American Players Opting for Euro Route

**CylentButDeadly** · 06-03-2009, 09:37 AM

Nick Calathes, Terrence Oglesby to go pro in Europe - Luke Winn - SI.com

Just read this article. Very interesting and I certainly don't blame these guys for looking to maximize their earning and playing potential with European clubs.

What I want to know though is the residual affect this will have on European amateurs. If this trend continues, will more Euro guys opt for the American college route because of increased opportunities, or will they see the significance US players are placing on Euro clubs and bypass NCAA opportunities altogether.

This is especially interesting at ISU because of the Euro talent we've had over the years with Lucca, Jiri, Martin Rancik and even Julius Michalik (sp).

**DrewCo** · 06-03-2009, 09:49 AM

I think Brandon Jennings made a bad choice. and even HE has admitted that

**CylentButDeadly** · 06-03-2009, 10:03 AM

Originally Posted by DrewCo

I think Brandon Jennings made a bad choice. and even HE has admitted that

Jennings situation is somewhat unique in that there were concerns about his elgibility and the whole situation that was transpiring at Arizona with Lute Olson. Obviously, and he has admitted as much, he would have rather played college ball last year, but the circumstances weren't necessarily ideal for him to do so.

**DrewCo** · 06-03-2009, 10:41 AM

Originally Posted by CylentButDeadly

Jennings situation is somewhat unique in that there were concerns about his elgibility and the whole situation that was transpiring at Arizona with Lute Olson. Obviously, and he has admitted as much, he would have rather played college ball last year, but the circumstances weren't necessarily ideal for him to do so.

Yeah, either way he will be earning millions before the year is over..

**hurdleisu24** · 06-03-2009, 04:37 PM

Yeah but Calathes is able to play and count as a euorpean not an american in terms of roster numbers. He may actually help his draft stock as teams can draft him and leave him over in Europe.

**Wingback** · 06-03-2009, 04:49 PM

One thing that really surprises me is that recent high school grads, who don't want to waste their time on a college campus for one year, don't play in Europe for a year. They could make some pretty decent money and gain some professional experience while waiting out the NBA's ridiculous one-year rule. I haven't really heard of that happening. Is there something I'm not aware of that makes that not realistic?

**jdoggivjc** · 06-04-2009, 08:26 AM

Originally Posted by Wingback

One thing that really surprises me is that recent high school grads, who don't want to waste their time on a college campus for one year, don't play in Europe for a year. They could make some pretty decent money and gain some professional experience while waiting out the NBA's ridiculous one-year rule. I haven't really heard of that happening. Is there something I'm not aware of that makes that not realistic?

Because not everyone's cut out to make the big bucks playing basketball, even in Europe (cue in the United commercial with the 7' basketball player - term used loosely - who was an absolute physical buffoon). Some players may have to play for lesser leagues that pay hardly any money at all. If the choice is going to Europe and playing ball at a year but not making enough money to cover your expenses versus going to college for a year and getting virtually all of your living expenses covered for year in exchange for playing basketball for a year for free, the college route might actually be a better option.

Besides, if NBA teams question whether it's a good idea to take a player straight out of HS as a developmental project, how many European teams are going to throw big time bucks at a kid for one year when it's questionable if he'll even contribute?