🏀 KuBuckets Archive

Well just read a thread from the shiver. - -Now this isn't from any Recruiting junky or recruiting expert or some guru, but just thought I'd throw it out as to what it said:

The whole jest of this was, a poster asked about since it was looking like Diallo was landing at Kentucky what would that do for our chances of landing Trae? Which this is something that I've said I feel like our chances are improving all the time. So there is a poster a UK fan that's on the shiver, seen him post before, but he posted that UK had been out of the picture for months, that everything that people there were hearing that it was between KU & OU with Okla St possibly being a dark horse and they had all been hearing that Trae was going to end up at KU.

So I just read that, then I see where Coach Self is there today to watch Trae Play today, which is good. I truly believe we get Trae, listed as the # 3 PG this year, the UK poster said it would be great to be able to watch Trae playing for KU and going against Quade in the tourney of Champions next year - this would be a sweet pick up for us, I for one would love to have him as we all know Duvall is going to land at Duke, - -we shall see - - says he hopes to decide within the next month or two - -ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY

My guess (and that is all it is) is that we get him if, in his or his advisors minds, that the guard / wing rotation is the right number for his PT. No idea what that number might be. Ex: If Cunliffe comes, then maybe Graham and Svi have to likely be gone for Young to commit. Or maybe only one.......who knows for sure.
If he views our backcourt too crowded........then maybe trying to help OU rebuild will look better to him.

@Hawk8086

If Trae comes to KU he is playing 25+ mpg. This is my opinion. That he would start at PG, because it means Graham is probably gone.

Anyway, things are accelerating quickly here. Self is trying to put the hammer down.

Oh man the rumours right now. :fireworks: :fireworks: :fireworks: :fireworks: :fireworks: :fireworks: :fireworks:

@BShark I would agree.

@BShark And tht's all they are, but still like checking things out, you never know. But when your a basketball junkie like myself that has to suffer through all the bullshit summer months on agonizing baseball and these sorry pathetic royals crap get really tired of listening to their talk. SOOOOO now this is MY time and I will devour any kind of basketball talk whether rumor or not any kind of recruiting info - - -I'M ON IT, FOR IT, WANT IT wish College basketball was 12 months a year 24 hours a day 7 days a week lmao- - -ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY let the rumors fly

Well MORE rumor lol - - -last to predicts from 247 sports today for Trae goes to KU - - Andrew Slater & Chris Fisher predicts KU today for Young - - -ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY

@jayballer54

What am I missing? Most places I have looked still have Trae Young going to OU...

Crystal ball... ↗

Jerry Meyers... ↗

@JayHawkFanToo It's all rumors - -BUT we have gotten the last 3 picks off the CB Andrew Slater which a lot put a lot of stock in him, Chris Fisher and then today we got ANOTHER CB pick. - -If you notice the % has closed between us and OU. just adding things up is all jus the hunch

We are trending big now, they have an article in 247 sports about us and Trae, Bill was down to watch him on Thursday and then People out of Kentucky saying everything they hear is he will be landing here. People saying we should be feeling pretty good about landing him - -Again the last THREE have him landing here we shall see - - -ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY

@JayHawkFanToo

KU is the latest scuttlebutt. Comments swirling that he might commit soon, then Self is down there to see him. We can certainly hope anyway.

@BShark TRAE! him at KU would be a pretty big deal. best PG get for Self since Selby. I mean, we all know how Selby worked out but still, the kid was high ranked.

@Lulufulu Selbys injury was the issue

@HawkChamp His injury wasn't the issue. Being dead set on being OAD was his issue. Had he come back for year 2, KU probably wins the title over Kentucky and he likely ends up the lottery pick he thought he was going to be instead of being China like he is now.

@Texas-Hawk-10 I know - I'm talking about in his one year

Well now make it the last 4 CB picks for KU for Trae to end up landing here. Picked up another today -- ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG-BABY

By the way Diallo committed to Kentucky. He will enroll early and likely red-shirt this year and play next year. Looking better and better for Young

Just read Trae's latest blog from yesterday, said he was closer to making his decision. Said actually the recruitment had become kind of stressful. - - thought it was closer not sure just when, said he couldn't go wrong with any of the five schools. - - -Said he may try to make it up to Lawrence catch a game - -not sure yet. I'm not concerned about that statement as he has been to KU multiple times, He WASN'T at the game last night but told he was watching the game, got that from another source. - -I think were close - -ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY

Would LOVE to have this kid, but I wonder why he wouldn't wait until March to make a decision. Doesn't it hinge on Graham and/or Svi leaving? What are the odds we have Graham and Svi back along with Vick, Newman, Garrett and Cunliffe(sp)? Granted, Trae is not considered a OAD, but . . .

Also, if you look at the success rate for KU players chosen in round 2 and beyond, there are only 2 that have really done well. Not good odds for 2nd round and beyond for NBA success. Can Graham and Svi get a 1st round nod? Time will tell.

@hawkmoon2020 Latest projection in the NBA Mock draft SVI is a projected as a 1st round pick # 27 to Houston - -not sure about Graham don't see him in the latest projections. Wouldn't surprise me though if he doesn't do the new thing of trying out for scouts you know where you get a chance to work out hear what NBA scouts are having to say and then deciding whether to declare or not - -ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY

I hear Chris Smith is going to qualify to graduate this year and join the 2017 class. Could be good for KU

@Statmachine never heard of him. Position? Size? Can he shoot well?

@HawkChamp

6"7 6"8 think Perry Ellis. Hybrid forward type. Long and lean he can shoot it well on the perimeter. Decent handles. A lot of upside on this one. Attends same school that Wiggins went too

@BeddieKU23 thanks

@HawkChamp said:

@BeddieKU23 thanks

Just to clarify he doesn't have a game like Perry, just similar size. He's more athletic and perimeter oriented, probably a big guard like Jackson and Svi

We need to get another big guy. People have been talking the last few years about our lack of post play but yet we normally don't get 6-10 or 6-11 guys like TJ Leaf or Tony Bradley. I know we got Diallo and Carlton but they are not like Isaiah Hicks or Kennedy Meeks. We need to big multi year players instead of "project" players. Is there really only one available right now?

@HawkChamp

Too bad Self didn't take Tyler Davis over Diallo in hindsight and I am not being sarcastic.

@Statmachine said:

I hear Chris Smith is going to qualify to graduate this year and join the 2017 class. Could be good for KU

This is a kid I hope ends up at KU do you have insider info on this situation?

@BeddieKU23 said:

@HawkChamp said:

@BeddieKU23 thanks

Just to clarify he doesn't have a game like Perry, just similar size. He's more athletic and perimeter oriented, probably a big guard like Jackson and Svi

Exciting multi-year player for sure.

@BShark man why didn't Davis choose us? Much better choice over Diallo who just wanted to shoot jumpers.

@HawkChamp

If Self wanted him he probably could have got him. He even said KU was his "dream school". Self made a choice to not go hard after Davis early to chase Diallo. His crystal ball was 75% KU when he popped for A&M x_x.

@BShark wow really? I would have gone with the multi year skilled guy. He has good size and girth also. People will say "yeah but hindsight is 20/20". Not here. Diallo was known to be raw and he is not a real inside player like Davis. And then people (including me) complain about our inside play. Have to get the right guys, not just highly ranked ones.

@BeddieKU23 And have we been looking at him, recruiting him? seems like we always turn out just fine - - ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY

@HawkChamp

Yeah the quotes were actually from 2013 before KU offered. Mentioned KU was his dream school and that he would "love to play for coach Self".

Completely agree about finding the right players.

