He said the team could be better than this year’s “if things fall right.”
If "things" fall right? I hate HCBS code talk.
He just means don't lose in the stinkin' first weekend of the tournament. That's the improvement I want to see.
dylans
9276 posts
70% of the "experts" had Randle to Kansas and Wiggins to Kentucky. I kinda hope they're backwards on this one also.
Myles Turner, No. 2 in the ESPN 100, leads the way followed by No. 94 Elijah Stewart, who was released from his letter of intent to Loyola Marymount following the firing of coach Max Good, and No. 98 Josh Cunningham.
Devonte Graham wasn’t ESPN 100 eligible by virtue of his post-graduate status, but there is no denying he is a wanted man after receiving his release from Appalachian State. He will take official visits to Kansas and North Carolina State while also considering Virginia, Virginia Tech, Xavier and Providence.
So where are these remaining four prospects headed? No one knows for sure just yet, but here’s a few educated guesses:
Myles Turner####
Paul Biancardi: Texas
The hard part begins as Turner must start to separate the schools in his mind and make one choice. The process has gone exactly how Turner had planned -- take all his official visits then decide. Since he has waited -- even though he could have committed at any time to the likes of Duke, Arizona and Kansas -- makes me guess that he will stay home and be the face of the Longhorns program.
Adam Finkelstein: Kansas
I think the allure of replacing Joel Embiid at Kansas will ultimately be too much for Turner to pass up on given coach Bill Self’s track record of developing big men for the NBA. Turner will have as good an opportunity to be a one-and-done lottery pick as any player in the current ESPN 100, all while having an enforcer like Cliff Alexander next to him.
Joel Francisco: Texas
Turner has thoroughly investigated his options. He is one of the elite prospects in the class who will make an immediate impact due to his shot blocking and outside shooting touch. Though Kansas lost Embiid to the draft and has a glaring need at center, Texas is the school to beat, despite having everyone back along the front line. Turner has tremendous upside but still is far from a finished product as compared to Jahlil Okafor. Turner needs to work on getting stronger and his post skills are still raw as he enters college. Possibly coming off the bench will give Turner time to develop and Texas provides that as veterans Cameron Ridley and Jonathan Holmes could be excellent mentors.
Reggie Rankin: Texas
Turner is still evaluating programs and observing how he will fit in with other high-level players, but I am predicting he will select the Longhorns when it's all said and done. Turner has visited Austin enough to connect with the coaches and players, and his family will be able to see him play on a consistent basis as well. The Longhorns are one of the youngest teams in the country, and with Turner they undoubtedly make another huge jump forward from a team that has already played in the NCAA tournament. I have nothing to base this on other than a gut feeling.
John Stovall: Texas
Turner is by far the most impactful recruit left on the board. He is a program changer and can make the right school an instant contender for the national title. His ability to take away the rim defensively and score both on the low post and perimeter make him a unique weapon in college basketball. After being pursued by every school under the sun, my guess is Turner chooses to stay close to home and attend Texas.
Devonte Graham####
Biancardi: Kansas
The hardest and most important position on the floor to fill is the point guard. Graham’s combination of running a team with extended range on his jumper makes him so valuable. An explosive athlete who has come on as a late bloomer has coaches pouring in to Brewster Academy. In the mix are Kansas, NC State, Virginia, Providence , Xavier and Virginia Tech. He is visiting Kansas this weekend and then heading NC State soon. This one is just starting to heat up, and when it’s all said and done, look for Kansas to land Graham.
Finkelstein: Kansas
I’m a big believer in the importance of the first visit and Graham’s decision to see the Jayhawks first would seem to indicate that Kansas is in the driver’s seat. Combine that with the opportunity to play rotation minutes next season and then have a potential chance to start as a sophomore and Graham is going to hear a convincing sales pitch from Self.
Francisco: NC State
After signing with Appalachian State, Graham has seen his recruiting pick up steam at a remarkable rate. After getting his release from his LOI, the savvy lead guard now has the likes of Kansas, North Carolina State, and Providence chipping at his heels for his signature. Although the lure of being under the tutelage of Self and his staff is enticing, Graham will see a greater opportunity -- after Tyler Lewis bolted to Butler -- of returning to his hometown and suiting up for North Carolina State.
Rankin: NC State
Graham is a true point guard who is crafty and brings the ability to push the ball, run the offense and make plays off the bounce. He also can knock down open jumpers to keep the defense honest. When Graham was released by Appalachian State he became the most sought-after perimeter player at the most important position. I think he will take his talent back to his hometown of Raleigh, N.C., and sign with NC State. He will compete with Anthony Barber for the starting job.
Stovall: Kansas
Graham just became the most recruited player in the country after his release from Appalachian State. He will have a lot of great choices. History says Self and Kansas are tough to beat when they single in on one player. My guess is the Jayhawks.
@HighEliteMajor Yeah, I don't want it to be true, but everything Bill has done up to this point leads me to the conclusion that Naa will start. :(
@dylans Maybe one Gram is better than Nada? Maybe.
