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Wednesday, June 25, 2008

The relocation of Shady

KU forward embraces unknown NBA destination

Kansas forward Darrell Arthur rejects a shot by North Carolina forward Tyler Hansbrough in the first half of the Jayhawks' Final Four victory over the Tar Heels in April at the Alamodome in San Antonio.

Kansas forward Darrell Arthur rejects a shot by North Carolina forward Tyler Hansbrough in the first half of the Jayhawks' Final Four victory over the Tar Heels in April at the Alamodome in San Antonio.

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— Over the last three weeks, Kansas University forward Darrell Arthur has showcased his skills for nine NBA teams. That number actually skews higher because Arthur's latest workout on Tuesday was for the Philadelphia 76ers, Cleveland Cavaliers and Toronto Raptors.

With his final workout scheduled with the Washington Wizards today, Arthur will then be able to exhale and figure out where he will be selected in Thursday's NBA Draft.

"I'll be nervous not knowing where I'll be going," said Arthur, who will be in attendance for the draft in New York. "I'll be anxious and excited at the same time."

Arthur certainly didn't appear to be nervous during his hourlong workout at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, the Sixers' practice facility. He went through a series of drills for Sixers brass including general manager Ed Stefanski, senior vice president and assistant general manager Tony DiLeo, coach Maurice Cheeks as well as Cavaliers general manager Danny Ferry and Raptors coach Sam Mitchell.

Arthur participated in this particular workout with 7-foot-1 center Alexis Ajinca from France, Drexel forward-center Frank Elegar and Saint Joseph's forward Rob Ferguson.

"It's been pretty fun," Arthur said. "I've been getting to play against people I have never played against in college. Going through this whole experience is cool."

The Sixers own the 16th pick in the draft and have a glaring need for a power forward. They believe Arthur would be a great addition to a team which finished 40-42 and pushed the Detroit Pistons to six games in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

"He fits the way we play," DiLeo said of Arthur. "He's an athletic player. He gets up and down the floor. He can hit the outside shot. He can post up. He's a winner. He won in high school and in college. He has a lot of good intangibles."

Arthur tied for second on the Jayhawks in scoring (12.8) and ranked second in rebounding (6.3). He scored 20 or more points five times and had five double-doubles. But his stock really began to rise in the NCAA Tournament as KU went on to defeat Memphis for the school's first national championship since 1988.

In the title game, Arthur scored 20 points on 9-of-13 shooting and grabbed 10 rebounds.

"The intangibles of winning mean a lot," DiLeo said. "He's had great coaching and he's a polished player."

For a power forward, Arthur could be perceived as a bit undersized with his 6-foot-9, 225-pound frame.

"The way the league is going right now, there are undersized fours like Rashard Lewis and Lamar Odom," DiLeo said. "A lot of fours are not huge, but are more athletic. It's more of an up and down game. I don't think size will be a problem at all for him."

Arthur hasn't had many problems during the string of workouts. The only glitch was a stiff back.

"My big back tightened up from those tiny planes," he joked.

Even though Arthur has been told he could go as high as ninth in the draft, he didn't want to turn down any offers to work out.

"I'm trying to show everyone I can shoot the outside 'J,'" said Arthur, whose cousin, Quinton Ross, plays for the Los Angeles Clippers. "I can really compete out here and play a little bit of defense. I think the workouts are going really good. I've been getting good feedback every day."

Arthur received good feedback from Danny Manning back home and it carried through the special national championship season. It was even more meaningful after deciding to return to KU for his sophomore season.

"I didn't think I had a great year as a freshman and we had our whole team coming back to make a big push for the Final Four," Arthur said. "Danny Manning helped me a lot with my footwork, cuts and ball movement. I think it was a big plus. Overall, it was a great experience. I talked to my mom and my family after this season and they thought it was a good thing to come out to the NBA after winning the national championship."

Two of Arthur's teammates - Mario Chalmers and Brandon Rush - are going through a similar process and having that KU support system has really been beneficial.

