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Kansas University's Brandon Rush, left, and Darrell Arthur, center, and coach Bill Self talk with media members. At a news conference Thursday at Hadl Auditorium, Rush and Arthur announced they would enter the NBA Draft.
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2008 NBA Draft
Kansas University junior guard Brandon Rush and sophomore forward Darrell Arthur each declared Thursday afternoon that they will enter the 2008 NBA Draft
Reader poll
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
- Not sure 7% 278 votes
3685 total votes.
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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Darrell Arthur 2007-08
Darrell Arthur
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Brandon Rush 2007-08
Brandon Rush
Darrell Arthur had a case of the sniffles at a Thursday afternoon news conference during which he and Kansas University teammate Brandon Rush announced their intentions to enter the 2008 NBA Draft.
"I wasn't crying. I've got a little headcold," Arthur, Kansas University's sophomore power forward, said with a big smile.
He, junior guard Rush and coach Bill Self each wanted to make it clear Thursday was a happy day: Two starters on KU's 2008 national title team naturally wanted to make the jump to the next level.
"We knew going into the season, and I think all you (media) did, too, that this day was going to come with these two particular guys," Self said, noting Mario Chalmers had not yet decided whether to put his name in the draft or return for a senior season.
"Brandon is at the point, it's time for him to move on. 'Shady' (Arthur) is at the point where he owes it to himself to investigate. There's nothing negative. There are no surprises at what transpired today. I totally support these decisions."
Rush - he declared for the draft a year ago, but suffered a knee injury and returned to KU - will hire an agent and definitely remain in the draft, where he's expected to be taken late in the first or early in the second round. A player can only "test the waters" once in a college career.
Arthur will not sign with an agent, which leaves open the possibility of returning. The 6-foot-9, 225-pounder, who said he wants to be guaranteed a spot in the first half of the draft (top 15 picks), will work out for NBA teams the first two weeks of June hoping to solidify his stock. Arthur has until June 16 - 10 days before the draft - to withdraw if he wants to play at KU again.
"It's always been my dream to go to the NBA, a lifelong dream," Arthur said. "It's a great feeling. I'm in a win-win situation right now. I think I'm going in the best way possible, without an agent : in case something happens I can come back to school and try to compete for another championship."
Self said he sees a scenario in which Arthur could return to KU.
"He's going to be a first-round draft pick. The question is, where is he going to go?" Self said. "If he could be the fifth pick (overall) next year as opposed to 20th this year, it'd probably be in his best interest to be the fifth pick. I think personally Shady can really help himself through (NBA) workouts. If things go well, which we hope they do, then he'll go."
If Arthur is deemed a late first-rounder, however ... "If he improves at the same accelerated rate he has since he's been here, I think his ceiling is very high where he could be a very high draft pick next year," Self said. "I think he feels the same way also."
Meanwhile, Rush gave KU two years more than many expected when the 6-6 Kansas Citian arrived as a highly touted prep-school player.
"We tricked him into coming back a second year," Self cracked. "Of course he gets hurt last year and came back and had a great year. He has NBA skills. He's an NBA defender right now. He has a pro body. He's a pro athlete.
"He has length and skills that will be important at the next level. We've said all along that he's healthy, but scientific fact says it takes a year to get back. He hasn't been given that opportunity to come back yet. He's a better player than he was, and he's getting ready to be a better athlete (than now). By the time he's working out in early June for NBA teams, he'll be even more explosive."
Rush, whose brother Kareem plays for the Indiana Pacers, said he's ready to impress.
"I've really got to get after it these next couple of weeks and get to work," he said.
Web site draftexpress.com reports Rush will be tapped 25th and Arthur 21st in the first round.
Both spoke of KU in glowing terms.
"I definitely had a fun time these last three years," Rush said. "It's been a dream for me, and I'll always be proud to be a Jayhawk."
"It's been a remarkable two years," Arthur added. "I appreciate the love I've gotten here every time I step on campus. I've grown up to be a better, responsible man coming here. I thank everybody for their support."
Self said Chalmers will be able to come up with a decision by the April 27 declaration date.
"He's certainly a guy who could be in the first round. He's in the game," Self said. "If he goes and is a first-rounder, I'm cool with it. If he is not guaranteed first round, you are playing with fire because he will be first round next year because he'll be that much better, and there are not as many incoming freshmen. This year there are more freshmen (entered) than any in recent memory. The chances of any guys going in the first round would be greater next year."
Chalmers is not listed in the draftexpress.com draft. He's projected as the No. 26 pick of the first round by nbadraft.net, where Arthur is 14 and Rush 19.
