Brandon Jennings facts for kids
Jennings with the Washington Wizards in 2017
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| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | September 23, 1989 Compton, California, U.S. |
| High school |
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| Listed height | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) |
| Listed weight | 170 lb (77 kg) |
| Career information | |
| NBA Draft | 2009 / Round: 1 / Pick: 10th overall |
| Selected by the Milwaukee Bucks | |
| Pro career | 2008–2018 |
| Career history | |
| 2008–2009 | Lottomatica Roma |
| 2009–2013 | Milwaukee Bucks |
| 2013–2016 | Detroit Pistons |
| 2015 | →Grand Rapids Drive |
| 2016 | Orlando Magic |
| 2016–2017 | New York Knicks |
| 2017 | Washington Wizards |
| 2017 | Shanxi Brave Dragons |
| 2018 | Wisconsin Herd |
| 2018 | Milwaukee Bucks |
| 2018 | Zenit Saint Petersburg |
| Career highlights and awards | |
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Brandon Byron Jennings (born September 23, 1989) is a former professional basketball player from the United States. He played for nine seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Brandon is famous for being the first American high school player to skip college basketball and play professionally in Europe.
After finishing high school at Oak Hill Academy, Jennings played for a professional basketball team called Lottomatica Roma in Rome, Italy. After one year overseas, he decided to join the 2009 NBA draft. He was picked 10th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks. Brandon played four seasons with the Bucks before being traded to the Detroit Pistons in 2013. He then played for the Pistons for three seasons. In 2016, he was traded to the Orlando Magic. He also played for the New York Knicks and Washington Wizards in the 2016–17 season. He had a final time with the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2017–18 season. Jennings also played basketball in China and Russia.
Contents
Brandon's Early Life
Brandon Jennings was born in Compton, California. His mother's name is Alice Knox. He has a half-brother named Terrence Phillips, who also played basketball for the Missouri Tigers. Brandon's father passed away when he was young.
High School Basketball Career
Jennings went to Dominguez High School in Compton for his first two years of high school. Before his junior year, he moved to Oak Hill Academy in Mouth of Wilson, Virginia. In the 2006–2007 season, he helped his team achieve an amazing 41 wins and only 1 loss. They were ranked as the top high school team by USA Today.
In his final year of high school, Jennings scored an average of 35.5 points per game. He set a school record by scoring 1,312 points in one season. Because of his great performance, he won many top high school basketball awards. These included the 2008 Naismith Prep Player of the Year Award and the 2008 Parade Magazine Player of the Year. He was also ranked as the number one high school basketball player for 2008 by Scout.com and ESPNU.
Deciding Not to Play College Basketball
In August 2006, Jennings first planned to join the USC college team. Then, in April 2007, he changed his mind and decided to play for the Arizona Wildcats. He liked Arizona's good teachers and wanted to play with Jerryd Bayless.
In June 2008, Jennings announced a big decision. He was thinking about being the first American player to skip college and play professionally in Europe. The NBA rule says players must be at least 19 years old and one year out of high school to join the league. This meant Jennings could not enter the 2008 NBA draft right away. He said his main goal was to play in the NBA. He believed playing overseas would help him gain experience and earn money until he was old enough for the NBA.
Professional Basketball Journey
Playing for Lottomatica Roma (2008–2009)
On July 16, 2008, Brandon Jennings signed a contract with Lottomatica Roma. This team plays in the Italian Serie A league. His contract with Roma was worth $1.65 million. After signing with Lottomatica, Under Armour also gave Jennings a $2 million contract. This was to show off their products in the Euroleague. Jennings was the first American player to go straight from high school to play professionally in Europe. This happened after the NBA put in its age restriction rule.
During the 2008–09 Serie A season, Jennings averaged 5.5 points in about 17 minutes per game. He played in 27 games. In 16 Euroleague games, he averaged 7.6 points in about 19.6 minutes per game.
Milwaukee Bucks (2009–2013)
The Milwaukee Bucks picked Brandon Jennings tenth overall in the 2009 NBA draft. He became the first player who skipped college to play professional basketball in Europe to be drafted by an NBA team. Jennings played his first NBA regular season game on October 30, 2009, against the Philadelphia 76ers. He almost achieved a "triple-double" (scoring double digits in three different stats). He had 17 points, 9 rebounds, and 9 assists in 34 minutes.
