The University of Hawaii men's basketball team is going big with its latest recruit.

Douglas Kurtz, a 7-foot, 270-pound center, signed a national letter of intent today to play for the Rainbow Warriors.

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

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

He averaged 9.6 points and 5.8 rebounds per game as a sophomore last season. He also led the Iowa Community College Athletic Conference in field goal percentage (.671) and was second in free throw percentage (.847).

"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 will be a junior for the 'Bows during the 2009-10 season, and will have two seasons of eligibility. He chose Hawaii over Idaho and Florida International.

"We're really happy to add Douglas to the program," Hawaii head coach Bob Nash said. "We needed a big, physical player and he definitely provides us with that.

"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."

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.

Hawaii has two more scholarships it can fill for next season.