Nov. 12, 2009

DAVIS, Calif. - As the UC Davis men's basketball team prepares for its season opener, the program strengthened its future with a commitment from one of the top center prospects in the nation. Mike Kurtz has signed a National Letter of Intent to join the program in 2010-11, announced head coach Gary Stewart. He is a 7-foot, 190-pound standout from Roseville, Calif., who currently attends Woodcreek High School.

Kurtz averaged 11.5 points and 8.2 rebounds last season while being named Second-Team All-Sierra Foothill League. He was dominant down low with an average of 3.9 blocks per game. Additionally, he was named co-most valuable player for the Timberwolves. Kurtz is currently ranked No. 42 nationally among center prospects by www.espn.com.

"We are really fortunate to get Mike," said Stewart. "He has a European-style game and is extremely comfortable facing the basket or with his back to the goal. Mike is a weight room away from being a highly effective Division I player."

Kurtz helped lead Woodcreek to a 21-7 record as a junior and second place in the SFL. The Timberwolves advanced to the Sac-Joaquin Section quarterfinals last year.

"We are really attracted to his versatility," added Stewart. "He's a good enough athlete that he can play the four for us as well. He has the ability to use either hand effectively on the low block. He's also very much like Dominic Calegari in his ability to step out and hit a three. Mike is a gym rat who has an excellent work ethic and is the type of player who can have a huge impact on our program."

UC Davis begins its regular season Friday afternoon against Colorado State in Eugene, Ore.