COOKEVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Tech men's basketball team added its second recruit to the class of 2013 Thursday, signing forward LaDon Carter out of Howard Junior College.

The sophomore, who attended Arkansas Baptist College as a freshman, played 27 games last season, averaging 19.5 points per game and 6.6 rebounds per contest. Playing as a forward, he also averaged one assist, 1.4 steals, and 1.6 blocks per game.

The future Golden Eagle was excited about the signing and how supportive everyone has been of him.

"My high school coach has always been supportive of what I do and what I want to do," said Carter. "So I sat down and called him and asked him what he thought and whether or not it would be a good idea. He thought it would be a fantastic idea and was very supportive."

"I talked to Coach Payne a lot," explained Carter, "and he explained how great of a program it was and how good the school is. So I had to come check it out for myself. When I came for my visit, it just felt like home. Everyone welcomed me in and everything seemed great."

"I think I can bring a lot to the table," said Carter. "There are several things I can do, but I feel like my best qualitites are my ability to play defense, my shooting, and my rebounding ability."

"LaDon brings tremendous athleticism to the table," said head coach Steve Payne. "He's a great rebounder and excellent scorer. He really is that different level of an athlete that we feel will fit right in at Tennessee Tech. He brings tremendous upside to the table and the ability to play multiplel positions on the front line."

"We don't bring in junior college transfers very often," added Payne, "so when we do, we expect them to contribute right away. While he'll have to earn his playing time, we feel he can contribute right away and help us a lot of different ways at the forward position."

"I think is one of the greatest decisions I've made in my life," remarked Carter. "I truly feel like they will help me to earn to my degree and better myself and prepare for life. I feel that in return I can offer being a great team player and a character guy."