Charles Jenkins Is Golden for the Warriors

[Legacy]

http://ww4.hdnux.com/photos/07/56/20/2024511/3/628x471.jpg

 

Entering the NBA is difficult as it is; however, there is one thing that makes it even more of a challenge once you do enter the league: being selected in the second round. You play with a chip on your shoulder, looking to prove that you are worth being in the Association.

 

Golden State Warriors guard Charles Jenkins stands 6'3" on an NBA court, an atmosphere where he belongs.

 

Attending school for a full four years is rare for many players in the modern day era of the NBA, but Jenkins did just that at Hofstra. In doing so, he is now the leading scorer in school history. In fact, Jenkins is second in the whole Colonial Athletic Association in scoring behind a Hall of Famer by the name of David Robinson.

 

After an impressive four years at Hofstra, Jenkins was selected as the 44th pick in the 2011 NBA Draft. The Warriors were in need of a solid point guard to back up Stephen Curry on the roster.

 

Jenkins hoped to learn from the older, more experienced players on the Warriors squad when he was drafted.

 

"I expected to come in and learn from a lot of the veterans. It's always different when you come into a new situation as far as basketball. I was expecting to come in and work hard and learn as much as I can and carry it onto the court," Jenkins said.

 

With Monta Ellis on the team for most of the season, it was rare that Jenkins received the minutes he needed on the court to showcase his talents. Once the Ellis trade went down, however, Jenkins' minutes and production increased on the court.

 

He posted a career-high 27 points to go along with his six assists shortly after the swap that brought Andrew Bogut to California. A few games after that, Jenkins recorded a career-high 12 assists, making a case for the team's best playmaker.

 

Jenkins shoots a solid 45 percent from the field, which can be tough to do not only for a guard, but for a rookie. At times, a fan can forget Jenkins is a rookie, considering the high-level basketball IQ with which he plays.

 

Asked what his favorite part of playing in the NBA is, Jenkins stated, "The competition. Everyone can play. Everybody works hard. You're playing against guys that are labeled as some of the best guys in the world," Jenkins explained.

 

Whether it's on a court during a game, or even in practice, Jenkins loves to work hard and compete, sometimes even being the last man to leave the floor.

 

With Curry being healthy next year, Jenkins will play a crucial role for the Warriors and be someone that they have not had for a while: a reliable backup point guard.

 

Jenkins brings energy into the game when he comes off the bench. Being a rookie, though, he has room to improve and with a full season on its way in a few months. He has expectations to fulfill this summer and will continue to work hard and be what the Warriors need him to be.

 

"[i just need] to continue to get better and take this year as a learning process. Going into the summer, knowing what I have to get better at, and watching a lot of film just to prepare myself for when the next season comes," Jenkins said.

 

Playing in an area where Warrior fans are very passionate, a lot can be expected of Jenkins when the team is at full strength next year. He will still be young, a sophomore in the league.

 

"I won't be labeled as a rookie anymore, but rather a guy that goes into games knowing what to expect and ready to play."

 

In a tough season for the Warriors, there have only been so many bright spots. Jenkins, the humble point guard out of Hofstra, has been one of them.

 

BR Link

Edited April 21, 2012 by Legacy

[Lemon]

Nate Robinson has been playing decently as the Warrior's spark off the bench. When Curry comes back, are they going to play Jenkins over Nate? Jenkins can pass well, can score, and he's not undersized. But Nate has been a niche spark player for a while.

[Real Deal]

Jenkins is shooting the ball far better off the bench (at around 48%, versus 43% as a starter)...last five games, he has shot under 30% FG, and for the last 10, around 37%...but that may be expected, because the more he plays (and the less Golden State cares, since they have been out of the playoffs for a while), the road becomes much tougher for him.

 

I think he can maintain that 45% or better if the entire team plays with a purpose, and doesn't give more burn to the undeserving, just for the sake of playing games and not worrying about overall record (at this point of the season).

 

Very good article. It's nice to see non-superstar players (and in this case, a non-star) being given attention every once in a while.

[DunkinDerozan]

Really good article. That is awesome that you actually got to interview a player on GS. On the topic of the article, it sounds like the Warriors might have to make a decision for next year whether they want him as backup PG, or Robinson. I'm not sure about Nate's contract, so he might be a UFA soon. The play making ability of Jenkins might prove to be big for the Warriors considering Curry isn't exactly known for that.

[fish7718]

Haha nice, a Queens/Hofstra guy! He's been great in April, just wish I had him on my fantasy team, he could prolly win me $70 if i did...but no, I picked up Nate Robinson instead..

 

In games where he has gotten 30+ minutes he's averaging

 

17.1 ppg 9.0 apg 3.0 rpg shooting 49.5%

 

Not bad

 

Obviously he has to work on his 3 point shooting and he could become a more consistent in his production and rebounding, however looks like a steal so far...

Edited April 23, 2012 by fish7718

[Sħãlïq™]

Great article, Yama! Proud of you!