David Jefferson

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. - Northern Kentucky University men’s basketball head coach Dave Bezold has added yet another impressive recruit who figures to make an impact in the Great Lakes Valley Conference.

Former Virginia prep standout David Jefferson has signed a national letter of intent to attend NKU. The 6-foot-6, 215-pound Jefferson averaged 21 points, 12 rebounds and 5.5 blocks per game at Lake Taylor High School in Norfolk, Va., as a junior en route to earning most valuable player honors in the Eastern District.

In a game against Churchland (Va.) during the 2003-04 season, Jefferson blocked 10 shots, scored 19 points and grabbed 10 rebounds.

“David is a very good athlete who can score, rebound and block shots,” Bezold said. “We’re excited that he chose Northern Kentucky University. He was regarded by several recruiting services as one of the top 100 high school players, so he has a great deal of talent and ability.”

According to the 2004 fall edition of the Southeast Regional Basketball Report’s top 150, Jefferson was rated 68th. University of Cincinnati recruits Devan Downey (77th) and Abdul Herrera (85th) as well as UCLA’s Luc Richard Mbaha Moute (81st) were rated below Jefferson in that report.

Jefferson spent his senior year at Virginia Beach Coastal Christian Academy.

Jefferson is the highest-rated recruit to ever sign with the NKU men’s basketball program. He will join an NKU team that posted a 17-11 record last season and finished second in the GLVC East with a 12-7 mark.

A week ago, Bezold added 7-foot, 255-pound University of Dayton transfer James Cripe to the roster. University of New Mexico transfer Anthony Teague, a 6-5, 190-pound guard/forward, will also join the team in 2006-07.