Jefferson brings energy with a smile

Duke

Jefferson brings energy with a smile

Jan 18, 2013

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Coach K Court might as well be a candy store for Amile Jefferson because the six-foot-eight freshman can't stop from flashing his pearly whites whenever he steps on it.

"He'll be a fan favorite," says Duke senior forward Mason Plumlee. "He loves to look over at the crazies and get them going."

"This is the game I love, I came to Duke for that reason," says Duke freshman forward Amile Jefferson. "To be out there, to bring that emotion that coach gives, and give it back to him. He gives us energy, I want to give it back. The crowd gives us energy, I want to give it back."

If a smile is contagious, then the Devils may very well be infected.

"He can give us an emotional boost, but his play is really good also," says Plumlee.

And lately, Jefferson's brought nothing but frowns to the faces of his opponents.

Jefferson net ten points on Saturday while pulling down 10 rebounds in 28 minutes, both career highs, against Georgia Tech.

"I'm always smiling, but when you're on the court, you gotta fight," says Jefferson. "You gotta play with that energy, but you can't let the other guys think you're too happy!"

"He was on the boards, he played good defense, and he's got a good feel for scoring," Plumlee said in response to Jefferson's 6 point, 10 rebound effort against the Yellow Jackets.

"He's maintained a great attitude," says Duke Head Coach Mike Krzyzewski. "He started the second half and looked like a kid who has started for awhile."

Jefferson is certainly stating his case for an increased role with Ryan Kelly still sidelined.

Meaning the highly-recruited McDonald's All-American may soon be grinning like a Cheshire cat.