May 9, 2008

BELLINGHAM, Wash. - Seven-foot center Dave Vanderjagt, who played the last two years at NCAA Division I University of Montana, has signed a scholarship agreement to play men's basketball at Western Washington University.

A junior from Townsville, Australia, the 245-pound Vanderjagt saw action in 13 games for the Grizzlies last season. He averaged 1.1 points and 1.3 rebounds, shooting 63.6 percent (7-of-11) from the field. His best game came against Sacramento State on Feb. 14 when he had eight points on 4-of-5 floor accuracy and six rebounds.

Vanderjagt, who wears size 17 shoes, is believed to be the first 7-footer to play for Western.

The 21-year-old Vanderjagt was a premier player at Townsville State High School and was one of 15 players selected to compete for the All-Australia team. He played on the 2004 Australian U-19 Youth Olympic team, which won a gold medal, and competed on a Queensland team that won a state championship in the U-18 Australian Country Basketball Cup.

Vanderjagt's sister, Rebecca, plays basketball at the University of Wyoming. His brother, Greg, competes in the National Basketball League in Australia as did their father, Ron.

DAVE VANDERJAGT, Center, 7-0, 245, 21, 10/10/87, Junior, Townsville, Australia

COLLEGE: Transfer from NCAA Division I University of Montana ... Played last two seasons for Grizzlies ... As sophomore, averaged 1.1 points and 1.3 rebounds in 13 games ... Shot 63.6 percent (7-of-11) from the field ... Had career-high eight points on 4-of-5 field-goal shooting and six rebounds vs. Sacramento State on 2/14/08 ... As freshman in 2006-07, limited to five games because of injuries.

HIGH SCHOOL: Premier player in Australia at Townsville State High School ... One of 15 players selected to compete for All-Australia team ... Member of 2004 Australian U-19 Youth Olympic team, which won gold medal ... His Queensland team won state championship in U-18 Australian Country Basketball Cup ... Played for Queensland team for three seasons and competed for Townsville Heat junior team for five years.

PERSONAL: Major is business administration ... His sister, Rebecca, plays basketball at University of Wyoming, and his brother Greg competes in the National Basketball League in Australia as did his father, Ron.