Jeremy Tyler, Top HS Prospect, to Skip Senior Season for Europe

Jeremy Tyler, one of the nation's top HS prospects, announced Thursday that he will skip his senior season and play professionally overseas in Europe.

“It may not be the best way to get to the NBA, but it’s the best way to get ready for the NBA,” Jeremy Tyler told Yahoo! Sports this week. His decision was first reported by the New York Times.

“I know I can do great things with my talent,” Tyler continued. “My goal in life is to get better. Playing with the pro guys will get me a lot better faster. It will help me fulfill my dreams of playing in the NBA.”

Tyler, a 6-foot-11 junior power forward from San Diego H.S. in California, originally committed to Louisville at the beginning of this season. Tyler, who is ranked No. 4 in the nation by Rivals.com, is considered by many to be the best big man in his class.

Tyler has not signed with a team or an agent yet, but his family has stated that they are in the process of hiring an agent and a financial planner. He is already pointing towards Spain as a likely destination.

Tyler's decision is similar to that of Brandon Jennings, the McDonald's All-American who spurned Arizona to play overseas last year. Jennings is considered to be a lottery pick in this year's draft despite a disappointing season for Lottomatica Roma. He and Spanish phenom Ricky Rubio are considered to be the top point guard prospects in the 2009 draft.

Rubio's success is part of the reason for Tyler's decision. Rubio turned pro in Europe's toughest league at age 14 and believes that this opportunity should not just be relegated to Europeans.

“For a 14-year-old overseas to be able to make money to play the same sport I’m playing, I think it’s only fair to have the same opportunity,” Tyler said. “If you have a talent, you should be able to use it. If college is not going to help you at any stage, it’s a little unfair.”

Tyler also told the New York Times that he was bored after averaging 28.7 points per game for San Diego H.S. "Each game was the same thing. I was getting triple-teamed and getting hacked. After each game I'd have scratches and bruises up and down my arms from getting triple-teamed. It just wasn't for me," Tyler said.

The Tylers have sought the advice of former basketball shoe executive Sonny Vaccaro, who also orchestrated the move for Jennings. "It's significant because it shows the curiosity for the American player just refusing to accept what he's told he has to do," Vaccaro said. "We're getting closer to the European reality of a professional at a young age. Basically, Jeremy Tyler is saying, 'Why do I have to go to high school?'"

The University of Louisville and head coach Rick Pitino are aware of Tyler's decision but cannot comment under NCAA rules until after he signs with a team and or agent.

Tyler, who has been nationally ranked throughout high school, is considered by many to be the No. 1 pick in the 2011 Draft, when he is eligible to come out. He is currently the focal point in a documentary entitled "My Life: with Jeremy Tyler".

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