Jerebko another Dumars’ steal
There is undeniable basketball DNA in Jonas Jerebko’s makeup.
His dad, Chris, played for Jim Boeheim at Syracuse. His mom, Elaine, played professionally in Sweden. His uncle, Peter, was a deadeye shooter at LeMoyne.
Jonas, who was born in tiny, isolated, not-exactly-hoops-crazy Kinna, Sweden, some 22-plus years ago, played everything and anything before understandably settling on basketball.
“I played golf, soccer, handball, basically all sports,’’ he said. “But when I got to be 16 or 17, I concentrated on basketball.”
Good move. He sprouted to 6-8, which sort of ended any hopes he might have of becoming the next Jesper Parnevik. He started playing professionally in his native land at the age of 17, spurning not only a basketball scholarship to the University of Buffalo (where his paternal grandparents live) but also offers from some pretty high-powered European teams who had liked what they saw of Jerebko when he played for the national team.
“Real Madrid. Benneton Treviso, Bologna. They all offered contracts,” Jerebko said. “That changed my mind about going to college and put me in a whole different direction.”
He decided to stay in Sweden, where he played for two years. He then landed a job in Italy for Angelico Biella, an A League team outside Milan. He added weight. He grew an inch. His game improved. He toyed with entering the NBA draft after his first season in Italy, but decided to stay for a second.
“I’m glad I did,’’ he said. “It allowed me another year to grow.”
Then, last June, Jerebko was draft eligible and the Detroit Pistons chose him with the 39th pick. On the surface, this looked like it might have been one of those throwaway selections in the second round in which the player stays overseas and, maybe, crosses the pond at some future point. Jerebko had no such plans.
“I felt like I was ready,’’ he said. “I had two years under my belt in Italy.”
Said Pistons’ hoops boss Joe Dumars, “a couple of our scouts had seen Jonas play last season and we had a pretty good handle on who he was. We felt like it was a no-brainer to take him in the second round.”
And, Dumars added, he also felt that Jerebko intended to play in the NBA.
“But,’’ Dumars added, “we knew he was a good, young player. But he has exceeded our expectations so far.”
You think? Jerebko may not have been a household name outside of Kinna last June, but six months later, he is making it pretty much impossible not to be noticed by any semi-serious NBA observer. He has started 21 of the 22 games in which he has appeared, moving into the starting rotation on Nov. 3, helped by an injury (ruptured disc) sustained by Tayshaun Prince. He dropped a season-high 22 points on the LA Clippers on Nov. 27 and twice has gone for 11 rebounds.
He has endeared himself to the worker-conscious Pistons’ public, serving notice in the exhibition season when he got into a fight with Jamaal Magliore.
“It was just a reaction,’’ Jerebko said of the incident. “It was a physical game and something happened.”
He has been embraced by the Swedish players on the Detroit Red Wings, who have taken him to dinner and invited him to their games. He is finding the adjustment to the NBA much less difficult in terms of culture shock than his arrival in Italy after spending his entire life in Sweden.
And, he has made believers not out of just Dumars, but out of his coach, John Kuester, and his teammates, from veteran Ben Wallace to fellow rookie Austin Daye.
“You can get labeled in this game,’’ Kuester said, referring to the oft-held (if not necessarily true) that European hoopsters are not as rugged as their American counterparts. And weighing only 230, Jerebko does not come across as a brute.
“But our players respect him and recognize that he is one of the hardest workers on the team,” Kuester said. “He is not afraid at all to get his nose dirty out there. He takes a challenge.”
Arguably, Jerebko might already have met his biggest challenge – getting to the NBA after learning and playing the game in a country that isn’t exactly known for producing blue-chip basketball players. His dad played professionally in Sweden after his stint at Syracuse. It was in Sweden where Chris Jerebko met his wife and where the family (which also includes a daughter, 20-year-old Johanna, who plays professionally in the country) still resides.
