Originally published April 17, 2008 at 11:05a.m., updated April 17, 2008 at 04:37p.m.

Rush, Arthur declare for 2008 NBA Draft

By J-W Staff Reports

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With Darrell Arthur testing the NBA Draft waters now, do you think he'll be back at KU next season?

  • Yes 33% 1228 votes
  • No 59% 2179 votes
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Podcast episode

Press Conferences & Post-Game Interviews

Brandon Rush and Darrell Arthur announce their NBA Draft entries

KU junior guard Brandon Rush and sophomore forward Darrell Arthur Thursday afternoon announced their intentions to enter the 2008 NBA Draft, seated next to coach Bill Self. Rush's college eligibility is now officially expired, while Arthur is not yet signing with an agent, leaving the door open for him to ...

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Rush, Arthur declare for draft

Kansas University junior guard Brandon Rush and sophomore forward Darrell Arthur have announced their decisions to enter the 2008 NBA Draft.

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Darrell Arthur 2007-08

Darrell Arthur

Photo Gallery

Brandon Rush 2007-08

Brandon Rush

Kansas University junior guard Brandon Rush and sophomore forward Darrell Arthur each made it official Thursday afternoon - they've both thrown their hats into the 2008 NBA Draft ring.

Rush, who averaged 13.3 points per game this season, will hire an agent in the near future, as returning for a senior season is not an option since he's already tested the NBA Draft waters once.

"No turning back from here," Rush said at Thursday's press conference in Hadl Auditorium. "I've been hearing late first round, early second, just depends on how I do in my workouts."

Rush, who entered his name a year ago before tearing his ACL, said he does not intend to take part in the NBA Pre-Draft camp in Orlando, but will work out for several teams once he's signed with an agent.

Arthur, on the other hand, is going to be in a 'test the waters' situation, with no intentions of hiring an agent right now.

"I thought this would be the best way to go through with it, without an agent," Arthur said. "If it's good, I'll stay, if not, I'll come back and try to get another national championship."

Arthur said he's aiming for a spot in the top half of the first round, and if that's not a guarantee, he could be coming back to KU for a third season. The sophomore forward, who averaged 12.8 points and 6.3 rebounds this season, is projected by several draft sites right now in the middle of the first round on the heels of his 20-point, 10-rebound performance in the national title game win over Memphis last Monday.

One Jayhawk who still has yet to announce his intentions is junior guard Mario Chalmers, who was the Most Outstanding Player in the Final Four.

"I don't think you should assume anything - Mario has a decision to make as well," KU coach Bill Self said. "He's not comfortable yet in coming out publicly in saying for sure what he wants to do because I don't think in his heart he knows. The bottom line is when he's comfortable, we'll all know.

"This is a good day for Kansas basketball," Self added. "I know I'm excited for the opportunities that will present themselves for these two men."

For more on this story, stay tuned to KUSports.com and pick up Friday's Journal-World.

-------------------------

Kansas University junior guard Brandon Rush and sophomore forward Darrell Arthur have scheduled a press conference today for 3:30 p.m. to announce their decisions to enter the 2008 NBA Draft.

Darrell Arthur's mother, Sandra, said Thursday her son would not yet hire an agent.

"I'm very proud of him. He's worked very hard for this," Sandra said. "We talked and we agreed to test the waters to see where he falls. He feels he's ready to move to the next step. We'll know for sure after the tryouts (NBA teams)."

Rush will hire an agent because he cannot test the waters twice. His grandmother said he made the decision to declare for the draft shortly after the championship game was over.

"I am for it," said Jeanette Jacobs. "I'm glad he came back to school for one more year. Of course, I didn't want him to get hurt (ACL tear). He was able to accomplish a lot of things. It was his decision. We're happy for him."

Junior guard Mario Chalmers, KU's other likely draft early entrant, will not take part in today's press conference. Self said he and Chalmers are still in the process of gathering information.

Several draft projection sites peg both as first round picks this upcoming June, with Arthur's name being mentioned as a potential lottery pick on the heels of his 20-point, 10-rebound performance in KU's 75-68 win over Memphis in the national championship game earlier this month.

KU's signing of Tyrone Appleton to next year's class on Wednesday put the Jayhawks over their scholarship limit by one for next season. Self has pointed out in recent weeks that he's still out recruiting for another big man as a part of the '08 class.

Sunflower Broadband Channel 6 will carry the news conference live, beginning at 3:30. For more on this story as it develops, including photos from their careers here in Lawrence and an audio of today's press conference, stay tuned to KUSports.com.

Comments

AlferdPacker (anonymous) says...

Best of luck in the NBA guys, make us proud!

