Wouldn't shock me if this becomes the norm in five years.

Arizona signee Brandon Jennings has decided to make an unprecedented move to forgo playing in college and instead pursue a professional career in Europe next season before likely entering the 2009 NBA draft, Jenning's attorney, Jeff Valle, told ESPN.com on Tuesday night.

"Over the course of the last two months I have consulted a number of people in basketball before coming to this decision," Jennings said in a statement released through Valle. "I would like to thank the University of Arizona for their interest and support through this process."

Jennings, a Los Angeles native who played his final two high school seasons at Oak Hill Academy in Mouth of Wilson, Va., was rated as the nation's top point guard in the class of 2008, according to ESPN.com.

Valle said Jennings will not even wait for his third standardized test result to see if he got a qualifying score after his second test was questioned by the NCAA. The results from the third test are due later this week.
"That's a moot point now," Valle said. "He's not going to the University of Arizona. Brandon plans on going to Europe."

Valle said a number of European teams have expressed an interest in signing Jennings for next season. Valle declined to say which teams and in which countries.

Valle said that the family will consult with Sonny Vaccaro and likely sign with an agent to help facilitate a contract with a European professional team. Vaccaro is considered the godfather of grassroots basketball, having worked for all three major sneaker companies -- Nike, adidas and Reebok -- who sponsor high school summer basketball events.

Jennings was expected to be the starting point guard for Arizona after Jerryd Bayless left for the NBA draft. The Wildcats also return Chase Budinger after he withdrew from the draft as well as Hall of Fame coach Lute Olson after he took a leave of absence last season.

"We're disappointed in terms of Brandon's decision, but we want to wish him the best of luck," Olson said in a statement. "We hope that things turn out well for him in the future."

Under an NBA draft rule put in place two years ago, Jennings has to be out of high school at least one calendar year and be 19 years old before being eligible for the NBA draft.

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I don't think this will become a trend - I do expect the NBA to eventually extend the age limit to 20 years old, which would make college players have to play at least 2 seasons. If that takes place, then I think we'll see more kids want to stay in the national spotlight at home.

They don't really go to class anyways. It doesn't matter much. In order for a one and done player to stay eligible, he must pass 2 out of 5 classes with a D or better. He does not have to attend classes in the second semester more that what is required to not be dropped from the class. That may include attending a total of one days classes. This will hurt the teams APR number, which tracks academic progress, and can cause a loss of scholarships.

Quite frankly, the biggest benefit of going to college for that year is that you are exposed to the American public and get a bigger endorsement deal coming out of college. The classes mean nothing.

I don't think this will be a trend.

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You do not talk to me like that! I work too hard to deal with this stuff! I work too hard! I'm an important member of the CSFMB! I drive a Dodge Stratus!

the only gripe i have about kids coming into the NBA too early is for developmental reasons...i think going to europe's a good idea. and i'm willing to bet these kids learn more traveling around europe than this country.

I dont think itll become a trend either. Very rarely are top prospects turned down for academic reasons. Also the money isnt that great in Europe and like you said, they are in the spotlight much more in American colleges. I doubt Rose would be the number 1 overall pick if he has played last season in Europe.

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Fare you well, fare you well
I love you more than words can tell
Listen to the river sing sweet songs
To rock my soul

I think the idea of being able to accept hundreds of thousands of dollars to play basketball for a year or two will catch on, especially if Jennings does well.

Its much better than the money some of these guys are getting under the table from boosters and street agents. Its not like most of these guys are getting anything out of going to class. If they even go.

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I would as well. It would be great for most of these kids for many reasons. There is a lot of learning they would be able to do far beyond what college would teach them.

Who knows, some of the more marginal talent may enjoy it to the point that they opt to stay in Europe. I have not heard Rashard Griffith's name in years.

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O judgment! Thou art fled to brutish beasts,
And men have lost their reason.

Last I heard he was playing in Turkey, but that was a long time ago