Top Five junior makes college choice

6-9 Al Jefferson of Prentiss (MS) High has verbally committed to Arkansas. Jefferson, who is considered a top five recruit in the Class of 2004, participated in this weekends’ 2003 USA Basketball Men’s National Team Trials in Colorado Springs and is a finalist for the USA junior squad that will compete July 10-20 at the 2003 FIBA (International Basketball Federation) Junior World Championship in Thessaloniki, Greece.

Al Jefferson picked Arkansas over Florida, LSU and Alabama. LSU was reportedly the runner-up for his services. He led his team to the boys Class AAA state championship as Prentiss defeated Corinth 59-52. Jefferson scored 45 points, grabbed 15 rebounds and blocked 8 shots in the win. He added eight dunks in the first ever state title for Prentiss.

Jefferson is the second player to commit to the Razorbacks. 6-11 center Steven Hill over Branson (MO) High committed to Arkansas in February. The presence of Hill would allow Jefferson to play power forward for Stan Heath. However, the NBA is still a possibility for the talented junior, although he has talked about wanting to go to college. Jefferson has shown more commitment to his conditioning and is down to 265 pounds after being as heavy 300 last season.