Well, 2017 is far from over, but it is also very slow at the moment. We gots nothing going on and 2-3 scholarships left depending on who leaves and stays. More likely than not that we won't hear any news until Spring. We probably won't fill our final scholarship or two until even later Spring or early summer when transferring and reclassifying starts. With that, its time to really start paying attention to the 2018 class. Especially because we have quite a bit of turnover this season and next. We know that we lose Devonte, Svi, Coleby and more likely than not, Newman. That leaves us with our 2018 projected lineup:

• PG - Garrett - (Transfer or 2017 recruit)
• SG - Vick
• SF - ??????
• PF - Lightfoot, (Transfer or 2017 Recruit)
• C - Bragg, Maxwell

With that being said, here are our open offers currently.

PGs:

• Immanual Quickly 5 :star:,
• Brandon Williams 5 :star: ,
• Jahvon Quinerly 4 :star:,
• Devon Dotson 4 :star:,
• Jamie Lewis 4 :star:,

SGs:
- Quentin Grimes 4 :star:,
- Romeo Langford 5 :star:

SFs:
- Jaedon LeDee 4 :star:,
- Cameron Reddish 5 :star:,
- Gerald Liddell 5 :star:,
- Zion Williamson 5 :star:,
- Louis King 4 :star:,
- Chris Smith 4 :star:

PFs:
- Bol Bol 5 :star:,
- Taeshon Cherry 4 :star:,
- Daniel Oturu 4 :star:
- Jordon Brown 5 :star:,
- Nazreon Reid 5 :star:

Cs:
- Moses Brown 5 :star:,
- David McCormack 4 :star:

I did the bare minimum research, but it looks like we aren't in on a whole lot of this class' top recruits either. Besides Grimes, I really haven't heard us doing very well. Gordon was a huge miss. Bol Bol is not looking great. Really going to have to work to get some of these guys.

Any input from guys that follow this a whole lot more than me? Who are our most likely signings? Are we actually in on any top 25 guys?

Also, Vick could easily be gone after this year guys... Starting to pop up on mock drafts. Seen him on two today. Apparently the length and his stroke are worth taking a look at. Devonte falling off of draft boards btw...

@Kcmatt7 DG sharing the ball

@Crimsonorblue22 Yea playing a team game hurts you for some reason... Good news is that Frank is starting to work his way into the 2nd round it looks like. If he can have a couple more games where he shows out and has 30 pts I think he very well might work his way all the way into the early 2nd.

@Kcmatt7 The One possibility that we may hear on, and that's Trae Young as he is saying he is going to probably decide sometime in Jan right? - - I really think the chances of him going to Kentucky now are slimmer, and slimmer. - - and the more Oklahoma loses I think enhances our chances, plus Billy been on him from what I hear so we shall see, keeping my fingers crossed. - -Still wondering what happened to Wooten? - -sure went quiet, I was hearing he was going to transfer in somewhere at semester anybody heard anything on him? - - ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY

@Kcmatt7

As of now, most likely signings are Grimes, Dotson and Oturu imo but things change. Chris Smith will play his way into or out of being a legit KU target this year.

KU seemed to cool way off on Kezo Brown.

@Kcmatt7 I've said all along that DG comes back for his senior year. He wants to have a Frank senior year, and he'll have it. I also would think that Vick comes back, although if he takes the money and runs, I wouldn't fault him a bit.

@jayballer54 Wooten committed to ASU

@Kcmatt7

Nice work!

I think we have a lot more going on than we all know about. There are lots of holes in recruiting information when going forward more than the current upcoming class.

Some of these recruits Bill and staff have been following for several years now.

@Ralph wow. that's crazy he had said that KU was the ONE school he wanted to visit - -what the heck happened? I really can't understand sometimes these guys, he just kept say in repeatedly KU was the one school he wanted to visit - -said multiple that we were the one school he wanted to visit FOR SURE. - - -DAMM ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LON GBABY

@jayballer54 the big thing that happened was Billy committed.

The next guy to look at in this class is MJ Walker, while waiting for Young and Duvall to decide.

Eric Bossi

Kansas assistant Norm Roberts watching MJ Walker for second day in a row. Jayhawks have turned up interest level in 5-star SG.

(🐦 View Tweet?s=09)

@Ralph said:

@jayballer54 Wooten committed to ASU

Jmo, but I feel that KU cooled way off when Self felt Bragg would be changing his plans and coming back. No fact to this, just the vibe I get.

@Ralph said:

@jayballer54 the big thing that happened was Billy committed.

The next guy to look at in this class is MJ Walker, while waiting for Young and Duvall to decide.

Eric Bossi

Kansas assistant Norm Roberts watching MJ Walker for second day in a row. Jayhawks have turned up interest level in 5-star SG.

(🐦 View Tweet?s=09)

Also Preston committing definitely could be a factor.

KU really wants Walker. I think we should all get acquainted with his game. :relaxed:

@BShark So MJ Walker, sorry haven't heard much. -- pretty talented? where is he from who ever it is I know coach is on top of things. - Ya I wondered if we may have backed odd big time from him when it got so quiet. - - -ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY

@jayballer54

Walker is a five star talent, but also multi-year player. Not completely different from Selden honestly.

@BShark I like his game. He is multi dimensional.

@KUSTEVE Yea I never thought DG would work his way to be a guaranteed money guy. But if he did I knew we would be in for a crazy awesome season.

Vick, well if he can go in the first round he has to go. Can't turn down millions.

@Kcmatt7

From all I've seen scouts are high on Devonte Graham in the NBA. The mock drafts might not say as much but its hard to read into those this early. Graham will be a solid 2nd round pick, maybe even the last few slots in the 1st round type.

It's nice that Vick is getting looks, playing on KU he will with his athleticism and improved shot. I don't think there's any chance he leaves after this season because scouts are going to want to see him in a feature role. I'm still waiting for Vick to be consistent in games. He got some points late in the Stanford game but was largely absent for most of it. Svi took his spot because of his consistency. Next year I think Vick will end up somewhere in the 1st round. He'll see his opportunity for a feature role after this seasons roster attrition.

In the other Recruiting Thread I posted about a new name on the radar, Jarius Hamilton a 6'9 SF 4 star prospect out of North Carolina. His coach is a huge KU fan and we have 2 assistants recruiting him right now. Will be interesting to see how involved we get with him going forward.

By 2018 I have no idea what this roster may look like and that is scary to think about.

Doke should be here Junior year but those were not his intentions when he signed here. The NBA is getting away from guys like him. Honestly the best thing for his game would be to spend 2 more years at KU or he'll be in the D-League. Just my honest assessment of him right now.

