WILMINGTON, N.C. – UNC Wilmington men’s basketball coach Benny Moss has added an inside presence to his 2008-09 recruiting class with the signing of Miami Dade College center Tyronne McNeal to a National Letter of Intent.

The 6-11, 250-pound McNeal played last season at Miami Dade, but elected to sit out this fall. He averaged 12.0 points and 6.0 rebounds while shooting 54 percent one year ago for the Sharks and Coach Chris Wade in 2006-07.

“Tyronne’s a great addition to our program,” said Moss. “He’s not only a big man, but he’s a good athlete as well. He runs the floor and changes ends extremely well. He’s a very good defensive player and has developed his offensive skills. It’s great to get a guy with this talent and size with three years of eligibility.”

McNeal, who graduated from Clover High School in Clover, S.C, two years ago, averaged 15.0 points and 11.0 rebounds for Coach Dudley Lybrand’s club.

McNeal is the fourth player to sign with the Seahawks during the early period. Moss previously announced the addition of Brad Bald (6-8, 215, Forward, Severna Park HS, Severna Park, Md.) and Jerel Stephenson (6-5, 205, Guard, Glenn Hills HS, Augusta, Ga.), Will O’Huaregbe (6-8, 230, Forward, Fork Union Military Academy, Danville, Va.).

The Seahawks have one more scholarship remaining for the 2008-09 campaign.

Courtesy UNCW Sports Information