Maryland commit Chris Jeffrey on eye-opening experience, conversation with Derik Queen and Terps' personnel
Chris Jeffrey continues to enjoy a stellar senior season, averaging more than 24 points per game while leading Mt. Zion Academy (Md.) to an 18-4 record. Jeffrey, the lone commitment in Maryland basketball's 2025 recruiting class recently watched the Terps and had a conversation with one of its star players.
Chris Jeffrey continues to enjoy a stellar senior season of high school basketball, averaging more than 24 points per game while leading Mt. Zion Academy (Md.) to an 18-4 record. Jeffrey, the lone commitment in Maryland basketball's 2025 recruiting class recently watched the Terps and had a conversation with one of its star players.
Jeffrey was in attendance last week for the Terps' energizing win over then-No. 17 Wisconsin.
"I enjoyed it a lot. I think it was good game. I like the defensive intensity. Their defense is good and when they are defending and hitting shots all in one, they are very, very hard to beat," he said. "Also, when Reese and Derik [Queen] have it rolling together, they are unstoppable."
Jeffrey had been to other Maryland games, but the crowd energy stood out this time.
"I think it was great. I never saw it like that in there. Maybe against Purdue last year if I'm not mistaken. But the crowd was great," he said.
Speaking of Queen, he and Jeffrey have become friends.
"I talk to coach Norris every day, also got to speak to Derik after the game," he said. ""We were just saying how we were proud of each other."
Is he trying to convince the big man to come back next season and play with him?
"Nah, I won't. He has a great chance at going first round, so that would be selfish of me to tell him to come back," he said.
Jeffrey, who recently made a big jump in 247Sports' Class of 2025 basketball recruiting rankings, told IMS last month he'd have no problem teaming with point guard recruit Chance Mallory if Mallory picks Maryland. He shared a similar sentiment about fitting in with Ja'Kobi Gillespie and Rodney Rice next season.
"I think I'm more of a point guard and they are more of two-guards, so I think we will fit very well, with me driving and kicking for shots," he said.
He's also been working on his teammate, top 100 Class of 2026 7-footer Favour Ibe, about continuing Maryland's string of Mt. Zion players after he followed in Malachi Palmer's footsteps.
"I talk to Favour all the time about it," he said. I think we are in a good spot."
Chris Jeffrey's 247Sports Scouting Report (by Adam Finkelstein)
Jeffrey is an ultra-competitive and consistently productive power guard. He stuffs a stat sheet like few other guards in the country and averaged 14 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and almost 2 steals per game during the EYBL season. He has good backcourt size at 6-foot-3, a very strong build, and plays with both a high-motor and extreme physicality. His intangibles and leadership skills are off the charts as he sets the tone on both ends of the floor.
While he's not a conventional point guard, he's often played with the ball in his hands. He's capable of initiating offense but can be turnover prone when asked to be the primary handler. He excels at getting downhill, playing through contact to get paint touches, and snapping kick-out passes once he collapses the lane. He's also comfortable stopping for mid-range pull-ups, but an inconsistent three-point shooter with questionable, set-shot type, mechanics (30% 3pt in EYBL while averaging just one made three every two games).
Jeffrey is a very aggressive defender who gets after people on that end of the floor and is capable of forcing turnovers. His physical strength also gives him the versatility to switch onto bigger players, while he is also an excellent rebounding guard.
Overall, he may not have the most polished skill set or a ton of wiggle, but he's the type of player who raises the level of everyone around him and is consistently productive because of his physicality, toughness, motor, and aggressive two-way floor game.
