Jeremy Tyler skipping his senior year of high school to play pro ball in Europe.
Yikes.
http://sports.yahoo.com/top/news;_ylt=Ap3NCfpdfJtv2X1Uh8VH96XevbYF?slug=dw-tyler042209&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
Wow, guys dropping out of high school to go to Europe?!? things could get crazy.
Can't say I'm sorry he won't be wearing a Cardinal uniform in 2 years but I'll bet the Cardinal faithful are bummed. Oh well Rick will just have to replace him with another top 10 player.
Quote from: Buzz4Prez on April 22, 2009, 09:03:39 PM
Wow, guys dropping out of high school to go to Europe?!? things could get crazy.
I would do it if I were him too.
- 6 figure contract and endorsement deal X 2 years.
- get to develop your game against men, not get triple teamed and hacked in high school
- improve your spot in the lottery
- many less handlers than the AAU circuit (his dad or uncle will be in Europe with him)
- chill in Spain and experience a different culture (going there myself this summer)
It won't work for many, but he's the #1 ranked prospect in that class so it's pretty much all upside for him.
I don't think high school kids playing in Europe is what it's all cracked up to be, but it can be a good fit for kids who are marginal in the classroom but super talented on the court.
Sounds like the Brandon Jennings thread ALL OVER AGAIN...
And how has that worked out for Jennings? Sure, he's made his money but he hasn't helped his NBA chances...
Quote from: Wareagle on April 22, 2009, 10:48:41 PM
I would do it if I were him too.
- 6 figure contract and endorsement deal X 2 years.
- get to develop your game against men, not get triple teamed and hacked in high school
- improve your spot in the lottery
- many less handlers than the AAU circuit (his dad or uncle will be in Europe with him)
- chill in Spain and experience a different culture (going there myself this summer)
It won't work for many, but he's the #1 ranked prospect in that class so it's pretty much all upside for him.
A lot of assumptions in your post war. But I agree, if these kids wanna do it, it's on them. Not sure he will improve his spot in the lottery (some already have him as the 2011 #1 pick, so in theory he can only go down. And without the exposure of college basketball, his stock could decline.)
Jennings didn't improve his position after a year in Italy, he is still sloted at the #6 by DraftEXpress.
And the fact he will get to improve his game, I think is the biggest assumption. Jennings averaged 17 minutes a game for his squad and a stunning 5 points a game.
http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Brandon-Jennings-1114/
So Tyler will have some no name Spainard "coaching" him for the next 2 years, don't know much he will improve. In the Times story, Tyler was quoted as being bored with high school, so why not Europe. He was getting "sick of" double and triple teamed in HS.
I wish the best for this kid, but I will look forward to seeing how this plays out. I think best case is a Jennings type situation...plays sporadically, doesn't drastically improve his draft position and still comes to the Association as a project freak athlete.
Quote from: muarmy81 on April 23, 2009, 05:48:10 AM
And how has that worked out for Jennings? Sure, he's made his money but he hasn't helped his NBA chances...
Not sure what you mean there, he's slated for the 6th pick this year per draft express, so there was not really a question about how good he was. No way he shoots over Blake Griffin or Rubio, so at this point, it could have only possibly affected him by three spots.
He was paid $4 million to play in Europe for a year when you include his Under Armour contract. That's more than the second pick of this draft will make in his first season, and Jennings already has it in the bank. Jennings is already millions ahead of every player in the draft from the states. Seeing as how an NBA player's earnings potential precipitously drops off after they have to retire I'd say that's a pretty good move.
Quote from: reinko on April 23, 2009, 07:00:00 AM
A lot of assumptions in your post war. But I agree, if these kids wanna do it, it's on them. Not sure he will improve his spot in the lottery (some already have him as the 2011 #1 pick, so in theory he can only go down. And without the exposure of college basketball, his stock could decline.)
Jennings didn't improve his position after a year in Italy, he is still sloted at the #6 by DraftEXpress.
