🏀 KuBuckets Archive

OK folks, place your bets. It's put up or shut up. Here's the latest from Kinston.

Donald Ingram has found himself thinking of those kinds of details throughout his son’s recruiting process. The elder Ingram has been cautious not to show favoritism or show signs and so, too, has Brandon – though on Friday he wore a Kansas shirt to school.

(http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/college/mens-basketball/article19636230.html) ↗

What so you, what say you all? The wheel will close at midnight tonight. Don't come on here after the fact talking what you knew and agreeing with what he decides tomorrow. State your final decision here...

Duke or KU?

UNC?

UK?

Let's do this...

@truehawk93 I already said I had a weird feeling....... No info!

@truehawk93 Puke

No question that Duke has gone all out and he is their top priority. I would say that Duke has a 50%, KU a 30% and UNC a 10%.

@truehawk93 well, what do you say?

@Crimsonorblue22 I've said all long that he will choose KU. I know it's a huge gamble against all the odds. I think everyone, including Jayhawk Nation has him choosing Puke. I may be totally wrong, but I will stick with my original choice and say KU. I think Bragg is our biggest recruiter. I've posted all my insights on previous posts. I just don't think Puke's visits appear to be what many think. I don't think it's a good sign when Puke and Co visits, then they have an all out coaching blitz for him on a school morning of all times? It sounds really desperate to me. If he's choosing Puke, why would Coach K return with all his coaches? I would think that if Ingram commits on the second visit or gave him some indication to return for some follow up details, it would either be Coach K or maybe one of his assistants to seal the deal.

I don't think UNC is all that viable after the whole sanction thing. Even Williams admitted that it's difficult to get recruits because of possible sanctions and not playing post season games.

NCSt is possible, but not quite the same for him.

KU has a unique opportunity for Ingram to play with Bragg, his friend. Ingram has an opportunity to play immediately for Green during his rehab. Self will not hurry Green back. I'd rather have a 110% Green his Senior year, Ingram jumping to the NBA after his only season, and Svi continuing his improvement. Svi's junior year will be special.

So, I don't think Ingram will have a problem with pt. I think he could average 30-35 mins, with Svi backing him. Also, we will be playing some Summer ball on an international stage.

I'll be disappointed, but it wouldn't be the first or the last recruit to pass on KU.

Then like others, I'll turn my attention to Diallo regardless of Ingram's choice.

@truehawk93 I'm w/you, going to throw Hudy, experienced pt guards, wiggins, and Maui in there too. AFH!

@JayHawkFanToo I might do you one better, with my recruiting theory, I will go ...

KU= 50%

Puke= 40%

UNC= 10%

Maybe this will appeal to your statistical nature.

@Crimsonorblue22 Maybe...I'd really like to think that recruits do highly respect Hudy and that it's a big part of Self's presentation. I hope Self gave Ingram a big dose of Wiggins. Geez, the kid came in as an all out O machine, and left one of the best defensive players in D1. Then Wiggins is ROY? In the NBA? HUGE...where's Puke's crown jewel? Oh yea, sorry, what is his name? (Jabari Parker?) He's injured and has done NOTHING. Sorry if it sounds cruel or unsportsman-like, but you know good and well other programs trash talk or use negative comments against KU, especially Rat Face, especially when a top recruit that is desperately needed is involved.

@truehawk93 forgot the new digs!

Thanks for the responses. However, I'd like to know exactly what makes people think he'll choose Puke, UNC, or even KU. Not just the obviously stated reasons of Carolina, Puke's visits, etc, etc, ... I'd like to hear some insights if possible.

If not, no big deal. It's all good and we can have fun as we follow the drama.

Here's to a good Jayhawk day tomorrow.

One last observation...I just returned to the same link given and they've changed the picture. I'm sure it's nothing and simply coincidental, but remember it was a picture of Ingram with Coach k and another Duke representative.

Now, they have a picture of Ingram in a locker room with a bball.

It's the same article. Are all the ACC recruiting outlets back peddling? What do they think? Know? or hear? The word or buzz may be interesting for KU. Let's hope this is a sign.

(http://www.newsobserver.com/sports/college/acc/article19589883.html) ↗

@truehawk93 forgot adidas, maybe wigs contract w/them sounds good to him too.

Ok...I posted then deleted it once after I reviewed the date. It's 6 mos old but worth reviewing at this point. I hope this is the reason Duke made so many desperate visits.

