Classy exit
As we said for several weeks, Davon Jefferson submitted his name to the NBA for the draft.
But here's the news. He didn't even have the courtesy to inform USC of his decision and the school was caught flatfooted while other colleges announce their players' decisions.
We also hear Jefferson's clashes with Tim Floyd were a major reason he decided to leave early.
I'm guessing he's not going to finish his classes like OJ Mayo will so the team doesn't lose scholarships.
Davon has the potential to be a good player at the next level, but unfortunately he did not see that he needs a LOT of development before he can get there. With this decision, I don't really see him being successful. He is unrefined and immature. Davon will clash with ANY coach.
It seems Davon has pretty poor character, as he demonstrated all year by not going to class, showboating, talking trash, not listening to his coach, etc. He is about to learn the hard way, which is a shame. Contrast this to OJ Mayo, who though he only stayed a year, was respectful, always wanted to learn more, never rubbed things in people's faces, listened to his coach, and worked hard. At least Taj was smart enough to see the bigger picture.
Jefferson takes the "student" out of "student-athlete." Too bad, because he has a lot of raw, natural athletic ability. The win against fUCLA at Pauley Pavilion was his highlight moment. But unless he gets his head on straight, he may never play in an NBA game. What a shame.
Assuming that Wolfe is correct that he did not tell his coaches that he was leaving (although perhaps it was a foregone conclusion), that is completely immature, and reflects poorly on him. Davon, be a man, and own up to your responsibilities.
Lastly, if he costs USC a scholarship by failing to attend class, then he will be persona non grata in the eyes of USC fans. Don't let the door hit your backside on the way out.
Good points Mike. Taj Gibson will be a star next season and will have first round potential. On the other hand, Jefferson has been nothing but trouble for Floyd and may be uncoachable at the next level. Who knows if he’ll even get drafted.
Jefferson takes the "student" out of "student-athlete." Too bad, because he has a lot of raw, natural athletic ability. The win against fUCLA at Pauley Pavilion was his highlight moment. But unless he gets his head on straight, he may never play in an NBA game. What a shame.
Assuming that Wolfe is correct that he did not tell his coaches that he was leaving (although perhaps it was a foregone conclusion), that is completely immature, and reflects poorly on him. Davon, be a man, and own up to your responsibilities.
Lastly, if he costs USC a scholarship by failing to attend class, then he will be persona non grata in the eyes of USC fans. Don't let the door hit your backside on the way out.
Davon knows he could've benefited from one more year.
Is Gabe Pruitt a persona non grata at USC? Is Lodrick Stewart? Both of them cost USC scholies last year by skipping out on class. Didn't Pruitt not tell coaches either until he had already hired an agent?
Davon will be playing in Europe somewhere. And it was not Lodrick who cost us a scholarship, it was Nick Young. Lodrick was a senior. Please know who your talking about before ripping them on this message board