 As a senior at South View High School in Hope Mills, North Carolina, Jeff led his team to the 1993 state championship defeating Charlotte powerhouse South Mecklenburg 53–52 with a last second lay-up.He also set school career records in points (2,066), rebounds (668), and assists (663).While at Duke University (1993–1997), he earned a starting position as a freshman and was a starting guard on the basketball team for four years.