Jeremy Tyler , a 6'10" power forward and high school junior (2010) is no longer
to attend high school classes , instead has opted to forego his senior year to
play professional basketball in Europe.
Tyler is currently considered the #1 prospect in the Class of 2010 by every
major recruiting source. And his decision to play professional basketball
overseas would make him the first United States born player ever to do so.
If you are reading this article , you like me have plenty of thoughts running
through your head and many questions regarding this situation. Here are a few
floating around and some valid points.
What happens if he seriously injures himself playing overseas? Certainly this is
a possibility but what if he blows out his knee while in college and never earns
a dime professionally. As opposed to a six-figure contract guaranteed initially.
There are pros and cons to either side of the equation. As a spectator it is
natural for us to tell a kid what we think he or she should do , however when we
are placed in the very same situation the question is what would we do? How many
people have had a chance to earn six-figures at Age 17. How many people have
been able to travel the world and see life in a view other that from the United
States of America at age 17. My views are not that Tyler should jump at his
opportunity and run with it , I do believe however that this is not a ridiculous
opportunity at hand. Sometimes you have to take risks , at other times a more
reserved approach is beneficial , so who is to say that there way is 100%
correct in this matter?
As Tyler embarks on a journey that will change the way youngsters view their
collegiate / professional options on the prep basketball circuit , one thing is
for sure. Nothing in life is guaranteed and there is a whole lot more to life
than X's and O's , hardwood and leather and green paper. I have yet to see a
moving truck tow a casket at a funeral and will never. If one thing is for sure
, it's that you can't take anything gained in this life with you , when your
time is up. And if your priorities aren't straight it makes no difference which
choice Tyler makes.
