Ex-Vandal Jefferson signs pro deal in France

| July 9, 2010 9:00 PM

MOSCOW - Former Idaho basketball player Marvin Jefferson signed a professional contract with a French team and will play in the French ProB League in the coming season.

Jefferson, a 2010 Western Athletic Conference All-Defensive Team selection, finished his Idaho career in May with the second-most blocked shots in school history and helped lead the team to its highest two-year victory count since 1994.

Next year, the Merced, Calif., native will suit up for UJAP Quimper of the French National League. Last year, the team went 13-21 and finished 13th in the ProB standings.

Another former Vandal, Kashif Watson, has been added to the Summer League roster for the NBA's Golden State Warriors. Summer League play runs July 9-18.

Former North Idaho College standout Mac Hopson, Idaho's No. 2 all-time assist leader, was named league MVP for the National Athletic Basketball League after leading the Portland Showtime to a regular-season title in June. He also recently joined the Battle Creek Knights of the International Basketball League and has drawn professional interest from several European professional teams.