🏀 KuBuckets Archive

Kansas University freshman center Joel Embiid will announce his future plans today at a 2 p.m. news conference in Allen Fieldhouse, coach Bill Self said Tuesday night.

Sources close to the situation told the Journal-World that, barring some late change of heart, the 7-footer from Cameroon is expected to declare for the 2014 NBA Draft. Other news organizations have heard the same thing. Racine, Wis., columnist Gery Woelfel reported on Twitter that super agent Arn Tellem is expected to represent Embiid as well as some other top prospects.

Zagsblog.com has multiple sources stating Embiid is headed to the NBA and quotes an anonymous NBA source as saying, “He’s coming out (for draft). Shouldn’t be a surprise. He’s a lock for the top five.”

Embiid, who averaged 11.2 points and 8.1 rebounds in 28 games this past season for 25-10 KU, is expected to be taken in the top three of the June draft, one NBA official told the Journal-World on Tuesday. The official said KU’s Andrew Wiggins is currently slated to be picked No. 1, followed Duke’s Jabari Parker and Embiid.

Yahoo! Sports NBA writer Adrian Wojnarowski reported on March 27 that sources indicated Embiid would be entering his name in the 2014 Draft. Four days later, Self said Embiid had not made up his mind. Wojnarowski, who has an excellent track record with NBA scoops, has not backed off his story and nothing has changed to indicate Embiid may return.

One elite high school big man prospect remains available in recruiting. Myles Turner, 6-11 senior from Trinity High in Euless, Texas, is considering KU, Texas, Oklahoma State and others. Rivals.com’s No. 6-rated player said he hopes to announce a decision date shortly after the Jordan Brand Classic on April 18 in Brooklyn, N.Y.

Today’s news conference is closed to the public.

Here is a link to a KC station that will provide live stream of it.

We'll be livestreaming on http://www.kshb.com/ ↗

@RockChalkinTexas will you be watching w Myles turner?!?!

@VailHawk Would love to but per his twitter (who is followed by Oubre and Cliff and Jason King and others - me:-) ):

Myles Turner ‏@Original_Turner · 14h

On my way to Portland, Oregon for yet another business trip for the
Nike Hoop Summit! Looking forward to representing my country!

@RockChalkinTexas

"Today’s news conference is closed to the public."

Just curious. Are most news conferences announcing player's decisions about staying or leaving for the pros closed to the public?

As I posted last night on another thread.

Theres still a 50% chance he stays

@jaybate 1.0 Not sure but Wiggs was. Maybe has something to do with parents involvement. Not being pestered by media? Surely they would never do that. LOL

@jaybate 1.0 I've never seen one "open" to the public but the fact that they specifically wrote it must mean they didn't want regular folks showing up. I don't know. The media isn't considered "public".

I just have a gut feeling that he's holding a presser to announce he's going. I think if he stays, he simply tweets it. But to hold a presser means it's bigger than saying your staying. It means you're making a significant change in your sports life, career, etc. I could definitely be wrong, but will error on the side of being wrong on this one. If wrong, wouldn't mind being wrong.

Either way, he's a good kid and deserves the best for himself. Will enjoy him either in a KU uni one more year or watching him in the league as he contunues to develop.

@JRyman I fav'd your 50/50 comment. It's kinda of funny really. The only other way it could go if he announced he was leaving bball and playing soccer? Just giving you a hard time. You're right, there's a "good" 50% chance. Just having fun today.

I figure Turner will let Embiid announce, play the Jordan, and then announce his intentions shortly either during half-time, after the game, or next day? It's a fun roller coaster ride.

@RockChalkinTexas > I don't know. The media isn't considered "public".

Can you have a press conference without the media??

@truehawk93 I'm right there with you, it was said in jest.

Just look at my comment before this one. All sarcasm

@JRyman Ah, gotcha... :) I just read your new comment about banjos and paddling faster, awesome.

@jaybate 1.0 Excellent point jaybate...my comment exactly.

@RockChalkinTexas

"Today’s news conference is closed to the public."

Just curious. Are most news conferences announcing player's decisions about staying or leaving for the pros closed to the public?

Excellent point jaybate.

I've never held a press conference before so maybe I will. I've got to decide what I'm going to announce, or maybe I should denounce something. I think I have eligibilty left so maybe I'll announce my intentions to give college ball a try.

I'd announce I'm signing with KU, but I don't think I could handle boot camp.

I'd announce I'm signing with coach Cal, but I don't want to vomit at my press conference.

I'd announce I'm signing with Duke, but I saw Coach K at a Cubs game once so that would not work.

