🏀 KuBuckets Archive

I just joined this sight...be easy on me if this has been a topic recently discussed.

I am very excited to have Bragg this coming season and as we know there are still top prospects unsigned. What is everyones opinion on how the added games of the World games this summer will help recruiting?

If I am a top ranked player with KU on my list and im looking for one school to set itself apart, what better recruiting tool for Self than to be able to say to these kids, you get 10 extra games this summer, against great competition and by the way every game is on espn2!

What top recruit who has nba hopes wouldnt love the idea of more games on TV when no other college players are getting to play?

IMO, this is one of the greatest recruiting gifts Self has this year and I expect another top recruit or two to committ.

What does everyone else think?

It sounds great for a KU fan, why wouldn't it be our beloved school is representing USA. I'm not sure how much it truly will impact our recruiting unless a recruit comes out and says that the extra games were a deciding factor. I doubt it would be the singular thing that sets KU apart because with us recruiting the OAD's playing time is always a big factor along with who goes to the NBA and who stays.

@Jayrawks1 I would think it would help a lot with recruiting. Even more than recruiting, our team will be so far ahead of other teams, it will be ridiculous. We'll be the ones 25-0 at this time next year, imo. We will be flat loaded for bear next year- national championship loaded...

@Jayrawks1 Welcome. You are off to a great start. Just express yourself and have fun. It is okay to vent frustrations as well. We all understand. We don't always agree, but we all have a common goal. Getting on each others nerves! (just kidding). Seriously, with some it's National Championship or bust, with others it's enjoy the ride with the ups and downs that each new season brings. Either way, we are all passionate KU FANATICS and love our Jayhawks.

As far as recruiting, the World Games further thrust our program into the National Spotlight. I think you hit on something. The chance to play on National Television for 10 extra games has got to be appealing to any young man trying to showcase his talents.

Anyway, welcome, enjoy, and you are definitely off to a great start! Excellent thread to begin with.

@KUSTEVE

I agree that next year we will have an advantage like UK got this year.

We will have a good team next year but we truly don't know what happens with the roster shakeout yet. Does Cliff stay? Do we sign someone to fill Oubre's spot? Do we get another big if Cliff leaves? Will Selden stay for his Jr. year. Will Hunter transfer?

I do like what we will have back in Mason,Graham,Svi,Greene,Ellis,Traylor,Lucas, & Bragg in the fold. We need Selden back, we need Cliff back as well. We return that team and yes we are loaded.

The unusual is usual with KU basketball in large part, because Self has reached the stage that he accepts challenges to keep from getting bored.

The World Games will help us and hurt us.

It is a marketing investment necessary to keep the program moving forward. It will help recruiting.

But it will divide focus on our season. It will increase wear and tear and disrupt normal team development and trigger a bigger than normal slump in January/February.

Uk played 7 games before we played them this season. They looked great and stomped us. But now they are struggling because of the early start. They are so deep they keep barely winning.

If the World Games load us with 10 OAD/TADs, then we will muddle through the February slump But maybe not if not.

Welcome aboard!

Someone might have access to the rules for World Games participation. Did I read that a team could enter only 12 players? Have also read conjectures from posters that TRob and Tyshawn might rejoin Self's unit. My concern: If we take only 12 players, who gets left behind? What might that do to team unity, 2015-16? Or a tendency toward transfers?

@REHawk

Good point about alumni. As much as I loved TT and TRob I'd rather get reps for current players like Svi...

@Jayrawks1 I completely forgot about it! Yah, I imagine it would be about like Coach K's benefit with the Olympics squad, but just for this one season for Coach Self.

In theory, it should give us an advantage and it may end up that way. But, in today's OAD or TAD environment, the top players seem so motivated to see who leaves and who stays, I think that will be a bigger factor with the top players that are still considering us.

@REHawk

!Capture.PNG ↗

For any former players to compete they would have to taken 1 3 credit class with the school. I think the only one's eligible could be: T-Rob, B-Mac. I'm not sure about the Twins. Interesting is that if Oubre & Alexander leave for the pro's they are still eligible to play. That would then be up to the team that drafts them if they would allow them to play..