But seriously I don't see immediate playing time at the point for any of the remaining unsigned talent. Frankamp could be a scoring machine, he was at the under 18 games. Mason could be come the ball handling bulldog we all want with more experience. Tharpe will be the senior starter at the beginning of the year and will have his moments. It would take a real quality point to steal minutes the next few years; if one is available come on down, if you're not a real stud you'll just warm AWIII old seat.
New non-news recruiting story. Why would KU want Graham?
@konkeyDong I just figured it was the personnel, not the system. Bill's best teams have always had two good ball handlers.
Random internet poster,"your a idiot."
That low-light of Withey should have the mortal kombat guy pop out and say, "Whooopsiieeeee"
Here's an artilcle about Calipari's view on the NCAA ↗ demands pay cut for players.
@nuleafjhawk The truth will lie somewhere between the two I hope.
I have a feeling the core group of freshmen will be on 2 final four teams. Wiggins was a stop gap to maintain excellence in what should have been a down year. If Black had performed to expectations we would be lamenting the loss of Turner because the unknown Embiid was still here. An alternate reality Bill had been able to pull off in the past with TRob for instance. Develop talent on the bench, convince them they aren't good enough, then let them loose as Juniors. It's a little different version of the OAD. A player with experience in the system that only gets one year to shine.
Bill needs to get Dante Exum to skip the draft and come to KU next year! None of the PG transfers thrill me: Roddy Peters being the most high profile, so let's get Exum. :)
Well, at least I no longer have to worry about Embiids back anymore. He had the potential to be an all-time great Jayhawk, now he's just a former Jayhawk, I guess. Do you call Anrio Adams a former Jayhawk? He was available for more games than JoJo.
NBA success or failure will not make me like JoJo or Wiggins more or less. They are just flashes in the pan. My fondest memories are all of 3-4 year players so a second year probably wouldn't be enough to make me remember them as fondly without a ring. i.e. I have more good memories about TJ Pugh than Xavier Henry.
That being said, I wish them both success in the NBA and I hope that sends future recruits to KU.
Will Oubre and Alexander with a more experienced core produce a better team than last year? Hell yes!!! Add in Turner and watch out.
I hope 5 years from now we all all trying to remember the two OAD's Bill recruited right before he went on a national title tear winning 3 of 5...I can dream.
I'm on pins and needles. Does anyone know if the full court press has been put on Turner (recruitment) yet? If not maybe there's hope...
Embiid has a difficult decision to make: be a local God or make millions in the NBA. What to do? You can only be a kid once (it gets creepy the older you get - Michael Jackson), but you also may only get one chance to be a top 3 pick in the NBA.
H.H. prep guard Graham plans Kansas visit ↗
Devonte Graham, a 6-foot-2, 175-pound senior point guard from Brewster Academy in New Hampshire, will make an official recruiting visit to Kansas University on Friday, Brewster coach Jason Smith reported Sunday on Twitter.
Graham, who recently was released from his letter-of-intent at Appalachian State, will visit North Carolina State a week from today. Graham also is considering Virginia, Virginia Tech, Providence and Xavier. Graham is currently unranked in the Class of 2014 by Rivals.com.
KU signees help USA squad to victory at Summit ↗
Kansas University basketball signee Kelly Oubre scored 14 points, grabbed five rebounds and dished three assists in the United States Junior National Select Team’s 84-73 victory over an international 19-and-under squad at Saturday’s Nike Hoops Summit in Portland, Ore.
Oubre, a senior shooting guard from Findlay Prep High in Henderson, Nev., hit five of 11 shots and was 2-of-7 from three-point range.
Kansas hoops signees reach Summit ↗
The United States Junior National Select Basketball Team will try to snap a two-year losing streak against a collection of international high school players 19 and under during tonight’s Nike Hoops Summit, set for a 6 p.m. tip on ESPN2, in Portland, Ore.
“Everybody knows that we have to come out here and win Saturday,” KU signee Cliff Alexander told USAbasketball.com.
Signees Alexander, Oubre add to awards ↗
Kansas University signees Cliff Alexander and Kelly Oubre have been named first-team All-America by USA Today, the paper announced this week.
Oubre and Alexander were joined on the first team by national player of the year Jahlil Okafor, a Duke signee from Chicago’s Whitney Young High; Emmanuel Mudiay, a SMU signee from Dallas’ Prime Prep Academy and Stanley Johnson, an Arizona signee from Mater Dei High in Santa Ana, Calif.
Replacing Joel Embiid, KU’s point guard problem, and Frank Haith’s problems ↗
You saw where Joel Embiid will enter the NBA draft, which really wasn’t a tough decision, and often this is where a college program can spin its wheels a bit. It’s easy when you sign Andrew Wiggins, and everybody knows going in that he’s gone after a year. It’s harder when you sign Embiid, think he’ll be there two or three, but then the kid takes off so quick it’s only one.
