so we are going to run our backup center (maybe starter to begin season) who's already red-shirted to make way for what??? what is so special about Chukwu that we are contemplating every what if situation besides running Bill Self out of town to give him a scholly. pretty funny stuff around here
BeddieKU23
31745 posts
I'm glad Vick re-classified and I'm excited to see how quickly he picks up on the system. This kid could push Selden to become the player we have been waiting for. Selden finally has some credible competition, just what he needed.
This Chukwu situation will work itself out. I figure he's still visiting because he's in the area after visiting Nebraska the past few days. If a scholarship pops up before he decides then KU may have a good chance. At the moment we shouldn't speculate or count on him being in a KU uniform.
Greene's not going anywhere, his GF goes to KU and there's much fanfare on her alone that would make any College kid stick around. Greene has NBA potential and Self will continue to push him to that goal. We are not getting rid of the 1 3-point threat we have.
I have to say Self finished the recruiting season strong and shot down any fears we may have had just a month ago. Bragg & Diallo are studs. Vick could be anything & Coleby has a bunch of upside still so I'd say we did good for both this year and the future.
I don't know much about Bolden other than the mixtapes, ranking & interest in KU. I'd have to watch some of his actual games to understand what kind of talent he projects to be. Looking at his body, he looks to be more than a OAD. I don't see the elite attributes that usually come with the OAD bigs, but I do see a player that would benefit from the KU system and already has post moves to work with.
With the Vick situation, do we forget that just 2 weeks ago we were knee deep in recruiting a wing for 2015. Mack, Eubanks, and then Vick. I just don't think anything has swayed or changed the fact that Self wants another Guard/Wing for 2015 not only for the WUG but for this year. He's 1 injury away from being a necessity. He could be that talented to earn backup SG minutes this year, we just don't know.
Coleby wasn't the sexy pickup, and frankly was such a last minute visit and quick commit that it took the rug under from people on why this happened and what that means for Chukwu.
Coleby provides the same theoretical scenario that we all know, we lose 3 possibly 4 big men after next year and having another post with system experience will greatly benefit the team. We got it, we should have Bragg & Lucas at the minimum, and if we are lucky a 2nd year from Diallo.
Self is leveraging his bets in case Vick doesn't have the necessary stuff to re-classify. It's smart don't stop selling your program to him until you know Vick can play.
Chukwu is all potential, potentially a great big, potentially a big that is still a few years away from his best basketball.
I don't buy it. We recruited Vick for 2015 because we need him this year.
We didn't recruit him with the intent that he was going to stay in 16 class. If he does in fact stay, its because he didn't have enough time to qualify, not because Self has told him to wait. The intent of Vick all along was that he would be a Jayhawk this year. Just because Coleby took Chukwu's spot at the moment doesn't mean that Vick is being swayed to wait.
Why would we wait for Chukwu, a player who can't go to Korea & can't play this year?Because he's 7'2 and everyone seems to want him around here.. Coleby stole his spot, Self wanted him and got him. Seems to me we are done recruiting unless Vick doesn't qualify. I'd still be recruiting Chukwu until we know Vick's intent, seems ill advised to quit now. If he qualifies he goes to Korea and we are done recruiting.
We could have Coleby, Bragg, Lucas, and Diallo next year.. And any possible recruits..
I don't buy that someone will transfer to make room for Chukwu. That's losing someone to play this year, for someone who has to sit. There's too many good recruits in 16 to stockpile sitters.
I don't buy that we need Chukwu, when we can get Bolden, or Herard, or another just as talented recruit.
Chukwu could always decide between now and Wednesday that he isn't coming. This Coleby news was Sunday night so its not like he or his camp has had time to think about it. I think he will take his visit anyway because of the mutual interest but Coleby definitely jacked his spot at the moment.
I seriously doubt Self has said anything to Vick about holding off, they recruited him to play this year as added depth for the WUG and depth for the season. We would have taken Eubanks for this year, or Mack, so this is the same, Self wanted him for 2015.