I think Newman will leave after next year, he'll have a featured role and if the reports are true about his game from this year he's poised to step in and have a major impact on next years squad. Whether he starts at PG or is the 2nd lead guard is the only question at this point.

Bragg is a tough one to predict right now. Self said he wouldn't be here 4 years, with this years off-the court trouble and his reserve role its hard to see him leaving this year. Bragg might be a guy that ends up here 4 years and has monster Jr/Sr's years. We'll see.

I'm going to take a stab and say we get Trae Young in 2017. What else we may get is a wild card based on draft decisions. MJ Walker could be in play at Wing, and we should definitely get another big to develop.

PG - Young (Soph)

SG - Garrett (Soph)

SF - ? (Walker (Soph) guessing, Transfer?, unknown recruit?

PF - Bragg? (Sr), Lightfoot (Jr), ?

C - Doke (Jr), Maxwell (Sr), ?

Devon Dotson seems like our best bet at a high quality PG at the moment. Things could change with him because of the recruiting area he's from and reports that his parents desire to see him stay in-state will make him a tough pull.

Grimes should be a KU signee sometime in 2017, can't see us losing out on him. I do think we will be in it for Langford until the end- get a visit- maybe he says some good stuff that keeps us fans thinking we have a chance. Big time player.

At this point I don't have much to say about anyone else, 2018 is a down class and a down year for early targets

@BeddieKU23 Was looking at the mock drafts. -- The N.B.A. draft net - -has Josh as the # 2 pick going to Philly- - - and LaGerald as the # 26 pick of the 1st round going to Houston - - - and then SVI as the # 31 pick going to Dallas

the N.B.A draft express has Josh as the # 3 pick- - - -Devonte as the # 32 pick - - -and Svi as the # 33 pick - -kind of strange one has LaGerald so high in one mock draft and the other doesn't have him listed and only visa versa for Devonte.- - - Interesting this was as of 12-13 2016 - - -ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY

@jayballer54

Interesting. I like seeing Jackson in the Top 3. He should be a top pick candidate the way he's playing. Will be interesting to see how the mock's change after the new year when people's attention shift from Football to B-Ball.

@jayballer54 nbadraft.net usually is the bolder prediction, but more accurate in these early months. They are somewhere middle of the pack on draft day. Better one to watch right now.

Draftexpress typically is one of the most accurate mocks by the time draft day rolls around. They don't make very bold picks early in the year. But don't overreact to someone having a good game or something like nbadraft.net does. Better one to watch starting in February.

I hope that they both stay. We really can't afford to lose either of them, but especially not both.

@BeddieKU23

I think Svi gets high marks for driving the ball. I'm surprised more people aren't commenting on our 4-out/1-in being a motion, dribble-drive offense. That is what it is.

Our offense comes to a dead halt if we stop driving the ball.

It's what you don't see in the mock drafts

The two paragraphs below were taken from article written shortly after the 2016 draft.

KU basketball's Bill Self laments 'false hope' of NBA Draft, advocates for system fairer to college players

A record 26 international players were selected during this year’s 60-selection, two-round draft, shattering the previous high of 21 set in 2003. Several of those picks never played collegiately in the United States, and many were so-called “draft-and-stash” players nowhere to be found on many mock draft websites.

All of those international selections bumped projected bubble picks like Selden and former KU senior Perry Ellis out of the draft entirely, leading to the “false hope” Self referenced.

http://cjonline.com/sports-hawkzone/2016-06-29/ku-basketballs-bill-self-laments-false-hope-nba-draft-advocates-system ↗

One of these draft-and-stash players is Saric who plays for the 76ers and considered a ROY candidate. He was drafted in the same class as Embid but played 2 years in Europe.

@drgnslayr

He's done a much better job of being aggressive and getting to the hoop as of late. I hope he continues to show that element of his game because he's got the size and body to take advantage of that skill. He needs it because otherwise he's kind of set-shot prospect for the NBA.

I would love to see him back as senior to continue to work on his mid-range game. Graham & Mason have that pull up game that gives them the triple threat aspect and sets them apart in our offense. Imagine Svi back with Newman/Vick/incoming recruits. Another potentially good shooting team that could play small ball and exploit defenses. I could see Svi potentially being a leading scorer next year with another year here. I think he's just starting to get confidence in his full game and the extended playing time he's seeing this year is helping facilitate his improvements in his game

Hamidou Diallo to potentially enroll at UConn at semester.

@BeddieKU23

I just don't see Bragg at KU as a senior. Heck, with a good showing during the upcoming "meat" portion of the schedule. i.e. conference play, he might be gone at the end of this season. I can see him coming back next season but barring something unforeseen, he is probably gone after that. Same situation with Udoka, with his current playing time, one additional off season of conditioning and improving his technique and he is probably gone after his sophomore year. Players will not stay a single day longer than they have to considering there is a potentially big paycheck waiting for them.

@Kcmatt7
As long as kentucky doesn't get him I'm happy. Or duke

@Ralph said:

@Kcmatt7
As long as kentucky doesn't get him I'm happy. Or duke

Tfwiw but Duke insiders said Hami had to "prove he can shoot" before UK would take him. With the timing on this UConn makes the most sense to me.

@BShark

UCONN also has the most need for him right now with guys injured. Diallo would potentially start right now for Ollie.

@BShark UK fans always think that they can literally get whoever they want and anyone who commits elsewhere got their scholarship pulled. That's bull. Won't believe that for a second.

UCONN made the most sense with their need, him wanting to go pro after this year and the fact that UCONN was the first major program on him in the first place.

I hope that all works out though, because I am in agreement. Anybody but UK. I'd love to see them miss the tourney again next season. Their 2017-2018 roster looks like it could be hot garbage. Monk, Fox, Abadayo, Willis, Briscoe, and Hawkins will probably all be gone. That leaves them with some decent post play but NOTHING on the perimeter. They could really really struggle next year.

Lorenzo Romar hot seat talk is juuuuust starting up. They got a couple of wins against cupcakes lately, but that came after a 4 game skid where social media started buzzing about his future. They have one more guaranteed win before conference play. That will put them at 7-5 going into the WSU game. They could go into conference play at 7-6. And honestly, they look like a 4 or 5 win conference team. If that is all they do, it looks more and more like he will be done at UW. Would most likely put MPJ back on the market. Not saying that we should get our hopes up but just keep an eye on those Huskies. They could be delivering someone a present sometime in April or May.