@VailHawk

Svi is not eligible if he's not a USA citizen. Same with Wiggins.. If Wiggs were to enroll this summer for a class that would only hype up his eligibility even more

No Svi, Wigs, or Jojo! I do remember HCBS saying that they get unlimited practice time to prepare for the games! UNLIMITED guys! That's going to make a HUGE difference in our non conf schedule and beyond! Hopefully it also helps the recruiting cards fall our direction?

If Ben, T-Rob and Ty play, good players will be left at home. Development will suffer for young'uns. But they will be allowed to practice for a long time. Coach should have an idea who the top players on the team are that will be doing the traveling. Bragg will go simply because of the tremendous early development potential to get a Big Man up to speed. One other thing, and Snacks might not have anything to do with this, but there could be some coaching changes. Curtis and Norm are targets every years to take over a D1 school. If they actually win the Medal, then they come back to Lawrence feeling like Rock Stars. Ben, Ty and T-Rob would also have to enroll in Summer school basket weaving classes.

@jaybate-1.0

I don't think its a case that they are struggling at all, they have depth and none of their players have seen the type of minutes like Frank Mason has seen. For example Frank has played 829 minutes, almost 2 full games more than Selden who is second with 758. The leading minutes earner at UK is Aaron Harrison with 647, that is about 1 1/2 less game time action than Perry Ellis who is 3rd on our team. They are much fresher than basically any team in America.

Teams are giving them all they can handle. The SEC is a very weak conference this year but if we were 25-0 in our conference I'm definitely sure that a TCU or Texas Tech would have played way above their usual level of play to knock off the undefeated team. It's just so hard no matter how good you are these days to stay on top. Shows you how dominate Indiana was.

@Jayrawks1

Welcome aboard!

It must help us with recruiting.

And I think it will help us improve as a team (as long as we have enough depth). Kind of hard to imagine how good these guys are going to be. Frank, Brannen, Devonte, and whoever returns..... We should be in solid contention for #12 (if we can hold on to #11).

Kentucky is playing some bad ball right now, but they have no motivation from playing game after game against creampuffs. I think we'll see the real Kentucky in March, when the marbles are on the line. That doesn't mean they win it all.. but seriously... they are the heavy favorite.

A few thought about the subject...

First, as I understand McLEmore has been taking classes hoping to eventually graduate, so he might be available. TTBOMK, TRob has not taken classes recently so he is more likely not eligible. Tyshawn graduated form KU, and unless he is taking course towards a graduate degree he is more likely not eligible. Also, if any of these players is under contract with a pro team, chances are slim to none that they get permission to play (remember Paul Geoge?); teams are discouraging players to play even for the National Team so playing at the World University Games seems even less likely.

Wiggins, Embiid and Svi, if they play at all, they would be playing for Canada, Cameroon and Ukraine and not for the team that represents the USA since you need to be a US citizen to play for the USA; this much is pretty clear.

The good: KU gets to have an early start on practice and not incur the wrath of the NCAA; however, since only 12 players are allowed, It is not clear if only these players would be allowed to practice or the entire team. A good showing at the Tournament would enhance KU's reputation plus a trip to China for the selected players is big plus.

The bad: How about the players that do not get selected? If KU signs a couple of more big time recruits, do they have a place on the team? How about the players (if any) that elect to go to the NBA, say Oubre and Alexander, do they get a place and practice with the team even when they will not be there next season? If this is the case and we also get some current NBA players, how does this really help next season's team? Let's keep in mind that KU will be playing against all-star teams with a lot of professional players and a bad showing for KU could hurt more than help. If NBA or NBA bound players are selected it might leave as few as 7 spots for players that will be at KU next season...what effect will this have on team chemistry? I believe it would not difficult to have the AD or donors pay for the entire team to go on the trip even when only 12 will play; however, I am not sure if the NCAA would approve it.

