Jenkins “starving” for second season success

Adelaide 36ers import John Jenkins says he is “starving” for success in his second season in the NBL.

Jenkins originally joined the Sixers in January, playing 17 games last season and averaging 10 points, one assist, and one rebound, shooting 45 per-cent from the field including 40.2 per-cent from three-point range.

After re-signing for NBL27, the 171-game NBA veteran and former first-round draft pick is entering the new campaign with a better understanding of NBL basketball and a desire to continue bringing his leadership and professionalism to the Sixers group.

“This is my first time ever playing overseas coming back for a second time,” he said after training on Thursday, “so I'm really excited for the opportunity. I'm ready to get going.

“From the day that we lost (in Game 5 of the Championship Series), I told the front office, I wanted to be back, and have another go at it.

“It took us a good a month and a half to make things happen, but obviously me and Bryce's relationship played a part, going that deep into the finals, and just the league is so much fun, competing every night.

“The finals is amazing. The playoffs and the whole season. It's very, very high level. that's what I want to be a part of.”

And the 10-time Team USA representative can’t wait to hit the court and chase success, starting with the Code Sports NBL Blitz in Bendigo next week.

“(Hungry is) actually an understatement,” Jenkins smiled.

“I'm starving to do that and just play some games and just be in a moment as well. Stay present with everything and just have fun.”

Across a decade and a half as a pro, Jenkins has extensive international experience across Europe, Asia and Puerto Rico.

But his experience of pre-season under new Sixers’ Head Coach Trevor Gleeson so far has no comparison.

“Amazing, very intense practises,” Jenkins said of his first few weeks under the five-time NBL Championship winning mentor.

“I'm loving the preparation, attention to details, everything he's brought to the team. It's been great.

“(His) communication's been amazing. Even before I got here, he was texting me, asking for some playbook stuff I could work on at home.

“This is my 15th year, and this is the most intense I've ever had to practice.

“I've been on a bunch of teams in my career, so it's very intense, high level, and right now, it's just a standard we're playing by.”

Jenkins and his teammates are building towards facing Illawarra (September 3) and Cairns (September 5) at the pre-season Code Sports NBL Blitz tournament in Bendigo before tipping off the season proper against Melbourne United on September 19.