Davon Jefferson Headed to the NBA?

From LATimes.com:

Jefferson's steadiness on the court has elevated him to a late first-round selection in the NBA draft in the estimation of one league executive. A source close to Jefferson said he intended to declare for the draft after this season.

This was from Ben Bolch's article a few days ago.  When I read the highlighted sentence above, it had me shaking my head and nearly forgetting the preceding story of Davon's development in maturity and character.  It was an indication to me that Davon had matured, but not a great deal, and if the source is true, will make yet another false step in a long line of bad decisions. 

I realize this post has the make-up of being inflammatory, but let me be clear, this isn't a knock against Davon as a person, rather a knock against his potential decision.  I'll say it outright:  Davon is NOT ready for the NBA.  Not only is he not mentally prepared for the pro stage, but his game is too flawed to translate over.  When you add up the facts that he is a tweener (not a true 3 or 4), needs to face up to shoot (i.e. can't shoot off dribble), doesn't have a secure handle, can't blow by defenders with his quickness, and doesn't have post-up moves, it pretty much equals a demotion to the NBDL, 2nd year cut, or bench warmer status for a significant portion of his development years. 

I was pleasantly surprised that Davon had a 2.75 gpa in his first semester, but I don't think it will have any weight in his decision to jump to the NBA.  I'd be willing to bet that he'll at least test the waters and will jump if the words "1st" and "round" are used together - even if they are uttered by fallacious agents.  Actually, he'd probably jump if he was a early 2nd round lock.  Davon would be best served to come back to SC for at least another year to work on his game, but I honestly won't count on it...

Comments

[Tristan]

Agreed, on all points! DJ's got a fantastic future in the NBA, if only he stays a few more years at the collegiate level to hone his skills and learn the game from one of the country's best coaches in Coach Floyd.