Former Tennessee redshirt freshman wing DJ Jefferson commits to Big South school
Tennessee redshirt freshman guard DJ Jefferson has committed to Longwood out of the NCAA Transfer Portal, according to a report from Jeff Goodman. Jefferson is one of four Vols to enter the portal this offseason, making the move on April 8.
He became the second former Tennessee player to commit to a new program on Wednesday, after redshirt freshman guard Freddie Dilione V committed to Penn State. Former Tennessee junior center Jonas Aidoo and sophomore forward Tobe Awaka remain in the portal.
Longwood, located in Farmville, Va., is part of the Big South Conference and has won 20 or more games each of three seasons, going to the NCAA Tournament twice during that span. Tennessee beat Longwood 88-56 in the first round of the 2022 NCAA Tournament and the Lancers lost to Houston in the first round this season.
Jefferson appeared in just one game with the Vols this season after redshirting during his freshman year in 2022-23. he played three minutes in the season-opening win over Tennessee Tech on November 6. He scored three points, hitting his only shot attempt on the night, and had two rebounds and one turnover.
The 6-foot-5, 207-pounder out of Richardson, Texas, was a spring addition to Tennessee’s 2022 recruiting class.
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DJ Jefferson: Ranked No. 50 overall in the 2022 recruiting class
He was a three-star prospect in the On3 Consensus, ranked No. 50 nationally, No. 25 among small forwards and No. 1 in the state of Minnesota, where he attended Minnesota Preparatory Academy.
An ankle injury suffered during just before the start of the 2022-23 season led to the redshirt decision for Jefferson, to what Rick Barnes said at the time.
“We just felt, one, we’re really excited that he’s here with us,” Bares said in November 2022. “He’s got a load of talent and he missed some early season practice which set him back. It’s happens every year. When a freshman misses that early season practice, and I think he was out for a couple weeks with an ankle, and it really set him back especially with the older group of guys.”
Jefferson was one of four prospects who signed with Tennessee in the 2022 class, alongside five-star wing Julian Phillips, four-star guard BJ Edwards and three-star power forward Tobe Awaka. The Vols also added Indiana State transfer guard Tyreke Key, a native of Celina, Tenn., out of the transfer portal in the same class.
On3 Scouting Report — DJ Jefferson
“Lefty has a smooth floor game. Compact frame with burst at the rim. A shot-maker. Has a smooth shot from three. Attacks closeouts right and left. Can get up on the rim. Consistent effort has been his main question mark. Upside to be an adequate defender both on and off the ball. Is comfortable handling the ball in the half-court. Good balance when attacking the basket. Can finish at the rim from multiple angles. Has a lot of tools in his bag.”