April 17, 2008 at 11:11 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

pitthawker (anonymous) says...

Thanks guys. Best of luck... I wonder how they are going to handle Mario. He should declare just to see where he is going to be.

April 17, 2008 at 11:24 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

shank11 (anonymous) says...

Mr. Arthur. Give us one more year. You will be a top 5 pick next year...............pleeeeeez?????

April 17, 2008 at 11:25 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

DSommersby (anonymous) says...

Best of luck guys. You have been outstanding Jayhawks and now are National Champions as well.

I'd love to keep cheering for you in Crimson and Blue but I will now cheer for you with whatever NBA team gets you! Rock Chalk Champions!

April 17, 2008 at 11:38 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

jross1972 (Johann Ross) says...

good for both of them!!!!

Every Jayhawk should be thankful!

April 17, 2008 at 11:38 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

thetagger (anonymous) says...

Good luck, National Champions. Never forget: you are, and will always be, Jayhawks!

April 17, 2008 at 11:45 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

McT (Matt Tait) says...

Here's the thing about Arthur.... he pretty much has to go.

Even if he comes back next year and has a monster season (unlikely), he'll be hard pressed to find his NBA stock any higher than it is now on the heels of a 20 and 10 performance in the national title game.

Props to him for leaving himself options by not hiring an agent. But I'd say he's headed to the lottery.

April 17, 2008 at 11:46 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

rkstoops (anonymous) says...

Of course we'd love to have both Rush and Arthur back, but we can definitely let them go on to the NBA with our full support after they delivered a National Championship. Thanks, guys.

(Stay here, Mario. Next year's a much friendlier draft picture.)

April 17, 2008 at 11:46 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

craigers (anonymous) says...

Man, I would love Arthur to stay one more year and teach some of his skills to the younger players. However, these guys need to do what is right for them. Best of luck Hawks.

April 17, 2008 at 11:46 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

craigers (anonymous) says...

Does this mean Chalmers stays????????

April 17, 2008 at 11:47 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

sevenyearhawk (anonymous) says...

DA ... stay one more year big guy!

Just think what your stock might be next year!!

April 17, 2008 at 11:50 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

indijayhawk (anonymous) says...

Good luck guys .

April 17, 2008 at 11:54 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

txrockchalk (anonymous) says...

This is a good move for both. DA may be back if he doesn't like where he rates after the tryouts. If he can be a lottery pick though, it's tough to turn that down.

Thanks for the awesome year, guys!

April 17, 2008 at 11:56 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

BCoburnHull (anonymous) says...

craigers...What DA could teach the incoming players might be very helpful, but worry not my friend. Danny is still on the staff and I am sure there are some things he can teach the freshmen and juco's.

April 17, 2008 at 11:56 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

jayhawkinatl (anonymous) says...

Yeah, I'm surprised the press conference doesn't include Chalmers...to,at least, "test the waters" like D.A.

Regardless, thanks so much D.A. and BRush!!!! Best of luck on the next level!!!!

April 17, 2008 at noon ( | suggest removal )

chaggs (anonymous) says...

Congratulations guys. Thanks for the memories. Good luck in the NBA. You will always have a home in the Phog!

April 17, 2008 at 12:02 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jayhawkinatl (anonymous) says...

Looks like BoBo may need to give us another serious look.

April 17, 2008 at 12:03 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

chaggs (anonymous) says...

Side note: Danny is going to have his work cut out in teaching a lot of young big men tricks of the trade. Who better to learn from?

April 17, 2008 at 12:06 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

FortWorthJayhawk (anonymous) says...

Good luck guys! I wish you all the best and will continue to pull for you wherever you end up. Thanks for all the memories!

April 17, 2008 at 12:07 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

ibrown3 (anonymous) says...

This is a pretty tough blow, although it was quite expected. Most of us were pretty certain before the season started that at least Rush would be gone and Arthur would most likely be out the door as well. All we can hope for now is that Chalmers stays. That would be our only shot at even coming close to a repeat of last season. Needless to say, I will be extremely disappointed if Chalmers declares for the draft.

Anyhow, thank you Brandon Rush and Darrell Arthur for helping the Jayhawks when their first National Championship in 20 years. It certainly made my year. Best of luck in the NBA.

p.s. pleeeeeease stay Chalmers.

April 17, 2008 at 12:08 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

lance1jhawk (anonymous) says...

Good luck guys in the NBA! Thanks for your wonderful service to The Jayhawk Nation.

April 17, 2008 at 12:11 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jayhawkinatl (anonymous) says...

