April 15, 2009

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The University of Kentucky men’s basketball program received a National Letter of Intent from DeMarcus Cousins, Coach John Calipari announced on Wednesday.

Cousins, a senior at LeFlore High School in Mobile, Ala., is rated as the top power forward in the country according to Rivals.com.

The 6-9 Cousins averaged 26 points and 12 rebounds as a senior, earning Parade All-American honors as he led the LeFlore Rattlers (29-3) to a berth in the Class 5A state semifinals. He played in the McDonald’s All-American Game in Miami earlier this month, as well as the Nike Hoops Summit in Portland last week as a member of the 2009 USA Junior National Select Team.

Cousins joins Kentucky Mr. Basketball Jon Hood (Madisonville) and Daniel Orton (Oklahoma City, Okla.) as members of UK’s 2009 signing class.

The late signing period runs from April 15 through May 20.