The former Arizona recruit Brandon Jennings has agreed to play professionally in Italy, signing with Virtus Roma. Personally, I hope more kids follow in Jennings footsteps. If you don't know the story by now, it goes as follows. Jennings was recruited by the Wildcats and was all set to go. He had some problems with the SAT tests and did not get a qualifying score. He then took the test over and scored a 1300, but that test was flagged because it jumped too high from his previous score. To this day, Jennings is waiting on the results of his latest attempt, but that score really doesn't matter now that he has already signed.
Now back to my point about more kids following in Jenning's Footsteps. One of the worst things a kid can do, in terms of college, is to go when they have no desire, because they're taking the place of someone who really wanted that spot (scholarship). Everyone knows that the current NBA rule of a kid having to go college for a year, or being two years removed from high school, before he can pursue his professianal NBA career is horrible.
My question is, "Why is there an issue about this kid going pro overseas when kids pass up college all the time in baseball to go pro?" Are they all ruining the integrity of their sport too? I have yet to see that as a problem for them.
The bottom line is this, getting a university education depends on the kid getting his degree. But Jennings would've been one and out. One year of college doesn't make much of a difference in the job market. However, balling around Europe for a year may be the education of a lifetime, and with the money he makes there, he could go to school on the money he makes professionally, if the NBA is no longer an option.
more importantly than all that what is up with his haircut? seriously
Dave that haircut is fly he bring that shit back. And Yo while ill these other kids have to do homework and not getting paid Jennings is. Jennings is not a fluke he will be a 1st round draft pick with money in his pockets. I want his jersey from the Euro League
I want my haircut back
They get drafted out of high school regularly in hockey, too. However, they let those who have been drafted go to school until they are ready for the league.
What's best for the league, though? If this kid knows how to play, or learns how to over in Europe, cool. If he's just another athlete who can dribble but doesn't know anything about the fundamentals, then it doesn't help the league one bit. As a basketball fan, I want the best basketball possible and not sloppy garbage where guys can't even run a basic screen and roll properly.