As much as I want him to stay, Chalmers HAS TO at least put his name in the hat. He's projected to go late in the first round according to www.nbadraft.net.

April 17, 2008 at 12:11 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

chaggs (anonymous) says...

wow. 5 KU players being drafted on that site. I agree with all of them. Even Sasha and Darnell will be GREAT role-players. May not give the numbers...but will give Excellent minutes! Good luck to all!

April 17, 2008 at 12:20 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

speckleddog (anonymous) says...

Textspeak: dadg - Darrell Arthur Don't Go!! Final Four 2009

April 17, 2008 at 12:20 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Huskerhawk (anonymous) says...

My thought is Mario stays for all four. His dad is on the coaching staff afterall.

April 17, 2008 at 12:22 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

dannyxo (anonymous) says...

Thank you and good luck! Take the money and run, that is why you go to college.

April 17, 2008 at 12:29 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

swishymcjayhawk (anonymous) says...

best of luck in The League, fellas. Thanks for the Memories...and The Championship!!

April 17, 2008 at 12:31 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

justanotherfan (anonymous) says...

Does the fact that this press conference doesn't include Mario mean that he is going to hold a separate one to announce that he is staying? Just my guess. DA and Brandon go today to announce they are leaving, Mario comes tomorrow or next week to say he's staying.

April 17, 2008 at 12:33 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jross1972 (Johann Ross) says...

Go get rings in the NBA now and represent us well!

April 17, 2008 at 12:33 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jman18562 (anonymous) says...

Am I the only one who thinks "testing the waters" is the most overused and annoying Cliche in sports? I would rather Arthur just hire an agent than being flooded with a month of "Testing the Waters" columns and broadcasts!!!

Who cares if he goes anyway? It's time for Bills next Era of players. Thats pretty great and exciting to me!

April 17, 2008 at 12:34 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

justinryman (anonymous) says...

thanks for the memories!!!!

Best of luck

April 17, 2008 at 12:37 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

cklarock (anonymous) says...

Best of luck, fellas -- you're going to the NBA with a championship ring and will be Jayhawks for life.

April 17, 2008 at 12:38 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

bluvnku2002 (anonymous) says...

jman18562,

I see nothing wrong with DA testing the waters. Hopefully he has learned from what happened to Brandon last year with the ACL. If he had hired an agent he would have ended getting screwed. If you aren't a guarenteed top 15 then it is probably the smart thing to do until you get through all the draft camps and individual team workouts. Brandon had to either declare or come back since you can only "test" once.

Thanks for a great year fellas and best luck in the league. Don't forget to make it back to AFH and see the championship banner hanging in the rafters.

April 17, 2008 at 12:52 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

d_prowess (anonymous) says...

Can someone explain the process that Authur will now go through since he has not signed with an agent?

Is it correct to assume that there is an absolute date in the future in which players like this need to either be definitely in or definitely out?

April 17, 2008 at 12:58 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jayhawk909603 (anonymous) says...

I hate the NBA.

April 17, 2008 at 12:59 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

dylans (anonymous) says...

Yes I believe the deadline to withdraw from the draft is sometime in mid-June.

April 17, 2008 at 1:10 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

klineisanazi (anonymous) says...

It is my understanding that underclassmen can withdraw their name by June 16 and return . Rush, however, is done once he declares, since he already did so last year and withdrew.

April 17, 2008 at 1:11 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

txrockchalk (anonymous) says...

d_prowess -

DA will have until June 16th, if he has not hired an agent by then, to withdraw his name from the June 26th draft. He will likely hire an agent if he does well (according to NBA scouts) in the NBA draft tryout camps taking place between now and the cut-off date, though.

April 17, 2008 at 1:15 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jground (anonymous) says...

arthur should stay one more year his celing is so high. come back win another championship and get picked top 5. signing bonus is huge, but ofcourse you risk getting hurt. we'll see

April 17, 2008 at 1:16 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

d_prowess (anonymous) says...

Thanks to all for the info. I assumed there had to be a deadline date some time before the draft.
And given all of that, why wouldn't Mario put his name in? He is already a Junior, so he would never be in the position that Rush is now in. It seems like he is on that line between the 1st and 2nd round and checking things out would do nothing but clarify his standing.

April 17, 2008 at 1:19 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

smitty33 (anonymous) says...

Glad to see this board so supportive. Go DA and Rush!

However, I feel Shady's stock could be a LOT higher next year. I feel he is not playing anywhere near his potential yet. Sadly, the NBA probably feels the same.

I'm confused, if they both leave, are we one over or under our scholarship limit?

April 17, 2008 at 1:21 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

smitty33 (anonymous) says...

