D.J. Jeffries commits to Kentucky

Kentucky kicked off its 2019 class with the commitment of Rivals150 junior DJ Jeffries on Monday evening. A 6-foot-7 forward and strong four-star prospect, Jeffries chose the Wildcats over Mississippi State and Alabama.

One of the best prospects in the south in the 2019 class, Jeffries can play a variety of positions on either end of the floor. A younger cousin of Kansas’ K.J. Lawson and Dedrick Lawson, Jeffries brings a bevy of upside and versatility to a program that has become known for its multi-positional wings and forwards in recent years.

Comparable to the plethora of frontcourt prospects on Kentucky’s current roster, Jeffries is at his best scoring at the basket off of the drive. He is an above average athlete that can attack the improper closeout, defend both forward positions and rebound his area at a good clip.

A member of the Team Penny 17-under unit last year on the Nike EYBL circuit, playing a full year up, Jeffries averaged over 11 points, four rebounds and two assists, all while shooting 52 percent from the floor. He also shot a respectable 34 percent from beyond the arc, though his 58 percent numbers from the foul line need improving.

A contributing member for the Team Penny travel unit last summer, Jeffries was the teammate of James Wiseman, the No. 2 prospect in the 2019 class. Wiseman remains Kentucky’s top target in the junior ranks and Kentucky leads, but the potential coaching change in Memphis bears watching.

Kentucky remains involved for juniors Tyrese Maxey, Matthew Hurt and Keion Brooks as each hold an offer.