STATESBORO – Men's basketball coach Mark Byington announced today that Will Dillard (Greensboro, N.C./Greensboro Day) has signed a National Letter of Intent to attend Georgia Southern and compete for the Eagles, beginning in the 2018-19 season.

A 6-foot-2 guard, Dillard is a consensus three-star recruit and was ranked 179th in his class and 12th in North Carolina by 247Sports.com. He is considered one of the best defenders in the state and averaged 7.4 points and 4.8 rebounds per game last season while helping lead Greensboro Day to the NCISAA Class 3-A championship in February. He was a second-team HSXtra.com All-Area selection for private schools as a sophomore and as a junior and was a third-team pick as a freshman.

"We are ecstatic to add Will Dillard in our 2018 Class," said Byington. "He is a combo guard with elite athleticism. He is one of the best defenders I have seen in high school in years, but he is capable of doing everything well. Will has an infectious personality that will be perfect for our culture and team. He is a great fit for our style because of his multidimensional skill set and eagerness to want to get better."

North Carolina has proven to be fertile recruiting ground for the Eagles, who have five current student-athletes from the Tar Heel state on the roster. Dillard is the third North Carolina native to sign with the Eagles this fall, joining Trey Dawkins (6-9, F, Forest City, N.C.) and Elijah McCadden (6-6, G/F, Rocky Mount, N.C.). David Viti (6-5, G/F, Buford, Ga.) and Calvin Wishart (6-1, G, Delano, Minn.) also signed with Georgia Southern in the early period.

Georgia Southern hosts Bluefield State tonight at 7 p.m. in Hanner Fieldhouse in its first contest of the Gulf Coast Showcase. The tournament continues with three games next week in Germain Arena in Estero, Fla., beginning with a 1:30 p.m. contest against Missouri State Monday. The Eagles play either Manhattan or UMKC Tuesday.

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In order to expedite entry and provide a safe environment for all patrons and participants, Georgia Southern Athletics has implemented a Clear Bag Policy for all ticketed sporting events, effective Aug. 1, 2017. Fans can find the complete policy as well as an FAQ section at GSEagles.com/ClearBag.