Swain confirming once again he expects news today/tomorrow.
BeddieKU23
31745 posts
Swain is tracking info he's heard/been given that Sarr may make a decision early this week but this one seems to be still up in the air. Legit info seems to be hard to get. If he did, would seem positive as he's only visited KU and KU can offer him what he wants NIL wise.
The looming giant is Duke, if Cedric Coward stays in the draft, would they push for Sarr? If they did it sounds like KU would not be competitive enough on NIL. It sounds like Duke's war chest is deep and can outbid anyone apparently. There would be no way to prove that unless that scenario happened. Duke did get back Evans who pulled out of the draft yesterday- Similar position and skill to Sarr. Perhaps that's enough to keep them from getting into this.
Darion Williams is still in play; the combine is this week and something to monitor.
So, ball is in Vaughn's court as far as taking the job. Perhaps he's negotiating some more NIL (half kidding) but hopefully some news this week there.
Wouldn't count on Sarr. Moving on
Sarr was a +40% 3 pt shooter this yr so promise there
Man this is a big time add if it gets done. I'm impressed and this is a total ceiling lift to the team
I'm excited for Vaughn, he's literally one of the reasons I became a Jayhawk fan at a young age, his jersey hangs on my wall in my Jayhawk themed Man Cave. I'm excited what he can bring to the table here with his experience professionally. Hopefully this is finalized soon
@BShark said in Norm Roberts Retires:
@BeddieKU23 said in Norm Roberts Retires:
So Vaughn, Buford in and then it sounds like more shake up is coming to the staff that we'll hear about soon.
I like this direction; it certainly signals a major change for Self from the past 20+ years. Both guys have professional coaching experience, will remain to be seen how they do recruiting but we all know right now it's more about NIL than anything else. This is a potentially positive change in the short and long term for the program.
From what I understand, there was a fair bit of fatigue with the donors and changes were required.
Makes a lot of sense and probably the right time based on the last couple years. It's sad in a way to see that chapter coming to an end, there are not many programs that had this continuity.
@SlimShaddy54 said in The portal.:
@BeddieKU23 I had seen where KU had a big guy visiting today, but then I also saw where a big guy had committed to Oregon so I thought we had missed out. Where is this guy from
Former West Virginia and Oklahoma St role player. Veteran, used to playing the conference and knows his role.
@BShark said in The portal.:
John Buggs is a name to monitor.
Assuming that is the 13th guy spot? Does nothing good besides shoot the 3. Having a hard time finding just how many schools he's been to, transferred 3 times since 23, think its 5 schools including Juco, wow. 68-99 made shots were from 3. Literally doesn't do a single other thing at average level. Crazy.
@dylans said in The portal.:
6’8” 225lb limited skill forward? The bigs room is pretty weak I’d hate to have to give him too many (any important) minutes. He’d be good as a deep bench guy for practice and such.
Won't disagree it's not a loaded room. Flory will improve a lot this offseason I believe. Tiller has skill but obviously hasn't played in a while. I think the room needs another body. History says a big will get injured and test the depth of that room. I'd feel so much better about this team with a 4th big on the roster.
Dame Sarr visit happening starting tonight, confirmed by Bossi. Sounds like we are in a very good spot getting that first visit.
Closing time
@approxinfinity said in The portal.:
@dylans we just spent 2 seasons giving 30 mpg to a “defense optional” center. Hopefully we at least get consistent effort from this kid?
Scored 20 on that defense optional center in Morgantown 2 seasons ago.
So Vaughn, Buford in and then it sounds like more shake up is coming to the staff that we'll hear about soon.
I like this direction; it certainly signals a major change for Self from the past 20+ years. Both guys have professional coaching experience, will remain to be seen how they do recruiting but we all know right now it's more about NIL than anything else. This is a potentially positive change in the short and long term for the program.
Backup big potential Patrick Suemnick visited KU today. Wait and see mode now with him
Still looking like positive buzz for KU with Dame Sarr at least going into today. Sounds like we have an offer out there that meets what he wants. We'll see if anything happens this week there. Not getting my hopes up here but sure would be a big time add.
