A Global Journey
Jeff Withey, a 36‑year‑old former NBA center, has inked a one‑year contract with Al Ittihad Jeddah, the Saudi Arabian club announced this week. The deal brings a seasoned defensive anchor to a team hoping to contend in the upcoming domestic campaign.
Standing at 7‑foot‑0 and weighing 235 pounds, Withey is renowned for his rim protection, rebounding tenacity and the veteran poise he has honed over more than a decade of professional play. Coaches praise his ability to alter shots and control the paint, traits that should translate well to the Saudi league’s pace.
His basketball odyssey has taken him from the hardwoods of Spain and Turkey to the competitive circuits of Greece, Israel, South Korea, Taiwan and, most recently, Indonesia’s IBL League where he suited up for Pelita Jaya Jakarta. In 31 games for Pelita Jaya he posted 16.4 points, 12.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.3 steals and 2.3 blocks per contest, earning second‑team all‑Asia‑Basket.com honors as the league’s runner‑up.
Withey’s NBA résumé includes a second‑round selection by the Portland Trail Blazers in 2013 and five seasons with New Orleans, Dallas and Utah. Across 260 career appearances he has averaged modest but reliable numbers, yet his impact is often measured by the defensive metrics that highlight his shot‑blocking and rebounding contributions.
In the Indonesian Basketball League finals, Pelita Jaya fell to Bogor Hornbills 3‑2, but Withey’s 19 points and 12 rebounds in the decisive fifth game underscored his clutch pedigree. He helped his side erase a 45‑31 halftime deficit, capping the comeback with a buzzer‑beating shot in overtime and posting a double‑double of 16 points, 10 rebounds and 2.8 blocks over ten playoff contests.
College basketball fans may remember him from his Kansas days, where as a senior in 2012‑13 he posted 13.7 points, 8.5 rebounds and 3.9 blocks per game, guiding the Jayhawks to the national championship game. His collegiate stint cemented a reputation for intelligence on the floor and a high basketball IQ that has defined his professional narrative.
Now, as he dons the colors of Al Ittihad Jeddah, Withey is expected to mentor younger players, stabilize the defensive unit and provide a steady scoring option in the post. The club’s management believes his international pedigree will not only elevate performance but also attract broader interest in Saudi basketball.