We need Vick for the WUG games. I think he sticks with this class. I'd wager if he sticks in 16 that he opens up again because now he's a boarderline 5star prospect according to some. If he sticks the grassroots circuit all summer its hard to believe coaches won't be poaching at him despite committing. He could still rise as there's been only a few tournaments where he's been getting notice.
I'm happy with Coleby, he has a chance to really develop at KU. A lot can happen between now and Wednesday before Chukwu gets here. I bet he visits regardless whether there's a scholarship for him or not. But I believe if Vick does re-classify that we are taking him because we need him.
I think we need Vick this year to add that one insurance guard in case of injury. Chukwu would have been nice but Coleby took his spot. Doubtful that we'd lose anyone at this point who could play this year to get someone who cannot and would have to sit. Just sounds like a negative approach. We need the bodies this year because anything can and will happen.
I guess we should know soon if vick joins the 15 class or not and that will dictate what happens with chukwu. Right now no need to speculate anything until vick decides. Sounds like coleby took the opportunity when it presented itself. Chukwu wants to take his visits Can't fault him for that or speculate anything because there's zero real info to say anything
That's all for this year unless vick doesn't stick in 15
I did sorry I was responding from my phone must have hit the wrong button
Didn't know you could do that. my bad Hem
Looks like self wasn't waiting for chukwu. Coleby to ku
@HighEliteMajor said:
@BeddieKU23 From my point of view, I'm factoring in that 1) he didn't play much his sophomore season (7th on the team in minutes) for an average at best team, 2) the big men in front of him weren't world beaters, 3) I had never heard of him before today, 4) he was unranked coming out of high school, and 5) his stats are just ok, though his rebounds per minute are good.
Now, I have no first hand knowledge. Don't recall ever seeing him (as I had never heard of him). So I am very interested in your opinion since you do recall him. That holds more weight in my book.
He was really good In the game you saw, but the nagging question is why only 16 minutes per game for the season? I looked at his by game stats ↗. There is positive there. Maybe you saw the Arkansas game where he had a double-double?
But for some reason the basketball power known as Ole Miss wouldn't play him big minutes. Man, that tells me something.
Not to defeat my own point, but didn't Tarik Black average only 20 minutes per game? He wasn't in the top 5 in minutes his last season at Memphis, I know that for sure.
Anyway, another name.
Perhaps we can agree that we'd like Chukwu. No doubt. If we get this kid instead, we'll be disappointed we didn't get Chukwu, but we won't know 'till we see him on the court.
He is a big that needs development, he was very good in the games that I saw, the uk, florida, and 2 others. Ole Miss is a perimeter oriented team and he didn't get enough minutea to have better stats. He is very athletic, much more than Lucas and reminds me of Tarik Black some.
I think we all would prefer chukwu, but he was a non factor in another perimeter oriented team. Both would do great to develop under self. Size wise and potential wise chukwu offers more but if we are left with Coleby, at least he gives the chance to be a solid role player with good size and athletic ability we will need after the year.
If none of yall know anything about Coleby how can you say he wouldn't be a good pickup. He had to come off the bench. Is a legit 6'9 and very athletic. From the Ole miss games I saw this year he was very good when in the game.
I remember seeing some of Chukwu's games on the AAU circuit and he was all defense. He was one of the best shot-blockers in his class coming in. His offense isn't there and even with a year with KU, I'd say his offense will be a few years away. He was a top 60 guy that was dominate on defense, his mobility around the rim for his size is hard to find.
He really didn't get the chance with Desrosiers their starting Center last year. Cooley is a good coach but he also plays a short bench, and will play his starters a lot of minutes. So I'm speculating why he left had to do with his coach, because its hard to see him leaving when the 5 was his this upcoming year. You can't teach 7'2 size and he'd be a nice stash and develop big. I'd still rather get Bolden but I'm sure Self can sell that we will need him anyway regardless of Chuckwu coming.
