Losing its head coach may not be the only ramification for South Dakota State after T.J. Otzelberger left for UNLV.
The Jackrabbits’ best returning player may be moving on as well.
David Jenkins Jr., a sophomore guard who starred next to Mike Daum, will be exploring his transfer options, he announced Monday.
“I’m so thankful for Jackrabbit Nation, but due to recent coaching changes I have requested and been granted my release,” Jenkins wrote in a statement on Twitter. “I have decided that it’s in my best interest to re-open my recruitment and explore my options.
“This doesn’t mean I will necessarily be leaving SDSU, but I’m going to see what school will give me the best opportunity to achieve my dreams.”
Jenkins hails from Tacoma, Wash., but finished his prep career at Sunrise Christian Academy in Kansas. Last year he blossomed into a high-scoring star alongside Daum, a top-10 career NCAA scorer, averaging 19.7 points and shooting 45.3 percent from 3-point range. The 6-foot-2 guard is likely to have high-major suitors lining up outside Brookings.
Otzelberger left for UNLV last week after three seasons with the Jackrabbits, who promoted his assistant Eric Henderson to the top job.
