Jeff Withey
Overview:A seven-footer who is active around the basket, especially on the defensive end with a strong shot-blocking presence… Will be looked upon as a major contributor with big men Marcus and Markieff Morris going to the NBA… Solid post moves with the ability to step out and bury a jumper… A transfer from Arizona who became eligible following the fall 2009 semester.
Junior Season (2011-12): Started all 39 games for the Jayhawks in 2011-12… Averaged 24.8 minutes, nine points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.6 blocks per game… Led the Big 12 in blocks and ranked in the top 10 nationally… Set an NCAA Tournament record for most blocks in a single tournament with 31 rejections and was named to the Midwest Region All-Tournament Team… Scored a career-high 25 points at Baylor (2/8) and pulled down a career-high 20 rebounds versus Oklahoma State (2/11)… Named Big 12 Player of the Week after his performances against Baylor and OSU… Withey was named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year… He scored 10 or more points during 18 games on the season and blocked three or more shots in 22 of the 39 games… He shot 60 percent or better from the field in 18 of the 39 games… He also led the team in free throw shooting at 79.5 percent… Played 32 minutes in the National Championship versus Kentucky and had five points, seven rebounds, four blocked shots and two steals.
Sophomore Season (2010-11):In his first full season at Kansas, played in 26 games and earned one start… Averaged 6.2 minutes per game for the Jayhawks, playing 10 or more minutes in six games… Scored 2.3 points and collected 1.8 rebounds per game… Notched career highs in both rebounds and blocked shots against Ohio (11/26), collecting eight boards and four blocks in 15 minutes… Shot 64.7 percent on 22-of-34 shooting from the field… Twice scored a career-high eight points, against Longwood (11/12) and against Iowa State (2/12).
Freshman Season (2009-10):Became eligible following the fall semester due to transfer rules… Appeared in 15 games and averaged 3.0 minutes, 1.3 points and 1.4 rebounds… Pulled down a career-high six rebounds and scored four points against Nebraska (2/6)… Best game of the season came at Iowa State (1/23) where he set career highs in minutes with 12 and points with eight on 4-of-6 shooting… Also had five rebounds at ISU.
High School:Attended Horizon High School in San Diego, Calif… Posted per game averages of 20.8 points, 13.0 rebounds, 7.3 blocked shots and 4.1 assists as a senior while shooting 69 percent from the field… HHS went 26-5 in his senior season for coach Waheed Mitchel… A first-team 2007 Best in the West selection by the Long Beach Press-Telegram… Averaged 14.8 points and 13.0 rebounds per game as a junior in helping the Panthers reach the CIF Southern Regional Division IV championship game… Has played internationally in Germany and France… Ranked as the No. 8 center in the nation by Scout.com and ESPNU 100 and the No. 39 overall recruit on Bob Gibbons[apos] All-Star Sports Top 250.
Off the Court:Full name is Jeffree David Withey… Born in San Diego, Calif… Son of Debbie and Mike Withey… Parents attended San Diego State University… Has one older sister, Michelle, who played volleyball at Oral Roberts University (2003)… Has a brother, Chris, who is a firefighter in San Diego… Majoring in communication studies.
Career Honors: 2011-12: Midwest Region All-Tournament Team… AP All-Big 12 Honorable Mention… Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year… All-Big 12 Third Team… Big 12 All-Defensive Team… Oscar Robertson (USBWA) National Player of the Week (2/14)… Phillips 66 Big 12 Player of the Week (2/13).
Nickname: With
The best thing about KU: The people
My favorite place to eat in Lawrence: 23rd St. Brewery
My favorite app: Instagram
My favorite store to shop: Shark[apos]s
My favorite KU athlete to watch: Paul Pierce
My favorite person to follow on twitter: Fake Joe Dooley
Funniest teammate: Christian
Best dressed teammate: Jeff Withey
My best friend who plays at another school: James Kemp
My favorite quote: [quote]I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.[quote]
My role models: Mom and Dad
Favorite place you visited on Europe 2012 trip: Alps
Favorite food you ate on Europe 2012 trip: Indiana (American Food)