Maybe some of the items above are not really big issues but it might end up putting the coaching staff in a difficult situation...BTW, there might also be a limit on the number of coaches and support personnel allowed so more choices might need to be made.

@JayHawkFanToo we go thru this every couple of months and forget again! Ha I think if TRob signs up for a summer class it's good enough, maybe even an online class. I also thought if they declare, they are not eligible(?) I thought new guys coming in can play, that's hopefully an attraction to sign. Walk on guys wouldn't get to go. Agree on the chemistry, but depending on the upcoming roster, TRob might look good. He never comes back, wonder why? Makes me sad!

@Crimsonorblue22

Why would they not be eligible if they declare? They are still student only a couple of months removed from KU. If current NBA players that have been gone for while are eligible, the players still at KU that just declared should be eligible, wouldn't you think? Just signing for a summer class might not be enough, the requirement call for "completion towards a degree."

Again, lots of uncertainty until the time when the rubber hits the road and the 12 players have to be selected.

@JayHawkFanToo I'm not positive on any of that, but yeah, makes no sense!

@JayHawkFanToo Evidently you, too, were under the impression that we could enter only 12 players in this tournament. Pessimist that I am, I can foresee major repercussions for Bill Self if newbies and former players get the call while other current players get left out. Depending on attrition of potential NBA draftees, a logjam might not occur, unless pro teams are willing to free their CATCH for this early opportunity on a world stage. I would imagine that Self will make the most of the whole deal, not suffer substantial backlash if his squad should face a numbers game. Sometimes it appears best to flush the disgruntled...although the only current player who might fit that mold could be Hunter Mickelson. If he should finish his degree he could transfer anywhere and be immediately eligible for his final year (as did T. Black). Unless we recruit a topflight footer, Self would probably like to hang on to Hunter. By 3rd season in the program he should be mighty savvy re the system.

@Jayrawks1

Welcome aboard. Nice topic.

I believe it all comes down to who stays and who goes. I do believe in your theory that this could indeed help KU in recruiting. I believe I read some where that Bragg and some other top recruits wanted to play together. Not sure what Bragg committing early does to those plans.

@Crimsonorblue22

Me neither. Probably we will not know until they are ready to select the 12 players and start practice . Until then it is just speculation.

@REHawk

Something to ponder. Worst case...we get another 2 top recruits and we somehow get the 3 pro players mentioned and Oubre and Alexader declare. If the 3 incoming players are selected along with the 3 pros and the two declared players, that leaves 4 spots for returning players and 7 spots for players that would play next season. Granted, this is a doomsday (or some say best case) and highly unlikely scenario but possible nonetheless. It would be a difficult decision to pass on the pros or to tell the incoming freshmen they will not play...lots of tough decisions.

@JayHawkFanToo looks like beddies post say players that declare can play. I'm guessing Self would go w/incoming over them. It will definitely be fun!

@Crimsonorblue22

...on the other hand, wouldn't a player that has declared (he is obviously good) and is familiar with the system give you better option than an "unknown quantity" incoming player not familiar with the system? Just thinking aloud...

@Crimsonorblue22 Let's say that our Junkyard Dog, Oubre, posts fantastic numbers in several categories throughout the next 7 weeks. He leaps to Top 10 lottery on all the draft boards, so makes the leap. Would Self prefer not to pursue his services for such a Jayhawk Bounce on a World Stage? (If there should be a numbers crunch involving incoming recruits....)

@JayHawkFanToo in that case a former nba player would be best?? If this is to develop our team, and I think it is, we would go w/incoming?

@REHawk I agree! I'm sure self has a plan!

@Crimsonorblue22 I'm not so sure. The publicity and possibility of international disgrace lies HUGE for KU. We can't afford to come home dragging our fannies.

@REHawk so what do you think we should do? Let's say we get some really good recruits, Newman, 7 footer. Oubre declares.

