I just read that Parker Jefferson a 6'10" Center from California who just decommitted from Minnesota yesterday is now on our radar. He had very good high school stats and was very highly rated out of high school. It doesn't seem we are getting an experienced center so it could be a good pickup.
Parker Jefferson 6'10" Center
- Thread starter Knights 1212
- Start date
Thank you for some positive news 1212. This board has been brutal lately. Hope you are well.
Thank you. For several weeks I have finally been feeling much better.
Big stage, opportunity for playing time. Probably get more playing time than Cliff got at Alabama.
Rutgers Basketball Hosting Four-Star Center Parker Jefferson This Week
So .... a video clip of Parker Jefferson and his AAU team:
It lists him as 6'9", for what it is worth. And of course, as a limited video clip, and of AAU ball - relatively useless for a true evaluation. Even so:
1) More a stretch 4 with size than a Center - maybe similar in style to Danny Wolf - picking a player of recent college vintage.
2) Some athleticism, but not great - but probably as "athletic" as Sommerville.
3) Good hands - those you CAN tell.
4) I like one things that jumps out: When receiving the ball inside (or offensive rebounding), he KEEPS HIS HANDS AND THE BALL UP - does not bring it down ... and unlike Sommerville, for example, doesn't pump and juke, but goes right up with the shot.
5) Could not tell if he plays any defense at all ... typical of AAU ball, but maybe where his level of development is at also. I did see several times when caught on a smaller, quicker WF on a switch, could not keep the player from getting to the rim, nor did he block the shot.
6) His help defense is ... not there at this time. Lack of training, or AAU ball, or both?
7) A strength/stamina/conditioning shortfall - not surprising - should improve when he gets into any college weight and conditioning program.
8) Looks like a promising upside, especially offensively. I cannot compare him to Sommerville (neither better nor worse), but he looks to have decent footwork, some range on his shot (showed making several 3's - in the flow of the game, a couple of step-backs to get his feet behind the line - and done smoothly), a couple of drives along baseline, and a fair number of put backs or catches and made FG's at the rim. No idea if he has a post game - but if he has a mid-range and 3-point capability, that may be more valuable than post moves in today's college game.
9) Appears to e a willing passer, at least.
Also, a link to nbadraftroom.com: https://nbadraftroom.com/parker-jefferson/
The most interesting note here is not their brief commentary on his draft potential (I'd say ignore it, FYI, do not believe it for a second)), nor the YouTube link clips I copied and pasted above, but look on the right hand side of the page, down a little, at 2025 Power Forward rankings: Nwuli is ranked #25 (nationally - all PF's). Not sure I believe that, but would be great, eh? When you click on his name you get his profile page - and a clip of Nwuli (https://nbadraftroom.com/chris-nwuli/ - do not like the song, seems a little bigoted ... and only a 45 second clip with little you can learn except he appears very athletic and has distinctive taste in his hair styling).
It lists him as 6'9", for what it is worth. And of course, as a limited video clip, and of AAU ball - relatively useless for a true evaluation. Even so:
1) More a stretch 4 with size than a Center - maybe similar in style to Danny Wolf - picking a player of recent college vintage.
2) Some athleticism, but not great - but probably as "athletic" as Sommerville.
3) Good hands - those you CAN tell.
4) I like one things that jumps out: When receiving the ball inside (or offensive rebounding), he KEEPS HIS HANDS AND THE BALL UP - does not bring it down ... and unlike Sommerville, for example, doesn't pump and juke, but goes right up with the shot.
5) Could not tell if he plays any defense at all ... typical of AAU ball, but maybe where his level of development is at also. I did see several times when caught on a smaller, quicker WF on a switch, could not keep the player from getting to the rim, nor did he block the shot.
6) His help defense is ... not there at this time. Lack of training, or AAU ball, or both?
7) A strength/stamina/conditioning shortfall - not surprising - should improve when he gets into any college weight and conditioning program.