@Kcmatt7

As much as I would like Porter if Romar did get fired and KU misses on PG targets in the spring the staff should also be looking at Blake Harris that signed with UW as well. Underrated PG in my mind from North Carolina. Wouldn't mind seeing him at KU

@Kcmatt7

They will probably wait until late spring to make an announcement to lessen the chances of prospects from jumping ship, although if they choose to leave, there is not much they can do about it, other than perhaps banning transfer to a rival, or risk huge negative publicity.

@Kcmatt7 no way coach porter would take over, I'm ducking!

@Crimsonorblue22

They would have to get a big name coach to keep the prospects; Coach Porter ain't it.

@Kcmatt7

Honestly I wouldn't have mentioned it if it was from UK people. It was from the main Duke 247 guy who knows a lot about recruiting in general.

@JayHawkFanToo if he has a 4 win conference season the writing will be on the wall and coaches will definitely start to vulture on some recruits. And you can't wait too long on a firing, because then a new coach won't have time to be able to keep recruits.

Would it surprise me if Coach Porter stayed on the new staff? Absolutely not.

@BeddieKU23 Harris would be a very good consolation prize.

@Kcmatt7

Watched him play against Oak Hill where Billy Preston plays and he was sensational. One of his other teammates is signed with UNC, big bruising forward type. Of course if Romar isn't fired we would have no chance anyway but if he does and KU misses the Duval/Young party this guy would be someone to go after.

@Kcmatt7

You can also look at it the other way. Recruits will not jump while he is still the coach. The longer he stays the more other rosters get filled and the less opportunities for recruits to go elsewhere. I don't believe Porter is at the major program level as a coach; he might be able to keep his kid but likely no one else with potential.

@JayHawkFanToo I'm not saying Porter will be head coach. But he could still be a "video coordinator" or something dumb.

I just don't see how you can wait too late. Someone will have an open scholarship.

Teams would literally do anything to get Porter if he was available. Roster situations will "work themselves out" wink wink

🐦 View Tweet

@BShark Like the sound of that.

@BShark He's a big get. It sures up the wing spot next season. He shot 40% from trey in the 10 games he played for ASU. Good add at semester to come in and practice and push guys this season. Then he would get to be a fresh body at semester next year. Just in time for conference play.

Our practice squad is seriously phenomenal. I'd love to see a practice this year. Newman, Maxwell, Lightfoot and Coleby pushing guys. If we add Cunliffe this year, man, our practice squad could end up pushing our starters to that next level.

@BShark

Hope that news hold true. Big pickup. Question- Have we ever added a midseason transfer before?

@BeddieKU23 Withey

@dylans beat me to it! I had to fact check to be sure.

http://m.espn.com/general/blogs/blogpost?blogname=katz_andy&id=3756696&src=desktop ↗

@dylans

Thank you! totally forgot about him.

@Kcmatt7

http://www.slipperstillfits.com/2016/12/13/13939778/sam-cunliffe-transfer-rumors-gonzaga-bulldogs-scholarships ↗

This comment on that article intrigued me:

"Onto Cunliffe. I will tell you EXACTLY who he reminds me of from his Soph year through his Senioe year in HS. A 2" shorter Micah Downs! He also has the same issues that Micah had when he was 18/19 and parents influence. Micah went to Kansas expecting to be the star and it didn’t work out. Best move of his life was to get under Coach Few’s handling. Turned his LIFE around. As for Cunliffe, off to Arizona State with the same dreams as Micah had. Wrong Coach in Hurley (style). He just got his ego bruised.

I’ll tell you this, I watched them both for 3 years in HS and they are mirror images of each other: talent, BBIQ, athleticism, shooting style and range. Great hops too! Also transfered around in State alot (both). Only difference is height and parents! I would give this young man a chance if "I" had the room but like Peter pointed out, I don’t see it now either. Oh well. Thanks Peter for the info, especially the charts. Mike"

ASU posters claim he is a head case. Sounds like there is some truth to it. Might be one of those cases where he was never going to succeed on his first college stop. Regardless of if he ends up at KU or not I hope the kid turns it around, he is quite talented.

@BShark

Saw that post somewhere else. Not sure I agree with that comp but to each their own.

Definitely seems like this is a messy exit for Sam with the amount of press being thrown around about his transfer. Anytime a Top 40 kid leaves so early into a career there is always going to be flags thrown up and concerns to address. We'd be similarly upset if a top 40 kid from KU transferred out of the program so early. I do think Sam could be a very good fit at KU. Scores on all 3 levels, has that athleticism and shooting ability that Self loves to have from his wing player.

A lot of benefit to adding him right now with the open scholarship. If anything is true about his character it won't fly under Bill so I have no concerns about what kind of player he was, only that if he wants to play here he'll be a better version of himself by the time he steps foot on the court.

@BShark To me, he looks a little more athletic than Micah, but that isn't a bad comparison. I'd take 3 1/2 years of a Micah Downs.

@BeddieKU23

Yeah the rumour is that he decided to transfer after Hurley unloaded on the team after the Purdue game. I think he is definitely worth a shot if the visit goes well. If there are bad signs on the visit then I bet Self moves on.

I mentioned it elsewhere as well but Cunliffe, Newman and Preston is a lot of mercurial talent to have on one roster. If anyone can make it work, it's Bill though.

@Kcmatt7

I think there are many possible scenarios and it depends on who the new HC ends up being. He might prefer to bring his own people or he might keep Porter in some capacity as long as Michael and then his brother are there; Michael seems to be a OAD and I am not sure about his brother. Keep in mind that while any program would take Michael, there are really very few places where he would be able to truly showcase his talent for the NBA, including a depp rum in the Tournament. Having said this, Ben Simmons went to a crappy programs and it did not seem to hurt his draft status.

@BShark said:

I mentioned it elsewhere as well but Cunliffe, Newman and Preston is a lot of mercurial talent to have on one roster. If anyone can make it work, it’s Bill though.

Really good point. Word is Preston "loafed" in his game last night and had 2 points. Trust in Bill that he'll make these pre-madonna's into men

@BeddieKU23

If this did happen when would Cunliffe be eligible? Does he sit out next year?

Jerry Meyer:

Hearing Kansas is solidly in the driver's seat to land Sam Cunliffe. Former top 40 prospect will visit Jan. 2. https://t.co/Y19u0CzmLo ↗
(🐦 View Tweet?s=09)

@Ralph

He'd have to sit the rest of this year and the 1st semester of next year. Would be eligble after 9th game of 2017-18 season.

@BeddieKU23

Thanks

Quick updates:

• Washington heading into conference play 7-6. Just lost at home to WSU, a Pac-12 bottom feeder this season. Romar talk is heating up more and more. More likely than not, going to finish last in the conference. Not a bad job for a Mid-major guy to take over. I think he is gone.