On November 14, 2009, in only his seventh NBA game, Jennings scored an amazing 55 points! This happened in a win against the Golden State Warriors. His 55 points broke the team record for most points by a rookie. That record was previously held by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in 1970. It was also the most points any rookie had scored since 1968. He became the youngest player ever to score 55 points.
Jennings started all 82 games as a rookie. He helped the Bucks reach the playoffs for the first time in four seasons. They lost to the Atlanta Hawks in seven games. He finished third in the voting for the NBA Rookie of the Year Award.
On October 30, 2010, Jennings recorded his first "triple-double." He had 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in a win against the Charlotte Bobcats. On December 15, 2010, Jennings broke his left foot. He missed 19 games while recovering from surgery. He scored a season-high 37 points against the New York Knicks on March 25, 2011. The Bucks missed the playoffs that year.
The NBA season started late in 2011 due to a "lockout" (a work stoppage). Jennings played in the Drew League to stay in shape. He played and started in all 66 games of the shortened season. He achieved career highs with 19.1 points and 1.6 steals per game. The Bucks missed the playoffs again.
Before the 2012–13 season, Jennings wanted a long-term contract. He said he would not return to Milwaukee if they did not agree to one. During the Bucks' first home game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Jennings made a game-winning three-point shot at the buzzer. This won the game for the Bucks. He teamed up with Monta Ellis, forming a strong backcourt. The Milwaukee team returned to the playoffs for the first time since Jennings' rookie year. They were swept (lost 4-0) by the reigning champions, the Miami Heat. After losing Game 2, Jennings famously said the Bucks would win the series in six games. This phrase, "Bucks in 6," became very popular with fans. It was used again during the 2021 NBA Playoffs when the Bucks won the NBA Finals, also in six games. Jennings was later invited to the team's championship parade.
Detroit Pistons (2013–2016)
On July 31, 2013, Jennings was traded to the Detroit Pistons. The Pistons sent Brandon Knight, Khris Middleton, and Viacheslav Kravtsov to Milwaukee. Jennings signed a three-year contract with the Pistons, reportedly worth $25 million.
On December 5, 2013, Jennings returned to Milwaukee to play against his old team. The Pistons won 105–98, and Jennings finished with 17 points and 11 assists. On January 11, 2014, in a game against the Phoenix Suns, Jennings made 16 assists in the first half. This tied a team record set by Isiah Thomas.
On January 16, 2015, Jennings scored a season-high 37 points in a 98–96 win over the Indiana Pacers. Five days later, he had 24 points and a career-high 21 assists in a 128–118 win over the Orlando Magic. He was the first player since Steve Nash in 2009 to have a game with at least 20 points and 20 assists.
On January 25, 2015, Jennings was ruled out for the rest of the season. He had a serious injury to his left Achilles tendon, which needed surgery. For that season, he averaged 15.4 points, 6.6 assists, and 1.1 steals in 41 games.
On December 17, 2015, Jennings went to the Grand Rapids Drive. This is the Pistons' minor league team, for rehabilitation. In his first game with the Drive on December 19, Jennings had a "double-double" (double digits in two stats). He scored 11 points and had 12 assists. He returned to the Pistons the next day. On December 29, Jennings played his first game of the season for the Pistons. He scored seven points and had four assists.
Orlando Magic (2016)
On February 16, 2016, Jennings was traded to the Orlando Magic. He joined the Magic along with Ersan İlyasova. In return, the Pistons received Tobias Harris. The next day, he played his first game with the Magic. They won 110–104 against the Dallas Mavericks. Jennings scored 18 points, had three rebounds, and four assists in 25 minutes.
New York Knicks (2016–2017)
On July 8, 2016, Jennings signed with the New York Knicks. He played his first game for the Knicks on October 25, 2016, against the Cleveland Cavaliers. He scored seven points, had three rebounds, and five assists in 21 minutes. On December 31, he set a new season high with 32 points in a loss to the Houston Rockets.
