Amile Jefferson: Power Ranking Best Fits for Top Recruit

Amile Jefferson out of Philadelphia-based Friends’ Central School is a 6’8’’, 200-pound forward ranked 25^th by ESPNU and 22^nd by Rivals and is still looking for a school to play for this fall.

While Duke and North Carolina State are said to be his top two picks, there are three other teams he is still considering as well.

When contemplating the opportunity for Jefferson to contribute right away, while also considering his chance to play for a championship contender, here are the power rankings from the worst to the best destination for one of the future stars of college basketball.

5. Villanova

The Wildcats are in re-building mode right now and while he would certainly be the hometown hero, getting bashed by the better teams of the Big East is not going to help his stock a whole lot.

4. Kentucky

There is way too much of a logjam in Lexington for Jefferson to properly get noticed. He’ll be overshadowed by Nerlens Noel, Alex Poythress and Archie Goodwin (all given five stars by Rivals) and would struggle to average more than seven to eight shots per game.

3. Ohio State

The Buckeyes are losing William Buford and Jared Sullinger, so they are no doubt holding out hope of bringing in 5-star recruit Jabari Parker to help fill the void. At 6’7’’ and 215 pounds, Parker’s game is far too similar to co-exist with Jefferson, but OSU is recruiting them both.

Jefferson is a slasher that attacks the boards…ditto for Parker.

2. Duke

The Blue Devils are still reeling from the loss of Austin Rivers, but landing Jefferson would certainly soften the blow.

He could be the marquee name for a team that always finds itself in the national spotlight. His defensive tenacity in the paint (2.7 BPG) makes him just the type of player Coach K. loves to have on his side.

Yet, with a veteran laden squad, it’s not clear how many shots he’ll actually be able to get per game without ruffling some feathers.

1. North Carolina State

The Wolfpack, fresh off a Sweet 16 appearance, are quietly a championship contender if they can land Jefferson.

With CJ Leslie back in the fold, the combo would form one of the deadliest frontcourts in the entire nation. Sure, NC State isn’t typically a coveted destination, but that all changed when Leslie decided to stay.

Jefferson would get ACC attention, tons of touches and a strong shot a cutting down the nets.

Sounds like the perfect setup to me. 

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