DeAntre Jefferson grabs a rebound for Vincennes.
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn.---University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Head Men’s Basketball Coach John Shulman announces the signing of Vincennes University forward DeAntre Jefferson to grant-in-aid papers Wednesday. Jefferson is the first signee of the spring period for the Mocs.
Jefferson is an athletic forward coming to Chattanooga from one of the top junior college programs in the nation in Vincennes. With the graduation of Nicchaeus Doaks, Khalil Hartwell and Kevin Goffney, it was imperative the Mocs find a post presence in this recruiting period.
“It was vital for us to find a physical, inside presence,” said Shulman. “DeAntre is that. He can rebound it, defend it, score it and he can run the floor. Most importantly, he is a winner who is still developing as a player. He wants to win and he wanted to be here.”
Last season, Jefferson averaged 13.4 points and 7.9 rebounds per game for the Trailblazers who finished the season 22-9. He led Vincennes in rebounding and was second in scoring and field goal percentage (56.2%). Jefferson helped lead the team to the NJCAA National Tournament falling in the first round to Harcum (Pa.) College, 67-63.
He started his career at South Georgia Tech Community College where he posted 12.2 points and 9.8 boards per game as a freshman.
Jefferson played his prep basketball at Bloomington High School in Illinois. He also played AAU for Team Illinois coached by Dodie Dunson, Sr., father of former Mocs guard Brandon Dunson. The post player chose the Mocs over offers from UAB, Oral Roberts, Valparaiso, Central Michigan and Southern Illinois.
Jefferson is the second signee overall for the Mocs as Johnson City Science Hill guard Josh Odem signed in the fall before leading the Hilltoppers to the TSSAA State Tournament in March.
