Milwaukee coach Scott Skiles knows a good point guard when he sees one, and he definitely saw something in Brandon Jennings.

Skiles made Jennings the quarterback of his team from Day 1 and the 20-year-old rookie point guard with an old-school game has rewarded his head coach with an amazing season.

Showing great leadership skills and incredible poise in his first time in the postseason, the confident and talented Mr. Jennings single-handedly pushed the underdog Bucks – who were without leading scorers Andrew Bogut and Michael Redd – to a Game 7 against the Atlanta Hawks, and his accelerated learning curve is something the Bucks can benefit from in the future.

Jennings mixes a blend of technically sound decisions with a little bit of And-1-Mixed-Tape flare. His game is comparable to a young Kenny Anderson, but with a much better jump shot.

“To be a great point guard, you have to be a vocal leader and you have to take chances,” said Jennings, whose Kid ‘N Play haircut shows his affinity for pop culture history and his fearlessness. Not many kids can pull off the Kid ‘N Play look.

When asked what he has learned in his playoffs debut, Jennings said: “Just keep fighting. “I just kept attacking. I got a little motivation before the game. It made me come out and play aggressive,” said the 6-foot-1 left-hander, who has bumped up his scoring average from 15.5 to 20.8 in the playoffs.

When asked specifically if the Rookie of the Year voting breakdown had a little something to do with his perked up energy and extra incentive in the playoffs, Jennings replied: “Maybe.”

Rookie point guard Brandon Jennings leads the Bucks in scoring in the playoffs. (NBAE/GETTY IMAGES)

“Scott Skiles told me something right around the All-Star break that Brandon Jennings wasn’t getting credit for being a student of the game and gym rat, and I think that’s what’s starting to show now,” former NBA forward and current NBATV studio analyst Dennis Scott said on “NBA Game Time.”

“Last year, going over to Italy, people thinking it was a bad move, he didn’t show well and maybe that’s why he slipped in the draft. Now, he’s proven why he went No. 10 and why him and Scott Skiles are on the same page. He’s proven he’s one of the elite point guards in his young career.”

Eric Snow, a former NBA point guard and now a commentator on NBATV’s “Game Time,” said Jennings doesn’t get enough credit for being able to absorb the NBA game in such a short amount of time after spending one season in the Italian League last season.

“He has kept his team afloat and kept them with their sharpness all the time, and a lot of it has to do because Scott Skiles demands it,” Snow said. “When he first got the starting position, most of us were shocked because it was so sudden, so early in the season. But Scott has seen something in him and he’s been able to display that all season long.”

So, who is the better rookie point guard: Steph Curry or Brandon Jennings?

“Steph Curry may be more [talented], but Curry to me wouldn’t be a better fit for Scott Skiles. Jennings has the right mode, the right mentality, and still a little feisty.”

Snow added: “Playing point guard in the NBA is extremely tough, especially for a young guy. It’s hard to command that respect because you’re trying to learn at the same time.”

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Before we crown Brandon Jennings this season’s rookie of the year, let’s not overlook a young King in Sacramento who is quietly putting together just as good of a season – if not better.

Tyreke Evans doesn’t get the same media attention as Jennings because he plays for a small-market team in Northern California and, unless you have the NBA League Pass, you won’t find his games on national TV.

But the lack of exposure hasn’t stopped the 6-foot-6, 220-pound point guard/shooting out of Memphis from establishing his position as a top rookie candidate, and he has more than filled the vacuum left by leading scorer Kevin Martin, who has been out since Nov. 6 because of an injured wrist.

Whether he’s at the point or on the wing, Evans’ ability to influence games with his versatility and aggressive, attacking style is a big reason why the Kings have remained competitive in the Western Conference.

In the year of the rookie point guards, Evans and Jennings have distinguished themselves from fellow first-year players such as Darren Collison (New Orleans), Jonny Flynn (Minnesota), Eric Maynor (Utah), Toney Douglas (New York) and Ty Lawson (Denver).

Ever since his 55-point outburst on Nov. 14 against Golden State, Jennings has been given his own highlight segment nightly on SportsCenter. But when you compare Jennings’ and Evans’ individual statistics, Evans is right on his tail on a few of categories and a lot better in others.

