Hunter Says Jennings' Europe Venture Could End NBA Age Limit

Hunter Says European Option Could Help End NBA's "One-And-Done" Requirement

ALL ABOUT THE BENJAMINS? Vaccaro said that in the 24 hours after Jennings' desire to play abroad was made known Tuesday night, shoe and soda company reps "have been in touch regarding endorsement deals." Jennings' coach, Oak Hill Academy's Steve Smith, said, "This is a business decision. ... People think he's not going to make much money. He'll make more on a shoe deal than on a contract" (USA TODAY, 7/10). But ESPN.com's Dana O'Neil wrote there is the "question of whether this route is the lucrative windfall many think it will be." Players may be "able to cash in for six figures ... but the big money will have to come from shoe companies willing to gamble that the kid will blossom into a superstar when he returns" to the U.S. (ESPN.com, 7/9). SLAM Magazine's Lang Whitaker wrote, "He might get a shoe deal that will keep him flush for life, but even shoe money isn’t what it was when guys like [Sebastian Telfair] were cashing in out of high school" (SLAMONLINE.com, 7/9). Denver Post columnist Woody Paige said, “You go over there and disappear in Europe as a kid at 16, 17, 18 years old” (“Around The Horn,” ESPN, 7/9).

Writer Feels Jennings' Performance Overseas Could Hurt '09 Draft Status

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