Of course it will be risky (he could get injured, flame out, get homesick), but, there's risk in everything. While I understand the value and merits of education, in this case Mr. Jennings has never made education beyond high school a true priority in the first place. He flat out said the only reason he accepted a scholarship offer to play for Arizona this school year was the NBA's age limit rule. The rule states that you have to be at least 19 or one year removed from high school before joining the league. So, Mr. Jennings never had any intention of being a student - athlete. College for him would have been a temporary inconvenience.
In fact, if you look at the top picks from this year's NBA Draft (Rose, Beasley, Mayo, Love, and Gordon), all stayed on campus for only 1-year. I believe also that it is unfair for one group and one sport (basketball players, mostly who are black) to be singled out. Tennis players go pro at 15. Soccer players go pro at 14. Baseball players go pro directly out of high school. Hell, even kid actors and musicians go pro early. So, why shouldn't basketball players be allowed to go pro, particularly, the elite level prospects that have absolutely no inkling or desire to go to college? They don't consider themselves to be student - athletes, rather athletes who have to be a student for one semester.
Jennings decision definitely is a landmark one that has many ramifications. First, it might encourage other top players to go overseas, rather than struggle with admission exams, homework, eligibility issues, etc.
Second, it might force the NBA to take a hard look at its 19 year old and 1 year from high school rule, and evaluate the merits of it. The player's union and NBA owners must seriously look at this right to work "labor issue". I understand the NBA wants to protect is product, and not let in so many unskilled and unprepared players (regardless of how high they are ranked in high school). They have to balance that with a right to work.
Third, colleges teams might be impacted if these top players decide to play elsewhere, meaning their could be a talent reduction. They will have to adjust their recruiting strategy now to compete against European teams.
Fourth, it might force the NBA, Colleges, and European teams to develop a partnership and strategy on how best to handle the potential influx of disgruntled USA elite level high school basketball prospect seeking refuge overseas. I would rather take a player who played one year overseas against professional talent, rather than one who just played in high school. It is like comparing apples to oranges.
Fifth, colleges might have to reevaluate their economic value proposition for athletes. They offer you a currency (scholarship). You in term offer your services which turns into more money from boosters, jersey sales, gate receipts, advertising, etc. It seems as if the equation is over balanced to the favor of colleges. They give you a scholarship worth $50K annually, yet if you are an elite recruit that helps them win, they get 20 times as much back. And to boot they make you study and go to college, both of which you have no desire to do.
Six, this could have impact at the high school level too. Elite prospects might forgo playing in high school and simply play in AAU or other national tournaments. These tournaments give you "way" more exposure than high school games. So, these prospects also might just decide to go basketball academies where they eat, sleep, and drink basketball, or the sports of their choice. They already do this in foreign countries - swimming, skating, basketball, and soccer academies.
Lastly, this might encourage more European teams to not only go after elite high school prospects, but, also NBA free agents. If NBA teams low ball their free agents, European teams who tender them a contract will give these free agent much needed leverage as they bid for their service in a truly open global talent market.
Also, for those who don't see this as becoming a big trend, these nay-sayers said the same things ten years ago - they said that high school players submitting their names in the draft or leaving college early would not be a big deal or start a trend. Now, it seems as if the elite players are almost expected to leave early - hence Beasley, Rose, Gordon, Mayo and Love. 1 and done, baby!
Sebrell
