🏀 KuBuckets Archive

@drgnslayr Not necessarily. I do believe KU is Diallo's leader right now. However, I don't think Oubre's leaving is the 'opening' for Diallo. I think either Alex or Ellis leaving would be Diallo's 'opening' or guarantee to pick KU. Alexander needs to announce asap. His holdout is costing KU. Each day he waits, Diallo looks toward ISU.

Also did you read Jaylen Brown's comment about his choice? He said if he goes to a program without any NBA guys, he won't have to wait until the NBA deadline. Oubre is the only NBA guy right now. This is why Selden needs to announce NOW. If Selden leaves KU may get Brown or even Newman. I wasn't impressed with Newman at the McDs AA game. I thought Brown showed more potential. I think Brown would be a nice replacement for Oubre.

If anything @drgnslayr, Oubre's leaving left a nice opening for Brown, not Diallo.

Did you all watch the McDs AA game? LISTEN to the recruit. The biggest take away is they want to play. They want playing time and they want to be let go to play. Did you hear Briscoe? "I like Coach Calipari and Kentucky because he 'lets you play.' "

What does that tell you? It's not that Briscoe won't get pt, but Brisco can play Briscoe ball. Calipari will coach to the strength of an OAD. I've argued this over and over on this board. Self has a system. The players have a choice: Either play within the system as a team player or forget it. NOW, we know Calipari's secret. Top recruits like Calipari because he 'lets them play.' Calipari will talk team concept, but in reality, he lets players play to their strength. Screw any system. Calipari has no system. His system is the OAD. This is why he's so good with OAD. Again and again, he teaches them nothing. Wiggins became a defensive machine after he left KU. UK players are still UK players when they enter the NBA.

Please don't misunderstand me. The UK players are all good and deserve to be in the NBA. But, what do they bring? What have they been taught? NOTHING. They are the same leaving UK as they were when they entered, self-centered. Did you hear Briscoe? He's one cocky kid and he belongs at UK. I wouldn't touch that cancer with a 10' pole.

@HighEliteMajor High maintenance too

@HawksWin Calipari may be one of the most honest people in college bball. Maybe I'm totally wrong about him. Maybe he's a God-given saint. Don't bleed your heart. This has nothing to do with what the programs are doing. I think the Hurleys are doing great. In fact, I've often wondered why some of these "underprivileged" kids that have gone to the NBA don't give back to the programs that made them.

Have you ever thought about that? How many of these players are giving to these schools? We have no reason for any D1 coach and some coach at an under privileged school getting too close. I don't hear too many high school coaches gushing like Hurley. In fact, I don't hear of any high school getting involved with any of these recruits.

Here's an idea Hawks, let's have the coaches create a foundation for these under privileged schools. They can donate without the individual promos and fanfare. This way coaches can anonymously give to help these kids. You're foolish if you think Calipari is doing it for the kids.

Also, get some of these millionaire NBA players to open their deep pockets too. The NBA owners could open their pockets too. Does this sound familiar, "NBA Cares"? Don't preach to me about charity and generosity to justify Calipari's motives.

TOWNS' TRANSFORMATION 'INCREDIBLE'
Karl-Anthony Towns' high-school coach Bob Hurley: "I didn't think he could go from shooting 3s to being this dominant around the basket. I want to write John Calipari a note to say this is the most amazing transformation I've seen."

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Gag me...BTW- Coach Hurley, thanks for the recruiting plug. The check is in the mail. Coach Cal

This is what makes me sick about college bball. The Hurleys come from a very needy Catholic school that is always in need of money to stay open. Presto...enters John Calipari ("Catholic"?) So, he gets to support his faith (which is great), but hey, it doesn't hurt to get a little extra help from the Hurleys when it comes to recruits. Folks I'm here to tell you college bball is dirty, dirty, and dirty...Coaches like Bill Self who play by the rules and run a clean program, honest, open, and transparent, get's screwed.

And some have the bodacious audacity to question why Self and other deserving coaches can't get the OADs or the elite of the elite? Here's why...John Calipari and WWW have the recruiting world in their back pocket and it's all CLEAN as a baby's bottom. It's almost like money laundering, only with recruiting. They clean their trails and cover their details to ignore the NCAA and it wouldn't surprise me one bit if they have a NCAA sanctions employee on the take. Call me crazy, but I don't think it's too far from reality.

