Recruit Skipping College to Play in Europe
Arizona recruit Brandon Jennings is skipping college to turn pro in Europe and folks are wondering if this could be the start of a trend. I'd also kick into the discussion this thought: Will it put pressure on the NBA to relax its age restriction?
By
Josh Barr
| July 9, 2008; 9:54 AM ET
Categories:
Basketball
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Posted by: fred | July 9, 2008 11:38 PM | Report abuse
Hopefully is will not force the NBA to change it's age restriction. Or, if they do change the age requirement, they will go with the baseball model. Who knows, if a kid knows that he is going to be in school for at least three years, he may actually apply himself and even come back and finish his degree after his playing days are over. College basketball has way to many one and doners.
Posted by: Paco in Ajijic | July 10, 2008 9:55 AM | Report abuse
This may sound callous, but the reality is that Jennings was unable to qualify academically (wow, somewhat pathetic) to go to college. So this was his only option.
If this does turn into a trend, I don't see this affecting Div 1 but see it having an affect on European professional basketball. American kids that aren't able to qualify for college - sadly, there are a lot of them - and still harbor dreams of the NBA, will apply for professional status in Europe. This may dwindle the number of Europeans that are playing.
Posted by: Fly the Coop | July 10, 2008 12:47 PM | Report abuse
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i think this kid definitely will start a trend, especially if he's successful. some kids are probably mentally strong enough to do it, but you know a heck of a lot can't.
i'm still in the crowd that the age limit should be increased a year. josh, you think it will start a trend?