Magnolia State News

Dawgs Remain In Jenkins’ Heart

About five decades have passed since Jerry Jenkins was scoring and hauling down rebounds for Mississippi State. The former Bulldog forward is long removed from his time in Starkville and has lived overseas for years, currently residing in London.

Make no mistake about it though. Jenkins still carries plenty of Maroon and White around in his heart, no matter how far from the Magnolia State he may be.

"It's part of my life," Jenkins said on Thursday, only moments after being recognized as MSU's Southeastern Conference Legend at the SEC Tournament. "Even though I've been in Europe a lot over the years and don't really get to see a lot of it, I keep up with what Mississippi State is doing."

It's should come as no surprise that MSU remains special to Jenkins. The feeling is absolutely mutual as well. After all, Jenkins is a Bulldog trailblazer.

Jenkins and Larry Fry were the first Black men's basketball players at Mississippi State. While Jenkins was capturing a pair of All-SEC selections, racking up more than 1,500 career points and collecting over 500 boards from 1973 to 1975, he was also laying a foundation for so many others to follow.

Funny thing is, he didn't realize all that at the time.

"Everybody mentions all that, but I didn't even think about it," Jenkins said. "I was just enjoying the game and enjoying the college life. You can't beat that college life!"

Jenkins doesn't get the chance to return to Starkville much these days since he dwells on the other side of the world where he's been since he left MSU. His post-State basketball career included time playing in Greece, Turkey and England. He's also spent time as a coach.

Now, Jenkins is retired and gets to do things like travel to Nashville, be honored and be back around the program that was – and is – such a big part of his life.

And what's it like for him to reunite with the Bulldogs and his MSU family?

"You feel really good," Jenkins said. "Especially when the fans recognize me."

Jenkins certainly deserves to be recognized and remembered for both his performance and his lasting impact. He's a legend indeed and forever one of the most important figures to ever wear a Mississippi State uniform.

Original source can be found here.