Flash back to 2012 when Vanderbilt shooting guard John Jenkins was one of the best shooters in the country. That year as a junior Jenkins averaged 19.9 points on 44 percent from three-point range. In the second round of the NCAA tourney, Jenkins exploded for 27 points in a win over Harvard.

Jenkins was selected with pick No. 23 overall in the 2012 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks. Unfortunately for Jenkins, he was never given a big opportunity. In three seasons with the Hawks, Jenkins had a total of five starts, and he never averaged more than 15 minutes a game in a season. The main reason he didn’t play much is that the Hawks had Kyle Korver and DeMarre Carroll.

It appears that Jenkins’ time has arrived with the Dallas Mavericks. The Mavericks signed Jenkins in late July, and in five preseason games, he has been the best player on the team. The 24-year-old is averaging 21.8 points on 50 percent field goals. The most impressive part of his preseason play is that he is doing well without a hot hand from deep. On the preseason Jenkins is shooting 28 percent from three-point range. He is going to the line nearly six times  per contest, and he is knocking down 90 percent of his free-throws.

Yes, the Mavericks have Wesley Matthews who will start once he is fully healthy from his torn Achilles injury, but Jenkins is looking at having a meaningful role. The Mavericks lack the depth that most teams possess, which means he should be in line to get around 15-20 minutes. Playing Jenkins off the bench alongside J.J. Barea and Devin Harris will pay off. Jenkins knows his role, and he will bring instant offense off the bench. Unlike most one-dimensional three-point shooters, Jenkins can shoot the mid-range shot with efficiency.

One can expect Jenkins to average around 8-10 points off the bench. He won’t be a star like he has been all preseason, but he will be a key contributor for a borderline playoff team.

George Middleton is a Los Angeles Lakers/NBA beat writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @georgemiddlet0n, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google