🏀 KuBuckets Archive

Well, this season only has a few regular season games left. Everyone pretty much has an identity. Players are what they are going to be for the most part.

With that being said, our 2018 roster has started to look a little more clear.

I would have to say that I think DG and Svi will be both be back next season. Both are slipping down draft boards, and if last year was a sign, NBA teams aren't scared to go overseas and grab a guy. So, DG and Svi would have to just have monster games the rest of the season to move up. And with the influx of overseas players, they are likely to slip even further.

I don't expect Bragg to go anywhere. Transfer or otherwise.

That means next years team could be stacked and extremely versatile. There are tons of lineups we can use to play with anyone.

Shooter's paradise:

• PG - Young
• SG - DG
• SF - Newman
• PF - Svi
• C - Doke

Crash the glass:
- PG - DG
- SG - Svi
- SF - Cunfliffe
- PF - Bragg
- C - Doke

2nd team:
- PG - Young
- SG - Vick
- SF - Cunfliffe
- PF - Lightfoot
- C - Preston

This could be overly optimistic, but I seriously doubt that Svi and DG leave at this point. If we don't land Young, it isn't the end of the world anymore. But that is JMO.

I don't see Devonte coming back , but we all are entitled to our own opinions and I respect yours, I've just been hearing from numerous that think he is gone - -please don't ask me for any specific reasons cause I really don't have one. The only thing is where SOME now not saying you but there are some think that he is slicing because he isn't having monster games. - -That's more by choice, he said he is perfectly content to blend in, contributes other ways, doesn't mean he couldn't.

There has been multiple times when he has had Big 1st half and then in the 2nd really hasn't even looked to score - -doesn't mean he couldn't he just deferred. - -So the NBA can still see the talent, he is a pretty rounded ball player, good passer, can drive the ball believe that or not, pretty nice shot.

Just don't think he has a lot to gain by coming back, Fully believe he is right about his ceiling in the draft - don't really see his stock soaring up much higher. - -SVI not too sure on either, he has always said he was three year player at the most. - Thinks he feels the need to help support family and him again I feel has just about hit his max in Draft status. - AGAIN this is just me, not the best for debate to prove my point just a feeling. I would be more then happy to say I guessed wrong, time will tell. just an opinion. - - ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY

I don't have a clue who will return.

I look at Bill for answers there. Not in what he says (because he really can't say he knows), but in watching his recruiting to measure the desperation level.

I would think he has closed door meetings with all his guys, to check them out on possibilities of a transfer or leaving for the league.

Both Devonte and Svi have big careers ahead.... whether it happens in the league or not, who can say. We all know it is much harder to make it in the league when you aren't a lottery pick.

My personal opinion on both of these players is they need to come back. Get their degree while they are at it, and attempt to strengthen their position in the draft. Svi, without question, can still raise his stock considerably. I know many think Devonte has reached his ceiling. I'm not one of those people. I've been his harshest critic this year because I think he only shows us a taste of what he can do.

Another thought.... I think both players would be helped in their draft position (big time) if we can win another National Championship. If that happens this year, I think both should go. If it doesn't... just one more reason to return. Win it all and go out on top! And it definitely could improve their position.

I'm not going to make a prediction because I'm the jinx master.

@drgnslayr None of us really have a clue...but like you I try to read what might be happening based on Self's recruiting. I think both Svi and Graham would be better of coming back...but that does not mean that they will. My guess? Neither of them are back. I hope I am wrong.

@drgnslayr

Coach Self is in contact with many NBA scouts and he gets first hand reports on what the scouting reports are on his players. In the past he has advised players, such as the twins, to leave early since they had a good shot at getting drafted and I am sure he has advised others to stay but in the end, the decision is made by the player and family.

Svi can leave just about any time and play in Europe but if he wants to play in the NBA he might need one more year. Devonte is in a hard place where he has chosen to defer to Mason and let him be the face of the team in his POY quest, perhaps the expectation is that it will be HIS team next season. I would think if he stays and has a Mason like year, his draft value goes up considerably.

I know I've said it many times but Graham rising or falling on draft boards has absolutely nothing to do with whether he will be here next year.

The only way I think Graham is back is if enough scouts convince him that coming back and running the team would be in his best interest (that way he solidifies his 1st round position). If enough people say, hey you should come back and try and copy Frank Mason, maybe he listens. I don't think that's a realistic option though. I would put Graham returning at 1%.

With Svi the draft and stash option is always a threat but the way he's struggled on defense has got to be the most alarming part of GM's looking to draft him. Another year would benefit him so much. He would take another step up the ladder in terms of scoring options on this team (currently he's 4th) next season he could be the 1st or 2nd option. A 20 year old senior, groomed by one of the best College Coaches will still be attractive to teams. Will be interesting to see if education is a factor in his decision. Will his parents pressure him to put 1 more year into school, to get that degree. At 20 years old time is still on his side compared to most College Senior's that are pushing anywhere from 21-23 years of age. I put his return 60/40 right now based on his clear defensive struggles.

