Jeremy Tyler goes pro before his junior prom

The Jeremy Tyler is reportedly going to Europe, bypassing not only college, but also his senior year of high school. Start the basketball world spinning off its axis. Now.

Dan Wetzel is on the beat yet again and scored a great interview with both Jeremy and his father. Writes Wetzel:

Tyler will play against the grown men who can challenge a player of his size and potential. Away from the court he’ll be home-schooled, earn a GED and return in two seasons when he’s eligible for the 2011 draft. By then, Jeremy Tyler figures, he’ll be a much better player and person; having learned from top coaches, enjoyed unlimited practice time and broadened his horizons in a foreign land. He calls it “a dream job” and isn’t the slightest bit nostalgic for homecoming, prom or missing out on college hoops.

Sonny Vaccaro is advising the family, so we can expect a backlash from those who want to protect the status quo.

James Tyler, Jeremy's father, on taking on the basketball establishment “It’s just the old way of doing things and no one wants to swallow the pill of change. Basketball is an American sport and they want the kids to go through the channels. And I think there is so much money generated in collegiate sports that they don’t want that interrupted. It’s a double standard.”

Is it a good move? Only time will tell, but according to an NBA 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.”

Also, read The NY Times Pete Thamel's article on Tyler.

Just like Brandon Jennings, I am rooting Jeremy Tyler. This will not be an easy path, but neither is college.

Here's an expert from a recent Basketball Times column I wrote on Brandon:

Like Robert Frost's famous poem, Brandon Jennings has definitely traveled the "road not taken." While I would suggest Brandon Jennings did what is best for him personally, he instantly becomes a litmus test for elite basketball players who might want to follow his path.

If Jennings succeeds in Europe, pro prospects will have another viable option. It won't be for everyone, of course. On the other hand, if Jennings fails he could become a cautionary tale, although the population of one is still not a sufficient sample to reach any meaningful conclusion. I love college and college basketball, but I would never criticize someone for choosing a different path. In fact, I like when athletes have multiple options. College, europe and the D League should all be viable options, depending on the situation. The important thing is to maximize your time before you get to the pros, whether it takes one year or four. As much as we would like to slow down the process and allow young men to mature, that is not today's reality. There's too much money at stake. Too much self interest. All we can do is provide athletes with the best possible information to help them make informed decisions. There is no "one size fits all" advice when it comes to the final decision. Let's also not forget that there are many factors that go into these types of decisions, not all of which are obvious or even made public. I would like to believe college athletics is the best training ground for elite players to develop their abilities for an career in professional sports. But the decision should be based on critical analysis, not emotional rhetoric. Certainly professional sports is not an ideal world for young athletes, especially if they are not ready emotionally and physically ready for the pro grind. But, neither is college athletics, where there are just as many (perhaps more) corrupting influences. The conclusion to Frost's famous poem aptly captures the decision many like Jennings face, "Somewhere ages and ages hence: two roads diverged in a wood, and I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference." The decisions of Jennings and others may backfire, but we should all recognize that every situation is different.

--Marc Isenberg

Comments

[RAY EPTON]

If the NBA general managers are saying they have seen tape and he could play in the NBA now that's a very strong endorsement of his talent. But I hope he has the family backing were they can go to europe with him to make the transition to the life change smoother for him. He wasn’t going to get any better playing in San Diego, this town thinks too small. Now he can grow up and get paid and see the world and take those online classes to get a diploma and degree. I wish him all the best and good luck. Ray Epton