@jayballer54

Yes we are recruiting him. We offered him last year when he was a Soph and wasn't expected to graduate early. A lot of schools are showing interest to him right now since his announcement. I expect that we'll be fighting UK and others for him.

@HawkChamp

There isn't anyone in the Top 100 that fits the 6'10 range your describing that is available or we are recruiting. We missed the boat on several guys going after Ayton.

The good thing is its early, spring time brings coaching chances and recruits look elsewhere. There will probably be a record number of transfers again this spring. We might be able to find a Veteran Big to bring in and use for a year. The international scene is always an option as well.

I think the staff is confident Billy Preston at 6'10 will be on campus and he'll push Bragg for that starting spot next year at the 4. That's two 6'10 guys we'll have to play.

We'll have 5 bigs on the team if everyone is back and makes it to campus. Going to be hard to get a top player to come here and become #6.

@BeddieKU23 I'm just wondering, IF Billy is ok, academics and DOES land here 100% for sure, which I THINK when it's all said and done he will, BUT I'm wondering just a smidge, you think their is a possibility Carlton does the in-thinkable and leaves?- -I mean like sure stupidity but still declares for the NBA OR decides to try over sea's ball after this year? - -If Billy comes in and takes Carlton's spot - -possible playing time? I know it sounds crazy but with what has happened this year, what he has been through, how he has played at least so far this year, then Billy landing here next year, maybe just might be to much and him just say screw it. - -What you think? Would be a really, really bad move but not totally impossible situation that could develop. What you think? - - - -ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY

@jayballer54

Nothing would surprise me when the year is over. We saw Diallo leave, we saw Selden leave, we saw Greene leave (either on his own or by the coaches wishes) so Carlton leaving for whatever reason it may be is not a far-fetched idea.

Looking at this from the outside-in Carlton had a good off-season, starting showing up on mock drafts in the 1st round and all the talk was that he improved his game and would replace Perry Ellis. Then he comes into the season and is immediately struggling. Then he has the off-the-court issue that put his name in a negative light. Now he's the 7th man in our rotation backing up Lucas or filling in for Jackson when he's in foul trouble. And instead of the always smiling kid we saw last year, we've seen obvious situations of frustration.

So if your Carlton do you persevere? Do you get away from it all and get a fresh start somewhere? Do you take the rest of this season to turn it around and show your coach and fans that KU is your home and future? He's not getting drafted this year so his choices are stay and flip the script next year, or find a fresh start with a coach that may cater to his skill set. I hope he stays, another off-season fine tuning his body and working on his low post moves would give him the best chance to fulfill all the lofty expectations people have had of him since High School.

Matt Scott reporting that Snacks will not be visiting KJ Fitzgerald.

@BeddieKU23

I posted this awhile back, don't recall what thread.

All I want is Trae Young, so I'm cool with it.

@BShark

Me too, he may be the most important recruit in years

Some Chatter from Trae's HS coach that he will be here to see the game in Allen on Saturday against Oklahoma St.

He's considering both schools so this is important that KU shows well at home.

All the recent visits to see him play and Trae coming in for an possible unofficial point very favorably in KU's direction.

@BeddieKU23 bet he won't make it

@Crimsonorblue22 I ought to flag your post! No room for realistic pessimism!

I would obviously love to have Trae Young but it seems like we are going to be good with him or without him. We will without a doubt have guys back like Vick and Newman and I assume Devonte will be back for his senior year where he has a Frank Mason type season.

The recruiting of Young reminds me of a story a buddy of mine who is a huge Oklahoma fan once told me. According to my friend when Bob Stoops was recruiting Adrian Peterson he told him "We are going to win with or without you but if you want to win you should come play for us". Does Trae want to win 90% of the games he plays in and be a star or does he want to go be a part of the rebuilding process at OU / OSU?

@BeddieKU23 Sounds pretty goo, I am just feeling better as time goes on about him - -would love to get him - -ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY

@Crimsonorblu Weather could definitely put a halt to that, although I still think come or not we are in good shape - -ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY

@dylans we are suppose to get 3/4 to 1 inch of ice, there's a winter warning out, do you want your kid out? I know, I'm a mom. It's already started in ok. Flag me! I'll flag you back!😳🌫

Don't flag me lol- - - I hate it when that happens lo - -have a great day every one and as always - -ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY

If he makes it to this game, you have to think it bodes EXTREMELY well for KU.

@joeloveshawks

If Devonte were to come back then the recruitment of Trae Young is luxury over necessity.

KU fans seem to be divided on what they think Graham is going to do. Why has Self continued to recruit Trae Young with such earnest if Graham was coming back? I think Self knows barring an injury he's going to head to the pro's. The staff has been contingency planning for this since the summer.

This is the same situation we were in last year with Wayne Selden and Josh Jackson. Selden was gone and told the staff such but we all sat here and debated whether he should go or not. Then we signed the #1 player and SF in the class. Fast forward and Graham who's likely said the same thing, we're debating whether he's good enough to leave while putting the full court recruiting press on the #3 Point Guard in the class.

Newman is not a pure point guard- he's a scorer. He averaged 2 assists as a freshman and his Assist/TO ratio was 1.1 (barely above negative).

Vick is not even the discussion for playing PG. He has a negative assist to turnover ratio in 400 minutes of playing.

For Reference Grahams Assist/TO ration is 3.08 and Mason's is 2.30.

Lastly I liked your AP reference. I hope Young decides to join KU and win games for us. The consensus seems to be that he wants to play for a team that will compete for championships.

@jayballer54

When is the storm coming in for those that don't live in the KU area? Any local news reporting the time-line or likely hood of the game being canceled?

@BeddieKU23

They won't cancel the game but it's gonna be really bad.

@BeddieKU23 coming from south, tmrw is the worst. I'm guessing osu is already there. Saw where they're telling KU students coming back from break to get there by tonight.. Bb players are a block away.

We are tied at 36% with Oklahoma

Interesting we have both KU guys on board with Trae now. Seems inevitable

@BeddieKU23 Haven't heard anything about it being Cancelled yet, things surpose to start late tonight and then periods of off and on tomorrow morning and through the day - most damaging later in the afternoon, tomorrow night and into Sunday. - -Looking at possible 1/2 to 1 inch of Ice- - we MAY be able to slip the game in - -just not sure, like I say starting later tonight and over night but light tonight, but worse tomorrow. - -Early morning - -noon just not quite sure how heavy will be by then. Getting to listen to the 12:00 news right now hold on - - - - OK Local weather here in Topeka JUST SAID the bulk of precipitation will occur Saturday Night then into Sunday. - -Patchy freezing drizzle tonight, and in the morning but light, but also said doesn't take much for hazardous So there you go to the minute update how;s that lol - - -ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY

@jayballer54

Thank you! Sounds like Trae will be able to make the game.

@BeddieKU23 Your quite welcome. - - Just saw the projected radar projection shows light in the morning, and the big part shows coming in around 3:30 - -4:00 P.M. Saturday afternoon then through the night and out of here by like 6-7 Sunday /night. - -Actually shows like the weatherman just said we might get a break in the light drizzle land that looks like around 12 tomorrow so that would be good.- Looks like game might be ok. - - You know Trae has been here enough EVEN if he isn't here I think he has a pretty good feel he knows what it's like.

You know here is a thought though. Trae made a statement a ways back saying he might be making his decision some time in January - would be really sweet if he comes tomorrow checks it out - -AGAIN talks to the staff, visits with the players, goes homes and then with in the next week says - -HEY I'm committing to the University of Kansas - that would be great - -hey doesn't hurt to dream - -ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY

@jayballer54

Having the same dream. Can't imagine if he visits and leaves that place not wanting to play there.

