July 21, 2008

AMHERST, Mass. - Head coach Derek Kellogg has announced the addition of forward/center Sean Carter (Fayetteville, N.C.) as a transfer from Oregon State University. Carter, who stands 6-9 and weighs 225 pounds, is enrolled in summer classes at UMass and will sit out the 2008-09 season as a redshirt. The athletic bigman comes to UMass as a sophomore with three years of eligibility remaining, starting with the 2009-10 season, after playing this past season as a true freshman with the Beavers.

"We are very excited to add a young man with the character, work ethic and enthusiasm of Sean Carter," said Kellogg, who was hired as UMass' head coach in April. "On the court, Sean has the intangibles we are looking for in a student-athlete. He adds much-needed size and athleticism in the front court. With his rebounding and shot-blocking ability he will be able to come in and contribute as we look forward to the future of UMass basketball."

Carter played in 29 games with Oregon State this past season, starting nine for the Beavers. He averaged 3.3 points and 2.8 rebounds while swatting 15 shots in 15.4 minutes of action per night. He had his best games of the season early on. He tallied a career-best 15 points and added five rebounds in a win over Portland on Nov. 25. He also had 10 points and five rebounds against Idaho State on Nov. 23. Carter posted a career-best nine rebounds against Washington State on Feb. 14.

Carter prepped at Laurinburg Institute in North Carolina in 2006-07, the same school which produced fellow UMass bigman Tyrell Lynch. He spent his senior year at Laurinburg and averaged 12 points and six rebounds per game for the prep powerhouse. Carter attended the 71st High School in Fayetteville, N.C., for his first three years of high school and played two years on varsity, starting as a junior.

Carter was born June 8, 1988 in Fayetteville, N.C., and is the son of Larry Carter and Renee Pauch. He has a brother Larry and a sister Sabrina.