http://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/university-of-kansas/article120979228.html ↗

Bill sounds really high on Preston.

Bill knows Graham isn't coming back.

Sign up Trae!

@Kcmatt7

He's got a lot of potential for KU if he's eligible. The comparison to Morris is valid

@BeddieKU23 if you have them just one year, do you want Duval or Young?

Of course that is if Duval becomes eligible.

Do we have any updates on Duval? Or is it just all eggs in the Young basket?

I'm scared to rely on a grad transfer, but I guess it could be worse. Getting an experienced PG for one season to bridge the gap while we have Svi, Newman and Vick to do our scoring. Plus another year of development from Bragg and Doke and bringing in Preston. Our post play should be very solid next season to make up for our lack of PG play.

@Kcmatt7 said:

Do we have any updates on Duval? Or is it just all eggs in the Young basket?

I'm scared to rely on a grad transfer, but I guess it could be worse. Getting an experienced PG for one season to bridge the gap while we have Svi, Newman and Vick to do our scoring. Plus another year of development from Bragg and Doke and bringing in Preston. Our post play should be very solid next season to make up for our lack of PG play.

Sure seems like Duval was just waiting on the Duke offer and will end up there.

The best hope is for Young as this point. Without a doubt KU is a top 3 team next year with Young/Newman/Vick/Preston/Doke. Bragg could honestly return too at this point which would be a nice plus. Definitely in for some growing pains if it comes to fruition though. Young, Newman and Preston are quick to shoot and slow to pass.

@Kcmatt7

A month ago I would have said Duval but I prefer Trae Young.

You can't go wrong with either but Duval is an OAD, I don't think the OAD option is there for Young and with what he's said to the media that is not his plan anyway.

I think Duval is waiting out the Duke offer as @BShark said and roster movements at the end of the year. What Matt Coleman decides to do is important in this battle. If Coleman signs with Duke- KU is definitely the favorite (if Young doesn't sign with KU before that point). If Coleman goes to Texas or the unlikely 3rd option in Stanford- Duke will probably win his recruitment.

I'm almost certain Bill Self wants Trae Young more than Duval. Young is an outstanding kid both on/off the court. Self has been after him since his Sophomore year and every chance Self and his staff get since the spring they have been following him full staff. That's unusual to do when KU is usually after a lot of guys and resources need to be spread out.

Duval & Young would both fit differently in the KU system.

Duval is a tremendous athlete- elite for the PG position ( I think Derrick Rose/John Wall) when I see him. Neither was a prolific jump-shooter but athletically/physically they were better then everyone around them. Duval is not a great shooter and lives by getting into the paint. At the next level he will have to work on his shot a lot- think Josh Jackson in terms of shooting ability at this point. Duval has excellent vision, transition skills and speed to go along with excellent ball-handling. He'd fit in well with Vick/Newman/Svi (possibly back) & Garrett.

With Young your getting a floor leader and in my opinion one of the most fearless and elite shooters I've ever seen at the High School level. In the gym range is a term that I don't throw out lightly and Young has that ability. When you look at how Steph Curry has changed the NBA game with his shooting I see some similarities in Young. Young isn't an elite athlete-maybe sometimes underrated but by no means an above-the-rim player so that limits his attractiveness in the NBA. He'll have to become really good at everything else to make up for that. Young is also a kid that can become versatile in the 2 PG option that Self has been using currently. You can put Young off the ball because his shooting ability has to be accounted for. He would provide better floor spacing for the offense. I would be okay with using Trae as our primary ball-handler as a freshman. It's not ideal but I don't think Young is the type of player you can keep off the floor if he picks up the offense quickly.

Defensively Duval would be the better get. Duval has excellent size and length to bother opposing PG's. I think Young is also an underrated defender but in College he's going to have to bulk up some to handle guys that are bigger and more mature than him.

In the end I would take Young's shooting ability and versatility to play the secondary ball-handler position that Graham currently fills. Plus your getting a multi-year player that will provide more roster stability.

@BeddieKU23 I just want to see what Bill could do with a Rose/Wall type of player.

@BeddieKU23

The last bit is the kicker for me. If it's one year of each, I'd probably take Duval but Young is a 5star 2018 recruit too and better than anyone we could get in that class as a FR.

@BShark

Exactly I'm not big on the 18 point guards but if we get one I hope its Dotson.

@Kcmatt7

It would be interesting. Duval is not the type of PG that ends up at KU- he ends up at Kentucky but since Kentucky isn't involved he must go somewhere. He would definitely be an exciting player to watch in a KU uniform.

I bet a lot of scouts would say Duval over Young but I think that is largely because Duval projects as a better NBA player. Young will be a better College player especially if he sticks around 2-3 years as expected. I'll take the better College Player that would potentially start for multiple years at KU over a guy who has eligibility questions /has been linked to possibly going oversea's and is only going to be in college 1 year.

Regardless, as long as KU lands one of them we will be in good shape for next year.

@BeddieKU23 said:

@BShark

Exactly I'm not big on the 18 point guards but if we get one I hope its Dotson.

I'm not even sure who else KU is really in on in terms of 2018 PGs at this point. Quickley is a stud but going to UW or UK most likely (but never count Duke out). The Orca whale will lock up Brandon Williams and Quinerly is good but feels like a kid that will stay out east. Only other one I can think of is Jamie Lewis who should be a good multi-year PG in the same kind of ranking range as Graham and Mason last I knew (Mason's composite ranking dipped due to ESPN not ranking post grads). KU hasn't offered Lewis yet though.

Hopefully we land Young and go into that year with Young and Garrett running the show as Sophs.

@BShark

Couldn't agree more! That would be an awesome duo

@BeddieKU23

Dynamic. Could have it like Graham and Mason where they both share ball handling responsibilities.

"Garrett drives to the rack, the defender slides over but wait he stops and passes out to Young for a trifecta! It's good baby! You can't leave Young open, he's a killlllaaaaa." Dickie V covering a KU game, hopefully.

@BShark all but the Dickie v!😡👎

@BeddieKU23

Really enjoyed your long post comparing Young and Duval.

You convinced me, but it is rare for me to pick an OAD PG over a multi-year PG because we need experience at that position (for many reasons).

@drgnslayr

No problem. We are in a rare position with the roster where a freshman point guard could be running the show next year. We are also lucky to be after two outstanding basketball players that both offer contrasting styles of play.

I've started to open up to the idea that Malik Newman might be one of our primary ball-handlers next year and his year practicing with the team is going to build the trust that Self needs in his floor general. I don't think he's an ideal fit to run the team but I'm open to the idea after a lot of fellow bucketeers have expressed their opinion on him.

Duval is really good and if he ends up at KU we will be happy to know that at least we tried to fill the PG spot with the best possible talent available.

With Young I just feel will be better for the team next year and the future.

Self talked about how Josh Jackson "unpacked his bags" a cliche to point out that even though he's an OAD he's completely bought into the team until the time comes for him to decide on his future. Without knowing Duval personally and just judging my opinion on how his recruitment process has gone and what scouts/etc have said I don't think Duval would be the type that '"unpacks the bags"- kind of a kid that has 1 foot out the door as some do that know that College is just a stop on the road. That opinion is not meant to be negative in any way towards Duval, its simply just a thought I have regarding him.

Now with Young we have gotten a much deeper perspective of his recruitment. He's big about his family and KU has been after him for over 2 years. When Young visited they rolled out the red-carpet. They played highlights of his father- a Texas Tech alum who played in Allen Fieldhouse and had a magical game years ago against KU. That hit home for the Young family and it was big for KU to use that as a recruiting tool. I feel as though Young will be here a few years if he came to KU and would be a player we get more out of. He has the ability to play major minutes as a freshman but also develop here and become a fan favorite. I love the versatility he offers on offense and his ability to shoot the ball. With how the game has changed Young's ability to stretch the floor is a huge advantage to have on your team. We shall see in the coming months what happens..

The question for me is always who makes the team better in each given year.

So next year's core of Vick/Newman/Svi/Bragg/Azuibuke/Preston/Lightfoot/Garrett gets to add either a PG with a very good shooting touch that may be a bit undersized or a great athlete that may struggle with his shooting stroke, but is devastating in transition and when he gets into the paint.

I'm taking Duval with the group I listed above simply because he, Newman and Vick will put a lot of pressure on perimeter defense, and adding a guy like Duval to that core puts KU right back into the national title hunt.

Not saying that Young would be a disappointment. I think he would be great, but Duval puts so much pressure on the defense because of his slashing ability that he creates space by collapsing the defense, while Young creates space with his shooting gravity. The thing is, shooters have slumps. Slashing doesn't slump.

Additionally, Duval has the superior defensive potential. That allows him to plug in alongside Vick and form a potentially dynamic defensive backcourt.

I don't so much worry about 2018-19 because that team could be so much different. You're potentially looking at Azuibuke, Bragg, Vick and Newman all being gone, plus Svi. Trying to guess about how Young helps that next group is tough, because all we can assume is that Lightfoot and Garrett will be there, with Preston hopefully also back for year 2. Trying to project the rest of that squad is basically impossible. Maybe Newman is back, in which case it may not be critical to have Young returning. With that much uncertainty, I'd rather take Duval and see if the small difference between him and Young is the difference between a title or not than hope for two or three really good seasons from Young, but missing out on a Final Four.

Many people in here complain about Kansas not winning more NCs.

I wonder how many championship teams are led by a freshman PG?

I know one team. Kentucky... 2012... against us... Marquis Teague.