"I worked out with Mario in Indiana and I'm working out with Brandon (today) in Washington," Arthur said. "We reminisce all the time about the season and now going through the process is kind of like a boot camp. It's been great and we've helped each other out."

Now that the draft is rapidly approaching, Arthur soon will learn where his next stop will be. No matter where the destination, he's ready.

"I think I bring energy and a spark," Arthur said. "I'm excited to go to wherever I'm picked."

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Comments

mgolany (anonymous) says...

Good Luck Darrell! I will never forget that 20 footer that hit nothing but net and that clutch turn around jumper over Taggert that got us within 2 of Memphis! You were a pleasure to watch and I'll be cheering for you and all the Jayhawks in the NBA!

June 25, 2008 at 7:23 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Timmay97 (anonymous) says...

Darrell........you had two giant games.......freshman year against Florida in Vegas (and I'm happy to say I was in attendance for that OT thriller) and more importantly the national championship game against Memphis. We'll miss ya and I wish you the very best.

June 25, 2008 at 7:32 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

KEITHMILES05 (anonymous) says...

Darrell has a really nice disposition about him and doesn't come across as being high minded and snooty. He has represented KU well and am happy he is going on to the NBA where he desire to excell. Thanks Shady for giving two years of your life to KU.We'll miss you.

June 25, 2008 at 8:29 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

jacqueshock (anonymous) says...

The Magic are in great need of a PF as well. Tony Battie is good, but he's been in the Association for over 10 years.

June 25, 2008 at 8:36 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

DSommersby (anonymous) says...

Thanks Shady! Hope your name is called early at the draft, but most importantly I hope your name is called by a team where you can really help them and have the right fit. Thanks for two great years!Rock Chalk Championship!

June 25, 2008 at 8:40 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

okjhok (anonymous) says...

I just wanted to pass this on to other college bball fans. Read the comments by Brandon Jennings. It's telling of the state of the premier high school athlete. http://www.collegehoopsnet.com/blog/m...

June 25, 2008 at 8:53 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

txrockchalk (anonymous) says...

Interesting take by Brandon Jennings, okjhok. He obviously cares nothing about college. It would be tough for a school to appreciate having him if he has no interest in attending class or intent in staying beyond one year.

June 25, 2008 at 9:17 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

okjhok (anonymous) says...

I think this could be ground-breaking. If Jennings goes to Europe and, in turn, is drafted high the next year, it will change things a lot on the college level. Others are sure to followPersonally, I can't fault a guy at all for wanting to get on with his profession and bypassing college. It makes more sense than going to college for a year, thereby making a mockery of the institution, when you don't want to be there in the first place.I really think this is huge, and the fallout will affect all segments of basketball, from high school, to college, to the European leagues, to the NBA.

June 25, 2008 at 9:25 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

txrockchalk (anonymous) says...

How long do you think it would take before Europe or other foreign country teams get tired of being "used" by these premier high school players from the US? My guess is the NBA would end up adjusting their current policy if they see a trend of athletes bypassing college and playing overseas for a year. Like you have indicated, this could get real interesting.

June 25, 2008 at 9:46 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

okjhok (anonymous) says...

That's an interesting point, tx. Thing is, Stern has said in the past that he has no problem with, and has even encouraged the idea of these kids playing for a short time in Europe. It's no secret he is trying to globalize the NBA. I have no idea how this will be accepted in Europe, so I won't venture to guess. I think in the long run, the whole thing could be cyclical, until a better solution is found. Who knows, maybe this is the best solution.

June 25, 2008 at 9:57 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

vmwskywalk (anonymous) says...

Obviously he is considering Europe because he may not have good enough test scores to make it into college. If anyone thinks that playing pro ball is Europe will make you better prepared for the NBA, they are kidding themselves. Plus, you can't put a value on the face time college athaletes get while playing NCAA basketball. Example: Mario Chalmers

June 25, 2008 at 10:02 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

livedeadhead (anonymous) says...

dude, there is no way you wouldn't develop better playing in Europe than playing in college - better competition , playin all year - like Jennings said he doesn't have to worry about school - which by the way going to class, reading books, and writing papers is not something you have to do in the NBA. What are the chances that if you go to college for one year you will get to hit the game winning shot of the NCAA championship game? Very small. Face time, if it has any value at all other than for your ego, is nothing compared to one years salary in the European pros.

