Height/Weight: 6’11”, 240 lbs
Current team: New York Knicks
Years in NBA: 6
Previous teams: Washington, New York
College: Indiana
I was fortunate to sit down with NBA talent Jared Jeffries when he stopped by the 2009 Vince Carter Nike Skills Academy last week. I really enjoyed learning from him and appreciated his time. Please note, I have paraphrased his answers, these are not verbatim. I didn’t use a recorder; I merely scribbled notes as fast I could when writing down his answers!
Q: At what age (or grade) did you first start lifting weights?
A: I really didn’t lift till I got to Indiana. We kind of had a program when I was in high school, but I did everything I could to avoid it. I hated to lift because I was embarrassed at how skinny and weak I was. Weight room wasn’t really my thing, I just wanted to play. Once I got to college I realized how important it was. I had to lift and get strong just to compete at that level. The staff at IU helped cater a program for me really helped me.
Q: How do you feel like it helped your game?
A: The added size and strength made it so I could box out harder as well as not get knocked off the ball. It also helped to reduce the onset of fatigue during games. I am 45 lbs. heavier than I was in high school! I weighed 190 lbs in HS, 205 in college, and play around 235 now in the NBA.
Q: Why do you think strength & conditioning for basketball players is important?
A: It is important for players to do anything they can to get that edge. Working on your strength, core, agility and explosiveness will help your overall game. It is also important to help you make it through the long NBA season.
Q: What does your off season training program consist of now?
A: I don’t take much time off after the season and focus most of my efforts on the weights. I lift pretty heavy in the off season. I have a great trainer in Tampa I work with. I don’t really do much running, other than what I do during my skill work, until the end of summer to get ready for training camp.
Q: What is the biggest difference between playing in college and in the NBA?
A: The NBA game is SO much faster, the temp is unbelievable. Plus everyone is a great athlete in the league and everyone knows how to play.
I would like to extend a special thank you to Jared for taking the time to speak with me.
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Train hard. Train smart.
Alan Stein
www.StrongerTeam.com