Two European players from Pensacola (Fla.) Junior College signed their letters of intent today to play for the University of Hawaii men's basketball team.

Petras Balocka and Lasha Parghalava will join the Rainbow Warriors as juniors in the 2008-09 season.

Balocka is a 6-foot-8 power forward originally from Vilnius, Lithuania. Parghalava is a 6-2 shooting guard originally from Tbilisi, Republic of Georgia.

Both players made oral commitments last week to join the 'Bows.

"We're excited to sign not just one, but two, quality players from the same school," Hawaii head coach Bob Nash said. "Both of these guys were heavily recruited by major conferences and we're thrilled they chose to join our program. International players have been at the core of our past success. Petras and Lasha possess that same type of skill and toughness that can lift us back to that championship level."

Balocka averaged 13.7 points and 11.2 rebounds as a sophomore last season. He finished second in rebounding in Region 8 of the National Junior College Athletic Association.

"Petras' versatility will really be an asset for us," Nash said. "He's a physical player who can bang inside and has the toughness to bolster our interior, especially with his rebounding. But he's also quick, fast and really skilled for his size. He's a top-notch athlete."

Parghalava averaged 11.4 points, 2.7 rebounds and 2.6 assists this past season, and led Pensacola with 45 3-pointers.

"Lasha gives us another option on the perimeter," Nash said. "He can get it done on both ends of the court — his quickness makes him a great open-court defender and he led his team in 3-point shooting two years straight. He's a fearless player and won't back down, no matter what the competition."

Today is the first day that recruits can sign letters of intent during the "late" recruiting period.

The 'Bows signed one recruit during the early period — Adam Jespersen, a 6-7 forward from Canada. They also gave a scholarship to point guard Hiram Thompson, who is returning from a two-year church mission.

The 'Bows lost seven seniors from last season's team, which finished 11-19. The only returning starter from last season is forward Bill Amis.