• Sam Cunliffe visited yesterday and is still here today to see the KState game. I expect that decision to come before too long. He also visited Seattle and Georgetown.

So the question is for me - - -IF we had to choose between two options who would you take Cunliffe? 6ft 6 # 36ranked in 2016- - - OR Copeland? 6 ft 9 # 23 in 2014 - - -ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY

@jayballer54

The one not having back surgery

@jayballer54 Cunliffe 100%.

He was averaging 10 ppg as a freshmen. He can shoot the trey. And he would have basically 4 years left.

Copeland is a solid get as well. Just not the same upside. He would be a guy you could count on to be a very solid player off the bench or someone who can fill a spot if we were really lacking depth.

Cunliffe has attitude problems, basketball skill problems and a helicopter dad. It may not end well but when you miss on all your wing targets and none are Spring decisions this is where it leaves you.

And fwiw Maxwell's departure should open the door to take Cunliffe and Copeland.

@jayballer54

Cunliffe although he comes with more baggage potentially. He's here for tonight's game and I don't see him going anywhere else after.

Copeland is someone who has underachieved for his ranking. There was talk he would be a OAD and now he's a mid season transfer in his junior year. I'm not sure Georgetown was ever the best fit for his skill set but I also wonder if Copeland has just not progressed like a lot of people thought.

Cunliffe fills a need, Copeland would be another role player in the post that we have no idea how he would put his game into our current offensive scheme... we will see

@BShark

And a lot of those issues can be solved with a change of scenery. He has risk but if we lose all of our wings we are hard pressed to find a better option

@BeddieKU23

Oh I agree, gotta take him if he wants to come here. Can't just hope to land MJ Walker late.

@BShark

We will see what else emerges. It's hard to get a read on Walker, if he never visits it's hard to see us as a serious player for him and the one school he did visit FSU has a likely opening at his position. Taking Cunlifffe would put us in jeopardy of landing him imo but that is just based on the current situation.. we know we need an immediate wing who can score and play minutes

Thanks guys, kinda of what I was thinking. I mean taking Cunliffe. - - The problem I have if we were to take Copeland for one is, yes he is as been mentioned going through back surgery, so my train of thought is he fully recovered will he be if we were to take him? - -Will he be another Coleby still limited? is that what we wanna use a scholi on? not trying to talk smack on the kid but his ability might be limited, the only thing I can go off on this is I've had 3 back surgeries myself, so kind have a feel as to what happens with that, some days good - -some days not so much Like my surgeon told me, we can't eliminate the problem what we do is try to make it tolerable - -so see what I'm saying. Back has a tendency -- scar tissue acts up starts to tighten up- - - - so ya anyways thanks guys - - ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY

@jayballer54 said:

If he has back problems I'd say we probably will pass on him. I see he will visit NC ST this week so there's no telling he makes it past that visit without going there

There are all kinds of back problems. Do we know? My friend had back surgery, out of the hospital the next day and had instant relief. Recovery was no lifting for 4 weeks.

@Crimsonorblue22 Mine was my l-4 , l5 has been problems, now have a spacer in my back, to separate the vertebrae, and titanium screws no fun but yet having said that feel better. Have had to have bone taken from my hip and placed into my spine lol, hell after surgery my dam hip hurt worse then my back I ask why didn't you just take the sterile bone from the cardavor and put in my spine and leave my butt alone? they said because the bone in my hip was already acquainted to my body system, they said always a chance that my body would rejuect the sterile bone - -I SAID DAMM it really hurt lmao.. - -Any kind of back surgery is no fun, I personally would stray away if I had to choose between the two. - -ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY

Any news on Cunliffe?

@Ralph Apparently word is no more visits. He had a great time. Supposed to decide in the next 3 days or something.

My manager friend told me that his dad basically said he was coming here.

@Kcmatt7

Thanks

Cunliffe was sitting next to Siemen at the Game - -Kevin Young was a row behind sitting almost caddy corner to him. -- Said his parents were blown away. We shall see. - -On a side not I STILL think things are looking better for and Trae. - -Looks like Kentucky chances are going to get another guard, that were in his final 5 choices but pretty much either Kentucky possibly Conn. - if he lands at UK, no way Young going there. - -which leaves US and Oklahoma- - and the more Oklahoma loses the better we are - -bottom line unless flat out doesn't want to leave the state of Oklahoma - I just f,eel good chance we land him, not sure if he has changed his mind again or no , - -last I hear/read he was talking about deciding in January some time - -we will see - - ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY

@jayballer54

Hamidou Diallo. Smoke is ALL UK currently.

BOL BOL is CAL bound
http://www.maxpreps.com/news/IvsUIviQh0K02xa3n3K82g/bol-bol-enrolls-at-mater-dei,-not-cleared-to-play-yet.htm ↗

Name to watch: Jalen Carey

https://www.zagsblog.com/2017/01/13/recruiting-roundup-quentin-grimes-jalen-carey/ ↗

Really likes Norm.

http://247sports.com/Player/Jalen-Carey-86031 ↗

6'3'' top 75 PG? Me gusta.

@BShark

yes please, love his size at the pg spot

@BeddieKU23

Since I last posted BHam (I know some may disagree with his KU level player talk but he is fairly connected) relayed that he is a top 50 type talent and a combo guard moreso than a pure point.

@BShark said:

@BeddieKU23

Since I last posted BHam (I know some may disagree with his KU level player talk but he is fairly connected) relayed that he is a top 50 type talent and a combo guard moreso than a pure point.

I'll take him for whatever position he wants to play, maybe that 2nd ball handler role with whoever is our PG after this yr. Looks athletic enough to play the 2.

BHam usually has some good scoop. I just think he sometimes doesn't open his mind up to how a player will develop in time when the player is not a top 50-100 player

@BeddieKU23

Definitely looks like a good player. Self loves combo guards. His commitment time frame is reportedly the end of this school year or very early in the start of the next school year. And he wants to visit for a KU game this year which I think bodes well.

Edit: I think BHam is usually just brutally honest about how he feels. Lucas is kind of proving him wrong and right at the same time. Lucas has done some good things but his limitations have shown this year defensively. He does work his butt off though and rebounds well and is smart offensively usually. I do agree with him that KJ is NOT on the same type of trajectory as Graham or Mason and that is a concern. Seems like KU is not offering KJ though, so that discussion will likely be moot in terms of relevance for KU boards.

