Purdue didn't get what it thought it was with David Jenkins; it got more

WEST LAFAYETTE − Purdue didn't get what it thought it would out of David Jenkins Jr.

The Boilermakers got more.

Not necessarily in terms of statistics, but what the sixth-year senior provided can't be evaluated by metrics and stats.

"For him to have a sense of what we needed and above all just being a great guy in the locker room that has given great advice to a lot of guys and stepped up and hit big shots all year, it's really impressive and something we definitely needed with young guards," junior Ethan Morton said. "He's helped us out exponentially. That's something that doesn't show up in a box score, but it's stuff you can't quantify and something successful teams always have."

This is Jenkins' fourth and final stop in a whirlwind, humbling and long college basketball career.

To put it into perspective, Jenkins has been playing college basketball longer than Purdue star and National Player of the Year frontrunner Zach Edey has been playing organized basketball.

Two seasons at South Dakota State, two at UNLV and last year at Utah.

Jenkins knew he had one year and he couldn't afford to be wrong in where he ended up.

Turns out, West Lafayette was the perfect destination even if Purdue didn't get the Jenkins of old, who was one of the nation's most prolific scorers at one time and nearly automatic from the 3-point line.

With the Boilermakers, Jenkins has become a backup point guard, but more importantly, the ultimate teammate.

At times, Jenkins has still shown the propensity to be that guy but that's not what is needed of him many nights.

"He didn't come here to play 10 to 15 minutes and that's what he's doing," Purdue coach Matt Painter said. "A lot of guys they kind of go south on you and he hasn't. He's been positive and he's been great for Braden. He's been great for everybody. He's got an energetic personality and he brings it every day."

Jenkins needs just 42 points to reach 2,000 in his career. Of those, only 101 have come in his lone season with the Boilers.

That's never what mattered to Jenkins, though.

"They've got a good culture here. Good character. High charisma, same thing with the coaches," Jenkins said. "It is the culture they've established here. It's been easy for me to come in and be a guy that just wants to fit in with that. I have no ego. I just want to be a part of winning. If you want to win, you'll adapt to anything."

So Jenkins adapted to a backup point guard and two-guard role who is a mentor for freshmen Braden Smith and Fletcher Loyer, the players getting the minutes Jenkins perceived he would when he chose Purdue to finish his college career.

On Sunday, Jenkins will be celebrated during Senior Night when Purdue hosts Illinois in its regular season finale.

At times he's been mocked by teammates for his age, called old or "Uncle Dave."

He took it all in stride. After all, while this story is about basketball, it's more about relationships.

The Tacoma, Washington native always knew this was a cap to his college basketball journey, it might finally set in at Mackey Arena.

Jenkins' family will be there.

Painter will offer his take on Jenkins, which has been nothing but positive.

Jenkins came to Purdue because it was one of the best teams in what he believes is top to bottom the best conference in men's basketball.

He came because the Boilermakers needed a point guard after Eric Hunter and Isaiah Thompson transferred.

Jenkins got to play for a team that has been atop the polls and won a Big Ten championship, with hopes he'll get to be a part of something even more special as this month progresses.

Along the season, he's been humbled and he handled it better than anyone could've imagined.

It's not easy to fit in at a new place.

Morton said he's seen it with other transfers.

Jenkins knew it all too well, having done this twice before.

At Purdue, Jenkins never had to fit in because he always stood out. Even if that was not in the manner many thought he would.

"Life is humbling itself. You're going to have to take all kinds of different roles and handle adversity and obstacles," Jenkins said. "Part of adapting is really important for anything you decide to do, whether that's a job or a pro career or any platform. You have to learn to adjust."

Sam King covers sports for the Journal & Courier. Email him at sking@jconline.com and follow him on Twitter and Instagram @samueltking.

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Purdue didn't get what it thought it was with David Jenkins; it got more