Charlotte, N.C. – Charlotte 49ers men's basketball coach Mark Price announces the addition of Charlotte’s South Mecklenburg High School standout Bryant Thomas, a 6-foot-8 forward, who has signed a National Letter Of Intent to play for the 49ers. Thomas is the fourth player in the 49ers 2017 recruiting class that is 6-foot-8 or taller.

“We’re extremely excited to add Bryant Thomas to the Charlotte basketball family,” Price said. “We think Bryant’s best days in basketball are ahead of him. He has a lot of potential and upside, as the top shot blocker in the nation last year, and has the potential to grow and get better and better. We are also excited that we were able to land a great local product from here in Charlotte. It is something that we hope to do more of in the future. We could not be more excited for Bryant to join our program. He adds tremendous value to our team, not only on the court, but also as a young man.”

This past season, Thomas averaged a double-double with 17.9 points and 10 rebounds with 7.7 blocks per game which led the nation, according to MaxPreps. He earned SoMeck 8 Player of the Year honors. Thomas earned Southwestern 4A all-conference team honors, along with earning a spot on Charlotte Observer All-Mecklenburg first team. He recorded six triple-doubles in his career and a career-high of 30 points against Berry in his final season.

“One of his greatest attributes is his shot-blocking ability, evident of him leading the nation in blocks last season” said South Mecklenburg Coach John Fitch. “Bryant is a hard worker and a quiet leader. He lets his actions speak for themselves, and he is a great competitor. He’s a joy to coach and he takes in everything you tell him. Bryant is like a sponge, because he’s only been playing basketball for three years. So, you really can’t find a better kid to coach. Charlotte will be fortunate to have him, because he just wants to get better.”

Bryant, who recorded 17 double-doubles this past season, has grown seven inches over the last three years.

“It is exciting to get to play for my hometown team and for Coach Price,” Thomas said. “It’ll be great to have my family and friends to be able to come watch me play.”

Joining Thomas in the 49ers 2017 recruiting class is Gordon State College (Ga.) standout 6-foot-10 center Jailan Haslem, Cape Fear Community College (N.C.) standout 6-foot-8 forward DeVarte Watson and Fayetteville, North Carolina's Freedom Christian Academy standout 6-foot-8 forward. Thomas, Supica, Haslem and Watson join a 49ers roster which features All-Conference USA guard Jon Davis, 2016 All-Conference USA freshman team selection guard Andrien White, guards Austin Ajukwa and Hudson Price and forward Najee Garvin.