Can't make grade? Go to Europe

Brandon Jennings, a point guard from Compton, Calif., who is one of the top recruits in the country has decided to go play in Europe instead of playing for an American University. Will this inspire other American to do the same? Possibly. Seems like Canada could try to sneak its way into being another non-US option. The year LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony and Darko came were drafted, it make me think about this scenario. It showed that all three levels were capable of producing a top NBA-pick. Here’s a blub of what I wrote on June, 23, 2003:

Why shouldn’t it be that high school players don’t start looking to the European leagues to further their skill if it’s not guaranteed they’ll make an NBA roster? College can present all kinds of problems and undue stress for the athlete who never gave a damn about grades anyway. Many times the graduation rates of athletes disgrace the university. In Europe high-schoolers would get to face better competition while learning what it’s like to get paid to play basketball -- and everything else that goes along with being a professional. High-School players could get incentive packages that include money for both school (if it’s even desired) and personal items. There’s not the same restriction on the number of hours they can practice with the team, coach included. In short, there are no NCAA regulations of any kind, except that you can never play in the NCAA after signing a deal. But who needs dorms and cafeteria food when there’s lobster, steak, and penthouses. Certainly the possibility exists these players would end up in Europe anyway.