There’s a reason why nobody has ever spent a season in Europe while waiting for the required year after high school to become draft-eligible.
It isn’t easy.
First, a teenage U.S. player such as UA signee Brandon Jennings would have to fit on to a European club that often has junior teams teaching prospects their system for years before they get there. The team would have to be willing to take him for just a year, before he really learns the system. And, of course, the player would also have to have the potential to produce immediately on the scoreboard, or else.
“It’s a whole different level, (European) pro basketball than high school,” said Jonathon Givony of Draft Express.
But especially if he does not get a required test score to become eligible at UA, Jennings could be the first to give it a shot. Jennings told ESPN.com that he feels he could develop more in Europe.
Givony said Jennings would not be in high demand in Europe as a point guard but could probably command a decent contract if he had a buyout clause an NBA team would have to pay next year, thus making the European club some money.
“Then it would make sense for the team and for him,” Givony said.
This is un-freakin’ believable. The college basketball system is FUBAR’d to the max.
This is not “anyone’s” fault, it is a product of the “system”.
The NBA and NCAA need to get together with a system that improves the transition to adulthood: maybe like baseball .. take ‘em right out of high school, or force them to play for 3 years.
The system needs to be fixed.
— WildCatinFlag 06/20/2008 10:41 PM #
No weaknesses, huh?
Oh no, let’s just hope this isn’t a a case of here we go again…
Please, give me some of that ‘ol time “K-Dawg” Lofton, “Deeeee” Stoudamire, Steeeeeve Kerrrrr, Matt Muehlllllbach, “Cool Hand” Luke Walton and Miles Simon “Says: Championship!” religion, where the weaknesses were acknowledged, definitely there and dealt with by growth and development.
And a humbleness that said: We’re wild about the Cats and not ourselves.
BEAR DOWN, Jennings!!!!!
— Carlos 06/21/2008 12:02 AM #
Look, if this kid can’t even get a qualified score for an athlete, then he is an idiot, for real. the standard for athlete scores is so low that it is laughable.
It would be a blow for this year, no doubt, but this kid clearly has no interest in school anyway. more minutes for wise, fogg, and lavender, kids that want to be here.
the offense should revolve around hill, budinger, wise, and maybe whithey.
— chris 06/21/2008 06:33 AM #
Not qualifying due to SAT scores does not necessarily show he is an idiot. Numerous studies have shown that SAT tests are not always a good indicator of academic ability. Look at the SAT scores of many Phi Beta Kappa’s and you’ll be surprised how low some of them are. His inability to do well on the test might be compounded by a host of things, such as test taking anxiety, lack of sat testing skills (and these skills are more often than not taught to those with the highest scores), which could all be a result of a mild, but very functional case of undiagnosed dyslexia, etc…
— confused, maybe not 06/21/2008 07:11 AM #
Honestly believe it would be better for Arizona over the long haul if Jennings goes to Europe. Clearly he is looking at a means-to-an-end, and will be taking minutes away from a very good PC in Nic Wise, who wants to play basketball at Arizona and has two years left to do it.
Kudos to Nic and a guy like McClennan who have talent, good character and an asset to the University.
I remember last year in the preseason when I saw McClellan out in the crowd giving his undivided attention to a group of youngsters who were having the time of their lives being with him. That’s the type of young man I want to represent my school.
— AdmanS 06/21/2008 07:18 AM #
Read the ESPN story. You’ll find it very enlightening.
— AdmanS 06/21/2008 07:38 AM #
Bruce – Maybe I read too much into your article but is this correct: Jennings failed the SAT the first time but then either passed it or came very close the second time. However, there was such a jump in his score that it looked suspicious and they made him take it a third time. Is this correct?
If he did pass it the second time, with an honest effort, then perhaps we don’t have anything to worry about. Let’s hope all the drama surrounding the program comes to an end on Thursday with positive news!
— SCDave 06/21/2008 08:09 AM #
confused, maybe not:
you raise solid and valid points. he may very well have compounding issues, so my earlier comments were presumptuous and unfair to the kid.
I would hope that he had access to good SAT/ACT prep classes at Oak Hill. I live in VA, and know that Oak Hill is a remote campus that is situated away from the big city life to force kids to concentrate on what they need to do for college.
The SAT may be biased, and have many flaws. But, as of right now, it is a vital part of the admissions process.
Yes, the kid flat-out did not try his first time, no cultural bias excuses available there.
— chris 06/21/2008 08:37 AM #
I’m with you AdmanS. I’m through with these one-and-done guys. Let’s get back to the people who want to be associated with the University and community .. not just “on their way someplace else”.
