Amile Jefferson: Predicting How Long All-American Will Stay with Duke

Amile Jefferson’s commitment will be a huge boost for Duke this upcoming season—he’s one of the nation’s top recruits. But for the same reason that he’ll make an instant impact for the Blue Devils, Jefferson will flirt early with the NBA. Signing studs, therefore, has its downsides.

ESPN rated him as the 25th ranked recruit in the country. Because he isn’t a top-10 prospect, Duke fans don’t have to worry about him pulling an Austin Rivers.

At 6’7”, 190 pounds, the forward has plenty of length. Luckily for Coach K’s crew, a thin frame will prevent Jefferson from becoming a another one-and-done.

After a year, though, anything can happen. His ESPN scouting report reads:

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Jefferson projects as a big time wing prospect who is already coveted by many of the top college basketball programs in the country. He has great size and length for the wing, terrific agility, and a feel for the game that can't be taught. If he can get physically stronger and develop a more reliable jump shot there won't be much he isn't able to do.

"

Jefferson is a special talent.

According to J.P. Giglio of newsobserver.com, his high school coach Jason Polykoff said earlier this month: “He’s more comfortable with his back to the basket, but he has the ability to take the ball to the high post or go to the perimeter and play the ‘3’.”

At Jefferson’s size, he’s better suited to play small forward at the next level. As soon as he develops the ability to consistently play on the perimeter, he’s gone. A wing with the ability to post up is invaluable in the isolation league that is the NBA.

And with Mike Krzyzewski—the best coach in college basketball—aiding him, his development will be rapid.

This season, he’ll be utilized as frontcourt depth behind Mason Plumlee and Ryan Kelly. With Plumlee and Kelly being seniors, though, Jefferson won't be forced to wait long to be handed a starting job. After their departure, Jefferson’s role will expand dramatically, and he’ll be able to put his vast skill set on display for pro scouts.

Expect the Philly forward to stick around in Durham for two years.

David Daniels is a featured columnist at Bleacher Report and a syndicated writer.

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