Emmanuel Mudiay, who a few days ago announced he would forgo his college eligibility and play basketball overseas, has signed a one year contact to play professionally in China, according to multiple media reports.
Mudiay initially signed a letter of intent to play at SMU under legendary coach Larry Brown, but, citing family financial needs, he decided to leave and pursue a paying contract either in Europe or Asia. There were also reports that the NCAA was examining his amateur status, which may have factored into his decision to play overseas.
"The NCAA is on him," a source told ESPN when Mudiay decided to leave SMU. "And he's worried."
Mudiay would most likely have played just one season of college basketball before entering the NBA draft in 2015. His decision to play in China will allow him a year of seasoning before he takes on the NBA. Mudiay, a 6-5 point guard, will earn $1.2 million in China, according to reports. He will suit up for the Guangdong Southern Tigers of the China Basketball Association
One coach who has spent time in China feels Mudiay will have a major adjustment to make.
"He'll be able to athletically overwhelm other players in China," the coach told ESPN, "but the key with him will be socially. That won't be easy."
Mudiay is a highly-skilled guard who will likely be a lottery selection in the 2015 NBA Draft. Some scouts think he has the possibility to be the number one overall pick. He will follow in the footsteps of Brandon Jennings, the current Detroit Pistons guard who opted to play a year of professional basketball in Italy rather than participate at the collegiate level.