I would not care where that takes us in the win/loss column.
P.S. And you are right about Wise. I’m a fan of his too.
— WildCatinFlag 06/21/2008 10:39 AM #
One and done players rarely add anything to the program. What is the Arizona legacy Jerryd Bayless left behind? Some help their teams greatly for that one year (Love at UCLA, Rose at Memphis), but these hired guns are bad for the program.
I think Chris (post #8) hit the nail on the head, Jennings didn’t even try his first SAT attempt. Do we really want that type of self-centered player with the team for a year? Don’t even know if the vaunted tempe normal ‘scholar baller’ program would help this kid out.
— Button Salmon 06/21/2008 11:24 AM #
SCDave — That’s what he indicated. But he didn’t say definitively if the second score was qualifying, just that it raised a red flag.
Unfortunately, I can’t get in touch with him or his mom, so I don’t know for sure as of now.
— Bruce Pascoe 06/21/2008 11:51 AM #
I would hope that Oak Hill with the reputation it haswould have high enuf stds that if BJ were eligible to play, he would have no trouble qualifying to play here; or at least play his one and go year.
— Larry 06/21/2008 01:56 PM #
I remember last year when both Jennings and Larry Drew were being recruited and at the AAU garbage games down here. It was between the two as to who was going to get the scholarship here.
I also remember being very disappointed when Drew went to the Tarheels and we got another potential headache and a thoughtless hyped up abomination of a one and done selfish player.
— JK 06/21/2008 03:12 PM #
JK- Drew had a scholarship offer to UofA and plenty of time to decide if he wanted to be a Wildcat, long before Jennings came in to the picture. Drew was never going to come here.
— Paul 06/21/2008 03:39 PM #
Gotta disagree those who are saying one and done guys won’t add anything to the program. #10 Rose got his program over the hump. Memphis could not be considered an elite program under Calipari prior to this past year, Rose helped them to the final 4 and free throws away from winning it all. One and dones should be surrounded with experienced talent like Memphis had. Rose will be the #1 or 2 pick, CDR will go first round, and Dorsey could see his name called in the 2nd, etc etc. Look at UA’s roster for next year – experienced guys (3 jrs in Hill, Bud, Wise) with 1 flat out star in Jennings. UA has a strong start, but there are a lot of unanswered questions after that. Jennings will be at UA for one year, but he is a good enough player that this one year could be what the program needs to get back on the map. I’m not saying we’re like Memphis and will make a final four run, but the program is definitely heading the right direction. Jennings should qualify, the Europe article really wasn’t anything new and groundbreaking. We will know on Thursday for sure.
— Darren 06/21/2008 06:16 PM #
#13 – “potential headache and a thoughtless hyped up abomination of a one and done selfish player.”
Thats a bold statement. Selfish? He said he wanted to break the assists record at the All-American game. He has talent to score on his own, but still makes the other 4 on the court better. Personally, I like his attitude. Yes, he is cocky, but he seems like he will give the team some swagger in big games next year instead of folding and getting laughed at on the floor of Pauley.
— Darren 06/21/2008 06:20 PM #
For those of you longing for a hard working, dedicated, defensive-minded, do-the-dirty-work type of player, go to the WildcatInsider.com recruiting page and read the bio on Arizona recruit Andy Brown from Mater Dei.
I think he is EXACTLY what you are looking for!!! If his bio is accurate, Arizona needs more players like him!
— SCDave 06/21/2008 08:05 PM #
the lack of espn/national exposure he would recieve from playing at arizona and in the ncaa tournament may hurt him a little. however, what option does he have if he does not qualify?
— russ 06/22/2008 03:43 PM #
Looks like the old man can still recruit, impressive.
— JK 06/23/2008 04:34 PM #
The New York Times weighs in on Brandon Jennings as a “trendsetter” — with sympathy for hoop-centric kids, some analysis, and ultimately, with encouragement.
Here’s a link. Thoughts?
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/23/sports/basketball/23rhoden.html?_r=1&ref=sports&oref=slogin
— Portland Catfan 06/23/2008 05:07 PM #
Why not report on facts like Greg Smith committing today, rather than continuing to make conjectures like the recent Brandon Jennings saga? Top recruits still want to play in Tucson under Lute Olson whether the AZ Star cares to admit it or not.
Bruce- I am still banned by the way. What’s the deal with that? Please find out.
— Marco 06/23/2008 05:19 PM #
Marco — we report on stories as soon as they are confirmed.
They tell me you are not banned.
— Bruce Pascoe 06/23/2008 05:40 PM #
Portland – thanks for the link. Can’t say I disagree with anything from the player’s perspective.