I'd announce I'm signing with Bo but I like to run n gun.

I'd announce I'm signing with Texas or Baylor but I don't want to underachieve.

I'd announce I'm signing with Silo Tech of Manhattan but their cheerleaders remind me of their offensive line.

I'd announce I'm signing with Virginia Tech but that would be kind of Hokie.

I'd announce I'm signing with Marquette or St. Johns but their mascots used to be cool and now their not.

I'd announce I'm signing with Depaul, but I don't want to be a demon, demons are bad.

I'd announce I'm signing with Ole Roy, but I want to play some defense too.

On second thought, cancel the press conference, I have nothing to announce.

@wissoxfan83 if max can handle boot camp, you can!

Is that 2:00PM local time?

@KirkIsMyHinrich yes

@Crimsonorblue22 Word, thanks.

@wissoxfan83

Did you see the Harvard cheerleaders? They make the KSU cheerleaders look like centerfolds. Maybe some day they will run a Fortune 500 company, but they will not make any "best looking cheerleaders" list any time soon.

@JayHawkFanToo low!

@Crimsonorblue22

...but true. Keep in mind that someone else mentioned cheerleaders and their looks first.

@JayHawkFanToo I did?

@Crimsonorblue22

Sorry, not you. Hard to correct quickly from a cell phone.

@JayHawkFanToo no big deal!

@JayHawkFanToo

No, I missed them! I shouldn't have said anything, I am not next in line for GQ cover either!

@wissoxfan83 I know it's all in fun!

Wigs announcement was on espnu, don't see anything about this one being on tv???

According to j Newell, embiid's spent under 11 hours on the court this year. Wow!

According to j Newell, embiid's spent under 11 hours on the court this year. Wow!

@Crimsonorblue22 Thats about 1/8 of the time Oscar Pistorius has spent in court...Oh you said on the court

My bad

@Crimsonorblue22 My post above gives the link for the live stream by a KC station.

@Crimsonorblue22 Not a bad gig if you can get it!

@RockChalkinTexas thanks! I hope this is the last sad news for awhile!! I know they need to take the money, I will miss them!

NO info on ESPN.com about JoJo's presser today, not on the front page not on the mens basketball page.

What's up with that crap ESPN??

NO info on ESPN.com about JoJo's presser today, not on the front page not on the mens basketball page.

What's up with that crap ESPN??

It's ESPN

BULLETIN: Embiid to quit basketball and become professional barehanded lion killer.

Source: www.barehandedlionkillers.com

Developing...

@jaybate 1.0 www.barehandedlionkillers.com

How did you find that website? Can't wait to visit it

Looks like it's on time warner

@Crimsonorblue22

It figures. It excludes a good portion of the state from watching news related to the flagship university.

@JayHawkFanToo sorry!!!!

LIVE LINK right now:

http://www.kshb.com/livevideo ↗

@RockChalkinTexas YEP...any second now. Still not even mentioned on ESPN. They'll post after or during the presser. Players look loose and Lucas looked bummed.

Thanks JoJo...congrats. Turner?

He's gone. :-(

You can't blame him, he's a lock for a top 5 pick, probably top 3, maybe 1. Best of luck in the NBA, Joel.

As for Turner, I'd say it's either Texas or Kansas.

@KirkIsMyHinrich Good luck Jo Jo. You will be missed.

Are there any links anyone has to Turner actually being a KU lean or is that just wishful / hopeful thinking? Legit question, not trying to be a downer.

Looks like ESPN2 is more interested in Derrick Gordon of UMass announcing he's gay than JoJo's NBA plans.

<a href="http://www.rantsports.com/prep-sports/2014/04/07/uncommitted-center-myles-turner-should-make-decision-after-jordan-brand-classic/.

Are there any links anyone has to Turner actually being a KU lean or is that just wishful / hopeful thinking? Legit question, not trying to be a downer.

No direct links. I posted what one KU poster called a "incredible coincidence," but Turner is in Oregon at the Nike Hoop Summit. He said he will announce after the Jordan Classic, Barclays Center on Friday, April 18 . It's all speculation, but Self, JoJo, and Turner have all been incredibly coincidental. It's obvious because Self said after the Stanford game they had some recruiting business to conduct. Turner was obviously waiting on Embiid, and now he did recently announce that he was closer to a decision. Now, here we are today, Embiid is announcing. If Turner, commits, it will be all too obvious. Self is also super loose during this presser. It's almost as if Self knows something. To lose Embiid, a coach would be a bit bummed, but happy.

