Is Jennings’ Route to the NBA Fit for Everyone?

Yannis Koutroupis wrote an article for the Hoops World about Brandon Jennings (ESPN interview) and his path to the NBA. I am sure it will be an intriguing discussion in the years to come as more high school players go to Europe instead of one mandatory year in college. Some will obviously succeed there and some will fails. It won’t be much different than when HS players were jumping straight into the NBA.

The author of mentioned article was inspired by Jennings’ more than solid stats to start his rookie season.

Throughout the first 12 games of the season Jennings is running away with the Rookie of the Year award in the NBA, averaging 24 points, four rebounds, and five assists a contest.  He’s shooting the ball remarkably well, hitting at a 46% clip from the field and 47% from deep.

Jennings’ coach, Scott Skiles, knows where his player’s success is coming from. Talent, maturity, coupled with great work ethics.

“He’s been very good, obviously,” acknowledged Bucks head coach Scott Skiles. “He works very hard, he’s a good practice player, and his preparation is solid. He worked hard all summer to get ready for this. So far he’s been great.

This is the dangerous part, where many young players might get caught – the lucrative contract coming right out of high school. Also, for guys not interested in school, not having to worry about the grades might be another attraction point.

Financially Jennings saw more income than most college graduates, let alone those who just received a high school degree like him. He wasn’t subject to the NCAA guidelines like he would have been at Arizona, so he didn’t have to worry about maintaining a 2.0 GPA or dealing with restricted practice opportunities. Jennings endured a crash course on being a professional while in Europe that collegiate programs simply can’t replicate. In his eyes it’s a big reason behind his stellar start.

But wait. Words of cautions from Gregg Popovich. This may not be for everyone.

“Every individual has a different set of circumstances that makes them decide what works and that’s just a decision that gets made based on that – what’s important for he and his family,” stated Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich. “I don’t think you can speculate on whether it’s good or bad based on what he did or someone who goes to school for four years did. For four-year guys, maybe that was the best they could do. For this particular individual maybe that was the best thing he could do. It’s a very personable decision.”

Yannis finishes his article with likely the best advice for young players.

As an 18-year-old Jennings was in the minority by having the talent, mental, and physical toughness to excel as a professional. It was far from easy for him though and at times he questioned his choice but he ended up persevering. He’s a rarity though, which is why college remains the best decision for the vast majority of young basketball players out there with professional aspirations.