KU has been here before, and everytime a Chicken Little screams the sky is falling. Most of the concerns on this post have been addressed.

We actually need to reload/rebuild. I've said before and will say again. Oubre is gone. Alex is likely gone and Self needs to push him because this Loangate is not going away. The NCAA will dog this until Alex declares. I don't think Self or Alex has a choice at this point. I don't know all the details, but the ultimate victim is Alex. We just lost a potentially great player and just never completed the season.

Selden needs to leave. He's digressing for some reason. He needs to review his stock status and if he's late in the first round, GO. If he's in the first round go and get picked up somehow. If not, there are a lot of options for his development. If Selden returns, he must return in beast mode with something to prove. I just don't think a return will do him much good. His fate is pretty much sealed.

Ellis may actually be the obvious sleeper. Many of us thought he'd return and will like do so. However, he's in a similar boat. His stock isn't too bad. Unlike Selden, he was actually on the upside of his junior season. I don't think it matters either way for Ellis at this point whether he goes or stays. I think staying may be to his advantage for his senior season. But, like Selden he risks losing what he's worked so hard to achieve. Ellis has a heart and a different way of looking at his life. I say he's back for his senior season, but it would be a pleasant surprise to me if he leaves.

Bottom line? Self needs to clean house and reload. It's time to keep a few core leaders: Mason, Graham (really matured), Green, Ellis?, maybe Lucas for experience. I'm not completely sold on Mari. He's a role player and a great model for work ethic. Svi is a diamond in the rough. I want that kid to stick around, learn, and grow. He needs to work on his shot. He can only get better. I don't care what Mickelson does at this point. I don't think he's going anywhere. He just gambled and lost.

Now let's reload with this core mentioned above. Let's add...Diallo, Brown, and maybe, just maybe Newman. I think Simmons April Fool's joke was interesting to say the least. Simmons may have ultimately just ruled out UK for Newman. But, he may know that Newman is LSU bound. I think with Oubre declaring just opened wide the door for Brown. If so, we may lose Green. Brown is going to bring what Green failed to bring all year as a sophomore. Lastly, if Selden leaves, it 'might' be the chip/domino Self needed to lure Newman. I always thought Newman was waiting to see what Selden would do. This is the ultimate reason for losing Selden. Now, I have no idea what Thorne's transfer means, if anything. I think he merely gives size and experience, pretty much Black 2.0. So, bottom line to bring in Diallo, Brown, Newman, and maybe Thorne, we'll have to lose...Oubre(check), Selden(?), and maybe Ellis.

We have 3 to give? Bragg gets 1, Diallo 1, Brown 1, and if Selden declares, 1, and we wouldn't have to lose Ellis. But, for the sake of pt, it's almost imperative that Ellis and Selden leave for Diallo and Newman. If we miss on Newman, I think Ingram might be our sleeping recruit. If we get both Brown and Ingram, Green is guaranteed gone. I doubt it will happen exactly this way, but very possible.

The Sky is not falling and either way KU will be ok. Always have is and will be fine. We get at least one more top recruit in addition to Bragg, even if it's Diallo, so be it. If we bring in Thorne, our 5 will be fairly competitve with him and Lucas. Diallo can get 25-30 mins, even with Ellis. Self will work it so that Ellis is a stretch 4 and Diallo is a true 4. We may get to see what some of us have been wanting for Ellis his whole time here as a big 3 (if we miss on Brown or Ingram).

@drgnslayr he pretty much told Oubre he would play in Wigs place and that was a quote from oubre.
I say cut Alex lose or make him decide because he's holding up the progress
As for Alex I would agree he hasn't helped and doesn't seem to help going forward.

I was thinking about recruiting. I have a few ideas. The NBA won't help nor will the NCAA ever agree to such guidelines:

1. Limit the amount of time recruits have to choose their schools.

2. Limit the amount of time coaches have to sign their recruits.

3. Limit the number of recruits any one program can get.

4. If you go to the F4, you are not eligible for any recruits except what you project is leaving and coming into the program immediately following the F4. This would allow other programs to get top recruits too.

I would give coaches and recruits until midnight the night before the first March Madness tipoff.

