Jefferson has overcome his inconsistencies

Ian Mayer Arizona Daily Wildcat Freshman forward Richard Jefferson (44) goes up for a rebound against Oregon junior forward A.D. Smith Saturday at McKale Center. Jefferson is averaging 11.8 points per game and 5 rebounds per game.

"Richard Jefferson is finally over his chest congestion and asthma," head coach Lute Olson said. "He (Jefferson) said yesterday he felt the best he's felt in a long time."

And judging from his performance in the weekend games against the Oregon schools, he's playing at his best this season, too. Jefferson had a combined total of 26 points, 10 assists and 15 rebounds against the Beavers and Ducks.

"Jefferson has been consistent when he's well," Olson said, contributing his off games to his illnesses. "He's had a whole lot more good, solid games.

"He's one of the best passers and you're not going to get a three-man with 13 (10) assists in two games."

Jefferson has also nudged his scoring average to 11.8 points per game, coming in fourth on the team. He had a career-best eight assists against Louisiana State two weeks ago, placing him second on the team with 2.9 per game. He captured his first double-double of his Wildcat career against Washington State Jan. 7, with a career-high of 25 points and 12 rebounds.

"He's very capable of rebounds and is second in assists and 78 percent in free throws," Olson said. "These are not freshman numbers."

Jefferson has started in 21 games, five games at the shooting guard and 16 times at the three-position.

In high school, Jefferson was one of the top forwards as he led Moon Valley High School (Phoenix) to the 4A championship as a senior with a record of 27-3. He was also named the 4A Player of the Year in 1998, averaging 25 points, 13 rebounds and four assists per game as a senior.

"It's a dream come true," Jefferson said of playing at UA. "Some schools didn't even look at me because it was just logical that I would choose to play here at Tucson."

Jefferson is following in the footsteps of other great Arizona natives and Wildcat alumni Sean Elliott and Mike Bibby. He is doing a good job in trying to live up to those names, too, his teammates said.

"He's done a great job for us," senior center A.J. Bramlett said. "He's fun to watch and he brings a lot of energy to the court."

Jefferson returned Bramlett's thoughts on playing together on the court.

"I remember J.T. and A.J.'s freshman year," Jefferson said. "And now it's so much fun to be playing out there with them. I felt like I knew them before I was even here."

Before Jefferson was suited up in a Wildcat uniform, he too was making himself known to the UA team as centerfold in a Sports Illustrated layout highlighting his play in Las Vegas as a member of the Arizona Stars club team, as well as with his moves in the McDonald's All-American game last year.

"That game was the biggest thrill," Jefferson said. "Three players went to the NBA from that team and Jordan and Magic and anybody who's anybody in the NBA participate in that game."

The All-American status may have been Jefferson's highlight from his high school days, but he adds his winning tip-in off senior guard Jason Terry's buzzer-beating shot against Washington at home.

"I don't think I've ever hit anything like that dunk," Jefferson said. "I didn't even know how to act.

"But I'll do anything to help the team by being in the right place at the right time."

Jefferson will need to be in the right spot as the Wildcats hit the road this weekend to take on California and No. 6 Stanford tomorrow and Saturday night, respectively.

And while Jefferson said he will be concentrating on becoming a "complete" player out on the court, his school and road roommate, freshman Luke Walton said he lets his serious side go off the court.

"Richard's definitely not a quiet guy," Walton said. "He loves to talk and likes to mess around."