PS - I forgot to say.... the NBA sucks. I wish the money wasn't there.

April 17, 2008 at 1:22 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jhawkr (anonymous) says...

I understand Rush, but Arthur I would like to see stay. Yes he had a great championship game! But if I remember correctly he did not have great stats in at least 6 of his last 8 games. He tended to get in foul trouble and more often then not disappeared in important games.

I know he can play at the next level. But next year would be his year to shine ............

April 17, 2008 at 1:24 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

patton6 (anonymous) says...

@ Smitty - If they both leave, Bill will have one more available scholarship to give out.

April 17, 2008 at 1:35 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

kcphantom (anonymous) says...

I don't see how based on 1 game Darrell's all of a sudden a lottery pick.

What about all the games that he disappeared in? In the three prior NCAA games, he had a TOTAL of 20 points. Hardly a dominant player.

Think about the numbers Paul Pierce put up each game prior to going pro. His junior year he had ZERO games where he didn't score double figures. Darrell had 12 single digit games this year.

He needs another year.

April 17, 2008 at 1:36 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

wcormode (anonymous) says...

Playing well in college has nothing to do with where a player gets drafted. It is all based on the upside of the player. If people think that DA can be a top 5 player next year than the upside would suggest that he should be a high pick this year. Teams do not mind drafting players and then waiting for them to develop.

April 17, 2008 at 1:44 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

kc_wildfire (anonymous) says...

To add on what wcormode posted...

Generally only NBA teams who land in the lottery pick players who will help immediately and maybe a team who has a specific need and just missed out on a championship.

Most other teams draft for the future, that is why you see so many foreign players get drafted and stay overseas for a year or two, even up to three, before they enter the NBA.

Arthur has potential, upside, or whatever else you want to label it. That is what will get him drafted, not his numbers from college.

April 17, 2008 at 1:52 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

KUbsee69 (anonymous) says...

I agree with all that say "The NBA sucks".

Virtually everybody I know that is a basketball fan is a college basketball fan and says they hate the NBA. Nobody I know watches the NBA. So, who does, and where does all the money come from? There must be a lot more NBA TV fans than I think. Or at least the sponsers must think so.

I've read and heard that D. Manning has reminded players several times that playing in college is fun, but the NBA is work. It's a business. Your teammates mostly are not your friends like they are in school. They mostly have their own lives, friends, etc. Instead of being a hero around campus, you're on the road, away from home almost 1/2 of the year in hotels. Seems like a lonely existance to me.

It's easy for someone like me, that does not have NBA big bucks dangling in front of me to say this, but stay in school and enjoy the ride as long as you can. Ask Danny, Wayne, Keith, et al, when the best times of their lives were.

April 17, 2008 at 2:09 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

okjhok (anonymous) says...

No, but the difference in money from pick 15 to pick 3 is astronomical. That's where the difference is.

April 17, 2008 at 2:10 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

okjhok (anonymous) says...

So, IMO, which means absolutely nothing, if DA is guaranteed lottery, he should go. If not, why not come back, get stronger, then go top-5 next year and make a guaranteed few million more? His family's isn't destitute is it?

April 17, 2008 at 2:14 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

DarthJayhawk (anonymous) says...

Kubsee69,
I agree that the NBA sucks, but it is really big in a lot of the urban markets where there are teams. I had a buddy from LA, he lived and died with the Lakers, was so-so about the college game. Another friend of mine has lived in Phoenix for the past year, nobody even realized the NCAA's were on, all were focused on the Sun's. I could name several other examples. I don't get it, but it seems to be the way it is.

April 17, 2008 at 2:20 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

hs_reader (anonymous) says...

Unfortunately I agree with a previous post, Arthur is at a really good place in the draft right now after his performance in the Championship game. He probably wouldn't get that much attention again if he stayed.

Chalmers, however, should stay, plus so much of his life is now in Lawrence (family, friends, etc). I would think that his dad being on the staff would have some influence on his decision (how he was raised, parental influence, not his dad's job specifically).

I'm sad to see Rush go, but he's at a better spot to leave than last year, after this season, right?

April 17, 2008 at 2:23 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

pilot100 (anonymous) says...

I was Witness to the 1952 Championship, the 1988 Championship, And of course the 2008 Championship. Such memories thanks so much...

April 17, 2008 at 2:24 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

mvjayhawk (anonymous) says...

Good luck to both....but Arthur should stay. if he averages 18 and 9, he'll be a top 10 pick. right now, he's just another athlete with "upside." He had a great
NCAA title game....but the rest of the tourney, he didn't do much.

April 17, 2008 at 2:33 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

justanotherfan (anonymous) says...

