South Carolina added its third big man to the 2017 basketball recruiting class as Felipe Haase (Miami, Fla./Miami Christian) has decided to sign with the Gamecocks. The 6-foot-10 center chose South Carolina over offers from Pittsburgh, Purdue and Missouri and will sign in a ceremony at his school on Thursday.

Big BOOM — Frank Martin (@FrankMartin_SC) November 10, 2016

Haase, a native of Chile, visited South Carolina officially over the weekend.

“I’m very excited to sign my Letter of Intent today with South Carolina,” Haase said in a statement. “It’s been a longtime dream of mine to play NCAA college basketball. I’m very fortunate to be in this position. I want to thank the University of Purdue, Pittsburgh, Missouri for all their efforts in recruiting me. I want to thank my mentor Art Alvarez, and my high school coach Juan Cardona. I want to also thank my home country of Chile for all the support you have provided me over the years.”

Haase will pair with 7-foot center Jason Cudd and small forward Ibrahim Doumbia as committed Gamecocks who are expected to sign in this early period.

“I’m so happy for Felipe,” Cardona said. “He has worked extremely hard for this opportunity. We feel he’s one of the best skilled man in the country. We expect big things from Felipe this year at Miami Christian.”

South Carolina is still recruiting four-star guard David Beatty (Philadelphia, Pa./Imhotep Institute).

“This is one of the toughest decisions I have ever been around,” Alvarez said. “Our program have sent over 150 kids to Division 1 programs for over a decade plus. It came down to a pros and cons analysis on each program. While Felipe had great visits at the other schools, but he felt a special bond with Head Coach Frank Martin. He also felt he can come in and play right away as a freshman for the Gamecocks.”