But other years? I have to put an asterisk beside that Kentucky team because Calipari was already used to making all-star freshmen produce in a starting role. Anthony Davis dominated that game with 6 blocks and probably more than 10 shots he changed. And he pulled down 16 rebounds.

If we go for OAD PGs... aren't we also sacrificing the next year's chances as a national contender? So, essentially, we eliminate 2 years in contention?

@Kcmatt7 Well we know Duval is for sure ONE year. Trae not so sure - - maybe - -maybe not, there is a chance he might have 2 yrs- -nothing promised on that but maybe. Would be quite the dilemma, - - as we know Duval IS the real deal, he could be playing in the N.B.A right now - -he is ready- -scouts says he is ready, as much he would be awesome to have - -I think I would go ahead and take Trae - -not a bad 2nd choice for sure - -ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY

@drgnslayr

It's not ideal to have a freshman running the show. But what is the alternative? In a perfect world Devonte Graham would stay his senior year but even our coach thinks that won't happen. No other PG on the roster unless we want to say Newman is a PG. It's been a great run with Graham/Mason but those guys don't grow on tree's. The re-set button is on the horizon, we are going young it seems no matter what happens.

@drgnslayr Duke won it with Fr Tyus Jones. It's becoming more common as the talented kids bolt for the NBA.

Personally I'd take both players. Why not? I'm sure Bill could get them all on the court, esp. if the 4-1 looks good this year.

@BeddieKU23

I'm asking questions because I really don't know. From my historic perspective it seems like a mistake to sign an OAD for PG. But looking at today's game, maybe not.

@dylans

Ah yes, Tyus Jones. Good response. So we have at least 2 freshmen PGs bringing home the gold in the past few years. That definitely makes me think harder about my "historic perspective."

Gosh... just look at Josh. Does he really play like a freshman? And by the end of this year, he may be playing like a senior. It isn't just the fact that he is athletic and has a treasure chest full of moves. Sometimes you see him assess the situation and take advantage of his man out of position, or he bluffs like he is lagging on defense when he is preparing for another steal.

Maybe I'm thinking about this all wrong. Maybe I value the experience factor too much.

I look at winning a national championship like this.

You have to have X amount of talent to win a national title. That's the bare minimum. Let's say that in any given year, you have to have 80 talent to win a national title at a minimum. Anything less than 80, you can't win because you just aren't talented enough to get through all of the games - maybe not even quite good enough to make the tournament.

Now, if you are only 80, you probably need to have a superb individual star carry you (think Kemba Walker or Danny Manning). As you move above 80, you don't need that singular star because you just have so much talent at your disposal anyway.

So really, winning a title is a two step process. Step 1 is get to 80 - again, that's just an arbitrary number to set a baseline. Step 2 is getting as high as you can after 80 to increase your chances. Let's say that for every point above 80 you go, your chances of winning a title increase by 20%. So if you have a 1% chance of winning a title with 80 talent, 81 talent gives you a 1.2% chance of winning, 82 gives you a 1.44% chance, 83 is 1.72%, 84 is 2.06% and so on.

So of course, based on that, you want to stockpile talent because that alone increases your chances just because you are good enough to win six games in a row because of your talent.

After that, it's still comes down to those six games, but your chances are better with more talent.

@drgnslayr

I agree its risky because your basically hitting the re-set button in 2018 as well. Back to the same issue recruiting your next leader.

Duval is that situation. He might give you one spectacular season though.

Young is in the Devonte Graham route 2/3 maybe even 4 years of College. Young won't wow any scout with his size, athleticism, measurable's so he's a candidate to be a very good College player with a limited ceiling in the NBA. Young is the type of player that if he stayed 4 years, breaks scoring records. He scored 52 in a game recently with 9 dimes.

Self put us on the OAD map, he's chasing the best talent and knows that a 4 year window with top players has shrunk considerably. 7 of the 10 players on this years roster have a good chance of making an NBA roster in the future. The 2 kids he's signed already make 9.

@drgnslayr We will still have Garrett to run point 2 years from now. I'd expect a So. Garrett to be ready to go.

@Kcmatt7

Speaking of Garrett, an article.

https://jpsportssite.wordpress.com/2016/12/14/top-tier/ ↗

@justanotherfan

Interesting post. Never heard that concept before.

So using your "80" as a minimum... where does this Kansas team come in at?

And... could Josh be that special player you mention? Or someone else on this team?

@drgnslayr

This KU team is easily in the 90s on total talent. With as many as 7 future pros on the roster, this team has tons of talent. This team is easily more talented than last year's team (probably more of a high 80s or low 90s level talent team). The most talented teams in recent memory were Kentucky 2015, Duke 2015, Kentucky 2012, North Carolina 2009, Florida 2007, Kansas 2008 and North Carolina 2005. The least talented champions were Duke 2010 and UConn 2011 and 2014.

Looking across the nation, the most talented teams (in no particular order) are Kansas, North Carolina, Kentucky, Duke, UCLA and Indiana. I would be very surprised if those six teams are healthy and at least 2 of them don't get to the Final Four. Baylor, Villanova, and Xavier are all very good, but they can't match those first six in terms of raw talent. However, I think I just listed three or four of the Final Four teams, and I am almost certain I just listed this season's champion.

Put it this way, if you told me that I had to, right now, pick this season's NCAA champion and you gave me five guesses, I would pick KU, UK, Duke, UCLA and UNC, and I would feel fairly comfortable that I would be right. Obviously that's not foolproof, but with the level of talent those five teams have (it's possible that those teams have 12 of the first 17 picks in next year's NBA draft, and possibly as many as 15 or 16 overall draftees. That's talent.

Vanderbilt cut KU. Not a surprise, but now 100% confirmed he won't be a Hawk next year.

@BShark

Perfectly okay with that, watched some of his AAU games this summer couldn't believe he was that highly ranked. maybe he's improved

@BeddieKU23

I will admit I haven't seen much of him. Assumed he is good because Calimari wants him.

@justanotherfan KU, UK, Duke, UCLA, UNC? You just listed all the most traditional high-elite blue bloods. Whats changed? Interesting how the top doesnt change much. Doesnt mean one of these teams cant get knocked off by someone in the madness, but the conventional wisdom hasnt changed...and its taken a TON of work by each of these programs and their coaches to be and remain on this list. Each of these teams is an absolute contender to win a NC this season. And in most seasons.

https://basketballrecruiting.rivals.com/news/city-of-palms-five-star-shooting-guard-m-j-walker-keeps-a-low-profile ↗

@BShark

Vanderbilt is good, don't get me wrong I would put him more in the 40's range because he lacks a jump-shot with any consistency right now. He can handle the ball and push the ball in transition, has pretty good vision, rebounds well and finishes above the rim. I don't think he was a fit at KU from how we like our 3 and 4 man to have shooting ability. If that is the way Self recruits those positions going forward with how successful the last few years ago have gone, guys like Vanderbilt probably won't get as much attention from us. I know there was mutual interest for a while but I think when Self narrowed in on Preston, Vanderbilt wasn't needed. We better hope that decision doesn't backfire

I would like to see more of him but the games I saw him play he wasn't as active as I expected. Definitely needs to learn to play with a more consistent motor to play under any of his finalists, especially UK. Oregon in my opinion would be the best fit for him as they like to use similar guys as their 4 man. I've had a hard time finding a good comp for him. For his ranking he's borderline OAD type but I don't see it.

@BShark

Yikes, mom wants him close to home.. That probably does it for KU's chances

@ralster

There are years where I wouldn't list some of those schools. 2005, 2006 and 2009, for example, I would not have listed KU. Until this year, I probably wouldn't have listed UCLA since the Ben Howland years. Kentucky, between the 1998 title and Calipari being hired, probably doesn't make that list. UNC isn't on that list for the years between Smith and Williams. Even Duke misses that list here and there despite not having a coaching change over the last 25 years or so.

The difference for these schools is that they have the resources to get back on that list. Butler had a great run, but couldn't keep Brad Stevens. Had that been Indiana, they could have probably kept him (assuming he wasn't set on going to the NBA). They are still good, but not title contender good.

@justanotherfan

I am curious why you would leave out the 3 years Bill Guthridge was UNC HC? He compiled an 80-28 record that tied him for most wins all-time by a coach after 3 years and he made the Final Four twice in those 3 years. A pretty damn good record if you ask me.

@JayHawkFanToo

I forgot about those years. Went straight to the bad years after and left out those years. Good call on that.

@BeddieKU23

Yeah we will see how much it matters.

Norm was watching Walker again today. Things are heating up.

Sam Cunliffe visiting Jan 2nd. He recently escaped the ASU dumpster fire.

@BShark

Interesting, I liked Cunliffe out of High School. Very Athletic, deep range on the jumper, good handles and can get to the lane and finish. I see a player Self would want. Not sure he defends anything but we'll see how the visit goes.

Some ASU people have commented on his sudden departure. I can see where they might be upset, he was the highest ranked kid to come to ASU since James Harden. Tough to lose talent you think might be the face of your program if he developed. Might be a kid that needs to mature and be grounded. A lot of talk about him not getting along with teammates, upset with playing time even though he was starting, upset with role in the offense. Who knows what is actually true but there might be some "baggage" attached to him. He attended 3 High Schools, switched AAU squads. Sounds like the typical today's kid that wants everything. Honestly have no clue whether to believe those claims or not, but if he comes to KU he only has one way or its the highway. Would be a really good get as a mid-season transfer, I think KU needs him desperately if Svi tests the waters and leaves

@BeddieKU23

I hope we get him. Three years removed from HS Cunliffe is better than any wing KU can realistically get in the 2018 class as a Frosh.

