Jenson Leaves Texas San Antonio for Pepperdine

Pepperdine basketball Coach Tom Asbury lost the first recruiting battle two years ago for 6-foot-8 forward Byron Jenson, but on Wednesday Asbury won the second one when Jenson announced he was transferring to Pepperdine.

Asbury recruited Jenson heavily when he was a senior at Salpointe High School in Tucson in 1987-88, but Jenson signed with Texas San Antonio.

As a freshman, Jenson started several games, but he played a reserve role last season, averaging 3.1 points and 3.2 rebounds. This spring Texas San Antonio changed coaches, hiring Stu Starner to replace third-year coach Ken Burmeister.

Asbury said his opinion of Jenson’s ability had not changed.

“You always take a gamble on a kid, but I’m very familiar with his background and I like what’s in it,” Asbury said.

“He is a sound, fundamental player, and I anticipate that he will be a major contributor to our team.”

NCAA rules require that Jenson, who contacted Asbury last week when he first considered transferring, must redshirt this season. He will then have two seasons of eligibility remaining.