@Crimsonorblue22

Interesting. Do you field the best possible team since you represent the entire country? Do you reward players that have been in the system? Do you select players that will help you in the future even when the team will not be nearly as good? How do you balance the national versus KU image? Playing as KU, a loss is not that big of a deal, but when you represent the entire country a loss has much different and greater meaning...at least it would for me...

I am buying the argument of wanting to give our current players more reps. Someone like TRob would hurt Cliff and Taylor would hurt Graham. What about bringing someone on board who can instill an attitude and a good mentor? Someone like Black who can mentor the players, bring a winning mentality, and still get some production without being dominating the possessions. Withey? Collins? Young? Selby? (obvious joke on the last one). All they need is to enroll in a 3 hour course towards a master degree.

@Crimsonorblue22 Well, I'm inclined to postpone such an announcement until I see how the numbers actually pan out. But I do predict a big decision eventually to be made. If I'm not wrong in the count, we now carry 11 scholarship players. Svi can't play with us in these Games, so that makes 10 remaining (and returning, supposedly). If Oubre leaves, Self has 3 open schollies. He fills those, and already there is a numbers crunch...that is, if Oubre or TRob or Ben Mac should return. We just have to wait to see how things turn out. Hunter might declare for a transfer. Who knows?

Although, imagining Robinson in a Kansas jersey again does get me hot and bothered in inappropriate ways...

I can see us taking 10 current players and a couple of past players.

@REHawk pretty hard decisions! Coach is pretty competitive, but I think he would build for the season, hence the tough preseasons. I can see him wanting to get some past guys out there to help them, like TRob. I'm done guessing.

@drgnslayr Maybe that is why we aren't yet gleaning a footer out there on the recruiting trail?

We have really come to touch on something very pertinent and essential. Is Self luring newbies with the promise of playing in these Games? Or not?

@JhawkAlum for me they are appropriate!!! Jk I love that guy! Guess you can tell from my avatar. Wish he would come back once-in-awhile.

@BeddieKU23

Not sure I follow you.

UK has 10 OAD/TADs, maybe the biggest talent advantage in sports since the 1927 Yankees.

Yet they are eeking out wins against teams some SEC teams?

They are playing in the weakest power conference in the country and they are eeking out wins in February?

With 10 OAD/TADs?

And you think this because everyone is giving them their best shot?

What difference does it make if weak teams with no OAD/TADS are giving UK their best shot?

I am not sure it mattered to the 27 Yankees if weak teams gave it their best shot. It didn't used to dent UCLA when weak teams gave them their best shot.

It didn't dent Kentucky early, when KU or other weak teams gave it their best shots. They were blowing KU and others out.

It seems to me more probable that the season has just worn on too long for these guys to stay on an edge, regardless of their mpgs.

They not only shouldn't lose with the talent edge they have, they shouldn't even have close games, except against Duke.

UCLA USED TO HAVE A SMALLER EDGE IN TALENT OVER OTHER TEAMS AND went undefeated 4 times and averaged winning by big margins, even with mostly first year starters.

Indiana didn't seem to have near the talent edge UK has and they struggled some for awhile.

It could be Cal instead of length of season. I have always felt he doesn't get the most out of his talent, just tries to get the most talent.

But to conclude MY HUNCH REMAINS length of season.

Still, since I trust you, I will try to keep closer tabs on the blue, rat bastards and see if you are right.

Rock Chalk!

@jaybate-1.0

Remember Kentucky has had to reshape some of its lineup with Poythress out for the season. Injuries can make a break a team, but good thing they got 9 more OAD's.

You forget that conference teams scout their opponents and get something like 15-20 games of game film to go through to scheme against. It's just pratically impossible to win out in major conferences. KU doesn't stand a chance of that when you play a 18 game round robin schedule.

Winning on the road seems to be even harder with all the parity. How does Kansas drop a game against Temple by 20, lose to Oklahoma St after a 11 pt halftime lead. We are more talented then them but talent doesn't always win in College ball.

All I'm saying is the pressure is on that team to win. The media, their rat coach, everywhere they go, every team they play knows they are undefeated and are trying that much harder to win against them. Wichita St got that same feeling last year and lost on a lucky shot. They will never have a team like that again and to think that their talent couldn't win it alone.

