NBA rules cite that a player must be one year removed from high school and at least 19 years of age to enter the NBA Draft. Committing to USC and then Arizona, Jennings opted to skip college hoops period, and be the first high school player in the U.S. to go straight to Europe, joining an Italian team in Rome.
Now...Jennings is redefining the meaning of one and done.
* 2005 Press Telegram Freshmen Player of the Year
* Named the Most Valuable Player of the 2006 Les Schwab Invitational Tournament
* Co-MVP of the 2006 Elite 24 Hoops Classic
* Co-MVP of the 2007 Elite 24 Hoops Classic
* 2007 Las Vegas Easter Classic Most Valuable Player
* 2007 NBAPS Top 100 High School Camp Best Playmaker
* 2007 The Goazcats.com Showdown Most Valuable Player
* 2008 Naismith Male Player of the year
* 2007-08 Gatorade Player of the year Virginia
* 2008 Parade Magazine Player of the Year
* 2008 EA SPORTS National Player of the Year
* 2007-08 MaxPreps National Player of the Year
* 2008 Jordan Brand Classic Most Valuable Player for the East
* No. 1 rated senior by ESPN (2008)
* No. 1 rated senior by Van Coleman Hoopmaster (2008)
* No. 1 rated senior by Clark Franics Hoopscoop (2007 and 2008)
* No. 1 rated senior by Dave Telep Scout.com 2008
Now the 6'1 guard has his change. He hasn't officially announced that he will be entering the NBA Draft, but there's no doubt that he will be entering the draft.
After an inconsistent season in Italy, some people wonder if he'll still be lottery; while many still speculate that Jennings is NBA ready, and will take the league by complete storm. Should we go as far to say that he'll get drafted ahead of man-child, Blake Griffin? It's tough. But let's say I wouldn't be surprised.
Jennings, the first basketball athlete to be sponsored by Under Armour could really change the draft scene if he indeed decides to officially enter the draft. Some teams may even scramble to move around to be able to get him. Regardless of his sub-par season overseas, I think Jennings has that star power inside of him, and in a draft that is not talent heavy as it was 2-3 years ago, Jennings may prove to be a rare gem. We already know Griffin is going to be a stud. But after that, players like Ty Lawson, Stephen Curry, Tyler Hansborough, A.J. Price and many others are NBA ready, but are they impact players.
It's not even a question of, is Jennings ready for the NBA? It's more like...is the NBA ready for Brandon Jennings? I think, he thinks so.
Read the SLAM Article here.
Good Read!
He still going lottery
Aamir never disappoints.
that was a good article. this kid is going to do just fine.
thanks for the kind words guys.
i'm excited for jennings. i think he will be a surprise to a lot of people. if anybody has any videos of the kid, please feel free to share!
but who do you take first? jennings, griffin or someone else?
Griffin....a young talented big who can play with the top comp night in and out, you don't pass on that for a kid with potential. Drafting for potential has set back some teams in the L with good talent from joining the elite (Atlanta, Memphis,and some degree Portland...but they can thank the Bulls for handing them Aldridge)
If a team like the Wizards or Memphis get 1st pick, they better draft Griffin...nuff said.