Feb. 25, 2011

LEXINGTON, KY – UK freshmen Terrence Jones and Brandon Knight were named among five finalists for the inaugural Wayman Tisdale National Freshman of the Year Award as announced by the United States Basketball Writers Association (USBWA).

Jones is currently leading the team in rebounding (9.1), blocked shots (53) and double-doubles (10). He’s averaging 17.6 points, which is second on the team just behind Knight. Jones leads the league in rebounding and ranks fourth in scoring. His 2.0 blocks per game average ranks sixth.

Knight is averaging a team-best 17.7 points and has set UK freshmen records for 20-point games with 12 and consecutive games in double-figures with 22. He ranks third in the SEC in scoring and second in assists with 4.0 per game and he’s fifth in the league in 3-pointers, averaging 2.4 a game.

Former UK All-American John Wall became the first Wildcat to win the award last season.

The USBWA has chosen a national freshman of the year since the 1988-89 season when LSU’s Chris Jackson was the recipient.

Kentucky returns to action Saturday, hosting the 13th ranked Florida Gators. The game is scheduled for a 4:00 p.m. ET tip and can be seen live on CBS.