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Friday, November 7, 2008

Prep Henry won’t decide until spring

By J-W Staff Reports

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Xavier Henry, a 6-foot-6 senior guard from Putnam City (Okla.) High, who had surgery Thursday to repair a broken cheekbone, told ESPN.com he will not choose a school until the spring signing period.

Henry's dad, Carl, on Thursday said his son - who ultimately will choose between Kansas and Memphis - will be on medication and not be able to practice basketball the next four to six weeks.

It's possible he will announce his decision on ESPNU shortly after returning to action.

"He likes both schools. He wasn't ready to pick a school yet," Carl Henry told Zagsblog.net.

KU coach Bill Self had dinner with Carl Henry on Wednesday night. "Both coaches have been here," Henry said of Self and Memphis' John Calipari.

Michael Snaer, a 6-4 guard from Moreno Valley, Calif., tells Rivals.com he also will sign in the spring. Snaer has a final five of KU, Missouri, Florida State, UCLA and Marquette.

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Comments

KEITHMILES05 (anonymous) says...

Perhaps being on his medication he'll have a Darrell Arthur moment and see himself playing with the KU guys.

November 7, 2008 at 3:50 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

amatxjayhawk (anonymous) says...

I'm thinking we will and should sign the best and first available. With the kind of exposure this kid has had to Kansas basketball and KU in general, if he doesn't get it, move on.

November 7, 2008 at 5:45 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

kcphantom (anonymous) says...

What a diva - not the type of person that we want representing KU. I'd take 5 team players like Darnell Jackson instead of one like Xavier any day.

November 7, 2008 at 6:24 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Timmay97 (anonymous) says...

I can understand the drama when deciding amongst 6 or so schools, but not 2. It's not rocket science bro, just pick one. You can't tell me that you won't get a great education at either school. You also can't tell me that you don't get along with the coaches. Why wait? If you think waiting another 4-5 months will matter, it won't. I don't know what you're going to figure out in that amount of time that you don't know now. Having said all of this......please come to ku!!!

November 7, 2008 at 6:47 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

DWINOP (anonymous) says...

For those saying move on, he's not the kind of player KU wants...consider that he's just had reconstructive surgery after a car accident. Maybe the kid really hasn't thought that much about his college choice since the car accident because he knows...A. He really doesn't have to be in a hurry. Both schools will wait.B. He really can't make a bad choice because both schools provide him the path the NBA that he wants.C. His health is more important than placating a fan base.

November 7, 2008 at 6:48 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

NH_JHawk (anonymous) says...

Why do some people think they know what's best for Xavier even though they have no clue what it's like to be in his position? Give the kid a break please. He'll make the decision when he's ready. Just because his time frame doesn't conform to yours doesn't make him "a diva." If he comes, great! If not, then so be it.

November 7, 2008 at 6:49 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Hawklin (anonymous) says...

He hasnt done anything wrong. With exception to not catering to an overzealous fan base. I love all the armchair recruiters demanding his decision and calling him names like diva. That ought to get him here. 17 year old kids a day out of surgery from a car wreck better do what we say.

November 7, 2008 at 7:17 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

jayhawkinatl (anonymous) says...

This comment was removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement.

November 7, 2008 at 7:31 a.m. ( | )

jayhawkinatl (anonymous) says...

I agree, amatxjayhawk. We should make his decision for him by taking the best first available. You snooze, you lose!!!!!

November 7, 2008 at 7:34 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

stravinsky (anonymous) says...

I just had a dream where Henry and Wall both came to KU. Then I woke up to reality :(

November 7, 2008 at 7:51 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

kushaw (anonymous) says...

I think some of you are missing the point. "X" has a list of two schools and now he is going to wait until Spring. It's not like he has list of 5 or 6 and leading on all those schools to the last possible minute. He stated a long time ago that it was between Memphis and Kansas. No matter what we will have 50/50 chance of signing signing him in the spring. Now, if Cheek or Snaer or both want to sign with KU right away.........I don't know what you do. I like Cheek's game a lot, but for some reason high school friends have not done well at KU. Jackson and Giddens (Giddens Transferred), Giles and Stewart (Stewart couldn't ever fit in and we all know Giles troubles)...........I still like Cheek a lot, but it's a simple observation between Cheek and Tyshawn Taylor being friends.

November 7, 2008 at 8:07 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

ohioburg (anonymous) says...

amatxjayhawk "I'm thinking we will and should sign the best and first available."For the first time, I am starting to agree with this sentiment. The dominoes are going to start to fall with the early signing period for both KU and for X. He's been through a lot the past couple weeks and I know he's not a prima donna as some seem to think. At some point, though, you got to get while the gettin's good.

November 7, 2008 at 8:11 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

marqjbm (anonymous) says...

