This is the first time I have really heard anything about Malik Newman since he started his new journey at KU. I hope he has a McLemore type of season next year!
http://www2.kusports.com/news/2016/oct/16/ku-transfer-malik-newman-soaking-kansas-basketball/ ↗
@Statmachine Id bet on that!
If Graham, Vick and Newman are all aboard 2017-18, our back court should be superb, no matter who Bill Self brings in to join them. 3 experienced bluebloods. This current year of practice and serious NCAA Tournament team determination should really bolster Newman's know-how and desire. I envision his stepping right in alongside Graham to replace Mason.
If DG stays, where does that leave Young or Sexton? So much to play out before the end of the season, but if we have DG, MN, LV and Svi back, whoa!
If DG has a break out great year this year, he is gone for the League.
Staff is recruiting like Graham will be gone.
Next year will be a rebuild year if he leaves
@BeddieKU23 reload year!
Malik is really starting to excite me. I'm glad we will have him available next year and also that he brings stiff competition to practices this year.
I imagine comparing him to BMac is the right comparison though their games have differences.
I wouldn't call it a re-build year. With Newman already in the program, Vick on hand and Garrett already committed, KU is in good shape already, and that only gets better if they sign Sexton or Young. And don't forget about Tremont Waters, who could be a four year player if he signs at KU.
Add in the fact that Lightfoot and Azuibuke will definitely be back, as well as Coleby and Evan Maxwell up front, and it's pretty clear you have a good core group (Vick, Newman, Garrett, Lightfoot, Azuibuke, Coleby, Maxwell) that you already know, plus the chance to add a dynamic wing (Troy Brown?) and another guard (Sexton, Young or Waters) That's a very solid nine man rotation. If you can get another big to go with that (Billy Preston?) you're right back in the conversation for national titles, etc.
And that doesn't even look at the possibility that Svi could be back, which eliminates the need for a wing like Brown (or eliminates the need for one of the Sexton/Young/Waters trio). That gives tons of depth and options.
That is the very definition of a reload. KU could have four first round picks - Jackson, Bragg, Graham and Svi, plus have Mason taken late in the second and Lucas get invited to summer league - and still end up with a top 10 team next season. And if any of that group stays for whatever reason, look out.
@justanotherfan I agree, we should still be in good shape next year. I can't wait to see what Udoka will be like with experience under Self. Shaq Lite?
I guess I just don't see it the same way as you right now but I understand the optimism that it could be status quo as always. I'm fully open to changing my mind especially after seeing how this recruiting class shapes out, as well as the players we will have next year and how they are developing. I mean we have been in situations such as this before where we could lose our entire starting lineup to the draft/graduation and still not miss a beat. I guess at this time I'm seeing what we could lose, and what we'll have back and seeing a talent deficit.
Vick is potentially a really good player next year. Love the potential for him, I believe he'll be our leading scorer next year. How much he's able to contribute this year is very important to next years squad.
Newman should be okay but I have major concerns about him that I think gets lost because of the hype surrounding him. Will he defend, will he be a team player, will he give 100% effort to the coaches satisfaction. Some of those things he did not give at Miss St for whatever reason.
Garrett will be a freshman, can we really expect him to be our PG? Seems like a very talented player, maybe even an underrated sort of prospect because of the lack of AAU exposure. We won't know until he hits campus.
We are looking at a lot of new faces. Where's the leadership going to come from? Leaving will be Frank, Landon, (possibly Devonte) + Draft picks Jackson, Bragg, Svi. Most of the identity of this team will be gone.
Azubuike offers promise but he's a raw player. He'll be a raw player next year. Again I think as a Soph he'll have a chance to be good, but how good is unknown. Coleby, Maxwell, Lightfoot- a lot of unknowns right now. I can't think of an opposing team that would be scared about us trotting out those 4 in the post.
Again if any of the group stays like Devonte it changes things. Svi would give us balance on the perimeter.
The recruiting class looks unsettled as always right now, 1 recruit could change everything. Maybe we check back in a month's time when Sexton/Brown make decisions.
@BeddieKU23 Get a ring this year, recruit the heck out of the 2017 and 18 classes with momentum! Dominate the Big12 for its last remaining years...Join the ACC and take the streak to 25 years...
I am figuring on a 2017 lineup like this:
PG - Newman (moves from SG to PG this year in practice).
SG - Vick (inherits this spot as a lockdown defender slotted next to a scoring lead guard)
SF - Troy Brown (speculating a bit here, but I think he comes in to replace Jackson)
PF - Lightfoot (he's not as big as we would like, but he will have a year in the program, and...)