Jay Bilas ranks next seasons top title contenders ↗
No. 3. Kansas Jayhawks
If Andrew Wiggins comes back ... isn't that fun?! Wiggins and Joel Embiid are gone, and Wayne Selden Jr. is probably thinking about it, too. It doesn't matter. The only guy Kansas needs to worry about returning every season is Bill Self. Selden will come back, have a monster season, and Perry Ellis will be one of the best big guys in the Big 12. With freshmen Cliff Alexander and Kelly Oubre coming in, Kansas will still be very good.>
Self: Embiid would have been focus ↗
Joel Embiid would have been the focal point of Kansas University’s basketball team his sophomore season ... had the 7-footer from Cameroon stuck around for a sophomore season.
“I think he could do anything,” KU coach Bill Self said of the 20-year-old Embiid, who Wednesday declared for the 2014 NBA Draft. “He could be our best pick-and-pop guy. He could be maybe our best passer. He would have had many opportunities to show what he could do. If you saw him practice on a daily basis, you’d be amazed on how quick he picks stuff up. I think with a little bit of time he can do a little bit of everything, a lot of everything.”
Playing it 'safe':Embiid chooses NBA's millions ↗
Kansas University freshman Joel Embiid spoke several times the past couple of weeks with his friend and mentor, Luc Richard Mbah a Moute of the Minnesota Timberwolves.
He chatted once with retired NBA Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon, as well as Nicolas Batum of the Portland Trail Blazers.
Joel Embiid top 5? Puh-lease ↗
Every time I hear someone say that Joel Embiid will be a top-five pick in the next NBA Draft, I wonder if I have missed something.
Bye bye JoJo ↗
Kansas University freshman center Joel Embiid has put himself in position to make a prophet out of KU coach Bill Self by tossing his name into the ring for the 2014 NBA Draft.
Embiid, a 7-footer from Cameroon who averaged 11.2 points and 8.1 rebounds for KU in 28 games during the 2013-14 season, announced his intention to turn pro at the Allen Fieldhouse media room this afternoon with several coaches and teammates in attendance.
Should Embiid go #1? ↗
Kansas freshman Joel Embiid announced on Wednesday his intention to enter the 2014 NBA draft. Embiid isn't a lock for the No. 1 pick overall, but it's very likely he'll go in the top three. To help readers get to know top NBA draft prospects, Insider offers a 360-degree look at many of them in a scouting report featuring three expert perspectives: Kevin Pelton (analytics), Amin Elhassan (scouting) and Chad Ford (NBA front offices).
Joel Embiid to announce future plans at 2pm news conference wednesday ↗
Kansas University freshman center Joel Embiid will hold a news conference to announce his future plans at 2 p.m. Wednesday, coach Bill Self said Tuesday night.
The news conference, which will be held in the media room in Allen Fieldhouse, is closed to the public.
Myles Turner ↗
Myles Turner is currently the best high school basketball player in the country who is not committed to college, and it seems he is getting nearer to a decision.
“After the Jordan Brand Classic, I’m going to sit down with my family and do my best to set a date to commit,” Turner said Wednesday during the McDonald’s All American Game.
Embiid waits; public wonders ↗
In most cities, “Hello, how are you?” is the most commonly asked question, although it’s really more of a greeting than a question. Nobody listens to the auto-answer.
In Lawrence, it ranks a distant second to the runaway winner: “Why hasn’t Joel Embiid announced his decision yet?” The implied, though not stated, finish to that sentence is, “so that I can get on with my life already.”
Most likely 2014-15 All-Americans ↗
Now that the 2013-14 season is behind us, we'll wave goodbye to stars such as Shabazz Napier and Doug McDermott. So who will fill their shoes as the best players in the game in 2014-15?
It's time to look at the top potential All-American teams for the upcoming campaign. We're not including guys such as Jabari Parker and Rodney Hood, Willie Cauley-Stein and even Nick Johnson and Jordan Adams, as we anticipate they will take a shot at the NBA.
Too early top 25 recruiting primer ↗
Nine. Kansas Jayhawks
The bad news for the Jayhawks is that they are losing Andrew Wiggins -- and possibly Joel Embiid -- to the NBA. The good news is that they have two impact players coming to Lawrence next season. Cliff Alexander, the nation's No. 1 power forward, will bring Bill Self a post who will be able to impact games right away with his rebounding, shot-blocking and scoring in the paint. Kelly Oubre is a big wing who will defend with his 7-foot-3 wing span and convert to offense to finish a play with explosion and flare. Oubre can beat opponents at the rim and also behind the arc, knocking down open 3-pointers. With the country's No. 8 recruiting class already in tow, the Jayhawks are still pursuing No. 2 prospect Myles Turner, who recently visited Lawrence. If they land him, they could be a Final Four team in 2015. -- Paul Biancardi
College basketball coaches adapt Jayhawk go-to-play ↗
The play that resulted in Mario Chalmers’ overtime-inducing three-point basket in Kansas University’s 2008 NCAA title-game victory over Memphis now is referred to as “America’s Play.”
ESPN announcer Fran Fraschilla devised that term for KU coach Bill Self’s “Chop” play — one that was featured on Monday in a story at Deadspin.com.
