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Thursday, November 15, 2007

It’s official: They’re Jayhawks

Twins, juco standout sign; two more letters on way today

By Gary Bedore

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Morris twins, Little join team

The Kansas men's basketball team picked up three expected letters of intent on the first day of the national signing period.

Twins Marcus and Markieff Morris will arrive at Kansas University as Rivals.com's No. 37- and 72-rated players nationally.

They're even better than that, Jayhawk coach Bill Self said Wednesday after receiving signed letters of intent from the Philadelphia duo.

"We feel Marcus and Markieff are two of the most underrated players in the country," Self said on a day he also received a signed letter from No. 1 rated junior college player Mario Little of Chipola (Fla.) Community College.

Letters from future KU players Quintrell Thomas and Travis Releford were expected to arrive today after those players hold their signing ceremonies.

On Wednesday, Self was able to comment publicly only on those players whose letters had arrived.

Marcus Morris, Self indicated, is a multi-dimensional 6-8, 220-pound forward, who averaged 27 points and 12 rebounds his senior year at Prep Charter High. He and brother Markieff, a 6-10, 230-pounder who averaged 23 points and 15 boards, are spending this season at APEX Academies in New Jersey. They chose KU over Villanova and St. John's.

"Marcus is a do-everything guy," Self said. "He can post. He can play point. He's a very good shooter, one of the most versatile guys we've recruited since we've been here. He's kind of like Julian (Wright) in some ways.

"Markieff is a prototypical 6-10 power forward who can also play the pivot. He's a good shooter and passer. We look forward to utilizing him in both spots. He can play with a small guy next to him or bigger guy next to him, which makes him unique."

Little, 6-5, 210 from Chicago's Washington High, is averaging 19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.2 assists for 4-0 Chipola. He chose KU over Illinois and Kansas State.

"Mario played inside most of his high school career and his first year at junior college," Self said. "He is a legitimate 2-3 (shooting guard/small forward). He's a good shooter, excellent scorer. He can beat you off the bounce. He brings an element of toughness I think the team will need. The twins do as well. Getting three guys out of Chicago and Philadelphia will definitely bring an element of toughness to our ballclub."

Little is the first juco player signed by Self at KU. He coached a juco player in Jeff Graves, who was signed by Roy Williams.

"That was one of our biggest selling points," Self said of playing time for a player who will enter as a junior.

"He has an opportunity to come in and impact us immediately in large part due to the number of people we will be losing this year. All three guys ... look for them to have an immediate impact.

"We have always liked to recruit interchangeable parts," Self noted. "These three signees all can play multiple positions on the floor. All can post. All have good ball handling skills and all have great length."

Releford, 6-5 from Roeland Park Miege, chose KU over Missouri, Kansas State, Texas, Oklahoma and others. Ranked No. 70 by Rivals.com, he averaged 19.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.0 steals and 3.0 assists his junior year at Miege.

Thomas, 6-8 from St. Patrick High in Elizabeth, N.J., chose Kansas over Rutgers, Maryland and UNLV. Ranked No. 147 by Rivals, he averaged 22 points and 12 rebounds last summer for New Jersey Elite AAU after averaging 9.0 points and 7.5 boards for St. Patrick.

KU will continue recruiting into the spring. The Jayhawks are after Willie Warren, a 6-3 guard from North Crowley High in suburban Fort Worth, Texas.

KU also may continue looking for another big man. The Jayhawks, who will graduate five seniors, are expected to lose Brandon Rush and Darrell Arthur to the NBA with Mario Chalmers and Sherron Collins also early-entry possibilities.

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Comments

Baha (anonymous) says...

Welcome to the family boy's...

November 15, 2007 at 8:38 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Lebowski (anonymous) says...

