Barnes' Bark: Jennings May Truly Change the Game

Barry Barnes, Editorialist and Baltimore Scribe

[The opinions expressed below are those of Barry Barnes, and may not coincide with those of i95Ballerz.com and its management].

November 23, 2008 – If Brandon Jennings, a former point guard phenom from Oak Hill Academy is successful in Europe, parents of blue chip high school basketball players get ready to pack your bags for trips overseas, and Division 1 basketball beware.

Jennings, 6-0, 165 lbs, point guard from Lakewood, CA, signed with Pallacenestro Virtus Roma of the Italian Pro League. Having played at Dominguez in California, he transferred to Mouth of Wilson, Va’s Oak Hill Academy in Mouth of Wilson, VA – the official development school for major Division 1 basketball. In 2006, Jennings verbally committed to attend USC, after considering Connecticut, Arizona, Texas, Syracuse, Kansas, and UCLA. Later, Jennings de-committed from USC to go to Arizona.

Jennings’ decision to change schools is common, but going to play overseas out of high school is not. Since high school players are not eligible for the NBA draft until one year from graduating high school, universities are forced to take “one-and-done” talent. If the rule were not in place, Jennings would have been projected to be selected in the top 10 of this year’s draft; he was considered to be the number one point guard in the 2008 high school basketball class.

What does this mean for parents and Division 1 basketball? European scouts will be coming to a local high school game near you along with Division 1 recruiters, but not holding hands. Division 1 recruiters will offer “scholarships”, but European scouts will offer “money” with no NCAA violations being made. With European scouts offering money up front, single-parent families will be tempted, especially if high school players promise to still go to school.

It will be a win-win-win situation for all parties. If European scouts acquire America’s blue chip high school basketball players, Division 1 basketball programs will still be great because there will be quality players who really would benefit from scholarships and may stay longer. Less parents and student athletes would be tempted to take money “illegally” and European basketball will have more exposure – in translation, make more money.

Jennings has already set a precedent by signing to play overseas, inking a three-year contract with an option to leave after each year. He’ll be eligible for the NBA draft next season.

There are reports stating that Jennings has tested low on his SATs and that is why he elected to play overseas. If that is the case, it is not an issue because countless great people do not test well. When Jennings was eight years old, his father committed suicide. With the opportunity to make money now, who can blame Jennings, whether if that was the case or not, to turn pro early.

Playing basketball overseas for an American under the age of 20 is not for everyone. But Jennings’ situation is great because he has a support system intact, as he will be accompanied by his mother and younger brother, while playing with five other American-born players – including Allen Ray formerly a player from Villanova – and other English-speaking Europeans. “I need 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,” said Jennings.

Other high school basketball players will follow Jennings footsteps, especially if they are as good as he is. Even if Jennings needs to play out his contract to develop for the NBA, he still will be able to provide for his family. Congratulation Brandon! The future of basketball recruiting and scouting for high school basketball players is in Jenning’s hands and the world will be watching.