A few weeks ago I wrote a story about how the number-one ranked point guard for next season, Brandon Jennings, was still ineligible to play at Arizona.
Well, on Thursday Jennings gets his SAT scores back, and many Arizona fans feel that that date will decide what Jennings does with his future. But hold up Wildcat fans—Jennings' decision may not be as easy as black and white.
As reported by Gary Parrish on CBSSportsline.com, Jennings is actually considering playing in Europe for his one-year-wait out of high school as mandated by the NBA.
It seems easy in theory, but before I read Jennings was thinking about doing it, I had never thought about making that transition before!
I believe it would be a benefit for both the NCAA and the players involved. The NCAA would not have to worry about semi-pro athletes on campus with agents already in their pocket.
The O.J. Mayos would be a less frequent sight on campus, and the schools wouldn't have to worry as much if top prospects left the country instead of using their school as a springboard to success.
For the athlete, you wouldn't have to waste your time at a place you don't want to be while playing inferior competition that will not make you a better "prospect" at the next level.
You get to earn cash in Europe, learn the international game, which will help you both understand our game and your own skills and ability, and get to visit a beautiful continent in the meantime.
Sure, the NBA may suffer. They won't get to see the prospect develop maybe as much as they should, but if the player is a top athlete, no one is going to forget about him in a year.
The move is risky, but if more players catch on to this idea, a new fad could develop and the NBA's one-and-done rule could backfire in their faces.
As long as the NBA is limiting options, amateur athletes are going to find other ways to get things done.
If Jennings does decide to go to Europe, it could be a landmark decision not only affecting himself, but the dozens of other top athletes coming out of school each year deciding their amateur and professional futures.
11 comments Last one added about 1 year ago — Leave a Comment
That Big 12 Guy about 1 year ago
Only Problem for Brandon is, he still cant shoot . He is a nice player but he is no Derrick Rose or OJ Mayo. A year of gettinghis tail whipped in Europe could actually hurt his stock if he doesnt dominate. This would be a mistake of epic purportions for this kid.
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Tim Pollock about 1 year ago
I thought we would see more kids going to prep schools for a "post grad" year instead of risking being exposed in college and/or international ball.
Overseas would spell trouble for most of these kids, imo. Competition is a lot better than people think. 18 year olds go crazy when they leave for college two hours down the road from home. What would happen if they went overseas?
I can't imagine this kid would seriously consider this.
As always, good article, Matt.
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Patrick Gallen about 1 year ago
I agree, it could make or break him. Just shows what selfish punks some of these kids are. Just go to school for the year, make a few friends and be on your way. If your good enough, the money will be there regardless.
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Matt Smith about 1 year ago
Thanks Tim, I agree with everyone it could make or break a player. They may get to show their actual talent or be exposed for a fraud. It is a risky move at best.
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Ben Weixlmann about 1 year ago
Good article, it should be interesting to see how it pans out!
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Bryan Milward about 1 year ago
Good story. I hadn't heard that at all about Jennings. I'd heard about the whole ruling about whether he's eligible but nothing about him going to Europe. If he does that would really shake up Arizona's team and the rest of the Pac-10
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Ty'mon Norman about 1 year ago
Matt I love the article! I also wrote an article about this very same topic (search Brandon Jennings considers EuroTrip). Now I have seen Brandon play in person, and I have no idea where Thomas feels that Brandon can’t shoot. He's a way better shooter than Rose is, and the last time I checked all the NBA scouts are saying that’s the part of the game that Rose needs to work on the most. Jennings definitely needs to work on better shot selection, but the boy can fill it up. Plus everybody has to understand it's not a question of him skipping college to go to Europe, its weather he can even qualify to get in to college.
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Matt Smith about 1 year ago
Thanks man I appreciate it, if they can play then let them play!
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Ty'mon Norman about 1 year ago
Also he's every bit as good as Tony Parker, or any other European point guard in the league at the age of 18. If they could take the riggers of European ball then this kid sure can give it a go, and be sucessful!
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Ty'mon Norman about 1 year ago
If you could I would love your insight on my article.
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Michael Felder about 1 year ago
Matt,
I've been waiting for a kid to finally admit he doesn't want to go to school and just skip out. It benefits all the parties involved:
The kid plays real pro basketball for a year, learning how to be an adult, manage his money, live on his own while playing against serious competition every night, not St. Mary's School for the blind half the season.
The college's don't have to court guys who are just in school to leave, they can focus their energies on players who want to be there for at least two years.
The NBA gets to see the prospect against other upper echelon players on a regular basis. If this trend were to set in, believe that European scouting wings of NBA departments would grow as they made sure to monitor young talented Americans playing overseas
The European teams would benefit in their ability to sell their American imports to their fans. For the most part our players are better athletically and that is the part of American basketball that the world loves. International leagues are sound fundamentally but the slashing, dunking and high flying aspects are absent from their game. Having raw american talent would boost their appeal.
Good article and I may be in the minority but I hope he goes over there
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