Continuing on it all depends on Trae's decision and whether I will be alarmed for next year. If he stays home I'll never mention his name again because I won't agree with any of this process. This one will be on Self too, no other way around it. I don't care if Oklahoma is the home school, this is the recruiting area that Self is supposed to win. We complain that its hard to compete for top kids thousands of miles away but yet this one sits the next state down. No excuses.

I wouldn't count out Bragg being somewhere else next year. It won't be the NBA. I do hope Carlton continues to give this team solid rotation minutes for the rest of the season. We'll see after the year what Self thinks is best for his team. I'd put his return at 50/50.

Still a lot of recruiting left to do. It seems we have 3 legitimate starters for next season in Newman, Vick & Doke. Svi could make 4 and I'll count him for now. Cunliffe, Preston & Bragg and possibly Garrett could be fighting for starting spots as well. We obviously need more talent and the pool for that talent is slim right now. At least 1 point guard, another guard in general and a post with size/rim protection ability would be the needs going into April.

It's going to be a transition year unless some miraculous things happen

@JayHawkFanToo Self did not expect the twins to jump early which is what led to the recruiting debacle that is known as the 2011 recruiting class at KU. The twins departure is why that 2011-12 was so thin on depth because Self expected them to return and wasn't actively recruiting anybody to replace them in the 2011 class until after they departed.

If it's best for DG and Svi to leave Self will tell them to go, they deserve what's best for their families! Love those 2. Hate to think about any of them leaving! Going to be a sad senior pm again. Poor frank, he said he want to do 4 more!

@Texas-Hawk-10

Nobody was expecting them both to leave, particularly Markieff, but the scout reports indicated they both would likely be lottery picks and Coach Self told them to do it.

Coach Self has indicated many times that at the end of the season he meets with every player and discusses the options going forward based on what the scout reports say and what the team needs are. He has also made it very clear that he would never tell a player to stay if he has good chance of getting drafted even if it hurts the team like he did with the twins.

@BeddieKU23 You mean they PLAY DEFENSE in the NBA ? - -usually it's whoever is first down the floor shoot - -well at least until the playoff's anyways, that's one of the big reasons why I don't watch the NBA games very much during the regular season. - - -ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY

It will be interesting I would say the chances of svi and DG staying are slim like 5% but I also think there is a high chance that one of them returns. The trouble with DG going, if we are being honest is that there are a ton of guys around his size and skill set that will be in the draft but I don't know that baring a great season next year that he gets picked anyway for the same reasons. He could pull a Selden type move and go even if he is not projected to get picked hoping to get a undrafted FA deal. I think Svi will stay with his parents being teachers and value on his education and he is so young, he will only be 20 next year. Buddy Hield was a risk to some teams because he was considered old at 24 years of age for the draft.

@jayballer54

You need to watch more NBA games; the no-defense is a dated stereotype. Many teams/players are emphasizing defense and players are now bragging when they are selected to the All- NBA defensive team.

Does anyone really think Graham would make an NBA roster next season? The question is whether the next best step for him is KU, or the Iowa Energy (see Selden) of the D-League. Seems like leading a top program would showcase his PG skills, which he needs to showcase for the NBA. Maybe the D-League is a better option for that? Can't imagine that trumps a top program.

@HighEliteMajor I agree 100%. So far, Devonte has had an underwhelming year and he gets mentioned frequently in the media due to his performances last year. If he wants to play in the NBA next year, he needs to step it up from a leadership perspective as well as ball handling and play making.

@HighEliteMajor

It depends what type of exposure he is looking for. The exposure playing for KU would be considerably larger, but it will not allow him to earn money or be called to the NBA at the drop of a ha. Leaving early and not being drafted will not even guarantee him a contract in the D-League..

I would think that an extra year ta KU where he would be the featured player, much like Mason is this year, would be considerably more productive in the long run and he would have a diploma to boot in case things don't work basketball wise.

@HighEliteMajor Only thing is even in a D league you be making SOME money, and still being able to enjoy what you enjoy the most No guarantee that his stock will be any better even if he comes back next year, on top of the fact always a chance he substains a injury that could effect his career. Again I feel he has about reached his peak stock value wise. If it's a choice between even D league and making SOME money and working on things and then possibly getting that tryout the following year, of if he has to go pro don't really think much of a choice - -your always going to take the money. - -Why not take the money and still be able to play Playing for a top program is great but that doesn't pay me any money. - -ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY

@jayballer54

The salaries in the D-League are very small, one could also say nominal. As far as injuries, all key players are elegible for NCAA sponsored insurance that covers career ending injuries. ↗

@JayHawkFanToo I'm not trying to be argumentative, but when NBA teams average 105.6 pts per game, it seems as though there's not a lot of defense going on.

@nuleafjhawk They get an additional 8 minutes per game (four 12-minute quarters). That's equivalent to 88.0 points in a 40-minute game.

@tundrahok i would not have been able to answer that on Jeopardy! I'm not a big NBA fan. But thank you for pointing that out - it does make a difference!

@tundrahok said:

@nuleafjhawk They get an additional 8 minutes per game (four 12-minute quarters). That's equivalent to 88.0 points in a 40-minute game.