If the staff misses on Young then Marcus Keene could be an option if he decides to grad transfer. Currently averaging 30 ppg for CMU. 5'9'' 160 though.

@BShark

I agree we'll see what happens going forward. I'm sure he wants to enroll at another school rather soon.

@BeddieKU23 @BShark Cunliffe would be a good pickup. Is he visiting anywhere else?

Not sure. I feel it has to bode well that KU is getting a visit so soon.

@Kcmatt7

Saw Gonzaga could be in play, Cunliffe is from Washington. If he makes it past the KU visit without committing he might end up close to home.

@BeddieKU23

I read that scholarships could be an issue for Gonzaga.

Interested to see if Self goes after Jahmal McMurray from South Florida who is also tranferring. Native of Wichita, prolific scorer but has some baggage apparently. Was averaging 20 a game in the 3 games he did play this season.

@BeddieKU23

Originally from Topeka, went down to Wichita to play at Sunrise. The reason for suspension was undisclosed, but I would think Bill could get that info if he were looking to take the kid.

reflecting for a moment. Isn't it crazy that we get intrigued by any transfer with a pulse these days? It's almost become 2nd nature to be looking at the transfer market as just as an important tool to fill your roster as is getting those elite recruits and Frank Mason's of the world. Crazy how much things have changed

@BeddieKU23 I wonder if that's a product on the OAD era. It's no big deal to leave after a year. Personally I'm a lifetime Jayhawk, no worries about me transferring my loyalty.

@dylans

I'm very happy we won't be losing you to Duke or Kentucky next year. Don't be upset by the lack of likes on your posts. There will be brighter days ahead.

Definitely, the OAD era has created a trickle down effect. Kids want it all now and if they don't they go where the next coach promises them a box of cookies. Just ask Andrew White- he's on his 3rd box now:bowtie:

@BeddieKU23

Yeah it can be tough to get program players when you are recruiting at a high level but aren't Duke (gets to basically pick who they want) or UK (only recently slowed down by the Duke train).

With the caveat that Young is still on the board (and Duval technically is) KU could strike out on PGs in this class (I do count Newman in this class but not a true PG and Garrett is a wing/combo, very good playmaker but will likely play the three) so we could be in a spot where we need a grad transfer, but a regular transfer wouldn't hurt either, to have waiting and developing for 2018.

This is why I love players like Russ Rob, Releford, Tyshawn, Reed, Morningstar, Mitch and Landen. Never gonna wow, but do the dirty work that needs to be done. Of course Russ and Rele came in as 5 stars so their situation was a bit different, but still.

I'm not sure we can count on Svi being back next year. His game is really starting to open up this year and we're not even into conference play yet. His ability and talent his showing that he his more than a spot shooter.

Don't get me wrong another season would be great for Svi, but I'm not sure that happens.

@DoubleDD

Definitely. Bill pretty much said it's completely up in the air with Svi in the article in the OP.

@DoubleDD Maybe, but he hasn't really been able to fully demonstrate or develop his playmaking ability. I guess to me the question is can he go lottery next year by facilitating the offense more. This year he'd be late first round at best, imo.

@approxinfinity

My fear is the international game keeps whispering in his ear too. I don't know the numbers, yet I get this feeling he could make more money going to the International game for a couple years and then enter the NBA draft. I read something the other day that SVI is still a month younger than JJ.

My hope is Svi's parents are big on education, and would apply the pressure on Svi to finish up is education at KU. Then again I've been presently surprised by his play this year, and he seems to be getting better by each game. There is still a lot of games to be played.

I recall an interview with Svi right after he picked Kansas. His dream is to play in the league. Period.

I know he is embracing his college days at Kansas. I hope he earns himself a degree and feel certain that he will.

He looks like he has already made half the leap up in play to make it in the NBA. When you consider that he is still just the age of a freshman, that is a great sign.

I fully expect him to return for his senior year. His game is still advancing rapidly while at Kansas and he is still very young. I don't expect him to jump to lotto status this year, but you never know and there is a lot of season left. With Doke going down, it just opens up the possibility that much more of a guy like Svi getting even more minutes as we will be playing more 4-guard offense moving forward.

@drgnslayr

Agreed. Once the demon of expectations was released, and he has just been allowed to work at getting better a little all the time, his young age has become time on his side, instead of time in his face. And he has gradually improved and the Ukrainean Cranium is soaking up the game like a sponge and the Steve Austin body rebuilding is slowly becoming more and more natural to him. It was hard for me to let go of that skinny, floppy, Pete Maravich kind of player he seemed to arrive as, but I have to say that if he can just find the gun sight he left somewhere around the Crimean, that this guy could with incremental progress become a real force still!

So Vanderbilt popped for UK the other day. This makes 3 post commits for them.

Adebayo will be drafted and Willis is a SR. That leaves approximately 1 million post players still on their roster. I am thinking someone will transfer. Wynyard is the most likely candidate. 6'10'' 250 pound beast buried on their bench. I could see it being Gabriel as well. Humphries seems like a program back-up big for them but he is only playing 11 minutes a game. 5 star Killeya-Jones is buried on their bench as well. If it happens, I'd bet KU would inquire about any of them.

@BShark

Gabriel isn't going anywhere in my opinion. He just needs time to develop, when he puts it all together he will be a tantalizing hybrid forward type. Look for him to be a monster next year.

I agree on Wynyard and I think Humphries is a transfer candidate as well. I think Cal would rather role with his 3 freshman + Jones & Gabriel. Funny that they have stockpiled bigs when they are likely to lose their entire backcourt again

@BeddieKU23

I like Gabriel too, I was just thinking since Cal is bringing in two other hybrid forwards then maybe. I think they'd be crazy to do it, maybe Gabriel can play the 3 for them next year.

And yeah they only have for sure on the roster next year: Green, Alexander. Now I don't think Briscoe should go pro but reports are he wants to. Doesn't look like they will get Hami and I still believe Duke gets Knox (who is a wing and not a guard anyway). Really interesting situation. Will Cal have to comb to JUCO and/or grad tranfer ranks? Not sure what else he can do, maybe get Quickley to reclassify? You just can't roll out there with only two actual guards.

@BShark

Good points! Gabriel is certainly versatile to guard multiple positions so there is some chance he could be a long 3, especially if his jump-shot was falling consistently. I'm thinking either Washington or Vanderbilt will be a 3 because they both are so athletic and can play inside/out.

I don't think Cal is nearly done recruiting. New names will emerge, some kids will back out of commitments after coaching changes etc. KU and UK will most likely be after any hot name that emerges this spring.

Sima ended up at Oklahoma St..

Also Cunliffe visits Georgetown before his KU visit. And reportedly Seattle is involved, can't imagine really in it.. Hopefully he don't commit to Georgetown before his visit

@BeddieKU23 said:

I don't think Cal is nearly done recruiting. New names will emerge, some kids will back out of commitments after coaching changes etc. KU and UK will most likely be after any hot name that emerges this spring.

Fair. There are always decommits.

@BeddieKU23 said:

Sima ended up at Oklahoma St..

Also Cunliffe visits Georgetown before his KU visit. And reportedly Seattle is involved, can't imagine really in it.. Hopefully he don't commit to Georgetown before his visit

Nice, more talent in the B12.

We know Georgetown will sell the kid hard. With KU on the table though, hopefully he will at least visit KU first.

Seattle would only be if he REALLY wanted to be back at home you'd think. Maybe just a courtesy to be mentioned but who knows. Not a ton of options considering wherever he goes has to have an open scholarship and he can't really shoot (you can succeed with a non-shooter or two in college and considering his athleticism I think he would be a good pick-up in spite of this).

@BShark Agreed. At this point it seems like Bragg may need to come back to KU next season, especially if KU doesnt do well in March.

My impression of Preston is almost a Point Forward. Im no scout but from what Ive seen, the kid has handles like a guard. Bragg, Doke and Preston next season in the post!? Yes please!

Former Georgetown forward Isaac Copeland, an AAU and prep school teammate of Kansas guard Devonté Graham, has Kansas on his list of possible transfer destinations.

Copeland, a 6-foot-9, 220-pound junior who recently announced plans to leave the Big East school, has a list of KU, Arizona, Arizona State, Cincinnati, Illinois, North Carolina State, Nebraska, Texas, and UConn, according to Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports and fanragsports.com.

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/university-of-kansas/article123048329.html#storylink=cpy ↗

Would take. He was solid for them last year and with a year off for more development would be a nice part of a post rotation at KU. Get Copeland and Cunliffe and that's more nice talent on the bench.

Lol at the article mentioning Naz Reid. Though, I'd love to get him. Just not happening.

@BShark

If given a choice between Copeland and Cunliffe, it's Cunliffe. Copeland coming off back surgery I would look elsewhere.

Vip article up on 247 about Cunliffe visit. Um yeah, probably gonna pick KU.

"No more visits." "Decision in no more than 3 days."

Lol

@BShark My manager buddy just texted me and said that it sounded like Cunliffe is coming

Copeland ended up at Nebraska

@BeddieKU23

Didn't seem like KU was too interested. I wonder who Self will go after.

Chris Smith is reclassifying to 2017. Will announce his officials soon. KU has been involved.

@BShark ?

@BShark Athletic and has a good looking stroke. Wouldn't be upset

@Kcmatt7 who is he? Sorry

@Crimsonorblue22 I had a heck of a time finding him. He is a wing from Ft. Worth, TX I believe.