GameDay Cram Session: Michigan State January 9, 2009
Lady Hawks open conference play against K-State January 8, 2009
KU takes to the road for Michigan State January 8, 2009
First-half surge dooms Siena to 91-84 setback January 7, 2009
Panel studying faculty ticket process January 7, 2009
Comments
ChicagoHawkMatt (anonymous) says...
Thanks for the great memories, guys.
Best of luck in the NBA.
April 18, 2008 at 6:21 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
DCSven (anonymous) says...
Thanks Brandon and best of luck. Thanks Darrell and so smart of you to go in without the agent, while we all hope it works out for you the way you choose, one more year here would be great for you and KU (Repeat! Repeat! Repeat!).
Mario -- don't risk it, make yourself a top notch pick next year (Repeat! Repeat! Repeat!)
What a great program Coach Self runs ... nothing but class 365 days a year. So very proud to be a fan.
April 18, 2008 at 6:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
yates33333 (anonymous) says...
I hope they are in the first round of picks, but I wonder if Arthur is strong, stout, big enough to compete with a pro front line. He could be. Scotty Pippen was no behemoth nor was Dennis Rodmann. Good Luck whatever to both Jayhawks.
April 18, 2008 at 6:39 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Timmay97 (anonymous) says...
Everyone knew Brandon was going, and being 24 years of age and winning a championship, I certainly don't blame him.
Brandon, you're a unique player with good size and long arms. You have a beautiful shooters touch and are an excellent defender. You will be truly missed and I wish you nothing but the best of luck in the NBA. Hopefully, you can prove yourself just like Julian has in New Orleans. You just need that chance.
Darrell, how many people would love to be in your shoes. You have the opportunity of a lifetime waiting for you in the NBA and can choose to go anytime. Whether you go this year, or next, you're already a millionaire. My opinion......just borrow some $$$ from JuJu and Brandon knowing you'll be able to pay them back the following year anyway. :-) Is that legal?
We will be a solid team next year. And no matter what transpires, and how the season goes......it's going to be awesome to hear announcers say "ncaa champion kansas jayhakws!!!"
Is it November yet?
April 18, 2008 at 6:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
CasperCorps (anonymous) says...
It sucks to see them leave but they got us a Championship, how many times have we said only if this guy would of stayed? Well.. no longer.. Rockem in the League Hawks!!
April 18, 2008 at 7:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Displayhawk (anonymous) says...
As good of basketball players as they are, they are even better people and will always be in the hearts of Jayhawk fans everywhere!
Thanks for all you've done guys!
April 18, 2008 at 7:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
digitalkookie (anonymous) says...
timmay...what are the legalities in regards to "borrowing" money from friends???
anyone??
April 18, 2008 at 9:02 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
DocBean (anonymous) says...
Timmay and digitalkookie, no, I don't think that's legal in the eyes of the NCAA.
Why would he need to borrow money anyway? And what would they gain by lending him money? If he really needs it he can take out a loan based on his earning potential - alla LeBron James and his Hummer in High School.
April 18, 2008 at 9:27 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
DocBean (anonymous) says...
Great Year Hawks.
I wish you all the best.
April 18, 2008 at 9:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
digitalkookie (anonymous) says...
thanks doc...
i realize the ncaa frowns upon such things, however, if there were any monetary issues regarding his (DA) staying or going, would the lending be a concern in the eyes of the ncaa??
does the letter of the (ncaa) law prohibit college athletes from receiving "gifts" from friends....as opposed to boosters??
April 18, 2008 at 9:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
digitalkookie (anonymous) says...
i know there were some issues this year involving oj mayo and his receipt of nuggets tickets...if it is not sports related "lending", does the ncaa regard this as a violation??
anyone?? just curious....
April 18, 2008 at 9:54 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
turdferguson (anonymous) says...
Yes. See Darnell Jackson's trouble 2 years ago.
April 18, 2008 at 9:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
digitalkookie (anonymous) says...
thanks turd...
April 18, 2008 at 10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oldalum (anonymous) says...
NCAA rules are so convoluted. Darnell's problem was that his loan or whatever came from a KU booster. I have no idea if it would have been different if Adams had gone to Michigan or not to any college at all. But I'm sure there's a rule that covers it.
April 18, 2008 at 10:14 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
digitalkookie (anonymous) says...
convoluted and absolutely ridiculous....
April 18, 2008 at 10:21 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
kackley (anonymous) says...
Made me laugh to see Coach Self say that Brandon was already an NBA defender. They don't play defense in the NBA
April 18, 2008 at 10:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
kansaspike (anonymous) says...
If Shady is predicted to be drafted #15-#20, do you think he pulls his name out? Tough call for him.
My gut tells me he'd still go.
