Local Hoops: Mac Haifa brings back Jefferson in first major offseason move

Star forward re-signed on one-year contract.

By ALLON SINAI
mac haifa davon jefferson 22.38 (photo credit: Asaf Kliger)
mac haifa davon jefferson 22.38
(photo credit: Asaf Kliger)
The Maccabi Haifa Heat took a significant step towards repeating last season's success on Tuesday, re-signing star forward Davon Jefferson to a one-year contract. Jefferson, still only 22, helped Haifa to the BSL and State Cup finals last season, and was extremely impressive throughout the season, even though the team came up short in both title games. The former University of Southern California player averaged 16.1 points and 7.1 rebounds per game in the BSL regular season and was practically unstoppable in the playoffs and Final Four, averaging 18.7 points and 10.5 rebounds. "I'm very happy to return to Maccabi Haifa. I truly felt at home here in Israel and I want to help this team go even further this year," said Jefferson. "Davon was a key to our offense last season," said coach Avi Ashkenazi. "His tremendous work ethic, desire to win, and explosive offensive ability makes him one of the most dynamic players in Israel." The Jefferson signing marks the first major off-season acquisition for Haifa, which will be holding its second annual US tryout on July 28th and 29th at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Coach Avi Ashkenazi and assistants Elad Hasin and Mickey Gorke will run the tryouts in search of talent for both Maccabi Haifa as well as National League team Hapoel Kiryat Tivon.