Interesting........I think he could've actually helped us this year with his athleticismDevin Funchess said John Beilein asked him to try out for the Michigan basketball team
— Kyle Meinke (@kmeinke) February 19, 2015He wouldn’t have played for the bball team, as he’d probably be focusing on his draft stock.
He said he may have entertained the idea but doesn’t think Hoke would’ve allowed it
Interesting........I think he could've actually helped us this year with his athleticismDevin Funchess said John Beilein asked him to try out for the Michigan basketball team
— Kyle Meinke (@kmeinke) February 19, 2015He wouldn’t have played for the bball team, as he’d probably be focusing on his draft stock.
He said he may have entertained the idea but doesn’t think Hoke would’ve allowed it
If he was declaring early, he wouldn’t have gone through with it. His agent would have convinced him not to even if he really wanted to.
Interesting........I think he could've actually helped us this year with his athleticismDevin Funchess said John Beilein asked him to try out for the Michigan basketball team
— Kyle Meinke (@kmeinke) February 19, 2015He wouldn’t have played for the bball team, as he’d probably be focusing on his draft stock.
He said he may have entertained the idea but doesn’t think Hoke would’ve allowed it
If he was declaring early, he wouldn’t have gone through with it. His agent would have convinced him not to even if he really wanted to.
Should’ve provided more context, Beilien invited him to tryout as a freshman…at that point declaring early and agents most likely weren’t being considered
Interesting........I think he could've actually helped us this year with his athleticismDevin Funchess said John Beilein asked him to try out for the Michigan basketball team
— Kyle Meinke (@kmeinke) February 19, 2015He wouldn’t have played for the bball team, as he’d probably be focusing on his draft stock.
He said he may have entertained the idea but doesn’t think Hoke would’ve allowed it
If he was declaring early, he wouldn’t have gone through with it. His agent would have convinced him not to even if he really wanted to.
Should’ve provided more context, Beilien invited him to tryout as a freshman…at that point declaring early and agents most likely weren’t being considered
But you also said he would have provided athleticism this year. Which he wouldn’t have because he’d probably still be off to the NFL.
Interesting........I think he could've actually helped us this year with his athleticismDevin Funchess said John Beilein asked him to try out for the Michigan basketball team
— Kyle Meinke (@kmeinke) February 19, 2015He wouldn’t have played for the bball team, as he’d probably be focusing on his draft stock.
He said he may have entertained the idea but doesn’t think Hoke would’ve allowed it
If he was declaring early, he wouldn’t have gone through with it. His agent would have convinced him not to even if he really wanted to.
Should’ve provided more context, Beilien invited him to tryout as a freshman…at that point declaring early and agents most likely weren’t being considered
But you also said he would have provided athleticism this year. Which he wouldn’t have because he’d probably still be off to the NFL.
True, but presumably he would’ve stayed on with the bball team for all 3 years. Maybe not, who knows? All I know is this team is desperate for a guy that can jump out of the gym and finish, and yet still strong enough to not get bullied around
Interesting........I think he could've actually helped us this year with his athleticismDevin Funchess said John Beilein asked him to try out for the Michigan basketball team
— Kyle Meinke (@kmeinke) February 19, 2015He wouldn’t have played for the bball team, as he’d probably be focusing on his draft stock.
He said he may have entertained the idea but doesn’t think Hoke would’ve allowed it
If he was declaring early, he wouldn’t have gone through with it. His agent would have convinced him not to even if he really wanted to.
Should’ve provided more context, Beilien invited him to tryout as a freshman…at that point declaring early and agents most likely weren’t being considered
But you also said he would have provided athleticism this year. Which he wouldn’t have because he’d probably still be off to the NFL.
True, but presumably he would’ve stayed on with the bball team for all 3 years. Maybe not, who knows? All I know is this team is desperate for a guy that can jump out of the gym and finish, and yet still strong enough to not get bullied around
If Funchess played basketball like he did football, he probably wouldn’t have provided much toughness. Dude hated and was terrible at blocking. Different kind of contact, admittedly. Might have fared better just because he’s bigger, but I don’t think he’d have added much unless his mentality was different.
He can’t catch. I wonder if he could shoot.
Interesting........I think he could've actually helped us this year with his athleticismDevin Funchess said John Beilein asked him to try out for the Michigan basketball team
— Kyle Meinke (@kmeinke) February 19, 2015He wouldn’t have played for the bball team, as he’d probably be focusing on his draft stock.
He said he may have entertained the idea but doesn’t think Hoke would’ve allowed it
If he was declaring early, he wouldn’t have gone through with it. His agent would have convinced him not to even if he really wanted to.
Should’ve provided more context, Beilien invited him to tryout as a freshman…at that point declaring early and agents most likely weren’t being considered
But you also said he would have provided athleticism this year. Which he wouldn’t have because he’d probably still be off to the NFL.
True, but presumably he would’ve stayed on with the bball team for all 3 years. Maybe not, who knows? All I know is this team is desperate for a guy that can jump out of the gym and finish, and yet still strong enough to not get bullied around
If Funchess played basketball like he did football, he probably wouldn’t have provided much toughness. Dude hated and was terrible at blocking. Different kind of contact, admittedly. Might have fared better just because he’s bigger, but I don’t think he’d have added much unless his mentality was different.
So true, his blocking was downright awful. Funchess at TE was a joke.
He would’ve been forced to play power forward in JB system . I never like that about our teams, always having wing power forwards but coach will never change the way how he coaches.
He would've been forced to play power forward in JB system . I never like that about our teams, always having wing power forwards but coach will never change the way how he coaches.
There aren’t a lot of NCAA teams anymore that don’t have a 4 that will stretch the floor.
Thats fair but I don’t consider anyone that we have had as a real stretch 4.
Looks like we have a new name on the recruiting board…Damien Jefferson of East Chicago Central (same HS as Hryon Edwards), and more notably SYF AAU program (Mitch, GR3, Spike). Would say things could develop quickly if we’re not able to land Brown, Langford, Battle. Pretty obvious JB isn’t going to renew Max and is in the market for a wing.
Michigan has 2016s Northland F Seth Towns, UDJ G Cassius Winston, & East Chicago Central G Damien Jefferson at its game today @ny2lasports
— Corey Evans (@coreyevans_10) February 22, 2015
Well, we know Jefferson can jump!
Out here EATING
JB may have found another underrated kid from NW Indiana. I am absolutely shocked that Damien Jefferson is not ranked at least a 3 star from every recruiting site. I’ll have a full report after the game, but I think there is some potential there for sure.
Quick search did not turn up any video that is recent.
I’m all for snagging NW Indiana kids where we can get them.
He seems to be a Michigan fan.
As promised, here is the scouting report on Damien Jefferson. Jefferson plays for East Chicago Central (same HS as Hyron Edwards) and SYF (Mitch, GR3, Spike). Looks to be 6’5 - 6’6, and about 175-190lbs. Seems very long, with the ability to add 25lbs on his frame with no problem.
Preliminary opinion - Jefferson is an above average/good athlete with good verticality and decent straight line speed. Good catch and shoot player from 3, has the ability to shoot off the bounce but it isn’t necessarily where he excels. Handle is probably below average at this point, but not horrible by any means. Jefferson even has decent court vision. Good rebounder that shows the willingness to put a body on the opposition with no problem at all.
Overall - as stated earlier, have no idea how this kid isn’t at least a 3 star on every site, there is no doubt in my mind this kid is high major type talent provided he doesn’t have academic issues. Reminds of Donte Grantham (who is doing quite well at Clemson) to the extent that he is long and wiry, has the ability to do several things well, but he is a better shooter than Grantham, but slightly shorter. Really think this kid has a lot of potential. Unlike most of our other wing players, Jefferson really has the potential to be a really good rebounder in college, not afraid to put a body on someone and box out. Prefer Jefferson over all our other sleeper/under the radar types such as Akele, Watson, etc. Might even prefer Jefferson over Hughes because he is bigger, just as athletic, and a better rebounder.
Full game film from Jan. 29th below. By my count, Jefferson had 27pts, 11rebs, 1 steal, 1block, 1assist.
Notable plays marked below to ease your viewing - Jefferson is #23
8:05 - nice cut from the high post for a layup; his length was obvious as it only took him 2 steps to cover ground from the 3 point line to the rim
8:22 mark - brings the ball up the court, takes a 24 foot shoot off the dribble, misses short. Not really good shot selection here
8:36 mark - fronts the post on defense, has enough length and verticality to tip the entry pass. Even when the offensive player comes up with it, Jefferson has the length to force a miss and obtain the rebound
11:10 mark - goes high for a defensive rebound, then proceeds to give a nice outlet pass that results in 2 free throws
12:32 mark - instinctively pursues the ball off the Hyron Edwards miss and high points the ball for an offensive rebound and tip in
12:42 mark - is able to recognize Edwards is forcing the offensive player into the sideline, comes up on defense and traps the offenisve player and forces a steal that results in his teammate missing a layup but Jefferson is there of an offenisve rebound and tip in
13:34 mark - boxes the offensive player out and goes high for the defensive rebound
20:20 mark - is able to shield offensive player off with body in order to obtain defensive rebound in transition
20:30 mark - drives right, attempts to take 17ft step back jumper, loses ball mid air and misses badly. Not really good shot selection here, he was off balance and could’ve went to the rack easily
22:25 mark - comes down with a defensive rebound after a blown layup by the opposition; hits his teammate with a no look pass from about 50 feet away for layup
22:55 mark - pops up to the 3 point line after a down screen, takes 1 dribble right and takes off balance 15 footer that misses badly; again off balance and fading right
23:50 mark - comes up with loose ball around half court, takes 2 dribbles and absolutely hammers a dunk home over a defender. The ball was near the top of the square at its highest point before throwing it down. It only took Jefferson 2 dribbles to get from half court to just inside the FT line in order to dunk. Shows you the kind of ground he can cover
26:20 mark - buries a catch and shoot 3 from the right wing; displays good verticality and follow through on his jumpshot. True jumpshot
27:12 mark - buries a contested 18 foot jumper at the top of the key off the dribble going right; man this was impressive. Jefferson really high points his jump shot much like THJ making it almost impossible to block
27:55 mark - goes left and misses a 12 foot floater; once again off balance
28:10 mark - nice weakside block one Jefferson his smaller teammate getting bullied on the block. Runs the floor in transition and gets fouled on the layup attempt. Makes one out of two at the line; release point seems a bit late on both, but slightly better on the second
30:30 mark - boxes out and goes high for a defensive rebound
31:40 mark - backing down a smaller defender at the high post off the dribble, his temmate makes the backdoor when the defense falls asleep paying attention to Jefferson, hits his teammate with the pass. Good court vision
35:25 mark - goes left off the pick for 2 dribble, rises up and buries the 3. Really elevates on his jumpshot
40:40 mark - seals the defender at the FT line, gives Edwards a target to hit, finishes the Edwards pass mid air for the alley-oop lay up
41:45 mark - comes up with a defensive rebound, is the trailer in transition and Edwards hits Jefferson on the right wing for a catch and shoot 3…all net
43:20 mark - comes up with an offensive rebound off the Edwards miss, finishes the layup through contact for the and 1. Knocks down the FT with perfect form and rotation
44:35 mark - trailing in transition throws down a one handed dunk. Good verticality
Found a bit more film. Just look at this kid’s courtvision/passing from the 1:50 mark on. I tried to be a bit reserved in my preliminary opinion because I’ve only seen 1 full game, but if DJ Wilson was a top 100 player, what the hell is Jefferson? He’s FAR better than Wilson at the same age in my opinion. Kid is SEVERELY underrated
Even more film on Jefferson at the link below. I have no idea how this kid isn’t on the radar of high major programs…he has obviously been seen because he is the teammate of Hyron Edwards. Honestly, from the little film I’ve seen, Jefferson nearly as good as Tyus Battle - Battle is a better ballhandler. I hope JB offers this kid in a hurry.
I can’t believe I’m saying this, but on a few of these clips, notably the pump fake then floater in the lane and jab step and pull up 3, this kid’s footwork actually resembles Kobe Bryant. Now obviously I’m not saying this kid is Kobe Bryant, but if you are being compared to Kobe in any way relating to basketball, that’s most likely a very big compliment.
http://scouthoops.scout.com/story/1497489-highlights-damien-jefferson