Wake Forest and Ohio State were also interested, and Memphis was considered, too, though Jenkins liked the idea of going somewhere away from home. Besides, John Calipari's roster was filling up, and if Jenkins wasn't going to play for the Tigers, the new Memphis coach had an idea of where he might fit in. And coach Flint reminds me of a coach I had back home. Jenkins reminds Flint of Lou Roe and Dana Dingle, at least in terms of work ethic. But Willie can shoot, and I put his work ethic up there with Lou and Dana, who I think have been our two hardest working players since I've been at UMass.
Flint puts a huge premium on work effort and preparation, especially with untested players.
He has flexibility with Jenkins, whose natural position is forward but who could slide into the shooting-guard spot, especially if Monty Mack is occasionally used at the point. That's the big thing with these guys. Jenkins' shooting touch is a welcome addition to a UMass lineup that is looking for ways to take the perimeter pressure off Mack. He knows life is about to get more challenging. He says UMass has talent that is already helping him improve.