By Aj Pfeiffer
Coinciding with the soon-to-be-released revamp of the arcade basketball classic “NBA Jam,” I sat down with the University of Louisville men’s basketball resident jam-ologist, junior forward Terrence Jennings, to get a taste of what makes No. 23 such a beast above the rim.
“TJ” has been giving fans quite a show this season, taking it up strong and nearly ripping the rim off of the backboard every chance he has gotten. There is a new sense of authority to the starting center’s post game, and it is showing itself early and often this year. The boost to his offensive prowess is something that Jennings is very proud of.
“I really like my offensive game this year,” said Jennings. “I’ve been going hard. And I plan to continue to keep it raw and dominant. It’s go hard or go home out there.”
The 6-foot-10 California native has had the ability to dunk since the eighth grade. And the prolific leaper’s hops have only grown since then. It’s no secret that the player everyone likens Jennings to is New York Knicks star Amar’e Stoudemire. But when asked who his favorite high flyer of all time was, Jennings picked Vince Carter. While Jennings’ style is reminiscent of Stoudemire – even down to their post-dunk grimaces – who knows what kind of highlights will be seen if TJ gets a breakaway this year?
TJ recalled his personal favorite slam last season.
“It was against Western Kentucky [University] last year, on a fast break,” said Jennings. “Siva tossed me an alley-oop and I threw it down pretty hard. I think I can top it this year.”
Some of this added confidence can be accredited to the 2 inches Jennings added to his now 36-inch vertical during the off season. Though the intensity of head coach Rick Pitino’s off season workouts has been well documented throughout his career, TJ revealed the training tools that are causing the Cards to look like they can jump out of the gym.
“Vertimax with a medicine ball, and lots of squats,” said Jennings.
Vertimax is a resistance-based machine utilized by a host of professional sports teams, including over 15 NBA programs. The machine consists of a board with adjustable resistance bands which attach to the player, limiting his jumping ability and forcing his muscles to adapt and his vertical to subsequently increase. Pitino has even given a testimonial posted on Vertimax’s website, raving about the results he and his staff have seen. The players are also big fans, and Vertimax’s influence is showing in their games.
It can be argued that Jennings is the fan favorite when it comes to satiating fans’ thirst for voracious dunks this season. And TJ has no doubt that he will supply the buckets. But all rim-rocking aside, Jennings’ explosive defense should keep the KFC Yum! Center faithful just as excited.
Jennings already has 16 blocked shots in four games this season.
When asked which was more exciting for him – a dunk or a big block – TJ said that he prefers the block. His enthusiastic answer came with a smile, as if he had just stuffed the question like an opponent’s jump shot.
“I love swatting stuff into the crowd,” Jennings said with a huge grin on his face. “That’s what I’m all about.”
Jennings’ explosiveness on both sides of the ball, and his passionate work ethic, should provide plenty to cheer for. Whether TJ is tossing a shot into the student section or dunking over a defender, only one word can describe the electricity coming of No. 23: “Boomshakalaka!”