C - Azuibuke (nobody is big compared to Udoka. He will be a destroyer of worlds after a year in the program)
A bench of Coleby, Maxwell and Garrett is pretty solid. Obviously, if we miss on Brown, but land a guy like Sexton, Young or Waters, Vick slots up to the 3 and either Newman or the 5 star freshman starts at the point (Young and Waters are natural PGs, Sexton is a 2).
I would love to have a Newman/Sexton backcourt. Both guys can score and distribute. That would be a tough backcourt to handle, and neither guy is terribly undersized to create bad matchups defensively.
Take that lineup and compare it side by side with past starting lineups and take a hard look. We would be putting out what I think would be the least talented starting 5 KU has had in many years, especially under Self. Maybe there has been other years but that lineup doesn't scare me, I don't think it scares anyone.
Now I know we don't have accurate reports right now where Vick, Lightfoot, Udoka & Coleby fit into next year's squad so I could be short-selling the capabilities of them but I see 1 known commodity in Vick, he'll play this year and likely be a star next but it's likely the other 3 will have limited roles this year. Did we really sign Maxwell to play? Did people really miss on this kid from Liberty? Tape doesn't say much. Maybe he can be developed and coached up.
With both Lightfoot & Udoka we have to be patient. Lightfoot has got to get his body right, reports seem to indicate he has some intangibles and a good work ethic so maybe he surprises us. Udoka, is not a skilled player, great potential and its going to take time. His size is only good if he knows how to use it. I think he'll advance his game quicker than some but I'm going to wait on him to prove it. We'll find out whether he's closer to Diallo or Embiid.
With recruits I honestly have no idea now. Missing on Chaundee Brown was a real bummer. Ayton just keeps kicking at us, he was the sure-fire replacement in the post to Bragg. The Sexton momentum seemed promising, he's said its likely us or Alabama. Just get the feeling Avery Johnson slime's one out on us. Sexton a south kid, Bama been on him so long, he can be the face of a terrible team/basketball program. Sexton would keep Newman from being a primary ball-handler. Frank Mason 2.0 type. If we believe the media we haven't had a serious chance at Young for a while but we do get our chance I believe this weekend when he visits. I've thought Troy Brown was likely to end up here, and recent commits at schools he was considering and positions would keep us in the running. Who knows? It's likely going to be a spring recruiting frenzy again for Bill.
All the talk was Svi last year at this time. I'm waiting to see w/my own eyes what Vick can do.
I feel good about next year... talent wise.
Gosh... that is a million years away. We know how just a bit of news can totally change how things look. I feel positive we are going to add some solid, talented recruits by then, too.
I think there is an excellent chance we get Devonte back, unless we win the NC.
Next year could be our "sleeper team" and that is always exciting! If we do get Devonte back and we have a semi-seasoned Udoka in the middle... we will be a force to be reckoned with ... or should I say "wreckened."
Malik brings a big question mark. But I like him already and I think he has his mind right to take the ultimate advantage of where he is today. I don't think we value what he can become, especially having a year to totally develop his game.
By chance, if we win it all this year, then all bets are off on next year. It is always hard to repeat to the same level. One more reason why I'm not looking at 'Nova as the same threat they were this past year. Plus.... Ryan is gone!
I'm not sold on Svi leaving after year. I think he's got a lot to prove this year and if he doesn't he'll be back.
@wissoxfan83 His parents are teachers - that degree will be more important to Svi, imo.
@drgnslayr I thing Bragg needs to show significant improvement to be leaving too. Not that it matters at all, I think he seems a bit immature.
@justanotherfan as things get closer here is the what I personally am getting a feeling more and more how we end up. So for what it's worth I think in the end here is who we get : I think we pull Colin Sexton away from Alabama, - - and we end up landing Troy Brown, - - and then to a lesser degree I think we land Dang Gak. Young & Waters don't look very good for us, but I would for sure be fine with Sexton - - Maybe we get Preston I know there is people here that don't want him thinking academics but that's been cleared up should be fine. With the way Arizona has kicked butt in the recruiting this year so far looking less and less about them getting Brown, think that Still comes down to Oregon but still feel good about him.we shall see - - ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY
@BeddieKU23 Well one thing we DO KNOW for sure is - -doesn't matter who you are if your not going to work at it and play defense your not going to see the floor to much - -Coach Self will yank your ass in a heart beat, you lazy, get beat - -kind of like Greene he didn't care if he played Defense or not. - -THE RESULT a lot of Pine time to go along with his attitude and bone head moves some times. I love Greene but just mad some really bad decisions.
