Gooding will be red-shirted his first season, but the coach said he has high expectations for the former Tiger forward.

"One of the best things about him and one of the reasons he was chosen is because he can play multiple positions," Baldwin said. "He will be able to play anywhere from the two, three to the four spot. He is long and he is athletic, but he can shoot it good enough to play on the perimeter. It was a combination of his work ethics and his abilities."

The Swamp Fox coach said he plans to work on Gooding’s ball-handling skills and physical strength to get him ready for his first season next year.

Baldwin said his program is built from the defensive side of the ball, and when they start to practice in October, that will be their No. 1 focus.

Gooding said he will work hard to improve and earn his time on the court.

"Hopefully, my hard work will pay off," Gooding said. "I’m honored to play for such a good coach and put the stamp on a new program."

Gooding said Waycross College is close to home and the school is sports-oriented, making it the right choice for him.

"The people around the community are nice and completely supportive of the school and the programs," he said.

"I don’t want to have too lofty of a goal, but I know we can have a successful season in our first year," Baldwin said.

The Waycross Swamp Foxes play their first home game Nov. 3 against East Georgia College.