Prep star’s pick to play in Europe causes waves

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Walton is all for college, having played for John Wooden at UCLA. His four sons all played college basketball and graduated, including Luke, who plays for the Jeremy Tyler’s favorite team, the Los Angeles Lakers.

But Walton said this is a different situation, and he admires and respects Tyler’s decision. “He is clearly very talented and with the whole world at his feet, he can really go and do something that is going to be fun, worthwhile, extremely educational and make his life better,” he said.

When they’re not running Annie Belle’s Famous Wings & Greens in a strip mall, members of Tyler’s family will be with him in whatever country he lands.

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Tyler said people who criticize his decision don’t understand what he was facing every game last season — the triple-teams, the hacking, being limited to playing the middle when he feels he has much more to his game.

“I was the best player in San Diego this year and it was boring. Next year, it would be extremely boring,” Tyler said. “I’d go into the game with no enthusiasm.”

Tyler has been working out with Tony Bland, a former player at Syracuse and San Diego State. Vaccaro has advised the family to hire both an American agent and a European agent. Jeremy Tyler is expected to work out with a professional trainer for a few weeks before trying out for teams.

The target date for deciding on a team is June 12, Jeremy’s 18th birthday.

Interestingly enough, Vaccaro wouldn’t normally recommend the move Tyler is making at his age because of cultural differences. But, he adds, “I think Jeremy can do it.”

Tyler said he’s generally been able to change people’s opinion of his decision.

“The only thing I don’t like hearing is when somebody says, ’I don’t think you’re good enough to play over there.’ And it’s like, ’OK, well thanks for telling me that, now you’re going to make me go to the gym two more extra hours.”’

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