8) Looks like a promising upside, especially offensively. I cannot compare him to Sommerville (neither better nor worse), but he looks to have decent footwork, some range on his shot (showed making several 3's - in the flow of the game, a couple of step-backs to get his feet behind the line - and done smoothly), a couple of drives along baseline, and a fair number of put backs or catches and made FG's at the rim. No idea if he has a post game - but if he has a mid-range and 3-point capability, that may be more valuable than post moves in today's college game.
9) Appears to e a willing passer, at least.
Also, a link to nbadraftroom.com: https://nbadraftroom.com/parker-jefferson/
The most interesting note here is not their brief commentary on his draft potential (I'd say ignore it, FYI, do not believe it for a second)), nor the YouTube link clips I copied and pasted above, but look on the right hand side of the page, down a little, at 2025 Power Forward rankings: Nwuli is ranked #25 (nationally - all PF's). Not sure I believe that, but would be great, eh? When you click on his name you get his profile page - and a clip of Nwuli (https://nbadraftroom.com/chris-nwuli/ - do not like the song, seems a little bigoted ... and only a 45 second clip with little you can learn except he appears very athletic and has distinctive taste in his hair styling).
A big body with a decent shot.
Doesn't shy away from contact either on rebounds or putbacks.
Doesn't shy away from contact either on rebounds or putbacks.
Right now the big money is going to the transfer portal. Good but not elite high school players are more affordable.
Expecting results with an inexperienced freshmen-filled team and one of the worst efficient guards from one of the worst teams in the all of CBB is just INSANE
Jefferson and Ogbole would get OBLITERATED in the Big Ten
Folks, I hate to break it to you but if Pikiell is relying on recruiting another freshmen big to fill the 5-spot, this team is going to be not just bad but Eddie Jordan-level bad. Last year, we saw how devastating it was not having a solid rim protector. Our opponents had the easiest time with layup lines to the basket last year.
If Jefferson commits, rooting for him to surprise everyone and become the most bad *** center Rutgers has ever seen.
Nearly every high school recruit dating back to the 2020-21 season has been a sure fire miss by Pikiell and his coaching staff.
HIGH SCHOOL RECRUITS SINCE 2020-21 SEASON
Cliff Omoruyi - Solid (Transferred out)
Mawot Mag - Good (Transferred out)
Dean Reiber - Bust (Transferred out)
Oskar Palmquist - Bust (Graduated)
Jaden Jones - Bust (Declared for draft)
Jalen Miller - Bust (Transferred out)
Derek Simpson - Bust (Transferred out)
Antonio Chol* - Bust (Transferred out)
Antwone Woolfolk - Bust (Transferred out)
Gavin Griffiths - Bust (Transferred out)
Jamichael Davis - Mediocre
Ace Bailey - Solid (Declared for draft)
Dylan Harper - Solid (Declared for draft)
Dylan Grant - In Development
Lathan Sommerville - Average (Transferred out)
Bryce Dortch - In Development
* - Interested to see how Chol does at UNM after having a solid season on the JUCO circuit
Of all the high school recruits Pikiell has brought into the program, you can argue Dylan Grant has the most potential but in today's world of NIL and the transfer portal, who's to say this kid is gonna hang around for the long haul?
Recruiting high school players and expecting them to be patient and stay at Rutgers to develop just isn't happening anymore. You might get one out of ten to stay to develop. Also, relying on freshmen to win you games especially in the Big Ten just isn't happening. That's nuts to think that.
TRANSFERS SINCE 2020-21 SEASON
Aundre Hyatt - Medicore
Ralph Gonzales-Agee - Bust
Cam Spencer - Solid (Transferred to UConn)
Noah Fernandes - Bust
Emmanuel Ogbole - Bust
Austin Williams - Bust
Jeremiah Williams - Mediocre
Jordan Derkack - Medicore
Tyson Acuff - Bust
PJ Hayes - Bust
Zach Martini - Bust
Pikiell's recruiting of the portal has been terrible since the 2020-21 season landing only one solid transfer in Cam Spencer.
If Jefferson commits, rooting for him to surprise everyone and become the most bad *** center Rutgers has ever seen.
Nearly every high school recruit dating back to the 2020-21 season has been a sure fire miss by Pikiell and his coaching staff.
