From Undrafted to NBA Playoff Starter: The Inspiring Rise of Daniss Jenkins

In the high-stakes world of professional basketball, the path to glory is rarely a straight line. For Daniss Jenkins, the journey to the NBA playoffs hasn’t just been a climb—it’s been a marathon of resilience, faith, and an unwavering belief in his own talent. As the Detroit Pistons prepare for a pivotal Game 7 in the Eastern Conference semifinals, Jenkins stands as a testament to the “Cinderella story” that still exists in modern sports.

A Winding Road to the Big Leagues

Most NBA stars follow a predictable trajectory: top-tier high school recruitment, a powerhouse college program, and a high draft pick. Daniss Jenkins’ story is different. His collegiate journey was a winding road that tested his resolve at every turn:

• The Beginning: Started at mid-major Pacific University under coach Damon Stoudamire.
• The Pivot: Took the junior college route at Odessa College in Texas to refine his game.
• The Evolution: Moved to Iona College to play under the legendary Rick Pitino.
• The Final Stage: Followed Pitino to St. John’s, competing in the grueling Big East conference.

Despite averaging 14.9 points and 5.4 assists during his final collegiate season, the 2024 NBA Draft passed without his name being called. For many, this would be the end of the dream. For Jenkins, it was simply the fuel he needed.

Why Detroit? Embracing the Grit

When the opportunity arose to sign a two-way contract, Jenkins had multiple offers. However, he chose the Detroit Pistons. For Jenkins, the choice wasn’t about the money or the prestige—it was about the culture.

“The grit, the determination, the city, it is who I am,” Jenkins shared. “Detroit just felt right.”

Starting as a rookie who appeared in only seven games, Jenkins didn’t complain about his lack of playing time or the fact that he didn’t travel with the team during the playoffs. Instead, he took it personally. He spent his off-hours in the gym, transforming his skinny frame into a reliable NBA asset.

The Breakout: From Two-Way to Standard Contract

Hard work eventually paid off. After averaging 9.3 points and 3.9 assists across 72 games, the Pistons rewarded his tenacity with a standard two-year contract. His impact has been felt immediately in the postseason, where he has maintained an average of 8.5 points per game, proving he belongs on the world’s biggest stage.

Even teammates have noticed his fearless approach. Pistons All-Star Cade Cunningham recalls meeting Jenkins early in his journey, noting that despite his size, Jenkins always had the ability to “shoot the mess out of the ball” and play without fear.

Advice for the Underdogs: Keep the Chip on Your Shoulder

Jenkins knows that there will always be players overlooked by scouts and teams. To the future undrafted prospects of the 2026 NBA Draft and beyond, his advice is simple: use the rejection as fuel.

He emphasizes that the journey is a marathon, not a sprint, and warns players against letting success change their character. By maintaining a “chip on the shoulder” and staying grounded in faith, Jenkins believes anyone can overcome the odds.

Final Thoughts: The Game 7 Mindset

As Daniss Jenkins steps onto the court for Game 7, he isn’t just playing for a spot in the Eastern Conference finals; he is playing to validate every struggle, every transfer, and every doubt he faced over the last few years. In a league where talent is common but resilience is rare, Jenkins is a reminder that if you keep your end goal in sight, the sky is the limit.

Stay tuned to the NBA news for more updates on the playoffs and the rising stars of the league.