I would require coaches to recruit their recruits within that allowed time. After that, there would be a one day window when a recruit could choose maybe late in the Summer, say July 1, right before practice starts.**

This would prevent recruits from taking so long to pick a program. I think these recruits know where they want to attend. They all have a year to enjoy the recruiting process.

This would challenge coaches to get their prize recruits. It would force coaches to get their players verbalized. This would also limit the number of recruits to any one program. This would bring strict definitions of what "verbalized" means. No recruit could get out of the verbal unless there were extenuating circumstances as predetermined by NCAA.

Coaches would then be forced to recruit "lesser" known talents, like KU does from time to time and would level the playing field.

It would be the coach's responsibility to determine who he needs, and only go after those players. In other words, if Calipari for example, has 13 scholarships and he has 4-5 recruits committed or signed, then he would be responsible to get 4-5 guys off the team. If he signs over the allotted limit, he would be responsible to make changes to his roster or lose a specified number of players and face recruiting sanctions. This would force him to determine who he wants and who he pushes out of the program. No second chances either. He couldn't take advantage of the "window" because it would only allow a player or two, if at all, based on your F4 status.

A coach would then have that one day window to sign a recruit. Again, its based on the number of scholarships needed. This would challenge the way coaches get recruits. It would also show the recruiting world how coaches really value their existing players, especially those who don't/can't jump to the NBA.

This is wishful thinking and I don't think it would hurt KU because Self only recruits what he needs or projects. He doesn't use the platoon system to recruit.

**This might be abused by some coaches. They might be tempted to 'pay' players or reward players to wait for this 'window.' There may not be a window. It's either all or nothing for the rest of the year once your initial recruits are established. I'd say coaches have to have their rosters complete by the end of the NCAA tourney. Recruits can still play in all the post season games too ie. McDs AA, Nike Summit, etc.

I think the recruiting process is ridiculous and way too abused.

@FarSideHawk Good question...I'd say Embiid was on his way. I'd also say Andrew Wiggins was too. We're talking about a 6-9 PF Farside. Look at his competition, Lucas and Hunter. I doubt he'll get it right away, but like Embiid, he'll definitely see that 30 min mark in the second half of the season. Self did a great job with Embiid. He was on track with Alex too, until "Loangate" struck.

You said bigs. But Wiggins played like a big. Also, I think Self sees the need to bend his tradition a bit too. If you've got a big like Diallo, you play him. Self'system makes it really difficult because it's not a playground system. There's actually, skill, timing, passing, picking, and technique involved. Heck, I can go to UK pass in the paint, chicken wing a man, and sink a little 5-6 ft skyhook, especially if i'm 7' plus. Towns had zero resistance in the paint. He dominated ND. It actually made me sick.

@Blown Ok...I get it, he's innocent until proven guilty. I don't hate the guy, but sorry two bad programs after he leaves is enough for me. I won't take him at all.

I guarandamntee you Barnes told him to jump. I'm sorry, Barnes seems like a "nice" guy but a horrible horrible coach and my bet is he has given Turner some very bad advice.

@RockChalkinTexas Barnes used Durant PERIOD.

@BeddieKU23 I have nothing against the kid. He has raw skills. He's not going to translate his shot and blocking in the NBA, I'm sorry. He's going to get discouraged and fade away into the DLeague.

He's not developed at all. Barnes did him NO favors at all.

@RockkChalkk He could but this is where conference titles will come into play. Diallo knows Self wins. I think Diallo would like to at least win a conference championship. I think KU has a better chance than ISU.

It seems that St Johns is out for the most part. ISU dropped considerably in his recruitment and was the early favorite for the first half of the season. However, many of the analysts predict he will pick KU.

Now as for Calipari, I think Diallo is a good kid and respects the game. I think he likes what UK is accomplishing. But, his time at UK will be limited under the platoon system. He will get 20 mins max. Now, Calipari will pull the ol' bait and switch on him. He promises him all the pt in the world. We all know how Calipari promotes this platoon system. These recruits are on to Calipari. I hope Diallo looks at Dakari Johnson. Johnson led Embiid their entire high school and AAU career. Embiid surpassed Johnson by miles. Johnson has digressed under Calipari's system. Embiid is in the NBA and Johnson is still playing college ball.