Jennings has a slightly higher average in points (21.1 to 20.2) and assists (5.7 to 5.1), but Evans is ahead in steals (1.4 to 1.0), owns a higher shooting percentage (46% to 41%), has a big advantage in rebounds (5.0 to 3.9) and gets to the free throw line more frequently (121 to 82).

The only significant aspect of the game that Jennings is more superior than Evans is 3-point shooting. Jennings has knocked down 43 of 100 (43%) 3-pointers while Evans has made just 11 of 40 (27%).

Evans and second-year forward Jason Thompson have thrived under Paul Westphal’s player-friendly offense and both young guns have pushed Sacramento into the top tier in terms offensive production. Thompson is averaging 2.6 (14.2) more points and 1.3 (9) more rebounds per game.

Jennings appears to be slowing with the physical nature of the game wearing down his body. Evans is built for the pro game and he should only get better as the season progresses.

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Two years ago, Brandon Jennings put his basketball career on the line when he signed with Italian club Lottomatica Virtus Roma of the Euroleague.

At the time, the decision was considered both risky and a huge gamble financially. If Jennings’ European experiment fails and he falls flat on his face in the Italian ruins, his chances of coming back to the States and playing in the NBA would be nothing but a dream. But if Jennings succeeded in Europe, he could change the way high school players perceive playing in the Euroleague and at the time he would improve his draft stock.

Very few people thought Jennings could pull it off. Basically, it was Jennings, his mother and brother, and Sonny Vaccaro. That’s it.

The Milwaukee Bucks have found a gem in point guard Brandon Jennings.

When the Milwaukee Bucks selected Jennings with the 10th pick in the NBA draft last June, they knew they got a good player but who would have thought Jennings would be GREAT. Probably himself, his mother and brother and Sonny Vaccaro.

Jennings has certainly made the Bucks look good with their gamble and made the all the naysayers look extremely foolish.

The 6-1 point guard is averaging 25.5 points per game, which ranks him eighth in the NBA and 5.5 assists. He’s also making 54% of his 3-point shots, something most scouts didn’t think he could do based on how he shot the ball in Europe.

Jennings punched his ticket on the Rookie of the Year ballot with a 55-point game on Nov. 14 against Golden State.

Jennings, born and raised in Los Angeles, admitted that even though it was tough sledding for him during his first weeks in Italy, he persevered and said his one-year stint in Europe helped him grow as a person and gave him the confidence that he can compete at the pro level.

The fact that Jennings survived his European odyssey and is currently thriving in the NBA makes Vaccaro believe “the kid” has already succeeded.

“Brandon Jennings played the mental game and won,” Vaccaro said.

Based on what Jennings has done so far on the court, hard to argue against Vaccaro’s sentiment.

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The Indiana Pacers have nothing but great things to say about first-round pick Tyler Hansbrough.

The NBA Summer Pro League is the best place to evaluate a rookie, a second-year player or a developmental league player looking for a guaranteed contract. If a player can survive and thrive in the summer league, they will most likely survive and thrive in the NBA. The summer league is where coaches, scouts and general managers get to see their prized rookies during the controlled scrimmages and find out if they scored a home run or struck out in the draft.

There were a handful of first- and second-year players who stood head and shoulders above the rest. They were (in no particular order):

BLAKE GRIFFIN, L.A. Clippers, PF: Named the most outstanding player of the Las Vegas Summer Pro League. In his summer league debut, the No. 1 overall pick scored 27 points on 11-of-15 shooting from the field and grabbed 12 rebounds. Against the Memphis Grizzlies and their top rookie Hasheem Thabeet, Griffin scored 18 points, grabbed 15 rebounds and lowered the boom on the Griz with three spectacular dunks in the first half. He is the most NBA-ready player from the class of 2009. The 6-10, 250-pound man child from the University of Oklahoma has tremendous bounce off the floor and a terrific athlete for a true power forward. He runs the floor incredibly well and attacks the rim with force. The Clippers are extremely happy to have Mr. Griffin and he should complement second-year guard Eric Gordon and PG Baron Davis.As long as he doesn’t get hurt, Griffin is a lock to be the 2010 NBA rookie of the year.

No. 1 overall pick Blake Griffin was named the most outstanding player in the Las Vegas Summer Pro League. (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

RUSSELL WESTBROOK, Oklahoma City Thunder, PG: The second-year point guard was easily the best player in the Orlando Summer League. The former UCLA standout showed great explosion on his dribble drives and finished strong at the rim. Westbrook was paired with rookie SG James Harden and the two lit up the scoreboard and played like vets. After a solid rookie season, Westbrook is primed for a breakout season and validate OKC’s gamble in last year’s draft.