Big name or walk-on type?
@BShark said in The portal.:
@BeddieKU23 said in The portal.:
Sounds like we may lead for Sarr, may hear good news there this week and then still swing big at Williams if he doesn't stay in the draft. Very interesting.
The backup big prospect Mbiya picked Oregon- blah.
Mbiya NC State
woops your right. Slater and Wade are a problem
@rockchalkjayhawk said in Norm Roberts Retires:
@BeddieKU23 said in Norm Roberts Retires:
Vernon reports this has been in the works for a bit, KU apparently has someone identified for the role but not sharing at this time. Also interesting that replacing Norm may not be the only Assistant Coach on the move..
Doesn't think it will take long.
Bring on Danny and Sherron!
Frank!
Sounds like we may lead for Sarr, may hear good news there this week and then still swing big at Williams if he doesn't stay in the draft. Very interesting.
The backup big prospect Mbiya picked Oregon- blah.
Vernon reports this has been in the works for a bit, KU apparently has someone identified for the role but not sharing at this time. Also interesting that replacing Norm may not be the only Assistant Coach on the move..
Doesn't think it will take long.
Congrats Norm on a great career here! Thanks for all your contributions to the program!
Now we get to see who fills that spot.. Any ideas?
It's certainly possible there could be less money for the available players that are left in the portal. I think the top end guys like Williams, PJ Haggerty, RJ Luis are going to get what they want if they play in college next year due to their talent and value they would provide at their next school. I think guys who entered late or have held out for whatever reason and are not top end valued guys will likely have to settle for whatever they can get. Perhaps there's a good chunk that think once the house settlement money goes through you might see another wave of signees. You might even see kids who signed already for whatever price, try to renegotiate or drive the price up more by threatening to leave or enter the portal again and try and get more suitors. There's just no end to what may happen with young kids and agents trying to cash in on this.
I think it's been confirmed Self chose a different approach this cycle- vetting players better, not getting into bidding wars for guys that had unreasonable asks or were only money chasing. It still remains to be seen how good this trio + whoever else may join later is going to be but we do hope this approach/this year leads to better results. I can't imagine they ever want to repeat what they went through with Storr again. Still surprised they didn't see the writing on the wall there..
Swain's latest update for today:
Sarr is a legit target- KU/Oregon the two to watch, UNC also interested.
Nothing new on Williams- committed to draft right now, don't think that's uncommon for prospects that are focused on getting drafted to be relaying that feedback until its time for them to make a final decision about their next step.
Bynum the UTEP transfer is not a serious target.
KU is looking at the international route for a Center. Perhaps a new target is emerging but he's trying to confirm the interest first before reporting.
Also saying things have slowed at the moment.
From what I've seen I know Self went around asking for more NIL $ and perhaps maybe we can infer that led to retaining Bidunga and getting White/Dawson/Council as well. I believe Self may have asked for more recently given their interest in Williams from Texas Tech and it looks like we have the funds to be competitive for what he's asking or match it, if he pulls out of the draft. All speculation, but that seems to be the prevalent theme I see posted around right now. Depending on what domino falls there, they may have to try and shake the tree again for the backup big and 13th guy but who knows. This is where having a GM might have already been impactful to have in place.
I think some of the slowness now rests on the Settlement case & the Draft fallout. Nobody has cash laying around except a few perhaps until colleges can access and distribute those funds. I can imagine a lot of teams' investments are tied to that going through. I'm sure most teams are hoping things settle, asking prices for some of these guys still in the portal are more realistic and then KU can finish the portal class strong. I can't imagine navigating this bologna. Nothing amateur about it anymore
247 confirming interest and that its KU/Oregon battle at the moment. Would be a big time add if it happens
Not a transfer but seeing Dame Sarr could be a potential KU target (international kid). Italian kid who's 6'7 with 7 foot wingspan. Illinois was heavily on him but apparently out now. Rumored to be KU/Oregon and the latter possibly having a big NIL pitch but who knows
Media people have said he's a handful.