I think there's a big difference in favoring a team and respecting them. Diallo almost seems distant with UK. His language doesn't seem like a recruit that's about to pick UK. I think Diallo will play 25-35 mins at KU under the circumstances. He has to compete against Lucas and Hunter.

@RockkChalkk said:

http://www.courier-journal.com/story/recruiting/2015/03/31/cheick-diallo-prediction-kentucky/70737714/ ↗

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@ralster I didn't think he'd ever return to the NBA due to his heart condition. I don't think the pace of the NBA is good for his health.

@Blown Scratch 3, please...Why would you want a guy that left two programs in shambles after he left? I've got a bad feeling UK will regret having him IF he ever leaves.

@BeddieKU23 Yes

@drgnslayr I'd say his year at UT was medicore. He will be mediocre in the league. I expect to see him overseas. I hope he proves me wrong. He won't have the skills. He has the talent but so do many other players. But size alone won't make you a success in the NBA.

Myles Turner will be the biggest waste of talent in the NBA. He was never developed at UT. He'll enter the NBA playing high end high school basketball and won't have much from his college experience to contribute. He'll be schooled and spanked every night until he really learns the game. Maybe Kevin Durant will pick up where Barnes failed. Maybe Durant will play vicariously through Turner. Maybe Turner will become KD 2.0. Please laugh and tell me you thought that funny. No way in hell will Turner be anywhere near Durant's ability at this point. I think this is where Turner is fooled. He's been compared to KD and he's taking that into the NBA.

Good luck Myles Turner. It was nice knowing you for such a short time. I wish you all the best. You're going to play with MEN, not boys, but MEN.

@RockChalkinTexas Tom Izzo is my favorite coach next to Bill Self.

@Blown It is remarkable when all you have is the so-called recruiting analysts or experts. I have no idea what they call themselves today. But if you're a statistician and it makes you giddy. I can provide all the links you want.

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It is remarkable, but it's not my number. It's something and they are usually pretty close.

Okay, it's 5% within UK, but I can make it more intriguing. There's a margin of error at +/- 5 Now that's remarkable. Basically, UK/KU are all even with Maker at this point. We get one of the two, which is a win/win for Self and Co. I don't think Thorne has any bearing at all. The more size we have the better. I think Self gets Bragg, lands Thorne, and will get either Diallo or Maker. I think we miss on the others. I'll be surprised if we land Newman, Brown, or Ingram at this point. We also have the other transfers too. Although, they don't sound too high on KU at this point. We are loaded at the 1, 2, 3 positions. I think Ellis/Bragg/Mari are going to own the 4. The 5 is wide open with Lucas and Hunter.

We have to lose Oubre, Alex, and possibly Selden. If Selden comes back with business as usual, it will be a total wasted piece of paper. He better rock the hard court as an experienced junior.

Enjoy the numbers games.

@Hawk8086 I'm surprised when any of these guys jump. There are a precious few who are truly ready for the NBA. It doesn't matter what we think. It's what they ultimately do. They believe they're ready. I just learned this morning that Turner is going to the NBA. Some yesterday said after my posts about him that GMs love him, he can shoot the three, and dang it, he's 7'. All true. But it doesn't mean he's ready. Interestingly, if Turner isn't ready, then most others are definitely not ready. But how many times have we all pissed and moaned about the NBA's OAD. So, you're absolutely right, Selden isn't ready, Alex isn't ready, and Oubre really isn't ready, but hey the NBA says they are ready.

These kids don't understand the term "draft stock." They don't understand it's earning potential. They need to learn how to invest themselves and increase their draft stock. But they won't. They'll jump and settle for the least amount possible. It's sad, but true.

@drgnslayr oubre Alex and possibility selden are gone....whether they are ready or not...gone. If selden returns his junior year, he better be SuperMan.

@stupidmichael you do realize we are leading with Cheick Diallo? Self snatched him from isu and we are 3-4% behind UK on Maker...doubt we get both Diallo and Maker but Self is still recruiting.

@Crimsonorblue22 I believe that if a coach leaves, he can get out and don't think he has to sit. The player only sits if he leaves by choice. But, because the coach leaves or is fired, the player is free to opt out and play at another program.

I'm trying to think of another case in point, but I can't recall one. I could be wrong, but I don't think they fault the player for leaving or sitting him. Maybe because he played a year, he has to sit.

He will likely jump to the league based on potential.