To echo what Darth says, the NBA is huge in some places, just like college is huge some places.

Here in the midwest, where there really aren't that many NBA teams, most people follow college more closely because its easier to go to games, etc. In a lot of the big citites, though (Houston, LA, NY, Boston, Chicago, Philly) their NBA franchises are basketball kings.

I can say this having travelled around the country and seen the way the news covers the pro teams and the way people react to the teams. I'm sure if we had a team around here for years, people would be huge fans of the NBA here, too. But since no teams are in Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, Oklahoma (so far) or Arkansas, its easier for people to feel an allegiance to the college teams. I have a friend that grew up in Michigan and lived on the East Coast for a while. He didn't become a big college fan until he moved to Kansas. Before that he was an NBA fan only.

Besides, its more valuable for a sponsor to win half the market in New York City with its 10 million population than to win 90% of the market in Kansas with less than half that.

And I can't fault DA or BR for wanting to play at the highest possible level. Remember, not everyone is a bigtime star in the NBA. Most aren't. The question isn't whether you can be a star, but rather, whether you can earn your roster spot. If the answer to that is yes, you are ready to play in the league. Just ask Jacque Vaughn. He's never been a consistent starter in the NBA, but he's earned probably $15-20 million during his career, a number that I'm sure has him and his family set for life. And he isn't even a starter! I figure both DA and BR to be in the League for quite a while, along with Julian (who has been playing progressively better after a slow start).

April 17, 2008 at 2:40 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Lebowski (anonymous) says...

I have so many thoughts on this...

On DA... I think he needs another year.... because I agree... ONE good game after 3 bad ones doesn't mean he's all of a sudden blossomed.

If he can get actual playing time next year at the NBA, then that's good enough, he should go. But the worst thing for DA right now, imo, would be to sit on the bench... because he needs to improve in a lot of areas.

But regardless, where he can, or should, or would... I really don't care at all. If he's gone, I'll get to see some of these new guys play more, which is a good thing.

On the NBA... I've always hated it, too.

But after this year, it's going to be harder and harder to find a game on without some of our Jayhawks in it. Not sure where the numbers stand.. but if we end up with 4 or 5 more guys in the league, we must be leading all schools. I always watch bits and pieces... when Hinrich or someone goes to the bench, I turn it. lol

April 17, 2008 at 3:03 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

BigTamale (anonymous) says...

That's good for them and their families...

Also good is that we will have 2 additional millionaire donors! Those new upgrades will be ready in no time. LOL...

April 17, 2008 at 3:23 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

crimsoninracine (anonymous) says...

Isn't it funny that so many are happy for Rush and Arthur...regular "make us proud" comments posted here. I don't remember seeing those last year when Wright declared. Hmm, does winning a championship change things that much? Or, could we call that hypocrisy? As selfish KU fans, we'd all like to see both of these young men back in a Kansas uniform next year. But, they should do what's best for them. I have to believe, like last year, Coach Self helps them gather the truth. If the truth has 7 figures for the next 5-10 years, who wouldn't go for it? As with Wright, who hasn't made a huge splash in the NBA but is making a fat paycheck, I hope these guys make themselves proud - and secure! This is about them, not us!!!

April 17, 2008 at 3:25 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

hometownhawk (anonymous) says...

I know this is just the press conference to announce, but I really thought they might advise Brandon to wait until the last day to actually declare. Once he declares he can't turn back, and he saw last year that anything can happen with injuries. I'd hate to see him declare then re-injure and not get drafted... As I type this I'm realizing it sounds a little paranoid, but it is possible.

April 17, 2008 at 3:30 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

NH_JHawk (anonymous) says...

Selfishly I'm bummed, but this is totally expected and I'm really happy for these guys. They deserve this and I hope they go and make the big bucks.

Best of luck in the NBA, BRush and DA. Can't wait to see you play here in Boston!

rock chalk jayhawk!

April 17, 2008 at 3:31 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

ralsterKUMed95 (anonymous) says...

With LESS bigmen next year, more of the offense would run through Arthur, practically guaranteeing him a near-20/10 average. That's mostly what explains Tyler Hansbrough's stats--lot of touches. I heard Bill Self recently say that Simien was the bigman he enjoyed the most, because he was a 20-10 guy "night after night": My first reaction was "give Shady a chance" with a lot of touches, and he would have awesome stats! Brandon Rush became alot better LATE this season with that "thing he does" called the running floater. He was stellar vs. UNC and Memphis. Would he be good for KU next year, one last time? Of course he would. BUT, all this being said, I am not surprised they are leaving, and I wish both these Jhawks the best, regardless. Mission accomplished, gentlemen! Live life! Good luck with everything, guys!!!!!