Seems to be off the grid and not on AAU circuit like some of these other guys. Chris Smith is also one of the probably top 10 most common names on Earth so he was hard to find just in general...

• http://www.espn.com/college-sports/basketball/recruiting/player/_/id/216622/chris-smith ↗
• http://247sports.com/Player/Chris-Smith-88440 ↗

Bet he ends up at UK. Been there twice. Most recently January 3rd.

Wouldn't make sense to me to get another wing commit right after the Cunfliffe news. Not one that is reclassifying.

@Crimsonorblue22 @Kcmatt7

Yeah I should have posted his 247 profile. Would be a good get.

UK has a lot of wings already for next year (Diallo (committed after Smith's visit), Vanderbilt plus PJ Washington is a combo forward and Gabriel might still be around), not sure who is driving this reclassification. You would think it's a bigger school but UK and KU both signed a wing recently.

@BShark

Diallo is there for only 3-4 months and then gone. I wonder how it is going to affect team chemistry at UK...

@JayHawkFanToo I think their entry and exit turnstiles are spinning so much it shouldn't affect anything.

@JayHawkFanToo

Did he come out and say that? I haven't really been paying much attention to the situation since KU wasn't in it.

Norm was watching Trae Young tonight.

@BShark I haven't seen that

@BShark

His HS class graduated last year and he was doing post HS work and becomes elegible for the draft at the end of the season. The only question was whether he was going to enroll somewhere to play the second half of the season or wait for the draft; I guess he chose the first.

@JayHawkFanToo

The rumours had been he was going to work out/not play this semester and play next year in college.

@Crimsonorblue22 said:

@BShark I haven't seen that

I'd say the staff wants him just a little bit. :smile:

The word is out, Self is digging for ditr.

🐦 View Tweet
https://n.rivals.com/content/prospects/maple/185096 ↗

@BShark

was going to post about him, you beat me to the punch. He visited for the KU/UK game unofficially last year. Has an offer. From the same school as Andrew Wiggins. I have a feeling we have a good chance with him.

@BShark

2018 kid if I remember correctly right? That is Elliott

@BeddieKU23 said:

@BShark

2018 kid if I remember correctly right? That is Elliott

2017 originally. Planning to do a prep year but I would bet if KU wants him in the fold now he would go back to 2017.

@BShark

Interesting, can't say I like him more then Smith or Fitzgerald at this point. Then again Smith is the only one out there with an offer so this visit could be nothing or the start of something

@BeddieKU23

Probably still have to fill two scholarships in addition to Trae (if we land Trae).

I hope we get Smith for sure. Lots of potential.

@BShark

We land Smith and Trae, great class if all the pieces get to campus. Just getting Trae is hitting the lottery in my opinion. I admit I'm higher on Trae then some might be, I just expect him to be a really good player at KU if he does sign here. I don't think we've seen Self invest as much time into one player as he has with this one. It helps that he's close enough to get too on off-game days but when a whole staff follows one player for over a year it means something.

I expect we will try and sign close to the max scholarships this year if we lose what is expected after this year. Can't see us going into next year with 10 players like we did this year. Some seasons it can work like 2012, this season may be another example if no other injuries pop up.

Trae could be Steph good in time. Jmo.

And I agree any good finish to this class starts with landing Trae.

@BShark

Agree with the Steph comparison. His shooting is unreal at this stage. He doesn't have the ideal size or athletic ability but I think he makes up for it with his shooting and basketball IQ. Has a chance to be one of the best College Players in time. Hudy might be the most important person in his life going forward. Can see her doing wonders with him

@JayHawkFanToo Diallo came out and said he plans to redshirt the rest of this season and then play next year.

He isn't draft ready. He would be a borderline 1st round pick and could fall to the 2nd in a deep draft class.

Diallo can't shoot. NBA wants to see him shoot before they just take him. Plus next year is a weaker class. He would do better to wait one more year and show he can shoot at least 30% from 3 at UK.

@BShark Yea I don't know how him reclassifying factors into all of this. But UK is losing a ton. There will be minutes to be had for them next season. If Briscoe leaves (and I think he does) then they only have 3 perimeter players for next season. So a reach like this for next seasons class would seam to be a last resort move by Cal.

@Kcmatt7

This is what I thought thanks for confirming.

And yep, def needs to work on his shot. He will def be better served by being with college coaches to work on that compared to HS.

@Kcmatt7 said:

@BShark Yea I don't know how him reclassifying factors into all of this. But UK is losing a ton. There will be minutes to be had for them next season. If Briscoe leaves (and I think he does) then they only have 3 perimeter players for next season. So a reach like this for next seasons class would seam to be a last resort move by Cal.

It's crazy the amount of studs Cal has signed up but he is still struggling to complete a guard rotation. They might have to play really big with Vanderbilt as a wing. If UK suddenly offers soon I think they have to be considered the favourite.

Anyone hear anything on Andre Rafus? He just named us in his final 3 on his twitter a couple days ago. He has an offer. I just don't know if he has a conditional one or what.

@Kcmatt7

Might not qualify, has basketball skill problems. I hope Self isn't in a position where he offers. I believe he claims a KU offer that he does not have.

@BShark Idk. Verbal commits website shows an offer... Usually is right.

@Kcmatt7

Going off of what I've read from people that know a lot more than me (mainly Matt Scott and Ryan Noel/Bham).

@BShark The more I watch the more it wouldn't be a horrible get. He has a decent stroke and is really long. He could be a force on defense in a couple of years.

@Kcmatt7

Okay long term college player if he qualifies, Chris Smith is a lot better if KU can get him.

Fwiw CB trending back to 100% TCU.

@BShark Yea I mean you are probably right that it is more the player recruiting KU than KU recruiting the player.

@Kcmatt7

Now, this is interesting...

@JayHawkFanToo What's interesting?

@Kcmatt7

Diallo's plans. Not at all what had been reported; most stories I read dealt with the effects on team chemistry having a player join the team well into the season and with the intent of playing just a short time.

@JayHawkFanToo Oh yea forgot we posted about that!

I think it was a very wise decision for him. And for UK.

He very well could go pro in 4 months if he goes off at the combine and really just proves he can shoot the ball. Very similar to us being scared Newman will leave before next season. Except I think Diallo has a much better chance at that than Newman does. I honestly think Cal wanted to bring in a practice body. It would be good for the team. And if Diallo "fixes" his shot in 4 months Cal can use it as a recruiting tool.

Saw that Trae Young is averaging 41.4 points in his last 5 High School games. Absurd

@BeddieKU23

Decent scorer. :wink:

He was not at the game last night but he did watch it.

@BShark and.......

@Crimsonorblue22

What?

@BShark how do you know and did he have a reaction?

@BShark

Average right? He could do better.

I saw that Matt posted he was watching. Can't imagine he wasn't impressed watching Mason and Graham last night dominate their guards

After seeing McGusty play I think he'll be the PG for OU going forward when Woodard is gone. More and more evidence for him to head to KU

@Crimsonorblue22

Twitter, Young mentioned it and retweeted some stuff.

@BeddieKU23 said:

@BShark

Average right? He could do better.

I saw that Matt posted he was watching. Can't imagine he wasn't impressed watching Mason and Graham last night dominate their guards

After seeing McGusty play I think he'll be the PG for OU going forward when Woodard is gone. More and more evidence for him to head to KU

Fingers crossed.

ALSO: Howard is going down to Florida on Friday to go check out KJ Fitzgerald some more.

@Crimsonorblue22

Nick Collison was at the game with the Thunders's Coach...:smile:

Matt Scott reporting the Howard visiting KJ thing is false.

Rivals update. Preston #8, Garrett #37, Trae Young #14.

@BShark

Interesting Preston is that high, honestly I think Young is a better player overall. Nice to see Garrett get a nice bump.

@BeddieKU23

I think it's going to create some undue hype for Preston if he ends up universally in the top 10 across the services. He can be a good player for KU (esp if he somehow stayed 2 years) but it could just as easily blow up while he and Self have a clash of wills. It's not going to be a Josh type situation and while some KU fans will understand it the majority will not.

With Garrett he had always been a bit better than his ranking imo but I wonder if the recent bumps are due to actual scouting or just because he is signed with KU. Regardless I feel good about him as a multi-year player.

@BShark

Excellent post, couldn't agree more.

That's the thing with Preston, he's talented enough to start as a freshman and go lottery in the draft because he can simply do things other guys at 6'10 can't even dream about. But will he be a team player and take hard nosed coaching.

It makes it even more interesting that Preston chose KU to play for a guy that will push him to the max everyday. Maybe that says something about how Preston wants to be treated at the next level as opposed to being given everything. Jackson choose KU in part because he knew Self wouldn't hand him anything, he had to earn it. Will be an interesting dynamic with Newman who I feel is a similar minded player.

Garrett is a really interesting player. The lack of AAU exposure can be a gift and curse. I think he's a high character kid that will be one of Self's favorite players. And his versatility to play multiple positions is going to be exciting. I hope we get 3 years out of him because the NBA will be very intrigued with his size for the PG/SG position.

@BShark

Saw some possible KU targets make the top 150.

24 Grimes

34 Dotson

76 Oturu

112 Fitzmorris

Weird class to date. KU likely only has a chance with 1 top 10 player (Langford) and he's a longshot right now..

Chris Smith checked in at #90 on the re-classify

@BeddieKU23 If they bring home a couple of top 50 and a couple more top 100 and then another solid transfer then it'll still be a solid class.

@BeddieKU23 is that for 2017?

