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Originally published November 14, 2008 at 04:03p.m., updated November 14, 2008 at 04:13p.m.

Snaer chooses Florida State

By Gary Bedore

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Michael Snaer thanked coaches from Kansas, Marquette, UCLA, Missouri and Florida State for recruiting him, then ended months of suspense by announcing for FSU one hour into Friday's two-hour ESPNU College Basketball Signing Day Special.

"I think all those schools are really great choices. That makes this decision even harder, but I think the one I'm going to end up playing with is Florida State," said Snaer, a 6-foot-4 senior shooting guard from Rancho Verde High in Moreno Valley, Calif.

"I really like coach (Leonard) Hamilton. I like the atmosphere there and being around all the players and coaches," added Snaer, Rivals.com's No. 11-rated player.

Meanwhile, Xavier Henry, a 6-foot-6 senior shooting guard from Putnam City (Okla.) High, also appeared on the TV show.

He reiterated he'd wait until the spring signing period to sign with either KU or Memphis.

"It's the biggest decision of my life. I think about it every day. When the time is right I'll let everybody know where I'm going," said Henry, Rivals.com's No. 3-rated player.

Both of Henry's parents played basketball at KU. His brother, C.J., is a freshman at Memphis.

"Of course my brother going to Memphis is a plus," said Henry. "I look at the playing styles and the people who are going to be there when I'm there ... who can take care of me right."

Henry wanted to choose a school in the early signing period, which concludes Wednesday, but a recent car accident altered those plans.

"I just got the stitches out of my face the other day," said Henry, who suffered a broken cheekbone in the wreck on Oct. 22. "The swelling in my face is going down. In four to six weeks, I'll be able to play again.

"It made me think a little bit deeper in where I really want to go and who will take care of me," he added of the aftermath of the accident.

KU on Wednesday received a signed letter of intent from Thomas Robinson, 6-8 from Brewster Academy in Wolfeboro, N.H., who chose KU over Memphis.

On Monday, KU will receive a signed letter from Elijah Johnson, 6-2 from Las Vegas Cheyenne High and the No. 27-rated player in the class. He's having his signing ceremony that day so his parents can attend.

KU has just two scholarships to award in recruiting, but coach Bill Self has said he'd like to sign three or four players because of the likelihood of losing players to the NBA.

KU remains in the running for several other players who will sign late. They are: Dominic Cheek, 6-5, St. Anthony High, Jersey City, N.J.; Lance Stephenson, 6-5, Lincoln High, Brooklyn, N.Y.; John Wall, 6-4, Word of God Christian Academy, Raleigh, N.C.

¢No one and done: KU signee Robinson apparently is in no hurry to head to the NBA.

"I would like to be one of those guys who stays four years and plays to win," Robinson told ESPN.com. "Winning the national championship is always the goal. Some of the guys who want to leave early are not ready. I'd rather improve, so by the time I'm ready to leave, I won't have a choice."

¢KU opener Sunday: KU will play UMKC at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, in Allen Fieldhouse. It'll be the Jayhawks' first game of the regular season. The Kangaroos lost to North Dakota, 61-56, in their opener on Friday night at Swinney Recreation Center in Kansas City. Reggie Hamilton scored 22 points, Spencer Johnson 15 and Dane Brumagin 11 for UMKC.

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Comments

jayhawkrodog (anonymous) says...

Good luck. Bad choice but good luck anyway. perhaps he can participate in March Madness playing in the NIT every year.

November 14, 2008 at 4:07 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Eurekahwk (anonymous) says...

Remember that picture they showed with him at Late Night? Elijah Johnson is smiling from ear to ear. Snaer, not so much. That one look tells the story.

November 14, 2008 at 4:09 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

txrockchalk (anonymous) says...

It's all about the PT. Best of luck, Mr. Snaer.

November 14, 2008 at 4:09 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

cap10d (anonymous) says...

Good luck Mr.Snaer.Guess he was too worried about earning his playing time and wanted to be given a starting spot.Have fun in the NIT.

November 14, 2008 at 4:09 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

vmwskywalk (anonymous) says...

I'm not surprised. I think this is a good thing though. I would much rather have Henry and/or Cheek.

November 14, 2008 at 4:12 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

kushaw (anonymous) says...

Saw the press conference on ESPN U. Yeah, I have to admit I was a little surprised, but wish him the best of luck. I thought for sure he was going to be a Jayhawk. How many of you know that Xavier is actually prounced "ZOV E A"? I thought that was most interesting thing I learned watching this Press Conference. Come to Kansas Xavier "Zov e a"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

November 14, 2008 at 4:12 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

txrockchalk (anonymous) says...

