Duke basketball 2014-15 player review: Amile Jefferson

Amile Jefferson

• Year: Junior
• Height: 6-foot-9
• Position: Forward
• This year's stat line: 6.1 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 63% FG
• The Blue Zone's predicted stat line: 7.0 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 57% FG

Season Breakdown: As a sophomore, Amile Jefferson had a breakout season and became a leader for the Blue Devils, averaging 6.5 points and 6.9 rebounds per game while shooting 64.4-percent from the floor. So, it came as no surprise when he was named co-captain along with senior Quinn Cook for this past season. Just like Cook, Jefferson had to take on a new role with freshman phenom Jahlil Okafor joining him in the frontcourt.

Throughout nonconference play, Jefferson held his own on a roster loaded with scorers, posting two double-doubles and averaging 8.9 points per game. The Philadelphia native played a pivotal role in Duke’s rebound win against Louisville after consecutive losses against Miami and N.C. State by hitting 6-of-7 shots from the floor and tacking on another 7-of-9 from the charity stripe for a career-high 19 points. Together with Okafor, Jefferson helped Duke outscore Karl Malone Power Forward of the Year Montrezl Harrell and the Cardinals 32-24 in the paint in what proved to be a season-changing victory for the Blue Devils.

After Duke picked up its third loss of the year two weeks later at Notre Dame, Jefferson lost his spot in the starting lineup as head coach Mike Krzyzewski opted for a smaller lineup, playing 6-foot-6 Justise Winslow and 6-foot-5 Matt Jones as forwards. At times, Jefferson struggled to get into rhythm coming off the bench, but the co-captain still found ways to contribute when it counted the most. Despite averaging just 2.5 points per game in his last 13 contests—and scoring for Michigan State in the national semifinal—Jefferson locked down AP Player of the Year Frank Kaminsky down the stretch on the game’s biggest stage when Okafor went to the bench in foul trouble.

Results relative to expectations: At the beginning of the year, The Blue Zone wrote:

“The major flaw in Jefferson's game has been his post defense, but the Duke coaching staff has been pleased with the strides he has made after recovering from offseason hip surgery. With center Jahlil Okafor now also patrolling the paint, Jefferson probably won't have to try to defend opposing centers as much as he did last year and should be able to quarterback the defense with his communication.”

In the national championship game, there were no doubts about Jefferson’s post defense. Finishing with seven rebounds and three blocks, Jefferson used his rangy athleticism and 6-foot-9 frame to keep the pesky Badgers off the glass—helping to hold them to just two second-chance points in the second half—and to push Kaminsky outside of his comfort zone.