June 25, 2008 at 10:18 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

okjhok (anonymous) says...

I think you're naive, vmwskywalk. The lottey has been loaded with European players the last 5 years. I contend that the European leagues will prepare a player better than a year in college. Tony Parker didn't have any problems. Also, professional scouts couldn't care less about face time. They find the best players, whether they're in CA or Spain. Chalmers stock rose during his individual workouts, not during the final four.

June 25, 2008 at 10:24 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

dagger108 (anonymous) says...

Last year, Rose's brother/rep talked about him going to Europe also. This isn't a new concept, and definitely won't hurt the NCAA. There will still be quality players diving after lose balls, taking charges, ..., doing whatever it takes to win basketball games.Europe may adjust when they get too many over-hyped HS players - just like the NBA has. Don't they already have a limit on the number of US players that any team can have? Maybe Jennings could go, but it doesn't mean that Europe is interested in getting a bunch of US teenagers to play for them.Personally, I say the NBA aught to make it 2 years, and let them go to Europe if they want

June 25, 2008 at 10:50 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

okjhok (anonymous) says...

No, it's not a new concept, but it hasn't happened yet, so it's effect is still unknown. To say that it "definitely won't hurt the NCAA" is completely shortsighted, unless you don't care about watching the best young basketball players compete. You're right, there will still be "quality" players. But I don't love college ball just because of "quality" players.

June 25, 2008 at 11:04 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

KUFan90 (anonymous) says...

I'm with dagger on this one. Sure we might see an occasional player here or there go to Europe, but it won't be a mass exodus. I'll argue the visibility level is much higher here in the US. Plus I'll argue that 17 and 18 year old kids don't generally want to become professional eurpoean players at that age. I'd rather go to a US college for a year, be the BMOC, lots of TV time and visibility, etc than slog my arse across europe surrounded by a bunch of foreigners doing a job (remember they won't be on a sight seeing tour).

June 25, 2008 at 11:54 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

okjhok (anonymous) says...

Time will tell...it will be interesting

June 25, 2008 at 12:23 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

KU (anonymous) says...

With the weakness of the US dollar, these kids need to check the currency exchange rates before they consider playing overseas!

June 25, 2008 at 12:23 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

LAJayhawk (anonymous) says...

Very interesting discussion. I will leave the speculation of the "Jennings effect" on the NCAA and NBA to all of you, but I will say this:Why force someone to go to college when 1) he doesn't need to be there, and 2) he doesn't want to go? If an individual already has the skill set, the talent, and the desire to be a professional in his given field, then what is the purpose of spending time in college? The university system is there to help prepare us for the professional arena. Those of us who could bypass college and immediately jump to the top level of our field would most likely do so. This, of course, is where #2 must be taken into account. If an athlete (or non-athlete for that matter) feels as though he wishes to remain a "kid" for a while and enjoy the college experience, then that clearly plays a part in his decision (Beasley even considered staying another year, as he didn't know if he was mature enough to be a professional). But if you don't want to be there and don't see the benefit of it, then clearly you should move on. Now if the NBA won't allow you -- and you fit into those two categories -- then, absolutely, the European leagues are a great option, and no one should see it as a bad decision. You can work professionally and focus totally on your game and take the time to mature as an adult away from home without those "hangers on" taking you down the "wrong path" so to speak.I definitely don't see anything wrong with it.

June 25, 2008 at 12:38 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

LAJayhawk (anonymous) says...

KU,the Euro is worth considerably more than the dollar right now, so it is actually the other way around: the Europeans should think twice before taking the American paycheck!

June 25, 2008 at 12:39 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Strikewso (anonymous) says...

I echo the words about DA's big shots in the championship game. In the wake of Mario and Sherron's big shots, his big shots have gone somewhat unnoticed. He hit that 20-footer with a man on him when we were completely desparate and down 9. That shot broke us out of the funk and made it doable. Then his amazing turn-around cut the lead to two and we were right there. He was really clutch in that game.