@jayballer54 Better yet, him and HCBS meet at center court at halftime and he signs his LOI.

Well I Know how some feel about the CB and even myself am not rock solid on it - -BUT do put some into it and the last SIX predicts now belong to KU with him - hence that's why it now shows 36-36 between us and OU - I remember when we were at 4% with him lol, ahh persistence always pays off, not to mention other players signing with UK - -ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY

In the words of the immortal James Brown: "I feeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeel good".

@brooksmd

No way Coach Self does that. If he announces at the game, best bet is he does it like Selby did, he tells a court side reporter at half time .

@JayHawkFanToo he was kidding

@Crimsonorblue22

Kidding? KIDDING? What is this kidding stuff? This is a serious sports forum with no room for kidding..

Of course...I am kidding...:smiley:

@Crimsonorblue22 It's gonna be 70 and sunny tomorrow. I don't care what the weather men say...I've got cows calving, so we beefed up the fence - it'll still be flat with an 1" of ice. And I bought a generator for the house. But it's going to be 70 and sunny so who cares?

Great day for a basketball game!

@dylans I better have tv!

@Crimsonorblue22 I think we should be fine at game time - -maybe pretty good chance of power outages later in the day, I'm afraid I'm gonna not have power for my Green Bay- - Dallas game Sunday, - but our game I think we gonna be ok - -ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY

Well just red, - -Trae WILL NOT be here for the game tomorrow, because of the weather. - -Said they are looking at another date for a in-official visit - Looking at the 4th of February against Iowa State, sounds like he will make his decision after that sometime - -SOOOO there goes the Jan decision, not really that bad about the visit, he has been here multiple timed BUT just wish he would keep his timeline of this month - -dam, - -JUMPIN - -GEE - -HOSSA - -FATS. - -ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY

@jayballer54

Couple of days ago he said it's up in the air when I officially decide.

Elijah Elliott 2017 SG is in town

@jayballer54

Sounds to me like he wants to attend a KU game where he can make the announcement...I like it...

@JayHawkFanToo

Or he's waiting to see who stays and who goes

@jayballer54 said:

@Crimsonorblue22 I think we should be fine at game time - -maybe pretty good chance of power outages later in the day, I'm afraid I'm gonna not have power for my Green Bay- - Dallas game Sunday, - but our game I think we gonna be ok - -ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY

Where are you at? Most areas shouldn't be without power long, especially urban areas (Topeka, Lawrence).

@Ralph said:

@jayballer54

Couple of days ago he said it's up in the air when I officially decide.

Elijah Elliott 2017 SG is in town

Walk-on level player apparently. This kid and Chris Teahan would do nicely as walk-ons.

@JayHawkFanToo said:

@jayballer54

Sounds to me like he wants to attend a KU game where he can make the announcement...I like it...

It sure feels like the tide has turned in this recruitment in favour of KU.

Does Connor Teahan have a brother?

@Lulufulu said:

Does Connor Teahan have a brother?

Yes Chris is Conner's brother.

@BShark I live in s central ks. I could get up there, just didn't want to get stuck there for a few days. Was suppose to be here last pm, earlier forecast, have moved it back. Wichita had a 20 car pileup last pm, that went thru law. - Kc late last pm. At least I should be good for KU game. Hope for Chiefs! I also have a well so no power, no water.

@JayHawkFanToo I would be all in for that - - -ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY

@Ralph said:

@jayballer54

Couple of days ago he said it's up in the air when I officially decide.

Elijah Elliott 2017 SG is in town

Walk on type

Luckily all my utilities are underground so I seldom have loss of utilities unless there is a blown transformer at a transfer station or something like it. Longest loss of power was about 1 hour a few years ago.

So far absolutely no bad weather! I am right by Topeka fwiw.

Frank Mason in Big 12 games:

22 pts 7 ast 4 reb

15 pts 4 ast 2 reb

26 pts 4 ast 5 reb

28 pts 5 ast 3 reb

22 pts 4 ast 5 reb

@Crimsonorblue22 scoring up and consistent.

Seems his RB'ing is down. (Which is okay)

probably a good thing he missed today's game (speaking of Trae) but our back-court did have 43 points and 79 of 87 came from our 5 guards.

We are in the lead for young

@Hawk8086 Why would we have to lose Graham and Svi? We will definitely lose Frank to graduation. I don't think we have to lose three key players. If we do, then maybe Young is a bit too expensive? I'd love to have him and I believe he will play with or without Graham and Svi, but we don't have to lose the entire back court to gain him.

What does it take to gain the #3 recruit? He will take all of Frank's minutes and that's too many as it is, especially as an incoming freshman. Frank didn't play that many his freshman year and if Young is patient (if and when) he arrives, he'll get PLENTY of PT.

He needs to trust Bill Self.

Besides, why would a top ranked bball player go to a football school? I may be wrong, and it won't be the last time, but if Young is the basketball player he seems to be, he picks KU. He won't get exposure at OU or OSU. Buddy Hield and Blake Griffin are 4-5 year rarities at football schools. It would be like Blake Bell choosing KU to play QB. Trae Young is a winner and winners want to win. You go to the program with the longest win streak and become part of history.

I believe there is a dorm room reserved at McCarthy Hall for Trae Young.

@truehawk93

I do think that losing Graham and gaining Young are one in the same.

With these top point guards they don't go to schools that don't promise them spots. Not that Young wouldn't earn the spot anyway, I'm just pointing out that in general the top point guards go where they know they will start from day 1. I imagine Self has said he will start at either guard position (most likely Mason's spot). And by all accounts he's good enough to earn the start as a freshman. With the situation we are potentially in, a freshman could be starting at either guard position next year.

If Graham was returning its hard to imagine Young would still be coming here because of the presence of Newman who's a shoe-in for one of the two guard positions. The what if scenario of Graham coming back and Young still going to KU anyway would give Self a lot of options like he has this year. It would seem a bit crowded though with Graham, Newman, Young competing for 2 spots. That's without even mentioning Garrett who is going to be a position-less type guard at KU at 6'6.

The staff prepared for losing Svi by getting Cunliffe. If Svi returns then we have a really good core of wings in Svi, Vick & Cunliffe who will be eligible in December. More than likely I think Svi will jump, he's having a solid year and his age makes him attractive to NBA teams looking for a 3 point specialist. Svi may end up stashed in Europe for a while if a team didn't think he was ready next year. If Svi does jump then the staff should definitely be on the lookout for another wing. Self should have at least 6 guards on scholarship next year as we've seen 5 this year is just cutting it a little to thin with running a 4 guard offense.

@truehawk93 IMO the way these kids think.........if Newman, Graham, Svi, and Garrett join him in the backcourt.......might not be enough minutes. These kids seem to want to go to a situation where they are, as much as possible, guaranteed minutes. Maybe it is only Graham in his mind....but who knows, for sure.

Young had a Triple Double in 3 quarters last night. 40 points, 10 assists, 11 rebounds.

@BeddieKU23

I kind of wonder if this is the reason why Devonte isn't moved into the primary PG spot now. If he was and if he stayed it wouldn't be likely we sign Young.

But with Frank leaving and leaving Kansas from the PG spot, it clearly illustrates a starting spot open at point.

Gosh.... If we can sign Young we will have one arse-kicking team next year! A fairly young team but with plenty of experience, too.

@drgnslayr so you think Devonte stays?

@drgnslayr

I agree signing Young means the staff knows Graham's intentions. I think his intentions have been known since the season started to make it easier for Self to recruit.

