Albany Herald

Photo by Daniel Kay

AUBURN, Ala. -- Auburn men's basketball coach Tony Barbee has landed three players in the early signing period, including two Birmingham high school teammates.

Barbee said Tuesday that guard Cedrick McAfee, center Willy Kouassi and forward Bernard Morena have signed to play for the Tigers next season.

McAfee is rated the 74th-best prospect and No. 19 guard by Rivals.com. He transferred to Melrose High School in Memphis, Tenn., last season and now plays for the national powerhouse. McAfee averaged 24 points per game at Craigmont High last year before transferring.

"I am excited about our first fulltime signing class for this fall," Barbee said. "I think we addressed some needs that we have as a program and are continuing to build the depth as a part of this team, especially in the guard position with Cedrick McAfee. He is going to add a lot in terms of his versatility and his ability to play multiple positions because of his athleticism at 6-3 and his skill to be able to score the ball and also run a team."

A native of the Ivory Coast, Kouassi is ranked 87th nationally by Rivals.com and the 11th-best center. The 6-foot-10, 215-pounder averaged 12 points and 10 rebounds for Birmingham Central Park Christian last season.

Morena is also from the Ivory Coast and is a prep teammate of Kouassi. He averaged 10 points last season.

"Willy and Bernard are going to be fantastic players for us," Barbee said. "They are fantastic kids and fantastic students, but they both bring a different dimension. Willy brings us a bigger presence along the frontline who can rebound and really block shots. He is very athletic for his size at 6-10 and has a high motor and high energy level. He has to get better on the offensive end of the floor, but he can score down there given the opportunity."