As part of WEEI.com’s coverage of the 2012 NBA draft, we are profiling all players considered likely candidates to be drafted June 28. The Celtics own three picks: 21, 22 (from the Thunder in the Kendrick Perkins trade) and 51.

John Jenkins is arguably the best shooter in the college game, but there are questions if he is athletic enough to succeed in the NBA. (AP)

JOHN JENKINS

Position: Shooting guard

School: Vanderbilt

Age: 21

Height: 6-foot-4

Weight: 215 pounds

Achievements: 2012 All-America  third team (AP, Sporting News), 2012 All-SEC first team (coaches), 2012 SEC Tournament MVP, 2011 All-SEC first team, 2010 SEC Sixth Man of the Year

Key 2011-12 stats: 19.9 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 47.4 FG%, 33.6 minutes

What he brings: Jenkins is considered by some to be the best jump shooter in college basketball. He has the appropriate size and range to get off his shot from anywhere on the court. The 21-year-old is a highly efficient scorer especially considering the fact he is mostly a jump shooter. He can shoot both off the dribble and off the pass and is a solid finisher at the rim. On defense, Jenkins shows great effort.

The biggest knock on the Vanderbilt product is that he lacks NBA athleticism. Offensively he isn’t explosive enough to become a versatile scorer and he also doesn’t look for much other than his jumper. On defense he is too slow to contain most NBA players despite his great work ethic.

Jenkins will be most effective in a halfcourt offense that allows him to get open looks. It’s hard to tell if Jenkins will be anything more than a shooting specialist.

Where the Celtics could get him: With Ray Allen‘s departure a possibility, Jenkins could be a possible replacement as he is projected as a late-first-round pick.

Notes: Jenkins declared for the draft after his junior season. He tied the single-season SEC record for 3-pointers (134). He also finished 10th on the all-time Vanderbilt scoring list.

Recent articles:

USAToday.com: John Jenkins leaving Vanderbilt a year early for NBA

Kentuckysports.com: Vanderbilt’s Jenkins is an efficient, deadly shooter

Video: Here’s a highlight mix of Jenkins’ final season at Vandy.