A starter on Germany's Junior National team will play for the University of Hawai'i men's volleyball team.

Jonas Umlauft, a 6-foot-9 opposite attacker, has been admitted into UH-Manoa and met the NCAA's eligibility requirement.

Umlauft also was recruited by Southern California, Pepperdine and Pacific.

Last month, Pacific coach Joe Wortmann said Umlauft had the potential to be the NCAA's top hitter next season.

"That's what they're saying," UH associate head coach Tino Reyes said. "A lot of people wanted him. A lot of people took a look at him. We were fortunate to get him."

The Warriors have not had a pure opposite attacker — a go-to hitter who hits primarily from the right side — in more than a decade.

Yuval Katz, the star of the Warrior teams in 1995 and 1996, is regarded as the program's best opposite attacker.

Clay Stanley, now viewed as the world's best men's volleyball player, was in the development stages during his three-season UH tenure, which completed in 2000.

Costas Theocharidis, who was named to the All-America first team four times, was in the opposite spot in the rotation — across the setter — but hit almost exclusively on the left side in front-row turns.

"He's between Yuval Katz and Costas (in skill level) right now," Reyes said. "I don't think that's bad company."

Reyes said Umlauft is "more accomplished than Clay Stanley at the same age. He's played a lot of volleyball."

Umlauft was a member of Germany's Youth National team that qualified for the World Championships.

Reyes said it is hoped Umlauft "can make an impact like (Paul) Carroll did at Pepperdine."

Last week, Carroll was named the AVCA's National Player of the Year.

UH continues its search for a successor to Mike Wilton, who announced his retirement as head coach last month.

Five semifinalists will be interviewed Thursday via teleconference.

The finalists are expected to receive in-person interviews with the selection committee next week.