Time to focus on Henry, Wall, and Cheek.

November 14, 2008 at 4:12 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

kushaw (anonymous) says...

Wall is not coming to Kansas

November 14, 2008 at 4:12 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

FlaHawk (anonymous) says...

FSU has been down for so long that Snaer will be a big hit ith them. Leonard Hamilton used to coach OSU. He is a great recruiter but his teams always fall short on the court!

November 14, 2008 at 4:13 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

kubmg (anonymous) says...

i believe this increases our chance of landed xhenry - the real deal!

November 14, 2008 at 4:13 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Mr_Sandman (anonymous) says...

This narrows it down to X or Cheek. I would love to have either one, but for some reason I see us getting X; he could be the leading scoring on the team and the focus of the offense. X coming to a team with a solid sophomore class, Robinson and EJ would be pretty sweet

November 14, 2008 at 4:16 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jaybate (anonymous) says...

Ouch!As I said, ESPN never does us ANY favors.

November 14, 2008 at 4:16 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

NH_JHawk (anonymous) says...

Best of luck to you Michael. Can't say I'm not dissapointed in your choice, but I'm sure it was the right one for you. No doubt you'll be THE star player there, but I still have a hard time believing FSU can compete for any ACC championships or Final Fours.

November 14, 2008 at 4:17 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

stupidmichael (anonymous) says...

stupid michael...

November 14, 2008 at 4:18 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

DocBean (anonymous) says...

Well that's how the ball bounces. FSU will be a better team with him, and hopefully KU will be able to bring in Xavier, Wall, Cheek, or another top prospect to fill the scholarship Snaer passed up.Good luck Mr. Snaer.

November 14, 2008 at 4:19 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

NH_JHawk (anonymous) says...

only you could get away with that one stupid michael...that was actually pretty good! lol...

November 14, 2008 at 4:20 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

txrockchalk (anonymous) says...

kushaw ~ What is the source of your 100% assuredness regarding Wall? Many of us would love any facts you can impart.

November 14, 2008 at 4:21 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

DocBean (anonymous) says...

I meant to say they'll be a better team with him, then without him. Not to imply that they'll be any better then KU, one player certainly can't make up that much ground by themselves.

November 14, 2008 at 4:22 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

kushaw (anonymous) says...

txrockchalk: it's call my opinion. I don't need facts. Wall isn't coming to Kansas (That is my opinion). We already have Johnson. I also live in Charlotte, and I think NC State has a real chance to sign him. He's up there all the time. He's going to go to either Baylor, Memphis, or NC State. Again, just my opinon.

November 14, 2008 at 4:36 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

ku_tailg8 (anonymous) says...

Big deal! I don't know enough about the guy to know whether or not I should be angry. I wish him the best. Maybe this will bring some KU fans clouds out of the sky and realize, although this is the mecca of college hoops, not all kids care about that. We will be fine. As far as the espn doesn't do us any favors comment, I must disagree. Seems like we are always on Big Monday and if not then on ESPN some other day of the week.

November 14, 2008 at 4:41 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

chicagoeddie (anonymous) says...

wow, he had a chance to be apart of another championship team but i guess his selfish playing time is what matters most to him. have fun being a hs basketball coach after your graduate. =)rock chalk!

November 14, 2008 at 4:45 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jbrownjib (anonymous) says...

For those who haven't been paying attention, FSU had a very good recruiting class last year. Snaer will probably fit in very well with what Hamilton is doing at that program. I am sad that he did not choose Kansas but wish him good luck.

November 14, 2008 at 4:47 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

philipolson (anonymous) says...

great choice. fsu is a basketball powerhouse and you'll get to meet burt renolds.

November 14, 2008 at 4:48 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

txrockchalk (anonymous) says...

kushaw ~ Cool. I guess that means we can continue our recruitment of him.Thanks for the pronunciation of X's name by the way for those of us who were unaware and were not able to watch the show today.

November 14, 2008 at 4:50 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

MichAveJHawk (anonymous) says...

I would have rather have gotten Snaer in the early signing period. Now we have to focus hard on Henry and Cheek and pray that we land one of them. Oh, and I fully agree, Wall is not coming to KU. Who cares anyway - we got a 5 star point guard. Do we really think that Wall is that much better than Johnson? Both guys will need coaching to reach their full potential. You give Self some raw talent, he'll do the rest. I'd say that Wall and Johnson are just about even on the talent level. Everyone just hears more about Wall because some service rated him number 1 in the class.Johnson, Robinson, Henry/Cheek = Stellar, top 3 class.