(http://dukereport.com/duke-recruiting/bad-news-duke-2015-5-star-brandon-ingram/daldridge/) ↗

Notice how the media is purposefully dismissing this possibility? It's no accident or coincident. They simply do not want Ingram going to KU. I hope this holds true tomorrow. I hope Ingram will honor this article. I also think it was before Bragg committed too. It's interesting all the same.

I'll be shocked if its anything other than Duke. Getting the PG they needed gave Duke the leverage to go back and tell him hey we have someone to throw you the ball now. They hold all the leverage with him, not to mention PT and all the press he will receive. Duke gets a good one but its only a pitstop. Most of the top recruits have picked local and I don't see it changing today.

He can wear a KU shirt, and his dad can talk all the game he wants about how great KU is but in the end its his son's decision and it will come as no surprise when he picks a hometown school.

If I'm wrong and he comes to KU then its great to be wrong and benefit at the same time. He's a great kid with a great future but we are at risk of losing someone to transfer if Ingram or Brown sign. Do we risk losing the benefit of system players to get 1 year pitstops?

I have this feeling we end up getting him. I think having all three schools from the same area you live in cancels them out, and opens the door for us.

247 has completely dropped KU from the percentage wheel. I won't be holding my breath at 5 tonight....

not even KU recruiting insiders have any confidence to pick us in this. Just tough to win in someone else's backyard.

@BeddieKU23 Exactly. Too difficult for us. When two of the best college basketball programs of all time are in your home state it is going to be tough to leave.

Also, this may upset the apple cart a bit but I don't really see why we need this kid. I am 100% convinced we need to focus our entire recruiting plan on a post player.

Yes, Ingram is a total stud but this is classic "over recruiting".

I hope he picks NCSU or UNC or Duke.

Anyone but us.

One reason I can see that would pull him to KU is that his Dad would consider KU as a very good transition from college ball to the next level. Being away from home for a year under Self's guarantee of taking care of their son would be a much better situation than staying close to home. I say with Bragg and Self we win.

Not getting my hopes up, but IF he chooses KU, here are two reasons:

1. His brother went out of state already (Texas-Arlington).

2. Self is recruiting the whole person, not just the basketball player. From the old site "“Kansas has James A. Naismith, where basketball originated. I can’t say enough about Kansas as far as the staff and the way we were treated. The facility is just dynamic. ... I like the facility and I love the coaches; they’ve been good and they contact us on the regular. ... They call and talk about your lifestyle, ‘What’s going on with you?’” Donald Ingram said.

@VailHawk

Good points, you could throw in that Bragg is friends with Ingram, not just buddy buddy's at the All-American game.

Ingram just fits into Duke's system better and his family will get to see him play. I think its safe to say that we put in the most effort of any school not in his home state. If there was even a winkling that Ingram was leaning towards coming here, there would be talk of it. It wouldn't be such an unknown at this point he's been much more vocal about his options than Jaylen Brown has been.

We need a post, and we could use another wing that can develop just not a OAD that will immediately scare Svi & Greene from PT.

My feeling is the KU shirt to school on Friday means Ingram was at the end of his clothes cycle and all his other shirts were in the wash.

I also think the refs step in and send him to Duke.

I'm leaving my heart out of this and going with my head...

If I'm not mistaken, he was always a UNC fan. Right?

So meanwhile it appears UNC will face some heavy NCAA sanctions... could be tomorrow or could be 10 years from now. UNC also had the "liar situation" that made things sticky. Enough negative has happened here to question UNC as his first pick.

If Brandon is really a UNC fan, could he ever think about going to Duke or NCState? No. That's like asking any of you in here if you want to join up with the Antlers over at the trailer park in Columbia or the Purple Kitty Kats and their 4H meetings.

Therefore... Brandon should be between UNC and an out-of-state school. Kentucky? I seriously doubt that. The only reason a kid goes to Kentucky is when they have the momentum of signing everyone else and the mentality is "come to Kentucky because we are going to win a NC next year!" Kentucky could be NIT bound again next year because Calipari only has one giant leap of talent over everyone else this time.

We've seen Duke put on the full court press and that makes the media side with Duke. Seems if the kid was that flexible to go to Duke, it wouldn't take this kind of effort.

I'm not going to jinx this with my prediction illustrated in %s. I'm only illustrating where my head is on this.