Inarguably, Jonas Jerebko is the first player who was born in Sweden and went through the Swedish basketball system to make it to the NBA. And, incontrovertibly, he may be having the most surprising rookie season of any NBA newbie, even Brandon Jennings.
“I’m just a rookie,’’ he said. “I didn’t expect to be playing this much. But I think I’m doing pretty good so far.”
He not only is starting at the small forward position, he is playing nearly 28 minutes a game. He’s averaging 8.2 points and 5.5 rebounds a game – and 12.8 points and 7.2 rebounds per in his last nine. Those are the kinds of numbers he submitted for his Italian League team.
But, Kuester hastens to add, numbers do not begin to define Jerebko’s impact.
“He gives us so many extra possessions with his hustle plays,’’ the coach said. “He can put the ball on the floor. He has guarded all the great players in our league and he moves his feet very well for a big man.”
What Kuester can’t say is what lies in store for his rookie forward when Prince does return. The Pistons have been decimated by injuries this season, but, as the saying goes, when one door closes, another one opens. And Jerebko has been the most pleasant of surprises in an otherwise underwhelming start for the Pistons.
“I don’t know when Tay (Prince) is coming back, but we will make a decision at that point,’’ Kuester said. “But I can tell you this: he (Jerebko) has gotta play.”
JYG Said,
December 17, 2009 @ 12:55 pm
Its good to finally see this guy get some recognition here on hoopshype…he deserves it and I hope he continues to grow into one hell of a player for years to come!!!
Porky Said,
December 17, 2009 @ 4:31 pm
Never heard of him and basically now that I do, I will take a nap.
Jamba Jew Said,
December 17, 2009 @ 5:29 pm
Porky u funny!
Basically, this was a premature article, especially considering that his crowning achievement is starting for an injured player!?!?!? He doesn’t rebound that well, doesn’t score, his D is ok, he really has no pedigree. But hey, if hooshype likes him, then he must be good because Eme Mudoke or whatever his name is always on the front page is such a legend!!!!! Anywho, JEREPKO good luck, hopefully next time we here about you its because you have accomplished something in the L and aren’t simply filling in for Prince. How about an article on Chris Kaman, or Russell Westbrook, or Danhatay Jones, you know, someone who is actually puttin up stats this year, not the 5th man on a bad team!
MG reppin' the D Said,
December 17, 2009 @ 5:54 pm
Porky and Jew boy…
you guys are classic haters. Always a sour apple in the bunch.
Why is Detroit a bad team? Cause they’re holidng their own in a Conference filled with mediocrity? Or because they have yet to have a full healthy team for any game except the season opener. Based on their current record, and their handful of close losses, the Pistons are one of the Dark Horses in the East. Like any sport…health plays a major role in a teams success. This was supposed to be a rebuilding year with no real expectations….Jerebko (regardless of the injury to Tay or not) has proven he is more valuable than originally expected…and THAT is news worthy. Joe D has flourished lately with Bynum, Jerebko, and the team shows true promise. Stop hating so much …and recognize the big picture before you hate. I agree there are a lot of worthy players to take note of…but Jerebko has impressed more than just Pistons fans!!
KB13 Said,
December 17, 2009 @ 6:37 pm
Another draft day steal?? Huh? Who was the other one… Darko Milicic? No, no, wait, you must mean Chiekh Samb. Right. Please nobody respond with Jason Maxiell when David Lee was taken 4 spots after him. Or Tayshaun Prince when John Salmons, Carlos Boozer, Flip Murray, Matt Barnes, Darius Songaila, and Luis Scola were drafted after him.
sam Said,
December 18, 2009 @ 7:28 am
i bet you his wife is a stunner
Beta721 Said,
December 18, 2009 @ 8:04 am
KB13…your first two points are solid, but the Tayshaun hate, where does that come from??? Seriously, Scola and Boozer are definitely better, but Salmons, Barnes, Murray and Songaila are average to below-average NBA players. Tayshaun has at least made his mark on a Champioship team. He’s not an All-Star, but besides Boozer, no one else on your list is either.
herm Said,
December 18, 2009 @ 8:10 am
KB13-
Memo.