June 25, 2008 at 1:55 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Purposive (anonymous) says...

Chad Ford reported on ESPN today that Arthur's stock was, and I quote, "Falling like an anvil." This is due, he said, to health concerns about DA's leg and kidney (??). The implication seemed to be that he might not even get taken in the first round. That would be a massive change of events, even more so than Mario's surprising rise in the draft

June 25, 2008 at 2:35 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

rockchalk_dpu (anonymous) says...

Sorry to hear about Shady. Hope that he will be ok for next year.As for Jennings claim he will go play in Europe, I couldn't be sadder for the college game than I am now. There used to be a time when players truly wanted to represent the school they played for were willing to put their NBA dreams on hold for a couple of years. While I don't believe that all the high school talent will leave the country, I can see some of the more selfish players try it until the Euro leagues decide to place age restrictions too. Lets hope that the college game stays strong and we continue to have great teams into the future.RCJ

June 25, 2008 at 3:03 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

doubled96 (anonymous) says...

Good luck if Jennings goes to Europe. If other players follow this route, I think it will expose many of them as not ready for "NBA level" even more than college often does (whether skills-wise or in maturity). Europeans for the most part are pretty fundamentally sound in their basketball skills. I would argue our high schoolers are not, and are rather just better athletes in general. You better bring your A game to Europe from the start, or you may be over there for a long time. Just my 2 cents.

June 25, 2008 at 4:37 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

afilmer (anonymous) says...

interesting subject matter with jennings. my only real nugget to throw into the conversation is to parallel the european league in basketball with the mexican league in baseball. zack grienke - royal pitcher - was sent to mexico when he was 19 after being drafted out of high school. there wasn't too much of an outcry about that - in fact - many thought it was a savvy move by the royals (of which there are few - said the devout royals fan) giving him a chance to develop away from prying eyes.i echo what doubled96 says though - i think the kids will come up short against many of the more seasoned european players than they would going up against MU and Iowa St. a couple times a year.

June 25, 2008 at 4:49 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

BPSkelly (anonymous) says...

The Jennings thing is an interesting situation.I personally think he'll end up getting crushed there (they're Pros, not kids) and end up hurting whatever 'draft stock' he has/had.There was a kid who played professionally out of H.S. about a decade ago in Australia. He wasnt good enough to play pro ball, didnt pass his tests, so he went and did that. I dont think he was horrible down there, but he wasnt going to be an NBA player. Iowa State tried to recruit him when Tim Floyd was there. They tried to convince the NCAA that he was 'fooled' into playing pro ball. Obviously, they didnt buy it.Im not saying doing one over the other is right or wrong. But the idea that going to Europe is going to make you appreciably better is a little silly. I would guess on average it would be negligible.But who knows. It'll be interesting to see what he does.

June 25, 2008 at 5:48 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Hawklin (anonymous) says...

Baffling why discussions like this take place at the bottom of an article when there is a messageboard on this very website.

June 25, 2008 at 6:19 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

kushaw (anonymous) says...

I personally think this type of atmoshpere is good for this type of kid. He will grow up extremely fast! He will get pounded early from playing against kids in high school to going to the "Men" of the European league. The only question about this possible jump is the European Teams policy. I mean, it's a business over there just like the NBA, but how many European teams are going to give a 17 or 18 year old a 1 year guranteed contract? It might happen and it might not! If a European team sees that a player like Jennings wants to play in Europe in order to get to the NBA, they might sign these youngsters to a minimum of a 2 or 3 year contract, which I can see happening pretty easy. Jennings won't get torn up.! Jennings will hold his own, but he'll have to beef up a little. Ricky Rubio who is 17 years old is one of the best players in Europe right now and he's rail thin. Rubio will be the #1 player in the Draft next year. If these high school kids start taking the European route; I see the owners of those teams signing them to 3 year deals to take adavantage of their situation. I see it as a similar situation with Kaun and Russia!

