Taylor Jenkins praises Trey Jemison after career night: ‘I’m really impressed’

Trey Jemison had a career performance to lead the Grizzlies to a win and earned praise from coach Taylor Jenkins afterward.

Trey Jemison produced a career performance to lead the Memphis Grizzlies to a win on Tuesday, and the undrafted center from UAB earned praise from coach Taylor Jenkins afterward.

Jemison produced a team-high 24 points, six rebounds and two blocked shots in the Grizzlies’ 109-97 victory over the Washington Wizards. He recorded 16 points in the first half and shot 11-of-13 from the field in 31 minutes in his sixth start.

The 24-year-old finished with the second-most points by an undrafted rookie this season (Duop Reath, 26). His 24 points were the most scored by a UAB player in the NBA.

Jenkins explained what stood out about the performance.

Him attacking the boards, I know he only ended up with (six), but the pressure he was putting on the paint. I thought he did a really good job of screening and rolling, something we’re continuing to work with him on — the chemistry with the guards out there. I thought he did a good job of really getting hits because they were staying with their own, and that freed up our guards quite a bit. … Overall, just steps in the right direction with the things we’re asking of him. I’m really impressed. Overall, I’m proud of him — career high and all of that stuff — but he is doing the little things that impact winning.

Jemison started the year in the G League with the Birmingham Squadron and emerged as one of the top players. He signed a 10-day contract with the Wizards on Jan. 20 and joined the Grizzlies on a 10-day contract on Jan. 30. He signed a two-way contract on Feb. 9.

The 6-foot-10 center is averaging 7.2 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.1 blocks on 59.4% shooting from the field in 12 appearances with the Grizzlies. He has scored in double figures four times and is third in scoring average among undrafted rookies.

Jemison impressed throughout the year in the G League and is proving himself at the highest level. He will likely stay with the Grizzlies over the remainder of the season and will be ready for that opportunity.

“I work my butt off, man,” Jemison told Rob Fischer of Bally Sports Southeast. “I go to sleep every night knowing, ‘Hey, I might be ready.’ Whenever Coach calls my name, I’m ready to go, man.”

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