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Reputation:98
Level:Superstar
Since:Jan 26, 2008
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Often times, people log on for Gary's articles just to bash him, but this article brings up a great question. Jennings has no interest in college, and doesn't have to go to class by playing in Europe. Some team is sure to sign him given his amount of talent, and he has no interest in Arizona after Kevin O'Neil was dismissed. But how would this impact his draft stock? He will have almost no press coverage by playing in Europe for a year, but some say the competition in Europe is superior to that of the NCAA. I don't agree with this assessment, but it is clear that the public relations in the states is superior to that of Europe. Is it in the best interest of his career that Jennings goes to Europe and plays under questionable coaching, a style different from the NBA, and learns very little, or should he suck it up, pass his classes at Arizona, and play one year under Lute Olson before heading off as a lottery pick?
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Reputation:92
Level:All-Star
Since:Aug 18, 2006
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As a Wildcat fan I hope he finds a way to make it to campus - he's the difference between (another) mediocre season and a potentially special one. But in the abstract, I think the one-year rule is hurting college basketball and would like to see it abolished. Clearly he's got no interest in attending classes or earning a degree, and he's not alone in feeling like he should be able to go pro straight out of HS. Now, he IS alone in that he actually has the talent to go pro straight out of HS - so many of these kids are delusional and/or listening to really bad advice. But why force him to go through this charade if he doesn't give a damn about college?
I've long ago given up on the NBA as a major sports entity - from the marketing/image to the gambling/fixed games to the overall lousy caliber of play, I refuse to follow it . So I don't care if removing the 1 year rule might hurt the league by allowing idiot 18 yr olds to jump right in. But if it would help the college game (and it would) to institute either a two year minimum or just abolish the whole requirement completely, I'm all for it. Now, if Jennings is the straw that breaks Stern's back by bolting to Italy and instigates the trashing of this whole college-as-NBA-farm-team, so be it - I just wish it would be somebody else on some other team. (I mean, we could be really good! $#@%#!)
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Reputation:85
Level:All-Star
Since:Sep 27, 2007
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i think that going to Europe would be best for Jennings, since basketball is what he wants to do for a living. Many experts that I have listened to say that the best European league is a little bit better than the d1 college level. I do not have an opinion since I do not watch the Euro league but I will take the experts opinion because they are around basketball 24/7 and it is their job to scout the talent around the world. Since they say Euro league is better, I think Jennings should go. If he isn't going to attend class and waste the schools money, it would not be in his best interest or Arizonas for him to attend. In Europe, he can play against pro athletes, make money, and learn from experienced players. Their have been many good players that have came over from Europe so I think one year will help more than hurt Brandon Jennings.
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Reputation:94
Level:All-Star
Since:Mar 30, 2007
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Just because the Euro league games are not ESPN does not mean they do not have any press coverage. Trust me there is a reason Gallinari was drafted 6 this year. THere is plenty of coverage in Europe about athletics. Fans and media jump all over big names, and if Jennings went over there that would be the case.
Personally I think the one year rule suck. I think the only good way to do it is to adopt the baseball policy. You either go straight out of high school and get wished good luck, or you go to college and cant leave untill after your junior year and then dont need to be wished good luck. If the kids want to leave early then let them. Let them find out the hard way the difference between open-lunch at high school and private jets in the NBA, where everyone is an Athlete. There have been plenty of success stories to strengthen this proposal: Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, Tracy Mcgrady, Kevin Garnett...
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Reputation:93
Level:All-Star
Since:Sep 24, 2006
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I feel for you colariz and agree with you about the hypocrisy that is college basketball and the NBA using the NCAA as it's minor league. Arizona gets so many top recruits that leave early that it must be hard to not get discouraged when you read that your top two or three guys are going pro. The rule that I would advise a high schooler/college freshman would be if you are projected as a lottery pick, go. If not go somewhere where you can develop your skills. There are good players coming from Europe and the europeans seem to play more team ball and zone defenses. They are good enough be beat the us in the Olympics and are forcing us to send our most famous players so we can win. I think playing against nba aged players would be a good and enlightning experience. Olson has gone through some tough times emotionally but he has been a hall of fame coach for such a long time that don't be surprised that the Cats will do well without Jennings.
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Reputation:75
Level:Pro
Since:May 21, 2008
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I think that Jennings will get better development and exposure at Arizona.
Come on, class? He will take 2 classes "Weather 101" and "Family Studies 101" with all the hot chicks. It's not arduous, lol. In fact, it's a nice break.
What about the other side of it? Jennings made a commitment to play Point Guard for Arizona last year. After Jennings committed, Arizona stopped recruiting top point guards because that position was already filled. So if Jennings decides to back out of his agreement, he is really putting Arizona's program in a tough situation because they were relying on him. Imagine if Arizona backed out of a recruit's commitment at the last second. It's just not right, and Jennings and Arizona will need to fulfill their commitments to one another for one year, otherwise, Jennings should have picked Europe from the beginning.
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Reputation:95
Level:Superstar
Since:Sep 22, 2006
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