By TOM ZEBOLD

USF Senior Writer

TAMPA - USF men's basketball signee Waverly Austin had an awesome end to his JUCO career.

The 6-foot-11 sophomore center recently was named to the NJCAA All-American first team after averaging 14.8 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks in 27 games for Palm Beach State College this past season.

The Fredericksburg, Va. native was named a 2011-12 JUCO preseason player of the year and decided to become a Bull after getting interest from Kansas and North Carolina.

"With our needs at the big man spot, there weren't many big men in the country better than Waverly," USF head coach Stan Heath said in November. "Having two years of junior college level play under his belt when he comes to Tampa, he should be a guy that contributes very well for us in his first season. He's got nice hands, nice touch and is a guy who rebounds the ball."