@Kcmatt7 everything I have seen on him is that TCU was leading on him - -ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY

@HawkChamp

yes

@BeddieKU23 said:

@BShark

Saw some possible KU targets make the top 150.

24 Grimes

34 Dotson

76 Oturu

112 Fitzmorris

Weird class to date. KU likely only has a chance with 1 top 10 player (Langford) and he's a longshot right now..

18 is such a weak class and KU isn't really in a great spot for many bigs (and will need 2-3) so maybe it works out with Fitzmorris.

I'd take this class in a 2nd. I'm high on Oturu though.

@jayballer54 said:

@Kcmatt7 everything I have seen on him is that TCU was leading on him - -ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY

If KU and UK turn up the heat he isn't going to TCU.

@BShark I agree about our class. Cunliffe helps but we need two or three more

@HawkChamp

Definitely. 2 srs, 2 open scholarships after Maxwell left, Josh leaving 100% and probably losing 2/3 of Bragg, Svi, Graham (I bet Bragg stays but saying 2/3 because I feel that is most likely even if Bragg did leave and somehow Svi stays or something). Right now two commits and an incoming transfer. Most like 4 more as we know Self likes to fill all the scholarships. Maybe he leaves one spot open though for class balance reasons. Young, Smith and a mystery/filler post recruit would be a great ending to the class. Going to be hard to get any kind of impact post recruit including a grad transfer if Bragg does stay.

@BShark

Weak is probably an understatement right now. Just as weird is the lack of interest in KU from any in the top 20. I know things are going to change because there is going to be a lot of potential roster movement over the next year. Self will likely be selling starting spots and that will be attractive to some of these kids.

I really hope Self pushes for early commits out of Grimes and either Dotson/Oturu if that is the guys he targets over the summer. I'm sure he'll shadow Quickley, Langford, Williams. I would love for him to get David McCormack who is a guy that if he hit the Hudy weight room for a summer would become a beast. Emmitt Williams is a guy who's intriguing but I don't know if KU has been interested in him yet.

@BeddieKU23

Just gotta survive and bridge to 2019. I daresay I could recruit that class (but not really). A rare convergence of local talent and pretty heavy KU leans.

Sherfield, Harvey, Leech, Hurt and JRE. Then of course Jacobs is already committed. That's an entire team. Might not have the open scholarships to pull it off but damn.

Also Sherfield is old for his class. Not sure if his academics would be in order to do it but he could in theory reclass to 2018 and he would be the best possible PG option for KU in the class if it happened.

@BShark

It would seem that we have to survive 2018.

Sherfield if he did re-classify would be a home-run. First we must find out what Young does so we know whether 2018 we even need a PG. I'd feel really confident going forward with Young/Garrett.

Grimes seems like a must have for 2018 and obviously quality bigs (wherever those may be).

I want to see us get a big center like Doke.

@BeddieKU23

2018 quality bigs: Bagley.

That'd be my 2018 list and KU isn't in the race. Everyone else is a project to an extent. I do like Oturu long term, and Gordon long term would have been a fan favourite.

I do agree we will need a center. Hopefully Fitzmorris will develop nicely.

@BShark

Well put, Bagley is a man among kids out there. Still wonder if he will even go to College.

I need to see Oturu more but was his/or the staff's interest tied to Hurt?

I still think McCormack & Emmitt Williams are others the staff should be on.

@BeddieKU23

He was offered about a week after Gordon popped for SLU. I think it was a situation where the staff wanted to start exploring other options after a perceived KU lean spurned them.

I agree. McCormack isn't the type of center Self usually goes after (he's fat).

New name on the radar. No offer but "interest" apparently

De'Quon Lake 6'10 (2017) Juco of Iowa Western CC had 38 and 13 in his last game. Arizona St and Old Dominion have offered. Interest from West Virginia, Creighton, Oregon St and KU.

@BeddieKU23 Would he be a 2 or 3 year guy?

@BeddieKU23

Oh boy a Juco. Let me list off all the jucos that made an impact under Self: .

I was trying to find old HS recruiting profiles and couldn't.

@Kcmatt7 said:

@BeddieKU23 Would he be a 2 or 3 year guy?

2.

Stats

http://www.iccacstats.org/sports/mbkb/2016-17/players/dequonlake271c?view=gamelog&pos=sh ↗

@BShark If it's only 2 I'm not interested... Although we will need a guy for some depth 2 years from now. At this point we would only have Lightfoot as a guarantee on the roster. I'd feel better about taking a grad transfer to fill a gap if we needed to find a stop gap.

@Kcmatt7

He is a SO. So he would have 3 years to play 2 if he RS but only 2 years to play regardless.

@BShark Mario Little?

@BeddieKU23

Jo Lual-Acuil Jr. seems to be doing well at Baylor...

@mayjay

Kinda I suppose.

@BShark ben ? Played at hutch, ku a year?

@Crimsonorblue22 said:

@BShark ben ? Played at hutch, ku a year?

Ben who? BMac wasn't JUCO.

@BShark not him duh!

Ben Davis! Went to Arizona

@Crimsonorblue22

I said under Self. Plus that was KU to JUCO to Zona I was talking about players that were at JUCO then came to KU.

@BShark sorry!

@Crimsonorblue22

It's okay. I was just trying to think of a JUCO player that was a major contributor for KU during Self's tenure.

@BShark Mario Little.

@KUSTEVE

We have a different definition of major. He was an okay end of the rotation player imo.

@BShark That was the only juco player I could remember that even played for our team. not major at all.

@KUSTEVE

Tyrone Appleton!

@KUSTEVE @BShark Can we split the difference? Not major contributor, but not end of the rotation? Solid contributor? I have fairly favorable memories of his contributions. His senior year, he averaged about 14 minutes per game, scoring about 5 ppg with 3 rbg. Scored double figures a handful of times. Played bigger than his size. Definitely don't think he was end of the rotation, but obviously not a major contributor, either...

@DCHawker

Sure my only real point was not to expect to much out of a JUCO. KU might need a post body though. There are exceptions where a JUCO player might be pretty good, those would be cases where the player was ranked coming out of HS but had to go JUCO due to grades. Does not appear to be the case here. KU still hasn't offered yet of course so it's hard to say what "interest" means.

@BShark John Douglas was a JUCO, I believe. Only 40 years and 3 coaches prior to Bill.....

"His 46 points on the road against Iowa State in 1978 broke the legendary Wilt Chamberlain's record for most points scored by a visiting player in the Big Eight Conference. John went on to earn All Big Eight Honors, Honorable Mention All American, Newcomer of the Year and MVP at KU." (Wikipedia)

@Kcmatt7

I'm assuming 2 year guy.

@BShark

if you search iowa western basketball you'll find some recent highlights with him in it. Doesn't look like anything special. Just seems like KU is getting out there looking for a spring-time big. Juco's haven't really been needed at KU. He must be okay if he's got 2 D-1 offers already with 4 other bigger programs looking at him.

@JayHawkFanToo

Definitely he's doing great. He also had the benefit of a red-shirt year but Acuil Jr was one of the top 5 JUCO's 2 years ago.

@BeddieKU23

If Huggy is interested I figure he is at least a hard worker.

Let's assume a few things for a moment to discuss.

Assume that Coleby's injury is one that forces him to retire from basketball or he looks for more opportunity as a grad transfer.

Billy Preston's grades become a hot topic of discussion in the spring and there's general concern for his eligibility.

Carlton Bragg still decides to pursue a professional career or a fresh start after an up & down year.

Doke is recovering from Wrist Injury until early summer. Conditioning/skill development cut a good 2+ months into his off-season.

Lightfoot continues to play sparingly the rest of the season.

How far off is all of this from what might happen or is going to happen? Obviously the worst case scenario of everything I have layed out but if I'm Self I'm going into the Spring saying I've got 1 starting spot in the post available and plenty of rotation minutes. Self needs to find athletes and size.

We expect Doke to be a rock at the 5 next year but the 4 spot is far from settled right now. And who's going to back them up?

@BeddieKU23

Yeah I get why Self is looking for bodies. It's a weird situation where we might have 5 bigs or we might have only 3 or 4. Gotta take one for sure whether it's a JUCO, grad transfer or HS project. Personally I hope for a player with only 1-2 years left as to not mess with the 2019 class.

I wouldn't be surprised if Coleby left and Self took two post players.

@BShark

It is a very weird situation.

I would put the % that Coleby isn't playing next year at 50%. Just a hunch the way they've kept him out of games. Let's say best scenario for Coleby is he gets healthy enough to play next year. Best case would be what Hunter Mickelson minutes of out him? That injury changed the whole complexion of why he was brought here. We may be better off finding a replacement who's 100% ready to go.

Preston if eligible is obviously a 15-25 minute player. A Bragg/Preston rotation at the 4 is good enough.

Bragg should be back. With the way Self is making him play out of position it could really help his development this off-season. If he played like he did against Iowa St the rest of the season I would have a totally different view of him. Going back to the 3 out 2 in would really benefit him.

But will Self go that way? He's looking to get Young and Svi is a wildcard to leave. Cunliffe signed on as well gives him another athletic 6'6 type. A 4 guard lineup of Young/Newman/Vick/Svi/Cunliffe with Garrett mixed in is very intriguing again. That is assuming Graham leaves.

Lightfoot is still a bit away from impacting the team. Going to be a big off-season for him.

Doke's injury has bigger implications then some may realize. And that's assuming he's back in the time-frame they gave. This team needs a legit backup to him because Doke was foul prone and that's not going to change over night.

