Hoop Masters Blog

Brandon Jennings’ Italian Education December 8, 2008

Brandon Jennings’ Italian Education

Posted by Brian McCormick on December 6, 2008

In September, I wrote about Brandon Jennings, the Los Angeles-area point guard playing professionally in Italy rather than attending college for a year before entering the NBA Draft. Almost weekly, someone on SoCal Hoops, the gossip message board of record for Southern California basketball, criticizes Jennings and his decision to go to Europe. This week’s criticism reads:

Once again, let it be known that B. Jennings is not the picture poster child…He is only averaging 3-4 points a game in Italy and the NBA scouts have their eyes on other athletes who are right here in college playing great at home. Not a smart move for BJ to think that he could make it to the NBA without a college career first.

The poster wrote some other things, but I’ll focus on basketball. He also provided a link to a Chad Ford article talking about next year’s draft class. Jennings is listed under the “Bad” section:

Jennings isn’t exactly lighting it up in Europe. He’s averaging 4.9 ppg and 3 apg with 28 percent shooting in 17.3 mpg in his first eight games for Lottomatica Roma. It’s too early to be harsh. When you factor in all the difficulties he faces (new environment, new system, intense scrutiny), he has held up fairly well. But he hasn’t helped his stock much by making the move. While plenty of his college counterparts are dominating, we’re still stuck talking about potential with Jennings.

Ford does not criticize Jennings, but says that his performance has not helped his draft stock. Of course, that contradicts an ESPN the Mag article this week written by Chris Broussard:

“Playing in Europe with grown men who are better than him is going to help him mature as a player,” says an NBA GM who is being kept apprised about Jennings by overseas scouts. “And I can tell you this already: He’s a definite lottery pick in ‘09.”

In Broussard’s article, he writes about Jennings’ experience playing in Europe, which is far different than a college freshman’s experience. Is it better? Maybe (I spent the year after I graduated from high school as an exchange student playing basketball in Sweden, so I have a personal bias). Basketball-wise, he will be better prepared for the NBA. Ford says that Jennings is still “potential.” But, what has anyone really learned about any of the freshman in college basketball this year thus far? Ford mentions Stephon Curry and Blake Griffin; but anyone who was unsure about Curry after last season should not be a scout or general manager anyway. Honestly, how did the son of an NBA player with a picture perfect jump shot and reasonable athleticism end up at a mid-major anyway (I always wonder the same about Coby Karl walking-on at Boise State; what are these coaches watching? I saw Karl play when he was in 10th grade and thought he was a DI player, and he wasn’t even 6′5 yet). How many players have really gone head to head with another top NBA prospect?

Jennings plays against professionals every day. His numbers are low because of the European style of play and his coach’s philosophy; the same reason why Josh Childress’ numbers are low in Greece even though he is an established NBA player:

Holding to a philosophy that’s unheard of in America but not uncommon in Europe, Repesa doesn’t believe in a set starting five. He’ll switch starters by the game; he’ll go 10 deep, playing almost everyone at least 15 minutes and hardly anyone over 25. Admittedly fond of Jennings, Repesa wants to bring No.11 along slowly to manage expectations and keep him from burning out over a season that’s more grueling than anything he’s ever faced.

His coach, the former Croatian National team Head Coach who coached in Beijing this summer, says:

“If he’ll be patient, work hard and listen,” Repesa says, “he’ll be a great player. No question.”

This is a coach who helped Toni Kukoc, Mehmet Okur and Carlos Delfino craft their games. This is a coach who does not need to recruit another high school All-American next year. Instead, he has no problem kicking his young star out of practice.

As the team ran through its half-court offense, Jennings made a UCLA cut to the hoop after throwing an entry pass to the wing. He tossed the ball to a teammate and ran halfheartedly down the side of the lane. “That’s not aggressive,” the imposing Repesa, who stands 6′7″, shouted in his thick Croatian accent, raising one arm above his head. “Be aggressive!” Jennings, visibly miffed at being called out, reset the offense with another entry pass. This time he hurled it with a dose of disgust at his teammate’s knees. Before he was halfway through his cut—which was faster but clearly not full-speed—Mt. Repesa erupted. “Get out! Get out! Out of practice!” he screamed, pointing toward the door. Stunned, Jennings left and sat on the steps outside the facility while the team worked out for another 45 minutes.

Would a college coach kick out a player? Maybe. Some probably would not accept a lazy cut and teach his player a lesson. Others wouldn’t because they do not want that type of reputation because they need to recruit another star next year. As jennings said after the experience:

“When you’re The Man in high school, you can do whatever you want,” Jennings says despondently. “This is something new for me, especially playing for a coach who’s real controlling and doesn’t take no stuff.”

While he may not have the stats of some college players, he’s playing against professional players in a far demanding situation. Sure, a player at North Carolina or Duke has some pressure becuse the alumni expect National Championships. But, Roy Williams and Coach K have secure jobs. A coach in Europe has virtually no security. He has to win. Fans demand wins. Club presidents demand wins. Sponsors demand wins. While the Knicks haggle with Stephon Marbury over contracts, European teams cut players with no buyouts. If you aren’t performing, good bye. I felt the pressure in a much less competitive league, and I tried to cut a player after two games. It’s a whole different experience than a college program.

Basketball-wise, colleges have 20 hours for film and practice. A professional team has unlimited time.

Here mornings are spent lifting weights, sprinting on soccer fields or running through the rocky terrain of nearby woods. Afternoons are spent resting on the minibeds in the minirooms of the minihotel. Evenings? Time to run through drill after drill and get yelled at—again.

Jennings is already in a professional environment and will play 60 games against professional competition. His teammate is Allen Ray, the former Villanova star and Boston Celtic. It’s a much different environment than college. It’s not for every 19-year-old kid, but there is a reason why NBA teams like drafting players from Europe: they are already professionals. They understand how to practice, how to take care of their bodies, and more.

Jennings will not be just “potential” in June when the NBA Draft occurs. He will be seasoned. He will have experience in a professional environment.

“Whoever needs a point guard next year, I’ll be ready,” says Jennings, whose contract has small buyout clauses after each season. “This is great preparation, because it’s a big learning experience over here.”

He may not have stats to match Stephon Curry or Blake Griffin, but NBA teams will know that he can handle coaching and the professional environment. His skills will be tested against players playing in the EuroLeague, which is much more competitive than even the best college league.

“If he had gone to college, they would’ve babied him,” says one NBA scout. “This will make him mentally tougher. And after playing for this coach, he’ll know how to play the game.”