Bills Said,
December 18, 2009 @ 10:11 am
Whoever said JJ is not a good rebounder has never watched him play.
Draft steals by Dumars include Mehmet Okur (37th), Rodney Stuckey (15th) and Tayshaun Prince (23rd).
Jerebko Said,
December 18, 2009 @ 10:29 am
I will break you.
Good Read on Jonas Jerebko - NBA Core Forums - Discussion & News Said,
December 18, 2009 @ 3:56 pm
[...] Good Read on Jonas Jerebko HoopsHype.com NBA Blogs - Peter May
noah Said,
December 18, 2009 @ 3:59 pm
Scola is better than Tayshaun Prince? Huh???
ben Said,
December 18, 2009 @ 5:50 pm
Every time I see this guy he’s running into cheerleaders. Though I’ve only seen him that 1 time he was on Sportcenter’s “Not so top 10″, nevertheless, he may hit women…which some people don’t approve of.
» Jerebko another Dumar`s steal Coach Holmgran Said,
December 19, 2009 @ 9:26 am
[...] Artikel från hoopshype om JJ33 [...]
Pistons fan til i die Said,
December 19, 2009 @ 2:37 pm
I have a question for everyone who is basically hating on Detroit.. Have any of you ever watched them play this season or in seasons past? and I’m not talking about one game against L.A., Orlando, Boston, or your home town team. I’m talking about every single night against any team. Well if you haven’t that is probably why you have not heard of Jonas, and you should probably watch before you judge the guy based on his stats. Also, what does it matter if he is playing because a Tayshaun got injured?? Injuries are part of the sport, part of any sport, and when they occur someone has to step and take that persons place. That is how these players earn their spots, thats how the show the NBA, and the fans what they can do. I have watched the Pistons for 10 years now, and no doubt Joe D. has made some bad draft picks…Lets just say Darko, he has also made some great ones. While he could have taken better players, especially in the 04 draft, when he could of took D-Wade, Bosh, Carmelo, and a long list of other players who have turned out to be all-stars or players much better then Darko, which really could be anyone. He picks the players he picks because he feels they will fit into the team, and they would be able to play alongside the core group of guys. While Darko may have never been able to play alongside Ben, Rasheed, Rip, Tay, and Chauncey, Joe D didn’t want to break up the core group and draft one of the superstars like D-wade or bosh. This also holds true for drafting Tay over Boozer, Scola, Barnes, and Salmons, while Boozer is for sure better,i don’t agree that scola is better than Tay. Do you really believe these players could have co-existed with the core group? As for Scola.. How did he get his start?? oh wait, thats because Yao broke his leg or toe for the 1000th time. The addition of Will Bynum was also a great pick up, and there is NO DOUBT that Stuckey is going to be a premiere guard in the league despite injuries, Maxiell may not turn out as good as he was projected. However, there is no doubt that the Pistons have declined since 2004.
MCcHampsta Said,
December 19, 2009 @ 5:38 pm
Jerebko haters are just Knick Fans. The Knicks have no eye for talent (Jordan Hill), they have a huge sports involved community. The Knicks are buying a team in 2010. That’s all New York does is buy teams. Although I was happy for A-Rod.
Even if you want to say he is filling in for an injured player, look at his draft position. He’s outplaying expectations. Look at his position on the floor, SF. Nobody walks into the league playing like a star at SF unless they are an extreme elite talent such as Lebron. To be a good SF in the NBA, you have to play not only be able to shoot and drive, but be a skilled ball handler. SF’s also contend with so many matchups, from guys like Melo and Lebron, but also players like Bargnani, Diaw, Gerald Wallace, Durant. SF requires a mesh of so many different skills to be successful, and his prev. 10 game numbers are 12 and 7 if you wanna round down? Only not starting 1 game this season? And he is playing with a young PG, a shoot first SG, and an old veteran Center. Kudos to JJ.