2014 NBA draft big board 8.0 ↗
The men's NCAA season ended on Monday night and the Connecticut Huskies are the national champions.
A lot has happened since our previous Big Board update, which was in February. NBA draft stock has risen and fallen thanks to a number of factors such as injuries, conference play, and performance in the NCAA tournament.
Markieff Morris a leading candidate for the NBA sixth man award ↗
Don't be surprised in a few weeks if you see the following phrase scroll across the bottom of your television screen or pop up on your social media feeds: Phoenix's Markieff Morris named NBA Sixth Man of the Year.
All season long, the Suns — expected by some to be one of the worst teams in the league — have surprised the rest of the Association. But it didn't take long for it to become abundantly clear their early-season success wasn't a fluke. Now Phoenix (46-31), fresh off a 122-115 home win over Oklahoma City on Sunday night, has a legit shot at claiming one of the final three playoff spots in the highly competitive Western Conference.
@JRyman How many Buckets fans offed themselves after each tournament loss? I know I die a little with each tournament loss. This year was different; KU did just what I suspected they would do without Embiid - lose every other game.
I choose to look forward to the future, not wallow in the self misery of the most recent loss. The Arizona loss still stings way more for me.
No news is good news I suppose.
I'm thinking there needs to be some recruiting news, JoJo's announced return, something positive. I'm sick of reading quality contributors being sore loosers. I don't want to hear you cry about not winning a OAD NCAA tournament. Only one team wins each year; that's a lot of tears for everyone else. Now suck it up, pansies. It's time to look forward to the new year. There are 9 other teams in the Big 12 alone that would love to be in KU's shoes. I can honestly say there are at least 300 schools with goals less lofty than KU's that didn't meet their goals and their fan base isn't a bunch of whiny loosers.
Thank you to all the non-negative Nancy's. Keep it up I enjoy reading all of your posts. It is great to be a KU fan.
I live in Kansas, but I'm blessed to be a KU fan.
@drgnslayr With the rule change more zone defenses will be played to mitigate foul trouble and defensive shortcomings. I think the top of the key and the baselines will be open all season. Will someone be able to capitalize? I don't know, but Perry has the perfect zone busting game. He could present Niang-like matchup problems if the system would allow it. His D would have get significantly better too.
From the KC Star article.
“It wouldn’t rule (KU) out initially,” Turner said. “But I’ve had talks with coach Self; he feels that if Jo comes back — he didn’t say (I would) ‘waste my time’, but he said I should really look other places.”
In the hazy world of recruiting, Turner appreciated Self’s honestly.
“He still feels like if I come in, the more the merrier,” Turner said. “The fact he was upfront with me shows a lot about his character.”
And that's why I love Bill. In the sleazy world of recruiting he still comes across as a class act.
Myles trying not to look like he cares if Embiid comes back. Nicest way I can put it.
Not an April's fool day joke from Wiggins I suppose. I heard a funny one about UK making the final four...
Please add stories here
KU's Townsend ranked No. 1 assistant ↗
Kansas University’s Kurtis Townsend has been ranked the No. 1 assistant college basketball coach in the country, according to Basketball Times.
KU’s Norm Roberts checks in at No. 6 and Jerrance Howard No. 36 of the 60 coaches mentioned in the April 2014 edition of the magazine.
2014 McDonald's All-American game superlatives ↗
Best finishers: Cliff Alexander and Kelly Oubre
Alexander attacks the rim like no other player in the class. With dunks, rebounds, and blocks he’s a beast in every sense of the word, and will develop nicely under Bill Self at Kansas.
Alexander's future teammate in Lawrence plays above the rim on the break and when attacking the rim along the baseline. Oubre dunks with power and authority when he is not hitting a deep jump shot.
Tait: With Manning moving on, Tulsa next coach could be easy to find ↗
While the news about Danny Manning being hired by Wake Forest obviously is a big deal for the former Kansas University star and assistant coach, it's also potentially huge news for another former Jayhawk.
Brett Ballard, a former KU player and assistant in his own right, now sits in the win-win position of either moving on with Manning to Wake Forest or gunning to become the next Tulsa head coach himself.
Dodd: Former KU star Danny Manning takes job at Wake Forrest ↗
Danny Manning, the former Kansas star and assistant coach under Bill Self, is headed to Wake Forest.
Manning, who spent the past two years overseeing a quick program resurgence at Tulsa, has been hired to replace the departed Jeff Bzdelik, according to multiple reports.
The hiring was first reported by ESPN.com before being confirmed by the USA Today, Associated Press and Tulsa World. The hiring comes 26 years to the day after Manning led Kansas to the 1988 NCAA title — and two years after he was formally announced as the next coach at Tulsa.
Manning, the No. 1 overall pick in the 1988 NBA Draft, spent 15 years in the NBA before returning to Kansas to join Bill Self’s staff in 2003. He first joined the staff as a quasi-team manager and then the director of student-athlete development before being elevated to a full-time assistant role in 2007. He served on the staff that guided the Jayhawks to the 2008 NCAA title, and developed a sterling reputation for nurturing and developing big men.