TYLER HANSBROUGH, Indiana Pacers, SF-PF: The Pacers definitely got their money’s worth with this pick. Hansbrough is a coach’s dream, and Coach Jim O’Brien is gushing about his prized rookie. “The first thing that he brings is intensity and an energy level that very few people that I’ve been around in my life can bring to a practice,” O’Brien said of Hansbrough, who was named to the All-Summer League first team in Orlando.

Stephen Curry will don the Golden State Warriors uniform this season. Curry is joined by his father, Dell (left), and mother, Sonya. (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

STEPHEN CURRY, Golden State Warriors, PG: The book on Curry was that he is a lights out shooter with a quick release and unlimited range. What the book didn’t say about the son of former NBA sharp-shooter Dell Curry is his court awareness. One scout at the Vegas Summer League said Curry has “super court savvy” and is “deceptively good getting to the basket.” Don Nelson has been able to find gems in the past (Mitch Richmond, Tim Hardaway, Latrell Sprewell, Dirk Nowitzki and Josh Howard) and Curry is no exception. In five games, Curry averaged 17 points and made 10 of 29 3-pointers.

TYREKE EVANS, Sacramento Kings, PG-SG: Whether he’ll end up as a point guard or shooting guard with the Kings, one thing is certain – Evans is a player. At 6-5 and 190 pounds, he has the size and the athleticism to get his own shot, creating a lot of matchup problems against smaller backcourts, and he can defend. He’ll pair up quite nicely with 6-6 SG Kevin Martin. One scout said Evans “looked smooth.” Against the Milwaukee Bucks’ summer league team, Evans poured in 33 points and got to the free-throw line 19 times, converting 17 of them. He also added seven rebounds and seven assists. Now that’s a stat line!

BRANDON JENNINGS,  Milwaukee Bucks, PG: The Euroleague experience has definitely paid off for Jennings. The 6-1 left-hander looks comfortable running pick-and-rolls and his body has matured enough to point where he can get in the painted area, set up teammates or score on his own. He averaged 14.6 points and a summer-league best 8.2 assists. His quick hands were also on display, averaging 3.6 steals per game. Bucks coach Scott Skiles has liked what he has seen so far from his future point guard. Against the Sacramento Kings, Jennings scored 13 points, dished out 14 assists and racked up a summer pro league record seven steals.

ANTHONY RANDOLPH, Golden State Warriors, SF-PF: Another great find by Don Nelson. The versatile forward lit up the Vegas Summer League circuit with a then-record 42 points against the Chicago Bulls. However which way you spin it, scoring 42 points is impressive regardless of the level of competition. Randolph made 13 of 22 field goals and 16 of 21 free throws. When asked about his explosive effort, he said he was disappointed he only got three rebounds.

GEORGE HILL, PG-SG, and DeJUAN BLAIR, PF, San Antonio Spurs: The San Antonio Spurs’ youth movement has officially started. Hill, a 6-2 combo guard with freakishly long arms, is a very steady and very smooth player with the potential to be a lock-down defender for Coach Gregg Popovich. Hill plays under control and his facial expression never changes – it’s the Tim Duncan influence. Blair is playing with a huge cinder block on his shoulders, proving to scouts that he probably should have been taken in the first round instead of the second round. The 6-7, 265-pound former Pitt standout averaged 16.3 points, 8.7 rebounds and shot 53% from the field.

CHASE BUDINGER, Houston Rockets, SF: The former Arizona Wildcat was somewhat of a surprise in the Vegas Summer League. The 6-7 small forward showed he can get his own shot and a quick bounce off the floor. He averaged 18 points a game to lead the Rockets and shot 68% from the field and 94% from the free throw line in five games. Not bad for a second-round pick.

