It’s all about making the right moves.

Coming out of Lake Marion High School two seasons ago, Jhondre Jefferson could have chosen to continue his basketball career at Allen University. Instead, the 2007 T&D All-Area first team selection chose to go to Northwest Florida State Junior College.

Tuesday, the 6-9 Jefferson, who averaged 10 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks per game this season, confirmed that he has committed to play for coach Darrin Horn and the South Carolina Gamecocks next season.

“I’m feeling really good,” Jefferson said. “I talked to a lot of my family and friends from high school and they are all excited for me.”

Northwest Florida State head coach Bruce Stewart said the Gamecocks are getting an explosive frontcourt player.

“Obviously, he has come to the level that they think he can play in the SEC,” he said. “I think he is one of the most improved players we have had here in 12 years. He can rebound. He’s a quick finisher around the basket.

“He’s not going to be a scorer, but he can be a big-time rebounder and shot blocker.”

Jefferson said his offensive game would be the focus of his summer.

“I’m a good offensive player, but I know I can be better,” he said. “I’m athletic, and I can be quick with the ball.”

Jefferson was a North-South All-Star selection after averaging 15.1 points, 9.2 rebounds and 3.2 blocks per game his senior season at Lake Marion. He finished the year with 11 double-doubles. But, he struggled during his first season at the JUCO level.

“My freshman year was rough,” he said. “We had a great team. We had a couple of guys go to major Division I colleges and I was playing behind three of them. This past year, it couldn’t have been better. I played a lot, put up great numbers and we were winning both years.”

Since high school, Jefferson’s heart was set on the Gamecocks, but he figured with coach Dave Odom leaving his opportunities at the school would end.

“Coach (Mike) Boynton and coach Horn were on me,” he said. “It’s been real good. I’ve been talking to them since they got hired, having conversations pretty much every week. I really got to know them, and that’s what made me feel comfortable in my decision.

“They are real nice guys. They seem like the type that is going to push me. They expect a lot out of me, and I expect a lot out of myself so it’s going to work good.”

It wasn’t just that relationship and the school’s proximity to Jefferson’s home that led to his decision to go with the Gamecocks over Mercer, UAB, Tennessee State and Missouri. What Jefferson sees down the line for the Gamecocks also played a role.

“The future for Gamecock basketball is unlimited,” he said. “There’s unlimited potential on the team. They probably have the brightest future in the SEC as far as the group we have there now. We have all been playing a lot. We just have to get together and learn each other’s game. Once I learn how to play with them and they learn how to play with me, I think we are going to be unstoppable in the SEC.”

n T&D Sports Editor Brian Linder can be reached via e-mail at blinder@timesanddemocrat.com or by phone at 803-533-5553. Check out his blog, Welcome to Linderland, at www.thetandd.com.

You must be logged in to comment.