He would have been the starter this year at Providence. Their Center graduated. Now they don't even have a 5 on their team because of his departure.
the 16 class is top heavy and guard heavy. Bolden has been our main Big target with some others. Not a deep class for Bigs like 15 was. Chukwu would gain a lot by getting a year with hudy.
My reasoning has to do more with recruiting the state of Texas. We've had discussion that Texas has a lot of good prospects every year but KU only seems to get 1 every once in a while. And we've whiffed on others in the past.
This 16 class we've spent considerable time recruiting Bolden, Ferguson, & Fox among others. We land 1 and its likely would could get them all.
3 kids we've taken underneath Smart's plate & others. Smart has already made a very favorable impression with Texas kids and that scares me the further these kids wait out decisions. Before he came, it was the same old pitch from Rick Barnes. Smart is bringing excitement, and his name resonates with young kids. It's not worth fighting for kids in North Carolina when the hometown school comes barking (Ingram & others) but with Texas we are much closer. No doubt that Chukwu could come here and become a good player but if it messes with Bolden and the others I'd rather not.
If that's true then I'd rather have Bolden especially since we've put in considerable amount of recruiting into him.
Your comments about Oubre are why he might have benefited coming back. A second year could have put him in a better position to be drafted higher because of the talent at the SF position is so deep. He's probably the least reliable option of the other 4 that may be drafted ahead of him. I thought he was a cinch to be in the lottery but I'm not sure that's the case anymore. If a lottery talent like him is falling, it tells you how good this draft class could be.
But if the NBA is where he can develop better than hopefully he puts in the work to make a name for himself in the league. I believe Kelly will do well in the league, I think his game will be suited to the faster pace and the coaches who will work with him to refine some of his skills. His defense will translate and that should help him get minutes as a rookie.
I loved the coaches comment about being completely thrown off guard by his unhappiness. Called this generation of kids " the microwave generation". And he is completely right!! This kid would have started this year and they returned an All-American type PG, sounds to me he would have been fed plenty with development..
Maybe it will be KU's gain but we won't be the only fish after him..
Have they announced the times of the games?
Its exciting for us KU fans but I'm not sure the rest of the nation even knows we are playing other than some writers of the sport.
I'm just happy we get to see the guys play, no matter the benefit it has..
likely situation that we do land the #1 SG as Fergy Ferguson is likely a Jayhawk with the speculation out there.
Ford has constant talk with GM's so a lot of his rankings have to do with feedback from what he is hearing. I take that as much of a guide as anything. Just cause he is #18 on his board doesn't mean he won't get drafted before hand, but I did find that he is sliding to be of concern.
We are probably the clear favorite if he stayed but we knew that was a longshot going into the season regardless of his comments on the matter. He's the type of kid that could thrive from the NBA (Wiggins) and landing on a team that gives him the opportunity.
I'm just surprised that he was #12 maybe a week ago and had plenty of GM's saying they had him as high as 7. Seems odd that a lot of people are now shifting their thoughts on him, just from the beginning stage of this process. I hope Kelly brings it in the workouts and gets back up there, it looks good for KU and Self is he lands in the lottery after 1 year of ups & downs.
For the first time I can remember, Oubre is falling on the ESPN mock draft. After holding steady in the lottery, as high as 7-9 range he's now #18 on Chad Ford's Big Board after measurements & interviews from the combine. I'm kind of shocked because that makes him the 5th rated SF at the moment.
It doesn't sound as if his interviews went that well:
"Oubre measured with a massive 7-2 wingspan at the combine and was the tallest of the wings. He also showed off above-average athleticism in the athletic testing. However, his interviews played to mixed reviews from scouts and whoever drafts him sees a project with major upside -- pushing him a little further down our board past a few mid-first round sure things. "I think he has a chance to be a 3-and-D guy in the league and his best NBA skill will probably be on the defensive end," one GM said. "I think he'll be able to lock down guys if he wants to. And I think he'll be a good shooter. It's the in-between stuff that I'm not sure he'll ever get. I don't think he can really dribble the basketball. But the biggest issue is his head. Is he ready to put in the work?" If he does, he could be a steal this late."