But another way to look at it is Young is the type of player that can be the "other" primary ball-handler as Devonte is this year. Young is the ultimate stretch the floor guard. Devonte would slide over to that primary pg spot if he came back.

I really hope Svi decides to finish his career as a Hawk. That to me is the most important question facing this team next year. The NBA will still love him at age 20 and he'd have a real chance to have a feature role next year.

I'm pessimistic about next year because there's a good possibility we lose all 5 starters. We've replaced 5 starters before but those teams had depth to absorb loses. This team has Vick, Bragg, Newman & Doke. A solid core but we'll be relying on freshman to fill in the other pieces. Svi would give this team a solid 5. Cunliffe should make it 6

@HawkChamp

I think Devonte stays unless we win the NC or at least we make it to the championship game.

I think Bill better know Trae inside and out right now. If we don't sign him and we lose Devonte, next year will probably be a down year.

I think Bill could hold the string right now on Devonte. Promising to shift him over into our starting PG next year would keep him here. Devonte will become a PG in the league. His leadership skills are unknown as of now. If we know we aren't going to sign Trae then Bill should do whatever he can to keep Devonte next year.

Giving Devonte the PG spot next year, clear and free, probably makes him a lottery pick next year.

All these small guards need to understand the reality of their situation.

It is almost impossible to make a NBA roster being a small two. It just is.

So if you want a real shot at the league, you better build your PG resume in college. Just thinking it is enough to be a shooter and ball handler will earn you a NBA PG slot is outrageously unrealistic.

PGs need to show leadership skills. They need to show they can read defenses and attack them. They need to be able to create offense for themselves, but more, create offense with their teammates. How do they show that while playing the 2-spot in college?

I would say Devonte has done a remarkable job of showing how he can create some offense while playing the two. His assist numbers are solid. Makes me wonder what he would do if he was our PG and we ran our offense a bit more through the point.

@drgnslayr

You definitely made a great pitch for why Devonte should come back and run this team next year. That would alleviate all the pressure this off-season would have about replacing Frank. And by the week those shoe's seem to be getting bigger and bigger to fill.

@BeddieKU23 I agree with you. I feel to the fullest extent the coaching staff already knows that Devonte more likely then not is gone. Kind of like the same scenario like Wayne last year, I fully believe that they knew Wayne was history after last year, and with them knowing that during the year they made even a harder push on Josh, telling Josh that position was his, WHY? cause they knew Wayne was leaving. Even though surprised some fans I would be willing to bet anything they knew a long time in advance - - -Same thing with Devonte, I bet you anything they already know that he is gone. He may have already even told them as much, which in a way is a good thing, pretty sweet IF Devonte is leaving that he would man up enough to say like hey Coach after this year I'm out. Huge bonus for the staff knowing 100% that you have this spot to fill AND we will never know, no one will if they already know they can be telling Trae hey this spot is open you can come in and take it over- - he is THAT GOOD where he can come in and start for the get go.

As far as SVI - -another like you I think he is gone - -latest mock draft has him as a late 1st round, I really don't see him raising up much more -- so he is probably also gone - -ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY

@Hawk8086

Garret is a multi-year player and Newman is not a sure thing, as far as I know. If Trae is afraid of competition from fellow freshman Garret or even Newman, then he probably is not as good as we think he is and does not need to come to KU. I like players with the...I fear no one and I can beat anybody...attitude.

@JayHawkFanToo Ideally, yes. But it seems most of these kids want to come in and fill an empty spot and play right away......the exception might be the Kentucky kids.

@JayHawkFanToo

Trae will play major minutes and I doubt he is afraid of competition. The dynamic of Young and Newman might be a bit rough at first since neither likes playing off the ball but the talent is tremendous.

Here's my thoughts, for what its worth.

Trae Young or no, Devonte's tenure as a Jayhawk depends on how far KU goes in the "March Carney" KU gets upset before the sweet 16, He'll be back.

@BeddieKU23

BTW: I usually guess wrong on players staying or going.

But I'm usually right about what follows. Most of these guys either don't make it in the league, or have to put in a lot of time and effort just to have a shot, and that shot is LONG SHOT!

This idea that the longer a player hangs out in college then the more likely he can't make it at the next level is 100% bull snit. If a player continues to IMPROVE at the college level he is raising his stock except under extreme conditions.... like if this year is a weak draft year and next year is a megaboom draft.

Sure, the NBA gambles on "potential." But no one can tell me they will not accept the reality of watching a kid blossom in college.

Devonte proving himself at point at Kansas is huge. If he can do that it will definitely help his stock. Definitely.

Turning speculative "potential" into "tried and tested" is a major step up in the draft and how much a team is really willing to invest in a player.

As much as I love to see our players achieve their NBA dreams, it is indeed, a very rough road to success. Looking back on the past, I see all but 2 or 3 KU players chosen in the 2nd round or beyond, have not faired well in their NBA pursuits. Even a few chosen in the 1st round have had minimal success.

I would love to see Devonte and Svi stay for a banner year next year, but it's not my life, and not my call. Either way, they will always be Jayhawks, and I will always be rooting for them!

@JayHawkFanToo

Newman is a double digit scorer, possibly our best player next year if all of our draft eligible kids leave. We'll need him to be a "sure thing" if that situation happens.

Name a Top 20 kid that goes somewhere where playing time isn't available? They are rare, Self is selling him a starting spot because honestly he's good enough to earn it.

@drgnslayr

All excellent points.

If Devonte was a normal Junior maybe he would have a good chance of being back next year. Devonte is basically a red-shirt junior after doing the post-grad year after High School. He would be 23 next year and that really doesn't help him if he wants to be drafted.

Would he benefit from another year? At this point in the season I would say 100% yes. He's deferred to Mason and hasn't given this team as many individual moments as he was giving us last year. He's certainly played better in my opinion in the last 4 games but we are still not seeing consistent excellence. Maybe we expected too much out of him this year. He's been solid but I think he can give more. The good thing is there is still plenty of time for him to step up to that next level. March will be important for Graham's draft stock.

@BeddieKU23

A big part of making it in the NBA is just getting a REAL opportunity. Playing D-league is not a real opportunity.

The more established a player is when entering the draft, the harder teams look at him for a fit. When they decide a player fits, they are willing to make some level of commitment. The more commitment they make, the easier path the player has to actually make it.

Look at JoJo. Before he showed what he could do in the league, the Sixers had to step up big time.

I'm not so certain Devonte will show enough traction with NBA scouts this year to be desired enough for a real investment in his future. But there is a lot of basketball to be played still.

I don't think his age is a factor. I'm not one of those people. He will still enter the league as a puppy, and what is the "life expectancy" in the league anyways?

@drgnslayr

Good discussion.

I'll start with your last point about his age. I do think age is a factor for him in regards to his decision to stay or go. These kids know their perceived "potential" to teams once they hit a certain age. It's why its so hard for juniors and seniors to get consistently drafted high.

This years draft is going to be one of the best ever. There are legitimately 15-20 freshman who can play in the league next year. Some game changers are going to teams next year. Graham leaving this year puts him in that 2nd round discussion unless he finds a team that really wants him at the end of the 1st round. "Team fit" will be huge for him.

I think most GM's look at Graham and see solid backup point guard. Above average shooter, above average defender, above average passer, average athlete, average size. The last two really seem to matter when assessing how high you can go. If he was 6'4 with good hops he'd be a sure-fire 1st rounder. I think Graham will be coveted because he defends and he can shoot. That should "fit" a lot of boxes with teams.

As we discussed March will be important for Devonte. He shows well and gets this team to the Final 4 its likely his stock is high and his name will get momentum as the off-season comes. If he declares, the combine will be important as well.

