NEW YORK (AP) -- 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."
 
   (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)
   APTV-06-25-09 2141CDT