I know exactly what Xavier is going through. When I was trying to choose which Intramural Bowling team I wanted to play on, there was a lot of pressure from both sides. Then there was the issue of the sprained finger on my bowling hand. I almost had to sit out the fall semester and just wait for the spring league. Hang in there X!

November 7, 2008 at 8:12 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Chicago_JHawk (anonymous) says...

How long does the November signing period last? His recovery time following the surgery may push him beyond the signing period, and if ESPN wants him to announce on TV, then he'd miss his window. May as well wait.All of you condemning X for waiting will accept him with open arms if he ultimately signs with us.

November 7, 2008 at 8:20 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

chalmers2wright (anonymous) says...

Why is it that someone who is having trouble picking between Kansas and another school just "doesn't get it" and we need to forget about him?1. ESPN wants him on TV and I doubt he wants to be on national television swollen and bruised up from surgery.2. Just because he's taking his time deciding doesn't mean he doesn't know what it means to be a jayhawk and it also doesn't mean he wouldn't be giving 100% when he got here. Hell Arthur had to have a dream convince him to choose between us and baylor!!!! Baylor...as in a team with no history, no recent success, and no chance at winning a national championship.3. He's a 17 year old who just had surgery after a car accident, let him take his time to recover and make a decision that will greatly affect his life.

November 7, 2008 at 8:41 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

jchief40 (anonymous) says...

Can't you guys read? Snaer is waiting until Spring as well. Which to me means if X goes elsewhere - Snaer to KU. We get either better or best. We really can't lose. Considering the talent level here we really don't HAVE to have a player like Henry to make a serious run at another NC. EJ, T-Rob, Taylor, Twins + Snaer/Henry = Wow.

November 7, 2008 at 8:45 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

kufankam (anonymous) says...

All of the people who are blowing up about this need to get a life. Lay off of Xavier. Just like previous poster's have said, there have been far more dramatic recruits to wind up at KU and be loved by KU fans. Everyone has mentioned the circus spectacle of recruiting Rush and Arthur... seems like they turned out alright. I don't hear anyone ripping Kirk Hinrich for his recruitment (committed to ISU before Floyd left)... he turned out to be alright and I doubt anyone would call him a diva. Not wanting to commit to a school on national TV with a swollen face, while hopped up on meds, does not make someone a diva. Xavier can and should go wherever he wants. I hope it is KU!! If not, we will still win Championships!! Rockchalk!

November 7, 2008 at 8:59 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

jchief40 (anonymous) says...

not to mention Little, Releford, Thomas... on and on.

November 7, 2008 at 9:13 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Jaminrawk (anonymous) says...

If Cheek wants to come, pull the trigger. The kid is a bomber from three point range. He has been described as a Tayshaun Prince with more talent. Plus ... he might actually stay two years!If he waits, then you target Xavier. Personally, I think having the top recruit overall would be cool, but how many of them win championships? Carmelo and....? Oden and Rose came close, Durant and Mayo flamed out in the tourney early. KU will be fine with any of these guys. You don't average 30 points a game at KU. THAT is why KU is dangerous. Anyone can kill you.

November 7, 2008 at 9:13 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

KUFan90 (anonymous) says...

Jaminrawk - Don't forget a guy named Danny Manning on your list.I personally demand that Xavier choose today, because I need to know and can't move on with my life until that happens. He doesn't have the right to torment me like this. I don't give a hoot about what HE wants to do. It's really all about me here. X - I'll expect your decision by 5pm. Thanks.

November 7, 2008 at 9:23 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

ohioburg (anonymous) says...

Danny wasn't a one-and-done like he would be in today's evironment. What's with wanting to announce on ESPNU?1. He can't be getting paid for it.2. He'll get plenty of pub without it. 3. It's an obscure station not even on most cable providers.

November 7, 2008 at 10:04 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

DocBean (anonymous) says...

Let's face it, he wants to make his decision on ESPNU and just had surgery on his face. I'm thinking he doesn't want his mug on National Television with a bunch of stitches.I'm fine with him waiting until Spring.and I still hope he picks KU.

November 7, 2008 at 10:50 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

blogthis (anonymous) says...

This is a big cluster..............X- I am buying your one way ticket toMemphis!!

November 7, 2008 at 11:02 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

lrahardja (anonymous) says...

There is an advantage for X to wait though, he can observe both teams to see which set of team mates he would fit best. He knows both coaches' style, but he doesn't know how both teams (especially the freshmen) would turn out this year.

November 7, 2008 at 11:20 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

TheTruth08 (anonymous) says...

I have short a poem: I don't care. Bring Snaer. I can't sit through this. Send X to Memphis. Thank you.

November 7, 2008 at 12:23 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

oldalum (anonymous) says...