April 18, 2008 at 11:49 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
smitty33 (anonymous) says...
great point kackley. Brandon has 'explosiveness', I'm not sure he'll need that in the NBA either as all I see is a bunch of guys jogging up and down the court.
I repeat my request.... Please, add an NBA expansion team in Kansas City that consists only of X-Jayhawk players. Then I'll care about the NBA.
Can't blame me for hating the NBA.. I live in Denver. The Nuggets have Carmello, Allen Iverson, and X-Mizzou grad Linus Klinman... does it get any worse?
April 18, 2008 at 11:53 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Lebowski (anonymous) says...
lol kackley... that was funny. I've said the same thing... but it's really not true.... we just don't like the intensity of the defense. You're not going to see many guys get all up in someone's grill in the NBA because nearly everyone can make them pay for overplaying.
It kills me that people who have watched Brandon play for 3 years think he won't be a good NBA player.
He's going to be a perfect player for a system. Virtually every attribute he needs to be a starter he has. A score-first superstar has its limits... it's everyday players like Brandon who play good defense, can still shoot it and contribute in other ways that make the difference between a great team and a lousy team with a star or two on it.
April 18, 2008 at 11:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
HawkFanFromWayBack (anonymous) says...
Congratulations on a well-run and well-deserved championship. I've always been proud of the Jayhawks, and this year's team is a dream. Thanks for staying, coach.
April 18, 2008 at 12:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jcsmith (anonymous) says...
How come nothing is being said about the possiblity of any of our seniors preparing for the draft? Lets hear whos going to put their names in and see where they may be predicted. All the focus seems to be on our underclassmen, wheres the support for the seniors????
April 18, 2008 at 12:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
swjhawk (anonymous) says...
I echo the comment that the seniors deserve some ink. Both Russ and Darnell have been special players for the Hawks.
I'm not an NBA fan, either (though I live in Phoenix and the Suns game does more resemble basketball than any other NBA team). With the 82-game schedule and the interminable playoffs, a lot of "jogging up and down the court" is required to physically survive such a season.
The passion of being a Kansas grad and basketball fan cannot be matched by the pros. I've been fortunate enough to witness two national championships by the Hawks and several other special players and teams in the program (remember the heart of Kelly Knight and Larry Brown's comment in Brown's first year that he was playing some zone because he had "four guys that can't guard the ground they stand on?"
I only hope to live to see another championship banner in the Fieldhouse.
April 18, 2008 at 12:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
txrockchalk (anonymous) says...
It looks like we aren't the only ones who thought we had a great year in the two big sports. Amazing how Florida didn't even make the top 20 after banner seasons last year.
http://msn.foxsports.com/cfb/story/79...
April 18, 2008 at 2:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jaybate (anonymous) says...
Arthur gone means a freshman and Aldrich as our bigs.
Bill Self is optimistic?
What happened to the old Bill Self who said in his first year that folks should understand that KU lost Hinrich and Collison, two NBA first rounders.
He had a royal flush that first year compared to what he's going to be working with next season.
Ya gotta like this guy. He does the unexpected.
After an NC, he's trying to get the fans hopes UP!
Go for it, Bill.
April 18, 2008 at 6:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justanotherfan (anonymous) says...
I think Self realizes that he has (probably) the best backcourt in the nation coming back (if Chalmers stays, that's why I said probably). In his first year he had Simien, Langford and Miles, but I think Collins, Chalmers and Aldrich surpass that, especially when you consider that they bring in two of the best juco transfers in the country. That should give us a chance to transition this team much quicker than when he came in. Plus, these are his recruits, so they are ready for his system, theoretically, whereas before he was dealing with a team that was basically split between his own guys and RW's guys. That, and coming off a title makes everyone optimistic.
April 18, 2008 at 7:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
smitty33 (anonymous) says...
Jaybate says, "He had a royal flush that first year compared to what he's going to be working with next season."
Come on Jaybate, where are your reasons we did not beat Memphis by more? I remember you counting the reasons mid-season why we'll never do well in the tourney. Please rename your handle "Downer Debbie"
I believe if Chalmer stays, we'll be a top 10 team in the country.... not bad.
April 18, 2008 at 10:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
100 (anonymous) says...
Good decision by both. Arthur would help his overall stock tremendously by staying a year. The individual training you get in college is so much better than the NBA. Ask Christian Laettner. Nite and day. In the NBA, there's no reason to put extra motivation and practice into a player who won't see the floor much the first year. The spirit comes from within yourself, entirely. There is no spirit in the rafters. No Allen Fieldhouse. And its lonely at its core. A pin can be heard in many of these NBA arenas. Worse yet, you're sitting on the end of the bench wondering why you didnt develop your game for another year before joining this torture. And no one cares. Its plain lonely. This (healthy, spirited bigtime college ball) is the best prep 4 the NBA a kid can ask for. And Arthur can be a top 5 pick, with his rate of improvement. But there's more to be done, he has such a high ceiling. He needs one more year of intense college ball to really jump to the highest tax bracket. The 14th pick is payed pennies compared to a top 5. Unfortunately Julian Wright is finding that out the hard way. Patience is a huge virtue in this NBA business if these kids can see past being 20...
