Yes, there were the incredible microwave twins, Andre McGee, Preston Knowles. The magical Terrence Williams, enigmatic Earl Clark, unflappable Jerry Smith. unpredictable Edgar Sosa, a determined Samardo Samuels. The occasional Will Scott and George Goode, the repress able Jared Swopshire.
The nucleous of a decent team, a competitive team, even a contender.
But the University of Louisville became a different team on January 12th when a little used 6-foot-10 freshman named Terrence Jennings entered the game against Notre Dame at Freedom Hall. Luke Harangody was on a roll, this is until Terrency Jennings stuffed him on three consecutive shots. Harangody scored 28, but most came before Jennings emerged. Finally, at last, someone who could block shots, stop Harangody, the seemingly unstoppable.
When did things start clicking for Jennings?
“When I knew that I had to step up. I didn’t like sitting on the bench. I knew whatever time I did get, whether it be two minutes, or three minutes, whatever, I had to be productive,” he told Inside The Ville. “So that’s what I did, I just valued my time whenever I got on the floor, and coach P, he got that trust in me. So basically that’s what it is, I just do my job, do what he likes me to do, rebound and block shots.”
Jennings has 51 blocks, believe it or not, and he’s just getting started. Needs to improve on his 2.9 rebound average, and he will. He’s a raw talent, an intimidating presence, taking up space, wreaking havoc in the middle, blocking, altering shots, turning threats away.
He won’t get a lot of recognition this season but he has been a force for good, a key element in making this team special.
My wife and I had a conversation shortly after the ND game and we concluded that Jennings, raw as he is, actually may have a greater upsided than Samuels. Only time will tell.
When Jennings gains full control over his gangly body and awkwardness, he will be a force. He has plenty of energy and bounce, let the fine tuning begin now.
Good write up. I love this kid and he has that special something that all great players have had at U of L…he has that Cardinal Heart. TWill has it, Padgett certainly had it, Angel, Grif and so many more….too many to list. It’s something a person is born with that doesn’t identify itself until they come to the U of L. They leave it all on the floor for the team, the university and the fans. They always come back to Louisville….it’s in their blood. Welcome to Louisville TJen. We look forward to following your career at U of L. Go CARDS!