MOBILE, Ala. – University of South Alabama men's basketball head coach Richie Riley revealed Tuesday three additions to his 2019-20 signing class.

Joining the program are Deaundrae Ballard, Sam Iorio and Chad Lott. They join KK Curry and Tyreke Locure, who signed in the fall.

Ballard, a 6-foot-5 guard, arrives in Mobile after spending two years with the Florida men's basketball program. He will have to sit out the 2019-20 campaign but has two years of eligibility remaining.

"I love the fact that he has competed against the best of the best for two years," Riley said. "He's one of the best offensive players I've ever recruited and has a nonstop motor to go with it. Deaundrae makes tough shots and has a great offensive imagination. He also possesses the attributes to become an elite defender. After his sit-out year, he has a chance to take our team to another level."

A former top 100 recruit out of Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy, Ballard averaged 4.1 points in 59 games with the Gators, helping the team to two appearances in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

The Atlanta, Ga., native had a six games with 10 points or more last season, including a career-best 19 points against Stanford.

At SACA, Ballard scored more than 2,500 points in his career and was named first team all-state.

Iorio transfers to South Alabama from American University following a two-year spell that saw him tally 776 points and earn a spot on the Patriot League's All-Rookie Team as a freshman. The 6-foot-6 forward will also redshirt the upcoming season but have two years of eligibility remaining.

"Sam is a basketball junkie and so am I," Riley commented. "His dad was a coach and he has been around the game his entire life. The first thing that jumps off the page is the way he shoots the basketball, but he is much more than a shooter. He can really score on all three levels and is a great rebounder. His size and versatility give him a chance to be very special here."

A native of Parkland, Pa., Iorio averaged 14.9 points in 2017-18 – seventh in the league – and 6.5 rebounds and 0.9 blocks per outing to rank in a tie for fifth. He recorded six double-doubles, including two in back-to-back games during a stretch where he averaged 26.7 points and 10.0 rebounds over a three-game stretch.

He set new career highs in points (33) and rebounds (14) as a sophomore, and converted 62 times from behind the 3-point arc for the second consecutive season.

Iorio graduated Parkland High School as the program's all-time leading scorer, and was the 6A Player of the Year and First Team All-Pennsylvania.

Lott, a graduate transfer from Howard that will be eligible in 2019-20, was a third team all-MEAC selection last season after averaging 14.3 points – eighth in the conference – and 5.1 rebounds per contest. He led the team and was ninth in the league in field-goal percentage (.483), and was named player of the week by the MEAC following a career-best 27-point outing in the season opener.

"Lott's toughness is off the charts," Riley stated. "He is a big, physical guard that is very creative off the bounce. His ability to be an elite rebounder at the guard position is also how he will help us. He is a fierce competitor on both ends of the court and will have an immediate impact."

The Shreveport, La., native spent the 2016-17 season at Rice, where he averaged 5.8 points and converted 53.0% from the floor in 32 games before transferring to Howard.

At Byrd High School, Lott was a three-time all-state honoree and was named the Shreveport Player of the Year as a senior. The 6-foot-4 guard led the Yellow Jackets to a state semifinal appearance in his final season after averaging 23 points, 14 rebounds and 7.5 assists, and graduated as the school's all-time leading scorer.

For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com, and follow the Jaguars at www.twitter.com/WeAreSouth_JAGS. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).

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