Former Arizona forward Richard Jefferson signed a contract extension with the New Jersey Nets that will pay him $78 million over the next six years.
“Richard is a cornerstone player for us,” Rod Thorne told the Associated Press. “We think Richard is a player on the cusp of being one of the top players in the league.”
Jefferson, who is competing for USA Basketball in the Olympics, gives some stability to the franchise that has traded Kenyon Martin and Kerry Kittles in the offseason.
Jefferson averaged 18.5 ppg and 5.7 rpg last season for the Nets.
Another former Wildcat will have a new home in the NBA. Jason Terry was part of a six-player trade that sent him from the Atlanta Hawks to the Dallas Mavericks. Terry, forward Alan Henderson and a future No. 1 draft pick were sent to Dallas for Antoine Walker and Tony Delk.
Terry had played his entire career with the Hawks after being their first round selection in 1999. He will fill the void in Dallas left by Steve Nash’s departure to Phoenix.
Two Arizona players were named to the 2004-05 John R. Wooden Preseason All-American team. Channing Frye and Salim Stoudamire were included on a list of 50 students who are under consideration for the Wooden Award, which is given annually to college basketball’s player of the year.
Frye averaged 15.9 ppg and 7.4 rpg on his way to becoming a first team All-Pac-10 selection. He led the conference with 2.1 blocks a contest.
Stoudamire scored 16.3 ppg, while shooting .415 from behind the arc. He was an honorable mention All-Pac-10 performer. He enters his senior as the Pac-10’s active career scoring leader with 1,298 points, as well as the active leader in made three pointers with 222.
At least two Wildcat recruits have set up visits with the Wildcats. Chicago forward Julian Wright will visit Tucson over Labor Day Weekend. He is also visiting DePaul and Illinois.
Seattle wing Marcus Williams wants to visit the campus in mid-September. Right now it looks like the weekend of September 17th is his target. He will take officials to UCONN and Maryland and also plans an unofficial visit to Texas.
This story has been brought to you by Bladeworld Indoor Sports Center. Bladeworld is Tucson's premiere indoor roller hockey and soccer center. There are leagues for all ages and abilities. Don't miss the Labor Day Tournament. The "Shoot for the Loot" is a roller hockey tournament with CASH PRIZES!! For more information call (520) 624-1234 or take this
link.