November 14, 2008 at 4:51 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

JayCeph (anonymous) says...

FSU always seems to play Duke pretty hard. Often times, coming up with an upset here and there. If anything, it will provide an opportunity for him to pound on Dukie all the time.Too bad though. What KU was really missing was a beach and giant sized palmetto bugs the size of your hand... Clinton Lake doesn't count.

November 14, 2008 at 4:51 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

gutter (anonymous) says...

Good luck to Mr. Snaer. Those who say good luck in the NIT need to realize he and Singleton have a good chance to be as good as any two Jayhawks next year. Snaer is going to FSU because he believes it is the best place for him. I find no fault in that. KU could have used him and Coach Self wouldn't have recruited him if he didn't agree. It's a loss not to have him but one we will overcome.

November 14, 2008 at 5:09 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

utahjayhawk (anonymous) says...

Yes, we didn't get him but there are benefits to his decision -- now he won't end up possibly torching us at Misery but rather possibly torch UNC or Duke in the ACC on occasion! I'll be cheering for him. It's all good.

November 14, 2008 at 5:17 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

kvskubball (anonymous) says...

JayCeph,Thanks for the "pound on Duke" comment!Good luck Mr. Snaer

November 14, 2008 at 5:24 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Nutflush21 (anonymous) says...

I hope Snaer's decision wasnt because he was tired of waiting on Henry.If we lose Zav-ee-yay Henry as well, Im gonna be sorely disappointed. He's basically the last recruit we are after. Any talks of Cheek and Wall are just that talks, those guys arent coming.

November 14, 2008 at 5:55 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

100 (anonymous) says...

Good luck at FSU. Did anybody see what X said during the interview?

November 14, 2008 at 5:56 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

CaramelMacchMan (anonymous) says...

Good luck Mr. Snaer!

November 14, 2008 at 5:59 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

kataboom (anonymous) says...

what a crappy choice. have fun with the bottom rung basketball sodomites for your entire college career.

November 14, 2008 at 6:34 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jhawk4life1976 (anonymous) says...

His loss.

November 14, 2008 at 6:42 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

springtxhawk (anonymous) says...

No, his name is pronounced Carl's little boy.I know I will be in a minority here, but I think it is completely sick that these kids get so much attention without doing anything other playing against inferior high school competition.Here's an idea:1. sign with KU2. then exceed what your dad did at KU.Until then, your delta tau name is flounder!Why in the world would I give a flip about how to pronounce some 17 year old kids name??

November 14, 2008 at 6:43 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Yahweh (anonymous) says...

Surprising.

November 14, 2008 at 6:53 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

kdurham07 (anonymous) says...

Why are we bashing Snaer and his choice of FSU. He did what was best for himself whether we agree with it or not. We were praising him for the longest time and now we bash him. Now some of us are whining like a bunch of cry babies. Would like to have seen him come here but he`s not and I wish him the best at FSU. We need to work hard on X because I believe we have no real shot at Wall or Cheek. What concerns me about X is his brother. X is going to the NBA whether he goes to KU or Memphis. But how many oppurtunities does he have to play ball with his brother which he is very close to. His brother will impact his decision whether we believe it or not.

November 14, 2008 at 7:35 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

chuckberry32 (anonymous) says...

did not see that coming...

November 14, 2008 at 7:41 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

blogthis (anonymous) says...

Earth to Snaer...............Leonard Hamilton has done "nothing" and Irepeat "nothing" as a college basketball coach.Hamilton is on the "hot seat" and won't bethere for your 3-4 years at FSU.We will accept you as a "transfer" whenyou want to be a part of a "great" program.

November 14, 2008 at 7:46 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

blogthis (anonymous) says...

Earth to Ex-Ahh-V-ADude, there is no choice.....You don't need more time (you have had 3 years)to decide on KU or Memphis.Memphis was poorly coached in "The Game" and"Coach Cal'" can't win "The Big One", and assumingyou want to win those big games, you need to "SpeedDial Self" or risk being associated with a "SECOND" rateprogram..........Come to Allen Fieldhouse...............It beckons you!!

November 14, 2008 at 8:05 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

MOJHawk (anonymous) says...

