November 11, 1998

LEXINGTON, Ky. – John Stewart of Indianapolis and Marquis Estill of Richmond, Ky., have signed national letters-of-intent to play basketball at the University of Kentucky, it was announced today by Coach Tubby Smith. Stewart, a 7-foot, 285-pound center from Lawrence North High School, averaged 15.0 points, 11.0 rebounds and 3.0 blocks per game last season for the Wildcats, who finished 12-10. His efforts earned him All-County honors in Marion County and last summer he participated on the Junior All-State team in Indiana.

“We’ve helped ourselves out at the center spot by signing a player of John Stewart’s ability,” Smith said. “He comes from a quality high school at Lawrence North, and with his size and strength we hope he can be a force in the post for us in the future.”

Estill, a 6-9, 265-pound forward/center, played only 10 games at Madison Central High School last season as a junior because of an injured left knee. He averaged 16.8 points and 11.7 rebounds per game prior to the injury. “Marquis is the best big man in the state of Kentucky who is a very gifted athlete,” Smith said. “And his coach, Allen Feldhaus, has done an excellent job in preparing him for a future in basketball.” As a sophomore, Estill led the state in shooting, hitting 76.9 percent from the field. He averaged 14.0 points and 7.7 rebounds per game in leading the Indians to a 21-9 record and a berth in regional semifinals. Estill also shot 69.8 percent from the foul line and earned all-tournament team honors at the Hand W Classic, the Hoopin’ It Up Classic and the Toyota Classic. He also made the All-District Tournament team and the 11th Region All-Tournament team.

Estill chose the Wildcats over Louisville. Stewart and Estill are the first players to sign with the Wildcats during the early signing period. The November signing period runs through Nov. 18.