The University of Hawai'i men's basketball team filled a big need with the signing of a big recruit.

Douglas Kurtz, a 7-foot, 270-pound center, signed a national letter of intent yesterday to play with the Rainbow Warriors starting in the 2009-10 season.

"We needed a big, physical player and he definitely provides us with that," Hawai'i head coach Bob Nash said. "Douglas is a strong 7-footer who has his best basketball in front of him. He's strong, can run the floor and plays hard. Offensively, he has good hands, is active around the basket and has a nice, short jump shot."

Kurtz is originally from Pelotas, Brazil, but played the last two seasons at Marshalltown (Iowa) Community College.

"I just feel like Hawai'i is the best choice for me," he said. "I really liked the facilities and the coaching staff, and the people were very friendly."

Kurtz averaged 9.6 points and 5.8 rebounds per game as a sophomore last season. He led all players in the Iowa Community College Athletic Conference with a .671 field-goal percentage (108 of 161), and was second in the conference with a .847 free-throw percentage (72 of 85).

"For a guy his size, he has a nice (shooting) touch," Marshalltown head coach Brynjar Brynjarsson said. "He needs some work offensively, but he's a good, solid player. Because of his size, I think there's a fit for him on any team."

Kurtz chose Hawai'i over Idaho and Florida International.

"I think he'll definitely fit well in a conference like the WAC," Brynjarsson said. "He's just a real presence in the post. He might not be the fastest, but he can get up and down the court OK."

Nash said: "He'll really make his presence felt defensively. Teams were able to take advantage of us inside at times last year and with Douglas's sheer size, physicality and quickness, he should be disruptive and boost our interior defense immensely."

What's more, Brynjarsson said Kurtz is still developing skills as a low-post player.

"His best basketball is definitely ahead of him," the coach said. "He's a hard-working guy who gives it everything he has, so he's only going to get better as he learns more of the game."

Kurtz said he visited Hawai'i last weekend, and then canceled a visit this weekend to Florida International — and its new head coach, Isiah Thomas.

"Everything about Hawai'i was great, and when I talked it over with (Brynjarsson) and my friends, they said Hawai'i sounded like the right place," Kurtz said.

Kurtz will be a junior for the 'Bows during the 2009-10 season, and will have two seasons of eligibility. He is expected to challenge returnees Petras Balocka and Paul Campbell for the starting center role.

Kurtz is the third player to sign with the 'Bows for the 2009-10 season. Point guards Jeremy Lay and Dwain Williams signed last month.

Hawai'i has two more scholarships it can fill for the 2009-10 season.