verbal commitment on Sunday. "It's good that there'll be other Hawai'i guys there."

Lyons, a 6-foot shooting guard, transferred to Kamehameha as a sophomore after growing up in Long Beach, Calif. He was one of the state's top 3-point threats this past season, sinking six of them in the first half of a game against Punahou.

"I'm excited, I'm looking forward to being in that (HPU) program," he said.

Per NCAA rules, Sellitto is not allowed to officially comment on recruits until receiving their letters of intent.