May 21, 2010
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Terrence Jones and Eloy Vargas have both signed a financial aid offer to play basketball at the University of Kentucky, Head Coach John Calipari announced on Friday.
A senior at Jefferson High School in Portland, Ore., Jones ranks ninth on ESPNU’s Top 100, and 13th overall by Rivals.com and is rated eighth by Scout.com recruiting services.
“Terrence is perfectly suited for our dribble-drive offense,” Calipari said. “He’s a lefty that can score inside and out on the perimeter. His ability in open space is what makes him a special player.”
The 6-foot-9 Jones averaged 30.0 points, 14.0 rebounds, and 6.0 assists this past season at Jefferson High. The 2010 McDonald’s All-American tallied 14 points in the McDonald’s All-American game, teaming with fellow UK signees Brandon Knight and Doron Lamb to help lead the West team to a 107-104 victory.
Jones also participated in the 2010 Jordan Brand Classic All-American game along with Knight and Lamb, teaming up with Lamb on the West squad. He finished with 17 points and nine rebounds in helping lead the West to a 129-125 win.
A 6-foot-11 native of the Dominican Republic, Vargas averaged 25.0 points, 13.0 rebounds and five blocks as a sophomore at Miami-Dade Community College last season. He was named the 2010 Southern Conference Player of the Year, First Team All-Southern Conference and FCCAA All-State.
Vargas was rated the No. 26 prospect in the 2008 Rivals150 by Rivals.com, 41st by ESPNU and was rated a four-star top 50 recruit in 2008 by Scout.com recruiting service.
“Eloy is a long, big forward who is skilled both offensively and defensively,” Calipari said. “He immediately adds a shot-blocking presence and a versatile front-court player to our team next season.”
Vargas played one season at Florida (2008-09), but appeared in only nine games after suffering an ankle injury.
Jones and Vargas join Enes Kanter, Knight, Lamb and Stacey Poole Jr. in UK’s 2010 signing class.
