Trey Jemison produces a career performance to lead the Memphis Grizzlies to a win Tuesday, and the undrafted UAB center subsequently received praise from coach Taylor Jenkins.
Jemison scored a team-high 24 points, six rebounds and two blocked shots in the Grizzlies’ 109-97 win over the Wizards of Washington. He recorded 16 points alone 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 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 put on the paint. I thought he did a really good job of screening and rolling, something we continue to work on with him – the chemistry with the guards there. I thought he did a good job getting hits because they stayed with their own, which freed up our guards a little bit. … Overall, it’s going in the right direction with the things we’re asking of him. I’m really impressed. Overall, I’m proud of him – his career high and all that – but he does the little things that impact winning.
Trey Jemison was ON FIRE last night! ????
The old @GleagueSquadron The star finished with a CAREER-HIGH 24 PTS, keeping him at the top of the scoreboard! Ultimately, leading the @memgrizz to a victory against the Washington Wizards. #GLeagueAlum pic.twitter.com/JhDztdCazS
– NBA G League (@nbagleague) March 13, 2024
Jemison started the year in the G League with the Birmingham Squadron and developed into one of the top players. He signed a 10-day contract with the Wizards on January 20 and joined the Grizzlies on a 10-day contract on January 30. He finally signed a two-way contract on February 9.
The 6-foot-10 center is averaging 7.2 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.1 blocks on 59.4 percent shooting from the field in 12 appearances with the Grizzlies. He has scored in double figures four times and is third in average among undrafted rookies.
Jemison has impressed throughout the year in the G League and is now proving himself at the highest level. He will likely stay with the Grizzlies for the rest of the season and will be ready to seize this opportunity.
“I work like crazy, man.” Jemison told Rob Fischer of Bally Sports Southeast. “I go to sleep every night knowing, ‘Hey, maybe I’m ready.’ Every time coach calls me, I’m ready to go, man.
