17 years ago today, on July 16, 2008, Brandon Jennings made basketball history… not with a dunk or buzzer-beater, but with a signature. The (then) 18-year-old point guard, fresh off a stellar senior season at Oak Hill Academy, signed a three-year deal with Italian club Virtus Roma, becoming the first American player to bypass college and go directly from high school to a European professional team.
At the time, the NBA’s age restriction required players to be at least 19 and one year removed from high school to enter the draft. Jennings, ranked as the top point guard in the class of 2008, had committed to the University of Arizona but faced uncertainty over his eligibility due to standardized test scores. Rather than wait or take a detour through prep school, Jennings chose a bold new path: Europe.
Jennings’ decision was unprecedented. While players like Kevin Garnett and LeBron James had gone straight from high school to the NBA before the age rule was implemented, no American prospect had ever opted for Europe as a bridge to the league. Jennings signed a deal reportedly worth $1.65 million in guaranteed income, with additional endorsement money from Under Armour, who saw his move as a marketing opportunity.
Virtus Roma welcomed Jennings with open arms.
“Brandon is one of the greatest American talents and he is considered as one of the top players for the next NBA draft,” said general manager Dejan Bodiroga.
Jennings joined a roster that included seasoned European pros and former NCAA standouts, giving him a crash course in professional basketball.
The transition wasn’t easy. Jennings averaged modest numbers, 5.5 points in 17 minutes per game in Serie A, and 7.6 points in EuroLeague play. But the experience was invaluable. He learned to play within a system, adapt to physical defense, and navigate life overseas, all while preparing for the NBA spotlight.
Jennings later reflected on the cultural adjustment, saying the slower pace and team-oriented style of European basketball helped him mature.
“It was tough at first, but I grew up a lot,” he said in interviews years later.
In 2009, Jennings entered the NBA Draft and was selected 10th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks. He made an immediate impact, famously scoring 55 points in just his seventh game, a rookie record for the franchise. His European detour didn’t hinder his development; if anything, it gave him a unique edge.
Jennings’ move opened the door for future prospects to consider alternative paths. Players like Emmanuel Mudiay, LaMelo Ball, and Scoot Henderson would later follow nontraditional routes to the NBA, citing Jennings as a pioneer.