It's still early and workouts with teams will really decide his fate but I didn't see him sliding past the lottery with his great size for the SF position and upside.. Should Kelly have stayed a 2nd year?
He sounds like a kid that if he stayed in the 16 class and had more tournaments to be evaluated would have been one of those major risers this summer as talked about how his spring was going. Committing so early to SMU could have kept people from seeing him as much. AAU coaches have commented on how much improved he had been this spring. Seems like a kid that just needed exposure and when he got it people finally realized hey this kid has talent. Assuming he goes with us to Korea it will be interesting to see if he plays and what kind of player he might be.
Not that I have heard of, although I believe he does turn 18 soon..
As far a wing prospects for 16 he is definitely the big fish that we are after. A combo of Wiggins Athleticism and B-Mac shooting touch with great size is exactly the type of player Self loves to recruit. From what is posted out there, it sounds very promising that at some point he will pledge to KU.
There have been rumblings that he's told people he's coming to KU. So much so that he had to say that he hadn't committed to KU yet on the twitterverse. This was apparently in response to learning that whatever he might have told friends, family got out to others.
Usually this kind of remark means that he has and just isn't ready to announce yet. Somebody on the phog has started a thread about it.
Not to get too excited about an announcement that hasn't happened yet but a Top 10 kid from Texas that is on the verge of committing is exciting news.. @drgnslayr This could be the end to the drought in Texas. Definitely would make Fox think twice about Texas as well.
It was Eric Bossi who said he'd be moved up to 50-75 range regardless of class. They won't put him in the final rankings because of it being so late. But as far as coaches that have seen him this spring, they have said he is much improved and they didn't realize how good he was. If he didn't have the reclassification lingering over him it seems like this spring and summer would have brought a lot of attention to him. KU was the first to get on him after de-committing and we have to feel pretty good that we landed a guy with a ton of upside for the future.
So it definitely sounds like he was an under the radar player until re-opening and his play this spring that has really turned people's heads. And in the end KU stands to benefit from his high ceiling as a prospect.
I don't think it has any impact on the players we have. He's a year away in the weight room but skill wise might get minutes here and there depending on opponent and injuries. Korea should be a great starting point for him assuming he does stay in the 15 class. I don't think anyone on our team currently looks at him as a threat immediately.
I really like his addition, I would have been happy with Eubanks as well but we might have a player with a much higher ceiling down the road. The intention has to be that he re-classify's to this class and I'm sure Self wouldn't have made him a priority that he said we made him without that belief that he's coming to play this year.
I think we won big with this signing. We got some needed depth especially for Korea, he's not going to scare off any of our guys on the team because he's not a 1 year loan. He has a lot of upside and physical development left that can be built on. He should get some valuable minutes this summer that can maybe get him ahead of the curve for playing time this year. Projecting him down the road, us fans could be saying this was a steal 2-3 years down the road and praising the staff. Snacks btw was the point man on this guy so that has to feel good for him.
Looks like Self is really after Williams as well and the selling point for him or any big we are after that might have to sit, is they can play this summer and then develop with the year off. What a spring it has been so far!!
There's many ways to look at it. In the end the rules aim to make College players more prepared for the end game which is the NBA. No other sport has rules so far off from the one's they will (if good enough) play with at the next level.
Any major rule change that could have a big impact on the overall game can be scary to think the benefits will be there. 30 seconds is still a long time to get a shot off. It will force more efficient, and a faster execution of play. And hopefully Self will adjust accordingly
Looks like it would be Big 12 player first, interesting wonder if OU would loan Buddy Hield..