Yeah the worst part for Doke is most likely the experience lost by not playing this year. I think if everything else is equal Self snaps back to 3 out 2 in. Getting a back-up center for Doke is extremely important for that happening though. I want ZERO part of Zach Brown though and I would bet the staff feels the same way. Not worth it.

@BShark

I know we had some previous interest and I assume we left him be after his first troubles. I can't imagine any school is going to be reaching for him after these latest arrests.

Yeah we should start hearing even more new names soon would be my guess. I'm interested to see what grad transfers will be available.

@BShark Oh wow just read up about Brown. Crazy. Sounds like he grew up in a really rough area and while he left the hood the hood hasn't left him...

I'll bet that he does another year of prep school and tries to show he has his act together. A 7'1 talent, someone will be desperate enough to take him.

The funny thing I though about his recent arrest, I mean how dumb does someone have to be. Dude you are 7'1. You can't rob anyone where there is a camera. You are one of the most identifiable people on the planet.... Friggen dummy.

@BeddieKU23

If that happens, Maxwell would have missed on a great opportunity. Does anyone know for sure why he left...or was forced out?

@BShark

"I think if everything else is equal Self snaps back to 3 out 2 in."

That would be my guess. Kind of a kneejerk reaction to old habits.

But we have the rest of this season to show him how much better a 4 out 1 in is.

If we can continue to rebound okay then that would be a big help.

@JayHawkFanToo

We probably won't know honestly. Before he jumped on the KU offer there was talk he wanted to transfer closer to home and maybe even drop a level to avoid the sit-out year. I can understand any kid jumping quickly at a KU offer and forgetting why you were transferring in the first place.

I think that probably had something to do with it, as well as him not being good enough to play here. There was plenty of talk about that when he committed. Self is a honest guy and might have told him he had no chance of becoming a rotation player. And to my knowledge there hasn't been any official word of where he ended up since leaving.

Even if we return all our scholarship big's next year (Doke, Carlton, Mitch, Dwight) and Billy is eligible I still feel like KU needs to get one more big with some ability.

You think after 2017-18 Mitch could be the only scholarship big left. Doke, Carlton & Billy could all be drafted and Dwight will have graduated. Self has to find a guy willing to compete for minutes as a freshman with a possible feature role after..

Ok, guess I've missed the boat -- again. - -Read about a name from the 2018 class, that's making his choice tomorrow I guess, I hadn't hear anything on this kid - -but getting the impression we have been recruiting him, Someone saying he was 100% CB for KU - -but also said they wondered if he was going somewhere else by him making his announcement tomorrow.

His Name is - - - Daniel, Oturu - - what can anyone tell me on him - - people say with him announcing tomorrow word is he is choosing Minnesota. - -My question is, is this a big loss for us IF we have been recruiting him for 2018 or is it more like an EH no big deal? - just hadn't heard this name - -any help guys - -Gals? - -ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY

@jayballer54

He verballed to Minny today.

@jayballer54

It's not a bad loss if KU has others it prefers that they can close on. The problem is the 18 class is weak top to bottom and has just a handful of elite type players. KU seems to be after man-child Zion Williamson who plays the same position. Oturu wasn't an immediate contributor type but he's a nice 4 year player for any D-1 program. He had some upside and was ranked right around where his ceiling is right now.

KU offered by the way of Coach Townsend but Self had not seen him yet. It looks like the home-town school pushed for him to commit before the important AAU season came around and KU had a chance to recruit him and they succeeded. He's a really good get for Minnesota who's having a turnaround season.

Yeah can't really do anything about it when a lower ranked player wants to commit this early. People would have been up in arms if it was KU. Not that Bill isn't afraid to do so when he really likes the player like Markese but still. I hope the staff prioritizes Emmitt Williams. I think he is very obtainable if KU presses there, unlike say Naz Reid or Zion. At this point it's LSU and Florida schools. I understand the temptation of trying to get a top 15 player so hopefully Naz and Zion don't drag out their recruitments.

I'd love for Zion to end up at KU but I just don't see it. Duke and UK in deep, AZ lurking. We are talking about a basketball prodigy like Josh, Porter Jr, Ayton here too.

@BShark

Just posted in the 18 recruiting about Williams. Oh my! And we were talking about Oturu. Williams is on a different level. I can see the kid jumping into the Top 10, I can't imagine there is 10 kids better then him in that class. Having compared the 3 I would take Williams over Zion and Naz. Mean streak in that Williams kid, something Self would love to mold.

@BeddieKU23

Yeah he would be a great fit with Self. The kind of kid that sees the floor early with Self. I hope he is the top post priority for 18 but I don't know of course.

Trevon foolin around.

🐦 View Tweet

@BShark yet you see all the twitter response on this after he done this? Some people just don't see the writing on the wall - - - I think like 100 - -plus that Trevon is all wrapped up nice and neat for Duke. - -ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY

Bill possibly involved with 2018 SF Sidney Wilson - 6'6-7 wing from Brewster Academy (Thomas Robinson, Tharpe, Devonte Graham) high school.

Listed KU among his schools, although UCONN & Texas were the schools he's visited so far and talked about.

Re-classifying to 2017 is on the table. Seems like he will be a really late pickup (May) if he does decide to graduate early. Might be one to keep an eye on if we are still looking for a wing post Svi's decision.

@BeddieKU23

Definitely going to need another wing, especially with Cunliffe unable to play in the first semester. Not sure how involved KU is here though.

@BShark

Seems likely he'll be a 2018 recruit. 6'7, 170 needs to add significant weight to his frame.

Will definitely need a wing if Svi leaves

@BeddieKU23 I'm just shy of 6ft. tall, when I got down to 170 this summer I thought I was getting skinny. I can't imagine being 7" taller at that weight. -bean pole.

@BeddieKU23

Yeah I think if he is reclassing then it's probably not KU.

I'm hoping that the wing we get will be Chris Smith.

@BShark

Me too, I think Smith is definitely a Top 75 wing

@dylans

He looks like one from his highlights. At his size he should fill out to be 20-30 pounds more at the minimum.

@BeddieKU23

The question is: does he have the frame to support more weight? Remember Manute Bol was 7'-7" but only 200 pounds and because of his very thin frame and bones, that was all the weight he could carry; any more than that would have resulted in serious injury to the joints or bones. Bragg was able to add 30 pound to his thin frame but I believe he is still having problems coming to terms with that weight; his weight says 240 pounds but his minds still thinks he is 210 pounds.

@JayHawkFanToo

Definitely Bragg is still a work in progress playing with his new weight. I do think we are starting to see him put it together, 9 ppg 4 rebs last two games in only 15 minutes of action. That's really solid production off the bench playing a position he wasn't recruited to play. I'm cautiously getting optimistic about him for the remainder of the season. Would love to see him have another big week. Having said all those nice things he'll probably play the opposite. We'll see how he does.

Updated ESPN rankings.

Young #15

Preston #20

Garrett #61

Big 12 likely to have 10 Top 100 kids (assuming Young signs with the good guys)

Matt Scott said Cunliffe took MJ Walker's spot. Soooo there is that.

Trevon Duval is visiting on Tuesday

@kraken

Exciting.

Less exciting: http://www.scout.com/player/213529-mark-smith ↗ http://247sports.com/Player/Mark-Smith-46038443 ↗

@BShark

Kid has some skill. Some athletic ability, can shoot the 3. Good vision on his passes. They say he's now 6'5 220.

I'm honestly shocked he's not ranked

Looks like Illinois probably in the lead but who cares they won't have the same coach.

@BeddieKU23 Think Tillmon will be back up for grabs? As long as he doesn't think he is a OAD, we could use another big body behind Doke.

@Kcmatt7

Tilmon would be a great get. Let's hope Groce gets fired.

@BShark Looks like it's heading that way. Let's hope for that team to just completely lose all heart and close out the season on a bad streak.

We should be feeling the same way about Romar and UW. The actual Husky basketball fans want him gone.

I'm definitely not saying we should hold our breath for either, but those are two situations to keep an eye on. I'm sure Bill is ready and waiting to pounce on both of those guys if the opportunity presents itself in April.

@Kcmatt7

Well I have long thought groce would be out at Illinois so his signing didn't make much sense.

But I guess one of the assistants was key in getting him so it will all depend on whether that assistant is back next yr regardless of groce's status. Have to think that guy will get a long look with any new coach based on that fact. A school like Illinois can't afford to lose a talent like him.

Tilmon is the perfect 4 year big that will be a good college player granted he stays healthy

Even if Romar is fired Porter JR will end up wherever his dad does and it's not going to be KU.

@BShark Has to get hired first. Is it worth sacrificing the lockerroom, future recruiting and an assistant coach for? Experiment failed at UW.

And the new nepotism rule, I believe, means you have to hire the guy as an assistant coach if it is within 2 years of the kid going to the school.

@Kcmatt7

Someone will hire him. There is a good chance if fired that Romar (and Porter SR) end up in Columbia, MO.

@BShark Well, if that happens, it is going to be one dysfunctional program. Let's hope that is what happens.

It would be very Missouri. They can't get any worse though, I think...

Isn't porters Brother going to reclassify so they can play together? I read where they are homeschooled. Quite the strenuous class schedule.

@Crimsonorblue22

Yes.

@BShark

If the Porter kid follows his father one more time, the NCAA would be all over that...

@JayHawkFanToo

Just like they put the hammer down on USC...

@BShark

Are you talking about the OJ Mayo deal? They did get heavily penalized for that. I don't seem to recall any coach-son deal at USC.