And the fact he will get to improve his game, I think is the biggest assumption. Jennings averaged 17 minutes a game for his squad and a stunning 5 points a game.
http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Brandon-Jennings-1114/
So Tyler will have some no name Spainard "coaching" him for the next 2 years, don't know much he will improve. In the Times story, Tyler was quoted as being bored with high school, so why not Europe. He was getting "sick of" double and triple teamed in HS.
I wish the best for this kid, but I will look forward to seeing how this plays out. I think best case is a Jennings type situation...plays sporadically, doesn't drastically improve his draft position and still comes to the Association as a project freak athlete.
Eh, the only assumption I see is improving his draft position. I couldn't tell you about the coaching he'll receive in Spain, but I can tell you that it doesn't seem like playing with three guys hanging all over you will do much to develop your skill set either.
Wareagle,
Correct, he's been paid but many would argue that more questions have risen...why is he only averaging 5-7 pts/game? How come he can't get off the bench? While it may not have hurt his NBA buzz it definitely didn't help it any.
Quote from: muarmy81 on April 23, 2009, 09:47:57 AM
Wareagle,
Correct, he's been paid but many would argue that more questions have risen...why is he only averaging 5-7 pts/game? How come he can't get off the bench? While it may not have hurt his NBA buzz it definitely didn't help it any.
A lot of it has to do with the fact that NBA (or many pro athletes in general) players tend to peak in their late 20's. Jennings at 19 could very well not be that great when he's forced to compete with much older guys in Europe. The key piece though is that those guys are in their peak, and Jennings is probably 9 years away from it. In the lottery, my thought is that NBA teams are largely basing their decisions on potential, because they know that the 19/20 year old they are drafting will most likely markedly improve over time. The real question is how much they will improve. Player's rarely pull a Tim Duncan anymore and stay long enough that a pro scout knows he's getting a sure thing.
I think this is a great trend personally. The type of player who would do this is going to play basketball after college anyway. They are just getting paid earlier and more in the long run. Let's not pretend the NCAA and NBA have these kids best interests in mind. The NCAA has gained in this whole "one and done" bull. They get the star power in the tourney and get non-college basketball fans (read: NBA-only fans) to watch the tournament and regular season to see the future NBA players play.
People complained about the lack of upsets going on in the tourney this year. I think if more kids went straight to the pros (Europe or wherever) this would even out D-1 so much more.
Further, it opens up schollies for kids that realize that they need an education, as basketball may not pay their expenses for their entire life.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/23/sports/ncaabasketball/23prospect.html?_r=2&hp (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/23/sports/ncaabasketball/23prospect.html?_r=2&hp)
New York Times article...
QuoteFor now, Tyler said he was working out eight to nine hours a day at local gyms and schools and spending two and a half hours a day to get his high school diploma online. He said he had his "ups and downs" in the classroom but was on track to qualify academically to play in college.
Tyler said his game stagnated by playing high school basketball here and he was frustrated by the rules of the California Interscholastic Federation and the National Collegiate Athletic Association.
sounds like he couldn't qualify academically.
good luck - i hope we see him in the NBA in a couple years.
We talk on here as if going over to Europe has helped Jennings, however if you were to ask Jennings, I would believe he would tell you he wouldn't do it again. Articles talking about how he has been benched for games, been called a child, bad work ethic, etc. His relationship with the coach of his team is really sour.
Quote from: Mayor McCheese on April 23, 2009, 01:19:53 PM
We talk on here as if going over to Europe has helped Jennings, however if you were to ask Jennings, I would believe he would tell you he wouldn't do it again. Articles talking about how he has been benched for games, been called a child, bad work ethic, etc. His relationship with the coach of his team is really sour.
I have read similar things, plus the troubles of not getting paid on time, traveling via bus and staying in pretty crappy conditions. I predict, once again in my uninformed opinion that Tyler won't last a year in Europe. He will play a year of prep ball, then be a lottery pick in 2011.
Quote from: MarquetteDano on April 23, 2009, 11:27:12 AM
I think this is a great trend personally. The type of player who would do this is going to play basketball after college anyway. They are just getting paid earlier and more in the long run. Let's not pretend the NCAA and NBA have these kids best interests in mind. The NCAA has gained in this whole "one and done" bull. They get the star power in the tourney and get non-college basketball fans (read: NBA-only fans) to watch the tournament and regular season to see the future NBA players play.