Maybe Danny will loan Codi Miller-McIntyre. Good scorer who's a Senior and good size at 6'3. I'd be very intersted in seeing who he reaches out to if we don't sign at least 1 of these recruits..
I think these rules do aim to improve the game and scoring. Scoring isn't the end all to a game but to the media and $ associated with it, it has to improve to keep up. The game isn't perfect and it never will but I would like to see more possessions in games as the drop in the shot clock aims to do.
The Officials do need to be centralized and punished or rewarded for following the rules correctly or blowing a call. The officials have too much influence over pace and momentum of the game. Let's see what the new Official appointed can do. Again probably not much until they bring all these guys together and make them accountable.
I liked the timeout changes as the game was dragging forever these past few years with teams saving all their timeouts until the last few minutes. The team timeouts before media timeouts were also killers.
Some great steps taken today to improve the game.
30 second shot clock
eliminate the 5 second ball handler rule
increasing the restriced area from 3 to 4 feet.
eliminating 1 timeout in the 2nd half. Limiting the amount of Timeouts to carry over to the 2nd half to 3.
No team timeouts within 30 seconds of the media timeout, the timeout will now count as the media timeout.
I think these are exciting steps to improving the game even more than all of us currently enjoy it.
I'm sure I might have missed a few others. As well adding a 6th foul will be experimented with as well.
They lifted the Big 12 ban because of all the media coverage they are getting on his transfer. truly a bunch of bitter babies in the Mizzou administration. I don't blame the kid for wanting a different situation, they have been terrible both years he was there and its not going to get any better in the next 2 either.
Great breakdown of the 2, spot on.
Vick would need to hit the weights but he looked to be very good at getting to the rim. Eubanks is definitely the best shooter of the 2 and didn't seem to need space to get his shot off. Because of the extra year at prep he might be more prepared for the College level now than Vick. That's just a guess but Graham was definitely more prepared after spending a year with Brewster. What do we want more is the question. A shooter, or Vick who has lots of potential with coaching.
@JayHawkFanToo said:
UK has the #2 ranked class and it also brings back several good players; it is ranked top 5 in just about every ranking I have seen. KU should win but it will not be an easy game by any means.
Nothing spectacular about the class. Slab and Briscoe are very good players and they will earn their high ranking. Matthews is good but he might be a player who is better down the road. Honestly know nothing about Mulder other than he was a shooter in juco. It's not your typical #2 class but it's UK so it's hyped. KU got 2 five star forwards but have that what 15th best class. Seems weird that our class seems to be under the radar so to speak.
UK lost their top 7 guys. Yes they have a few remaining pieces but it's hard to imagine they won't be like the UK regular season of 2 years ago as opposed to last year's near perfect run. You just can't replace the talent they had
BUT with our home court and revenge for last year it's hard to imagine the place being anything short of magical
I think Vick will take his visit to Kentucky. I think Eubanks could be that one that commits when he leaves. He seems pretty excited about his trip here.
The last few home games against UK have gone pretty good I'd say..
UK won't be half the team they were last year but it won't be easy as essentially both teams will be in the heart of their conference schedules when they meet. Still I bet the guys will be fired up for sure.
Game in Lawrence..
Great time to get some payback
The way this whole Maker situation has been handled so far has his handler written all over it. A lot of rumors and things have been said about his involvement with both Thon and his younger brother. We've all talked about how Self has seemed to stay away from kids who might have a hard time qualifying. Even if he graduates this summer he will have to wait out the clearinghouse. Moving from HS to HS will raise a lot of flags. Self will give the remaining scholarships if there is any to walkons if Thon isn't eligible by the fall.
He's mentioned KU as one of his 4 schools but Self and his staff haven't been anywhere near him in months. So I wonder at this point is he just saying KU is on his list because he wants to.
Another new name. Kyle Washington transfer from NC State has KU on his long list so far. Would sit and have 2 years left..
