Saint Mary’s forward Jefferson will visit Virginia this weekend

By Jerry Ratcliffe

Viewed as a true prize prospect in the transfer portal, former Saint Mary’s forward Joshua Jefferson has announced he will visit Virginia this weekend.

Jefferson, a 6-foot-8 sophomore, will be UVA’s first visitor from the portal this season. A native of Las Vegas, he has also scheduled visits to Iowa State (April 19-21) and VCU (April 26-28).

A high-level contributor on both ends of the floor, Jefferson is a perfect fit for Tony Bennett’s system. As one of the Gaels’ best players this past season, St. Mary’s also runs a slower-paced offensive system.

Jefferson averaged 10.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.2 steals per game, while shooting 54 percent from the field and 26.7 percent from the 3-point arc, averaging 25 minutes of playing time per game.

In a 64-62 win over Gonzaga in early February, Jefferson posted 16 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists. He also put up a double-double in a win over Colorado State, and scored 21 points to go with 20 rebounds against San Francisco.

What sets him apart, though, is his defense. Jefferson is considered a lockdown defender, shutting down Gonzaga’s Anton Watson and San Francisco’s Jonathan Mogbo.

Should Virginia’s Ryan Dunn elect to go into the NBA Draft, Jefferson would be a capable replacement. Should Dunn stay, then Jefferson could supply a reliable frontcourt mate for Dunn, who is currently working out with Phil Beckner, an NBA Player Development coach.

Jefferson missed the final five games of the season for St. Mary’s due to a knee injury, but is considered good to go. He played in 34 of the Gaels’ 35 games as a freshman and averaged 8.1 minutes per game. Check out some of Jefferson’s highlights below.