@BShark

Yeah he's ended up dead wrong with lucas and to some extent mason as well. I get the honesty and I respect him not pumping guys up for the sake of it.

Self has an unbelievable success rate with choosing the right guy's. With KJ I do think there is some long term intrigue, not even saying he would ever start here but if he was on a 4-5 year plan anything can happen. It looks like he will be a last resort anyway.

@BShark

Having two players with the trajectory of Mason and Graham is an incredible luxury that very few team get, not only because of their talent but perhaps more importantly because of the length of their tenure.

@BeddieKU23 said:

@BShark

Yeah he's ended up dead wrong with lucas and to some extent mason as well. I get the honesty and I respect him not pumping guys up for the sake of it.

Self has an unbelievable success rate with choosing the right guy's. With KJ I do think there is some long term intrigue, not even saying he would ever start here but if he was on a 4-5 year plan anything can happen. It looks like he will be a last resort anyway.

He and many were high on Mason from what I remember. I know Jerry loved Mason too.

@JayHawkFanToo said:

@BShark

Having two players with the trajectory of Mason and Graham is an incredible luxury that very few team get, not only because of their talent but perhaps more importantly because of the length of their tenure.

Oh for sure. Basically you are trying to find a guard in the 20-90 ranking range that also probably has some kind of limitation when it comes to the NBA. Self has done a GREAT job getting these kinds of players tbqh. EJ, Tyshawn, Graham, Mason, Russ Rob, Sherron etc... I don't typically question Self's recruiting. The Ayton miss sucked but the payoff would have been worth it.

@BShark Bragg has some growing to do on and off the court. The whole pushing incident really knocked him off track. He has to prove himself even more now.

@BShark

I'm glad your memory works that far back. lol

What I remember from the whole Mason ordeal was that in general- most KU fans overreacted to him being small and a de-commit from Towson. Add in that Mason was basically our 4th choice fallback plan and there was a lot of chatter of why we got this kid. If it wasn't for KU continuing to recruit I believe it was Mclaughin of USC even after he committed we would never have him to begin with. Crazy how that works out.

I do remember Jerry being high on him and I also remember Self saying that he basically got a steal after getting to know him and see his game.

I think kids like Mason are even harder to find these days with how much video is available from AAU ball these days.

@BeddieKU23

Sometimes it does. :stuck_out_tongue_winking_eye:

And you are right it was McLaughlin. Townsend was in Vegas to see McLaughlin but I don't think he was committed officially at the time. He saw Frank and that was pretty much the end of it I believe the staff went to check him out a couple more times or so and then offered.

I know Jerry had him top 75 might have been top 50. ESPN didn't (maybe still doesn't) rank post grads so that negatively impacted his overall ranking.

@BShark

I think your right about the ESPN ranking. They had Post next to his name and ranked him a 3 star. Even if his ranking was just at that time they clearly missed the ball on him. It happens all the time, its just crazy it might be happening for the 2nd straight year with a POY favorite. Hield while a 4 star prospect wasn't exactly a household name. Mason has worked his way above what any KU fan could have imagined this year.

@BeddieKU23

ESPN slants towards Nike kids. Also they have Terrence Lewis ranked ahead of Marcus Garrett it's so hard to take them seriously.

@BShark

And had Giles ahead of Jackson while Giles played what 2 minutes of High School ball his senior year.

That is funny Lewis over Garrett.

@BeddieKU23

Nike influence with Giles.

Yeah I'm not sure how you watch them both play and say well Lewis is better and/or has more potential. I think he will be a nice player for ISU but probably closer to the 100 range. I think Lewis is NR on Scout which is also ridiculous. I believe a lot of these services are lazy, don't get to many events and piggy back off each other. For rankings 247 is probably my favourite.

@BeddieKU23

Yes... I remember when we signed Frank. I won't say our fanbase was negative as a whole, but people never thought Frank would turn out to be such a plus for us. Size was the biggest factor, followed by where he was going first, seeming to rub people the wrong way like we should only be competing with other blue bloods for players.

The ultimate lesson is, "we can't judge a book by its cover."

I don't put much time into following recruiting because we just see the window dressing. We don't know the players. A lot of what Bill saw in Frank went beyond his stat sheet and highlight films. We all need to think about that when we start being overly critical about Bill's recruit targets and commits.

@drgnslayr Great point. I am sometimes amazed at how we all can get on this site and think we can identify whom the recruits that we need are...........but all part of the fun, I guess.

@drgnslayr

Really good points. I bet if we sat with Self and asked him "did you ever think Mason would get this good" I'm sure we'd get an interesting answer from him.

Opportunity is also a big equalizer in this whole equation with Frank.

Tharpe didn't pan out and Mason was eating his minutes early in his Sophomore year. We also whiffed on every top PG target for the past 4 years- the staff admitted Frank was option #4 which really meant "fell into our lap" at the right time. What if we had signed a PG that was talented enough to challenge Frank for that spot. Graham ended up being that guy but Self figured out those 2 could play beside each other because of the bond they had formed. Frank in a way has been very lucky that he could capitalize on his unheralded beginning into now becoming a favorite for POY honors. Nothing short of amazing, you never know what a player has under the hood until you get him playing under your watch.

@drgnslayr

Mason's hs stats were pretty damn good. But HS stats are mostly meaningless.

I was on CyFan (I know...) reading their thread on Wigginton (imo will be a stud for them for 3-4 years) and well, this post was funny so I had to share.

" Yesterday at 2:15 PM

billy preston is going to be a great ku villain, assuming bill self doesn't kick him out of any of his first 10 practices."

Matt Scott did a major rework of the 2018 targets page. Worth checking out.

Oturu is announcing Friday. I can't see it being KU since he hasn't even visited plus I'm not sure if KU would take his commitment at this time with so many top players being on the board that KU is attempting to recruit (even if KU has no chance like Naz Reid).

Minnesota would be my guess.

@BShark

Dang. Good big for them. Had a chance to look into Oturu, will be a good big by Junior/Senior year. I don't think he was a fit at KU at 6'8 with no mid-range game. I liked his ability to face up in the lane and score and has long arms that help him play bigger than 6'8. Pitino is having good season so I'm assuming that looks appealing to him

@BeddieKU23

Yeah he's raw right now.

Anyone seen the film on Emmitt Williams? Good lord we want this one. I have a feeling he'll be moving up the charts. Crazy athlete, just crazy.

Plays for IMG- same school as Duval attends. Mari played their as well.

Williams just became the # 1 recruit I hope KU gets next year.

@BeddieKU23

Great minds think alike. Absolutely the best post player that KU could realistically land (Bagley isn't realistic). Close this kid before the likes of UK/DUKE/AZ poke their noses around.