"Just saw the news today, oh boy".....from my previous post, Snaer to FSU, Henry to Memphis, Wall to Baylor/NC State, Stephenson to Europe/St.John's which leaves Dominic Cheek with which KU has to contend with Rutgers, 'Nova, Pitt and Memphis.If I am a high school guard I see KU next year with potentially two senior guards, a hot shot frosh guard and a whole bunch of guards in between. I'm not saying that Mr.Cheek will not pick KU but I am saying that all of you better prepare yourselves for the possibility that KU is done for 2009.That being said, none of these gentlemen not named Snaer has eliminated KU either and 17 and 18 year olds are capable of incredible wisdom or incredible folly. All we can do is wait and see.Let's enjoy the guys we got and let the rest of the chips fall where they may. [Crap, if I use one more cliche, I'll have to change my name to Keagan!!]

November 14, 2008 at 8:23 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

NH_JHawk (anonymous) says...

MOJHawk -I'm definitely liking your Beatles reference there. How fiitting: "I read the news today, oh boy. About a lucky man who made the grade. And though the news was rather sad. I just had to laugh..."although we wont be laughing if X goes to Memphis and Cheek goes to Rutgers, Novo, Pitt, or Memphis.

November 14, 2008 at 8:47 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

kdurham07 (anonymous) says...

MOJHawk,I agree with everything you said. From what I`ve read, Memphis had just as good a shot at Wall as Baylor and N.C.State. I think our best and only chance is with X. Some fans just need to come down to earth and prepare for whatever happens. As for the fans that rip these "second" rate programs, what does it say about us when these players opt for these programs.

November 14, 2008 at 8:53 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

dougmd (anonymous) says...

Here is a prediction: someone will play lights out his senior year - someone who is not yet on OUR radar but I bet is already on SELF's radar and we will be glad we had a schollie ready.It is a prediction...maybe not a great prediction, but a good prediction...maybe

November 14, 2008 at 9:14 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

ohioburg (anonymous) says...

kdurham07, are you reading the same posts as the rest of us? Most of them are "good luck".

November 14, 2008 at 10:02 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

kdurham07 (anonymous) says...

ohioburg, I reading the same post as the rest of you and most of them are good luck. That`s why most post said "some of us", which would also mean "not all of us." My post was aimed at that group that felt the need to rip. Nothing personal from here, just my thoughts.

November 14, 2008 at 11:07 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

canuckhawk (anonymous) says...

KU is not done for 09. The sky has not fallen. Early commits are good. But late ones seem to work out for us just fine.

November 14, 2008 at 11:09 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

ralphus (anonymous) says...

ESPN doesn't do KU any favors??I think they did us the biggest favor of all by scheduling that wankfest on ESPNU. I'm guessing about 26 people watched that telecast. It's like the sports television equivalent of the witness protection program.

November 14, 2008 at 11:25 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

KEITHMILES05 (anonymous) says...

Hamilton is on the hot seat this year and a horrible coach. Snaer got duped into this falsely. Also, word was those in his "group" wanted him to play for a black coach.Whatever.

November 15, 2008 at 12:13 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

ibrown3 (anonymous) says...

I don't think we get X Henry or Cheek. And frankly, I don't give a damn. I believe we have a team this year that will threaten late in the season and will have all the espn folk like Bilas and Vitale reeling when the games really count. With that being said, whoever we do get will be an addition similar to Arthur or Aldrich in their freshmen seasons. We will be fine. I had high hopes for Snaer but after his hideously haggard, tremendously idiotic choice, I wish him good luck, because he will need it at FSU. Hell, their football program isn't even good anymore, let alone their basketball program.

November 15, 2008 at 2:16 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

billhawk (anonymous) says...

I can see recruiting 3, because we'll probably lose Collins, but why 4? Do we really think Aldrich is going to the leage? I'm not sure I understand where the other scholly is coming from.

November 15, 2008 at 6:22 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

MOJHawk (anonymous) says...

NH_JHawkNice pick up....I thought I was the only one on this blog old enough to actually have seen the Beatles live much less remember each record as they came out.And dougmd makes a great point...all we got is Rivals.com and the like to use for recruiting references. That probably totals 10% of what true networking is going on with Coach Self and his Staff.PS I am sorry to say, but I fear Texas may set an NCAA passing record against the Hawks today unless the temperature drops to 20 below, the skies fill with locusts and several hundred topless supermodels parade around the track during the game. HMMM, now that would be a game!!!

November 15, 2008 at 7:21 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Aligned (anonymous) says...

