"I think it will be a rare situation; you're not going to see a mass exodus," said Penn State coach Coquese Washington, an ex-WNBA player. "Women's college basketball is still really fun and most kids are going to want to stick around for senior year. I don't know how many kids are going to be able to command enough money overseas to make it worthwhile to forego your eligibility."

Mike Flynn, who operates the Blue Star Report, a scouting service, and is an AAU coach, thinks Prince, 10 credits shy of graduation, can earn $400,000 a season and is likely to play in Russia. Apache Paschal, her former AAU coach and now an advisor, says the lowest offer from European, Chinese and Japanese teams is "$275,000 before bonuses."

"If she can get that kind of money and be that close to graduation, more power to her," said Washington, who earned a law degree while playing in the WNBA. "If you're making $3-4,000 a month, you might be better served staying in school, getting your degree and having a great college experience."

Still, Flynn does not expect many to follow: "Is there going to be a deluge? No. The pro game is too hard. Is it going to make women's basketball more interesting? Yes."

In recent years, Schuye. LaRue left Virginia after two years to play in Europe in 2001. Brittany Miller, now with the Detroit Shock, left during her junior season at Florida State in 2007-08 to play in Europe. Candace Parker left Tennessee a year ago with one season remaining to join the WNBA after earning two national titles and an undergraduate degree.

Prince, a 5-9 guard who averaged 19.5 points for the 21-13 Knights this past season, announced her decision on Tuesday. She plans to pick an agent in the next two weeks. She'll be eligible for the WNBA draft next April.

Paschal said the family economic situation is a key factor: "They're a family in the projects from a tough neighborhood in Brooklyn."

There's another good reason for the decision, notes Flynn, pointing out WNBA sponsorship problems and contracted rosters this season. "It's great strategy," said Flynn, pointing out WNBA sponsorship problems. "If the WNBA has problems, jobs overseas will be at a premium. She'll secure one of those premium slots."

Enlarge By Tim Larsen, AP Epiphany Prince has decided to leave Rutgers after her junior season to pursue a professional career, most likely overseas.