Tennessee men’s basketball 2017 signees
› Zach Kent: C; 6-9, 235; Magnolia, Del.; prospect rating: 3 stars (247Sports, ESPN); plans to major in communications.› Yvez Pons: F; 6-6, 210; Fuveau, France; prospect rating: 4 stars (247Sports); plans to major in business.› Derrick Walker: F; 6-8, 250; Kansas City, Mo.; prospect rating: 4 stars (ESPN), 3 stars (247Sports); plans to major in exercise science/kinesiology.What’s aheadTennessee still has one basketball scholarship available for the 2016-17 season. The signing deadline is May 17.
KNOXVILLE - The Tennessee men's basketball program picked up a pair of four-star forwards Wednesday, the first day of the spring signing period for basketball players.
Derrick Walker, a 6-foot-8 post player, and Yvez Pons, a versatile 6-foot-6 Frenchman both signed National Letters of Intent to play for Volunteers' coach Rick Barnes in the 2017-18 season.
They join 6-foot-10 center Zach Kent, of Delaware, who signed in November, as part of a freshman class that could have an immediate impact on the court for the Vols next season.
Tennessee could still add one more scholarship player to its class before the May 17 signing deadline.
Kwe Parker's decision to transfer, the mid-season dismissal of Detrick Mostella and the graduation of Lew Evans and Robert Hubbs left the Vols with four scholarships to fill for the upcoming season.
Barnes, in a news release from Tennessee, described Pons as, "a long, athletic wing who can defend multiple positions, play fast and finish in transition, along with rebound on both ends."
Pons is a four-star prospect, according to 247Sports. Walker, a Kansas City native, is ranked as a four-star player by ESPN.
In a news release on Walker's signing, Barnes said the Sunrise Christian Academy product will blend nicley with the team because of his size, strength and toughness.
"So there are a lot of signs that point to him being able to help us immediately," Barnes said. "His next challenge is to get himself into great shape so that he can make the kind of impact we believe he's capable of."
Tennessee finished the 2016-17 season 16-16. The upcoming season will be Barnes' third with the Vols.
Contact staff writer David Cobb at dcobb@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6249.