UConn filled an important recruiting need by locking up a commitment from a quality big man on Monday.

Lukas Kisunas, a 6-foot-10, 250-pound center and a native of Lithuania, announced via Twitter that he plans to attend UConn. He made the decision after visiting Storrs last week. He also recently visited Illinois.

"Thank you to all the coaches who took time to recruit me. I'm excited to announce my commitment to study & play basketball at #UConn."

A member of the Class of 2018, Kisunas plays for Brewster Academy, a prep school powerhouse in New Hampshire. He was the starting center last year for a team that went undefeated and captured the national prep school championship.

Kisunas also honed his skills playing for the Lithuanian under-18 national team last summer in the European Championships, averaging 8.9 points and 6.4 rebounds.

"He's really physical and tough," Brewster coach Jason Smith said Monday. "He's definitely a center. With his back to the basket, he scores in the post over both shoulders.

"Probably what he does as good as anyone I've had here, he's an elite level screener. He's just excellent at screening and getting people open. He passes the ball very well for his size.

"... It goes without saying without Lukas we don't go undefeated and win the New England and national prep championship. He does all the little things that don't necessarily show up in the box score. But when you watch and analyze film, he's the one that is in the trenches doing all the dirty work to help the team win."

Smith added that Kisunas also is a high character kid and a very strong student. Some Ivy League schools showed an interest in the well-rounded Kisunas.

Kisunas' role will expand this season for Brewster, which, once again, is loaded with Division I talent. He averaged roughly eight points and seven rebounds in 2016-17.

Smith says Kisunas returned to Brewster this fall "definitely quicker and bouncier around the rim than he was a year ago."

While Kisunas has decent finishing skills around the rim, Smith would like his big man to work on consistently making a 15-foot jump shot.

"We're expecting him to be a major contributor obviously for us this year and maybe take a little bit of a jump in terms of productivity," Smith said.

Add Kisunas to the list of Brewster Academy players to join the UConn basketball program. Jalen Adams and Sidney Wilson are currently with the Huskies while Jeff Adrien played in Storrs from 2005 to 2009.

Local fans who will have an opportunity to see Kisunas play when Brewster is scheduled to visit St. Thomas More on Sunday, Dec. 3, at 2 p.m.

g.keefe@theday.com