On February 27, 2017, the Knicks released him from the team. He had asked to be traded because he wasn't getting much playing time and the team wasn't winning.
Washington Wizards (2017)
On March 1, 2017, Jennings signed with the Washington Wizards. That year, the Wizards won their division for the first time in 38 years. They lost to Boston in seven games in the Eastern Conference semi-finals.
Shanxi Brave Dragons (2017)
On July 28, 2017, Jennings agreed to a one-year, $1.5 million deal. He went to play for the Shanxi Brave Dragons in the Chinese Basketball Association. On December 9, 2017, the Shanxi team released him. In 13 games, he averaged 27.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, 6.8 assists, and 2.7 steals per game.
Wisconsin Herd (2018)
On February 13, 2018, Jennings joined the Wisconsin Herd. This team is part of the NBA G League, which is like a minor league for the NBA.
Return to Milwaukee (2018)
On March 11, 2018, Jennings signed a 10-day contract with the Milwaukee Bucks. This was his second time playing for the team. The next day, in his first game back with the Bucks, Jennings almost had a triple-double. He scored 16 points and had 12 assists in a 121–103 win over the Memphis Grizzlies. He signed another 10-day contract on March 21, and then a multi-year contract on April 1. On August 1, 2018, the Bucks released him.
Zenit Saint Petersburg (2018)
On August 20, 2018, Jennings signed a one-year deal with the Russian team Zenit Saint Petersburg. They play in the VTB United League. His contract with Zenit ended on November 20, 2018, after only 10 games. This happened days after he posted on Instagram saying he would "never play for a team and the dad is coaching his SON! Never again!" The father-son duo at the club at that time were Vasily Karasev (the coach) and Sergey Karasev (a player).
Career Statistics
NBA Regular Season Stats
| Year | Team | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009–10 | Milwaukee | 82* | 82* | 32.6 | .371 | .374 | .817 | 3.4 | 5.7 | 1.3 | .2 | 15.5 |
| 2010–11 | Milwaukee | 63 | 61 | 34.4 | .390 | .323 | .809 | 3.7 | 4.8 | 1.5 | .3 | 16.2 |
| 2011–12 | Milwaukee | 66* | 66* | 35.3 | .418 | .332 | .808 | 3.4 | 5.5 | 1.6 | .3 | 19.1 |
| 2012–13 | Milwaukee | 80 | 80 | 36.2 | .399 | .375 | .819 | 3.1 | 6.5 | 1.6 | .1 | 17.5 |
| 2013–14 | Detroit | 80 | 79 | 34.1 | .373 | .337 | .751 | 3.1 | 7.6 | 1.3 | .1 | 15.5 |
| 2014–15 | Detroit | 41 | 41 | 28.6 | .401 | .360 | .839 | 2.5 | 6.6 | 1.1 | .1 | 15.4 |
| 2015–16 | Detroit | 23 | 1 | 18.1 | .371 | .312 | .711 | 2.0 | 3.0 | .5 | .1 | 6.8 |
| 2015–16 | Orlando | 25 | 6 | 18.1 | .366 | .346 | .750 | 2.0 | 4.0 | .7 | .2 | 7.0 |
| 2016–17 | New York | 58 | 11 | 24.6 | .380 | .340 | .756 | 2.6 | 4.9 | .9 | .1 | 8.6 |
| 2016–17 | Washington | 23 | 2 | 16.3 | .274 | .212 | .706 | 1.9 | 4.7 | .7 | .0 | 3.5 |
| 2017–18 | Milwaukee | 14 | 0 | 14.6 | .375 | .273 | 1.000 | 2.2 | 3.1 | .4 | .3 | 5.2 |
| Career | 555 | 429 | 30.3 | .387 | .345 | .796 | 3.0 | 5.7 | 1.2 | .2 | 14.1 | |
NBA Playoff Stats
| Year | Team | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Milwaukee | 7 | 7 | 35.6 | .408 | .293 | .808 | 3.0 | 3.6 | 1.1 | .6 | 18.7 |
| 2013 | Milwaukee | 4 | 4 | 33.3 | .298 | .214 | .722 | 2.3 | 4.0 | 2.3 | .3 | 13.3 |
| 2017 | Washington | 13 | 0 | 13.7 | .389 | .154 | .875 | 1.5 | 1.8 | .2 | .0 | 2.8 |
| 2018 | Milwaukee | 1 | 0 | 5.0 | .000 | .000 | 1.000 | .0 | .0 | .0 | .0 | 2.0 |
| Career | 25 | 11 | 22.6 | .372 | .238 | .796 | 2.0 | 2.6 | .8 | .2 | 8.9 | |
EuroLeague Stats