Why are we talking about Michael Porter?

Slater and Matt saying KU is a dark horse for MJ Walker.

what that actually means is nothing. Involved but who knows how much. UCLA was the latest pushing for him. I still think its a FSU- Georgia Tech battle here as distance to home wins out.

and BTW Jerry Meyer still believes Young to KU. says 15 years experience and learning to interpret kids has him combining his intel and gut to that pick.. For what its worth

@JayHawkFanToo

I meant UNC lol

@BeddieKU23 said:

Slater and Matt saying KU is a dark horse for MJ Walker.

what that actually means is nothing. Involved but who knows how much. UCLA was the latest pushing for him. I still think its a FSU- Georgia Tech battle here as distance to home wins out.

Weird recruitment for a 5 star.

@BShark

Definitely, sometimes these 5-star players don't want the attention. This one seems to be the case. If he holds out until NBA decisions that's probably KU's only hope.

@BShark

Ok, that makes more sense. No sanctions yet because UNC has put a full court defense that has tied up the NCAA with legal paperwork. I am guessing that given Coach Williams health, he is not that far away from retirement and the school is hoping for one more NC before he retires and the program goes down the crapper because of the effect of the likely sanctions and the new coaching staff; a cosch like Roy Williams is not easy to replace...not many Bill Selfs around...

Matt Scott posted a VIP thread about a couple potential spring offers. Derrick Walker and Francesco Badocchi.

Walker is a junkyard daawwwwwwg PF. Scott mentioned he might pop soon but if he waits KU would likely be a player.

Badocchi sounds like a freak athlete that is learning to hoop. KU checked in on him while watching JRE last night.

@BShark

Matt went a little overboard on use of freak athlete with Badocchi. Andrew Wiggins is a freak athlete, Badocchi is not.

Honestly we can do better than both but if I was choosing, Walker and red-shirt

@BeddieKU23

Agree. Walker could be a good 5 year guy like Lucas.

And yeah I assume they are plan Z but we've been there before.

@BShark

Certainly, Walker's size alone would be a plus. Investing in a red-shirt these days is risky. Jerry Meyer just CB's him to St Johns yesterday btw

@BeddieKU23

Yeah if he commits soon it isn't KU.

@BShark

I imagine this will be the last we hear of him in that case

Hell of a game for Duval to watch.

So just waxing a bit here... Preston is likely to be frustrating at times due to his effort, but man, after seeing Josh this year it is likely to make it seem even worse than it normally would be.

@BShark

Couldn't have played out any better.

Imagine JRE & Harvey were impressed last night!

Is it just me? This win seems more satisfying than the win over UK...

@JayHawkFanToo I thought the UK win was more satisfying. We beat a good team in their building. A blue blood team that competes with us for the hearts and minds of top recruits, the media, and the nation. No doubt this win over Baylor is huge and when we hold B12 trophy #13, we will look back at this one. But I felt that UK victory was one of the best KU wins in recent memory. As much as Baylor is a good team this year, I fully expected to punk Drew in the second half. The foul disparity makes it easy for Fran and like-minded trolls to discredit this win. Nobody in the nation can say we didn't make a statement beating UK at Rupp.

@JayHawkFanToo

I agree. To take Self's words the Kentucky game was a Showcase event. The Big-12 game was big boy ball.

@approxinfinity @JayHawkFanToo @BeddieKU23

I think without the UK win, we would have not had the confidence and grit needed to beat Baylor, plus it also gave Baylor reason to seriously doubt our vulnerability under pressure.

@mayjay

Good point.

I think what was important about the Kentucky win besides erasing the loss in Morgantown was taking the momentum from the win. Self was right, the Kentucky game would have been meaningless if the team didn't take something from it and use it positively. I think we got a resounding answer to that question. Baylor brought everything they had, was a great overall game!

anyone know about Chris Smith. looks like he moved from the 2018 class to 2017.

@BeddieKU23 said:

@BShark

Couldn't have played out any better.

Imagine JRE & Harvey were impressed last night!

The atmosphere was electric for sure.

@kraken said:

anyone know about Chris Smith. looks like he moved from the 2018 class to 2017.

KU is involved. Nice combo forward with a solid stroke. Looks like Slater (reputable guy) crystal ball picked him to KU after he changed classes so it's possible KU is driving this reclass. UK is interested but he doesn't have a UK offer yet, while he does have a KU offer.

@kraken

He's a definite want as we head towards spring.

Really good athlete and can shoot from the perimeter.

I also like his ability to possibly be a small 4 in the 4 guard lineup. Not saying next year we would be playing this way again but he's the type of player that in time would allow Self to explore

He's young so his best basketball is ahead of him. I think he's a top 50 type personally.

New name per Matt Scott: http://247sports.com/Player/Jermaine-Couisnard-46038749 ↗

Snacks will be checking him out Thursday.

@BShark so we still leading for young or not?

@Crimsonorblue22

This kid is more a 2/3. Staff definitely needs ANOTHER guard/wing in addition to getting a PG imho.

@BShark I meant is trae young coming here?

@Crimsonorblue22 Looks more like a depth move in my eyes. We still have open scholarships. Like 2 or 3 depending on who stays and leaves. And transfers plus an open scholarship kind of hurt us depth wise this season. As we have seen. So I think Bill will try to land a few end of bench guys with athleticism that can become rotation guys in a couple of years.

I would think Trae will come here still. Even if we landed this guy.

@Crimsonorblue22

Best case scenario imo is one of Trae/Duval and then Chris Smith on top of that. If the staff strikes out on Young and Duval then Mark Smith becomes a name to watch. Seems up in the air with Trae at this point.

@Crimsonorblue22 said:

@BShark so we still leading for young or not?

Matt says it's 50/50 which to me says he doesn't want to let out what he might know one way or the other due to respect and the relationship that he has with the family. He's giving tidbits here and there.

@BeddieKU23 tidbits our way?

Duval is a done deal to Duke, I see no reason to say otherwise.

@Crimsonorblue22

I believe so. I'm sticking with it

Below is the projected Starting Lineup's for next year's Big-12.

At the top are incoming Freshman/Transfers (in green are Top 150 prospects according to recruiting services)

Below is possible additions at this moment. Note Young & Smith are listed for multiple Big-12 teams until decisions are made.

Below that is projected starting 5 and the rest of the projected roster.

You will notice the biggest question for any team going into next year is who will be the starting PG at Kansas. I would love nothing more than to put Trae Young's name (or Duval) but I'm leaving Duval off the addition list unless some better intel comes out saying KU is really in it.

For other notes of Interest I have the following declaring for the NBA draft:

KU- Josh Jackson, Devonte Graham, Svi Mykhailuik. (obviously the last 2 have been discussed at length. At minimum we can expect they'll be in the combine.

Texas- Jarrett Allen, Andrew Jones (recent addition to ESPN's top 30 draft prospects)

Baylor- Jonathan Motley

Oklahoma St- Juwan Evans

I have also removed Tevin Mack from Texas's roster. Suspended since January and can't imagine he'll be back.

I have also kept Carlton Bragg on KU's roster until we get further clarity on his suspension length. The more games he misses the less likely he'll be here next season.

On paper it would seem Baylor & West Virginia could be considered the favorites for next season. Iowa St is losing the kitchen sink and Kansas without a PG right now will be a very inexperienced squad possibly going for the consecutive conference championship record with a new starting 5.

Thoughts?

!upload-e0590f8c-57ac-4daa-8dd7-f59eb8ce74dc ↗

@BeddieKU23 Wow. That's some analysis. Agree that on paper (with certain assumptions) Baylor and WVU are up there.........but I would put us right there with them. Self has proven that he can deliver late in the recruiting game.
But if the above scenario happens with us.........and your assumptions are logical, but who knows....we will be unproven.

@BeddieKU23 Next season the Big XII will legitimately be the toughest conference in basketball.

WVU will be tough.

Baylor starting 5 seniors might be the team to beat.

TTU with 5 seniors will be tough.

TCU with a So. Fisher and bringing in guys that Dixon actually wants and recruited is also scary.

ISU will struggle.

OSU will struggle.

OU will be 10x better next year than this year.

K-State should be just as solid next season. Bubble team.

UT is a guessing game. But based on this season I don't expect much.

KU is stacked if we can find a PG. 3 top 30 recruits starting. A Jr. Vick. A Jr. Bragg. A Good bench wing in Cunliffe. We just need to find a PG.

@BeddieKU23 We should have 5 or 6 ranked teams all season next year. And I'd bet that 3 or 4 can crack the top 10.

@Hawk8086

Thanks, This will be updated when there's information to add.

Yes Self has to hit a home-run this spring and everything starts with the PG issue. There will be anywhere from 2-5 open spots depending on departures. That is a lot of open space he can offer to late signee's/transfers etc.

Ideally KU should get to 12 scholarship players for 17-18 and maybe find another sit-out transfer with as much upside as Newman/Cunliffe. Because looking further down next year Doke, Newman, Vick, Preston will have draft decisions.

What guys sign with KU late and how returning players improve will determine a lot for next year. Newman/Vick/Doke will have to make big jumps

@Kcmatt7

Will be interesting to say the least. With Baylor/WVU returning what looks like 3 starters each they will definitely be the biggest competition again.

Is Baylor really that good without Motley? I would say no right now. Will be an experienced team though and Drew snuck in 2 red-shirt years from Vital/Jolly both Top 100ish kids.

How will WVU do without Adrian? I have no idea how any of the transfers/freshman will be but I bet Huggins found at least one gem in that bunch.