These four could be added to the team, leaving 8 spots open for travel.

!collage.jpg ↗

@wrwlumpy kinda cool you have Withey in there too.

I just don't see HCBS adding any former players, especially if he ends up with a loin share of top recruits.

It would be really counter productive to add former players. Unless the agenda is just to win at all cost, or that HCBS wants to show his mad coaching skills to the NBA?

Think about it? Unlimited practices with a young star studded team? No way you leave current players sitting at home. Just my two cents.

I could have sworn #32 was Andrew White...

Thank you for the kind welcome everyone, I did not expect such a great response! I have not had the time to research many of the questions we all have about the rules and who can and cant play or who should play, however I would be interested to see what Kentucky chose to do just last year? Did they take any past players? How many players did they take? Etc?

@JhawkAlum it does look like him!

@DoubleDD Nah, I totally agree. KU is going to have nearly its whole roster returning next season AND they get unlimited practices AND they get to play in that extra tourney? If ever Coach Self has a perfect storm worth of opportunities to get himself another National Title and a ring, next season is it. Bring every player you have right now, get that experience and beat everyone down next March!

And the other 8 that get to go to China.

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Based on the rules, Jeff is eligible too.

!ku-unc-dunk2.jpg ↗

Forgot one, Somebody good is going to be left out.

!11717001.jpg ↗

@DoubleDD

The agenda is to represent the USA...with the KU team as the foundation. Technically, Coach Self could use players from other schools as well (not saying he would) but since it is the USA team, any American college player is eligible, right?.

They have to be Jayhawks.

@wrwlumpy I don't believe that's the case. Most years, the team is assembled from a number of college teams. This year was an exeption. The NCAA asked for one university to take responsibility for representing the US and Kansas submitted for the opportunity. At least by the world game rules, we could add players from other teams to fill out the roster. I don't know if the NCAA would be okay with it, and I doubt Self is interested, but there isn't any rule preventing that from happening.

As for how this affects our recruiting, I don't know that it does. I think one of the most important aspects of landing Bragg was that he'd be given more opportunity to learn the system ahead of the season. I don't necessarily think that was a primary reason for him to sign up, though. I think Bragg knows he's a multi-year guy (most likely TAD), and that he'll probably be coming off the bench at first, especially if Alexander stays (which I think is more likely than not). Really, I think this opportunity is a lot like an NCAA title: any top recruit that joins a school says they want to win one or that it was a consideration, but when they fail to do so, very few return. There are exceptions, such as Sullinger coming back for a sophomore year, but most guys that come back do so because they don't like where their draft stock is (see all of UK's multi-year guys not named Stein, and excluding Willis and Hawkins, obviously). Only one of the two guys we're most likely to land at this point (Diallo and Newman) would actually be able to join the team, and I don't think it's enough of a selling point to change our fortunes with the remaining guys.

Lastly, on a somewhat related note, in a recent post I said I thought KU was in 2nd place with Ivan Rabb. I'm downgrading that to 4th. I think his list right now would rank 1) Cal, with a bullet 2) UoAz 3) UCLA, 4) KU, 5) UK, and I think it's unlikely we'll get a visit. Rabb earlier in the year canceled a visit because KU wouldn't be playing, but talk of rescheduling it has died down and there remain only 3 home games in the regular season. Unless he announces something in the next week, we won't have got him on campus and, thus, that pretty much kills our chances with him (not a Julian Wright kind of situation). Diallo is trying to get back out here, though. Still waiting on word from Thon. Having to hang on like this leaves me in a bit more doubt that it will happen, but I'm still on the reclass side of the curve. We'll see what happens, though.

@wrwlumpy I still think either Oubre and/or Cliff will be back next season. Not to mention Svi. He wouldnt be eligible though would he? Shame that.

