High Schooler Leaves Early For European Pros
Jeremy Tyler Leaving High School Early to Prepare For NBA in Europe
Apr 23, 2009
Brandon Jennings decided against attending Arizona last season to become the first American basketball player to forgo college ball to play professionally in Europe. And now the next step has been taken as Jeremy Tyler has elected to leave his San Diego high school early to play pro ball in Europe.
Tyler Drops Out
The New York Times and Yahoo! Sports reported on April 22 that Tyler, a 6-foot-11 junior center, has dropped out of his San Diego High School at age 17 looking to play next season in Europe. If it happens, Tyler would become the first player born in the United States to leave high school early to play professional hoops overseas.
No. 1 Pick In 2011 NBA Draft
It is believed Tyler - projected to be the best big man since Greg Oden - hopes to play two years in Europe and return to the U.S. at which time he would be eligible for the NBA draft. He is currently expected to go No. 1 overall in 2011.
Tyler seems destined to play in Spain at the move since he could shuttle between the professional team and the club's development squad. Neither report named a club.
Tyler had made a verbal commitment to play college basketball for Rick Pitino at Louisville.
Looking For Improvement In Game
The 17-year-old said the move was designed to improve his game - a fact he believes would be better in Europe than in a college in the United States. “Nowadays people look to college for more off-the-court stuff versus being in the gym and getting better,” Tyler told the Times. “If you’re really focused on getting better, you go play pro somewhere. Pro guys will get you way better than playing against college guys.”
Former sneaker company executive Sonny Vaccaro, who broked a 1.2 million dollar deal betwen Brandon Jennings and Lottomatica Roma, said in the Times that Tyler would make at least a six-figure salary.
NBA GM Impressed With Tyle
The Yahoo! Sports report had a revealing quote from one Western Conference GM: "His game will be picked apart [by scouts], but long-term it’s much better for his development as a player. It’s a bold move, but I’ve seen tape and that kid could play in the NBA right now. He’s an incredible talent.”
Tyler's father James, who will accompany his son along with the uncle to Europe, says he has no doubts about his son: "If you know Jeremy, you know this kid is going to excel. Why would we waste his time holding him back? Kobe [Bryant] was only 17 [when he went pro] and he blossomed. And LeBron [James] blossomed. [Dwight] Howard blossomed. Why not give my son that chance?”
