Adam Zagoria covers basketball at all levels. He is the author of two books and an award-winning journalist whose articles have appeared in ESPN The Magazine, SLAM, Sheridan Hoops, Sports Illustrated, Basketball Times and in newspapers nationwide.
Jenkins, the 6-foot-4, 175 pound guard from Dallas, Texas, becomes the first commit to Pitino and St. John’s out of the transfer portal.
“Daniss Jenkins is a lightning quick guard who is a tremendous leader on and off the court,” said Pitino. “He is someone we will rely on heavily to lead us into next season.”
He is expected to get a waiver to play next season, a source said. All second-time transfers need a waiver, per new NCAA rules.
Jenkins is ranked the No. 80 overall portal prospect, per Evan Miya. That puts him higher in Miya’s rankings than some notable names like Skyy Clark, JJ Starling and Daniel Batcho.
Last season under Pitino, Jenkins averaged 15.6 points, 4.4 rebounds and 4.9 assists. Jenkins also shot 41.8% from the field and 36.1% from 3. Before his lone season at Iona, Jenkins played two years of junior college ball at Odessa College in Texas.
Against the eventual NCAA Tournament champions UConn, Jenkins scored 14 points and dished out five assists. Iona eventually fell to the Huskies, 87-63, in the first round.
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