Man, what if everyone goes? lol

Collins
Chalmers
Arthur
Rush
Kaun
Jackson
Robinson
Case
Stewart

Next year's possible squad

G- Warren FR
G- Reed SO
F- Little JR
F- Morris FR
C- Aldrich SO

Bench G - Relaford FR, Teahan SO (he'll get a scholly), Morninstar (RS)SO
Bench F/C - Morris FR, Thomas FR

Anyone I'm missing? I'm only counting 10! 5 FR, 4 SO, and 1 juco transfer lol

Personally, I think Collins will be back, he's going to have to have a dominant season to go high in the draft (just because of his height), which is precisely what he'll do next year. I still think there's a possibility that Mario will come back for his SR season, which I hope he does so he can squash that NCAA career-steals record.

If Mario and Sherron are both back, you know they'd each put up some serious numbers.

November 15, 2007 at 9:12 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

txrockchalk (anonymous) says...

Here is a good story on the Morris twins:

http://www.kansascity.com/sports/stor...

November 15, 2007 at 9:57 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

jhwkfan162515 (anonymous) says...

I dunno about this juco guy. Historically, how have juco transfers fared at KU? Not well. Ask Larry Brown, who was up to his eyeballs with juco transfer problems during the 1988 title season. And don't even talk to me about the baggage Jeff Graves brought along...

November 15, 2007 at 10:16 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

KGphoto (anonymous) says...

Ah yes. lol

Let's get serious. Shady, Collins and Chalmers are not NBA material. I love 'em. But Jules went top 10 in the draft and look at him now. Sitting at the extreme end of the bench with no chance of upward mobility.

Shady hasn't done anything of significance since he's been here. Collins can't stay healthy. Chalmers can be a defensive presence in the NBA with those long arms and hands. But only for a perennial loser.

It's hard to blame the kids. Hell, Jules is making 1.7 million to play 5 minutes a game. He's scoring 1.7 points and grabbing 1.7 rebounds. Ironic isn't it.

Does that mean I could play in the NBA too? I could go in there for 5 minutes and chuck a three pointer. That's 3 million a year.

We used to produce NBA talent. Paul Pierce, LaFrentz(before injuries) Collison, Hinrich. These guys weren't Rivals.com poster boys. They developed their talent in college. Players who go to the NBA too early are seriously stunting there growth.

I hope they all wise-up and concentrate on getting better in college. Then play long and productive (and lucrative) careers in the NBA.

November 15, 2007 at 10:16 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

kevbo (anonymous) says...

KG, Chalmers will be a good (not great) pro athlete. Collins is a little shorter but has a much better shot than Jacque Vaughn who has had a pretty darn good pro career as a short ballhandler.

Look for Arthur to have a breakout year. He's put a lot of time in the offseason to his game. His ceiling is so high that he could be a very good pro player if he continues to develop.

As for Julian, he will be there eventually...those pro scouts aren't stupid.

November 15, 2007 at 11:04 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

jpstrayer (anonymous) says...

I agree about the NBA potentials...so far...I would plan on them all being back. But it is still early in the season.

November 15, 2007 at 11:10 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

mcrozb (anonymous) says...

Time to vent, college players leaving early, or maybe leaving early, is really changing the most exciting sport around. Yeah, Julian will get there eventually, but imagine if he stayed....I guess the millions of dollars are worth more than a national championship, and I would probably do the same if in his shoes, but it's hurting the game, and even some pro careers, look at Jaron Rush for example, if he would have stayed in college, maybe he would have had a better career. The uncertainty of if someone will stay or not can't help recruiting either. I used to be more excited about college basketball, but all the early exits hurts the game, and some careers. Ok enough venting..... Go KU beat the Cyclones !!!!!!!! I never imagined not getting excited about basketball until football is over. With the exception of Gordon last year, at least football players for the most part understand staying four years to better themselves and the team.

November 15, 2007 at 11:32 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

billiken_hawk (anonymous) says...

People and ESPN are so surprised at the fact that mid-majors are beating up the big boys this year. I'm not surprised at all. In fact, get used to it. Until the NCAA pushes hard for a 3-4 yr rule, this is going to happen a lot.