@Lulufulu

I am not sure about Svi anymore. He will likely be playing for Ukraine at the World University Games; maybe he gets a good offer from a Euro club and stays, although if he wants to play ion the NBA, coming back to KU would be the best way.

@Lulufulu This Fox sports article tells us that Kelly will be gone.

http://www.foxsports.com/kansas-city/story/enjoy-kelly-oubre-while-you-ve-got-him-kansas-jayhawks-fans-021415 ↗

@konkeyDong

I put us as first on the list for Thon if he gets his reclassification to 2015. I have nothing to base it on except reading recruiting junk online. So take it for what it is worth... nothing.

I think Self would like to use some ex players... maybe a couple.

Still not sure how this clears with the NCAA, and Kansas won't be doing anything without their legal department nailing down the NCAA in writing.

@drgnslayr I think you're right about Thon. We're either 1st or basically tied with UK. We're the only two schools on his current list that he's singled out to receive a visit. Hopefully this all goes through and we can seal the deal.

http://www.wugusa.com/summer-games/kansas-fans/ ↗

Let's go! Travel info

I've got my eye on Newman. We keep making his cuts. I think he's definitely down to KU and UK. I like Thon, but the eligibility thing is disturbing. I'm leaning toward Harry Giles (2016) at this point. UK can't get them all.

I'm just not sure about Jaylen Brown and Brandon Ingram. I know Bragg is recruiting them, but he doesn't really understand KU's needs right now. I wouldn't count out Cheick Diallo either.

UK has Four committed. They have three on the board plus the Australian kid. It really depends on which of their bigs leave. I think Lyles, Towns, Johnson, and likely Cauley-Stein are gone. I don't think they lose any guards. Their guards are not high either, Andrew Harrison is at 48. The NBA just doesn't like the UK twins.

4
http://www.nbadraft.net/nba_draft_trades/2015' ↗\ title='Suns receive the Lakers 2015 first-round pick. (top 5 protected in 2015, top 3 in 2016 and 2017, unprotected 2018.' class='mock_team_link'>LA Lakers LA Lakers
Karl-Anthony Towns
7-0
250
C
Kentucky
Fr.

11
Detroit Detroit
Willie Cauley-St...
7-0
240
C
Kentucky
Jr.

12
http://www.nbadraft.net/nba_draft_trades/2015' ↗\ title='Hawks have right to swap 2015 first round picks with Nets.' class='mock_team_link'>Atlanta Atlanta
Trey Lyles
6-10
250
PF
Kentucky
Fr.

5
http://www.nbadraft.net/nba_draft_trades/2015' ↗\ title='Sixers receive the Magic 2015 second round pick.' class='mock_team_link'>Philadelphia Philadelphia
Dakari Johnson
7-0
255
C
Kentucky
So.

I just don't see these bigs going any higher. These four are all that's gone. You have four coming. He's done and he'll do some slick maneuvering to make room if necessary. Watch who he screws to make room.

I see 3-4 leaving and they gain four. This means unless Calipari forces a few out, there's no way he gets any of the remaining top recruits. I think he'll likely force Willis, Lee, and maybe the twins out too. This would open up 2-3 more slots to net 2-3 of the top 10: Swanigan, Diallo, and Calipari has a hard-on for Newman too. I think he would like to land Brown and Ingram too. But statistically he simply can't land every recruit. He's simply harvesting based on reloading, not need.

I think KU needs to be extremely strategic for 2-3 years. Self has got to sell these recruits on patience, championship, and the NBA. I don't think pt is always the buzz word. I think a smart recruit will appreciate recruiting content, not recruiting bullsh*t. Calipari's is all about the numbers. His basic strategy is reload, buy in, and go to the NBA. He doesn't care about degrees. I think our long-term guys like Ellis, Svi, Traylor, and Lucas are going to be our biggest marketeers for guys staying 2-3, maybe four years.

I think you all are way over analyzing Self's USA team. He's all about experience and fun. If the guys can gain experience and win, that's even better. Don't over analyze Self. It doesn't hurt, but I guarantee Self will tell you this is not a recruiting piece at all. I personally don't think the USA thing makes much difference either.