Swain on 247 posted that the staff is very high on Council and expects him to be one of their best players. Interesting
Surprised Bama didn't get him but I guess Duke's NIL won out
KU has a zoom call on Tuesday with Ahamad Bynum, transfer guard from UTEP. Unorthodox perimeter shot but made 44% from deep on 5 attempts per game (68/153). Depth piece for cheap? Clearly not a starter type but definitely a guy who can shoot
Looks like he started at Depaul, went Juco to UTEP.
I agree it's been underwhelming but here's my rebuttal. We took high profile transfers the past two seasons and got what for it?
Perhaps after 2 years of hindsight they had to find better fits and guys that were affordable which is very hard to do. The war chest isn't unlimited and Peterson and Flory take up a ton, plus the 3 transfers you did get.
Still work to be done to judge this offseason. I don't see how you can stop until you find at least 1 more starter and a legit backup big.
I'm optimistic that after all this circus is over and the roster is set that there will be a team ready to buy in. Peterson leading should be a welcome change in town. He's got a chance to be the best player in the country and guys will play up around him
He's apparently also saying his focus is the draft right now so there may not be anything happening as quickly as we hope it will. Things are subject to change as always. There's a competitive offer for him but perhaps not the number he's seeking atm
Wonder if Desmond Claude would be an option if Williams doesn't work out. Previous relationship from HS..
Don't think that's actually the case. Not getting into bidding wars for guys, Flory cost double what they might have expected so that took available capital that could have went elsewhere. They have been selective and diligent about things this cycle. We shall see if it pays off. They obviously have 2 major needs still if this is to be anything close to a good portal season. The waiting and constant circus does suck tho
Honestly just think he fits better with Bama if that's his destination, or Duke same, situation. They are both running offenses beter suited to him.
Self has to prove with Peterson he's going to adapt from a pound it inside philosophy to a perimeter based attack. We all know as die hard fans he's capable of it but it's been several seasons now of the same ole.
I wouldn't be surprised if they don't want to gamble on such an important position with a guy coming off a major injury and not a ton of action against top level teams. He only played 6 games this season and didn't exactly light it up against defensive juggernaut Iowa in his only game against a p4 team. Probably expensive as well and KU is not exactly rolling with cash left it sounds (majority of funds tied up right now).
Williams might not be affordable either but he's a surefire stud. Stokes as well. Those guys can move the needle. Not sure Coward will.
Coward is down to Bama and Duke. Nike bidding war
Don't believe he has an offer there but ya know nothing is believable until it happens
Absolutely would take Zeke back. What a whirlwind portal circus
Seeing Zeke entered the portal in case there is some ruling on eligibility.. also sounds like he would return to KU if that happens
@rockchalkjayhawk said in TV shows:
Finally getting around to Yellowstone. Worth watching?
Absolutely
@Jhawk69 said in The portal.:
That one Sam Houston State sharpshooter went to Indiana I think
Yes he did
@BShark said in The portal.:
@FarmerJayhawk said in The portal.:
@DCHawker that’s why I added the disclaimer. We’re not done adding.
They have the #1 player in the 2026 class (who could potentially reclassify) visiting :rolling_on_the_floor_laughing:
Trying to gauge just how good Stokes is. Film just shows dunks in transition and some high level athletic ability. He reminds me of a more athletic Jalen Wilson, straight line speed and aggressiveness. I like the fit here but just wondering how much he could really impact a team if he joined.
I also think we will push for another starter/hopefully a wing. Council could end up a 6th man type/ or Dawson depending on the next couple additions. Really would give Self some flexibility with lineups
Council is the better fit here and is the opposite of what we have had in the backcourt recently. Fast, athletic and does a lot of things that should compliment others here. It's a solid take that could end up really good. They targeted him and from what's been posted about this kid, he seems like someone that's a good fit for Self on both ends. We shall see.
Lee was always Florida it sounded. We gave it a shot.
Yes to enter, unless coaching change occurs after the portal closes. Those players get 30 days to decide. Also have the draft guys that could pull out but those will be known dudes
Lee committed to Florida
It's official! Council is a hawk
Council news to tonight
Ha @BShark