LOUISVILLE, Ky.--The Bellarmine University Head Men's Basketball Coach
Scott Davenport has announced the signing of two local basketball standouts. Both Jacob Jenkins and Keisten Jones have signed National Letters of Intent during the early signing period and will join the Knights next season.
Jones is a 6-3 wing player who averaged 15 points per game and eight rebounds a contest for the Ballard Bruins last season.
Jones said a number of factors played into his decision to sign with Bellarmine. “I've been to campus a lot and really like it there, and Bellarmine's academics are outstanding.” He also said the team's success and team chemistry were important. “The Division II preseason number one ranking was definitely a plus, and I felt comfortable with all the guys on the team.”
“We are very excited to have Keisten join the Bellarmine program. He is a tremendous young man academically, athletically, and socially. He is a credit to his family. He possesses great athletic ability and super desire to become the best he can be on and off the court. We are thrilled with his versatility. He has a very bright future.”
Ballard Coach Chris Renner said, “(Keisten's) potential is unlimited. Because of our lack of height, he's had to play out of position and he's done an outstanding job. He can play inside and outside and has a beautiful jump shot. He may have to improve his perimeter game, but he's the type of player who's only going to get better.”
Jenkins is a 6-4 guard who is attending St. Thomas More Prep School in Oakdale, Conn. He is a 2009 graduate of Manual High School where he averaged 20 points a game for the Crimsons, but had to miss 18 games of his senior season due to a foot injury. The Courier-Journal ranked Jenkins the No. 2 player in the state as a high school senior.
“Bellarmine just seemed like the right fit,” said Jenkins, who was also being courted by Western Kentucky, Toledo and other Division I schools. “Coach Davenport and the whole campus just seemed to welcome me with open arms. It's a great school academically, and I like where the athletics are headed. I'm really looking forward to helping Bellarmine's program.”
“We have followed Jacob since he was a sophomore at Manual,” Davenport said. “He has overcome adversity and possesses the dedication it takes to become an outstanding college basketball player. With continued work he will be a very solid contributor for our basketball program. He is a very well rounded player.”
Jenkins' prep coach, Jere Quinn, said, “Bellarmine is getting a quality player. He is a cerebral player and can really shoot and pass. He's a great teammate and plays with great passion.”
Jenkins and Jones are the only players Bellarmine expects to sign during the early signing period.