I feel Brandon was going to UNC before the recent issues. After UNC eliminated themselves it opened things up. I feel he really wants to stay in-state. So I'm going to say 51% Duke, 49% KU.

These comments are open to interpretation:

The bottom line on his decision was provided to Zagsblog.com by his dad.

“We have done our homework. I think the decision he makes Monday when he makes the announcement will be very satisfactory to everyone. What we’re asking is we know a lot of people are institution fans, whether its Carolina, Duke, N.C. State, Kansas, Kentucky, you are a fan of the institution. We are asking regardless of where he goes to continue to be a Brandon Ingram fan. You don’t have to be a fan of where he goes; you can still be a Brandon Ingram fan. That’s all we ask. We appreciate the support everyone has given us and we’re going to continue to support him,” Donald told the website.

So if Brandon wants to cause the least amount of in-state angst and wants to retain the most Brandon Ingram fans, he has to go to KU. This hurts the other schools the least. I just don't know if he's willing to leave the state. I will be extremely excited if he signs with KU!

@truehawk93 So, we're probly not going to get this guy then? I still like KU's chances, especially considering our new building, new 3 man U status. I dont care what the experts say. Theyre all guessing. Only Ingram knows where he is going. If he picks KU, then holy cow that will be awesome! Regardless of where he goes, will he be the #1 pick in next years draft? Does he have that potential?

@Lulufulu

He could have that potential if his College play exceeds even his new top 5 status. His frame is likely to be his biggest issue going forward as anyone can tell he's a couple years from putting any serious muscle on. Simmons, Slab & Brown seem to be the trendy picks right now for 2016 top pick.

@FarSideHawk

...I see what you did there, nice move. :)

@FarSideHawk

I'm jumping on your "reverse jinx" bandwagon! He is going to declare to NCSU, UNC, Duke and UK.... all of them, today! The media will freak out and so will all these schools.

He wore the KU shirt on Friday just because he felt a bit guilty for cutting KU out of the mix.

I have a feeling it will be KU and will be thrilled if it is. Brandon seems like a really good kid and I think would be a great addition to the Jayhawk family.

Like was mentioned above, his first choice is probably UNC being that he is a fan but its too risky of a choice with the pending NCAA issue. And if you're a UNC fan, could you really pick Duke? Roy may be the coach at UNC but his heart is still at KU and I think Brandon has seen why. The biggest clue for me is looking at his twitter feed and seeing all of the current Kansas players that he follows. Many more than any other program. I think he bonded well with the team on his visit and is his next best choice.

IMHO, he was always UNC fan and likely it was his original destination but the cloud of sanctions makes it now an iffy destination; if he was going to go to UNC he would have announced a long time ago. NC State is not elite enough and likely out of the run.

This leaves Duke and KU, although the Squid might have some salary cap left and you never know how and when he will use it.

KU is a destination that makes sense, He would develop his game, particularly defense (which the NBA is starting to appreciate), depending on Greene's and Svi's progress, he wold have plenty of playing time, exposure comparable or better to any other program in the land, great new digs, a prime-time PG to feed him the ball and the best athletic trainer in the business. If KU gets Diallo as well, there is no question that they would be in the conversation for the Title.

At Duke, he will be the crown jewel for a program that just won the National Championship and all the playing time he wants; with him and a newly signed PG (although unproven) that was recruited just to feed him the ball, Duke is once again a national contender. No question that the benefits are comparable to KU plus he gets to stay in state and get the East Coast press.

If I were a betting man, I would say the edge goes to Duke where he will get plenty of playing time and press. At KU he will also get a lot of press (but not as much) and become better player, but he will have to earn the playing time, Having said that it would not surprise much either way...of course I would much rather prefer he chooses KU.

I think KU has a good chance to land Ingram. The KU shirt and his dad doing some damage control saying “We are asking regardless of where he goes to continue to be a Brandon Ingram fan. You don’t have to be a fan of where he goes; you can still be a Brandon Ingram fan. That’s all we ask. We appreciate the support everyone has given us and we’re going to continue to support him,”. I think Ingram following most of the current KU players and starting out this year saying he wanted to play with Bragg (possible a package deal) is kind of a big deal. If you look past all of the PUKE fans saying he is a PUKE lean and look at Ingram's actions it paints a big KU picture. KU could be sitting pretty with Ingram and Diallo by Tuesday?

What I'm starting to wonder is maybe there is a secret link forming between Ingram and Diallo.

