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Get to Know Virginia State University Men’s Basketball’s Jaedan Jefferson
Name: Jaedan Jefferson
Hometown: Chesapeake, Virginia
High School: McDowell Senior High School
Sport: Basketball
Position: Guard
High School Accolades: Averaged 15 points, six rebounds, and three assists per game as a high school senior, helped lead McDowell to a District 10 title and trip to the PIAA quarterfinals, and was an all-region performer
Current Program: Virginia State University. Virginia State is a historical black university located in Ettrick, Virginia. The institution is home to over 5,700 students and competes at the NCAA Division II level. The Trojans compete in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA)
Previous Programs: Western Texas College, Gannon University, and Iowa Lake Community College
Why He Chose Virginia State: “Before I came to Pennsylvania for my senior year of high school, I was at Western Branch High School in Chesapeake, Virginia. My point guard while I was there was went to Virginia State and it was his last year. It only felt right to come back home and team up with him as well as experience what it’s like to play with a prestigious historical black university like Virginia State. The amazing facilities and coaching staff also helped me understand it was the right choice to come here.
College Accolades: 676 career collegiate points and helped lead Virginia State to a CIAA title and a place in the NCAA Division II Basketball Championships in the Atlantic Region Tournament.
Major and Future Plans: Communications with plans to play basketball professionally after his final collegiate season in 2025-26. Entering coaching could be a possibility once he retires as a competitor.
Favorite Basketball Memories: “Winning the CIAA championship, all the AAU trips throughout high school, making bonds with my teammates, traveling the country, and playing top talent in the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL).”
Perspective On Moving Frequently: “It’s funny because most people hate it but I actually enjoy moving to new places and meeting new people. it forces you to be an extrovert, so now I’m at the point where I feel like I can get along with anyone. I feel like overall, I just have a better understanding of people and human interactions. My dad’s been blessed to coach at some amazing places and I’ve been around world class talent and resources around the country in my lifetime.”
Family Ties to Basketball: Jaedan’s father Kelvin is a 30-plus year college basketball coaching veteran and also was a standout player for Clark University and Southern Connecticut State University. “My dad’s taught me everything I know. From watching basketball with him during the late nights, being in the gym early morning, road trips to AAU practice and tournaments, and even going with him on recruiting trips, I’ve tried to take as much as he says and apply it not only to basketball, but to life. It has gotten me this far, so I’m grateful to have him in my corner. Sadly while I was at Gannon, I was redshirting; so I never got to play in a game for him. But he’s been there throughout the entire ride and that’s meant everything to me.”
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