@Crimsonorblue22 And won't amount to much either. Yeah, he may go, but don't see him doing anything. He did nothing at UT.

Or, Turner might follow Barnes to his next program. But something tells me that Barnes will take his buyout and enjoy life a bit before he jumps into another program.

Let's not forget Barnes was FIRED. Why would Turner stay when the coach who recruited you is fired? I would like to know if Turner is talking with Barnes and his parents about a possible transfer. I'd take him because Self is obviously a way better coach. The next coach will take pretty much the next 2-3 years getting the program he wants. If you're a freshman recruit, I'm going to spend the remainder of my time at a program that wants you, a coach that can develop you, and a strength coach that will give you the skills necessary for the next level. Why waste it?

Lastly, if I'm a freshman/sophomore big. I'm going to a program that will get me positive exposure. A program where the offense will feature me. Turner needs more bang for the buck, so to speak (not a good term in NCAA bball) and make up for lost time at UT with Barnes. He did nothing at UT and I would put that on Barnes.

Turner, take a long look before you even jump to the league. You are no where ready. Come to KU and you will be guaranteed a season that will put you where you want to be in your second year. Forget your initial recruiting snafu, no big deal. Just correct it now. Be a big man and learn. No one blames you for going to UT and staying in Texas. Now it's time to get serious with your career.

@Crimsonorblue22

Rick Barnes leaves as Texas coach
Updated: March 29, 2015, 1:10 PM ET
ESPN.com news services

Texas Fires Rick Barnes After 17 Seasons

I wonder if Myles Turner can transfer and play? Critics are down on Turner, but Self would do way more for Turner if he transferred to KU. Likely not going to happen, but a possibility.

@Kip_McSmithers Towns had 4 PFs too. Yet, he never fouled out and played really aggressive. The refs swallowed their whistles with Towns in the second half. Call it whatever you want, whether explicit or implicit, there is a uk bias.

The bias is how the media and apparently the NCAA is willing uk to the NC.

I don't want to hear anymore about Thorne unless he chooses KU. If he doesn't choose KU, I don't care. I hope this is no indication of our current recruiting with Diallo or Maker.

@DanR ND had a great game and plan. UK had no idea how to handle the play. They started mugging ND and got away with every other foul. But, ND missed too many shots and too many FTs. The last play was a bad play. One man dribbles down and hoists up a difficult shot, knowing uk was going to mug him. If you have two defenders, someone is open. Tough break for ND. The better team did not win this game. One team just got a break or two.

Crap! ND got away from their game the last few mins. They had UK on their heels. UK was beat. Then, Harrison drove in and got a lucky foul and FTs. Sick, sick, sick...

Go Badgers

Ivan Rabb is announcing today, March 28, or maybe as early as today.

Many think he's staying in the Bay area. He's choosing California?

Good for him and California. Anywhere but uk.

@jaybate-1.0 Well, your shoe fodder is going away. Adidas is pulling out? Now what?

@Shanghai_RCJH Sure they are, it's ridiculous. It's going to be sad if they find something when Calipari leaves. They'll vacate this record. UK will want his head on a platter. They worship him now, but when he leaves in the next year or two, something is going to blow up. They will want his head.

IF they find something and if something blows up in Lexington when he leaves for the NBA, the NCAA needs to grow a pair and ban him from NCAA coaching. Three strikes and he's out.

@drgnslayr Calipari has his guys playing like they're up or down by 1 pt too. He could put his equipment manager, water boy, assistants, and maybe Winona Judd in to sub, and still win by 20 pts.

My my my, if Calipari goes to the NBA, Whoa Nellie...There's gonna be a barn burning in Lexington. I guarantee you Calipari will leave that program in some kind of hot messy scandle, and still escape free of any responsibility.

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John Calipari to "make a push after the NCAA Tournament"? You mean make a bid? Calipari doesn't make recruiting pushes, he makes recruiting bids.

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What's more, Thon Maker is a big UK lean.

I have to admit, if we have a chance for both Diallo and Maker, I'll take them. Why not? Calipari sure as hell will.

I really hate to say this and I mean nothing by it, but I wouldn't be too disappointed if Selden, Oubre and Alexander followed their NBA dreams. It would get rid of the fluff and at least give KU a chance to bring in better pieces. They just didn't quite click. The chemistry never mixed.