Analysts: KU bound duo deserving all-stars ↗
Leftover notes regarding the McDonald’s All-American Game Wednesday in Chicago. ...
ESPN’s Reggie Rankin proclaimed future KU players Cliff Alexander and Kelly Oubre as “best finishers” of the 24 high schoolers who competed.
“Alexander attacks the rim like no other player in the class,” Rankin wrote of the 6-foot-8 power forward from Chicago Curie High, who had nine points and 11 rebounds in the East’s 105-102 loss to the West. “With dunks, rebounds, and blocks he’s a beast in every sense of the word, and will develop nicely under Bill Self at Kansas.
Future Jayhawk Cliff Alexander tries to lure Myles Turner to KU ↗
CHICAGO — Early on Monday morning, Cliff Alexander and Myles Turner stepped onto the same floor here inside the Quest Multiplex gym on the west side of the city.
It was nearly an hour into a morning practice. NBA talent-evaluators sat in a row along the far wall. Twenty-four of the best high school basketball players in the country were spread across two floors, preparing for Wednesday night’s McDonald’s All-American Game at the United Center, a few miles away.
Now it was time to scrimmage, and Alexander, a 6-foot-9 power forward, and Turner, a 6-foot-11 center, found themselves anchoring the same frontcourt while members of the 12-man East squad began to fly up and down the court.
Smith: McDonald's All American game roundup ↗
All-star basketball games have the reputation of turning into open-court affairs in which defense is an afterthought and nonchalantness rules the day.
So the best you can hope for is a tight game in the final minutes. That assures some true competitiveness will be on display.
Dodd: KU recruit Kelly Oubre is talented brash ↗
Kelly Oubre had grown out his hair for months, and now he needed something new, something that would make him stand out. He needed something, Oubre said, that could capture his “brand.”
“I’ve never been a person to follow a crowd,” he said. “I’ve always wanted to be different in anything I do.”
Waiting in the wings: Kansas signee Kelly Oubre says move to Vegas beneficial ↗
Chicago — Kelly Oubre Jr. had no say in the matter the first time his life was uprooted.
The second time was not accompanied by such dramatic circumstances, and he did not question his father’s advice.
Dodd: Top uncommitted prep player coolly bides his time ↗
CHICAGO — The college coaches with the seven-figure salaries still check in almost daily. They send text messages, and they call, and they write long, gushing letters, utilizing all the weapons of courtship available in the high-stakes world of basketball recruiting.
KU recruit Myles Turner keeping options open ↗
Chicago — Myles Turner has heard the talk that his college choices are down to Kansas University or Texas.
It did not originate from Myles Turner, nor, the highly ranked basketball recruit said, any representatives of Myles Turner.
KU signee Cliff Alexander in no rust to go pro ↗
Chicago — Even before he ceremoniously grabbed an Illinois hat off a table, then dropped it and declared himself a Jayhawk, Cliff Alexander spoke openly about his one-and-done intention to help his family financially.
On the same day Kansas University freshman Andrew Wiggins declared himself eligible for the NBA Draft, the next big thing changed his tune following McDonald’s All-American Games practice Monday morning.
Manning mulling options ↗
Tulsa, Okla. — Former Kansas University basketball All-American Danny Manning, currently the head coach at Tulsa, met with Tulsa’s president and athletic director Tuesday afternoon amid reports he is a leading candidate to fill the Wake Forest head coaching vacancy.
“They are very much interested,” Manning told the Tulsa World, referring to Wake officials. He said he had a productive meeting with UT officials.
Dodd: KU's Wiggins will enter NBA Draft ↗
When Andrew Wiggins arrived at Kansas last summer, he was open about his list of goals for the coming year: He wanted to win a Big 12 championship, win the NCAA title; and become the No. 1 overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft
Tait: Wiggins' Monday announcement won't surprise but will be meaningful ↗
So 2 p.m. central time Monday (or today, depending upon when you're reading this) is the official time for the announcement we've all known was coming since last May.
All signs point to Kansas University freshman Andrew Wiggins being headed to the NBA.
Almost everyone I know, along with many of you I don't, accepted this fact a long time ago and most people did not have much issue with the fact that Wiggins' time in Lawrence was going to last one season, win, lose or draw.
Done deal: Wiggins expeted to declare for NBA today ↗
Kansas University freshman basketball guard Andrew Wiggins will hold a news conference at 2 p.m. today, at which he will announce his intentions to enter the 2014 NBA Draft.
KU freshman Joel Embiid, who like Wiggins is expected to be taken in the top three of the draft, will not be part of this news conference.
KU Sports: KU signee Cliff Alexander in no rush to go pro ↗
“I wouldn’t mind staying two years,” Alexander said. “Stay and get better. I’ve been talking to my parents about it. Some guys leave, and they aren’t ready. They rush in, and they’re rushed out. I just want to take my time.”
Does the increased interest in big man transfers mean both Joel is gone, Turner isn't coming, and Hunter won't be a savior? Or is Bill just hedging his bet and planing for two-three years down the road when Turner and Embiid both will be 100% gone. Landon Lucas and Hunter Mickelson must not inspire much faith for playing time.
