DaQuan Jeffries commits to Tulsa
DaQuan Jeffries, a 6-foot-5 wing from Western Texas College, committed to the Golden Hurricane on Monday evening, and he’s already very familiar with the city of Tulsa. The Edmond, Oklahoma, native played in 29 games for TU’s crosstown rival Oral Roberts as a true freshman last season before transferring in May.
“I’ve had interest in (Tulsa) since my senior year of high school,” Jeffries told Inside Tulsa Sports. “They are in a great conference and the competition is great also. I feel it’s the right decision.”
The Hurricane coaching staff played a big role in Jeffries’ choice.
“I think Tulsa has a great coaching staff,” he explained. “Every single one of them has experience at the college level, and I really think they can help their players achieve their goal academically and basketball wise.”
Jeffries said Tulsa assistant coach Shea Seals was his main recruiter for the Golden Hurricane.
“I think we’re building a good relationship,” Jeffries said of Seals. “He gives great advice while recruiting, and I think that’s another reason why I chose Tulsa.”
Another draw for Jeffries was the chance to play college basketball in a top conference.
“Yes, absolutely,” he said. “I’ve always wanted to play for a school in the SEC or the AAC, and I’m glad I finally get the opportunity.”
Jeffries started six games for ORU last season and averaged 6.7 points and 4.4 rebounds in 20.3 minutes per contest. In a February 25 game at Omaha, he posted a season-high 21 points on 10-of-12 shooting. In terms of playing time, Jeffries was ORU’s sixth-man. He finished sixth on the team in scoring, fourth in rebounding, tied for third in blocks, third in steals and sixth in assists.
“My biggest strength on the court is defense,” Jeffries added.
Jeffries won’t take his official visit to Tulsa until later this month, but he’s already played one game at the Reynolds Center. He scored five points on 2-of-4 shooting and grabbed three rebounds and a steal in 18 minutes for Oral Roberts, as the Eagles squeaked out a 70-68 win at Tulsa.
Jeffries played high school ball at Edmond Santa Fe for Coach Lenny Hatchett, who referred to Jeffries as "very humble and the most athletic player I've ever coached."
Jeffries averaged 16 points and eight rebounds per game as a senior, helping Santa Fe to a state runner-up finish. He earned all-state honors and was named the Defensive Player of the Year in the Central Oklahoma Athletic Conference. He also won a pair of dunk contests following his senior season including the 50th Annual Faith 7 Bowl All-Star Game and the Big All-City Dunk Contest.
At Tulsa, Jeffries will rejoin former high school teammate Curran Scott, who will sit out at TU this season after transferring from Charlotte.
“I’ve known Curran since my sophomore year of high school, when we started playing AAU together,” said Jeffries. “He’s helped with this decision also.”
Although Western Texas College doesn’t play its first game until November 2, Jeffries already had plenty of recruiting interest aside from Tulsa.
“Texas Tech, Texas State, Texas-Arlington, North Dakota State and Southern Utah were all recruiting me,” Jeffries explained.
Jeffries can sign with the Hurricane in November during the early signing period for basketball.