Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, June 30, 1993 TAG: 9306300122
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: DOUG DOUGHTY STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
"If any team had called, it would have been exciting," said Ted Jeffries, who started 127 games at center for Virginia during the past four years. "It's even more of an honor to be worked out by the three-time NBA champions.
"Even if I'm not drafted, the fact I was brought in [by the Bulls] might cause some other teams to give me a second look."
Chicago was the first team Jeffries visited, although he has heard from several teams who might be looking at him as a second-round pick.
"From what I understand, I think I will be [drafted]," said Jeffries, who was measured at 6 feet 9 inches and weighed at 250 pounds by the Bulls. "I'm still a little skeptical, taking into account the situation with my roommate, [UVa football star] Terry Kirby. A lot of people thought he might go in the first round and he lasted until the third."
Jeffries, known for his post defense at Virginia, had career-high averages of 10.3 points and 8.0 rebounds as a senior. He is viewed as a power forward by NBA scouts.
While in Chicago, Jeffries met with general manager Jerry Krause and coach Phil Jackson and played "21" (a shooting game) with potential draftees Luther Wright of Seton Hall and Darnell Mee of Western Kentucky.
After they were put through agility and rebounding drills, Jeffries and Wright (7-0, 300 pounds) were asked to dunk four weighted balls from a standing start under the basket. They dunked every one except the heaviest, a 12-pound ball.
Jeffries, represented by agent Neil Phillips of the Advantage International firm, played before pro scouts in camps in Portsmouth and Chicago and was particularly pleased with his performance in Portsmouth, where he averaged 17 points and 11 rebounds even though his team lost two games.
"I think I showed them some things they'd never seen from Ted Jeffries before," he said. "I think I turned a lot of heads."
That doesn't mean Jeffries hasn't made contingency plans. Europe and the Continental Basketball Association are possibilities.
"I would much rather go overseas [than the CBA]," he said. "I've heard so many horror stories about the CBA [with the] travel, living arrangements, money. You're playing for peanuts."
In addition to the Bulls, whose second-round pick is 41st overall, Jeffries said he has received consistent interest from Atlanta (No. 40), Seattle (No. 42) and Denver (No. 43). Dallas also has been in touch, although the Mavericks' two second-round picks are Nos. 28 and 33.
There will be 54 selections.
"With the possibility of being drafted and teams calling about taking me anywhere from the 38th to 43rd pick, I think I will be taken aback if I'm not drafted," Jeffries said. "I won't be crushed, but I think I would be a little disappointed.
"I'm not exactly sure how I would feel, but I'm almost certain I would be invited to somebody's camp regardless of what happens."
by CNB