November 10, 2004

BLACKSBURG, Va. -- The Virginia Tech men's basketball program has announced the signing of two players to national letters of intent for the 2005-06 academic year.

Hyman Taylor, a 6-9, 235 lbs. post player from Fort Lauderdale, Fla. and Terrance Vinson, a 6-8, 220 lbs. forward from Valdosta, Ga. have signed to play for the Hokies beginning in Fall 2005.

"A focal point for us was finding front court help and depth and strength, guys that can post defend and rebound. We filled some of that with these players," Virginia Tech head coach Seth Greenberg said. "Both players are competitive, strong, tough and athletic enough to compete in the ACC. These guys fill a huge void for us."

Taylor was ranked as the #6 Big Man at the adidas Superstar All-American camp this past summer. He averaged 16.8 points, 12.0 rebounds and 5.0 blocked shots per game as a junior at Cardinal Gibbons High School in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., where he plays for head coach Buddy Pressley.

"Hyman Taylor is a guy who will improve right in front of our eyes," Greenberg said. "He's physically strong, he has great anticipation and the ability to block shots. He sees plays before they happen on the defensive end.

"He was a 6-0 guard until a couple of years ago, so he can catch it and score facing up. We are going to work with him to develop a go-to move on the block. He can run, he can rebound, he can block shots and he's got great energy."

Vinson plays at Lowndes High School in Valdosta, Ga. for head coach Rob Williams. The Vikings finished second in Georgia AAAAA Region I last season. Vinson averaged 10 points and nine rebounds a game last year as a junior for Lowndes.

"Terrance Vinson is extremely athletic and very quick around the basket," Greenberg said. "He is an excellent rebounder and defender and runs as hard as anyone rim-to-rim. He has a toughness and a drive about him. He really wants to be special.

"He's a player who has gotten better and better. He has made tremendous strides this summer. He has a work ethic that we think is very important. We need physical, tough, front court players that are competitive and he fits all those traits."