Phenom Hoops recently did a feature on 2024 6’5 My’Kel Jenkins from Tarboro high school in North Carolina, shortly after getting a better view of his game at the Phenom 757. Our scouts quickly realized that this is a young talent that needs to be taken seriously and should quickly be rising up the ranks for college coaches, and some have already jumped on him early.
In our latest feature about Jenkins, our very own Frank Bennett had this to say about his game:
“Length, strength, elite-level athleticism, versatility on both ends of the floor, and a tenacious defender. That’s an abbreviated description of what My’kel Jenkins brings to the floor. An impact player for sure, a guy who can guard every position at the high school level and shut down whoever he is guarding! My’kel has fantastic footwork; a quick and agile athlete who combines length with a strong frame and relentless energy. His combination of length and strength and excellent lateral quickness allows him to keep the ball handler in front of him and stifle dribble penetration. He has quick and active hands that lead to steals and combined with his length allows him to contest shots more effectively. He demonstrates great instincts off the ball and is quick to react for steals in passing lanes. The fluidity and gracefulness of his movements is an indication of his agility and sound execution of fundamentals.”
Phenom recently spoke to Jenkins more about his terrific summer and securing some early offers, as well as who else has been showing interest his way. See what he had to say.
Phenom: How has your summer been going playing with Team Loaded' What has it been like playing with them and catching some eyes early on'
Jenkins: My summer has been going great, picking up two offers and a lot of interest for my freshman summer, playing with Team loaded over the summer has been amazing. They took me in and treated me like family from the beginning and always have believed and pushed me to overcome my limits. They always told me that I was a Top-50 kid in the country and we have been proving that. I’ve been getting a lot of recognition lately but this is just the beginning.
Phenom: What was it like to see that early work pay off and what has been your focus with your game'
Jenkins: It felt really good, just knowing all the long nights and hard days are finally paying off; it just pushed me harder. My main focus this summer with my game was making my shot automatic, just being confident shooting and being a strong ball-handler with me at 6’5.
Phenom: How would you best describe your game on the court right now'
Jenkins: I would say I’m a score-first wing who gets to his spots and can knockdown shots and goes on the defensive side of the ball and sit down. I model my game a lot after Jayson Tatum; he is a guy who can get to the rim at will but loves the mid-range shot. That is a special part of my game, I can rise over defenders and still get my shot off. He has a reliable three-point game, which I love also.
Phenom: What areas are you looking to improve in heading into the upcoming season'
Jenkins: I’m looking to be more efficient with my three-point shot and being more of a leader on the floor.
Phenom: What was it like to get that first offer from Radford' How did you hear about it and what were your thoughts after hearing about it'
Jenkins: It was great accomplishing one of my goals. My Team Loaded coach, Steph Jones, called me and told me Radford offered me. My thoughts were “Wow, this really is happening.” I was just eager to get back in the gym.
Phenom: Any thoughts on your latest offer from NJIT' Anything stand out'
Jenkins: It was exciting to tell my mother because she is from New Jersey. I really liked their facility and the schedule that they play.
Phenom: What other schools have been showing you interest your way'
Jenkins: Louisville, Virginia, Wingate, Barry University, and Queens.
Phenom: Overall, what has this journey been like for you so early in your career and how have you been able to embrace it'
Jenkins: I would say the journey has been extremely difficult but fun and exciting at the same time; by known what my end goal is and just keep striving to achieve it.