April 17, 2008 at 3:34 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

okjhok (anonymous) says...

Okay, hs_reader claims that Arthur probably won't get this much attention if he were to stay another year.

You, my friend, are obviously out of touch. That comment makes it sound as if he has reached his potential and it can only get worse from here. And your comment on Chalmers has me baffled as well. Do you really think that the Chalmers family hasn't spent the majority of Mario's life trying to prepare him to be the best player he could so that, some day, he would have a chance at playing professionally? If Chalmers comes back, I don't think it will have anything to do with family.

April 17, 2008 at 3:42 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

kc_wildfire (anonymous) says...

crimsoninracine...

I think the thing with Julian was due to the fact that he stated he would be here for four years when he signed on.

Sort of like the whole Roy thing...say one thing and do another.

We pretty much knew Rush would only be a year, two at tops. We got lucky due to his misfortunate injury last year. In my memory, Arthur has never stated one way or the other how long he would be here but I think a large majority felt two years, three if we were lucky.

April 17, 2008 at 3:42 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

stujayhawk (anonymous) says...

the big guy...

Majok?

I was watching a video of him...scouts says he's 6'9 but video looks like he's at least 6'11. anything you guys know?

April 17, 2008 at 3:47 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

klong (anonymous) says...

I will miss those guys, but I can't blame them. We have a national championship! What do they have to stay for? We will replace those guys with good players in the next few years and be saying the same thing about them. This is Kansas basketball not KSU.

April 17, 2008 at 3:48 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Royaljayhwk (anonymous) says...

Wright is starting to come into his own. Did you see the monster dunk the other night? Nasty stuff. As for these two young men, do what they need to do for them. Our opinion doesn't matter one bit. As crimson said, a championship seems to change everyone. We do want them back. But we are in no position to bad-mouth them if they leave. It's there lifes. It sucks that they have us watching them and picking at what they do. No one is watching you and cheering you on when you get a e-mail for a new job on Monster.com. No one gets mad when you take it so be happy for them! Go KU!!!!!

April 17, 2008 at 3:48 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jcsmith (anonymous) says...

crimsoninracine,
I have to agree that its about them and not us. These young men have to look out for themselves. And thats exactly what they are doing. But I also have to agree with the others in saying that the NBA sux. Instead of using playing time as a bargaining chip, the NBA uses money. I guess money really can buy happiness. I just never understood how people who love playing a sport so much (not just basketball, any sport at that) are willing to give up playing time and go pro early to set on a bench for maybe 3,4,5 years and make lots of money. If its really about the sport, then why so much cash flow?

With all that said, I am truely honored to have had Mr. Arthur and Mr. Rush support the Jayhawk jersey for their college careers. I wish them both the best of luck and may god grant you both successful careers.

BRush, even though you leavin, you still ma boy....

April 17, 2008 at 3:48 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jross1972 (Johann Ross) says...

okjhok

DAs time is NOW. Period.

April 17, 2008 at 3:49 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

pleiker (anonymous) says...

Does anyone fine it kind of funny that when you hold your cursor over the picture of Arthur and Rush on the front page, it says 'And they're off', which is left over from the Kansas Relays picture this morning.

April 17, 2008 at 3:57 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jhwkfan162515 (anonymous) says...

How can HCBS say this is a great day for KU hoops? Without Rush or Arthur (or Mario, if he leaves), next year's team is not going to have anyone experienced enough to mentor the incoming players. That means there's no guarantee of being in conention for the Big 12 or even the NCAA Tournament!

Come on, Shady, wake up and smell the coffee. You're not NBA material yet. Don't make the same mistake Julian Wright made.

And please don't leave, Mario. If Mario leaves, next year's season may very well be brought to you by the letters N, I, and T.

This is why I dislike the NBA. I wish the NBA had a rule requiring players to stay for the full four years of college so that these guys aren't making mockeries of our schools.

April 17, 2008 at 4 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

plasticJHawk (anonymous) says...

I like the way that Arthur is handling this. He's going to wait to hire an agent until he knows for sure that the draft is the best option for him. He wants to be a lottery pick and get that guaranteed contract. If he knows that he's not likely a lottery pick he'll probably come back.

This is like his college recruitment. He waited and waited to make his decision, and Bill Self was shocked when Arthur gave us his commitment. I think that he will perform very well in pre-draft workouts and he will get into the lottery. The guy is a freak athlete and a great talent, he just didn't show his potential in game this season. I think he NBA coaches and execs will overlook that.

April 17, 2008 at 4:02 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

trueblue9 (anonymous) says...

