Jennings, who would be the first high-profile player to snub college since the NBA-College One-Year Rule was implemented in 2006, has been getting hammered by pundits for his decision, which he claims isn’t a knee-jerk reaction to failed standardized tests he needed to pass in order to become eligible for the NCAA.

Nevertheless, many of those pundits fear his decision could destroy the NBA-College One-Year Rule, which requires all NBA prospects to be at least one year removed from high school before they’re eligible to enter the draft.

Let’s hope those pundits are right. I’m not ready to declare Jennings an American hero just yet, but if his decision encourages more high school phenoms to migrate to Europe for a year before they enter the NBA draft, it would be a historical development that I’d welcome with open arms.

In all likelihood, Jennings wasn’t trying to start an upheaval by slacking off in high school to the point he couldn’t even pass an NCAA entrance exam that most third-graders could ace.

However, if more players follow his lead, his academic apathy could lead to the demise of a crooked draft system that treats educational institutions like minor league organizations.

The NBA draft rule makes an absolute mockery of the academic system, which is supposed to breed student athletes, but instead produces college dropouts. Why should Jennings be forced by the system to labor through college classes for one year when he clearly has no intentions of finishing — if even starting — a degree? Why should he be punished for not wanting to take algebra and biology classes when he doesn’t want to become a teacher or a doctor?

College isn’t for everyone, and at 18 years old, Jennings should have the legal and professional support to make whatever career decision he chooses.

Because he doesn’t have that support, Jennings is forcing himself halfway across the world into a situation where he’ll be subjected to more ridicule and pressure than any teenager should have to face.

If Jennings wants to enter the NBA draft and an NBA team wants to draft him, there’s no reason that marriage should be impeded.

NBA executives will tell you the draft rule was devised to deter NBA organizations from selecting players like former high school busts Kwame Brown, Robert Swift and Gerald Green. However, considering most of the current NBA superstars were snagged right out of high school, that argument isn’t even remotely rational.

But even if the Kobe Bryants, Kevin Garnetts and LeBron James’ of the world didn’t exist, why should current and future high school prospects be punished by the past mistakes made by NBA organizations?

If it were up to me, I’d employ Dick Vitale’s NBA draft theory and offer high school prospects the following ultimatum:

A) They can enter the NBA draft right out of high school but must forfeit their college eligibility.

B) They can sign with a college team, but must play in college for at least three years.

Those options would give high school players two feasible choices, and more importantly, wouldn’t make them feel compelled to travel halfway across the world to skip college.

Alex Altman is the Sports+lifestyle editor. He can be reached at sports@statenews.com.