The 2005-06 season has yet to begin for the University of Hawai'i men's basketball team, but the Rainbow Warriors got a head start on 2006-07.

Alex Veit, a 6-foot-8 power forward at Monterey Peninsula College (Calif.), said he will play for Hawai'i next season.

"I feel like Hawai'i is the best place for me," said Veit, who made a recruiting visit two weeks ago. "I like the coaches, and I like the program. I think it's a good fit."

Veit said he averaged around 10 points and six rebounds per game as a freshman at Monterey Peninsula last season. He is expected to be the starting power forward as a sophomore for the Lobos this season.

"Our coach likes to mix things up, getting a lot of guys in the games," Veit said. "When it's my time in there, I like to run up and down the court, play more of a fast game."

Veit said he also was being recruited by several programs in the West Coast Conference and Big Sky Conference. Veit, who is 212 pounds, will have two seasons of eligibility at UH.

Before enrolling at Monterey Peninsula, Veit helped lead South Salem High to the Oregon state championship as a senior in 2004.

Michael Kuebler, an All-Western Athletic Conference guard for Hawai'i in 2004, also is a graduate of South Salem.

Veit said he will sign an official letter-of-intent during the early signing period next month.

His parents were pleasantly surprised with his choice.

"The last time I went to Hawai'i was about 20 years ago," his mother Jan said. "Now we have an excuse to go there."

Reach Dayton Morinaga at dmorinaga@honoluluadvertiser.com.