TCU looks like it could take the biggest jump forward. Brodziansky could be a 1st team All Big-12.

Oklahoma should improve simply because everyone but Woodard will be back. Hard to replace Woodward though.

The league might actually be down a bit. The league has been consistent this year with great PG play but next year we are looking at half the league with a new PG.

@BeddieKU23 My thoughts on OU are that they have the athletes on that team and I have faith in Kruger.

TTU should surprise. I like their coach as well. Passion for the school feeds into guys. Especially seniors. Not to mention a couple of his newcomers should be able to play.

I do think Baylor will be that good without Motley. Drew has been finding guys for that spot for years now. If there is one thing he knows how to do it is get big athletes on the block.

I'd call Garrett a CG. Otherwise agree with most points. Need a PG badly. Get Young or Duval and KU is a top 5 team.

Ryan posted on the Phog that if we get Duval then it is thanks to Adidas.

@Kcmatt7

It sure is hard to criticize Drew's ability as a recruiter. He has always found great players, many not well known before coming to Baylor.

Baylor continues to creep up in quality, a little at a time.

@drgnslayr

His sneaky move was getting Vital and Jolly to red-shirt this season. Vital is a great athlete and Jolly was highly recruited wing originally committed to Cal. Drew gets these kids to invest in the long game and take full advantage of the sit-out year

@BShark

Yeah I only did normal positions, Garrett is a unique player. I'd call him simply a player (utility type) that can play the 1-3. They don't make 6'6 guards on tree's that can run the point like him. I think that aspect is forgotten with him, Marcus has run point for years

@Kcmatt7

Evans and Smith for Tech are studs. Next year I can see them taking another step. Not sure about the rest of the team though.

Motley is a All-American candidate, if Baylor doesn't skip a beat next season I'll tip my cap to them.

@BeddieKU23

Well, that is part of coaching. Drew seems to be good at recruiting and decent in developing players.

It is hard for me to flip the switch and start respecting Drew, because I think he got to where he is the same way Cal did.

And both Cal and Drew are at a success level now that they don't have to rely on a bag of dirty tricks. As they start working with higher ethics they are both bound to win over a lot more followers.

But what about coaches like Lon Kruger? He is a man of principles (and not just recently acquired). He has worked his butt off for a long, long time to get where he is today. He didn't take any short cuts.

Coaches like Lon help me keep the perspective on who I choose to respect.

@BShark

Having seen the Duke board mention Marcus Keene as a possible grad transfer guard, got me thinking KU would definitely throw their hat after him. Can't imagine he stays where he is, either leaving for the NBA or grad transferring. 30 point scorers don't grow on tree's. Would be an interesting get if all available options fail..

@BeddieKU23

Talk about a kid that has fought his way up, started at Youngstown State. He looks like he would be a solid stop gap option.

@BeddieKU23 If we whiff on recruits, he would be a fantastic backup plan.
Imagine the offense with him and Newman on the same team....

@Kcmatt7 @BShark

I have caught a few of his games this year and he's electric. The game winner he had the other night was a typical performance from him. Has some toughness and flair to him. He rebounds and passes the ball as well so its not like he's getting 30 a night because he's Kobe'sque shooting every night. He's shooting 47% from the field on 21 fg attempts per game.

He would be the most sought after transfer if he does go that way. It would be interesting to see how he transferred his ability to a Power 5 school though. Illinois is the best team they have played all year which isn't saying much for his competition.

Chris Smith taking an official visit to UCLA.

Will have to pay attention to him after if he doesn't schedule other visits..

@BeddieKU23 FWIW, I have seen that we might have some interest in this Chris Smith, I personal don't know much on him, haven't kept up on what we are saying on him BUT - -FWIW, I just read that the last two CB'S from 247 predicted him to UCLA - -shows us up 60- 40 over UCLA but like I said they just gave the last two predicts to them. - - - ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY

@jayballer54

Seems like the smoke is for UCLA as they are getting him to visit this week. Wouldn't be surprised if he commits

@BeddieKU23 ya, go figure. - - -ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY

@BeddieKU23

Someone smart said UCLA was in there too when KU and TCU were mentioned. Can't remember who though, might have been Ryan Noel.

@BShark

One of them did say that. Looks like UCLA was able to weasel the first visit.

Not really sure why he'd go to them when they have Wilkes/Ball at SF coming in, plus Riley/Hill at the 4.

I may have jumped the gun saying he would commit but there hasn't been much talk about Smith and what his decision timeline was or if he was the type that would pop after 1 visit.

@BeddieKU23 I freaking love Keene. The guy is a monster.

@KUSTEVE

Had a 40 point game again the other night. I believe he tied Adam Morrison for the lead in such games in a season. Crazy good

@BeddieKU23 I play in a little college fantasy basketball league, and you pick a lineup every week. The catch is you can only use the guy once. Keene was my first player used.

KU has offered 6'3 Combo Guard David Duke. Could possibly be a reclassify to 2017.

Currently a 3-Star guard. Very athletic from video I found.

Schools after him (KU) Nova, Cuse, UConn, Florida, and NCST.

@BeddieKU23 That isn't a 3 star if those are the schools after him.

@Kcmatt7

He is currently. He, athletically could be a 4 star. Being in the 18 class for right now but willing to move up in the right situation.

@BeddieKU23 Link to a tape?

@Kcmatt7

on 247 ranked 173rd in the country. Switched schools to Cushing Academy this year a known D-1 producer.

Another vid, his coach says he was 5'6 as a freshman and now pushing 6'4,6'5

@Kcmatt7

Oh, great, David Duke might play for KU. Must have been recruited by the yell leaders who did that photo..... (jk)

@mayjay

I knew someone would be here with the reference!

@BeddieKU23 I saw the name and not the photo.... I thought the original DDuke was just a faded nightmare until he became a recurring one this past year. PTSD!

@mayjay I'm afraid we'll be hearing a lot more of the nightmare one of him.

@mayjay

David Duke? I would have though he would be a MU lean...

@BeddieKU23 said:

KU has offered 6'3 Combo Guard David Duke. Could possibly be a reclassify to 2017.

Currently a 3-Star guard. Very athletic from video I found.

Schools after him (KU) Nova, Cuse, UConn, Florida, and NCST.

Want.

@BeddieKU23 said:

@Kcmatt7

on 247 ranked 173rd in the country. Switched schools to Cushing Academy this year a known D-1 producer.

Another vid, his coach says he was 5'6 as a freshman and now pushing 6'4,6'5

Lol at his ranking.

@BShark

I don't think many national people have seen him. He was at a small school before Cushing. If he doesn't re-classify he's probably one of those guys that just shoots up the rankings. Reminds of Vick in his situation.

@BeddieKU23

I'd love for him to reclassify and then pick KU.

And yeah I see it difficult for him to not be top 75 if he doesn't reclassify. If he does the rankings are often done hastily so who knows. Would be a good get which is what matters.

http://www.riaffiliated.com/home ↗

2nd video.

@BShark

The want meter just went up 100% after that 2nd video. He's definitely a 6'4ish guard now.

I see coaching has worked on his shot. In his soph film he dipped his head before going up, now you see the long release as one smooth transition.

@BeddieKU23 So is this kid a possibly safety net in pace of Young if we don/t land him? - -I see you say combo, but think we are good on combo next year aren't we? - - - - -ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY

@BeddieKU23

I can see a lot of Vick in him...

@BeddieKU23 So, from watching my thinking maybe, another Devonte? - -Can shoot some outside jumper, - - drive the ball a little bit, makes some nice passes ? - -Devonte again? - - -Yes ? - -No ? - -Maybe?- -Just what I thought first glance.- - ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY

@BeddieKU23 Ya my meter went up to since the 1st one I saw, now not so much Devonte lol - - -looks pretty dam athletic. So do we think he might re-classify? - - Never ceases to amaze me how these names just keep popping up out of the woodwork, - this would be nice - -ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY

@jayballer54

No idea what option he is.

Just sounds like KU is the latest program to enter the picture. The talk is he might be able to move into the 17 class in the right situation. If he doesn't then he will be a heavily recruited 2018 option. I imagine the East Coast schools will have an advantage with him. He went from having offers from Brown and Rhode Island among others to KU, Nova, Cuse, UConn, etc. Tells you how much he's improved his game.

@jayballer54 said:

@BeddieKU23 So is this kid a possibly safety net in pace of Young if we don/t land him? - -I see you say combo, but think we are good on combo next year aren't we? - - - - -ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY

I'd like to see KU get this kid even if Young picks KU. Should have the room but would he do it is another story.

@BeddieKU23 said:

@jayballer54

No idea what option he is.

Just sounds like KU is the latest program to enter the picture. The talk is he might be able to move into the 17 class in the right situation. If he doesn't then he will be a heavily recruited 2018 option. I imagine the East Coast schools will have an advantage with him. He went from having offers from Brown and Rhode Island among others to KU, Nova, Cuse, UConn, etc. Tells you how much he's improved his game.

https://basketballrecruiting.rivals.com/news/new-england-s-david-duke-sees-stock-on-the-rise ↗

“From the point of having no offers, it has been motivation. I went through some injuries but I haven’t allowed for any of that stuff to hold me down,” the Cushing product stated as he then rattled off those remaining in touch with him the most often. “Creighton, Providence, NC State a little bit, Kansas talks to me every game day, Northwestern a lot and Rutgers.”

EVERY GAME DAY. Article is a little over 2 weeks old.

Chris Smith to UCLA.