It's great that a kid that was once supposed to end up at a no-named school has a chance at a real professional career. KU has elevated his status as much as Devonte himself has made it happen. I really hope he gets the opportunity to find a team willing to invest in his future.

http://newsok.com/ou-mens-basketball-trae-youngs-father-suggests-son-wont-pick-oklahoma/article/5535221 ↗

TL;DR Trae's dad tweeted he won't be going to OU then quickly deleted it.

@BShark

Interesting comments.

@BeddieKU23

Yep. Not exactly earth shattering given that it's been known his dad favoured him getting out of Oklahoma whereas his mom wants him close to home but still. Seems like KU could be the best of both worlds in that it's out of Oklahoma but also a big time hoops program (iirc his dad also tweeted some stuff about hoop recruits wanting to go to a school where bball is king and football is in the background).

@BShark

I just find it hard to believe that of all the reasons his son might choose to leave the state that the Sports writers would be the Top reason.

IMO Young will face worse from KU writers/fans etc then he'd ever face staying home in Oklahoma where Basketball is not front page news.

I think his father needs to learn to filter out all this talk and let his son make his own decision which is best for him. Of course I do think that decision ultimately will be for KU so if the OU writers are helping us, please keep doing so guys!

@BeddieKU23

Agree it's weird that this would be a reason but then his dad wants him at a school that is 100% bball what does he expect? And UK is even worse in that regard.

Trae Young would probably be treated similarly to how Blake Griffin was treated at OU and he may not want that much attention or pressure. At OU, he'd be viewed as a savior of the program type guy whereas at KU, he'd just be the next guy in the list of guards that have rolled through Lawrence under Self. Young would likely be scrutinized more on the court than at OU, but he also wouldn't be the only one in the spotlight because he wouldn't necessarily be the best player on the floor for his team at all times like he would at OU.

@BeddieKU23

Ha... I'm just showing my age. I still think old school about the league. I might be way off base. I watch a little bit here and there, but to me this pro sport passed its prime time long ago.

Here is a question for you... When the league had Bird, Magic, Isiah, and what seemed like at least 100 super star players... I thought it would only continue to go up from there. It seems more like it did nothing but go down. Very few NBA games today are even watchable. There are some talented players.... but really.... boring!

I used to mostly watch NBA for my pro sports habit. These days I watch NFL and MLB (and sometimes some NHL).

I think part of it is the addition of so many extra games. But I would like to read some posts from you and others on this.

Why is the NBA so friggin' boring?

And how do we keep college basketball from falling into the same situation?

@drgnslayr agree about the length of the season. Way too many games and not enough preparation or concern goes into each game. With half of the teams making the playoffs a lot of the regular season games are often irrelevant, and the split between the crappy east and the stronger west makes the fate of the 8 that are in on each side all the more certain early in the regular season. Also the top heavy league means only a couple teams really have a prayer of winning playoff series at the end of the season. And the lottery system encourages tanking to rebuild. Everywhere you look there are reasons that make the NBA boring. It's rough.

@drgnslayr

I honestly feel the same way about the NBA. I'm a Bulls fan but since Jordan it's been hard to really invest myself emotionally. I don't enjoy how "boring" the game feels. And I know it's high level basketball because the game is played light years differently. When I watch games I'm truly amazed how easy guys make scoring, pushing the pace of the game, making the simplest play look compared to the college level. We don't even know half the time if lucas can make a layup or Josh can make a free throw. But in the NBA these guys make it look so routine. So I guess in a weird way I love the college game so much because it is so imperfect, so different from team to team. There is literally a 100 ways to scheme in college. In the NBA today if your not becoming Golden State, San Antonio or Cleveland your just not competing. What is fun about a league where you can predict the 3 best teams by a mile. The 3 best college teams can go play inferior teams and lose, so unpredictable, so amazing at the same time.

I also think part of the reason why you don't see what feels like 100 great players these days is because the level of athletes in the game is just unprecedented. What these guys do to keep in peak physical condition is just crazy. The game is saturated with so many athletic freaks these days that the truly standout talents stick out in character, their mental makeup and their competitiveness to be great. Those select few that tirelessly perfect the art of competing at a high level every single night are our today's stars. That level is hard to reach and stay at because next year theres 40 athletes joining the league.

A guy like Embiid is really catching my attention not only because he's a beloved Jayhawk but because his talent level is on another planet from what we saw at Kansas . He's captivated a whole city in 4 months time to love basketball again. And he's showing he can single handily change the culture with his team. Joel has it, that drive inside to make his team better and make himself great too. He's just so exciting to watch, it makes me want to follow the sixers. If there is one player in the NBA that has a chance to be the next superstar it's him.

Any thoughts?

http://www.crimsonandcreammachine.com/2017/1/23/14355154/oklahoma-sooners-basketball-trae-young-father-tweets-kansas-jayhawks-norman-transcript ↗

Young and his father tweeted "Time to be honest OU fans, these two writers will be the reason my son cant go to school here"..

@Statmachine

Already posted but yeah it's relevant.

No one should be surprised if and when it's KU that Trae announces for.

Saw they are meeting w/kruger

@Crimsonorblue22

Link please

@BeddieKU23

Outstanding post!

@BShark DeanBlevins)
1/23/17, 11:04 PM
Rayford Young tells me son @TheTraeYoung is still considering @OU_MBBall, that the Youngs talked w @LonKruger today & meeting Tues. @NEWS9

@Statmachine

From that article -

"But of course, if media scrutiny is Young’s deciding factor, he should come play for OU. The spotlight on Jayhawks basketball is ten times brighter than the one down here, and Young’s game will be picked apart from the instant he steps on campus. If Young comes to OU, he’s just not going to hear that much criticism. The fans will just be glad he’s here.

I understand the emotion behind Young’s tweet. But if he thinks that going to Kansas will get him away from critical media, he’s sorely mistaken. I think Young understands that at the end of the day. Young may yet go to Kansas—his father has long been rumored to favor a traditional power, while his mother would prefer him at home—but if he does, it won’t be because of Clay Horning.

In Lawrence, articles like that may be too numerous to retweet them all."

What a crock of hooey.

First... no one knows college basketball better than the Kansas fan base. Even my Duke inlaws agree about that. Players coming to Kansas are treated extremely well, but not totally babied.

We've held hands of several players that didn't work out and we still care about them.

We are NOT into blind, emotional criticism of players. We do offer constructive criticism... and if a recruit is just looking for an easy path in college, he shouldn't go to Kansas. But what school situation will make him better? What school situation will better prepare him for a shot at the league?

Let's show a simple example. Landen and his past habit of "over-gathering." Wasn't it our critical analysis of his flaw helpful to him making the change? And look at the results.... it added probably 4 points to his stat average.

@Crimsonorblue22 I just really feel when it's all said and done - -he is ours now to lose - -ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY

@Crimsonorblue22 said:

@BShark DeanBlevins)
1/23/17, 11:04 PM
Rayford Young tells me son @TheTraeYoung is still considering @OU_MBBall, that the Youngs talked w @LonKruger today & meeting Tues. @NEWS9

Interesting. Supposedly he gave KU the ole "silent verbal" a little bit ago. This obviously conflicts with that.

@BShark maybe they were being polite

@Crimsonorblue22 hope so. That would be good for KU on a couple of levels. High character and high talent.

Five-star Trae Young tells @NEWS9 he's down to three schools. Will announce mid-February. Looking to release his decision date this week ..

FYI Young was at the Oklahoma game over the weekend. Yeah that one where they lost by 30+ points. Had to be exciting to see your hometown school get mauled with you court-side.

