Jeffries works on moving up in draft
Former Indiana star has added weight and impressed teams in his individual workouts.
By Terry Hutchens
terry.hutchens@indystar.com
June 20, 2002
Jared Jeffries' NBA stock is on the rise.
Many analysts believe the former Indiana University standout will be chosen with one of the top 11 picks of Wednesday's NBA draft.
Jeffries didn't work out at the pre-draft camp in Chicago earlier this month, instead showing his skills in individual workouts this month at specific team sites.
But Jeffries showed up in Chicago to get measured and weighed.
And when the results came back at 6-11 and 230 pounds, Pacers president Donnie Walsh said a lot of eyes were opened in NBA circles.
The 2002 IU media guide has Jeffries listed at 6-10 and 215 pounds.
"In these workouts he's showing people that he can face the basket, he can shoot from the outside, he can drive with either hand, and he can post up," Walsh said. "He's a great athlete. He can block shots, he can defend and he's been very well coached. I think his value has gone up considerably since even the NCAA tournament run."
Jeffries has had a busy workout schedule and it's only going to get more hectic over the final days heading into the NBA draft.
He worked out for Denver and Milwaukee last week. Tuesday in Phoenix, Jeffries began a six-workout tour spanning eight days. Among those sessions will be repeat workouts with Washington, Memphis, New York, Cleveland and Phoenix. He will also have an initial workout with Miami.
"I doubt if he'll last past 11 in the draft, and I'm sure he's playing well enough in these workouts that teams one through seven are looking at him now," Walsh said.
A good example is Memphis, which has the No. 4 pick overall. Jeffries worked out for the Grizzlies recently. Last week, Memphis president and general manager Jerry West called back to schedule a second look.
"I'm not sure how his workouts have been going, but that has to tell you something when Jerry West wants to take another look," said Tom Jeffries, Jared's father. "It has been a crazy time for Jared, but he seems to be very focused and he knows exactly what he wants to do.
"From a parent's point of view, I'm just glad it's all going to be over very soon."
Attempts to reach the former IU star have been unsuccessful because of his travel schedule. In an interview at the pre-draft camp in Chicago, Jeffries said he's worked hard preparing for his individual workouts.
"You talk to guys who have already been there, and you talk to your agent and the people around you," Jeffries said. "Then you train hard for every workout and try to do the best you can do."
Andy Miller, Jeffries' agent, said his client has had a very productive workout experience to date.
"The feedback I've been getting is that Jared has been getting rave reviews," Miller said. "I think the fact that he's now weighing in close to 232 pounds and he's still able to perform at a high level is showing people how much work he has done in preparation for the draft.
"That in itself is very impressive to NBA people. It shows his discipline to improving himself and improving his draft position. How many 20-year-olds dedicate themselves to working 12 hours a day in the summer to develop their careers?"
Coach Pat Riley of Miami, which holds the No. 10 pick, told The Miami Herald he expects Jeffries to play power forward initially, with small forward also a possibility.
"I think as a big man, he's exceptional," said Riley, who will work out Jeffries on Friday.
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Jeffries works on moving up in draft
