Collegiate Hoops

Posted by CoHoops Paul Seaver

Nineteen-year-old Jeremy Tyler, the former California high school star, has signed on to play with the Tokyo Apache of Japan's professional league.

Tyler, who became the first American-born player to leave high school early and join the professional ranks, signs on with his second professional team since the decision to leave the country.

Following his junior year at San Diego High School, Tyler signed a one-year $140,000 contract with Maccabi Haifa in Isreal. However, personal reasons were sighted in his decision to leave the team two months before seasons end.

Moving onto Japan, Tyler will hope to find a better fit in the ranks of professional basketball overseas. A former, verbally committed Louisville Cardinal, he is left to deal with the decision to skip collegiate basketball and play overseas.

Jeremy Tyler's route to the NBA will take its first steps back to the United States next spring, as he will be eligible for the 2011 NBA Draft. A former projected lottery pick, Tyler's draft status has certainly not done any good in his first season as a professional, with lack a of U.S. exposure and the decision to leave Maccabi Haifa before the end of the season.

After averaging only 2.1 points and 1.9 rebounds in ten games for Maccabi Haifa, Tyler will look to improve his numbers and playing time in the land of the rising sun.

Former NBA coach, Bob Hill, who was recently hired to coach the Tokyo Apache will look to help Jeremy Tyler in obtaining his goals.

*Photo: Jeremy Tyler *Credit: maxpreps.com



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