The University of Hawai'i men's basketball team dug deep for its latest recruit.

All the way to China.

Ji Xiang, a 6-foot-10, 238-pound forward/center, signed a scholarship agreement yesterday to play for the Rainbow Warriors.

Ji is expected to enroll at UH this week, and will be eligible as a true freshman for the upcoming 2007-08 season.

He averaged around 20 points and 12 rebounds per game during his last year of high school in Zhengzhou, China. He spent the past two years training at the United States Basketball Academy — which was founded by former UH basketball coach Bruce O'Neil — in Blue River, Ore.

"We're very fortunate to be able to get a player of Ji's ability so late," Hawai'i head coach Bob Nash said. "I saw him play at a tournament in Houston this summer and he impressed me with his style of play. He fits the mode of a multi-dimensional player we're looking for — he can score on the perimeter as well as with his back to the basket."

Ji was also being recruited by Oregon, Oregon State, Georgetown and Fresno State.

Ji is the sixth new recruit to join the 'Bows as a scholarship player for the 2007-08 season.

The others are 6-8 forward Bill Amis, 6-10 forward Paul Campbell, 6-4 wing player Conrad Fitzgerald, 6-7 forward Adhar Mayen and 6-3 point guard Kareem Nitoto.

Ji, Fitzgerald and Nitoto will be freshmen in 2007-08; Amis, Campbell and Mayen will be sophomores.

The 'Bows are scheduled to begin official practices on Oct. 12, with the season opener set for Nov. 9 against San Diego.