COLLIERVILLE (WRCB) -- Cuonzo Martin picked up the biggest win of his brief Tennessee career without even stepping on the basketball court.
Highly-touted high school senior Jarnell Stokes chose to play for the Vols over Florida, Kentucky, Arkansas and Memphis during a ceremony at a restaurant in Collierville Thursday night.
"I prayed a lot and it was a last minute decision," Stokes told reporters. "But I have a lot of faith in Tennessee, and I think there are some great things to come for the program."
The even bigger news for UT is he'll likely be eligible to play this season.
The 6-foot-8, 255-pound standout, who is ranked among the top 20 prospects in the nation by most recruiting services, was ruled athletically ineligible by the TSSAA this year after transferring from Memphis Central High to Southwind High.
Instead of sitting out for a full year, Stokes graduated early and will be able to enroll in spring semester classes in Knoxville. If he receives clearance from the NCAA, he'll likely become eligible to join the Vols' basketball team when spring semester classes start January 11.
Stokes averaged 19 points and 14 rebounds as a junior last season at Central. He'll likely contribute immediately for a Tennesee team that currently stands at 4-6 overall.