Self should take one from the Calipari playbook and sell potential NC from connecting the dots to a solid line. So if we sign Ingram, we also sign Diallo. I feel comfortable in saying that we stand a much better chance of signing Diallo if we sign Ingram today.

Connect the dots, Bill, and put your salesman pants on!

Imagine that team? Ingram, Diallo and Braggs being added to a solid team of experienced players. That is the right formula for success!

Even though Duke just signed a star PG... there is so many "ifs" to them being a contender next year, even if they sign Ingram. Kansas has a solid group of seasoned guys coming back, and it should make a better mix having that much quality experience to mix with all the youthful, inexperienced talent.

@JayHawkFanToo @drgnslayr

Actually guys, I really meant it. I would rather sink or swim with Greene and Svi, instead of a one-year recruit (who may or may not be better than them).
Greene/Svi can add just as much to the TEAM as whatever the talented freshman could bring if not more. Additionally, one or both of them may end up staying and be even better the following year. If we get Ingram, it may mean Greene and/or Svi leaves and we'll have a big hole the following year.

The only guy we need is Diallo. If we get the big Greek kid also, that would be cherry on top.

@FarSideHawk

I hear what you are saying. Diallo is the MUST SIGN guy. But seriously, don't you think we up our chances at signing Diallo by first signing Ingram? Why do you think Diallo is holding off signing? He wants to see where other pieces fall first. He wants to go where he thinks he'll have the best chance at a NC.

Diallo will definitely be encouraged to come to Kansas if Ingram signs. This will make Kansas a clear distinct leader over schools like St. Johns and ISU. If we sign both, Kansas will be in the discussion for a NC, and that will be a year of big time publicity, including on the east coast. That does nothing but help players lift in draft positions.

Nothing sells better than momentum. Ask Calipari. Suddenly, Kansas will be considered having a Top 5 recruiting class and the media circus will begin.

I sure hope people aren't wetting themselves cause Brandon was wearing a Kansas shirt to school Friday. that means nothing, a lot of these recruits do such tatics as this to try to throw people off and keep it some big secret, just another way of getting discussion, speculation. its DONE he is going to Duke. losing him is not near as meaningful as if we lose out on Diallo. Brandon is a hell of a player, don't get me wrong would love it IF he did come, but just don't see it, just to hard to pull him out of in state when all 3 major schools there are after him, and close to home. its not lie the situation we are in at the 5 spot we have Svi, and I think a lot of people will be surprised on Svi's play nex year think you'll see a lot of difference, plus Brennan will be back, and I think he will be fine by season's time, just don't get worked up about Ingram, sorry just not happening its all DUKE. if I'm wrong then more then happy to admit I was wrong, but have felt like its Duke for along time now, time to move forward ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY

@jayballer54

It always seems like we miss the guys that we all think are surefire Jayhawks and the guys we think are going somewhere else often pick Kansas.

Everyone has been saying Duke for quite a while but we see how they are continuing a full court press right to the end. Doesn't sound like a shoe-in for Duke because of that. I could see him going to any of the schools on his final list. Probably least to Kentucky.

Everyone always puts so much weight on the "close to home" factor. Sure it can be a huge factor for some kids, but for others it might not be. For me, I looked forward to getting away from home for my college choice. That was part of the attraction. Lets just say I didn't want mom and pop dropping by unexpectedly at inopportune times. I wish people would chill out a little bit with that because it isn't the most important thing to every kid out there.

Brandon said he will pick the school from his list that is best for HIM. We have no clue what that means. If that means:

Best supporting cast - its Kansas.
His favorite school, allegedly - its UNC.
Closest to home without pending NCAA issue - its Duke.
Best chance at a championship this year - its Kansas.
Biggest fan base - its Kentucky.
Biggest fan base that doesn't consist primarily of buck toothed, inbred, obnoxious fans - its Kansas, Duke, or UNC.
Most minutes - the minutes he wants seems to be available at all the schools on his list.
Tradition/History - its Kansas.
Most appearances in NIT in the last 3 years - its Kentucky.
Team with the most boob pics tweeted out over the past three years - its Kansas. (thanks @kuboobs!).

As you can see, there are several things that may be part of the equation but it would take all day to list them all. Keeping my fingers crossed he picks KU today!!

@RockkChalkk nice points!

@JayHawkFanToo - You said, "This leaves Duke and KU, although the Squid might have some salary cap left and you never know how and when he will use it."