Ok, here's the thing some of you get, but most of you don't. Lets say that DA goes 13th in the draft. He will absolutely without a doubt get alittle over $3.1m guaranteed on the rookie payscale over the first two years of his deal. NBA teams get 3rd and 4th year options (for the 13th pick this is $1,724,200 and $2,463,880 respectively). Then the qualifying offer at the 5th year is $3.4M. So basically what you are looking at is $7.3M over the first four years.

Now, lets say he stays and elevates his stock to something like the 6th pick (and this is assuming he plays well, doesn't get injured, etc.). Based on this year's pay scale, DA gets $2.4M first year, $2.55M second, $3M third and $3.8 fourth. But we shouldn't look at the fourth, because thats what he's given up by coming back. So, by after the season in 2011 (three years) he has made $7.95 by staying in school and $7.3 by leaving a year early.

Time value of money, risk of injury, risk of not playing well, etc. I'd say he's making the right decision. At least I wouldn't risk $7.3M for the chance to make an extra $650,000, but thats just me.

April 17, 2008 at 4:04 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

CreightonBlujayhawk (anonymous) says...

jcsmith, Arthur and Rush will not get to play much during the actual NBA games, but I am sure that they will get to enjoy basketball in some form. They get to watch the best players in the world during the times that they don't get to play. And, in practice (and eventually if they work hard enough to make it, in real games), they get to play with the best players in the world. (Practice? I'm talking about practice?) It is probably not as much "fun" as college basketball for them, unless of course they get regular minutes in the NBA. But it is not a total sacrifice. Frankly, it is probably worth the money.

I think you can have a genuine love for the game AND still decide to enter the NBA early knowing that you will sit on the bench for the first couple of years.

Plus, they won't have to go to class and do homework any more which means they can completely focus on basketball all of the time. Maybe I am cynical, but some how I doubt that very many NBA prospects really enjoy having to go to class and take tests to continue playing.

April 17, 2008 at 4:06 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

BCRavenJHawkfan (anonymous) says...

crimsoninracine,
The difference in attitude over players leaving between last year to this year, i.e. Wright vs. Arthur/Rush, is NOT due to a championship. It IS due to specific statements players are on record for, that describe their intentions.
Wright is on record as indicating he would be back, then hires a Piranha (aka agent). Rush was much more careful, and to his benefit was able to stay. I don't remember Arthur even in the mix of NBA wannabe's last year. As for Wright jumping to the NBA, no doubt he has money in his fist. My perception is his leaving helped this team go as far as it did. I had a rare occasion to watch him actually play last night against the Mav's, true to form his ball skills still are lacking and players scored at will over him. He was involved in one good defensive sequence only to have the rebound go to Dallas. But if money is all it takes to make one happy, he is in high cotton!

April 17, 2008 at 4:10 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

KU (anonymous) says...

kcphantom.....Nobody said DA will be an NBA All-Star like Paul Pierce, so comparing him to Pierce's automatic double-figure scoring isn't relevant. It was said that the only person who could hold Pierce under 20 was Roy Williams.

DA isn't a natural scorer. He's a big man that shoots under 50% from the field in college. That's a pretty poor percentage for someone who is supposedly that talented. He'll never be a big scorer in the NBA. He's not that good of a defender and not a great rebounder, either. So what's the attraction to DA? He's tall and he's fast and he MIGHT (there's the "potential thing" again) be able to defend and rebound.

April 17, 2008 at 4:13 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

okjhok (anonymous) says...

If you say so, Johann...didn't know you were so tight with him. Guess we can consider you our personal kusports.com DA insider!

April 17, 2008 at 4:17 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

frompekka2sasha (anonymous) says...

Cracks me up when people post things about Darrell Arthur not being ready even if the NBA says that he is!! I'm sure that there are times when a Harvard business graduate doesn't work out for an employer but I bet that doesn't stop companies from hiring them over guys with degrees from state colleges.

Arthur seems to be lazy in several areas of his game but when he decides to play- WOW. He has every skill imaginable and that is all the NBA cares about. It's been that way for the last 10 years and yet people constantly question the decision-makers who are paid to figure these things out. It's their damn money so they should draft whoever the hell they want even if it is in on potential.

April 17, 2008 at 4:17 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

blogthis (anonymous) says...

DA is too inconsistent and fouls way too much. He had 118 fouls to lead the team this year and Mario was 2nd with 99 fouls, yet Mario played 178 more minutes.

Arthur spent way too much time on the bench because of foul trouble.

I think he is probably late first round-early second round right now even though some sites have him in the top 15.

He also had 75 turnovers which tied him for 2nd on the team.