If Malik doesn't give it all, then going to be a long year, I think he will be just fine, he wants that next step and Bill for sure will make sure he does what he needs to do to get there. Just because Malik is a talented kid doesn't really amount to squat, if you can't fit into Self system then you've got problems - -Look at Cliff promising talent BUT didn't see the floor a lot , mainly do to the fact he was lost on the floor, and his defense was terrible, you have to play BOTH ends for Bill, - I think just a typical year we will just re-load like we always have. I fretted last year as about to what we would have and it turned out fine - - not going through that this year - -ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY
I have a good feeling Bragg will be back. If he projects to be a lotto pick he is as good as gone but I kind of doubt that! Graham, and Svi could also be back? Next year could be just as good (possibly better) as this years team if the only pieces that move are Newman takes over for Mason, and Udoka for Lucas. To be honest both are solid replacements that are just as capable. Coach Self will do his best to retain everyone that doesn't project as a solid lottery pick so I think we will be okay! The sky isn't falling
Well looks like Waters for what is worth recruitment is over. Just came of 247 and said he was making decision today - - and then went to the CB and just saw like 10 predictions for Georgetown and he visited them for the 2nd time last weekend. So even though nothing official, official yet pretty much done deal looks like - -ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY
well with waters committing to G-Town like it says believe things start to fall. I feel like Quade Green - goes to Syracuse, - - - Matt Coleman to Kentucky or Duke- - - Trae Young goes to Oklahoma - - -& We DO end up with Collin Sexton yippee and then Trevon Duval - - not sure. - - ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY
@Crimsonorblue22 What makes you think that Bragg is immature? Not trying to be confrontational just curious as I may have missed something. Working nights has me all sorts of messed up.
You really think Bragg will be back? We shouldn't be that naive to the current culture of College Basketball.
Bragg is exactly the type of forward the NBA wants. He's stepping into a starting role with little competition behind him. As long as he has a pulse, is not injured, and isn't constantly in foul trouble this guy is going to be a possible lottery pick. Bragg will have to severely underachieve to not be in a position to jump to the pro's. Of the 3 guys we are worried about, Carlton is probably the least likely to return because of the situation he's in and the way his game translates to the NBA.
The outlook for next year changes if either Graham, Bragg or Svi return. We are recruiting guards like Devonte is gone. We did recruit Bragg's replacement and failed, and we've been after multiple wings to little avail (with Troy Brown the most likely candidate). Call it contingency recruiting or not, our Coach is aware that a big year means big turnover
Waters might impact Troy Brown to consider Georgetown, that was Brown's last visit
Greene was a lazy defender and he saw the floor. He was also a coaching headache but he still got on the floor. He did make poor decisions, it can happen with kids who just don't fully get it.
Newman has a golden opportunity to change and get back to the dominate player he was coming into College. Usually guys do better with a change of scenery.
I highly suggest anyone youtube pre-draft tape of Newman's freshman year. You'll see some good mixed in with a lot of questionable things. Made me wonder if he was really the right fit in Self's system. I know they love the kid and his scoring ability but as you said it takes a lot more then just scoring to play at KU. Malik needs to be molded in the off-year into a KU guy.
@HawkInMizery a lot of my feeling comes from interviews after the games. He really seems uncomfortable and just silly.
@BeddieKU23 I think Malik is getting it. Seeing how poorly he showed and the big difference in ku's program, he knows what it will take now. Sounded like his dad figured it out too.
Hope so, he's really important to next years squad
@justanotherfan I was crushed when Waters signed w G-Town. I love that kid.
I will admit I am probably higher on Malik Newman than most. There are guys that just know how to make things happen offensively, and he happens to be one of those guys. The mistake at MSU was they had him just stand out on the perimeter and shoot threes. He's not a spot up shooter. He's a slasher/cutter.
If he is utilized properly, he could be one of the best players in the country next year. Combine him with Udoka, who could be one of the best big men in the country.
That one-two punch is enough to make any team a serious contender, but KU will have pieces around that. Vick could be a dynamic collegiate two way player. Lightfoot should be a very solid inside player as a sophomore. Maxwell is a solid big man off the bench in limited minutes. Same with Coleby. Adding any one of the four perimeter guys we are currently after basically solidifies the full rotation.