I'd like to see Diallo, Newman, and maybe Brown or Ingram. Brown or Ingram would be just in case #14 decides to cop an attitude. I'm not too happy with his effort and attitude. It's sad because the kid has sick potential. He's sand bagging and hurting himself and the team. BG better pull his head out and play ball. He needs to show up first day of practice a new man, new purpose, and focused. This lousy body language has got to go.

So either we land 1-2 recruits or we may not get anyone else. If Self is going for the UNC Charlotte kid, hopefully we'll bring in Diallo and have a nasty front court.

Speaking of nasty front courts, but it seems to me Dakari Johson has fallen way down. He's not done anything with Calipari's platoon system. Johnson is the least improved on the UK team. He's horrible.

So much for WVU

@Crimsonorblue22 haha...Recruits meet Andrew Wiggins, the next NBA ROY. Oh, did I mention he played at KU? Oh yeah, forgot that little tid bit.

These recruits come from high school and they're all OFFENSE. They have little to NO defensive tools whatsoever. Wiggins came in defensively raw, and entered the NBA as one of the best rookie defensive players. It might be something these recruits today need to consider.

Does anyone remember TRob when he arrived on campus his freshman year? I do. Diallo is built a lot like TRob, only moves much like Embiid. I think Diallo will be slightly better than TRob and after Hudy gets him, Diallo is going to be a beast. I remember when I saw TRob, he was thin and lanky. He left a grown man.

Let's definitely hope Self and Roberts are pulling out the stops on Diallo. Let's hope they tell him, you will play. You will be the second inside presence we lacked all year. We would've been a better team with you this year. So, come play in the Phog and help lead us to a NC next year.

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Why is this a rumor? Why would a head coach visiting a top recruit be a rumor? It sounds as if the recruiting world may know something by "rumor." Might 'rumor' be defined as 'getting a commitment'?

It appears this visit is no ordinary visit.

I just don't think the Bragg and Co packaged deal ever had a chance with Ingram and Brown. I'll be shocked if we land Brown or Ingram. I've been preaching Newman, but if we land Brown over Newman, I'll take it too.

We're out on Zimmerman. In fact, we're not even on his list anymore. He's down to UNLV, UCLA, ZONA, AND UK. I think pretty much in that order too.

@Crimsonorblue22 Well, he started out as a great candidate. But he's making some crazy decision that have people scratching their heads.

No, nothing at all aimed at you. I'm from Wichita and have family all over Wichita area. I know exactly who he is too.

@drgnslayr If Devonte gains some consistency, he'll be pretty much what we need. If, he shoots like he did against WSU in a big game like that, there will be issues. If we land Newman, Graham will be a back-up to Mason and Newman. Newman can be that outside consistent presence we've desperately needed. I think Mason and Graham will be solid at the 1 for us.

We'll be so much closer to that true inside/out game we all wanted this year. I think Ellis and Diallo will give us a huge inside presence. Green, Mason, Graham, and hopefully Newman will be nasty from outside. Also, gotta learn to pass in Self's system. You gotta know some bball geometry.

I've got a crazy feeling, but the Ukranian is going to be the prototypical Self player. The kid has talent that will be what Self's wants in all his players. Svi does things you don't teach. He was making plays and passes most freshmen don't make and at 17 yrs old? He's going to be Special, Special Svi.

@joeloveshawks If Selden jumps, he opens the door for Newman.

@DanR Wrong on Bragg. He'll have to take time to fit into Self's system. We've discussed that Self's system is not for the true OAD. It takes at least two years to become a contributor. If you go to Calipari, which is where all your OADs want, because he has no system.

Bragg will have to stay at least two years. Diallo may go and if we land Newman, he's likely gone too. Bragg will be an Ellis disciple. If he learns, he'll be huge his sophomore year. Not because he's Cliff or Oubre-like, but because he'll be a student of the program.

@BeddieKU23 These kids have to understand Self's system. I'll be surprised if Ellis leaves. I say Ellis stays his senior year. If Bragg is smart, he'll be patient and take aim with Ellis. Learn all he can from Ellis and he'll take Ellis' spot his sophomore year. Diallo could be an instant contributor inside and take over for Alex's departure. This team vastly improves without Selden, Oubre, and Alex. It's silly, but true.