June 25, 2008 at 10:09 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jaybate (anonymous) says...

Darrell Arthur always comes off as remarkably articulate and intelligent in interviews. For this reason, it is hard for me to believe that his math grades were changed in high school. But, then again, math has been difficult for many with good linguistic skills. Whatever, I am rooting for Arthur to become a full time player in the pros. He rarely played full games at KU. It will be fun to see what he can do with the refs calling almost nothing, so he doesn't have to worry about fouls anymore.

June 26, 2008 at 12:32 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

jaybate (anonymous) says...

Here is Vitale's mock draft and my comments. 1. Chicago Derrick Rose, G MemphisCorrect, but only because Rose is only 18 and so will get a lot better.2. Miami Michael Beasley, F Kansas St.Correct.3. Minnesota O.J. Mayo, G USCToo high. Rush, Chalmers and RR all handled him.4. Seattle Jerryd Bayless, G ArizonaWaaaaaay too high.5. Memphis Kevin Love, F UCLAFundamentals took Larry Bird along way. Fundamentals will take Love along way.6. New York D.J. Augustin, G TexasThis is a freaking joke. I preferred all of our guards to Augustin. Donnie Walsh is too smart to take Augustin this high. He'll surprise everyone and take Rush. And if he's this desparate for a PG, he ought to surprise everyone and draft Sherron, who is better than Augustin already.7. L.A. Clippers Russell Westbrook, G UCLAThis is another joke. Rush is a bigger, faster, stronger, better defending, better rebounding and better shooting SG than Westbrook. He will shut Westbrook down everytime they play each other, but he flourished under Beillen AND Huggo Muggo, so he's got some chops.8. Milwaukee Joe Alexander, F West VirginiaI don't know squat about this guy.9. Charlotte Brook Lopez, C StanfordHe's tall. Kaun could have handled him. Arthur could have handled him. DBlock could have handled him. Hell, Aldrich could have handled him for 8 minutes.10. New Jersey Danilo Gallinari, F ItalyDon't know anything about him.11. Indiana Eric Gordon, G IndianaI'd take this guy over Bayless and Mayo any day. I'd take Gordon before Rose, too. Gordon is everything Rose is supposed to be.12. Sacramento Anthony Randolph, F LSUPeople wasting lottery picks on projects need their heads examined.13. Portland Donte' Greene, F SyracuseUnless this guy can score like Carmelo, which he can't, he'll be a wasted draft choice, because he hasn't got a clue how to play defense, after zoning for Boeheim.14. Golden St. Mareese Speights, C FloridaReal deal, but just not as good as Arthur in any way.

June 26, 2008 at 1:18 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

jaybate (anonymous) says...

15. Phoenix Brandon Rush, G/F KansasIf this guy doesn't go in the Top Ten, its only because idiots run the worst teams.16. Philadelphia Darrell Arthur, F KansasArthur would go top 5, if they trusted his J.17. Toronto Robin Lopez, F StanfordToronto will stay lousy picking this guy.18. Washington Roy Hibbert, C GeorgetownHibbert's a natural born back up.19. Cleveland Kosta Koufos, C Ohio StateDon't know about him.20. Denver Mario Chalmers, G KansasWho would you rather have: Chalmers or Augustin? Give me Mario any day.21. New Jersey J.J. Hickson, F N.C. StateDon't know him.22. Orlando Courtney Lee, G W. KentuckyRather have Dblock.23. Utah JaVale McGee, C NevadaRather have Dblock.24. Seattle Alexis Ajinca, C FranceRather have Kleinmann.25. Houston DeAndre Jordan, C Texas A&MThis guy is clumsy oaf, but he might develop.26. San Antonio Serge Ibaka, F CongoDon't know him.27. Portland Ante Tomic, C CroatiaDon't know him.28. Memphis CD-R, G MemphisThis guy is a terrific player who will go much higher than this.29. Detroit Richard Hendrix, F AlabamaDblock is better.30. Boston Jason Thompson, F RiderDblock is better.

June 26, 2008 at 1:19 a.m. ( | suggest removal )