HIGH SCHOOL RECRUITS SINCE 2020-21 SEASON
Cliff Omoruyi - Solid (Transferred out)
Mawot Mag - Good (Transferred out)
Dean Reiber - Bust (Transferred out)
Oskar Palmquist - Bust (Graduated)
Jaden Jones - Bust (Declared for draft)
Jalen Miller - Bust (Transferred out)
Derek Simpson - Bust (Transferred out)
Antonio Chol* - Bust (Transferred out)
Antwone Woolfolk - Bust (Transferred out)
Gavin Griffiths - Bust (Transferred out)
Jamichael Davis - Mediocre
Ace Bailey - Solid (Declared for draft)
Dylan Harper - Solid (Declared for draft)
Dylan Grant - In Development
Lathan Sommerville - Average (Transferred out)
Bryce Dortch - In Development
* - Interested to see how Chol does at UNM after having a solid season on the JUCO circuit
Of all the high school recruits Pikiell has brought into the program, you can argue Dylan Grant has the most potential but in today's world of NIL and the transfer portal, who's to say this kid is gonna hang around for the long haul?
Recruiting high school players and expecting them to be patient and stay at Rutgers to develop just isn't happening anymore. You might get one out of ten to stay to develop. Also, relying on freshmen to win you games especially in the Big Ten just isn't happening. That's nuts to think that.
TRANSFERS SINCE 2020-21 SEASON
Aundre Hyatt - Medicore
Ralph Gonzales-Agee - Bust
Cam Spencer - Solid (Transferred to UConn)
Noah Fernandes - Bust
Emmanuel Ogbole - Bust
Austin Williams - Bust
Jeremiah Williams - Mediocre
Jordan Derkack - Medicore
Tyson Acuff - Bust
PJ Hayes - Bust
Zach Martini - Bust
Pikiell's recruiting of the portal has been terrible since the 2020-21 season landing only one solid transfer in Cam Spencer.
Desperately need to find a center. If Ogbole is the starter, the team is cooked.
So, if you can't recruit high school and you can't recruit portal, where you getting guys from .
Bleak but mostly accurate view of Pike's performance over past few years. Ace and Dylan were home runs but only because of personal relations to these players that they wound up at Rutgers. Not all of the results are NIL related which is most concerning. One would have thought that high school recruiting would have improved once we made the NCAA tournament but not so much.
He has Dylan and Ace in the solid category LMAO.
Imagine paying 1M to 2M for a center in the portal, who went from High Point, who RU passed on in 2023 HS recruiting.....and paying that player for 18 to 20 minutes a game.
Sign me up for Parker Jefferson 10 out of 10 times over some overpriced player who can't play.
Imagine paying 1M to 2M for a center in the portal, who went from High Point, who RU passed on in 2023 HS recruiting.....and paying that player for 18 to 20 minutes a game.
Sign me up for Parker Jefferson 10 out of 10 times over some overpriced player who can't play.
But Mawot Mag was “good”. Cam too was “solid”. So the three NBA players were just solid.
I wouldn't pay anyone $1M a year for 18 to 20 min. Have to hope a Parker Jefferson is staying more than a year, as I don't expect much from freshman. I do think they are more likely to stay if they come as freshman, but no guarantee nowadays.
Parker will get killed on defense just like Lathan… you undervalue size, defense, and most importantly experience
If that were the case then someone should have taken Ogbole off our hands already after two developmental years.
Why do you forget he had a serious injury and was not able to " develope" in year one and then was injured again this year? Some of the negativity spitted out is just plain BS overkill.If that were the case then someone should have taken Ogbole off our hands already after two developmental years.
If you want to debate ratings of Ace and Dylan we can.
Why should they get elite or legendary ratings? Because they scored a bunch of points? Last I checked, you need to play defense in college basketball and they were awful defensively.
One big example that sticks out in the back of my mind is Dylan's failure to closeout on Burnett that allowed Michigan to escape with an 84-82 win, which then was followed by a cursing laced interview by Steve Pikiell on the radio.
Super talented, great offensive players.