Just scanning some posts .. busy at work; but the salary cap comment is a PHOF for sure.

I saw several articles talk about the fact that he wore a KU shirt on Friday. I'm like @truehawk93. Just some gut feeling based on how his dad spoke about Coach in the Kinston article. He will make the other 2 instate schools mad if he picks any of them so logic is that he gets as far away from home and comes to KU.

@RockkChalkk

Of the Top 30 on ESPN 27 are signed.

Exactly 4 of those 27 choose schools not close to their HS or hometown. 3 of them are going to Duke, an elite school that draws from all over like KU has to. Derrick Jones is the only east coast kid to go west (UNLV).

Simmons chose LSU because of Family. Slab from Tenn going to Kentucky. Ellenson from WI going to Marquette. Rabb from Cali going to Cal. Swanigan from Indiana going to Michigan St. Newman from Miss going to Miss St. Zimmerman HS in Las Vegas, going to UNLV. Bacon from Fl going to Florida St. The list keeps going on with the same thing.

There's a little more flexibility in the rest of the top 100 going out of state or cross country but still the #'s overwhelmingly say that kids will stay close to home especially the top kids.

@BeddieKU23 He's about 2 inches taller and 5 lbs lighter than Wigs was at KU. I think his size will translate just fine to the Div 1 game. Is he as talented and athletic over all as Wigs his freshmen year?
Even if he does pick a school away from NC, fans there wont be happy with it. He'll catch flak any decision he makes. But, if he does pick an away school, he will be further removed from all of that.
I still hope he picks KU. I don't think we need him as much as we need a pro caliber big man.

@Lulufulu

Wig's is 6'8 right? Ingram is pushing 6'9ish. What's striking about Ingram's body is that he just seems to be lacking muscle and weight especially in the lower half of his body. He may always be that way but for durability sake probably is going to need to put on muscle mass to give him the best chance of a long career. His game translates to D-1 immediately, not sure about his defense or his lateral quickness those are things that I'm sure he will need to work on. I think his rise in the rankings has as much to do with scouts seeing the long term potential of him in the league and his ability to impact the college game for his 1 year.

@RockkChalkk Ahhhhh! Thats great! Too funny.

@BeddieKU23 Ah yah, good point on defense and lateral quickness. Those things have yet to be seen at the next level. Sure he had some exposure with the Nike, Jordan, Mickey D's games but can he show his skills on the other end of the ball for the whole season? Guess we'll see.

@drgnslayr Wasn't it somebody from UNC who called Ingram a liar after Ingram said UNC already knew what the NCAA was going to do? I don't think being called a liar would encourage me to go with that school.

@drgnslayr You may be right, that Diallo signing is hinging on Ingram. I'm not sure but it would get me on the fence if that is the case. I do want Diallo, but would really hate for Greene or Svi to leave or be banished to the bench this year.

We'll find out soon enough. If Ingram does pick KU, I'm sure I'll find it in my heart to accept him as a Jayhawk and cheer for him. :)

@FarSideHawk I'm concerned about BG's recovery.

@Lulufulu he didn't go to one of those.

If you were a high level wing prospect, why would you ever think about coming to KU? Time and time again, Self has proven that his offensive scheme does not do well with an Oubre or Ingram. This is not a Self bashing. Never been a fan of people doing that. But his style of how to win doesn't bode welL for these kind of players.

And in all honesty, I don't really want him. I REALLY wanted Newman and Diallo. Nothing against him as a player, but I jus us believe he is pretty low on the list of needs.

@JhawkAlum wiggins!

@JhawkAlum mclemore?

@Crimsonorblue22 I think BG will be fine. Medically, I don't know how serious his procedure is. But from a basketball preparation/conditioning perspective, even if he's a little behind, this is his third year. He will be more up to speed on Self ball than any freshmen.

@JhawkAlum Really? He has a standing reach of 9'1.5" (taller than Zimmerman) which would suggest he could defend the 3pt line all the way to the basket and probably rebound a little bit as well. I think we NEED anyone we can get at this point. He also played point on his AAU team last summer before he grew another 3-4 inches. So he is possibly an A Davis type player if he puts on a couple pounds this summer?

I don't know what to think on Ingram. On one hand, if he isn't done growing, he could turn into Kevin Durant lite - a tall, lanky scorer with a guard's mentality and perimeter abilities. On the other hand, his frame suggests that he could very easily get bullied both in college and at the next level if he isn't a transcendent scorer. If he's a legitimate "could go for 35 any given night" type player, then I understand his ranking.

