Hoops: Jefferson headed to Duke

After a longer than anticipated deliberation process, Friends' Central star Amile Jefferson, one of the country's top basketball recruits, has ended the suspense.

In a Tuesday afternoon press conference in his school's gymnasium, the 6-foot-8, 200-pound power forward commited to play at Duke.

Jefferson, a two-time Inquirer Southeastern Pennsylvania player of the year, chose the Blue Devils over North Carolina State, Kentucky, Ohio State, and Villanova.

Last season, while helping lead Friends' Central to a 22-5 record, Jefferson, who in March participated in the 35th annual McDonald's All-American Game, averaged 19.9 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per game.

For his career, the 18-year-old, producing around the basket and in transition, totaled 1,569 points, 839 rebounds, and 189 blocks.

ESPN ranks Jefferson, who lives near 47th and Woodland in University City, as the 25th-best college prospect in the Class of 2012. Scout.com has him No. 22 in its rankings.

-Rick O'Brien