Also, a 24 second clock which means more possessions - plus just a faster game overall...

@nuleafjhawk I had to google it!

@nuleafjhawk

What @tundrahok and @DCHawker said...

Should Devonte come back for his senior? Not if he can get paid. It's really my philosophy for all athletes. Basketball, football, golf, snowboarding...whatever.

After reading this story...he's been through a lot. Just like Jamari...I don't have the ability to empathize as I've never been and, God willing, will never be in such a situation he has been in.

http://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/university-of-kansas/article66521257.html ↗

I never want him to leave. He's by far my favorite player on this team and in the mix with Rush, Manning, and Langford for favorite of all time. Whether it's a $40k salary in the d-league or $100k in Europe....get paid young man. Get paid for what you do best. Eff the degree. Teach basketball later in life. He knows the game. He's learned from the best.

The same goes for Svi. Go to Europe...CSKA Moscow will pay top dollar for the 19 year old Ukranian.

@drgnslayr If Devonte and Svi come back next year, will they be featured in the offense by Coach Self?

@bmensch1 When you are 75% done with a degree and you aren't going to get paid in the 6 figures, you get your degree. Just common sense to me.

But if he is being told he can crack a roster and wants to go that route, its totally up to him. I just don't think that makes sense from a money making standpoint. Why not spend one more year on campus and get a fall back plan by getting your degree? If he is going to make millions, it isn't going to be because he left a year early. If he is going to make hundreds of thousands a year overseas, that is probably an option next year too.

Right now, he gets a $30k tuition, lives in a luxury apartment complex, gets monthly stipends, gets free food every single day, gets to play in front of sold out arenas, and gets national exposure with more scouts at his games than in the D-League or Europe. Worth a whole lot more than a D-league contract if you ask me. And, I have never been in a situation where I've been as poor as him or JT. But I know that if his family has made it this long and this far, they can probably make it another year.

But, if DG wants to go play for cash, I understand and it is his choice. I just wish people would think about their future and future earnings before they make rash decisions. If he were to get stuck in the D-League for a year, it was 100% the wrong decision. I would love to hear what Wayne Selden thinks of his current situation, and if he would have done it differently.

@Kcmatt7 I've said all along I thot DG , Svi, and Bragg would be back. However, from what I've read on these boards has made me reconsider DG coming back.

@jayballer54 I think DG has told everyone he was going to go pro already, so there is no stopping now. I think it is a mistake- he could make a run at national poy if he would come back, imo.

@Kcmatt7

I couldn't agree with you more. I cannot even begin to understand why would anyone would say "Eff the degree." There is a good chance that a player that stays in college 4 years and does not develop like a Hield or a Mason, will be making a living in an area other that playing basketball.. Even players that are in the Leagues such as Aldrich and McLemore considered a degree important enough to pursue it even when they are getting paid big buck in the NBA; Aldrich graduated and I hope that some day Ben will as well.

He can always come back.

@KansasComet said:

@drgnslayr If Devonte and Svi come back next year, will they be featured in the offense by Coach Self?

Unless we find a freshman capable of surpassing them I would think so.

I think Newman will be option #1 if all the reports of his transfer year are true. Kid is wired to score

@BeddieKU23

If they both come back, KU will have a super high octane offense when you consider Newman and Vick and hopefully an improved Carlton Bragg.

@JayHawkFanToo said:

If they did it would be hard to imagine us missing a beat. We used to be able to rely on a mostly set roster but our success has left us in limbo now more then ever

@JayHawkFanToo @jayballer54 I looked up NBA D-League Salaries ↗ -- $26,000 or $19,500. I cannot imagine starting for KU, living in McCarthy Hall, and having all the benefits of a KU player wouldn't be the better route. The NBA D-League salary is mere pennies. Maybe I'm wrong.

@HighEliteMajor The real key, I believe, is if you get a signing bonus, which usually depends on being drafted in the second round (1st rd contracts are guaranteed). The small salary is a pittance comparatively. But too many guys blow the signing bonus and end up not making a roster, ending up in D League. Undrafted with no bonus--you are basically trying to win a talent lottery that few will.

Don't underestimate Vick in your plans for next season. He is very athletic, has demonstrated his shooting prowess, and will be a junior (3rd year in the system).

@HighEliteMajor

You are not wrong. The salaries in the D-League are were small or nominal as I mentioned. There is a proposal to raise the salaries to something more reasonable but I am not sure how soon it will be implemented or if at all.

Many of the players are under NBA contracts and biding time until they improve enough to join the parent team, I believe Diallo is in this category, but most are there holding to a slim hope that they will play well enough to catch a scout's attention and get a shot. If you ever watch the games, the audience is in the hundreds at best so really not a money maker.

No question that the benefits a player get playing at KU, particularly the national exposure, greatly exceeds that of the D-League. Of course, a college player cannot be called to the NBA on a moments notice but those odds are not that good in the first place. I can understand leaving if there are assurances that a team will sign you to a contract and stash you in the D-League , like Alexander, but leaving to play in the D-League for that measly salary does not seem like the best option but then...hope springs eternal in the human breast - Alexander Pope on "Essay on Man."