But the flip side to me is that in watching Jaylen Brown, Brown is a better athlete, more explosive, a better ball handler and is stronger. I have reviewed both players and just don't see Ingram as the better prospect right now, unless he's going to be Kevin Durant.

I'm really torn right now on Ingram. He has really shot up the recruiting boards, but I wonder if that is more to do with the fact that there aren't many unsigned guys, so they are trying to juice the remaining guys by reordering some things.

@Crimsonorblue22 Wiggins would have succeeded in any offense under any coach. And McLemore had 2 years under him. But even he was only a 3 point shooter and got drafted high because of a terribly weak draft class and how athletic he was.

And @Statmachine I am not saying he isn't talented, but he isn't a guy that can create his own shot (Newman) and doesn't have the size we need. To call him Anthony David might one of the most ridiculous things I've heard in awhile on this site. There is absolutely no chance he is even a poor mans Anthony Davis. Not only are they two different positions but play nothing alike.

Will I take him? Sure. A talented player on the roster can't hurt. Especially since BG will be rusty and out of shape the first month of the season. But you won't see me sad if we don't get him, nor will I be giddy if we do. I was REALLY hoping for Newman but will take the silver lining that UK didn't get him either.

@JhawkAlum I was not excited about Newman, but I am about Ingram.

@JhawkAlum those 2 are pretty darn successful. Wiggins also improved his D, got all the playing time he wanted. Ben Mac is doing us proud too, on and off the court.

@ Really? I saw Newman as someone who could come in and get his points no matter what. Like a more physical Selby. What do you see in Ingram? You are more know more about basketball than me so I am curious. Btw, you better not get me excited about him to get heart broken later! Lol

I meant to tag @crimsonorblue22 !

@JhawkAlum better to have loved and lost than never.....

@Crimsonorblue22 very true! What do you that is dynamic that get you so excited?

@JhawkAlum

ESPN - Ingram #3, Newman #10

24/7 - Ingram #3, Newman #7

Rivals - Ingram #4, Newman #8

A few month ago Newman was top 3 and Ingram a borderline top 10 and now the rankings have reversed and Ingram is considered the better prospect.

@JhawkAlum he really moved up, great shooter, rebounder, high ceiling, great kid, great teammate!

@Crimsonorblue22

"nice points!"

Both of them!

(Well... you set it up so I had to knock it down!)

@drgnslayr I know I hesitated, esp since I'm a girl!!

@Crimsonorblue22

And I didn't even hesitate... what a schmuck I am!

Well agree to disagree! Haha I believe was the most dynamic player in the class

Any link to the announcement?

http://www.wkyt.com/home/headlines/Brandon-Ingram-announcing-college-choice-this-evening-301462901.html?device=phone&c=y ↗

And the winner is...Duke...

OH well...moving on.

Diallo?

No big surprise as Duke was consider the favorite. Let's hope Diallo works out better.

It will come as no surprise when he doesn't go to ku either

Too bad

@BeddieKU23

What makes you think that? KU seems to be the favorite for Diallo...

@JayHawkFanToo bummed!

Good. This means Svi and Greene were not successfully recruited over.

Now we can get Diallo's decision.

@truehawk93

"Now we can get Diallo's decision."

Do you think that will go better?

@joeloveshawks Ok...Svi gets a great opportunity. I hope he makes the most of the situation. Also, Greene has been given a gift. His experience, talent, and overall IQ needs to translate. Since we missed on Ingram, I'd like to see how quickly Self moves to get Green back. Let's let Svi showcase his talents. He had a rough year and start, but something tells me he's going to BREAK OUT big time.

@drgnslayr Well, the "experts" pretty much steered Ingram to Puke. They have reluctantly conceded Diallo to KU, reluctantly...LOL

@JayHawkFanToo said:

@BeddieKU23

What makes you think that? KU seems to be the favorite for Diallo...

Because again we are fighting for a recruit who is being pressured to stay home. 2 assistants don't get hired for nothing that were at different schools a month ago. It's the definition of sleezy recruiting but if that's how it has to be done we should be hiring his high school coach.

There's nobody that wants the kid more I'm from the east coast and have watched his games since last summer.

But I'm a realist and understand that we we fans want and what we get are 2 different things

@truehawk93

Seriously? Everything I read says St.Johns and Iowa State both WANT and NEED Diallo more than us.

