Jefferson could be a Wildcat

His coach at Moon Valley, John Boie, said that if the Sun Devils brought in the right coach, they would be considered heavily. At the time, Majerus' name was at the top of the list. Jefferson had been considering Utah because Majerus offered to let him play the two-guard spot exclusively.

Majerus is scheduled to visit Jefferson's home in Phoenix today. Jefferson has a visit to the UA campus scheduled for the weekend and could give Arizona an answer any day.

"I'm going to let Arizona know either later this week or when I'm there on my visit," he said in Sunday's Long Beach Press Telegram.

Jefferson has said his list is narrowed down to either Utah or Arizona.

Majerus' announcement to stay came on the heels of Oklahoma coach Kelvin Sampson announcing he would stay with the Sooners.

School officials also shot down a report by Phoenix radio station KMVP that Arizona State athletic director Kevin White planned to meet Wednesday with George Washington coach Mike Jarvis about possibly replacing Bill Frieder, who resigned last week after eight seasons.

"It's totally wrong. Kevin White says he hasn't spoken to Mike Jarvis in five years, and doesn't plan to now. It's not going to happen," Arizona State sports information director Mark Brand said. "And we haven't offered the job to anyone."

Meanwhile, Frieder said Don Newman, hired in May as his third assistant, could wind up coaching the Sun Devils next season on an interim basis.

Newman, 39, coached Sacramento State to a 20-114 record over five years but has a reputation as a good recruiter.

"If they go interim, it will be with Don Newman," Frieder said Tuesday. "He's already been told that."

White had made no secret that Majerus was at the top of his list. He received permission to talk to Majerus before Frieder resigned on Sept. 10 and called Majerus in Dublin, Ireland, to see if he was interested.

Six days later, Majerus issued a statement in Salt Lake City saying he was not.

Majerus acknowledged that his friendship with White made the Arizona State opening worth considering. But loyalty won out.

"Athletics are an endeavor in which coaches ask players for a commitment. I, in turn, have to reciprocate that commitment," Majerus said.

During his eight years with Utah, Majerus has compiled an 180-55 record and taken his team to the NCAA tournament five times.