DA has the tools, but needs more polish.

April 17, 2008 at 4:24 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

rockchalk80 (anonymous) says...

Glad for both of them... but particularly happy for Rush... everyone thought he'd be trouble (based on his brothers) ...another one-n-done primadona... Rush proved the naysayers wrong and he gave us 3 great years! Go Brandon!

April 17, 2008 at 4:25 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jross1972 (Johann Ross) says...

okjhok...

if you can presume to speak intelligently as to whether or not he should stay, it seems that you should direct that criticism at yourself (whether or not youre an insider). For example, you suggest that DAs stock wont be hurt if he stays another year. You go so far as to call one poster "...out-of-touch". We have differing points of view, thats all. At the very least, dont be a hypocrite. It is as fair for me to say he is best served in making the jump as anyone who might say he is best served in staying.

Your fecetiousness doesn't add any substance to your last post, by the way.

Look, just be happy for Darrell. He's earned this. It's his time in the limelight. He's made his choice and he does so with a clean conscience. He owes no one anything. He helped to deliver a championship and yet there are "people here" who want to squeeze more out of him for selfish reasons. His ticket is punched, he's gone, and it's a good decision for him!

April 17, 2008 at 4:28 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

rockchalkjayhawk4ku11 (anonymous) says...

best of luck! Thanks for the championship!

April 17, 2008 at 4:28 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Chicago_JHawk (anonymous) says...

Good moves by these guys...Rush wasn't going to improve enough with another year to overcome his advanced age, and DA is leaving the door cracked to return - smart on both fronts.

I enjoy the college game more than the pros, too, but the watching the talent level in the NBA vs college is like night and day...it makes it fun to watch. To say it sucks is ridiculous, at least from an purely entertainment perspective. From a business standpoint, the NBA vs the "amateur" NCAA is not as enjoyable. The NBA has seen quite a resurgence the past couple years, but too many people gave up on it years ago and assume it's still as bad as it was in the mid to late 90s. I assume my allegience to the college game stems from my affinity for KU.

April 17, 2008 at 4:34 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

cobweb (anonymous) says...

Self is a good floor coach but a recruiting machine. We'll be plenty good next year. Self won't go to the pros because he loses his advantage, superior talent he recruited.

April 17, 2008 at 4:50 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

KUbsee69 (anonymous) says...

Ya'all remember when DA came to KU, he dreamed he was playing in a Kansas uniform and it was a primary influence in his decision? Well, the door's still open and maybe he'll have another dream about a Kansas uniform ... just maybe.

On the other hand, maybe Morgan will dream of a Kansas uniform.

April 17, 2008 at 4:50 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

mariochalmersfan15 (anonymous) says...

good luck guys....i hope if arthur is not in the top half of the 1st round i hope he will come back....good luck

April 17, 2008 at 4:58 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

yovoy (anonymous) says...

i looked at the comments post of this article expecting to read the outrage, and i find that the sentiment/near rage against mr. wright is all but gone.

d.a. doesn't have the skillset of julian, but he has a national championship ring, so his stock is about as high as it's going to be. might it go up if he gets to stay? certainly, but it might go down. it might not have anything to do with the season he might have next year, but it might go down if there's a "new" 20-10 guy in the championship next year. we're talking a difference of millions of dollars. how many of us that would like him to stay would bet a million dollars on our careers? he's not "ready" from an ability standpoint, but he's ready from a no-time-like-the-present standpoint.

chances are that chalmers' profile can't go any higher. he hit "the shot". i'm not sure he has the skillset for the pros, but if he doesn't come out this year he might not get another chance like he has now, and that might really drive his decision.

there's no question that rush is doing exactly what he "should".

would we have won the nc if ju had stayed? for some reason i doubt it, but i have no doubt that he'd have gone higher last year if we'd won it. i also doubt that d.a. would be leaving (or that there'd be talk of mario leaving) had we not won it this year..

April 17, 2008 at 5:09 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jayhawkinatl (anonymous) says...

It should be an interesting couple of months...D.A. is listed anywhere from 11th to 26th in the first round in the various mock drafts.

April 17, 2008 at 5:24 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

OzgurJayhawk (anonymous) says...

"I hate the NBA."

I love the fact that these guys will be able to potentially make millions, help their families, and play basketball for a living.

How can you honestly love basketball but hate watching the best players in the world compete?

April 17, 2008 at 5:30 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

hollpat (anonymous) says...

Arthur's record at KU.... 70 - 8. Not bad. I hate to see Arthur go, but am so excited to see Cole get better and just dominate people.

April 17, 2008 at 5:39 p.m. ( | suggest removal )