The quote by Xavier's Laker teammates shows why they are soooo bad.
@JRyman 2-3 years of Bill Self, Coach K, even Calipari will prepare these guys much better for the next level.
A lot of scouts have said that guys that have played for Calipari have shown little to no improvement under him. Most notably Anthony Davis, he didn't have a great rookie year and he is just now starting to come on offensively in his second year. John Wall has never done much in the league but win a dunk contest, and Rose scores a lot and take a lot of shots for a point guard.
I would have used Williams, Miller or even Wright over Calipari to get guys ready for the league, not just drafted high.
Those are better examples of good coaches. I don't think highly of the squid, but your examples are all oad players. And honestly the guy has been to 4 final fours with 3 different teams and has one won tournament.(don't check the record books though)
OAD players don't get the benefit of learning more than the basic system (even Cal's basic system). Any system/complicated job requires more than one cycle to master. At my job I train interns over the coarse of a summer. The job constantly evolves as the summer progresses, but year to year there are many similarities. It generally takes at least one season to break any bad habits and replace them with good habits. The interns that come back a second summer learn how to apply the knowledge that they acquired the first year. This helps them to identify both strengths and weaknesses. It truly takes three years to get into a grove in my profession as in basketball.
@globaljaybird I don't think Smart is a good comparison. Smart was going to get drafted on intangibles. Embiids qualities are quite tangible. 7ft. tall, good foot work, nimble, 7ft. tall rapidly advancing offensive and defensive game, 7ft. tall.
I think Jared Sullinger would be a better cautionary tale. But I also think better role models would be multi-year bigs who stick in the league like: Shaq (wasn't big enough as a freshman) Tim Duncan (needed to work on fundamentals) Hakeem (actually was raw). There are way more quality bigs who spent 3 years in college than 1.
Unfortunately the trend is toward shorter college careers so they don't get exposed. The players get drafted on potential not production. This also leads to a crappy NBA with talented players with no classic college coaching to draw upon. You can't tell me Dean Smith didn't help mould Michael Jordan. You can't possibly convince me that continuity in coaching and on court playing time can be replaced by bench time and lots of practice. I don't care how good your trainers are.
2-3 years of Bill Self, Coach K, even Calipari will prepare these guys much better for the next level.
I have seen the numbers. Yes most players can only improve the first contract by %25 which doesn't cover the lost year of pay. However, the real money is in the second contract (ask Paul Pierce or Greg Ostertag). It doesn't matter if they sign for less money because they stayed an extra; year as long as you are truly a stud. If you are trying to hide a deficiency then go pro while you can you aren't getting a second contract anyway (Selby, JuJu).
As Bilas said earlier in the season, "He's the real deal."
Embiid is a stud he doesn't have to go this year if he doesn't want to. He will still be a top 5 pick next year as long as his back problems are exactly as reported. If his back is worse than reported and he can hide his injury during his physical he'd better go.
@Wishawk Thank you. I love our Hawks and had the time. :)
Check out the poll on ESPN about Joel. Over 23,000 people have weighed in with their opinion about what they think Joel should do with his future.
@Crimsonorblue22 Not sure. Most likely after he signs with an agent. I'm sure they would want to put forth a clean bill of health. Then another physical by his new team before his contract is final. I do know he will have to pass the team physical before his contract is good or before he can be traded. Draft day trades aren't uncommon, but a player of his calibre being traded on draft day would most likely spell a GM's last days.
@nuleafjhawk I said with veteran leadership (like Carmello's 'Cuse team). And there really is no true recipe to National titles or Wooden's book would be way more expensive.
@Crimsonorblue22 A player can declare for the NBA draft and "test the waters". As long as the player doesn't sign with an agent or have workouts with NBA teams he can come back. If he declares a second year there is no coming back. If the player signs with an agent he's no longer an amateur athlete and can't come back.
Players have until April 27 to declare for the draft. I don't know when the withdrawal date is.
Rush declared for the draft and didn't sign, so he was able to come back. And if you believe the rumors (I try not to) he probably got hurt during an illegal workout with an NBA team that could have cost him his eligibility and KU its national title.
@HighElite Major
Now, if Embiid is gone, I would rather have the #50ish player with a year of experience. And a guy that would not dissuade an Alexander type player from coming.
One moment, Bill coaches to win every single game. He never once has coached for next year. They break the huddle 1, 2, 3, Big 12 Champs! or 1, 2, 3, National Champs1! It's never 1, 2, 3, wait 'til next year! (I think that is an actual KSU chant) In trying to win every game Bill knew he had 5 spots to fill. Two players already in the program and go get the rest. This is a recipe for disaster, but Self churned out another Big 12 championship.
Bill did this on the shoulders of freshman greatness. Without Wiggins or Embiid (or OAD Black) KU looses at least 15 games. Figure 5 points less production out of the Wiggins spot and 4-5 points more scored by the opposition due to no Embiid.
