49ers getting Georgia transfer

DeMario Mayfield, a 6-5 combo guard, is transferring to the Charlotte 49ers from Georgia, the school announced Tuesday.

Mayfield asked for his release from the Bulldogs recently. He visited Charlotte's campus two weekends ago.

Mayfield will sit on the 2010-11 season in accordance to NCAA rules. He will have three years of eligibility left.

Mayfield, from Carnersville, Ga., was named the Class AAA Georgia Player of the Year in 2009 at Franklin County High by the Georgia Sportswriter Association. As a high school senior, he averaged 23.9 points, 5.1 rebounds and 6.7 assists per game.

Mayfield asked for and received his release from Georgia in March. Mayfield played in 18 of 31 games this past season and only 6 of 18 SEC league games.

"I'm looking forward to bringing a lot of excitement to Charlotte with my hard work," said Mayfield in a statement. "I'm going to give Charlotte my all. I want to come in and just work and build my way back to earning more playing time. The coaching staff made me feel like I was already part of the team. As a group, they just made me feel welcome."

Mayfield is the first player signed by new 49ers coach Alan Major.

"We're extremely excited to DeMario join the 49ers basketball family," Major said. "He gives us good size and skill at the wing position. With a year to sit out, he'll have a chance to expand his game and then have three years remaining." -- David Scott