The more I hear about Oubre, the more I'm convinced he's so gone. I thought it the minute he started making his transition. I think Self is showcasing him. If Oubre drafts, we'll get Brown or Ingram...COUNT IT.

Oubre can't do much better...

10
Denver Denver
Kelly Oubre
6-7
200
SF
Kansas
Fr.

I have one name for Brown and Ingram: Wiggins, now commit to KU behind a long list of NBA players: Rush, Henry, BMac, Wiggins, and now Oubre. The list sells itself. What you do at KU is your choice. OAD, TAD or stay all four years and earn a degree...you can't go wrong.

As for the Jayhawks, Ingram feels that his role as a wing can be developed very well if he decides to go to Lawrence.

“They develop players very well, especially wings,” Ingram said. “With Andrew Wiggins last year, and Kelly (Oubre) this year. I think that would be a good place for me as well.” link text ↗

@drgnslayr said:

I have nothing to base it on except reading recruiting junk online. So take it for what it is worth... nothing.

Absolutely classic!

Still laughing.

I believe everyone is missing the biggest question about the World Games team.

DOES TYLER MAKE THE CUT?

:-)

@jaybate-1.0 manager?

@Crimsonorblue22

Ah, to travel with a team again. Its been soon long. How sweet it would be. Yes, he could be the manager. But so could I.

@jaybate-1.0 I say he takes a chapter out of Water Boy and tells the USA team what Mama say... I think he a lock.

[link text](

No malice at all...Tyler is a cool dude. Hell, Self would get a kick out of this.

@truehawk93

LOL

Anybody up for a Thon?

link text ↗

Look at these clips, smile, drool, dream, and pray the good lord gives us a Thon Maker.

Portland not renewing Thomas Robinson's contract. Get him in a basket-weaving class ASAP. Of ALL the past KU players in the recent 2-3yrs that are US citizens, I'd bring Thomas Robinson back to Self's high-low for a cameo-redux-DELUXE role...simply put, how sweeeet would that be. Self's most powerful post presence.

The kids that are NOT on the 12man roster are the walk-ons, of course, but they get to travel in some other capacity.

I wouldn't mind adding Tyshawn, as he was relentless. Many of the other recent KU players' skill sets are represented well on the current roster already, especially 3pt shooting. Ben McLemore may want to do it...

Self may only take 1 or 2 "recent KU players", as the focus should be current college team. I think the allowance for "recent" players is because some of the other intl teams will have pro players on their roster, so this serves as somewhat of an equalizer.

Honestly, TRob has bounced around, and hasn't landed in the best situation for him. But I think he can play at the next level, and has had several decent stat-line games. Against lesser competition, he could dominate. And in the right situation in the pros, he could one day be a Zach Randolph (6'9" ) type of hard-working contributor. But those slots are precious few in the NBA.

But, as a selfish KU fan/alum, I'll take a Thomas Robinson cameo any day!! Add Tyshawn, and you've got true "heart & soul" and a never-quit mentality injected into any squad (by adding both guys).

@truehawk93

Newman coming to KU is squarely on the hopes that Selden leaves. If Selden stays we are out. The kid wants to play, he's going to start wherever he goes and he's going to put up shots. He reminds me of a more talented O.J. Mayo, he's only going to College to be the man for a year.
I also think he wants to go to Kentucky but the situation with their backcourt is an even more stickier one. Briscoe is the top PG, Matthews a high level SG. Ullis will be back. Booker is gone he's played himself into the lottery conversation. Then you have the Twins which the NBA doesn't like but they could bolt on reputation alone. If they stay Kentucky is out of the question with 5 perimeter players. if they go just pencil him in to the starting lineup.
He just dropped Ohio St because of the Jaquan Lyle announcement. I don't think the Mississippi schools are serious contenders so that leaves LSU & NC St. LSU has the momentum with Blakeney & Simmons. I find NC St a intriguing team in this race because its a decent team that could feature him with Lacey next year. While all that I've said purely from my own view, I think the most important aspect to getting Newman will be starting right away and getting an offense he can get his 17-18 points a game.