| Year | Team | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG | PIR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008–09 | Lottomatica Roma | 16 | 7 | 19.6 | .387 | .268 | .774 | 1.6 | 1.6 | 1.2 | .1 | 7.6 | 5.1 |
| Career | 16 | 7 | 19.6 | .387 | .268 | .774 | 1.6 | 1.6 | 1.2 | .1 | 7.6 | 5.1 | |
Awards and Achievements
Brandon Jennings received many awards throughout his career:
- 2005 Press Telegram Freshmen Player of the Year
- Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the 2006 Les Schwab Invitational Tournament
- Co-MVP of the 2007 Elite 24 Hoops Classic (with Tyreke Evans)
- 2007 Third-team Parade All-American
- 2007 Las Vegas Easter Classic Most Valuable Player
- 2007 NBAPS Top 100 High School Camp Best Playmaker
- 2007 The Goazcats.com Showdown Most Valuable Player
- 2008 Naismith Male Player of the Year
- 2007–08 Gatorade Player of the Year Virginia
- 2008 Parade Magazine Player of the Year
- 2008 EA SPORTS National Player of the Year
- 2008 McDonald's All-American
- 2008 First-team Parade All-American
- 2007–08 MaxPreps National Player of the Year
- 2008 Jordan Brand Classic Most Valuable Player for the East
- Ranked No. 1 senior by ESPN (2008)
- Ranked No. 1 senior by Van Coleman Hoopmaster (2008)
- Ranked No. 1 senior by Clark Franics Hoopscoop (2007 and 2008)
- Ranked No. 1 senior by Dave Telep Scout.com 2008
- Eastern Conference NBA Rookie of the Month (October/November 2009)
- Eastern Conference NBA Rookie of the Month (December 2009)
- Eastern Conference NBA Rookie of the Month (January 2010)
- 2009–10 NBA 1st Team All-Rookie (chosen by everyone)
Basketball Records
NBA Records
- Youngest player in NBA history to score 50 or more points in a game.
- He was 20 years, 52 days old.
- He scored 55 points for the Milwaukee Bucks against the Golden State Warriors on November 14, 2009.
- Ranks 2nd in NBA history for:
- Field goals made in a quarter: 12, in the third quarter, for the Milwaukee Bucks vs. Golden State Warriors, on November 14, 2009.
- He is tied with six other players who made 12 field goals in a quarter.
- The NBA record is 13, held by David Thompson and Klay Thompson.
Milwaukee Bucks Team Records
As a Rookie
- Most points in a game by a rookie: 55, vs. Golden State Warriors, on November 14, 2009.
- This is tied for the 4th highest score by a rookie in NBA history.
- Most field goals made in a game by a rookie: 21, vs. Golden State Warriors, on November 14, 2009.
Team Records
- Most points in a half: 45, in the second half, vs. Golden State Warriors, on November 14, 2009.
- Most points in a quarter: 29, in the third quarter, vs. Golden State Warriors, on November 14, 2009.
- Most field goals made in a half: 17, in the second half, vs. Golden State Warriors, on November 14, 2009.
- Most field goals made in a quarter: 12, in the third quarter, vs. Golden State Warriors, on November 14, 2009.
Personal Life and Charity
After the 2009 L'Aquila earthquake in Italy, Jennings donated $50,000 to help the victims.
Jennings also took part in Steve Nash's "Showdown in Chinatown" charity soccer match. This event happened in New York City on June 24, 2010.
Images for kids
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Jennings with the Washington Wizards in 2017
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Jennings in 2009
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Jennings with the Pistons in 2014.
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Jennings with the Knicks
See also
In Spanish: Brandon Jennings para niños
