Is Jeremy Tyler Being ‘Pimped’?

↵Jeremy Tyler, the star high school junior who will ditch America for two years of professional basketball in Spain before hitting the 2011 NBA draft, has drawn more admiration and credit for his decision than you’d expect. Blame (or credit) the NCAA for much of that -- the belief that the collegiate association is ruthless in its pursuit to profit off its athletes has never been stronger. Even David Stern has spoken about Tyler’s decision in positive terms, pointing out that college, the D-League and Europe are all viable and acceptable routes to the lig.
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↵But there’s at least one prominent detractor: former NBA journeyman Olden Polynice. O.P.‘s credibility in this matter comes not from his mundane pro career, but his knowledge of the situation, as Polynice was a volunteer assistant for Tyler’s high school team this season. O.P. is high on Tyler, but doesn’t appear to feel good about the Europe decision. Pete Thamel of the New York Times explains.↵↵⇥Polynice disagrees with Tyler’s decision to go to Europe. He said Tyler was being “pimped;” he would not elaborate.
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↵⇥Tyler has a different opinion. “People can have their own agendas and opinion,” he said. “That’s fine. I have no hesitation at all going. I’m straightforward on everything.”↵↵As Brandon Jennings will still go Top 10 in this June’s draft, ex-sneaker mogul Sonny Vaccaro has avoided criticism for the first major prospect-to-Europe move. But if voices like that of Polynice keep popping up, Sonny’s name is going to be headed back in the wrong direction.↵