Sometimes I think he's just sick of the constant questions. After saying Memphis or Kansas for months, he suddenly came up with a couple new schools, and I always thought he was just yanking the reporter's chain. Maybe he thought announcing on ESPN would shield him from that a little. So much attention might have been flattering at first, but I'd guess it isn't fun anymore.

November 7, 2008 at 12:48 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jbrownjib (anonymous) says...

If neither X, Snaer, Cheeks, or Stephens sign until April then everyone is in the same boat! What is the big deal?None of these kids are going to suit up until next fall any way. Right now, I'm cheering for the kids playing this year, next year can wait.

November 7, 2008 at 1:02 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

JayCeph (anonymous) says...

I think X wants to wait and watch the teams in the early part of the season to see how they are adjusting to their new recruiting classes, how they are playing against varied competition and then determine which system they'd fit into better provided the evidence seen during this year's games.Sounds kind of smart. I'd like to see him at KU but can't fault him for being pragmatic...

November 7, 2008 at 1:17 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jaybate (anonymous) says...

To TheTruth08That's the way to show'em with a poem.To everyone,I always thought he should have waited until spring to maximize info about which team would have the best supporting cast.

November 7, 2008 at 1:26 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

100 (anonymous) says...

Keep in mind where Henry is. He's in Oklahoma and well liked. There's no reason to ruffle his friend's feathers, or fur. Most of his inner circle buddies (high school friends) do not want him to be a Jayhawk. Xavier was the only one of his friends who quietly smiled when Chalmers hit that 3. My point is, he knows when he makes the best decision for his future, he will catch some flack from his "friends" (pro OU, OSU,Memphis, anti KU). So why declare now and hear about it for months? Why not wait until school is almost over? I've had high school friends like that before -- you like them, at heart, but you just want them to shut up about your personal decisions. Especially hard to be around the ones who never shut up. Until you graduate. I'm with Xavier on this. The only thing this wait tells me is he's highly considering being a Jayhawk like a smart basketball player would.

November 7, 2008 at 1:54 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

MichAveJHawk (anonymous) says...

I bet he doesn't wait til spring. He's down to 2 schools, he knows all he needs to know about each, its gonna just hit him one of these days, like a revelation. I do think that the last spot is up for grabs. I don't see us ever waiting on anybody. First come, first serve. Can't go wrong with any of the kids we're recruiting.We've already got plenty of young talent to be excited about to worry so much about 1 recruit. I hope he picks us soon, but its gonna be fun watching this year's freshman class come of age.

November 7, 2008 at 2:02 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

kustrong (anonymous) says...

Kiethmiles05 the other night I had a Darrell Arthur dream, it was great. I played for Kansas and my number was 13, I hit every shot I took, and Bill Self started me for every game. In fact I have been having Darrell Arthur dreams since fifth grade, when I was a student at Broken Arrow, is there anything wrong with me? Henry we can not take this much longer. Give the people what they want, come to Kansas, be successful, and play many years in the NBA. Make Carl proud.

November 7, 2008 at 2:09 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

FlaHawk (anonymous) says...

If XH needs 3-4 monthe to determine whether KU or UM (Memphis) than he is not as sharp as he needs to be for his talent level.Probably just waiting tosee how throws more money his way and/or lack of self confidence! (no pun)!

November 7, 2008 at 2:29 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

blogthis (anonymous) says...

FlaHawk:It has actually been about 3 years that he hasnarrowed this down to KU & Memphis.I agree with you as to his decision making ability. If X waffles any more we should just pour syrup on him!

November 7, 2008 at 3:42 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Francois (anonymous) says...

I'm just afraid that if X waits too long, hat ceremonies won't be cool anymore. I was really looking forward to that hat ceremony.

November 7, 2008 at 3:49 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

kranny (anonymous) says...

Leave the guy alone. He just had surgery on his face for Cripes sake and he won't be able to even play basketball for a month to a month in a half for his high school team. I think that's more on his mind than which college he's going to play for next year. With or without him, KU will always be contenders and X will have a solid college career.

November 7, 2008 at 3:50 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

flipborder02 (anonymous) says...

Kranny I totally agree and as far as I am concerned he can wait all he wants if he is going to choose Kansas. Ohh ya and he isnt a diva he is a baller.

November 7, 2008 at 4:09 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

kufankam (anonymous) says...

Fla Hawk..."Probably just waiting tosee how throws more money his way" tosee? how throws? Looks as though you aren't the brightest crayon in the box yourself?This is insane! Why even have a spring signing period?! There is no need apparently. Some on this post insist that anyone who considers options is a "diva" or "waffle"... Give the kid a break and let him make his decision. If he comes to KU... cheer like hell for him. If he goes to Memphis... wish him well and cheer for whomever Self brings in to replace him. I would love to have Xavier as he is a great player and a solid kid. However, it's a lot like when OU was recruiting Adrian Peterson. Word is, Cale Gundy (OU Running back coach) told him straight up- "We would love to have you, but we will win championships with or without you". The program does not hang on these kids decisions. We will win with or without Henry... I, for one, hope it is with him!!