Now to your question: No. I wouldn't like 12 Andrew Whites/Naadir Tharpes on this team. I feel that putting the best talent on the floor is what wins National Championships. Wiggins and Embiid certainly give you a much better shot at winning with them than without.
The team in 2007-08 (yeah that team) won it all following two number one recruiting classes. So big talent is what big Bill wants. Talent overload with veteran leadership is the easy road to national titles.
As if an easy road to national titles exists. ;)
When the season began I was 100% sure Embiid would be back and so he quickly became my favorite player to watch. At the half way point in the season I was 67% sure Embiid would be back for a sophomore season; no more, no less. At the conclusion of the season I was about 50/50 on Embiid going pro.
Now I say there is still a 25% chance Embiid returns.
I want to see him in a Jayhawk uniform one more year to see what he could do in the tournament. I want to see how much he can improve in two years of Bill's system. I want to see Embiid dominate the game before he becomes a pro.
I have the utmost faith that Joel will be successful in the NBA if he can remain healthy. I am concerned for Joel due to his current frame size and worry about his durability. However, I feel that one more year of bulking up and building confidence and skills will be worth more in the long run. I also know that the college experience is one that can't be duplicated.
Wiggins to hold 2 p.m. press conference Monday to announce NBA plans ↗
Kansas University freshman basketball guard Andrew Wiggins will hold a news conference at 2 p.m., Monday in Allen Fieldhouse, in which he’s expected to announce his intentions to enter the 2014 NBA Draft.
Jeff Boschee settles in as college head coach ↗
Former Kansas University combo guard Jeff Boschee is a college head basketball coach at the age of 34.
“I’m full of energy,” Boschee said Saturday, asked about his first few days as successor to Robert Corn as head coach at Missouri Southern State University in Joplin, Mo. “We had our first team meeting and individual meetings and had our first two recruits on campus today. I’m pretty amped up, fired up and ready to go for next year already.”...
Season gave KU's Self another recruiting tool despite disappointing end ↗
Bill Self has an easy swagger and a $50 million contract. He is the CEO of Kansas’ eight-figure basketball empire, a future Hall of Famer, and the biggest star in one of the country’s biggest programs. You don’t get to this point without making progress even through disappointment.
And so it is that Self, in a year where his second-seeded Jayhawks lost in the NCAA Tournament’s round of 32 to a team they absolutely should have beaten, took an important step as a college basketball coach.
Bedore: Virginia Tech big man eyeing Kansas ↗
Another college basketball big man has Kansas University on his list of possible transfer destinations.
Trevor Thompson, a 6-foot-11, 210-pound freshman from Virginia Tech, this week was granted a release by the ACC school. According to the Indianapolis Star, Thompson, who averaged 5.0 points, 4.7 rebounds and 16.2 minutes a game, has heard from coaches from KU, Arizona, Auburn, Florida, Georgetown, Kentucky, Nebraska, Northwestern, Ohio State, Purdue, Tennessee and Xavier.
Interactive graphics: How Missouri, Kansas, K-State earn and spend athletic dollars ↗
Where do the three major college athletic departments in Missouri and Kansas receive and spend their money?
The Star, through public-records requests, has compiled revenue and expense data at Missouri, Kansas and Kansas State for the last seven financial years, including the 2012-13 data, which became available in March 2014.
KU reports record 93 million in athletic revenue; 13 million profit ↗
Smith: Hawks in the NBA ↗
Fearless attacks on the rim have proven to be the norm for Henry, who hurt his left wrist doing so after returning from his knee injury. So the Lakers try to convince him to take it easy.
Here's what Henry told Medina of his teammates' conversations:
“All the time they tell me I’m crazy. They say, ‘What are you doing this for? You have nothing to prove.’ I have something to prove to myself. I’m not quitting. I’m not going to take a step back.”
Self: Positively no decision has been made regarding Joel Embiid's future ↗
Kansas University coach Bill Self told the Journal-World late Thursday morning that "positively no decision has been made regarding Joel Embiid's future."
Joel Embiid: No decision ↗
Kansas freshman center Joel Embiid said Thursday that he has yet to make a decision regarding the NBA draft.
Embiid, in a Twitter exchange with Cliff Alexander, a top recruit who has committed to play for Kansas next season, was responding to a sourced report by Yahoo! Sports that the 7-footer was heading to the pros. Should Embiid declare for the June 26 draft, he is projected by many to be among the top picks.
Parrish: Kansas star Joel Embiid to enter 2014 NBA draft after one season ↗
Kansas star Joel Embiid has decided to forgo his final three seasons of Division I eligibility and enter the 2014 NBA Draft, Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski reported Thursday.
A formal announcement is expected soon.
Sources tell Yahoo Sports that Joel Embiid is leaving, but center's Tweet says no decision has been made ↗
Although an early-morning Thursday report from Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski cites "sources" saying Kansas University freshman Joel Embiid has decided to enter this summer NBA Draft, the 7-foot freshman center himself is claiming on Twitter that he has not yet made a decision
Keegan: For our sakes, Embiid should stay at KU ↗
I hope that Kansas University freshman center Joel Embiid returns for a second year. My motives are pure, as in purely selfish.