From a fan perspective, it sucks. No more team pride. No more connection to the community. No more team chemistry.
Can’t say I fault those that have figured out an alternative to the weak NBA/NCAA rules. Just don’t like it .. that’s all.
— WildCatinFlag 06/23/2008 06:39 PM #
I’m all for free speech and all, and don’t think they should be banning Marco. But this banter is getting old.
This Jennings news is HUGE.
I get home and what’s the first thing I see on PTI? Jennings. And to make matters worse, both Wilbon and Bob Ryan were in agreement that he should try his hand overseas.
I’m sure I’ll tune in tomorrow and find PTI answering an e-mail questioning the integrity of ESPN for reporting the story. I’ll assume it’s from Marco.
I don’t think Pascoe is intentionally trying to undermine the program (Hanson might be a different story).
So just a little advice, calm down just a little. I think most CAT fans appreciate your fervor, but this time it’s a little over the top.
I honestly feel that this is more of a reflection on the individual than on the program. I’m also in agreement with WildcatinFlag. If he leaves for Europe, it’s sure to set a disastrous precedent for college basketball fans.
— CHRIS 06/23/2008 07:17 PM #
I think the NBA should go to a MLB style draft, either you go out of high school or wait until after JR year. That would allow those who are good enough (or think they are) to try and make the leap. We wouldn’t hold back an 18 y/o genius from joining Microsoft if he thinks he can, so why should we stop him? Its his own fault if he wasn’t ready and isn’t mature enough to handle the money. Listen, if Jennings ends up in a UA uniform, the one year he plays as a Wildcat will be special, but he has no business stepping foot on any college campus for basketball. For all that we have seen regarding his personality, is anyone really suprised he would be the first high schooler to try Europe? And really, can you blame him for thinking about it?
— darren 06/23/2008 10:20 PM #
Judging by Bayless, it still looks like the path through an elite college program to the NBA is a safe bet if you are one of the premier gifted athletes. If anyone sees any weakness in your game, you can opt to stay another year and work on your skills. In college, your coaches and teammates will all be on your side and trying to help you improve your game. That may not be true in Europe or even the NBA Development League.
— Edwin 06/24/2008 02:15 AM #
Bruce, not sure if you saw this, but this does not bode well: http://www.sportsline.com/collegebasketball/story/10874555
— David 06/24/2008 12:21 PM #
People here are making excellent points about the Jennings situation. I’m leaning toward hoping Europe does become a common alternative for American kids, at least until the NBA and NCAA get their heads out and come up with a realistic approach to the transition, one that takes into account that college is not for everyone, and one that provides a developmental alternative that eliminates the free falls (like Ebi).
However, the question of style of play in Europe seems very relevant. Some kids might fit in much better in the Euro-leagues. Jennings may not, as many have said.
Wouldn’t Jennings be much better off at UA (if he qualifies), with his game? He would get much more developmental attention and quality practice time, be closer to home and in his native culture, and maybe most important, be able to showcase his game on American media and on the same stage as many of his competitors for next year’s draft.
I hope for good news on the test scores, and then for Jennings to make the wisest choice for himself.
— Portland Catfan 06/24/2008 12:51 PM #
FREE-AGENCY HAS A FACE IN COLLEGE SRORTS!
SHOP until someone buys into the game,that is being offered.What option does a young person have when the real decision makers are fullfilling lucrative negotiations with endorsements and fueling the politics in sports.
Jennings is a political Basketball ,being used to examine the possibility of FAIR TRADE laws being manipulated. The new question is ,When can an athlete,legally shop his or her talents to the professional ranks.With each sport having a different criteria ,for entry,college athletics will no longer be a necessary stage for development.What next…cradle robbing?
Jennings’ has a bigger problem; who is going to broker his Euro contract…It is my opinion that a behind the scenes Agent is already hard at work. The U of A athletic Dept. should avoid the future allegations of this very obvious element. SOMEBODY IS SHOPPING THIS YOUNG MAN’S OPTIONS!Let’s get back to Student athletes representing their respective schools.And not the pro mentality of buying a BANNER for a season ie,BOSTON CELTICS.
— j.3 06/27/2008 08:50 AM #
Dan Wetzel had this comment:
http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaab/news;_ylt=AmKokdvSbIzGsafLPKmTAdXevbYF?slug=dw-jennings062408&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
“That said, Arizona is still the most likely destination; Jennings plans to enroll in a summer high school next week to help with his eligibility. All options are on the table though.”
He gives a pretty good presentation of all sides of the argument.
— Edwin 06/30/2008 01:49 AM #