Bob Nash's commitment to the future of the University of Hawai'i men's basketball team was backed yesterday with an early verbal commitment from one of Canada's top prospects.

Adam Jespersen, a 6-foot-7, 205-pound forward from London, Ontario, said yesterday he will play for the Rainbow Warriors starting in the 2008-09 season.

"I really like what Coach Nash is doing with the (UH) program," Jespersen said. "When I went out there for my visit (last month), everything was beautiful. The people were all so nice, and we don't have beaches and weather like that where I'm from."

Jespersen averaged about 17 points and 10 rebounds per game, and was a first-team all-league player last season at H.B. Beal High, according to his head coach Tony Marcotullio. He has one more season to play at Beal (in Canada, students stay in high school for five years).

"He's the best player in the city, in my opinion," Marcotullio said. "He played on our junior national team, so that means he's one of the best in Canada for his age. He's just an all-around player. He'll do whatever you ask of him; he can play any position."

Jespersen said: "I played anywhere from the 1 (point guard) to the 5 (center). It doesn't matter to me. I just like to run the floor, play defense, help the team."

Jespersen also was recruited by Iowa, Minnesota, Notre Dame, Boston and Buffalo.

He is expected to sign an official letter of intent with Hawai'i during the early signing period in November.

"The recruiting process was getting too much," Jespersen said. "I wanted to make a decision early so I could concentrate on improving my game."

Jespersen declined an invitation to play on Canada's junior national team this year to focus on the recruiting process.

"I thought I was going to be making more visits (to other colleges) this summer, but once I went to Hawai'i, I made up my mind," he said.

Jespersen said his interest in Hawai'i was sparked five years ago, when Canadian players Carl English and Phil Martin helped lead the 'Bows to the NCAA Tournament.

"I remember watching that game on TV and seeing both those guys," Jespersen said. "Ever since then, I've thought about playing for Hawai'i."

Jespersen will have four years of eligibility starting with the 2008-09 season. His commitment does not affect scholarships for the 2007-08 season.

Last month, Nash announced the signings of four recruits for the 2007-08 season: Paul Campbell, a 6-10 power forward; Conrad Fitzgerald, a 6-4 wing player; Adhar Mayen, a 6-7 small forward; Kareem Nitoto, a 6-3 point guard. There is still one scholarship available for the 2007-08 roster.

Reach Dayton Morinaga at dmorinaga@honoluluadvertiser.com.