HONORABLE MENTION: Anthony Morrow, Golden State – The undrafted guard from Georgia Tech established a summer league record 47 points against the New Orleans Hornets.  DeMar DeRozan, Toronto Raptors – The one-and-done USC guard-forward was coveted by Toronto from Day 1, and he has not anything to disappoint the Raptors. Rodrigue Beaubois, Dallas Mavericks, G: Mavs owner Mark Cuban calls his outstanding rookie from France “Roddy Buckets.” He had a 34-point game against Houston on July 11. Jodie Meeks, Milwaukee Bucks – Another second-round draft pick who played well in Vegas. The former Kentucky sharpshooter led the Bucks in scoring at 19 per game and made 53% of his 3-pointers. Darren Collison, New Orleans Hornets – Hornets coach Byron Scott loves the way Collison plays the game: hard and fast. Jonny Flynn, Minnesota Timberwolves – Not the top guard in the Vegas Summer League, but showed he can handle the point. James Harden, Oklahoma City Thunder – Surprisingly athletic and has the ability to put the ball on the floor and create shots for himself.

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Brandon Jennings, who plays for Lottomatica Virtus Roma, has gone from high school star to European League neophyte. (REUTERS)

If college and professional basketball were caught in a Matrix, Brandon Jennings would be an anomaly. He is the glitch in the system. He’s the worm virus that everyone needs to pay attention to because the impact could cause a complete overhaul of the system.

A year ago, Jennings was considered the best high school player in the country out of Oak Hill Academy (Va.) with his sights set on Tucson, Ariz., to play for the University of Arizona and follow the road taken by past standout Wildcat point guards such as Steve Kerr, Damon Stoudamire, Mike Bibby, Jason Terry and Gilbert Arenas. But when Jennings did not meet the academic requirements, the Compton, Calif., native was knocked off the fast lane to stardom and was faced with a very difficult decision.

Because Jennings was too young to enter the NBA draft, he needed to take a different route, a path that landed him 7,000 miles away from home. He decided to play professionally in Europe, becoming the first high-profile high school player to make this move.

Instead of living in a college dorm,  Jennings is now making a living in Rome as a member of Italy’s Lottomatica Virtus Roma. Instead of attending 8 a.m. classes, he works out with his pro team for three hours in the morning and repeats the process later in the afternoon. Instead of battling Tyreke Evans and Greg Monroe for freshman of the year honors, he’s battling Ibrahim Jaaber, Rueben Douglas and Sani Becirovic for playing time.

And instead of preparing to play against top-seeded Louisville in the Sweet 16 with the 12th-seeded Arizona Wildcats, Jennings is preparing to play in Serie A against Carife Ferrara this Sunday.

During an interview with HBO’s Real Sports, the 19-year-old basketball pioneer revealed to Bryant Gumbel that the transition from high school star to Euroleague rookie has not been easy. Though Jennings is making the best of the situation, he is clearly homesick and is counting the days when he returns to the States.

Off the court, he’s had to adjust to a completely different culture and a more subdued lifestyle. On the court, his still-maturing body has been overwhelmed by some of the European veterans who could care less that he was a McDonald’s All-American. “It could be worse,” Gumbel said about playing in Europe, to which Jennings replied, “It could be. I could be in college. I could be in class right now.”

During his senior year at Oak Hill, Jennings averaged 15 points a game. Through 21 games in the Italian League, he’s averaging less than eight points. “I’m playing against grown men,” Jennings said. “I’m playing against guys that are way stronger than me. Guys with a lot more experience.”

Despite being thousands of miles away from his basketball dream and the ups-and-downs of his European experience, Jennings has not wavered on his decision to spurn the books in favor of booking a flight to Italy and getting a head start on his pro career. It’s a calculated risk that Jennings is willing to roll with, hoping that his name would be synonymous with Curt Flood and not Maurice Clarett.

“It’s the best decision I’ve made so far,” said Jennings, who credits Sonny Vaccaro for authoring the idea of having high school players play overseas for a year.

Vaccaro, a former high-powered shoe executive turned Father Flanagan, firmly believes that high school players should be afforded an option. So, when Jennings reached out to him, Vaccaro agreed to advise him and helped negotiate a deal with Virtus Roma.

Jennings ended up signing a three-year professional contract that pays him $1.2 million a year, complete with a three-bedroom apartment, a car and tuition for his younger brother. There is a clause in the contract that will allow Jennings to apply for the NBA draft once he fulfills his one-year obligation with the team.

The fact that Jennings has been able to survive his European odyssey, Vaccaro believes “the kid” has already succeeded. “I think he’ll go in the Lottery, and I think I’m going against public opinion right now,” Vaccaro said. “Brandon Jennings played the mental game and won.”

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