University of Massachusets Athletics
Willie Jenkins Signs With UMass Basketball
May 19, 2000 | Men's Basketball
May 19, 2000
AMHERST, Mass. -- University of Massachusetts head men's basketball coach James "Bruiser" Flint announced today that Willie Jenkins (Memphis, Tenn.) has signed a national letter of intent to attend UMass and play for the Minutemen, beginning in the 2000-01 season.
A 6'6", 200 pound, forward / guard, Jenkins played for coach Sylvester Ford at Fairley High School. Last season, he averaged 22 points and 10 rebounds per game, while leading Fairley to an overall record of 17-11. Jenkins was selected All-Metro, All-District and All-Region, in addition to earning honorable mention All-State honors.
"Willie is a good outside shooter who handles the ball very well," said Ford. "He also has the ability to rebound the basketball, and played the majority of his time in high school as a power forward. He is a very hard worker who can come in and help the team at UMass."
With the addition of Jenkins, UMass has now signed six players this season. The Minutemen had previously signed guard Anthony Anderson (Lynn, Mass.), forward / guard Jarrett Kearse (Philadelphia, Pa.), forward Raheim Lamb (Boston, Mass.), guard Jameel Pugh (Sacramento, Calif.) and forward Jackie Rogers (Syracuse, N.Y.).
"With the addition of Willie Jenkins, we have an overall recruiting class that should really raise the talent level of our squad," said Flint. "They all have the ability to contribute to the success of the team, and we hope they come in, work hard, and help us get back to the NCAA Tournament."
A complete list of the incoming class for the Minutemen follows.
Name Ht. Wt. Cl. Pos. Hometown / High School or Junior College Anthony Anderson 5-11 175 Fr. G Lynn, Mass. / Lynn English H.S. Willie Jenkins 6-6 200 Fr. F / G Memphis, Tenn. / Fairley H.S. Jarrett Kearse 6-6 220 Jr. F / G Philadelphia, Pa. / Philadelphia C.C. Raheim Lamb 6-5 190 Fr. F Boston, Mass. / Boston English H.S. Jameel Pugh 6-4 200 Fr. G Sacramento, Calif. / Grant Union H.S. Jackie Rogers 6-8 230 Jr. F Syracuse, N.Y. / Barton County (Kan.) C.C.