Now he gets to come see KU put on a show this weekend in Allen Fieldhouse. Can't imagine he leaves there not sold on where he's playing basketball next year.

@BeddieKU23

He mentioned in that clip that playing in a packed gym is important to him. :smirk:

@BShark Well if that's a big part then If it's Ku & Oklahoma that would be a no brainer. Oklahoma has packed arena's how again? - -Can some one enlighten me on that. Seems like about the only time they come close is when we are theire - -maybe Texas shows up that's about it, Us? - - EVERY GAME for how long have we sold out? - - -ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY

@jayballer54

Yeah it bodes well for KU as does he dad wanting him at a blue blood. KU is still close enough that they could go to all his games and make momma happy too.

@BShark Wondering who the 3rd school he still might be considering? - -Surely NOT Kentucky. - From the people I've been talking with these Kentucky people ALL have said they are not even a player of consideration/nor have they been for some time. Something to the effect Coach Cal had kind of cooled on the recruitment of Trae with all the commitments they had received. - -Makes me wonder, as far as I knew it was down to us & Oklahoma -- ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY

@jayballer54 Supposedly Oklahoma State has picked up recruiting Trae, as he went on an unofficial visit there within the last month. But honestly it is a two horse race between KU and OU.

@chsguy2008

Which is surprising seems how Oklahoma St has signed two Top 100 point guards already.

I think the local aspect of Oklahoma St kept them in his recruitment.

I expect KU to win this battle, Self has spent too much time recruiting him to lose out.

@jayballer54

Either Texas Tech or Oklahoma St.

I bet the third school is UK for announcement hype.

@jayballer54

Lol UK would take Trae in a second.

Apparently Trae might not have even been at the UF OU game. If more comes out on this I will post.

@BShark from everything I've heard I believe he is surpose to be here on the 4th right? - - -ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY

From young
I Will Be Announcing my Commitment Date Later This Week‼️ #ComingSoon 🙏🏽❤️🏀💯

Does the red heart mean ou?

@Crimsonorblue22 Idk, but the more that comes from his camp the more I think he is going to struggle. Daddy is too involved. Trying to make a big show of nothing. Announcing the date he will be announcing? Are you f***ing kidding me? Commit. Go play hard. Pray and thank God you were gifted the athletic ability to be able to play basketball for your career. And more likely than not, retire a very wealthy person at a young age.

This "look at me" crap drives me absolutely bananas.

@Kcmatt7 think the red heart would be girlish, hmmmm who is like that?😉

@Kcmatt7 how on earth does Self not have a break down keeping up w/all this 💩?

@Crimsonorblue22

When you make what he makes you learn to deal with it...I know I would...

@Crimsonorblue22

There is dealing with shit.

And there is dealing with $hit.

@Kcmatt7 to much 💩 Where's SZ? Just what we need!😂

Matt Scott who has maintained a close relationship with trae says he can't confirm whether he will be visiting or not this weekend. Let's hope he does lock in to come..

@BeddieKU23 Have got to feel if he doesn't - -then that's possibly not such a good sign. - -he was surpose to be here earlier but couldn't make it because off weather - -and if he cancels again then I think - - not good -- -ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY

@jayballer54 said:

@BeddieKU23 Have got to feel if he doesn't - -then that's possibly not such a good sign. - -he was surpose to be here earlier but couldn't make it because off weather - -and if he cancels again then I think - - not good -- -ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY

Well he could be playing basketball Saturday as well. All Matt says was not sure to someone who asked. I know we all think he will be here and he has 5 days to make it happen

@BeddieKU23 said:

Matt Scott who has maintained a close relationship with trae says he can't confirm whether he will be visiting or not this weekend. Let's hope he does lock in to come..

I don't like some of the recent developments that seem to be occurring. This would be a brutal miss.

@BShark said:

@BeddieKU23 said:

Matt Scott who has maintained a close relationship with trae says he can't confirm whether he will be visiting or not this weekend. Let's hope he does lock in to come..

I don't like some of the recent developments that seem to be occurring. This would be a brutal miss.

Care to elaborate?

It's not like anything of substance has been in the news other than he will announce his final 3.. sounds like he didn't make the trip to the OU game.

I'm certainly not thinking otherwise with anything that has hasn't happened recently

@BeddieKU23

Not as bothered now that it's pretty much official that he was not at the UF OU game. Would have been a bad sign if he had visited and then said I'm gonna make my decision soon.

@BShark

...on the other hand, after watching OU get punked at home by Florida, he might have ruled them out...

I was confident it was KU leading up to the canceled visit due to the ice storm that wasn't. OU is absolutely pushing now. Fingers crossed.

@BShark

While we did not end up getting much ice here, if I understand correctly, they had ice in Oklahoma.

@BShark said:

I was confident it was KU leading up to the canceled visit due to the ice storm that wasn't. OU is absolutely pushing now. Fingers crossed.

OU Has always been pushing.

All the recent activity had been KU especially as he led on that he would take a visit as well as self getting to visit him multiple times.

I think he's right on target to pick KU. If I'm wrong well we won't enjoy the 2 times we play him a year

Well I just watched an interview with Trae and his dad Ray last night on the Oklahoma Ford sports Blitz with Dean Belivns & John Holcomb - - was like a 10 minute interview , - -not a lot from it other then him saying again how he was going to announce his commitment day some time this week & being down to three schools but he said he wasn't going to say who they were.

The only thing I hear really of anything at al, they asked Trae what would be some of the things that make a huge impact on his school he announced to. - -Trae said one would be the relationship with the Coach , said with him being a point guard was going to be relating to the Coach a lot - -and the other he said he would be looking at past players that was playing that position - - point and looking how they developed while at the school he chooses. - - We will see - I just hope all the negative pub being thrown out now hinders our recruitment with his mom wanting him to stay close to home.

One quick note too just now Fran said he talked to Trae before the OU -Okla State game tonight - so ya - -he is at the game - - -ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY

!IMG_2851.JPG ↗

@Crimsonorblue22 Nice - - - - This was in the students section , only thing is - -wasn't up very long , Oklahoma Compliance had security make them take it down - - as it is a RECRUITING VIOLATION - - very nice lol - - - -ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY

Hmmm. some interesting statements from so OU fans. - - Under a thread , do you think we have any chance of really landing Trae Young:

Loved this one: - - KU does not seem to be the place for guards to excel. - -Self's system is post orientated.
Next: - - Hopefully he sees how the state of Oklahoma reacted last summer when a stud hoops player opted to leave Oklahoma and go play for the enemy - - -my only question/response to that would be - - STUD hoops player from last summer? - -who may that of been? - -And you think if Trae chooses to go elsewhere he is really THAT concerned how you reacted?

The we have this - - Kid And Dad ego driven head cases - - -Nice. --
The you have the ever so popular - -he said they have a source , that has a source, that has a inside source that says - - OU is out of the Trae Young race
Another says shortly after Trae tweeted that he would make his announcement about his decision time - -shortly after he tweeted that - they said he tweeted out "- GO POKES " - - - ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY

@jayballer54

I'm assuming Jakolby Long who ended up at Iowa St from the 16 class. Top 100 kid who's only played in 5 games this year..

Rumours are swirling right now, it will be nice once this one is over.

@BShark Any new rumors? anything juicy? lol - - -ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY

@jayballer54

The big one right now is that it's done for OU.

@BShark

I saw that and laughed. Supposedly coming from a Oklahoma ST insider.

I agree, I can't wait til its over.

@BeddieKU23

Yeah I need to tune this stuff out but I like looking. Sure hope it's KU.

