Last year OJ Mayo, Bill Walker and other high schools stars almost went to Europe. Though in the end it was still just a far-fetched idea that an American would bypass college to go to play overseas.
Brandon Jennings has showed that idea is not so far-fetched after all, he will be by-passing college to go play in Europe.
He might just be the top player coming out of school, but that debate is for elsewhere, and he may become trend-setter if this works. If he becomes a better player playing with the pros in Europe than ripping up kids his age in America, why wouldn't other players do it? Money and Better Basketball, what more could a young athlete want?
If more players end up going to Europe, the NBA may be forced to change it's mind and let high school players go straight to the NBA if they're ready.
Renardo Sidney, considered one of the elite players in the Class of 2009, will likely explore the possibility of going overseas as well. "Brandon's decision will definitely have an effect on the younger kids," said Sidney's father, Renardo Sidney Sr. "For us, it's definitely an option."
Another elite player, Lance Stephenson is likely to spend one season in NCAA then head to the NBA, but his father and him have both said they'll be watching Jenning's progress sharply.
One of the all-time greats of the NBA, (and star of The Elites All-Time Mock Draft Team) Oscar Robertson has spoken out saying the age rule is wrong. He suggested that the latest age rule is probably an agreement between the NBA and NCAA, and said that it benefits colleges to have all these stars playing for them. It brings in revenue.
Each school has a different star every year, if you look back in history you will see that most of the all-time greats spent four years in college and then moved on to the pros. But in a modern world dominated by money, if you're good enough, jumping from high school to the pros is a great option, more money faster. Imagine if everyone stayed in college for four years, LeBron would've only been in the league for one or two seasons, this year would be Dwight Howard's rookie year.
With players like LeBron and Dwight skipping out on college, colleges began to get second tier players. With the new age rule, the fans are back and each season the big teams have a different superstar to cheer on.
Then there's the issue that DeMar DeRozan has, he has signed for USC but doesn't meet academic standards. He might just consider going to Europe with Jennings, he said "It puts thoughts in a lot of players' heads when they see Brandon going over there and doing something like that."
The fact that Brandon will be in the pros and not in college quickly attracts endorsements. According to industry soucres Nike and Reebok are interested in tendering Jennings with an endorsement contract immediately.
Back to Brandon Jennings, he has said that “a team that needs a point guard, a coach who would take the time to work with me, an American on the team who could show me the ropes and playing time to show off my game.” He has chosen that and if successful many others should follow in his footsteps, the NBA would probably change its age rule and the colleges could suffer without their stars.
Although, it may turn out pear-shaped, european teams are about team-success not individual like many American team. Jennings might not see superstar numbers or minutes. Leaving Arizona U and Jennings in a bind but a successful NBA team with a pick in the 20s will be more than happy with the outcome.
If Jennings is successful in Europe, the landscape of basketball development will be changed forever.