Ex-Arizona signee Jennings agrees to contract with Virtus Roma

Former Arizona recruit Brandon Jennings has agreed to play professionally in Italy, signing with Virtus Roma.

Jennings, who played his final two high school seasons for Oak Hill Academy in Virginia, had not yet become academically eligible to play at Arizona.

"David Stern said when the age limit was put in that this wouldn't force kids to college, that they could still go to the NBDL or Europe," Sonny Vaccaro, who was instrumental in Jennings' decision, told CBSSports.com Senior Writer Gary Parrish by phone Wednesday. "Well, someone took David's advice."

His family's attorney, Jeff Valle, said that Virtus Roma offered an "aggressive multi-year contract with NBA release provisions which are fair for both parties."

A source close to Jennings told CBSSports.com the elite point guard has signed a three-year, multi-million dollar contract that features a buyout each year designed to protect the Italian team. Meantime, Vaccaro said he will accompany Jennings to Rome next week for a press conference.

As one of the top point guard recruits in the country, Jennings was expected to start for the Wildcats this season. He could not jump to the NBA, which requires players to be at least one year removed from their high school classes graduation before being eligible to play in the league.

CBSSports.com Senior Writer Gary Parrish contributed to this report.