KU checking in on Dotson and Hamilton in NC today per Matt Scott.

@BeddieKU23 Williams is a monster. Geez, louise...

@BeddieKU23 ok feel me in lol. Have we been recruiting this kid? I'm taking it he is a 2018 player? whz his height? Do we have a shot? - - - ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY

@jayballer54

Answering questions in order.

Yes, tall enough, yes.

@BeddieKU23

Wow! Talk about swagger!

[link text](

The key with snagging a big swagger guy is that you have to tame him enough to win with him.

The Morris brothers had some swagger and lots of posturing. But in the end, they really didn't put their moxie to work for team wins. They often ticked off opponents that brought ultimate revenge down on us.

But hey... I'm all for a guy like Emmitt! He is a perfect swing guard or stretch 4. I like him especially if Bill finally makes the commitment to long term small ball. He's the perfect "utility big." He could be a swing guard in a big lineup, a stretch 4 in a normal lineup, and a 5 in a total x-axis squad!

@jayballer54 6'7" 210.

@JayHawkFanToo Little known Jethro factoid: the last 4 national championship teams all started two point guards. Coinydink? I think not.

@BShark

I did not realize he was this good. He is priority #1 if I'm the staff.

I know that a lot of schools have started to offer. West Virginia has been in with whole staff to see him before.

@jayballer54

He was recently offered over the holidays. I'm assuming we watched Duval and we saw this monster.

6'8 200 pound freak. And I would think we have a good chance if we prioritize him

Devon Dotson visiting Feb 4.

@BShark

That's positive, same day as Young

@BeddieKU23

I'd be surprised if he isn't a Jayhawk. Staff has prioritized him. Would love to see him commit to KU soon.

@BShark

We'll see, kids from his area have proven to be tough to pull. I do like him coming for a home game that should show him a good time.

Graham and Vick and Doke and Bragg back. back.

Average talent continues decline from accruing effects of embargo.

Now even 4 stars are waiting to see what happens when Tyler leaves.

Next.

@BeddieKU23

Yeah I'd just like to see him pop before possibly Duke shows serious interest.

@BShark This has to be a good thing - -keeping fingers crossed - - -ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY

ESPN updated Top 60 rankings. KU targets

2 Zion Willaimson PF (Unlikely)

3 Romeo Langford SG (unlikely)

5 Jordan Brown C

7 Emmitt Williams PF (should become a major target) Could be a top 3 player when all is said and done.

14 Quentin Grimes SG (the key to the class IMO)

16 Brandon Williams PG

32 Jairus Hamilton SF (Staff recently visited him)

34 Devon Dotson (Will Visit KU Feb 4th)

A few others I wish KU was recruiting who I've watched recently.

9 Simi Shittu PF (Canadian prospect, could work the Wiggins angle). Very skilled player.

35 David McCormack C - Huge man 6'10 280 is starting to get in better shape. Hudy would do wonders with this man. Teammate of Preston.

Jalen Carey listed as a SG on ESPN ranked #12 SG. Will be a Top 100 kid when they expand the rankings. Hope we stay on this one.

@BeddieKU23 Dotson doing an unofficial is a good start. Need to get Langford, Williams and Grimes on campus.

Hopefully Doke can be a recruiting tool for McCormack.

We are due for a monster class one of these years. A 3 or 4 guys in the top 50 type of class.

@Kcmatt7

I think we should be selective. 18 class is down. Grimes, Dotson seem to be two we have a great chance with. We should be all in on Emmitt Williams. ALL in.

This summer will be interesting to see what we go after. 19 class has guys we really want.

@BeddieKU23 Selective yet aggressive. We need to add some multi-year players. Who knows what the roster could look like after next season.

@Kcmatt7

the 2 I listed are multi-year types. Williams has OAD ability. I agree we will need bodies

Read an article from zags blog talking about the game Saturday - -the Coaches were talking about the match ups and NBA personnel that was going to be there. Accordingly it was Stated that Josh is slotted as a # 4 pick in the draft and Devonte is a # 37 pick, kind of interesting - - -ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY

@BeddieKU23 said:

@Kcmatt7

I think we should be selective. 18 class is down. Grimes, Dotson seem to be two we have a great chance with. We should be all in on Emmitt Williams. ALL in.

This summer will be interesting to see what we go after. 19 class has guys we really want.

18 is a really weak class indeed. Don't want to mess up 19, but we will have to see how many bodies KU needs. Completely agree with the three you listed. Duke will press for Grimes and maybe AZ too. That one will be a battle. the other two I think KU can for sure land if the staff presses for them.

19 has a lot of NBA level talent though. And ya 19 has a lot of strong KU leans. Gotta close em of course but Harvey and Robinson Earl I think are in the bag if KU presses for commits. Hell there is a rumour that JRE is already silently committed. However we know how that can go, doesn't mean a thing yet. Sherfield is from KS (Wichita) originally but maybe signing Jacobs already hurts KU there. Leech is from rural Missouri. Basically only us, ISU and UW recruiting him atm. UW might be the main contender here but his recruitment could explode, legit talent. Hurt is a complete stud but I don't honestly know much about his recruitment.

@BeddieKU23 said:

Jalen Carey listed as a SG on ESPN ranked #12 SG. Will be a Top 100 kid when they expand the rankings. Hope we stay on this one.

If KU needs to take a third guard in the class I really hope it's him.

Oh and I'd kill for Zion or Langford but no chance. Seems like we might be able to sneak Hamilton out of NC if we need a wing.

@BeddieKU23 I looked up Simi...holy cow...he reminds me of JJ.

Wanted to give a shoutout to BShark, Beddie, Jayballer, KC Matt and the gang for keeping the recruiting news coming. You all do a great job, and I really appreciate the info you dig out, and divulge. Keep 'em coming....

@KUSTEVE said:

@BeddieKU23 I looked up Simi...holy cow...he reminds me of JJ.

Yeah he's really good. Not sure why we haven't thrown the hat into that one.

@BShark said:

Oh and I'd kill for Zion or Langford but no chance. Seems like we might be able to sneak Hamilton out of NC if we need a wing.

Definitely we are just "there" with those guys. I have to think we might have playing time available which could change things

@KUSTEVE said:

Wanted to give a shoutout to BShark, Beddie, Jayballer, KC Matt and the gang for keeping the recruiting news coming. You all do a great job, and I really appreciate the info you dig out, and divulge. Keep 'em coming....

