Vanderbilt junior Jenkins leaving early for NBA

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- John Jenkins, the Southeastern Conference's top scorer the past two seasons, is passing up his final year at Vanderbilt and hiring an agent as he enters the NBA draft.

Jenkins announced what he called a very difficult decision for his family and himself in a statement Monday released by Vanderbilt. The Hendersonville, Tenn., native was an All-SEC first-team pick in 2011 and 2012 and tied the SEC single-season record with 134 3-pointers as a junior.

Coach Kevin Stallings says he's very happy for Jenkins and wishes him a long professional career. Stallings also loses five seniors off the Southeastern Conference tournament champs.

Jenkins ranks 10th on Vanderbilt's all-time list with 1,660 points, second all-time with 306 career 3s. The guard says he plans to finish his degree at Vanderbilt.

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