Comfort is everything for a shooter and much of that comfort is the result of familiarity within a system, an offense, a philosophy. With that in mind, the No. 2-ranked transfer in the nation, David Jenkins Jr., has opted to join his former coach at South Dakota State and continue his career with UNLV’s basketball team. The decision was announced at 5:06 p.m. in a special video created by the Jenkins camp.
The 6-foot-2 shooting guard averaged 19.7 points per game as a sophomore at South Dakota State under first-year Runnin’ Rebels coach T.J. Otzelberger. Jenkins Jr. shot 45.3 percent from 3-point range and set a program single-season record with 112 total. The Tacoma, Wash., native was an NABC All-District 12 Second Team honoree and a First Team All-Summit League member. In 2017-18, he was named the conference’s Freshman of the Year and was named part of the All-Newcomer team.
“I could not be more thrilled for the opportunity to continue coaching David,” Otzelberger said. “He will quickly become a fan-favorite here in Las Vegas because of his personality and his competitive drive. David is a gifted scorer, a proven winner and a fantastic teammate. We look forward to seeing his game expand over this year before getting him out on the court in a Runnin’ Rebel uniform the following season.”
Jenkins Jr., who chose UNLV over other strong suitors, including Gonzaga and Oregon, released his video on Twitter to much fanfare. The video registered more than 23,000 views in the first hour following its release.
Thankful for all of the amazing schools that recruited me during this process with that being said my Final Decision is… pic.twitter.com/U3RWB6aB6u
— David Jenkins Jr (@WorldStarDave) May 19, 2019
The move generates a ton of excitement around the program as Otzelberger enters his first season at the helm. Adding a player who has scored 10 or more points 30 times, 20 or more 12 times, and 30-plus four times is a huge boost, although Jenkins Jr. won’t be eligible to begin his final two collegiate seasons until 2020-21.
The 21-year-old gunner made five 3-pointers 10 times and set South Dakota State’s freshman scoring record (565 points) last year.
UNLV fans lauded the move on social media, where “David Jenkins” was trending in Las Vegas.
Massive #UNLVmbb news as @WorldStarDave has picked UNLV over Oregon @unlv The UNLV men's basketball program received a signed commitment from David Jenkins Jr., head coach T.J. Otzelberger announced Saturday. @TheRunninRebels Wow!
— Matt Perrault (@sportstalkmatt) May 19, 2019
Happy for my Brother @WorldStarDave ! Excited to see you rocking that UNLV Jersey 🤑 pic.twitter.com/JGW9nBsZ6X
— Mike Daum (@dauminator24) May 19, 2019
#unlvmbb lands one of the best transfers in college basketball as David Jenkins Jr. follows Coach Otzelberger from SDSU to UNLV. Averaged nearly 20 pts a game last year https://t.co/FeKtDHudyc
— Jesse Merrick (@JesseNews3LV) May 19, 2019
HUGE NEWS! @worldstardave David Jenkins who is one of the top shooters in the nation just committed to UNLV over Gonzaga and Oregon. First Head Coach TJ schedules UCLA, Kansas State and SMU. Then lands a huge commitment. What a week it has been for Head Coach T.J Otzelberger! pic.twitter.com/p9Qef22Og3
— Andrew Carrillo (@AndrewECarrillo) May 19, 2019
So UNLV just picked up a commitment from transfer David Jenkins, who averaged 19 points a game at South Dakota State. BIG-TIME get for the Rebels. Credit to TJ Otzelberger: He has done as well as anyone could have expected in his first two months on the job
— Aaron Torres (@Aaron_Torres) May 19, 2019
David Jenkins and Amauri Hardy have the potential to be the best backcourt in the Mountain West in 2020-21.
T.J. Otzelberger is probably one significant piece away from having a legitimate NCAA Tournament contender in year two.
— Tyler Bischoff (@Bischoff_Tyler) May 19, 2019
Analysis: This is a huge ‘get’ for Otz and his coaching staff
Jenkins Jr. joins Jonah Antonio, Moses Wood, Elijah Mitrou-Long and Vitaliy Shibel as part of UNLV’s 2019 recruiting class. With a strong roster of young players returning despite the coaching change, and 6-foot-9 Joel Ntambwe still undecided as he prepares to potentially enter the NBA Draft, Jenkins Jr. will benefit the program now as much as he is expected to later.
Having a player with his knowledge and understanding of the offense will help Otzelberger implement his offense and his philosophy. Jenkins Jr. has thrived in this offense, and adds to the credibility as well. He’ll be able to interpret for his teammates as a sort of bridge between Otzelberger and his young team.
There is always a learning curve with new systems. Jenkins Jr. and his successful grasp of what’s expected as well as understanding proper spacing and how movement away from the ball is key. One can really see sophomore guard Bryce Hamilton learning as much as he can from Jenkins Jr., as the two are very similar in skill sets. Point guard Amauri Hardy should also benefit from having Jenkins Jr. to learn from.
While the 2019-20 season may see its struggles, the anticipation for a full-strength UNLV squad in 2020-21 should be enough to keep the fan base in tune and excited. The move also should open up the program image on the recruiting circuit. When players see the national coverage of Jenkins Jr.’s decision, UNLV Basketball gets free publicity. This causes program prestige to increase and potential commits may see what’s going on at UNLV and want to join the excitement too.
This was a big day for Otzelberger and Co., especially after losing out to Iowa State on standout transfer Caleb Grill, who had originally signed with Otzelberger at South Dakota State. It also reduces the sting of losing out to Gonzaga on local four-star prospect Julian Strawther.
With Jenkins Jr. in tow, this is a fantastic first step for the program as Otzelberger builds his brand. At least for today, UNLV Basketball is on most everyone’s mind.
