Amile Jefferson, a 6'7" class of 2012 forward ranked #9 overall by ESPN, is very high on Pitt's radar and turned in a solid performance Friday night at the Hoop Group's Pittsburgh Jam Fest.
The Philly product put up 18 points on 7-10 from the field, 4-5 from the charity stripe, along with 6 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block, and 2 turnovers in Philly's Finest's double-digit win over Syracuse Select. Jefferson, a lanky point forward that runs the floor like a gazelle, was one of the tallest players on his team so he didn't get much of a chance to show off much of a perimeter game but did show off his impressive skill set a bit in transition. He's a strong ball handler for his size and a good passer, but doesn't force the issue, which is refreshing to see in AAU ball.
Even though he needs to bulk up a bit, or at least add some muscle to his skinny frame, he's not afraid to mix it up down low. He got scored on a few times in the post, but he was defending bigger, stronger players all night and that's something he won't have to do if he plays the 3 position in college.
Jefferson was jawing with the refs a little too much at some points but for the most part, he's a humble, well-spoken kid who is pretty vocal on the floor. While the Panthers are showing the Friends Central (PA) star a lot of attention, he said he doesn't let that affect him when he plays in the Jamfest, located on Pitt's campus.
"We're just out here playing, we just want to play good basketball," Jefferson said. "I think we played a little sluggish tonight but this is a brand new team and we're all still getting to know each other so I just have to be focused on the team."
Philly's Finest will take on the Riverside Hawks at 3:35 Saturday afternoon at the Petersen Events Center in their last game of pool play before the playoffs begin.