I see them prying and prying Diallo's hands away from that KU LOI pen.

@joeloveshawks said:

Good. This means Svi and Greene were not successfully recruited over.

Still in it for brown, after he dropped UCLA his perceived favorite

Coach K gets whatever he wants, and whomever he wants. Give the Rat his due. Oh and let's give Capel some props for out recruiting HCBS too. If we lose Diallo, I won't be a happy Jayhawk. I can accept Ingram, but if we lose Diallo, I want to know what's happening to Bill Self on the recruiting trail.

Jeff Capel can beat Self at something...haha When he has the Puke label and the the Rat's coaching reputation. He won't leave the Rat's tit either. He'll suck till he can't suck anymore. I hope he's Puke's successor when K leaves.

@BeddieKU23 I have to agree. I'll take anything at this point. Maybe the Wiggins and Bragg affect will win another recruit afterall.

Carlton, your recruiting skills are failing KU. I hope your play is better than your recruiting skills. Remember the package deal hype with Bragg, Brown, and Ingram. Well, we know part of the package is gone. The only piece left is Brown. So, here's to landing Diallo and Brown.

I respect Ingram's decision, but I can't imagine Duke signing a 17 year old PG who is "unproven" at the D1 level, would help that much to convince him to go to Duke. We have a Jr. and So. PG's who would have fed him better..

If we miss on both Diallo and Brown? I'll be absolutely pissed. It just seems like Bill Self is getting later and later to the prom.

@truehawk93

I don't know why I get so wrapped up in this. I think it is because I always feel KU is a long shot for these players. I'm not a happy Jayhawk when we miss on 3 and 4-star guys that have awesome upside and either we didn't push hard enough or we are clearly recruiting over them even before they sign. I'm always looking forward to the next Thomas Robinson to come our way. The OADs are interesting, but they create an insatiable appetite for MORE! You can never sign enough of them because you only get to keep them for a few months. Fans don't really get to know them so we paint an illusion of who they are. And we also create an insatiable appetite for them to show us MORE than they do... after all, we only have them for a few thousand minutes!

So somebody please tell me why it's HCBS's fault when we don't land a top recruit? Don't other things factor into a kid's decision like being close to family? Or the kid jelled better with the players at one school better than another? Or the kid likes the play at one school over another? Or he likes one shoe co better than another? Or....Or....Or....? I guess we ought to just fire HCBS and hire somebody who can recruit 10 MD AA's. Yeah, that's just what we need. Ol Sleazy will fix things.

I so want to play them this year. I think our guys can take Puke with their recruits.

Mason/Thornton

Selden/Allen

Svi/Ingram

Ellis/Bragg/Traylor/Jefferson/Obi

Bragg/Lucas (Diallo)/Mick/Jeter/Plumblee?

During his announcement, Ingram said he was a Duke fan growing up. Somehow that detail slipped through the cracks.

@brooksmd Easy does it my good drinking buddy. Have a quick swig and relax. No body is blaming Self. I'm making the mere observation that his recruiting skills are slipping. You're right, there are many factors involved. We'll be fine and Self recruits based on need, not pure talent and numbers.

But, you have to admit it would be nice to have some OADs and win a NC. If you look at my last post and the match-ups, we look weak again at the 5. Let's hope we land Diallo to maintain a highly competitive edge.

@RockkChalkk I know of a few recruits we've had that were KU fans too that slipped through the cracks. I'd like to think we were his second choice. I don't know, right now that seems like a bone. I guess second to Puke is better than second to none.

@Crimsonorblue22

We all knew that he was a likely Duke get so I am not really bummed over it...now, Diallo, that is different and I would be bummed if we don't get him.

@truehawk93

What makes you think Ingram went to Duke because of Capel? I would say he went there because it was the best local option and because of Coach K and in spite and not because of Capel, who has proven that he cannot coach at the top level and now is an assistant at his Alma Mater, the only place that would have him. He might think he is the coach-in-waiting when Coach K retires, but is there anyone that believes he will be the next HC at Duke? I certainly do not.

@RockkChalkk

Most of the stories about Ingram indicate he was Duke fan growing up. Nothing new there. It was simply overshadowed by the stories of the other players from his HS that went to UNC.

@JayHawkFanToo really like the guy, think we have a need there, along w/needing diallo.

College basketball as a whole is turning into an unsavory product. Changes need to be made very, very soon.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again, anyone wanna tell me what the difference between K and Calipari is?