People complained about the lack of upsets going on in the tourney this year. I think if more kids went straight to the pros (Europe or wherever) this would even out D-1 so much more.
Further, it opens up schollies for kids that realize that they need an education, as basketball may not pay their expenses for their entire life.
My thoughts exactly. The one and done rule is horrible, and the NBA is to blame for this trend.
Quote from: Ready2Fly on April 23, 2009, 02:05:41 PM
My thoughts exactly. The one and done rule is horrible, and the NBA is to blame for this trend.
Why?
I betcha Leon Smith from the 1999 NBA Draft wished they had a 1 and done rule back then
Same with Korleone Young, and every other high school player that was told "Go to the NBA"... and then was drafted in the 2nd round, not guaranteed money, and didn't make it.
Im sure if you asked them they would have enjoyed that 1 year of college basketball to better their skills and realize they aren't the best player around, something that is easy to do when you are in HS and good.
Quote from: reinko on April 23, 2009, 01:50:07 PM
I have read similar things, plus the troubles of not getting paid on time, traveling via bus and staying in pretty crappy conditions. I predict, once again in my uninformed opinion that Tyler won't last a year in Europe. He will play a year of prep ball, then be a lottery pick in 2011.
I don't know everything about jennings... but I'll look at it from this generic perspective:
Here's the scenario:
I'm one of the top players in my class
I'm 18 years old
I'm pretty much a guarantee to make the NBA and play professionally sometime in the next 2 years
I'm a hard working kid, and dedicated to playing ball
The only thing that can stop me is injury
I come from a less than privileged family (let's call it lower middle class)
If a team (anywhere in the world) is offering me millions of dollars that can change my family's life, why would I want to stay in school?
Even if I go to Europe and FAIL horribly (hurt my draft status, get labeled as a bad guy, etc. etc.), I'll still have made more than enough money to come back, finish HS and pay for any sort of secondary schooling that I want. I can also pay for my siblings educations. (also don't forget that the Euro is strong right now).
If I go and I'm moderately successful, I'll have made some $$ and still have a good shot at the NBA.
I can't blame any kid or family for taking this opportunity. With that said, if the kid bombs and goes bankrupt in 2 years, then there is obviously some room for criticism.
Getting paid to play hoops can be the right choice if the money is used wisely.
Quote from: 2002mualum on April 24, 2009, 09:30:23 AM
Getting paid to play hoops can be the right choice if the money is used wisely.
If you don't get your GED or a college degree and are heavily influenced by a group of "handlers" I think any money that you make will end up getting invested through MC Hammer's accountant...
Quote from: Ready2Fly on April 23, 2009, 02:05:41 PM
My thoughts exactly. The one and done rule is horrible, and the NBA is to blame for this trend.
The only problem with the rule is that doesn't go far enough. Why would anyone dislike the rule? Because kids go to schools planning on leaving early? That has been going on forever.
Why do people act like these questions wouldn't have come up if he played in college? He would have been at best 3rd overall which gets paid about 3.2 and now is at worst 8th and will make 2. Worst case scenario he cost himself 1.2 per. That isn't a bad thing when you bring in 4 mill instead of playing for free. The endorsement deals going into the season also may be better than had he played in college and NOT been the 3rd best player.
Quote from: 2002mualum on April 24, 2009, 09:30:23 AM
I don't know everything about jennings... but I'll look at it from this generic perspective:
Here's the scenario:
I'm one of the top players in my class
I'm 18 years old
I'm pretty much a guarantee to make the NBA and play professionally sometime in the next 2 years
I'm a hard working kid, and dedicated to playing ball
The only thing that can stop me is injury
I come from a less than privileged family (let's call it lower middle class)
If a team (anywhere in the world) is offering me millions of dollars that can change my family's life, why would I want to stay in school?
