Douglas Kurtz will have to sit out the first six games of the season for the University of Hawai‘i men's basketball team due to eligibility issues, the school announced today.

The 7-foot center recruit briefly appeared in a professional league in Brazil prior to arriving in the United States in 2007.

"We looked at all different angles as far as an appeal, but ultimately we decided to accept the NCAA ruling," Hawai'i head coach Bob Nash said.

Kurtz will be eligible to play for the ‘Bows starting with a home game against Lamar on Dec. 6.

The Rainbow Warriors open against Southern Utah Friday in the Outrigger Hotels Rainbow Classic at the Stan Sheriff Center.