Michael Snaer stepped up the plate and made a decision like a man. I only wish that Henry would do the same because frankly, I'm tired of reading about it. The Henry's make it seem as though the future of college basketball will be affected by the outcome of his decision. It won't.

November 15, 2008 at 8:06 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

jacqueshock (anonymous) says...

Florida State will make the NCAA tournament in the for the next few years.

November 15, 2008 at 8:20 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

kc_wildfire (anonymous) says...

NH_JHawk...I have a feeling it is going to be a long day for the defense as well. It could get Tech level ugly.

November 15, 2008 at 9:44 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

jaybate (anonymous) says...

forensic recruiting analysis 101:To reiterate...Snaer has super time at Late Night.KU lands Elijah and already has Tyshawn, so its 2 deep at the 1, and has Reed,Morningstar, Releford and Teahan at the two. Self goes on record saying Releford could be a great defender. And Self is starting Reed and Morningstar ahead of Releford and even indicates Super Gun Teahan's D has improved enough to get some minutes.Snaer seems to rank local UCLA first, KU second.UCLA gets stacked to the gills.Snaer and UCLA part company.Snaer ranks it KU, FSU, Marquette.KU, FSU, and Marquette all have a Self connection. Self assisted Hamilton at FSU. Self's close pal Billy Gillispie is Marquette's Williams mentor. KU is a Top 5 program, national champion, and Self is a known defensive fanatic. Snaer's claim to fame at the 2 is as a lock-down defender.FSU's program, never a great one, has been struggling and Hamilton, a coach with a .500 career college record and a collosal failure in the L, is on the hot seat at Florida.Marquette's program, basically a glorified mid major, has Williams, who just lost Tyshawn Taylor to KU, because Tom Crean, the guy who put Al's School, er, Marquette, back on the map, blew Octoberfest in Milwaukee for Hoosieville...and Tyshawn can tell the difference between a Top 5 program and a mid major.

November 15, 2008 at 9:48 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

jaybate (anonymous) says...

Snaer decides to let ESPN-U televise signing.Snaer picks FSU. Self and KU wind up looking like the Prom Queen getting stood up for a date.Opined Guestimate: Self gave this one to Leonard to pay back the favor of Leonard giving Self his real start. LB just let him wash jocks at KU. Leonard hired Self to be a real coach. Coaching is one of the last good ol' boy professions, outside of Central Banking, with a code. Self has always honored the code. He let's Larry come back, when everyone in the NBA hated Larry, and let's LB auto-promote. He stands up for Eddie about anything. He hires Janks on the skids, because Janks was a Hartman protege, and Hartman and Eddie go way back. He doesn't exploit Sean's firing. He hires those he met on the way up (Barry Hinson, etc.) that need jobs. He sees to it that Win Case's kid gets taken care of. Who knows what really happened with Michael Snaer?But it might have gone down like this (but I emphasize only "might" have: Self has a ton of guards next year already and he's in the hunt for Henry, Wall, Cheek and Stephenson. He can afford to let one get away, but he's got to not make it look like charity for the guy who gave him his first real job; that would be injuring the man's pride that he's trying to give a boost to.Self maybe stays in the hunt for Snaer to make it look good for all concerned, but he maybe tells Snaer quietly, now that Elijah's signed, and my other guys are coming along, I can't guarranty you as much PT as we had talked about before. I still love your game and your defense just hits my hot button like nothing else, but the reality is we gotta consider what's best for you. Players are the most important thing. I was a player once. I hurt my knee and understand how risky things are for players. I WANT players to do what's best for them. Self pauses.

November 15, 2008 at 9:49 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

jaybate (anonymous) says...

I'm an old coach now, Self maybe resumes, and I know what I'm doing. I can coach and I've got a long term contract now. I'll be okay whatever you decide. But this decision is huge for you. We have to make sure you do what's best for you. KU is a big institution and basketball program. It can go on just fine without you, or me, Michael. Frankly, I think you have to at least consider FSU. They had a top recruiting class last year. But they lost their two to the L and need another one as good as you very badly. You would play immediately for Coach Hamilton, and he taught me my game. I know he's good. And he's coached in the L. He could get you there for sure, if you've got the work ethic. Self lets Snaer digest that and then tells Snaer that KU won't say no to him, because that would not be right, but that Self thinks, under the circumstances, and how good Snaer is, that the extra playing time available at FSU would probably be what was best for Snaer's career interests. Self says that he can personally vouch for Leonard Hamilton being a fine man and a fine coach. Snaer parries the unexpected by saying the unexpected: ESPN-U wants to cover his signing. Whatever you want, Michael, whatever you think is best, Self says. I like Coach Hamilton a lot, Snaer maybe says, but I hear he's on the hot seat. Anything happens and there's a spot for you at Kansas, Self says, how's that? Snaer agrees to think it over. End of conversation.Self shakes his head. He's never let one get away in his life. It goes against every instinct he has, but something tells him its the right thing to do. Self tells himself he can live with what he has coming back; that Reed, Morningstar and Teahan are all going to mature into adequate players, maybe even a little better than he had envisioned, and, what the heck, Tyshawn and Elijah and Mario Littler are going to be good enough to win it all with, if the bigs develop on schedule and he can land one more stud perimeter player. And he's got a solid shot at Henry, Cheek, Wall and Stephenson, plus he's got that Russian big in his hip pocket, too. Self pauses again.

