Huskies hope to land Portland prep basketball stars Terrence Jones and Terrence Ross

Friday could be one of the biggest days in Washington men's basketball recruiting history.

Terrence Ross, Oregon's 5A Player of the Year in 2008, is expected to sign a national letter of intent with the Huskies, adding a highly sought-after, four-star recruit to a class of less-heralded newcomers.

The day becomes extra special for UW if Ross' former high-school teammate, Terrence Jones, a five-star prospect and McDonald's All-American, also signs with Washington.

They'll make their college choice at a joint news conference at 3:30 p.m. Friday at Jefferson High in Portland.

"This is a very high-profile event," Jefferson High athletic director Mitch Whitehurst said. "It's good for everybody, the community, the families and the players. It's good for our students. It's all very positive."

Ross, a 6-foot-5 guard, made an official visit to Montlake earlier this week and committed to the Huskies, according to several Internet recruiting services.

Last year, he made a commitment to Maryland, which he rescinded in December.

Ross transferred to Montrose Christian in Rockville, Md., following his sophomore season, when he led Jefferson to a state title.

He withdrew from Montrose Christian on Feb. 2 and returned to Jefferson, but was ruled ineligible by the Oregon School Activities Association and could not play high-school basketball last season.

Despite missing a year of basketball, Ross was rated the No. 43 senior by Rivals.com. He also drew offers from Kentucky, Kansas, Oregon and Oklahoma.

While Ross was away from Jefferson, Jones led the Democrats to two more state championships and blossomed into one of the top recruits in the nation.

Rivals.com rates him the No. 13 senior and the top unsigned recruit. His suitors include Kentucky, Kansas, Oregon, UCLA and Oklahoma.

"He's going to do what's best for him and I'm going to do what's best for me," Jones said weeks ago. "Hopefully it's together, but I still want him to do well no matter if he goes with me or not, and I know he wants the same for me."

Washington has two available scholarships after Elston Turner Jr. and Clarence Trent announced plans to transfer in the past two weeks.

The Huskies signed 6-7 forward Desmond Simmons out of Richmond, Calif., and 7-foot center Aziz N'Diaye from the College of Southern Idaho.

Note

• Washington will host Texas Tech on Dec. 4 and travel to Texas A&M on Dec. 11 as part of the Big 12/Pac-10 Hardwood Classic series. The Huskies also play a nonconference game against Seattle University and are working to secure a deal with Nevada.

Percy Allen: 206-464-2278 or pallen@seattletimes.com