Former Gwinnett Prep Star Going to the Final Four

When former South Gwinnett Forward Avery Jukes transferred from Alabama to Butler University back in 2007, he probably never thought he would reach the Final Four. But the Hoosiers miracle happened. The Bulldogs are in the Final Four, which is being held in the University's home town; Indianapolis. Jukes is certainly glad he made the move from Tuscaloosa to Indy.

Jukes was a former high school teammate of Lewis Williams at South Gwinnett. Williams went right into the NBA with the 76ers. He was also a teammate of Mike Mercer, who went to Georgia but transferred to South Florida. While at South Gwinnett, Jukes earned All-State honors as well as being named to the Nike All-American Team his Senior year. He signed with Alabama out of high school but played in only three games his Freshman year. It is most certain that the lack of playing time factored in his decision to transfer to Butler.

Although he doesn't start, Jukes is a key man off the bench and performs his role well. He has played in everyone of the Bulldogs' contests and started 1 game. He averages 2.8 points per game and has 5 steals and 4 blocked shots on the year. Jukes will be part of NCAA Tournament history this year in that for the first time since UCLA in 1972, a school from the city where the Final Four is being held will actually be in the Final Four itself. The semis are in Indy this year and Butler University is located in Indiana's capitol, about 7 miles from the site of the Final Four, Lucas Oil Stadium.

However, Jukes will not be the only Gwinnett player in the classic. Michigan State's Chris Allen, a former star at Meadowcreek High School in Gwinnett County (GA), is making his second straight appearance in the Final Four as a Spartan. In fact, the two will face each other as Michigan St. will take on Butler in front of their home fans. To my knowledge, this may be the first time more than one player from Gwinnett County, Georgia will be participating in the same Final Four.