NBA Draft Profile: John Jenkins

By Kels Dayton
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Updated: June 10, 2012

By: Kels Dayton

JOHN JENKINS

6-4, 215 lbs.

Hometown: Hendersonville, TN

School: Vanderbilt

Class: Junior

AP Photo/Gerald Herbert

STRENGTHS: Jenkins was probably the best pure shooter in college basketball last season, ripping the nylon for a .439 shooting percentage from deep and .474 overall. Jenkins was Vandy’s leading scorer and go-to-guy, averaging 19.9 points per game. He has a lightning-quick release and a touch smoother than Alicia Keys. He’s not as good a passer as Stephen Curry, but is comparable in terms of shooting style. At 6-4, he’s also bigger than Curry, which means he won’t have to inanely be made into a point guard when he works best off the ball. Jenkins will be able to defend 2-guards, and get his shot off at the next level.

WEAKNESSES: Jenkins not a dynamic playmaker and doesn’t attack the basket well off the dribble. He also lacks the elite-level athleticism that most 2-guards have. Jenkins needs to develop a better arsenal of moves if he wants to become more of a scorer in the NBA. He could also stand to improve his passing ability in order to become more of a threat with the basketball.

BOTTOM LINE: This kid is a shooter, period. If he’s put in a situation where he can get good looks, Jenkins will thrive. If not, it may be a struggle for him. He can’t carry an NBA team by himself, and he won’t stand out on a bad team where he is the focal point. Still, there’s room for shooters in the NBA, and Jenkins can flat-out shoot the ball. Depending on where he lands, he’ll have a nice NBA career.

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