Hopefully the constant updates lead to good news sometimes. Really important to finish 2017 class with top talent and look to 18 to fill needs which could be everywhere

@BeddieKU23 said:

@KUSTEVE said:

@BeddieKU23 I looked up Simi...holy cow...he reminds me of JJ.

Yeah he's really good. Not sure why we haven't thrown the hat into that one.

Maybe Self is burnt out on raw African players? No idea though lol.

@KUSTEVE said:

Wanted to give a shoutout to BShark, Beddie, Jayballer, KC Matt and the gang for keeping the recruiting news coming. You all do a great job, and I really appreciate the info you dig out, and divulge. Keep 'em coming....

Right on.

@BeddieKU23 said:

@KUSTEVE said:

Wanted to give a shoutout to BShark, Beddie, Jayballer, KC Matt and the gang for keeping the recruiting news coming. You all do a great job, and I really appreciate the info you dig out, and divulge. Keep 'em coming....

Hopefully the constant updates lead to good news sometimes. Really important to finish 2017 class with top talent and look to 18 to fill needs which could be everywhere

Need Trae for sure.

@BeddieKU23 said:

@BShark said:

Oh and I'd kill for Zion or Langford but no chance. Seems like we might be able to sneak Hamilton out of NC if we need a wing.

Definitely we are just "there" with those guys. I have to think we might have playing time available which could change things

Zion and Langford feel like Dukies to me. Of course, if K has to step away that changes everything.

@BShark

At this point, I probably have more inside connections to Duke basketball than I do Kansas.

There is talk that K will not step down, but will just limit duties moving forward.

I'd like to hear from others in here that may have other info.

@drgnslayr

Interesting. I have no idea of course I just thought it might be a possibility given that he has had to take time off lately.

@BShark speaking of duke-the dog,shhh, heard coach locked up the locker room.👮

@BShark

They probably are which is fine, not all top talent ends up panning out which we are clearly seeing this year with Duke.

Zion is a crazy man-child dunker but what else does he actually do? I watched a game of his recently and honestly he's got a ways to go in other parts of his game. I do think Bagley is the clear #1 choice. Zion will be a nice pro that can provide insane highlight dunks.

I think Langford would be better in a different system. But if he feels Duke is that fit, I will judge no further into the situation.

With the Bragg situation now clearly on his way out of the door its time for Self to reel in Emmitt Williams.

@BeddieKU23

I'm wondering now if there are any possible reclass situation for post players we are in on in the 18 class. Either need that or a grad transfer probably for depth next year.

@BShark

I wouldn't mind seeing us hit the grad transfer route, Black was a success before. We have been more active in that market the last few years. It will be interesting to see what's available after season's end. No matter who's back we don't have enough post depth or size and that needs to change

Thinking about the Dotson visit. It's odd a 2018 recruit is visiting mid-season. Have to wonder if the staff will push for a commitment if possible.

Interesting KU has reached out to Shaq's son a Top 50 recruit in 18.. Didn't think we were going to try with that one.

@BeddieKU23

I thought Shaq said he would like to see his kid go to Kentucky...maybe if he is like most typical teenagers, he will do the opposite and come to KU. :smirk:

@BeddieKU23 said:

Thinking about the Dotson visit. It's odd a 2018 recruit is visiting mid-season. Have to wonder if the staff will push for a commitment if possible.

I believe that's what is going on here.

@BeddieKU23 said:

Interesting KU has reached out to Shaq's son a Top 50 recruit in 18.. Didn't think we were going to try with that one.

Meh, don't really want.

@BeddieKU23 said:

@BShark

I wouldn't mind seeing us hit the grad transfer route, Black was a success before. We have been more active in that market the last few years. It will be interesting to see what's available after season's end. No matter who's back we don't have enough post depth or size and that needs to change

Not a bad idea at all.

@BShark I'll take Shaq's kid. He has the genes to keep growing. A 7'1 athlete is nothing to snub

@BShark

Shaq's kid is skilled, definitely is a different type of big then his father but he's more in line with the new age forward. I honestly never payed much attention to him because it seemed like it was only a few teams with a chance. Sounds like we are definitely trying to be in contact. And of course my allegiance lies with getting Williams before anyone.

The Dotson situation just seems interesting, I know we have been pushing for him to visit for a while and now it's happening at a time when you don't see many underclassmen paying their own dime to come see a game. Lock em up Bill!

@BeddieKU23 said:

A few others I wish KU was recruiting who I've watched recently.

9 Simi Shittu PF (Canadian prospect, could work the Wiggins angle). Very skilled player.

KU is recruiting Simi according to rivals!!! Wooo

@BeddieKU23

We will see if the interest is mutual. Really interesting player.

@BShark said:

interest

I hope so. Seems to be intrigued by other Canadians doing well, none bigger then Wiggins. He is very good and would be a very unique type of 4

Slater in a recent VIP mentioned Bolden possibly transferring to TCU or KU (it was kind of an in general/in passing thing). Would take though.

In percentages likely to be at Duke section Jeter was 20% and they didn't even list a % for Bolden so this could be interesting.

@BShark Don't tease me like that!

@BShark just a question here , and I sincerely don't know- -would like your input. - - This had crossed my mind also, the possibility of Bolden leaving the Duke program. - -My question to you is, - -Do you think if he were to leave Duke, what if he or do you think he would - -why do you think he might not just decide to enter the NBA draft next year? I nstead of transferring to another school and having to sit out a year and then play in TWO years later. I'm just curious no knowledge one way or another, what you think? - - -yes - -no? - - - -ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY

@jayballer54

Slater mentioned three possibilities. Transferring to KU/TCU, riding it out at Duke or going in the draft. The thing about going in the draft is that he would pretty much be a second rounder, if he were drafted (he has barely played this year). The thing about staying at Duke is that he's playing 8 mpg this year and it might not get any better next year. So I can certainly see where transferring would be appealing to him but it depends on how badly his circle wants to get paid.

another Jr And Done?

Anyone seen Bolden play this yr?

About the most uninterested player I've seen in a while.

I cannot say this any clearer, we don't want him

@BeddieKU23

Wishful thinking but maybe he really just wanted to be at KU all along? lol

@BeddieKU23 Or maybe he is not happy about PT or scheme, or something and needs a change of scenery. We took Cunliffe who wasn't happy where he was.

Dotson's visit went very well as expected per a Matt Scott article. Sounds like they plan to visit again. Read a lot better and more in depth than say the comments about the Duval visit, I'd bet Dotson ends up at KU.

@BShark wasn't he-Bolden, looking at Texas too?

@Crimsonorblue22

Not really.

His final 8 was Duke, Kentucky, Baylor, Oklahoma, TCU, Alabama, Wake Forest and Kansas.

