Aug. 27, 2005

MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL, MN - Minnesota Timberwolves Vice President of Basketball Operations Kevin McHale announced the team has signed free-agent forward/center Dwayne Jones. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"Dwayne is an athletic big man that we believe has a tremendous amount of potential," McHale said. "He excels on the defensive end of the floor with his shot blocking and rebounding ability. Dwayne was a player that continually improved over the course of his college career, and we believe he has the ability to play in the NBA."

Jones, a 6-11, 250-pound forward/center, was an early entry candidate for the 2005 NBA Draft after spending three seasons at Saint Joseph's University (2002-03 - 2004-05). He averaged 7.1 ppg (.522 FG%), 8.5 rpg, and 2.37 bpg in 98 career games (started 69), while leading the Atlantic 10 Conference in blocked shots all three seasons.

In 2004-05, Jones was named the Atlantic 10 Conference Defensive Player of the Year and was a Second Team All Conference selection. Last season Jones ranked fifth in the nation in rebounds (11.6) and blocks (3.00), while averaging 10.1 ppg. He posted 19 double-doubles, and became the first Saint Joseph's player to average a double-double since 1995-96. The two-time Atlantic 10 All-Defensive Team member became the first Hawk to notch a triple-double since 1986, when he tallied 11 points, 11 rebounds and a career-high 10 blocks vs. St. Bonaventure on Feb. 19.

Jones played for the Timberwolves' 2005 Minnesota Summer League entry and averaged 7.8 ppg and 3.8 rpg in five contests (all starts). He topped the squad in field goal percentage (.800, 12-for-15) and blocked shots (5, 1.00 bpg).

Jones is the third Hawk to reach the NBA in the past two seasons, joining 2004 first-round draft picks Jameer Nelson (Orlando) and Delonte West (Boston).