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PHOENIX -- Where Amazing Happens is the catch-phrase the NBA has embraced the past few years.
As a kid growing up in Compton, Calif., Raptors rookie DeMar DeRozan saw plenty of amazing feats produced by Brandon Jennings, who posted the season's most eye-popping moment by going off for 55 points in Milwaukee's win over Golden State on Saturday.
"When I was told what Brandon did, I wasn't surprised,'' DeRozan said. "He's capable of doing that easily."
DeRozan and Jennings were on the same youth team in Grade 6. They each came into the NBA this past June.
"I've seen him do a lot of amazing things,'' DeRozan said. "I remember one game where he had 27 assists. For him to score 55 points, that's just Brandon."
Jennings went against the grain by electing to bypass college to play in Italy.
Had he gone to school, Arizona was Jennings' choice.
Jennings is the early hands-down favourite to win the NBA's rookie of the year.
He went 10th overall, one slot after Toronto chose DeRozan, and refused to work out for the Raptors.
The word cocky is often used by NBA officials to describe Jennings, but DeRozan has a different take.
"Brandon is confident,'' DeRozan said. "It's his confidence that pushes him to do stuff like that (pouring in 55 points). The dude is good."
No rookie in NBA history has ever scored 50 points in a game this early into his career.
Remarkably, Jennings, who has played seven games in the NBA, went scoreless in the opening quarter.
