Bill Jeffress

Basketball
Forward/Center
(1984-88)

Inducted 2003

One of the most prolific scorers in UNH history, Bill Jeffress may have been one of the most feared defenders by opponents during his four-year career as a member of the UNH men’s basketball team.  From the moment “Dollar Bill” stepped onto campus in 1984, he displayed a tremendous scoring touch and will perhaps be most remembered for his tenacious defensive skills, including rebounding and blocking shots.  A versatile player who could score from not only the inside, but on the perimeter as well, Jeffress concluded his career with 1,354 career points that places him 13^th on the school’s all-time scoring list and is ranked ninth all-time in school history with 793 career rebounds.  Teamed with Herb Watkins, Hency Watt, and fellow classmate Ken Coleman, the Chargers were not only dominant in the New England Collegiate Conference, but on the national level as well.  As a junior, Jeffress helped lead UNH to a 23-9 record and a berth in the NCAA New England Regional Championship and went on to earn All-Region honors.  It was during the 1986-87 year, that Jeffress developed an inside presence by averaging 8.3 rebounds per game and blocking a career-best 71 shots.  As a senior, the Chargers again reached the NCAA Regional Championship.  Jeffress shot 54.9 percent from the floor and averaged 13.9 points per game, helping the Chargers too a 26-5 record including 11-1 in the NECC Conference.