Pirates to get low post help from former South Carolina player Steed

Former Gamecock will have one year of eligibility remaining

The frontcourt is the area that East Carolina's men's basketball team needs the most help.

With 6'10" center Chad Wynn completing his eligibility this season, the Pirates have been searching for a fourth low post option for the 2011-12 season.

It appears as though Lebo and company have found a short-term fix in Austin Steed.

Steed, who is from Hephzibah, GA, played his first three seasons at South Carolina, but was informed by Coach Darrin Horn after last season that he wouldn't be on the Gamecocks roster in 2010-11. Horn did, however, give him the option of retaining his scholarship to earn his degree.

The 6'8", 235-pounder was recruited to South Carolina by former coach Dave Odom. He also had offers from Tennessee and Georgia.

Steed played sparingly as a freshman, but played in all 31 games and started two during his sophomore season. During that campaign, he averaged 3.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, and a block in 14.5 minutes per game. His best performance in SEC action came against Jeff Lebo's Auburn Tigers when he tallied nine points and grabbed five boards.

Last season under the new regime, Steed averaged 2.9 points and 2.9 rebounds. He made 11 starts, but following some unproductive outings found himself on the bench and played very little over the latter part of the season.