March 14, 2011

LEXINGTON, KY – UK freshman Terrence Jones was named the Associated Press SEC Newcomer of the Year, as announced by the league office on Monday.

Jones, a 6-8 forward from Portland, Ore., averaged 17.1 points, 9.2 rebounds and 1.9 blocks in the regular season. He led the league in double-doubles (11) and rebounding and ranked sixth in scoring and blocked shots.

Jones was also awarded the SEC Freshman of the Year by league coaches.

“I’m honored to be selected for this award, but this isn’t an individual award, it’s a team award,” Jones said. “I wouldn’t be where I am without my teammates and coaches. I think Brandon (Knight) could have easily been the Newcomer of the Year, but I am honored and want to thank everyone that voted for me.”

Jones and Brandon Knight were both voted to the AP All-SEC teams. Jones was selected to the first team, while Knight was selected a second team member.

Knight averaged 17.7 points in the regular season and set the UK freshman record for 20-point games in season with 12.

“I’m so proud of both Terrence and Brandon,” head coach John Calipari said. “Like all individual awards our guys receive, it’s really a reflection of our team and how much progress we have all made this season. When you’re a player’s first program like we are at Kentucky, you take a great deal of pride in the accomplishments of these young men.”

Kentucky returns to action in the second round of the 2011 NCAA Tournament on Thursday. The Wildcats take on Ivy League champion Princeton in Tampa, Fla.