Bottom line: teams with experienced juniors and seniors will beat freshman teams (no matter how freakishly athletic they are) every day of the week and twice on sunday. You have to wonder if after the novelty of mid-majors beating big teams wears off if that will be enough motivation for them to act....

November 15, 2007 at 11:47 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

kerbyd (anonymous) says...

Graves had problems before he ever came here. Have not heard of any problems from Little. Wasn't Roger Morningstar a juco?

November 15, 2007 at 11:53 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

justanotherfan (anonymous) says...

Just me weighing in on the leaving early thing. I think NCAA rules have a lot to do with players leaving early. Let me explain.

As it currently stands, college players are completely bound to their university year round. They are regulated in which summer leagues they can play in, where they can work (if at all, even if its just a basketball camp or something) how much time they can take off, classes, etc.

I was watching ESPN the other night discussing the fact that two kids from (I believe) New Mexico State were currently being held out of games because they hadn't been cleared to play by the NCAA. Their test scores were in order, but there was a question about a high school class or something. The NCAA has all of the necessary paperwork, but has not yet ruled on the case, forcing these kids into limbo until a ruling comes down, which may not be until mid-December. That's absurd. The NCAA has had since this summer to sort out eligibility questions with basketball players. How come this isn't done already?

That's just an example of the NCAA abusing the monopoly that they have over student athletes. Because the NCAA is so hyper controlling, I'm not surprised when players leave that environment for the freedom (and millions) of professional sports.

Unfortunately, because the NCAA has better access (and pr) when working with the media, the seedy side doesn't come out. People often point to Jaron Rush as an example of a kid that left school to early, but the truth is that even if he had returned to UCLA, the NCAA likely would have ruled him ineligible due to the Myron Piggie situation. As a result, he probably never would have played college basketball again and may have lost his UCLA athletic scholarship. Yet people constantly point to that situation as the poster child of why kids shouldn't leave early.

mcrozb, I don't fault you for missing the days when players stayed in school until their junior or senior years. I agree that it has hurt the college game. Unfortunately, overregulation and a chance to make the lives of themselves and their families better has changed that, not that I can blame these kids. I would've taken a cool million to leave school early.

November 15, 2007 at 1:25 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

hobrauer (anonymous) says...

Look at the '03 title game - Gravy shot 54% and collected a double-double (16 pts, 16 reb) - what is wrong with that?

November 15, 2007 at 1:29 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

bmcmich1 (anonymous) says...

God he was a monster that tourney. I think it was against Duke where he had a wicked thunder dunk.

November 15, 2007 at 1:34 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

JayViking (anonymous) says...

I <3 Jeff Graves.

November 15, 2007 at 2:54 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Lebowski (anonymous) says...

Wow. KG.. let's write off Julian's career, he must be a complete bust. Dude, he came out as Sophomore, and was drafted because of his potential, not because they demand an immediate impact. The season just started for crying out loud. No chance of upward mobility? What inside knowledge do you have? Oh, I'm real sure they drafted him in the lottery with the intent of putting him down there and leaving him there all season. He'll play significantly more as the season progresses.

Arthur's basketball skills haven't yet impressed me much, either. But his athleticism does, and I'm sure it impresses the scouts, too. And you're going to judge his abilities and potential on his freshman year, alone? This season's only a few games old.... you honestly think we've seen everything we're going to see? I'd still be shocked (and excited) to see Arthur back here next year.

Collins can't stay healthy? That must be easy to say when he just went in for surgery. Being as he also has only been here one year, how can you call it a trend? It's been the same leg and there was a pre-existing stress fracture, how do you know all his problems aren't stemming from the same injury? Secondly, how many games did he even miss last year due to injury? He was banged up, put played through it most of the time and ended up with good numbers for a freshman. I do believe he's the least likely to go early, but it sure has little to do with injury-proneness... only that it can set back his development a little bit.

