Brandon Jennings reverses course and shows at NBA draft after being selected No. 10

Jennings reverses course and shows at NBA draft

NEW YORK — Brandon Jennings’ first decision was to not attend the NBA draft. When he was taken 10th by the Milwaukee Bucks, he showed up.

About a half hour before the draft got under way Thursday night, Jennings’ agent released a statement that his client, who decided to play in Europe last season rather than attend college, would be with his family rather than at the draft with many of the other future NBA players.

The media in attendance speculated the decision was made because Jennings’ stock was dropping and he didn’t want to be the last — or one of the last — players left in the “green room,” the cordoned area to the side of the stage where the players sit with their family and friends while waiting to hear their name called by commissioner David Stern.

When Jennings was selected by the Bucks at No. 10, he was with his family at a private function.

“There were 20 of us, and I just felt like spending the time with them in this whole process because they have been there for me since Day 1,” said Jennings, who attended all the predraft day activities in New York. “It was better to spend it with my family.”

He left his family soon after and headed to Madison Square Garden.

After the 14th pick was announced, Stern said Jennings was in attendance and he came out and was able to have his picture taken on stage with the commissioner — just like all the players who had waited in the green room.

When Jennings did meet the media, he said he didn’t stay away because his agent, Bill Duffy, was concerned his stock had dropped.

“It wasn’t (the case),” Jennings said, “but you never want to chance it.”

The 6-foot-1 Jennings, a native of Compton, Calif., who played at Oak Hill Academy in Mouth of Wilson, Va., averaged 5.5 points and 2.3 assists for Lottomatica Virtus Roma of the Italian League last season.

“The experience I have gotten over there, you can’t complain with that,” Jennings said. “I’m not really a rookie, but I am a rookie in the NBA. This is really my second year as a pro.

“I think I’m ready. I’m more ready than a lot of these other players. A lot of these other players have a lot to learn with the pro game, but I think I’ve got it down a little bit.”