Pennsylvania wing working on his game
Getting cut isn't something that elite prospects know that much about. However, Rondae Jefferson knows and he doesn't want it to happen again.
Last summer, the 6-foot-6 junior wing from Chester (Pa.) High was cut from USA Basketball's 16 and under national team. He's used it as motivation.
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"It messed with my head," Jefferson told Rivals.com. "It hurt when I got cut. It hurt me bad. I went home and got into the gym and worked hard and decided that I can't let that happen again."
Rated as the No. 19 player nationally in the 2013 Rivals150, Jefferson can rest assured that he's not likely to get cut from very many teams from here on out.
A tough kid, he loves to offensive rebound, scores in transition and does lots of the dirty work.
"I like to play defense more than anything," said Jefferson. "I like to get my team involved and try to make smart plays. I'm working on my ball-handling, my jump shot and my strength."
This fall, Jefferson is also playing wide receiver on the football team. He likes the competition, and well, he likes to hit people.
"I just thought I could help our football team," said Jefferson. "I've got size and I thought I could do good plus I love to hit people.
"People from Chester are tough."
Despite him taking time off to play football, college coaches have still been in touch with Jefferson. He counts Rutgers, Pittsburgh, Penn State, Villanova, Temple and St. Joseph's among those who have been in early.
Admittedly, Jefferson isn't too entirely comfortable with the recruiting process. But at the same time, he wants to make sure he looks into the things that matter to him most.
"I don't like the whole recruiting process but I want tot make sure I pick the right school. I'm looking for a winning situation, a place with great kids I can get along with, a great coach and all of the little things.