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Mumbai, May 14 (PTI) "Make your own decisions " is the only advice young NBA star Brandon Jennings has for the aspiring basketball players in India.
This counsel comes from his own experience and from a decision that he had taken - that is to play in the Italian league in Europe rather than continuing in a college basketball team before being selected for his NBA appearance, something no one had done before.
"Many people told me that I should go to college. It (playing abroad) would not work and I may risk annoying those who matter. But I didn''t have any second thoughts. As it turned out, it was the best decision for me and my family," the 21-year-old Milwaukee Bucks point guard told PTI.
"I took the decision of playing overseas in a professional league. It was a great opportunity me to ensure (financial) security for my family. I had no fear at all."
On July 16, 2008, Jennings signed with the Lottomatica Roma of the Italian Lega A for a guaranteed net income of USD 1.65 million, leading to a controversy and debate on the NBA''s "prep-to-pro" policy adopted in 2006.
The experience of playing in Italy was enriching, according to Jennings, who played in the NBA a year later and went on to become the youngest player in its history to score 55 points in a game.
"I was just 18 then. I had to work harder. I had to practice twice a day. Everyone had doubted me as I was the one who had made the decision (to play overseas). I matured faster (due to the Italian experience)."
Jennings said the record-breaking feat of scoring 55 points on November 14, 2009 (when he was just 19) against Golden State, changed his life forever. (more) PTI VKV RSY PDS
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This counsel comes from his own experience and from a decision that he had taken - that is to play in the Italian league in Europe rather than continuing in a college basketball team before being selected for his NBA appearance, something no one had done before.
"Many people told me that I should go to college. It (playing abroad) would not work and I may risk annoying those who matter. But I didn''t have any second thoughts. As it turned out, it was the best decision for me and my family," the 21-year-old Milwaukee Bucks point guard told PTI.
"I took the decision of playing overseas in a professional league. It was a great opportunity me to ensure (financial) security for my family. I had no fear at all."
On July 16, 2008, Jennings signed with the Lottomatica Roma of the Italian Lega A for a guaranteed net income of USD 1.65 million, leading to a controversy and debate on the NBA''s "prep-to-pro" policy adopted in 2006.
The experience of playing in Italy was enriching, according to Jennings, who played in the NBA a year later and went on to become the youngest player in its history to score 55 points in a game.
"I was just 18 then. I had to work harder. I had to practice twice a day. Everyone had doubted me as I was the one who had made the decision (to play overseas). I matured faster (due to the Italian experience)."
Jennings said the record-breaking feat of scoring 55 points on November 14, 2009 (when he was just 19) against Golden State, changed his life forever. (more) PTI VKV RSY PDS
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