@RockkChalkk Yet he said if it were not for the UNC sanctions, he would've committed to them last Fall?

@MoonwalkMafia 1st and 3rd?

@Crimsonorblue22 No kiddin. Guess I wasnt paying attention. Thought he did. Oh well, its a moot point anyways now that he chose Duke.

@MoonwalkMafia

Well..in Hollywood terms, Coach K is like Helen Mirren and Calipari is like the Kardashians...all of them combined including Bruce Jenner who I guess is also a female now?

Coach Self would be Meryl Streep, of course, the best of the best.

@JayHawkFanToo LOL...the point of my post is, I don't care about Capel or Puke. It makes me no difference. I'm using some sarcasm to make a point. I doubt he gets a sniff of the job when K leaves.

I'm respecting the kid's decision and moving on to the next recruit.

....the correct answer was that Kentucky is a school ranked behind K-State academically, and Duke is 3 spots behind Yale. The whole thing is pretty ugly, but OADs at Duke is just...upsetting.

@BeddieKU23 I'm not basing this on anything but I see him going to UK. Partially just because he seems like a UK player and partially because I selfishly don't want any more perimeter players when we are set in that area (at least I think we are).

Please land a kid who can play 4/5 so we don't have to have another year of watching Lucas fumble the ball to the other team and seeing Jamari grab 2 rebounds in 25 minutes on the floor.

@joeloveshawks said:

@BeddieKU23 I'm not basing this on anything but I see him going to UK. Partially just because he seems like a UK player and partially because I selfishly don't want any more perimeter players when we are set in that area (at least I think we are).

Please land a kid who can play 4/5 so we don't have to have another year of watching Lucas fumble the ball to the other team and seeing Jamari grab 2 rebounds in 25 minutes on the floor.

I don't disagree with you in the fall brown said ku and UK stuck out to him. Michigan and unc his dream scool also rate a good chance with him. If we did land him he'd replace oubre's production and reduce Svi and Greenes role. the only reason we stand a chance is because until today he's said jack about where he may go. our odds are better than what I think we have.

Diallo is the only hope of landing a day 1 starter in the post but we are likely to lose to sleezy recruiting tactics and a slime Ball on his last leg to field a team

@hawkmoon2020 said:

I respect Ingram's decision, but I can't imagine Duke signing a 17 year old PG who is "unproven" at the D1 level, would help that much to convince him to go to Duke. We have a Jr. and So. PG's who would have fed him better..

Thornton will be one of the best freshman pgs in the country. He was a star at Findlay Prep And to base speculation that he is unproven because he reclassified is like saying the same about Andrew Wiggins when he did the same thing.

@BeddieKU23 didn't wigs go up a grade and then back down? He wasn't 17.

@Crimsonorblue22 said:

@BeddieKU23 didn't wigs go up a grade and then back down? He wasn't 17.

Very well could have.

@BeddieKU23 Wiggins did reclassify down and then back up. Kids having been doing this for years. They reclassify down to dominate younger competitition, be the star focus of their team, get on recruiting radars, and then if it makes sense to reclassify up they do. If not, they can stay down another year and attempt to improve their stock.

Thornton did the same thing, having originally been part of the class of 2015 and then reclassifying down. Then the opening for PG happened at Duke and bam, right time to reclassify back up.

@approxinfinity he's awfully young.

@Crimsonorblue22 I was surprised as well, to find out that he did the classify down thing....

http://collegebasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/04/21/duke-lands-commitment-from-elite-pg-derryck-thornton/ ↗

If I and my son sat down a month ago and watched the NCAA tournament and saw KU light fumble all over Wichita State and then watched Duke win the championship would I say, gee son you need to go to KU they need some help or would I say wow look at Duke, that's a winning program.

When KU won it in 08 we seemed to be the darlings for a while and recruiting seemed better but in the last couple of years we have had NCAA issues and untimely injuries that gave us some terrible losses. This has not helped the recruiting. Self will eventually right the ship but if we don't get just a little more help this year we may not be able to sustain with the injuries into the summer and next season. Knee injuries are very hard to overcome.

@KU-Flyer

we do need a full roster especially since 3 spots are guaranteed to be open after next year. If we don't sign anymore players we could have as many as 8 spots open (yikes). 3 left over Scholarships, 3 guaranteed spots open and pending Svi & Selden draft decisions.