April 19, 2008 at 12:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
melrank (anonymous) says...
Over the years, the NBA has been kind to guys who can shoot the ball from the outside consistently, but have little else to offer (Steve Kerr comes to mind). Brandon is NOT that guy, he brings outside shooting plus much more.
I think Brandon could be Bruce Bowen with class.
He'll definitely be a tough defender who can rebound well for his size. He should be versatile enough to guard many NBA 2s or 3s. If his "explosiveness" really does improve, he could become a great lock-down defender.
Then on offense, he will set screens and run the break. But his strength will be to camp in the corner ready to receive kick-outs from penetrating guards or doubled post men where he can be a deadly spot-up shooter for 3.
Darrell is a lot harder to figure. He is super athletic for a guy his size, but most everyone is in the NBA.
In any event, these guys were key to bringing home a National Championship and I appreciate the pride and joy they've brought to the University and it's alumni.
Best of luck to both.
April 19, 2008 at 8:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jaybate (anonymous) says...
Smitty33,
From the beginning of the season, I said Memphis was the team to beat. All kinds of nutso's said Memphis was overrated and from a weak conference. I was right. We had to beat them for the NC and we did. And it was a close game, as I expected.
April 19, 2008 at 12:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jross1972 (Johann Ross) says...
I am not proud to say that I both underestimated Kansas (after the Texas loss, it appeared the couldnt win the big ones because they had previously lost to Kansas State), and underestimated Memphis. Memphis WAS a legitimate team! WOW!
Let me toss this question out. Would 08 Kansas beat 07 Florida?
April 19, 2008 at 3:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JNgohawks (anonymous) says...
I say yes jross, heck, the 07 bunch beat them
April 19, 2008 at 5:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
smitty33 (anonymous) says...
Thanks for the honesty jross - I thought you and a couple of others (see below) were too pessimistic mid-season. I believe the turning point of this season was the 'revenge' pounding of KSU. Jaybate, I'm looking at old posts to see how 'faithful' you were. I guess I give you a little credit for predicting how good Memphis was. I think it's important and fun for us to analyze, but I hate people who put down, call names, suggest firing, and call the season over. Here are some fun Comments I came across from mid-season:
Soobawls:
This team is highly over-rated. We have no wins against the top 25 and no conference wins against any team with a winning record. Looks like we are getting ready for another humiliating loss to a mid-major in the tournament. I've said it since Bucknell and I'll say it again. Fire Self.
86finalfour:
i actually agree with soobawls - Self has not been good for this program.
KU (anonymous)
We really don't have great talent on this team.
I would rather have 5 Kevin Prichards and 5 Rex Walters on my team anyday than the supposedly great players we have. Mind over matter.........
rckchkjhawk92:
2008 ncaa tourney second round Midwest region
(2) Kansas 67
(10) Butler 70
JayCeph:
smitty, come on... I appreciate your enthusiasm but don't put the blinders on and think all things are rosy (crimson?) by looking at the win/loss column. It is HOW those losses came about that has people concerned.
April 20, 2008 at 4:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ralsterKUMed95 (anonymous) says...
Very funny above recollection of past comments...Win or lose, I felt all season that WE were a matchup problem offensively for other teams. All this talk, talk, talk about the 'atheletes' of UNC or the 'ballers' of Memphis, and they certainly were/are very good competition, but I thought UCLA and UNC would have the same problems against us--they have a couple of perimeter players and 1 dominant post player (Love, Hansborough). KU has 4 post players, and 3 perimeter players, and 1 Mr. Rush...So we all saw how UNC got "ran" outta the gym, UCLA could not handle Memphis (who WAS more athletic than UCLA), and Memphis turned out to be a 3man team as well, although the statline shows they used 9 players while Bill Self used only 8!!! But what an 8...
To anwer someones question about Florida, well we beat them last year, and this year's KU team was alot better than last year: Arthur even better, Jackson outta nowhere, Kaun better, and Cole late-season did give quality minutes. This year's KU beats last years FL by 15+, beats this years UCLA by 15-20. My point is the way we match up against certain teams, and our proven ability to win with a lot of different styles and combinations...And we played so very much as a team--this team defined "teamwork". So very special. I shall truly miss these guys! Thanks for the thrills!
April 20, 2008 at 5:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )