Photo | @madehoops
Four-star forward D.J. Jeffries is the lone commitment John Calipari has for the 2019 recruiting class but he’s a key building piece for what could be another monster class next spring.
Jeffries, a 6-foot-8, 185lb forward, is from Olive Branch, Mississippi, which is just across the border from Memphis, Tennessee. He is ranked the 8th best small forward in his class and the No. 27 player overall by the 247Sports Composite.
Mississippi’s top prospect for 2019 was an early target for Calipari, the head coach he grew up watching lead the Memphis Tigers. Jeffries told Ben Roberts of the Herald-Leader last month that he grew up cheering for Calipari’s Memphis teams and that he knew he wanted to play for him years ago.
Not only was landing Jeffries talent a big deal for Calipari and the 2019 class, he will also be a lead recruiter for the Cats when Calipari isn’t around. His AAU teammate, James Wiseman, is the top player for the 2019 class and he’s at the top of Calipari’s 2019 wish list.
In addition to playing with Wiseman, the nations top point guard for 2021, Zion Harmon, is also a member of the Bluff City (TN) Legends on the NIKE EYBL circuit this summer. Along with Calipari, Jeffries will have plenty of UK info to pitch to his current teammates.
The NIKE EYBL circuit will be firing up as the March to the Peach Jam begins with session one in Dallas, Texas next weekend. Jeffries Bluff City squad tipped off the spring schedule at the Warm Up in Springdale, Arkansas yesterday and the UK commit was one of the top performers.
Official statistics were not available but according to Brian Snow of 247Sports, Jeffries was his top performer from day one and he wrote the following about the UK signee.
“It was a good day for Jeffries who had several impressive finishes around the rim. Jeffries looked a bit more athletic than he was a year ago, and was definitely more locked in on both ends of the floor. “
As for Wiseman, Rivals Eric Bossi reported on Saturday that he was in a walking boot and would miss the Warm Up this weekend, but will be ready to go for the beginning of the EYBL schedule next weekend.
Calipari will have to fight off Memphis and new coach Penny Hardaway for Wiseman and Jeffries. Check out highlights of the UK commit from Saturday’s opening day of the Warm Up. You can see everything Snow had to say about Jeffries here.