Lousy, terrible defensive players.
Overall, they were solid. They kept Rutgers in most games on the offensive end, but weren't good enough on the defensive end.
I wouldn't say the best response to an "overpriced player who can't play" is an "underpriced player who can't play".
Unless you're saying Jefferson can play 18 to 20minutes a game.
Ace and Dylan had zero help from bad crop of transfers and even worse coaching. Everyone was terrible on defense, especially the matador defense by the centers. The coaching staff was terrible putting players in a position to succeed offensively. The coaches hoped two 18 year old phenoms good will their way to wins, carrying a bunch of scrubs with them. Wishing nothing but the best for Ace and Dylan who got a raw deal at Rutgers by not have a proper supporting cast and coaching.
If that were the case then someone should have taken Ogbole off our hands already after two developmental years.
Because he has no suitors.If that were the case then someone should have taken Ogbole off our hands already after two developmental years.
I will get 75 to 80% of the production from Jefferson at 1M dollar discount for the same 18 to 20 minutes a game. If Jefferson scores more than the size guy that can't score, RU is ahead.....
I know it sounds crazy, but Lathan is actually better than Ogbole, even though Ogbole provides size and rim protection with some rebounding. At some point, basketball has to factor into the equation over that specialist.
We had 3 specialists last portal and 1 kinda complete basketball player in Acuff.....that didnt work out, news flash....we needed more Lathan types than Ogbole or Martini types.
Lathan took way more crap on these boards than he deserved. There is basically no need to even guard EO.
They both were significantly deficient in different facets of the game. Even if you combined the two into one player it still wouldn't be good.
Again, you don’t value size, age, defense or experience. 18 year old Jefferson against 23 year old Kauffman-Renn. And many more
Hawk and the guy you responded to seem to think defense doesn’t impact the outcomes of games.
Lathan is a more skilled individual basketball player, but its probably even as to who is better in a group of 5 right now.
If you had premium, you knew about this back in early April
I never said that, ever.....what you and others cannot comprehend is I am aware of where RU is in terms if limitations financially and with donors to field a Top 20 program. You and others act as if it doesn't matter and we can buy any player, fill every hole and that we are Michigan or another blue blood.
Once you grasp that concept, you have to find a path towards success, instead of complaining about not having every player at age 23 and buying 9 players from the portal.
What? No I don’t think that at all. In fact, I don’t think our focus should be on buying offense at all. Ironically, I believe the path back to respectability is the same road we first took to dig out of the Eddie Jordan black hole. Money is an obvious obstacle, but defense is what is undervalued and also happens to be what Pike is good at coaching.
You like Francis because he scored a bunch of points for the worst team in D1 basketball. I think he’s a wasted pick up who will ultimately cause tension in the locker room when Brandon feels obligated to try to carve a role for him. I see almost no chance of him starting over J Mike. You thought Lathan was a big loss because he scored a bunch of points. I think we might ultimately be better off with Bryce Dortch at center assuming he hits the weight room.
Program just seems to throw good money after bad. No strategy or understanding roster construction in today's college basketball environment.
This.
Geez, PSAL ... what is with me agreeing with you ... I think this is happening WAY too much, LOL!
P.S. I am awaiting RU to actually sign 2 the 2 more portal guys they are supposed to be looking for, plus Jefferson. I will then start a thread posting my off-season "homework" for each player. Senseless to do that until we know the remaining 2 portal players - since those will have a role in defining what roles everyone else has ot play - and the "homework" necessary will depend on the roles each has to play.
You keep saying "buying 9 players from the portal."
Not sure you realize how roster construction - for every team - going forward will work.
Rutgers will have to buy 13 players ever year.
Freshman, retention, transfers.
All coming from the same (very limited) resource pool.
Just because Lino Mark is cheap this year as a freshman doesn't mean he will cost the same next year.
Rutgers will have to rebuy him - likely at a higher cost - next year.
It doesn't matter where the talent comes from.
We could bring in 8 freshman this year.
It has zero impact on future success.
Because those players will cost the same as transfers (of similar talent level) next year.