Jennings’ lawyer says test scores not in yet
by Steve Rivera on Jun. 27, 2008, under Special, Sports
Brandon Jennings
The attorney for Arizona basketball signee Brandon Jennings said the player’s standardized test results “are not in yet,” meaning fans and coaches may have to wait a while before knowing the guard’s future.
An East Valley Tribune online report that Jennings had failed his test and would play in Europe is “not accurate,” said attorney Jeffrey B. Valle, in an e-mail to the Tucson Citizen.
Jennings could find out July 5 whether he qualifies through the NCAA. According to CollegeBoard.com, the Web site that electronically posts all SAT exam scores, said a “small percentage of scores are not yet available” and told students to “check again on Saturday, July 5.”
The talented 6-foot-2 guard, said last week that he was considering playing in Europe if he does not qualify through the NCAA. He has been admitted to the school.
UA spokesman Richard Paige said the program is “still waiting the results of his test score and certification questions that must still be answered.”
Like all student-athletes, Jennings must still pass the NCAA’s Eligibility Center to be admitted.
Jennings has said through media sources that he still has to sit down with his mother and family attorney to determine what he would do.
“We’re weighing all the options,” Jennings’ mother, Alice Knox, told ESPN.com. “We’re not bluffing about playing in Europe and even if Brandon gets the SAT score doesn’t mean he’s going to college.”
Knox also told ESPN.com that the family is not considering junior college or prep schools as an alternative.
“We’ve received so many e-mails from junior colleges, we just delete them,” she said.
Jennings’ mother and his high school coach, Steve Smith, did not return phone calls to the Citizen, and his mentor, Kelley Williams, also could not be reached.
Jennings, who has been playing in games in New York this week, signed a letter of intent to play at Arizona eight months ago.
Since then, he’s been named a McDonald’s All-American and was named the No. 1 high school recruit after playing for Oak Hill Academy in Mouth of Wilson, Va.
Jennings has said he would have no problem playing in Europe, which could lead to lucrative shoe and player contracts.
He also could declare for the NBA draft after one season in Europe. The NBA has an age requirement of 19. Jennings is 18.
