The Detroit Pistons Signed St. John's Dynamic Point Guard Daniss Jenkins After the NBA Draft on a Two-Way Deal

Instagram/St. John's Basketball

The Detroit Pistons signed a two-way deal with Daniss Jenkins, St. John's point guard, who was the team’s most dynamic player of the season.

Daniss, a Dallas native, began his college basketball career at the University of the Pacific. After two seasons with the Tigers, he transferred to Iona University. Jenkins' last transfer was to St. John's, where he followed his coach, Rick Pitino, from Iona.

Despite St. John's inability to advance to the NCAA tournament, this year was a triumph for the 6'4" guard. Jenkins received significant media coverage and averaged 15 points and roughly five assists per game. Coach Pitino expressed his confidence in Jenkins' abilities this season, stating,  "I wouldn't trade Daniss for any point guard in the country. I think he's going to go on and have a great career after this is over, but I want them to go far this year. Far." Pitino also bragged about Jenkins' basketball intelligence and overall abilities. He stated, "With him on the court, he just makes everybody better." Coach continued, “His assists-[to]-turnovers. His defense. His intelligence. I mean, he is a big-time basketball player," according to The New York Daily News.

Pitino, a former NBA coach, rooted for Jenkins throughout the draft. He told NJ Advance Media, "DJ is a leader. He puts winning above self. He brings it every practice and every game. He plays both ends of the floor. He does it all, scores, passes, and makes players better around him."

The St. John's basketball coach also shared important updates about Jenkins' progress during the draft. On X, he announced that his former star player worked out with 12 NBA teams. He stated, "Daniss Jenkins just completed his 12th workout for NBA teams. Someone will get a player with amazing leadership qualities, an incredible work ethic, and an insatiable desire to win. Character Plus!!!"

Good luck, Daniss!

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