April 12, 2002

Charlotte, N.C. - Charlotte 49ers men's basketball coach Bobby Lutz announced the signing of Tyler Best (Lafayette, Ind.) to a National Letter of Intent. Best, a 6-9, 220 lb. forward averaged 16.0 points for Central Catholic High and became the school's all-time career leader in assists.

"Tyler has a chance to be a very productive player in our system," said Lutz. "He's a post player who can compete inside but also possesses excellent perimeter skills. Perhaps his biggest assets are his shooting and passing abilities. He's an excellent passer and shooter for a big guy and over his career he can play both post positions for us."

Considered "a throwback" by recruiting expert Brick Oettinger of Prep Stars, Best is considered to have strong fundamental skills that should prove valuable in Lutz's system of changing offenses and defenses.

"Tyler's the best passing big man I've ever seen," said Central Catholic head coach Chad Dunwoody. "He understands how to play."

Best averaged 16.0 points, 8.0 rebounds and 6.0 assists for Dunwoody, this season.

He joins 6-8 power forward Curtis Withers (Charlotte, N.C., West Charlotte H.S.), a former Charlotte Observer Player of the Year, in Lutz's frontcourt recruiting efforts. The 49ers lost both starting post players (seniors Cam Stephens and Jermaine Williams) from this past year.

Withers and 6-6 swing Vincent Grier (Charlotte, N.C., Bonner Academy in Raleigh, N.C.) were both signed during the early signing period last fall.

The Facts:

Name: Tyler Best

Position: Forward

Class: Freshman

School: Lafayette Central Catholic

Hometown: Lafayette, Ind.

Ht./Wt.: 6-9, 220 lbs.

Notes: 16.0 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 6.0 apg, School's all-time assist leader