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BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (BVM) — When the name Jared Jeffries is mentioned in Bloomington, Indiana, people still get excited. His name first became known at Bloomington High School North, where he helped lead the Cougars to the IHSAA state finals in 2000 while averaging nearly 24 points per game. His play was also recognized that same year with Indiana’s Mr. Basketball award, the Gatorade National Player of the Year award and as a McDonald’s All-American.
As Jeffries graduated high school, he wouldn’t have to move far for college, attending Indiana University. Originally recruited by legendary Hoosiers coach Bob Knight — who was fired prior to Jeffries’ freshman season — the local product would end up playing under the tutelage of Mike Davis.
During his freshman year, Jeffries showed immediate promise, averaging nearly 14 points and almost seven rebounds per game as the Big Ten’s freshman of the year. But it was in his second year where his time for the Hoosiers is most remembered. In the 2001-02 season, Jeffries averaged 15 points per game, leading Indiana to a No. 5 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
From there, the Hoosiers would make a special run all the way to the national championship game against Maryland. Jeffries displayed serious talent in the tournament, highlighted by Indiana’s win against powerhouse Duke where the forward compiled 24 points and 15 rebounds.
Although the Hoosiers came up short of the national title, Jeffries went on to win Big Ten Player of the Year, and concluded his IU career with over 1,000 points and 500 rebounds as he decided to take his talents to the NBA.
In the 2002 NBA Draft, Jeffries was selected No. 11 overall by the Washington Wizards.
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11th Pick By Washington Wizards.#DraftDay // #IUBB pic.twitter.com/aNiDgE2y6L— Indiana Basketball (@IndianaMBB) June 25, 2015
There, he joined a solid core of talent that included guys like Gilbert Arenas, Antawn Jamison and Jerry Stackhouse. He also got to play his first year with one of the greatest players of all time: Michael Jordan.
Unfortunately, 20 games into his professional career, Jeffries would tear his ACL. Although it wasn’t the start he wanted, the forward would return to play in all 82 games during the 2003-04 season. The following campaign would be his best as a pro, averaging a career high in minutes and points with nearly seven per game.
In 2006, Jeffries signed with the New York Knicks, spending the next three years in the Big Apple as a role player. Jeffries would later be traded to the Houston Rockets in a deal that involved Tracy McGrady going to New York. After a brief stint in Texas, Jeffries agreed to a buyout to head back to New York. Jeffries would go on to play 38 games in his final NBA season with the Portland Trail Blazers.
With so much promise coming out of high school and college, many would probably say that Jeffries’ professional career did not live up to the billing. However, his career off the court has ended up being a true highlight.
After retiring from basketball in September of 2013, Jeffries immediately moved into a scouting position with the Denver Nuggets. He would hold that role until 2016, when he was promoted to Director of Player Personnel.
#TBT — Congrats to Jared Jeffries (@ModernFishingTV) on his promotion to Dir. of Pro Personnel with the @nuggets. pic.twitter.com/jM54Um3PYE
— Indiana Basketball (@IndianaMBB) April 21, 2016
During his time in Denver, Jeffries was part of the staff that selected now-NBA MVP Nikola Jokic 41st overall in 2014.
Many saw great potential in the former Wizards’ draft pick as his front office career began to progress. But in 2017, Jeffries made a decision that shocked everyone. Instead of continuing on with the Nuggets, he decided to enter into the esports industry.
Always interested in video games, Jeffries became a part of Echo Fox, a company owned by former NBAer Rick Fox and former co-owner of the NHL’s San Jose Sharks, Stratton Sclavos. Established in 2015, Jeffries moved down to Beverly Hills to begin work with the company.
In 2019, Echo Fox would officially shut down. However, that has not been Jeffries’ only endeavor in his post-basketball career.
In 2013, Jeffries began filming a fishing television series which would document his adventures in the water around the world. The show, called Modern Fishing with Jared Jeffries, premiered on the Outdoor Channel in 2014, and has produced multiple seasons since.
Throughout his many other endeavors, Jeffries has always found time to stay connected with his alma mater as well.
🗣 GO HOOSIERS!@ModernFishingTV | #IUBB pic.twitter.com/bP3MlLIKfz
— Indiana Hoosiers (@IUHoosiers) February 23, 2020
While basketball may always be what Jeffries is remembered for, especially in the Bloomington area, he has had the opportunity to pursue careers in multiple passions of his. A return to basketball may happen someday, and although he may have entered a path less taken when he left the Nuggets, Jeffries’ post-basketball career is still defined in the same way as his Indiana tenure was: a success.
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