Friday, April 25, 2008

Idaho signs a big man

According to the JucoJunction.com Rivals site, new Idaho coach Don Verlin has landed an actual center. Here's some background on Marvin Jefferson::

"...Marvin Jefferson, (SO) 6-foot-9 (235) from Modesto Junior College in Modesto, CA, has two visits planned for the next few weekends. Jefferson plans on visiting East Tennessee State-April 11-13 and the University of Idaho-April 18-20 according to Modesto Junior College head coach Paul Brogan.

Jefferson, a third-year player, led the Pirates this season in scoring rebounding and blocked shots. Jefferson played on the Pirates back in 2005-2006 where he averaged 8.5 ppg and 4.5 rebounds and recorded 95 blocks as a freshman. He sat out the 2006-2007 season and played this year. This season Jefferson averaged 18.5 ppg and 10.6 rebounds and swatted away 136 blocks..."


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Our understanding is that Jefferson still has some academic work to finish this summer but he'll provide the Vandals someone who actually meets the specs for a center and has a level of talent and the opportunity, due to the makeup of the current Idaho roster, that should allow him to be a starter from day one.

Here's another account, one that -- reading between the lines -- seems to say that SJSU decided to pass:

Jefferson ready to make Idaho home
Kelly Jones
The Modesto Bee
April 25, 2008


Marvin Jefferson would have loved to be the third Stanislaus District athlete playing for the San Jose State men's basketball team this fall.

The idea of teaming up with Ripon's Justin Graham and Modesto's Adrian Oliver and staying in Northern California would have been a dream come true for the 6-foot-9-inch product of Golden Valley High and Modesto Junior College.

Ultimately, the University of Idaho made the best pitch in a recruiting process that started heavily in October. Jefferson, who signed his letter of intent on Tuesday, said the Vandals entered the fray just three weeks ago...

Go here for the remainder.

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