Jordan Leaves Basketball to Go to Class

Jeff Jordan has recently elected not to continue with the Fighting Illini basketball team. Jordan has been a reserve point guard for the last two years. He intends to stay at Illinois and focus on his academics.

“I loved playing for the Fighting Illini and appreciate the support I was given by my teammates, coaches and the great fans here,” Jordan said. “But I have come to the point where I’m ready to focus on life after basketball. I will concentrate on earning my degree from the University of Illinois and the opportunities that await upon graduating.”

He appeared in 59 career games, totaling 58 points, 42 assists and 24 rebounds. Jordan averaged 8.4 minutes as a sophomore after playing 5.3 minutes per game as a true freshman. He scored a career-high five points vs. Detroit (Dec. 20, 2008) and at Purdue (Jan. 19, 2008), and had a career-high six assists vs. Chicago State (Dec. 10, 2008).

“Jeff was an invaluable member of our team the past two seasons and I thank him for his contribution to our program,” coach Bruce Weber said. “He brought great work ethic to the gym and pushed himself, as well as his teammates, each and every day to improve. We will miss him, but we fully support the decision he has made. When the game of basketball has been a top priority throughout your life, it is very difficult to transition away from playing. I know Jeff has given this much thought. He is an outstanding, mature young man who will be successful in whatever areas he pursues in the future.”

Good luck Jeff, and maybe I’ll take you on at the ARC sometime!

Jordan Leaves Illinois Basketball Team – FightingIllini.com