November 7, 2008 at 4:50 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

kltbadboyz (anonymous) says...

I bet Cheek doesn't decide till spring either. This would be the best situation for KU. Even if Cheek chooses not to attend KU, we still have a good shot at getting either X, Snaer, or Stephenson. Not a big deal guys, KU basketball goes on.

November 7, 2008 at 6 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

ralsterKUMed95 (anonymous) says...

kushaw,you brought up an interesting list of high school friends that both came to KU, but one of each transferred out...you could say, though, that each pair had different circumstances, attitudes, and events occur: Stewart+Giles: Rod could have starred for us except for 1 Mr. Rush. CJGiles couldnt remember the plays and had offcourt problems, resulting in his moving on...credit Rodrick Stewart for the class act he was throughout. Jackson+Giddens: very different games again, both undeveloped, Giddens overhyped a little bit, as he could shoot & was 6'5", but little else (no D, no dribble). Off-court problems for him, while Darnell really was a work in progress until he blossomed his Sr. year...Darnell overcoming his off-court family problems is truly legend. I am just not sure that this would extrapolate as some sort of predictor on how Cheek would do if he came here with Tyshawn. None of the previous 'friends' were competing for playing time and were just different in position and skills. Apples and oranges, I think. One recent negative I can think of is Shady's bigman friend from OakCliff High School NOT coming to KU, for whatever reason...

November 7, 2008 at 8:54 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jross1972 (Joe Ross) says...

hot, hot, hot! Calipari is in a heated fervor over X! Has anybody even considered that he might be delaying his decision until the spring to give Calipari a cooling off period before he announces he's a Jayhawk?

November 7, 2008 at 9:36 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

100 (anonymous) says...

This is to blogthis and whoever else still doesn't understand why it seems like "he hasn't made up his mind". He has and here's why:Everyone around him wants him to be a Tiger. OU fans galore in his area. More OSU fans. They know he's not going to be a Sooner or a Cowboy. But they definitely don't want him to be a Jayhawk. So if he declares now, he's seen as a savior (hero) for the rest of his senior season... but where does that put him his Freshman year of college? At Memphis. A good place, for sure. But, as any national media member will tell you... it's no Allen Fieldhouse. A good coach in Cal. But it's not Bill Self. Anyone who watched the last few minutes of the title game gets that. It wasn't luck, as much as it had to do with belief. Sure Memphis could have won that game. But they didn't.Look back at the pregame speech by Self. Its about preparation and belief. Look at Chalmers in the NBA. Now look at Rose. Look at their stats. Watch some tape. Does either of them seem uncomfortable?It's about coaching fundamentals and preparing for the bigger stage. Its not about "the dribble drive offense." We all know that offense. Rose didn't get NBA fundamentals at Memphis. Chalmers did gain NBA fundamentals at Kansas. I still remember seeing Hinrich, a 2nd year Chicago Bull at the time, make Chalmers look silly in the alumni exhibition game. Now, after hard work with Self it could be the other way around. Xavier knows about hard work. He also knows where he's going. But he won't tell anybody for quite sometime, for a reason. His buddies want him to go to Memphis. Plenty of real Memphis fans there too. Nearly zero Jayhawks.Imagine if you knew you had a chance to play in the house that was built for Wilt every game on national TV, with coaches who prepare their guys for the NBA, the national press following your every move on the court in the same sentence they talk about the only man who scored triple digits in an NBA game and the inventor of basketball -- but all your buddies want you to go elsewhere, mostly for their own reasons (so they don't have to watch you compete against their Sooners or Cowboys). The longer he waits to announce, the better it is for KU -- he's putting off the announcement for a reason---Because he has to hang out with these Oklahoma/ Memphis guys EVERY day!!! The closer he makes his announcement to Spring, the less he has to hear about it before he goes to Lawrence for basketball camp next summer to hear the kids go crazy.Though you have not officially announced it yet, let this blog board be the first to welcome you to the home of basketball, Xavier, the cradle of hoops. You will be very happy here.

November 7, 2008 at 11:52 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

KU (anonymous) says...

If he's afraid to commit because it will offend his friends, let him go to Memphis. I'm sick of the drama queen. His mom AND dad played at KU for cripes sake! If he can't respect the tradition passed down from them, he just doesn't get it.NEXT! Bring on Cheek or Snaer. At least they won't be one-and-done prima donnas.

November 8, 2008 at 10:02 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

BoulderHawk (anonymous) says...

Hmm, He is probably going to be one and done anyway.I agree with many of the posts here. Time to move on!

November 9, 2008 at 4:45 p.m. ( | suggest removal )