Even if I go to Europe and FAIL horribly (hurt my draft status, get labeled as a bad guy, etc. etc.), I'll still have made more than enough money to come back, finish HS and pay for any sort of secondary schooling that I want. I can also pay for my siblings educations. (also don't forget that the Euro is strong right now).
If I go and I'm moderately successful, I'll have made some $$ and still have a good shot at the NBA.
I can't blame any kid or family for taking this opportunity. With that said, if the kid bombs and goes bankrupt in 2 years, then there is obviously some room for criticism.
Getting paid to play hoops can be the right choice if the money is used wisely.
only problem with this is most of the kids that do this and get the money wind up blowing it on cars, homes, clothes, technology, etc. and are broke a few years after retiring/playing their last game professionally. Perfect example, 76% of professional athletes file for bankruptcy within 2 years of retiring.
Quote from: muwarrior87 on April 24, 2009, 02:26:44 PM
only problem with this is most of the kids that do this and get the money wind up blowing it on cars, homes, clothes, technology, etc. and are broke a few years after retiring/playing their last game professionally. Perfect example, 76% of professional athletes file for bankruptcy within 2 years of retiring.
You make a great point, and if that 76% is accurate, then I agree that maybe these kids need some protection from their own greed.
However, I have to be honest and say that I'm trying not to fall into the trap of thinking that every young African American male will blow all of his money on cars, rims, tech. etc.
I know there is some truth to that notion (look at most young NBA players who spend a lot of money on these luxury items), but I also want to give the kid the benefit of the doubt as well.
I mean, you don't hear people screaming about Sydney Crosby getting drafted out of prep school, or that Michelle Wie should have to compete in college before she be allowed on the LPGA. Is it just because they aren't in the NBA?
Quote from: muarmy81 on April 23, 2009, 09:47:57 AM
Wareagle,
Correct, he's been paid but many would argue that more questions have risen...why is he only averaging 5-7 pts/game? How come he can't get off the bench? While it may not have hurt his NBA buzz it definitely didn't help it any.
If those questions don't affect his draft position, who cares? He's $4 million richer and didn't have sit through classes that have no relevance to what he wants to do in life.
Quote from: muwarrior87 on April 24, 2009, 02:26:44 PM
Perfect example, 76% of professional athletes file for bankruptcy within 2 years of retiring.
I call BS on this statistic. Source?
Also, everyone knows that 72.8% of statistics are made up. I suspect yours is too (either made up by you or by someone else and passed along by you).
Quote from: 2002mualum on April 24, 2009, 02:46:18 PM
You make a great point, and if that 76% is accurate, then I agree that maybe these kids need some protection from their own greed.
However, I have to be honest and say that I'm trying not to fall into the trap of thinking that every young African American male will blow all of his money on cars, rims, tech. etc.
I know there is some truth to that notion (look at most young NBA players who spend a lot of money on these luxury items), but I also want to give the kid the benefit of the doubt as well.
I mean, you don't hear people screaming about Sydney Crosby getting drafted out of prep school, or that Michelle Wie should have to compete in college before she be allowed on the LPGA. Is it just because they aren't in the NBA?
Thats because players like Crosby aren't in the news for misbehaving... and the reason why Brandon Jennings went overseas and not Arizona... is because he couldn't get into school, he couldn't qualify.
I get it, the things these students learn in class are not what they will spend their life doing. However are we that blind to think that general education is useless to NBA players?
Quote from: Mayor McCheese on April 24, 2009, 03:16:15 PM
However are we that blind to think that general education is useless to NBA players?
It's a good point (and definitely part of me agrees), but I guess here's the other side of the coin:
The kid is damn good now and ready to get paid.
If he plays junior/senior year and blows out a knee (ala Will Gates), he may never be the same. He still might be good enough to get an education (which is great), but certainly not good enough to provide his family with a life changing financial windfall.
Now what?
I hate to encourage a "take the money and run" attitude, but sometimes it's a good choice. If the money is managed correctly, he could significantly improve his family's quality of living.
It would be interesting if part of his contract only went towards tuition at a future school or something. That's probably never going to happen, but it would make a pretty decent PR play to say that part of his contract is set aside for 100,000k in future education.