Wayne Selden tweets he'll return to Kansas Jayhawks for sophomore season ↗
Kansas freshman guard Wayne Selden will return for his sophomore season.
The 6-foot-5 Selden, who averaged 9.7 points per game this season, made the announcement via Twitter:
Bedore: KU assistant Howard has 'unbelievable' first year with Kansas ↗
Jerrance Howard, who played for Bill Self at the University of Illinois, now knows what it’s like to work for his former coach.
“Unbelievable,” the 33-year-old Howard said of his first season on Self’s Kansas University basketball staff.
Please feel free to add stories here
Courtesy of Wikipedia:
In 2005–06 the Jayhawks fielded one of the youngest teams in the nation, by the end of the year the starting line-up consisted of 3 Freshmen and 2 Sophomores. After some early season struggles, the Jayhawks finished the season with thirteen conference wins, good enough for their second straight season in which the team had claimed a share of the championship. Bill Self was named Big 12 Coach of the Year for the first time. In postseason play the team defeated its conference opponents to claim its first Big 12 Championship title since 1999. In the NCAA Division I tournament, the fourth seeded Jayhawks were defeated in the first round by Bradley, a #13 seed.
Open a history book fellas. If you don't you will repeat history over and over...
You did't need a crystal ball to see where this one season was going. The only reason for despair is that the bracket was so wide open until the Elite Eight where Florida would most likely have crushed our dreams. Next years team with more experience will have far more wins. Is this core still one year away from a N.C.?
One made shot in Wiggins last game; none for Embiid.
My bracket is officially busted and being a sore loser, I'm done watching basketball until October.
Thank you Jamari and Connor.
@bskeet Here's hoping at least one of the Kansas teams (without State in it's name) makes at least the final four.
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Video of the team getting off the bus. Pretty obvious why Joel is missed. That or a man is walking around with middle schoolers.
I like the twinkle in Bill's eye when he's talking about Joel not coming back (1:30) [Self inverview in St. Louis](
Hmm, 2nd half of the New Mexico game if needed?!? More likely just having fun with the reporters who keep asking the same question.
As I continue to read about butt-hurt fans around the nation ↗; I realize that I am probably in the minority in thinking that the tournament should shrink back to 32 teams. I feel that teams that couldn't win their own conference either regular season or tournament don't really deserve a spot.
I could be biased as KU would have qualified the last 10 years to a smaller field. This would slightly increase the odds of another N.C. trophy being in the foyer. Maybe I'm wrong and it's best for the top seeds to get a warmup game in, but it just seems like another chance to loose focus. The season is long enough for the players (not me).
Anyone care to weigh in?
For what it's worth, Jay Bilas picks KU to go to the Final Four in his bracket.
The Sports Science on Andrew Wiggins is pretty cool too.
Reading between the lines (in the Andy Katz interview with Wellman) it looks like Embiid may be back sooner than later in the NCAA tournament.
@HighEliteMajor Is a classic. :)
Wow! Atta boy Danny.
Can't bring myself to post the ESPN articles. Most are about how ISU is final four bound. I say tough out, but KUs already beaten them twice, so who's the better team?
I'm afraid that postseason success is completely up to when Embiid comes back, how fast KU adjusts to Embiid returning, and how healthy Embiid is when he's back. KU needs a rim-protector. The Jayhawks have shown all year the only way they can play decent defense is to turn all shooters into drivers so that JoJo can intimidate them into an awkward shot.
@wissoxfan83 Did Perry give up more than the 30 he scored? It sure seemed like it down the stretch. I know what I'd do if I was Fred and I didn't want to see my kid cry again. I'd isolate Niang on Ellis and watch the scoreboard burn out. I know after the third straight layup at about the 6 minute mark is when I had to go watch something else (for a couple minutes) as it was obvious that the 'Hawks were going to lose due to a complete lack of defense.
Well I hope the guys learned a little something. The next loss will be their last together. I'm hopeful for 6 more games, but it looks like 2 may be the max depending on the matchup.
I miss Embiid.
Wish I was at the tournament this year! So many good games. I got the opportunity to go last season, it was awesome, and it looks like this year could be better (if the good guys keep winning).
The rest of the article isn't relevant so here's a snippet:
Also Wednesday, NBA Commissioner Silver repeated his goal of changing the "one-and-done" rule that allows college players to enter the NBA after one NCAA season; he would prefer an age limit of 20 years-old. Another option would be for the NCAA to allow players to sign with an agent and be drafted but remain in school.
Silver said he would like to work with USA Basketball and the NCAA on keeping players in college longer, which would help athletes develop into better basketball players. It would also help the NCAA.
"Historically, college basketball has not had a seat at the table," Silver said.
Such a change would have to be bargained with the NBA players' union. Because the union leadership is in flux, Silver all-but ruled out a change for next year.
In what he called the first formal address of his term as commissioner, Silver joked that a month or so ago he wouldn't be allowed into a group limited to CEOs. Several questions from the group were answered by him noting that he's only been on the job six weeks.