4* PG Jamie Lewis visiting for the WVU game.

@BShark

Devonte Graham 2.0.. almost the same player

Would be a solid 4 year player

@BShark Is he a 2017 player or a 2018 player? - - ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY

@jayballer54

2018

@BeddieKU23 cool, thanks - - -ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY

@jayballer54

No problem.

To further elaborate about Lewis he plays for a very good HS team in Georgia

5 kids on the team will be D-1 including one that is Top 100 signed with Auburn this year. His brother also plays and is signed to UCF (Central Florida) so that could play a part in his recruitment.. He is getting interest from a lot of good schools.

Lewis has not played much this year battling ankle and shoulder injury but it looks like he'll be back for the state playoffs where his team goes for its 4th straight title.

Lewis is 6'2 180ish with a very good 3 point shot. Not an above the rim type so he's going to be in College 4 years. Nice floater and can get into the lane, not exceptionally quick, good vision for a PG.

Dotson is better, but I would never turn down either.

Both Dotson and Lewis should be good college players. At this point, I'm wondering if any of the 2018 PGs KU is in on are in a position to reclassify if needed.

@BShark

Not sure on that but we have to be careful about reclassification's. Sometimes you can pressure a kid to move up a class and he's just not ready for College Ball. Thornton of Duke is an excellent example of this very thing. And in the position that KU is in, in desperate need of a top flight PG you risk ruining the players development and the team as well.

Dotson just from video would seem the more ready of the 2 to move up. The more I watch of him the more I think he's underrated. I'm sure Lewis is one of those options they would look to if they missed on others. The problem with that scenario is other teams prioritize and KU loses out by chasing bigger fish.

A side not to 2018 KU is actively in it for Silvio de Sousa a top 20 6'8 big from Montverde. That is something I didn't think would happen. De Sousa is a top flight PF with some really nice offensive skill. Shittu, Sousa & Emmitt Williams are very good targets to keep after

@BeddieKU23 said:

Not sure on that but we have to be careful about reclassification's. Sometimes you can pressure a kid to move up a class and he's just not ready for College Ball. Thornton of Duke is an excellent example of this very thing. And in the position that KU is in, in desperate need of a top flight PG you risk ruining the players development and the team as well.

Fair point. I just really hope Young picks KU, but at least we will know soon.

@BeddieKU23 said:

A side not to 2018 KU is actively in it for Silvio de Sousa a top 20 6'8 big from Montverde. That is something I didn't think would happen. De Sousa is a top flight PF with some really nice offensive skill. Shittu, Sousa & Emmitt Williams are very good targets to keep after

According to who?

@BShark

Zagsblog

De Sousa, a native of Angola, listed Louisville, Kansas, North Carolina and Kentucky as the schools working the hardest.

@BeddieKU23

Interesting. Scott said previously that KU isn't really in that one. Would love for that to have changed. All three bigs you mentioned in your last post would be great gets.

@BShark

We'll see what happens, all the heavy hitters after him. I imagine KU has kept contact by default because of their interest in Barrett. Might be one we are making progress with behind the scenes and we certainly have the Diallo/Udoka angle to work with him being from Angola. Seems like we are seeing more guys mentioning interest from KU that were thought to not even be on the radar.

@BeddieKU23

It's just my opinion, but I'm guessing the public is only privy to about 10% of the info surrounding recruiting.

We get to know when there is something FORMALLY done, like an offer. And we know what players and family members leak to the press. We also have people reporting from games on who is in attendance.

This is the big reason why we can't accurately second-guess coaches, players, etc.

If you have been around any popular HS athlete who is getting attention from colleges you will get a taste of what the athletes deal with during the process.

@drgnslayr

Very good point. And the 10% we get is 10% more then we were getting even 10 years ago. I remember when we knew what kids were on the team when we saw the first game played and saw someone we didn't recognize. Times have changed dramatically. Every little move these top kids make is interpreted in 50 ways.

@BeddieKU23

So true.

"Every little move these top kids make is interpreted in 50 ways."

And those interpretations have so little real knowledge on the process. I don't get too wrapped up in the recruiting process because I value my sanity. How can one remain sane when all of these things are going down and there is little info out there to understand WHY it goes like it goes? We can blame it all on kids being kids.... "what do teenagers know?"

I bet many of these top recruits have a pretty good understanding of the process and their opportunities. We may not always agree with what they do... but we wear crimson/blue glasses.

@drgnslayr

Definitely, because of the lack of real knowledge half the time its just senseless rumors. Especially the recruitment's that drag on for an entire cycle.

Some really do put off committing just so they can get the exposure. Who wouldn't take 5 free visits if your 17-18 and will get the royal carpet everywhere you go. And now your parents can accompany you as well with no expense to them. Kids/Parents never had it so good.

Trevon Duval is the perfect example of taking his free visits, heck he saw an epic game last week against Baylor.

@BeddieKU23 said:

Seems like we are seeing more guys mentioning interest from KU that were thought to not even be on the radar.

Yeah 18 really isn't the usual class where KU seems to lead for elite guys early then most don't pan out. At the end of the day KU is going to have plenty of PT and scholarships to give so I would bet it ends up a decent sized class. Especially with post players, we could be looking at a situation where only Lightfoot (and maybe a 2017 mystery recruit) are still on the roster at that point. It's likely that both interior starting spots will be open.

@BeddieKU23

Right on!

And that exposure is important for them and their futures. So many players want to visit blue blood programs because they are also making valuable contacts for their careers ahead of them.

It is no surprise that players like Buddy Hield have solid friendships with other players and especially coaches.

It is one big fraternity... as it should be!

Norm checking in on studs Silvio De Sousa and Emmitt Williams Thursday. I guess Duval too but blah.

@BShark said:

Norm checking in on studs Silvio De Sousa and Emmitt Williams Thursday. I guess Duval too but blah.

Good plan sending our best after those 2 studs

@BeddieKU23 said:

@BShark said:

Norm checking in on studs Silvio De Sousa and Emmitt Williams Thursday. I guess Duval too but blah.

Good plan sending our best after those 2 studs

Probably going to have two starting spots to sell*. We could do worse than those two.

*Unless Doke stays a third year. Imo he could really use it, but the lure of an NBA paycheck might be too great to resist.

@BShark

Definitely, Williams is a must get.

Syracuse and UConn have offered David Duke as well now. Yeah it's gonna get heated for his services.

Quentin Grimes will be visiting Tejas today along with a bunch of other kids. Smart move to bring in so many kids for their superbowl and not some random game where the gym would be 30% full.