@BShark

Knowing that Matt Scott will basically let 247 know when something is going down because of his relationship with the family I'm confident until something changes. We may have our opinions of Matt but in this case there is no person closer to the situation for KU..

@BeddieKU23

Matt is a good dude imo. Edit: And yes very tied into this recruitment.

@BShark

Yes he does a thankless job really.

A side note, I expected the craziness to come especially as his decision appears to be coming soon. It's funny how much peoples opinion's change in an instance with zero credible information to back it up. I do hope he makes the visit this weekend as was talked about.. If he doesn't well he really will be throwing fans for a loop.

@BeddieKU23

Yeah. Did you see his post about Chris Walker awhile back?

For anyone wondering Walker basically messaged him at random saying he committed to Kansas only to later message that he was joking.

@BShark

Chris Walker, a kid that just had a terrible upbringing and made bad decisions all along the way. I wonder where he is now, kid had a lot of potential that got wasted.. I thought that was some crazy insight he shared

@BeddieKU23

NBA D league

@BShark

Good for him, honestly that is a kid that could have easily ended up in jail for a long time. I remember his back story being really tough, grew up in a really poor/low income area in Florida. Was surrounded by a lot of bad stuff.

@BeddieKU23

Definitely. Similar to Jamari. I believe Chris's mom died when he was young.

@BShark and that's why coaches give the guys a second chance.

@BShark Well, that's not such a bad thing for us lol right? - - you do mean that they are our of the running right? - - - ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY

@BeddieKU23 Where di you se that? lol - - I like snooping getting false hopes so just to be let down lmao = - makes my heart go pidder pat - - -ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY

@jayballer54

the trae young thread on phog
*
Oklahoma State insider says he has info that Young and his dad met with Kruger this week to iron things out. And that he will commit to ou. FWIW*

Funny how this week means only Monday seems how its Tuesday... It's a good rumor

@BeddieKU23 Well I reckon if he does he does -- I don't se the logic in that with all the young talent they have there already and like some one else pointed out, looks like to me they already have their point guard for the future already there. - - kind of off sets another remark from a OU guy saying right after Trae announced when he was going to ANOUNCE - -he tweeted out GO POKES, - -THAT to me doesn't sound like someone that's going to announce for OU. - - ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY

He's not coming, a game was rescheduled to sat.

Apparently the sign was brought in by students not the University as retweeted by Trae Young...

!image.png ↗

@Crimsonorblue22 ummm that's not good, 2nd time he has cancelled I dunno - - ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY

well he has a game. what else is there to interpret. not much

JRE will probably be at the Baylor game. :heart_eyes:

Okay let's offer Mark Smith.

@BShark jre?

@Crimsonorblue22

Jeremiah Robinson Earl. Stud. Heavy KU lean. Best KC metro prospect since who knows when. :+1:

@BShark oh yeah I know. Loved his dad

@BeddieKU23 Ayton is wasting his time and talent playing for Sean Miller. All he has to do is look at Kaleb Tarczewski, D-League OKC Blue, haha. Miller screws all his bigs. He's not a bigs coach.

Remember this guy? 33 Zach Peters 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) 240 lb (109 kg) RS Fr Prestonwood Christian/Kansas Plano, Texas

How about this guy:
Jeff Withey
C San Diego, California Horizon High School 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) 210 lb

(http://kckingdom.com/2017/01/31/ku-basketball-recruiting-trevon-duval-visiting-jayhawks-baylor-game/) ↗

Ayton was another KU recruit that Self and Co went all out, even when other schools wouldn't touch him. Once his recruiting opened, he jumped to Zona. KU was a lock to get Ayton. I've always thought Miller was Calipari 2.0

(

(

@truehawk93

Ayton was a big miss and I do feel strongly that Nike influence pushed him to Arizona but its over now. Arizona is a top program and the kid in the end choose the top school close to home. While it was a shock and maddening at the time, what can we do? Self did all he could and I'm sure there is more to this recruitment then will ever be brought to light.

The comparison to Tarc is not a good one. What about current freshman Lauri Markannen or Aaron Gordon, guys that are of similar ability to Ayton. Ayton will be in the NBA regardless of whether he goes to College or not, the same can be said for the above two players. Markannen is far away the best freshman big in College Basketball. Tarc while a higher ranked player coming out of High School had similar career stats as Landen Lucas. I'm glad we missed on Tarc, he didn't pan out as advertised.

@truehawk93 Zach Peters was given a chance for a comeback by Miller after leaving KU and bb entirely because of concussions. He retired from bb after playing just a little bit due to the medical problems, but was kept on scholarship by AZ. I find no fault with Miller on this one.

!AAA.jpg ↗

Trevon Duval & the legend/national champ Larry Brown😈enjoy Lawrence @DatGuy_Trey !!

@Statmachine awesome, so is Coach Brown in Lawrence today? - -great pic wonder when that pic was taken. - -any idea? -- - -ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY

@jayballer54 I assume it was from today.

Trevon Duval ‏@DatGuy_Trey · Jan 30

 More

Official visit to Kansas tomorrow!!!!!

He posted this in all caps before his trip. Looks like he is excited to me!!!!!

@Statmachine hear anything about young?

@Statmachine Sounds good. - - One thing to be excited, totally another to be genuinely seriously interested. I could hope, would love to happen. - - I just think he is enjoying being able to take his 5 visits the process pretty much nothing more - -nothing less. - -I'm afraid he has Duke written all over him - -going back there AGAIN for A.. - - NOTHER VISIT - - unless on his visit tonight, just gets blown away from the game atmosphere and thinks oh, ya could definitely see myself here we can only hope - - ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY

With how invested KU is in for Trae Young Duval wouldn't be a take even in the unimaginable situation where he wanted to commit today. Sounds weird but its true, the staff wants Young and Duval is the unlikely backup plan.

What's likely to happen is Young announces his commitment date and announces sometime in February. If its not KU, then KU will continue to recruit Duval and the fan-base will be freaking out yet again.

Meanwhile Duval continues to take visits. Remember he's essentially visiting KU and Baylor by going on his official to KU. Baylor being on his list gives him a chance to scout them as well tonight.
From what I understand from the Duke insiders Duval will be visiting Duke for his official soon, maybe even for the UNC game next Thursday. With how much Duke needs an immediate upgrade at PG its likely he's already made up his mind and is just enjoying his free visits while he can before the spring hits. If Coach K wants him, he's going there

@BeddieKU23

Recruiting is such a strange part of coaching.

Perhaps Duval is here just to use up his official visits. But we can't offer that too much since we are limited on hosting official visits. I believe the number is 12.

In the least, consider this part of a card game between Bill and K. Duval is here on an official visit... so it has to worry someone like K. We impact K's recruiting by having him visit.

And we get influenced by recruits visiting other schools.

I know Bill is salivating to sign Trae. Trae is not in the bag, but we have "all hands on deck" concerning his recruitment.

Recruiting has become a game of dominoes. One player commits and the others jostle around and commit afterwards.

@BeddieKU23 I'm not so sure.

Things have changed for both programs I think. Yea we put the full court press on TY. But only because it looked bleak for TD I think.

It may sound weird, but I'd think our off court issues are a lot easier to explain to a recruit than the on court issues like the ones at Duke. Imagine having to play with some of those guys... not appealing in the least. If we show him a good week (and especially a fun Dollar Night at the Hawk) we could get back in that race.

@Kcmatt7

Well when you spin it that way maybe so.

But I do disagree, K offered and all the momentum is that he'll end up at Duke. Duke needs him and that's really tough to beat in that situation.