Isn't all the latest rage that Thon is headed to Arizona St.?? But the odds that he qualifies and makes it to college seem slim anyway.
I heard the Greek kid was to make a decision in June..
Another name to throw out now is Noah Dickerson who just asked for his release from Florida. 6'8 245. He was a teammate of Simmons the #1 player. Dickerson was going to get minutes there as a freshman. No word yet if KU will try and get involved with him.
We will get another guard. With 2 of them visiting this week, its hard to imagine these kids don't see a golden opportunity for summer playing time that could possibly put them in a position for a rotation spot come fall.
I expect to be competitive but we will have only 3/4 of our eligible guys. And the one's that can't play are just as big as the ones who can. Getting another guard will be nice to have especially how we've seen injuries plague our team the past few years.
Having 5 bigs will allow Self to play Ellis some SF regardless of who else we sign. For Ellis that is a big thing for his NBA dreams if he can show somewhat of a more refined Marcus Morris game. I'm sure he'll have his time during the season to show off SF skills but this tourney will give him every advantage.
Maybe Self will look to others but the way he's recruiting looks like he really wants to have as many of his players available as possible.
I think Svi will be much improved but I do worry how much that will translate. He's still very young even for a Sophomore. His shooting will have to improve a ton and that could simply come with consistent playing time. He does offer the best passing/dribbling/defensive combo of him & Greene at the moment. How much of an advantage will it be for him being here all spring/summer than Greene who is hurt.
You could be right about Ridley, I do wonder if Smart will struggle with implementing the havoc in year one. A lot of upperclassmen who have little experience with a full time press style. That is hard to put in place in one off-season.
OU returns 4 starters. They lose Thomas (anchor in the post) & Booker a 3pt chucker off the bench. They signed 2 combo/SF guards who should be good in time. They got a Juco Center who is one of the best Juco's. He will probably start from Day 1. They also had a Top 100 big that sat out last year and red-shirted. I've talked to someone on their staff via twitter and they are very high on him.
Iowa St. returns 4 starters as well. They have to replace Jones & Hogue and they signed 2 transfers( 1 eligible in Dec from Marquette) & 1 point guard. No bigs so far but they have been after all the graduate transfer bigs with no luck so far.
West Virginia lost their best player Staten, but return 9 guys who played last year. They also signed one of the top 3 Juco scorers in the country, he also played a press system so he fits with Huggins new style. Also joining them is a top 50 SF. He has a chance to start as a freshman.
I think Smart will scale back his Havoc style to some degree until he signs kids that are his. I wouldn't be surprised if he does a soft press back into a zone. Gives you the chance to still play a gimmic defense while not exposing Ridley too much. I wouldn't be surprised if Ridley lose considerable weight this off-season.
Sure he could but would he just to play in the World Games?
I think Self wants to take a roster that composes what he will have for this upcoming year. It's a great teaching, bonding, and growing experience for the team. I know initially he made several comments about possibly looking at others because the rules allowed such but its hard to imagine he will. Practice starts in a few weeks, he will want everyone who's going at those practices.
has Kevin taken a class within the last 12 months?
If not then he fails this requirement.
"Have taken at least one 3-credit course towards a degree or diploma within the last year before the GAMES. Incoming freshman and transfers are usually eligible."
At this point we have 5 bigs for Korea. And if we sign a guard we have 4. Likely the last 3 will go to our walkons if we don't sign anyone else eligible to play.
I think Eubanks will be a Jayhawk. He has been recruited by many high major programs. Known as a confident shooter he will have an maturity edge that Graham came in with because of having to do a post grad year.
Now if Vick commits before him then I'm okay with that as well. I prefer Eubanks of the 2 but this is definitely a situation where we could use either.
makes them a top 5 maybe even top 3 team going into next year. Surprised that Maryland took a Duke player considering their history, and his history that will follow him forever. Seems like Suliamon was a pre-madonna that needed to grow up.