KU is national championship good this season. They are basically one player away from being right back in that conversation next year. Self needs to go basically 1-4 on recruiting and he's right back where he wants to be because Newman and Azuibuke will both be in Lawrence next season. As long as they are healthy, KU is good again.
Bragg has potentially the most upside of any player at KU not named Josh Jackson. Having said that, he is still and unknown quantity that had not been tested but is in a unique situation to getting playing time with little competition.
Malik has one year to ponder why his career went south. By potential alone out of HS he should be in the NBA now, instead he is 2 years away. Hopefully he will listen to the coaching staff that knows a thing or two about the game, learn to play defense (if he want to get playing time) and apply himself to learn to play PG, which is where he would play in the NBA; Mario did it, he can too.
@BeddieKU23 Well it certainly is becoming more clear that it is a two team race for Collin. -- Alabama, & KU. just heard an interview where as much was said. Said there were other teams but that it was going to come down to KU-Ala we shall see. It would be a big get if we can pull him out of there. ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY
@Crimsonorblue22 ha i like his goofy natured. seems lighthearted.
Honestly I do hope my criticism of Newman is wrong because I wanted KU to get him the first time around. He got his bad /growing pains year out of the way, he's humbled and everything he's said, he finally realizes he should have ended up at KU in the first place. The pressure is gone in a sense that he's not trying to be the local star anymore and will be in a system that caters more to his strengths.
He has a chance to get stronger, play with the best damn guards in the country and mold himself after those guys. No doubt he's got 20 pts per game potential if we needed it, the key is unlocking Newman as an all around player.
Being reported Sexton will unofficially visit Alabama this weekend and commit after. Anytime you see a recruit going back to visit a school they have already been too means its over for anyone else.
Another one bites the dust!
Losing Sexton isn't the worst thing for KU. I love his game, but he and Newman are very similar players. It may be difficult for their games to match up because they have such similar styles, it's hard to say that their games would be complementary to each other.
For that reason, Brown may be a slightly better fit. He's my preference right now, with Young as my second choice. The pressure is on if Sexton signs though, because instead of going 1-4, Self now has to go 1-2 with Waters already committed to the Hoyas.
With Newman already in the fold, I either want a true PG, or I want a big wing. Pairing Newman with another scoring guard will be difficult from a basketball standpoint.
@BeddieKU23 Sexton is going to Tide Tipoff tonight their version of Late night. I'm sure the other recruits will be in his ear and the coaching staff will be pushing for a commitment. I won't write him off till the deal is done.
This is a top 10 recruit, losing out on another one is a big deal.
@BeddieKU23 just read this, for what it's worth
http://rockchalkblog.com/2016/10/21/collin-sexton-breakdown/ ↗
@BeddieKU23 I think your reading to much in to it but even if he does commit the sun will rise tomorrow. I still think next year's starting 5 are currently on the roster, never bought into the pre season mock draft that had Bragg, DG, and Svi a 3 year backup getting drafted in the first round. Possible but unlikely.
Next year we have Newman, Vick and Garrett. Possibly DG, Svi and Bragg will all be back I think 2 of them will be. This is why I don't see any of the top players committing until they know or have a better idea what those 3 are doing
@Crimsonorblue22 I started to look it up then realized I just don't care, and saw your jk at the end
True, but look at what Malik Newman was in HS, and tell me that he isn't every bit of Collin Sexton, except that he will have been on campus and in practice for a full year, plus a full year of Hudy work in the weight room.
Sexton is an incredible player, no doubt. Would love to have him in Lawrence. But we already have a player like Collin Sexton in Lawrence, and we know that he will be in the lineup next year.
Sexton will likely be one of the best freshmen in the country if he fulfills his potential next season. Newman will likely be one of the best players in the country if he fulfills his.
This is a short podcast with Krysten Peek from rivals. They talk about the top PGs alot about Sexton.
http://worldonline.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/podcasts/2016/10/21/krystenpeek.mp3 ↗
@BeddieKU23 I'm not counting on that. not writing us off on him yet -- - just like everyone thought Ayton was a no miss for Ku - - -ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY
@Ralph I'm for sure not writing him off either - - NOT YET probably that was not a smart move for them. Them bringing him their for their light night version compared to ours? Alabama will never stack up as a basketball school. With him knowing how Coach self is getting players in the N.B.A - - compared to Alabama, said so himself how he knew Coach self could help him. - -Don't hear any " FAT LADY SINGING YET" -ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY
believe what you want, I'm out of the recruiting side of things with the season now here. The circus that is recruiting is boring now
@BeddieKU23 I agree - give me the games all day!