The Hawaii men’s basketball team picked up its first new commitment for the 2012-13 season in Evergreen (Wash.) High senior center Caleb Dressler late Friday night.

Dressler, a 6-foot-10, 240-pound native of Vancouver, Wash., said he offered his oral commitment to coach Gib Arnold on his official visit to UH after seeing a Rainbow Warriors practice and the Ohana Hoopfest at the Stan Sheriff Center on Friday.

"(Seeing those things) hit home the fact that I was home, and I wanted to seal the deal before the deal got away from me," Dressler said in a phone interview from his hotel. "It was a great deal for me."

He cannot sign a national letter of intent to UH until the start of the early signing period on Nov. 9, but said he plans to do so.

The lefty, who is most comfortable with his back to the basket, averaged 17 points, 14.5 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game as a junior for Evergreen. Power forward and center are positions of need for UH.

He chose UH over two other final options, Portland State and Montana State. He had previously visited both.

Dressler represents one of two scholarships available for next season.