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Men's Basketball

Fort Wayne, IN– Fresh off an NJCAA Division I National Championship, forward Tyler Best has signed a national letter of intent to play basketball next season at IPFW.

Best, a Lafayette, Indiana native, helped the Paris (TX) Junior College Dragons to the 2005 NJCAA title. Describes as a "throwback" player with strong fundamentals who understands the game, Best's size (6'9"/230) will help IPFW's interior play.

A 2002 graduate of Lafayette Central Catholic, Best averaged 16.5 points per game, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists per contest for the Knights. He was named all-Hoosier Heartland Conference, team captain, and led Central Catholic to 21-6 record, winning four playoff games before falling to eventual state champion in the regional championship.

Heavily recruited out of high school, Best began his college career at UNC-Charlotte (part of UNCC's top-20 recruiting class). He played in 18 of the 49ers 29 games in 2002-03. He averaged just over six minutes a game and a point per contest.

Best transferred to Evansville University the following season and sat out as a red shirt. Never having played a game with the Purple Aces, Best transferred to Paris and averaged five points and three boards for the Dragons.

"Tyler is a versatile player," IPFW head men's basketball coach Dane Fife said. "He can score in the post as well as shoot the ball from the perimeter. In addition to his high skill level, he has Division I playing experience and is a winner. He is another Indiana native who we are excited to have here at IPFW."

Best, who will have two years of eligibility with the Mastodons, is the brother of Travis Best who played two years at Louisville and Purdue.

 

 

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