Pro basketball star Gilbert Arenas tells his blog readers he's the "No. 1 player from Arizona," jokingly bragging that his three NBA all-star honors trump Richard Jefferson.
But Jefferson became the No. 1 donor among former Wildcat players Friday, pledging $3.5 million toward the University of Arizona's future basketball and volleyball practice facility. UA officials believe it is the largest donation ever from a former player to a school he played for, surpassing the $3 million that NBA star Carmelo Anthony gave Syracuse University last year.
Most likely, Jefferson will remind Arenas of his gift often. Jefferson's donation will ensure his name is a part of the $20 million complex, which also includes a diving well and a renovated gymnastics facility. It is scheduled for completion in September 2008.
"No hard feelings," Jefferson said. "Gil and I are good friends. Anytime we get together, it's comedy. But anytime he wants to come and practice in my gym, he's welcome."
During a news conference Friday at McKale Center, Jefferson said he wanted to give back to Arizona, where he was a standout player from 1998 to 2001. He and UA coach Lute Olson said the facility would relieve congestion when the volleyball and men's and women's basketball teams fight for practice space at McKale Center.
"For him to do what he's doing is just unbelievable," Olson said. "We need that practice facility. It means so much to so many athletes, and not just basketball players."
But Jefferson, who is in the middle of a six-year, $78 million contract with the New Jersey Nets, also noted that he donated in part so the athletic department "wouldn't ask Gilbert."
UA officials can only hope that kind of edgy competition leads to more donations. While praising Jefferson's generosity and character, athletic director Jim Livengood said he believed the donation would prompt former athletes and other donors to consider giving more.
"This is going to have national implications," Livengood said. "To say we're excited β¦ it goes way beyond any words."
