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Utah welcomes UNLV transfer David Jenkins Jr.
Former UNLV guard David Jenkins Jr. is one of two players to transfer to Utah over the last three weeks. (Courtesy: University of Utah Athletics)

Utah welcomes UNLV transfer David Jenkins Jr.

SALT LAKE CITY (BVM) – New Utah head coach Craig Smith spent the 2020-21 season leading Utah State and watched a UNLV guard torch his squad for 33 points on 5-of-7 shooting from long range on Jan. 27. 

That Runnin’ Rebel was David Jenkins Jr., and on Sunday, he announced his commitment to Smith and Utah after transferring from UNLV.

“David comes to us with a wide range of experience in the winning column, having started in the NCAA Tournament his freshman year,” Smith said in a press release. “As we build our culture, it is important to have young men that have a passion and desire to strengthen and connect our Utah brand. David made it very clear to us on his commitment to do just that.”

Jenkins Jr. was UNLV’s second-leading scorer last season averaging 14.8 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game. The Tacoma, Wash. native started 20-of-27 games in his lone season with the Runnin’ Rebels and shot .409% from 3-point range. Jenkins Jr.’s 33-point explosion versus Utah State was one of a few up-close looks Smith had of his new guard last season, as he averaged 17.3 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.3 assists in three games against the Aggies.

The 6-foot-2 guard began his collegiate career during the 2017-18 season at South Dakota State and was named the Summit League Freshman of the Year. Jenkins Jr. averaged 16.1 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game while shooting .432% from deep and set the Jackrabbits’ freshman scoring record (565 points). He somehow had an even better sophomore campaign, averaging 19.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.5 assists and improving his field goal (.458%) and three-point (.453%) percentages.

“David has proven over the past four years to be one of college basketball’s most dynamic scorers,” Smith added. “But most importantly, David is a fine young man that will represent our Utah basketball community at a championship level.”

Jenkins Jr. is joined by Cincinnati guard Gabe Madsen as recent transfers to Utah, meanwhile the Utes have four players from last season’s squad currently in the NCAA Transfer Portal: Timmy Allen, Alfonso Plummer, Ian Martinez, Jordan Kellier.