Chalmers..

Anything you just said about him makes absolutely no sense. You say he can be a defensive presence... but only for a perennial loser? What is that supposed to mean? If he IS a defensive presence, then where is he lacking that he MUST play for a loser? Are you saying he can't do anything else? Can't handle the ball or take it to the rack? Can't shoot it? Seriously.

November 15, 2007 at 3:45 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

APDJayhawk (anonymous) says...

Excellent posts by KGphoto, mcrozb and especially billiken! Couldn't agree more about the mid-majors with experienced players over major programs with freshman...

November 15, 2007 at 4:07 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

kerbyd (anonymous) says...

Another issue that I haven't heard discussed much are the limitations that are put on coaches as far as meeting with their players, practices, etc. I believe this is one reason foreign players have made such strides in caughting up with american players. They are allowed to practice year round and can play on club teams that are restricted to american kids.

November 15, 2007 at 5:01 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

kcmostwanted (anonymous) says...

KGphoto.. you make me laugh..I'm not an NBA scout but here's what 95% of the basketball world thinks..

it's funny that you say that DA is not NBA material.. (reality check).. I think many teams are salivating over his upside, athleticism, and length...Is he a bit overrated? Probably but most of us are still waiting for him to play the way he did against Florida.. and better.. Now if he can do that on a consistent basis then it's a Plus for him and KU.. if he can't I still believe he goes before the 13th pick of the 08 NBA Draft...

I'm surprised that people are surprised that all these young kids aren't having an instant impact on a Franchise... (another reality Check) Everyone is not Lebron, Carmelo or Chris Bosh...

Just look at players like Derron Williams, Chris Paul and even Kobe Bryant. They might have not made a lot of noise when they were first drafted (a little here and there) but look at how much they mean to UTAH, NO, and L. A ( i know they didn't draft Kobe but they gave him a chance)..my point is.. Not all 18-21 year olds are going to succeed in the NBA but if you're a franchise you'd rather pick some one with that upside and hope that you get the best out of them without setting your Franchise back too far.. you draft them young and train them early and hope that you get several good years out of them...

Also, regarding Chalmers and Sherron.... Well.. i think they'll have future NBA careers.. if a kid by the name of Daniel Gibson from U of Texas can play in the NBA then i think Chalmers can make it because i think Chalmers is a far better all around player than Daniel (D, handling, slashing).. I haven't seen Daniel handle the rock yet for the CAVS..except shoot it from 3.. For some reason when i think of Gibson i see Chalmers playing a very similar role in the NBA

Sherron has too much talent, speed, play making ability and handles not to make it on a roster... W/ Russel Rob. and company around he hasn't had his chance to really show us the true point guard that he is..you just better be glad he's a jayhawk and not wearing Orange for the illini's or not in a Depaul Jersey...

November 15, 2007 at 5:52 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

chalmers2wright (anonymous) says...

My favorite 'gravy' moment was in that game against Duke. There was a lose ball and two duke players dove down at and Graves looked like a wrestler jumping of the top ropes and dropped down on the pile. Both Duke players got up a little gingerly.

November 15, 2007 at 6:30 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

100 (anonymous) says...

Wow. Good job coach Self. As for Saturday's game, an Iowa State fan has predicted a "one sided beating" of Kansas this weekend at Memorial Stadium. It is on a CBS message board -- one of the last comments at the bottom of the attached page -- his username is ISU-MAN94

http://www.sportsline.com/mcc/message...

November 15, 2007 at 10:45 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

cap10d (anonymous) says...

KG you are way off here.Pretty funny actually.

November 16, 2007 at 12:46 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

RckChalkJeff (anonymous) says...

100....im guessing that the Iowa State fan that posted that is as big of a MORON as you are.

Why would you post that exact same comment on EVERY article on this web site? are you seriously this retarded?

you suck...

November 16, 2007 at 7:23 p.m. ( | suggest removal )