@joeloveshawks link ↗http://247sports.com/PlayerInstitution/Myles-Turner-at-Trinity-38449/Predictions ↗

I don't know how much you check recruiting. His last official visit was UT, and a lot of those predictions haven't been updated since then. A lot of people are saying Texas now, but I wouldn't be surprised if he chose Kansas.

I get it but don't get it why JoJo would leave right now. He's gotta get the paycheck but he coudln'th andle being thrown around by Ridley and suddleny he's going to take punishment from grown men every other night? 82 games that's a long season and he coudln't even make it through 30 this year. Just food for though but I wish him well and hope he does find a way to succeed at the next level.

@joeloveshawks link ↗http://247sports.com/PlayerInstitution/Myles-Turner-at-Trinity-38449/Predictions ↗

I don't know how much you check recruiting. His last official visit was UT, and a lot of those predictions haven't been updated since then. A lot of people are saying Texas now, but I wouldn't be surprised if he chose Kansas.

Texas gained some ground during the waiting period. But like some, I would think that if Turner wanted Texas he would've picked them earlier. I think he had Texas as a close second option in the event that Embiid stayed. Turner has played his recruitment well, either way, he's done a great job with his entire recruitment.

Anybody know anything about Devonte Graham (PG) just released from commitment to Appalachion State? ESPN says Self is going to talk to him.

Anybody know anything about Devonte Graham (PG) just released from commitment to Appalachion State? ESPN says Self is going to talk to him.

Nice...wonder why Self is going to talk with him?

@brooksmd This was on the "other" site this morning.

Brewster guard on KU radar: Rivals.com reports that KU coach Self will head to Brewster Academy in Wolfeboro, N.H., on Friday to watch point guard Devonte Graham, a 6-2 senior who is trying to get out of his letter-of-intent with Appalachian State. No coach can speak with Graham until he is released from his letter, but coaches can watch him play. Reports indicate new Appy State coach Jim Fox will make the call on whether the school issues a release to Graham. Currently unranked, Graham will wind up in Rivals.com’s top 150, analyst Eric Bossi reports.

Tweet on ESPN says his hs coach says Self is going to visit with him Friday. Was wondering if anyone knew his ranking if ranked.

Appalachian coach says he will not hold him. Another tweet says Florida and NC St also interested.

Has anyone noticed there are only a couple top 50 2015 point guards -- total?

Yikes.

Devonte Graham -- Trey Burke, Shabazz Napier. If he's one of those, I'm in.

Has anyone noticed there are only a couple top 50 2015 point guards -- total?

Yikes.

Unfortunately...oh well...Mr Mason, it's yours for the taking?

@brooksmd he's been released!

If Self does get Devonte Graham and he does pan out, would Self bench Na, a senior, if Mason also steps up his game during the off season? Could we be looking at Mason, Graham, Na in that order at the point? Or would Self stick with Na starting since he is a senior?

@truehawk93 I hope that it is Mason's for the taking...and CF's. I know they both looked very much like Freshman this year but why can't they run the show? Is a kid that was supposed to go to Appalachian State who is unranked the answer?

Oops. Forgot about CF.

@brooksmd This was on the "other" site this morning.

Brewster guard on KU radar: Rivals.com reports that KU coach Self will head to Brewster Academy in Wolfeboro, N.H., on Friday to watch point guard Devonte Graham, a 6-2 senior who is trying to get out of his letter-of-intent with Appalachian State. No coach can speak with Graham until he is released from his letter, but coaches can watch him play. Reports indicate new Appy State coach Jim Fox will make the call on whether the school issues a release to Graham. Currently unranked, Graham will wind up in Rivals.com’s top 150, analyst Eric Bossi reports.

Funny that he's another Brewster Academy recruit. But he's 6-2...better already, haha

@truehawk93 I hope that it is Mason's for the taking...and CF's. I know they both looked very much like Freshman this year but why can't they run the show? Is a kid that was supposed to go to Appalachian State who is unranked the answer?

Yea...I think both will be highly improved after this season. I know CF will be and he showed us that Wichita player against Stanford. Gawd I loved how he used the screen and sunk those treys. But, my biggest issue with CF is he can't drive and dish. Mason is a true pg and has the instincts for the pg. CF has a high IQ, but he's a bit too methodical and takes a bit more time with some things. I don't think CF will be able to drive into D1 traffic and Mason's size will give him fits at times too.

@truehawk93 don't forget defense

@Crimsonorblue22 Yea...they've got to get those feet moving. I think Mason has quick feet. We all know CF has some trouble with his feet. They'll be fine. If they can take good shots, get into the lane, and dish to Cliff, Perry, JTray and Turner, they'll do fine. My biggest nightmare is we lost Embiid and Turner committing somewhere else...yikes

I thought JTray was our most improved player.