Go Magic.
Kmart6 Said,
December 19, 2009 @ 10:58 pm
Finally finally finally, A player from my country: Sweden. People back here always said that Jerebk wasn’t gonna play and that he was going to the d-league. Way to prove the haters wrong, I didn’t think he would play either since he had prince and daye infront of him at sf and wilcox and maxiell at pf but Im just happy right now. Hopefully we’ll have more NBA players from Sweden, Look out for Jonathan person and my former teammate Alexander Lindqvist further NBA players right there
JerebkoSWE Said,
December 20, 2009 @ 7:30 am
The next Kirilenko!
Ben Said,
December 20, 2009 @ 3:14 pm
TO: KB13
not to forget that the pick right before Tay Prince was CASEY JACOBSON!
OUCH.
Brian Boitono Said,
December 20, 2009 @ 9:03 pm
KB13 put your helmet on that list of A clowns you mentioned are not better than T-prince with the exception of Boozer. mannnn I cant believe detroit took Prince in the late first round when they could have had Songalia. Get a clue or a muzzle.
Calvin Said,
December 21, 2009 @ 3:08 pm
Dumars has been slowly getting base hits with Rodney Stuckey and Jerebko in the NBA draft. Still, he needs more of these guys in order to make everyone forget about Darko. Just as the Blazers GM was remembered as the guy who drafted Sam Bowie and not Michael Jordan Dumars is still living down as the guy who drafted Darko and not Carmelo Anthony.
Pistons fan til i die Said Said,
December 21, 2009 @ 10:07 pm
Since when was Darius Songaila better than Tayshaun Prince?? what? no… the numbers don’t compare, Tay is a better scorer, better defender, and overall a better player, not just in terms of numbers either.
Blast Said,
December 22, 2009 @ 5:00 pm
KB13 the title does not say “another draft day steal” it says Another Dumars’ steal.
ludovicle Said,
December 23, 2009 @ 12:24 pm
Love Detroit but…
Even if Jerekbo is not that bad, WTF with the forwards in Motown?
If this guy can stay 30 minutes a game on the court, it’s mainly beacause the other forwards suck (Kwame Brown? Villanueva for 8 M$ a year? the best forward is a “washed-up” Big Ben!!!)
Dumars got lucky on the Sheed trade 5 years ago… since he’s killing that team; he didn’t keep Okur, ruined future with the Darko over Melo pick, then fired a playmaker (Billups) to let the team been driven by a scorer (Stuckey) who cannot read the playbook!
The only good moves were saving money with the “Free Big Ben” and the AI move (and only to save money)… but then, Dumars killed his good moves by overpaying Villanueva and Gordon (one year befor THE most famous summer of the decade).
And by the way, nice move with Gordon… Gordon and Rip this year, it sounds a little bit like AI and Rip last year… and still with Stuckey as a (non)playmaker…
Dumars is gonna end up is career just as Isiah… great players, awfull managers!
t Said,
December 27, 2009 @ 2:28 am
This team is set up for the future… This draft gives them 3 legit forwards. They have Maxiel, and Villanueva locked up. So thats 5 forwards.
What detroit needs is a real pg, and a center. Stuckey can be a big time player if he was strictly a sg. Trade rip for a pg, and prince for a center.
This summer joe will have another draft, and the MLE + LLE to get a pg and center. By adding 2 pg’s and 1 centers to this team, and they can resign bynum, and kwame to 5 year deals.
I would trade rip and tay for andre miller, and a kaman or chandler. maybe adding future picks.
Miller - bynum - pick
stuckey - gordon
jerebko - daye - summers
villanueva - Maxiel - wilcox
Kaman - MLE(Haywood) - Brown - Ben Wallace(Vets min)