West Virginia’s Newest Recruit: “I’m Just a Beast”
Words. Aron Phillips
With a frame and game that is reminiscent of a young Zach Randolph, Staten Island’s Dan Jennings has finally found a home. After playing for four high schools in four years, Jennings will team up in the fall with his former New York Gauchos AAU teammate Truck Bryant at West Virginia. We caught up the self-described “beast” at the Jordan Classic…
Dan Jennings
Hometown: Staten Island, NY
High School: St. Thomas More School
Position: PF
Height: 6-8
Weight: 225 lbs.
HSH: Where did you grow up playing basketball?
Dan Jennings: Staten Island, New York. I started off at Crown Royal Gym and then I transferred to Curtis High School for half a year and then transferred to Bishop Loughlin. From there I went to Oak Hill and then spent this year at St. Thomas More in Connecticut. I had a great summer after my junior year. I wasn’t a high-major big man, I was a mid-major big man and they said I couldn’t be a high-major big man. I had a great summer with Kemba Walker, Truck Bryant, Jordan Theodore with the New York Gauchos. That AAU season we became the No. 1 team in the nation. After that tournament I had offers from Memphis, Pittsburgh and West Virginia. I had high-major offers just from playing with that team and being a threat on that team.
HSH: So how excited are you to take your game down to West Virginia this coming Fall?
DJ: Very excited. I know I’m gonna have to work hard, but I’m gonna stay humble and keep working on my game. I don’t feel my game has developed to where I want it to be, but I’m going to keep working hard and stay hungry. Coach Huggins is a great coach.
HSH: What was it like playing in the Garden at the Jordan Classic?
DJ: It was my first time and it was crazy. It’s like a dream come true. The best came through here – Michael Jordan, Reggie Miller, LeBron – it felt good to play on the most famous court in the world.
HSH: For someone that has never seen you play, how would you describe your game?
DJ: I’m just a beast. I’m gonna start working on my game in college and bring my game more out with more finesse, but right now I’m just a beast. Gotta get in shape, but I play hard, like to jump, rebound, block shots and run for a dunk.
HSH: Who would you compare your game to?
DJ: Everybody says Zach Randolph but a little more athletic. Coach Huggins said I could be a bigger Jason Maxiell. I just have to work on little things. I’m a role player. I mean I’m very athletic, but I have a lot of work to do until I feel complete with my game.
HSH: What are you listening to on your iPod these days?
DJ: I’m listening to Dream, Lil Wayne of course. I listen to a little bit of rock, you know, Red Hot Chili Peppers a little bit. I’m diverse with my music. Ready for West Virginia.
HSH: What are your favorite sneakers of all-time?
DJ: Jordans. I mean the Jordans they make now are okay, but as far as retros with the 11s or 12s, those are the classics.
Let’s GO!!!!!!!!!!
Mountaineers!!!
DJ – can’t wait to see you in Mo’town! BE champs!