Our Uniforms will say USA instead of Jayhawks. WOW.

@jaybate-1.0 you have to be a coaches son!!!

it would be great to have Ben in Korea.

@BeddieKU23 I'm sorry how do you have any guards at UK doing anything? We all thought the twins were gone last year, but here they are and still nothing on the draft boards.

link text ↗

link text ↗ Booker is #14..

link text ↗ Booker is #30

Booker is the only guard ranked high enough to consider going to the NBA. I see all the UK guards going to the DLeague or Europe. If they're smart, they'll stay and improve. They can only improve.

Alex Poythress is hurt and he's on the draft boards, HURT. He's over all the UK guards.

But, I agree it won't be due to the twins going on any rep. It will be Calipari pushing them out of the nest. He'll screw them to get his next batch. So, you may be right or if he's smart, he'll welcome back experience with his four committed recruits. He wants them all...Newman, Brown, Ingram, Swanigan, Zimmerman, Diallo, Thon...ALL of them. He's a greedy bastard and will sell his soul to get them all. It's better they are in his stable than in the opponents stable. He'll broker a deal to get rid of Booker, Lee, Poythress, Twins, the four bigs in my post, Willis...all gone. This will be 10 possible openings. However, he already has the four committed, so he could potentially have six other spots. So, he could get most of the remaining uncommitted top recruits. Sickening...I see Zimmerman going to UNLV. I see Brown going to Michigan. I don't think he gets both Thon and Diallo. Most see Diallo going to ISU. I think Ingram is a strong KU lean because of Oubre leaving. Newman will go if UK loses any of their guards. You may be right Booker and/or the twins may be enough to commit him.

I think KU has a good shot at Thon and Ingram. We could lose Selden on the same premise you see the twins leaving. If Selden decides to jump, I think we get Newman, Ingram, and Thon. So, we could potentially get maybe three or even more strongly two. I think Bragg, Ingram, Thon, and possibly Newman would be a fair realization. Newman is 50/50 between KU and UK...I do agree he's a slight UK lean at this point. Again, pending the guards leaving.

@truehawk93

It's crazy that the domino effect of who stays and who goes from Kentucky will basically shape the remaining recruits decisions. Who stays and who leaves KU will have some effect as well but because of the potential for anywhere from 3-7 players going pro from one team is going to have a major effect on everything.

As it stands right now you have Towns-Top 5, Stein & Booker Lotto picks. Remember not a lot of quality shooters projected in this draft so that's why Booker is getting a lot of looks.
Lyles & Johnson are also first round talents who could leave as well.

At KU you have just Oubre a Lotto pick. Cliff has played himself out of being a high pick this year. Will he leave anyway and be happy with the back end of the first round? Selden & Ellis are not even on the radar and at this point would be beyond disappointed if they bolted.

Best scenario is the Twins return with Ullis along with the 2 recruits they already have. That would make Newman go elsewhere. Best frontcourt scenario is that Both Lyles & Johnson return with Poythress & Lee and the 1 recruit they have. Not sure what the New Zealand kid will do if they all return.

Interesting that you see Brown going to Michigan. I think if Levert returns after getting hurt he won't go there. He's also been to UNC lately but with Jackson & Tokoto there its hard to see him signing with Roy. I still think its between KU, Kentucky & UCLA between him, same as the fall when he singled KU/UK out. UCLA has a major opening for him so they could always pull a shocker. You have to think with Wiggins & Oubre that we stand a great chance of getting another athletic freak like Brown.

I still think Ingram is Duke bound with Winslow likely to leave. He was tweeting about the Duke/UNC game. I would be shockingly happy if he came to KU, but Bragg may work his magic.

Thon has so much red tape surrounding his reclassification that we might lose even if we win his recruitment. Maybe everything will work out but so many people have said things that scare you from recruiting him. And to mention his last tournament not 1 College coach showed has to say something.