Duke is likely to be a completely different team next year. No Allen, No Tatum, Kennard likely goes pro, Jeter has been rumored to be a transfer candidate. Bolden could be gone as well with how unhappy he is with his role. Giles also likely a OAD. Jones & Jefferson are Seniors. Duval can play with 2 very good freshman Carter & Trent and run the show with Jackson. Duke is very likely to be in Kentucky mode next year playing with a bunch of freshman and seldom used reserves.

@BeddieKU23 Yea I definitely see what you're saying.

It will all work itself out in the Spring. We need to show Duvall all the love we can, but keep the press on TY.

If TY burns us we will still have plenty of time to sell Duvall on coming here and running a team that is just a PG away from being ready to win. I'd put money on us having a better team than Duke again next year.

It absolutely drives me crazy we can't land a stud PG recruit. The things Bill could do with an Uber athlete at PG... gives me chills

@Kcmatt7 I know when I say this people are going to ask me why - -I can't tell you for SURE why BUT I'm not getting the good of vibes a I was getting on Trae as I was a week or so ago. just that GUT instinct . - -I think Oklahoma really pushing hard - I mean really hard and Mama wanting him to stay close to home. I also just don't see it With Duval - -I have to agree I think it's just a matter of him taking his 5 officials - I think he has Duke written all over him - -Like you say man what I would give IF we could land one of these big time PG's - - ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY

@Kcmatt7

We have a stud PG signed.. he's just a 2019 recruit. And we have stud 2018 PG Dotson coming in for a visit this weekend. We'll see if Mason's possible POY season has any effect on PG recruits, it surely can't hurt.

I expect that if Young doesn't come to KU that KU will continue to press Duval for whatever that is worth. The situation doesn't get any better for a recruit this year. Mason is gone, Graham is also likely gone. What else can we possibly sell a recruit who wants to play immediately..

@Kcmatt7 But somehow we recruited a stud PG. I would rather have a non-stud PGrecruit who develops into a stud player and gives us great ball for 3 to 4 years, than a stud recruit who leaves after one. And note that even a stud freshman PG can be flummoxed by inexperience when faced with a defense he has not seen, as demonstrated aptly by UK's.

@mayjay How do you know what you prefer if you have never seen Bill with one of these guys?

And note that we have that type of guy in Garrett. Landing Duvall or TY is important because we may not have any players at that position next season. So landing a stud recruit is actually quite important right now.

If Trae wants to go to Oklahoma It's because he wants to stay with his friends and family which I totally understand. I just hope he knows he's never going to beat KU or win a conference ship. His fate will be like Myles Turner and Jarrett Allen. Recruits spurning Kansas just to lose to us.

@SkinnyKansasDude said:

His fate will be like Myles Turner and Jarrett Allen. Recruits spurning Kansas just to lose to us.

Excellent point!

@BeddieKU23 I would have thought the same thing after Sherron... Just funny to me how things work out.

@Kcmatt7 It is the amount of time they can give KU.

But I am willing to be convinced if anyone has some info--How many OAD PGs have won NCs compared to PGs in their 2nd, 3rd, or 4th years?

I think we are definitely still the choice for Young. I'm confident because we absolutely know PG is a position of need, not a luxury. I'm usually pessimistic about recruits especially if the battle is against the hometown school but nothing has changed to the point where we should be overreacting. Until Matt Scott or Jerry Meyer relay some information saying otherwise we should be hopeful he's going to end up here

@mayjay The rule began in 2005. So it has a full decade of evidence. Twice has a OAD PG won it all.

• 2015 - Tyus Jones
• 2012 - Marcus Teague

Other times though, teams have been lead to final fours by OAD PGs. Here is a list of those:

• 2008 - Derrick Rose
• 2007 - Mike Conley
• 2010 - Brandon Knight
• 2014 - Andrew Harrison (Wasn't a OAD but should have been).

So roughly 60% of seasons, a OAD PG has gotten their team to a Final 4. That is pretty damn good.

I want players to stay 3 or 4 years too. I don't want to recruit a OAD PG every season. But there is a time and a place you need to. We landed a 4 year PG and we have one lined up a few years from now. So this season and next season you hedge your bets on OAD PGs and see what happens.

@Kcmatt7

Add a OAD PG (Duval) to next years team and hoo boy the buckets would rain.

@BShark I'd love to see us land Duvall. Absolute stud. Put him in with Svi and Newman and we got ourselves some serious offense. Not to mention Duvall would be a great defender with his size and athleticism.

Not to mention that there are a few teams this year that could easily up the percentage after this season. Arizona, UK and UCLA all look like potential Final 4 teams.

@Kcmatt7 agree about recruiting an oad. I trust bill to be selective and only take OADs that will help the program. I think he's getting better at scheduling departures while pulling talent.

I think it was 2011 teague not 2010 knight for your list.

@Kcmatt7 Well, alrighty, then! I sit corrected!

@approxinfinity I was off a year on Knight.

And yea I think he has figured out how to land one or two every year at a position of need. And I have no problem with that. It is a way to avoid a down year and give yourself a chance to win a championship every season.

@Kcmatt7 Im going to take this opportunity to pick on the Harrison twins. Where are they now!? Havent heard or seen anything from them in the NBA. They suck

@Lulufulu Haha yea they were overhyped quite a bit...

Andrew is a solid rotation piece for the Grizz. Basically took Chalmer's spot after he tore his Achilles.

Aaron sucks and is a D-leaguer for Charlotte.

@Lulufulu

Yeah... where are the Harrison twins?

Oh.... I know where they are. They've been swept under the Calipari recruiting rug! Guess he can't really prepare players for the next level. (what a joke)

The Harrison twins didn't come back to Kentucky; they were rejected by the NBA (and that's John Calipari's problem, not just the Harrisons') ↗

Gosh.... and after all of that "love."

Kentucky Fan Not Picky About Which Harrison Twin She’ll Marry ↗

MATT SCOTT UPDATES CHECK 247.

@BShark

I saw them. good to know the visit was really just a bunch of coincidence's getting in the way.

I am optimistic we'll see him for the West Virginia game.

Is that you asking Matt about Smith? I hope we get some intel there

@BeddieKU23

Would you believe me if I said it was my evil twin?

@BShark

I'll believe anything! haha

But yeah that's me. Hoping he knows more about the situation.

@BShark

Wish we could see what Slater was thinking..

BTW Ryan CB'd him to KU as well.

Matt CB'd TCU. Hopefully he comments on his reasoning.

He made a thread.

@BShark

Interesting.

TCU has 6 guards/wings for next year. This should be a no contest if KU turns up the heat

It is expensive to get a Shiver membership... Jeeze

Ryan Noel is down on the kid. SIGN HIM UP ON THAT ALONE IMO.

Scott just changed his pick from TCU to KU.

@BShark

He would be a fool to not see the upside in that kid. NBA potential down the line.

@BeddieKU23

Ryan gonna Ryan at least he didn't say the kid isn't "KU level".

@BShark said:

Ryan gonna Ryan at least he didn’t say the kid isn’t "KU level".

True it definitely wasn't a sunshine pumper post. I think he's selling the kid a little short here. He's definitely good enough to play if needed as a freshman. Athleticism and shooting get you a long ways

I remember him saying if Lucas ever plays much KU is in BIG trouble.

@BShark

Yupp, that was classic.

I like Ryan's willingness to tell it straight but as an elevator of talent I think he focuses too much on thinking kids need to be day 1 studs to compete. You get to KU and never know the rate of development a kid will take. Smith is an example of a kid who has physical talent to play and shooting ability. Positions mean nothing in College Ball now. He can definitely be a wing, can handle the ball. Huntington Prep is chalk full of athletes and Smith has played really well