Dec. 30, 2010

OXFORD, Miss. - Ole Miss head basketball coach Andy Kennedy announced Thursday that former Memphis guard Jelan Kendrick is transferring to join the Rebels.

Due to NCAA transfer rules, the 6-foot-6, 200-pound Atlanta native can start practicing with the team in the upcoming semester and will be eligible to suit up for the Rebels next December.

"We are pleased to announce that Jelan Kendrick has joined our program," Kennedy said. "Jelan is a very talented young man that was looking for an opportunity to start anew. His talent has never been questioned with versatility being his greatest strength. After visiting with him and his family, we are excited about his future as an Ole Miss Rebel."

Kendrick signed with Memphis out of high school but left the team prior to playing a game. He was a McDonald's and Parade All-American at Wheeler High School in Marietta, Ga., following his 2009-10 senior season. He averaged 19.6 points, 6.7 rebounds and 3.5 assists and helped Wheeler to the Sweet 16 of the Georgia state tournament. He played for Westlake High School in Atlanta as a junior and helped that team to the state semifinals.

He was a consensus top-15 recruit, ranked the No. 8 player in the nation and the No. 2 small forward in the country by Rivals.com and the No. 15 player in the nation by Scout.com. Playing with the Memphis Magic Elite, he led his team to an AAU national championship.

Following his senior year of high school, he played in both the McDonald's All-America game and the Jordan Brand Classic at Madison Square Garden. He will be the first McDonald's All-American in Ole Miss Basketball history.