If it's down to us and Texas like many are saying despite Turner saying all are still in play, would you pick "big man U" or Texas? I'd bet on "big man U."

@brooksmd if he was going to Texas, why would he wait?

@Crimsonorblue22 BINGO!!!

@RockChalkinTexas What will you put now on your signature?

Pay heed, stay well Embiid?

Best of luck Joel,
Thanks for choosing KU and all the effort and work.
You too, were a class act. Stay healthy and have a great career.
RCJH

Can you imagine Texas with Cameron Ridley and Myles Turner as twin towers against Ellis and Alexander, both listed at 6'8?

Turner can hit from outside, too. I would imagine Ellis getting torched by Turner, who he'd have to guard; and Alexander holding his own but getting fouled up a bit by the bigger Ridley.

I would say that this could swing the Big 12 title, if that mattered ....

The beat goes on.

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/bracketology ↗

We're a #1 seed in next years tourney!

@HighEliteMajor You are assuming that Barnes would figure out how to manipulate a mismatch like that.

I don't think he can.

http://www2.kusports.com/videos/2014/apr/09/35892/ ↗

Embiid has learned to drive, announced at his presser today when he also announced he was going pro.

If you can avoid a wreck with a lion, you can avoid a wreck with a pedestrian.
If you can avoid a wreck with an elephant, you can avoid a wreck with a car.
If you can avoid a wreck with a hyena, you can avoid a wreck with a dog.
If you can miss a lone tree in the desert, you can miss a fire hydrant.

@JRyman Right, right .. I don't know what came over me there. He'd probably make Ridley the back up to Turner and bring him off the bench.

@JRyman

"You are assuming that Barnes would figure out how to manipulate a mismatch like that.

I don't think he can."

RIght... he's too nice a fellow. I'm serious.

BTW: loved your "avoidance paragraph" on Embiid!

@truehawk93 Have been thinking hard.

Hard to rhyme Oubre with anything.

Too easy for a Cliff.

Hopefully it will be something to do with Myles Turner in it :-)

@truehawk93 Have been thinking hard.

Hard to rhyme Oubre with anything

Ondele Oubre??? Then again I haven't heard his last name spoken so I don't know

@JRyman Prounced Ooo brey. Silent U. As in Doobie without the D bie.

@RockChalkinTexas Thanks.

Lets see Osprey is a bird, Oubre flies like an Osprey? no thats not good

Oubre the hombre, maybe if we were in San Antonio?

Could go all Beatles, O-bla-di, o-bla-da Kelly Oubre? But only the coaches would get that one and people over 35.

Watched Air Force One fly into Austin at 11:00 this morning out my office window and touch down. Sucker is huge compared to any other plane.

@RockChalkinTexas I saw it fly into Omaha right over my head led by two fighter jets about 1 minute in front and behind it.

Then again the was the afternoon of September 11th, 2001. Those were the only 5 planes in the sky that afternoon.

Kelly Oubre = our next uber-frosh...oops, I mean oubre-frosh.

@RockChalkinTexas

Oubre, his work will be seen at basketball's Louvre...AKA AFH

@JayHawkFanToo Not Bad At All.

link textThis is pure genius. If you haven't seen it; see it, read it, and enjoy it.

What's more, Turner liked it.

David⚾‏@KCKID116·20h
@honk4tad looks like Turner fav'd the pic..hmmmmm

@truehawk93 Have been thinking hard.

Hard to rhyme Oubre with anything

Ondele Oubre??? Then again I haven't heard his last name spoken so I don't know

Me gusto, me gusta, Oubre, Ooubrah! :)

@truehawk93 That's a great a job!

@Wishawk ...Sup-Oubre? That's all I've got right now.

link text

🐦 View Tweet/photo/1

Oprah...Oubre

Oubre...Oprah

Uma...Oubre

Oubre...Uma

That is from David Letterman's opening monologue at the Oscars if anyone remembers that bit.

@truehawk93 Hairspray Oubre?

Hairspray Oubre?

@Wishawk That makes me ask, when will he have to cut his hair? I know Wiggins was allowed to let his grow last fall, but cut it after the warm up games, and Young was allowed to let his grow his last two years at KU, yet Self was never a big fan of the 'Fro.

But will Kelly "hairspray" Oubre have to get his cut down a little before he joins the team?

I'm hungry for a Kevin Young fro....

Something organic please....

@JRyman

Didn't get any laughs for Letterman either. Sorry, I couldn't resist.