KENNESAW, GA – Stephon Jelks learned a valuable lesson early in his basketball career. Versatility will make you a valuable commodity and garner some attention by basketball insiders.

Well, the North Cobb Christian product has embraced the opportunity to the point several colleges have taken notice. Jelks committed to Mercer today over Tennessee-Martin, Lipscomb and Gardner-Webb.

What the Bears are getting is a player with a solid jumper and a relentless motor at grabbing rebounds. He will finish the summer with Team Impact; a Cobb County based organization, which Jelks has played for his entire time on the travel circuit.

“When a coach sees that I can shoot and go get rebounds as well, they can see that I am not one dimensional,” Jelks said. “I am an all-around player whether it’s shooting, passing or rebounding.”

Jelks was not always the versatile player he strives to be today. The 6-foot-5 forward was at one point the kid big who just jacked up three’s as a freshman at North Cobb Christian. He had no desire to be any where near the post for rebounding opportunities. His lack of rebounding interest found him a permanent spot on the bench.

Ending my recruitment today. Im official going to attend Mercer University! I thank God for giving me this opportunity and cant wait! #Bears

— Stephon Jelks (@Futuristic15Kid) July 1, 2013

At the end of that season, coach Greg Matta pulled Jelks aside and explained what he was looking for from him. Matta needed Jelks to be more active on the glass because it would make him more attractive to college coaches. Jelks embraced the criticism and worked on his game with Team Impact coach Walter Jordan. He learned how to play inside from the former NBA player.

The transition helped Jelks get on the floor more with the travel team and eventually with North Cobb Christian. Last season, Jelks helped the Eagles to a 23-5 record while averaging 11 points and five rebounds.

This is part of the season when Jelks is asked to describe his game by college coaches he wants to call himself a baller but doesn’t. He really just tells him he is a 3-man who rebounds like a 4-man.

“Me going to rebound helps my teammates out,” Jelks said. “I know if I go in there and rebound, I am going to get the ball on the other end.”

Jelks spends time away from the court looking at his old self-trying to improve any aspect of his team. In the morning this summer, he has worked with teammates Hunter Ware and Kendall Crute on handling the ball better. This relentless worker understands that everyone at the next level can score and jump.

“I just need to do something that will get me on the court,” Jelks said.

If he brings that versatility to Macon it will be hard for the Bears coaching staff to keep Jelks off the court.