November 15, 2008 at 9:50 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

jaybate (anonymous) says...

Self probably speed dials Eddie. He talks it over with Eddie and Eddie says its the stand-up thing to do, kid. Leonard has his problems as coach and as a person, occassionally; you know, he got the big head about going to the Wizards once, but he's still family, still part of the OSU family, and Eddie emphasizes, one of Joe B's guys. Bill gets it immediately, cause he's heard the story a million times, but Eddie reinforces just to make sure. Former Adolph Rupp protege and UK head coach and ring winner himself, Joe B. Hall, helped Eddie get the UK job way back and, well, Joe B. even stood up for Eddie when Eddie hit the bottle and botched it in Lexington once upon a time. Things can happen, kid, Eddie says with a wink, things can happen to anyone any time--ya never know. Joe B gave Leonard his chance as top assistant at UK and then got Leonard placed at Stillwater, when Joe B didn't have to lift a finger for OSU, kid. Maybe Joe B. wasn't an Okie baller, kid, but Joe B. understood the bloodlines in the game--where it came from--the old days. Ol' Joe B. learned the game from Rupp and Rupp knew Coach Iba well. Rupp and Iba went back kid, way back. Rupp and Iba liked to give old Doc Allen the needle big time kid. Eddie laughs. Bill does, too. Coach Iba and Rupp, they were the first generation after Allen, ya know, kiddo. Oh, man, did they piss him off sometimes. Eddie pauses.

November 15, 2008 at 9:50 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

jaybate (anonymous) says...

Joe B. even stood up for me when I couldn't get hired for dog catcher after Lexington, Eddie says. I wouldn't have gotten the OSU job without Joe B. sayin' I deserved another chance. I owe Joe big...always will. What goes around kid, what goes around. Never forget what you came from, Bill. If Bob Knight can get run from Indiana, the second coming of Jesus Christ himself could get run outta Notre Dame. Bill probably shook his head and laughed. Ol' Eddie knows more than most guys forget. He's old school, but he was a genius, THE genius, Self thinks. Self says that Snaer's pretty good, Coach. I didn't get where I am with draft horses. Eddie smiles and winks. They all are pretty good, kid, but there'll always be another pretty one. Maybe if Snaer were the next great 7 footer, I'd say something different, or maybe you wouldn't even be calling me. Self laughs and shrugs. I'd be sellin' used cars, if you hadn't shown me the ropes, that's for sure. Eddie shrugs.What's a code, Eddie says, if you only go to bat for guys you like the most, Billy? Everybody's gotta eat and get old. Leonard is family, maybe not immediate family, but he's family. Bill nods. Yeah, coach. The two probably swap some stories about the championship, then some more about Eddie's son coaching down at ORU. They probably talk about Sean and about whether Bill has heard of any slots for Sean. You never ask straight out. Bill says not right now, but he'll keep his ear to the ground. So: great defend, no trinity Michael Snaer plays at FSU. Everyone gets a little tube time in LA, a place they all want to crack, but not enough tube time to matter much. Buzz Williams shows he's a stand up too by going along, just like Billy G said he would do. Self promises himself he'll hire Buzz, if Buzz doesn't cut it at Marquette, and if Billy doesn't want him down in Lexington. Buzz sure brought'em in for Billy G down at College Station. What happens for Leonard after this is what happens to Leonard. KU moves on. Self tries for some more glamorous players. A chit is paid. And life, as they say, goes on in college basketball. Note: The above scenario in all the related posts is entirely imagined on my part, entirely made up. I'm not saying this IS how things went down. I am saying this MIGHT be how things went down.

November 15, 2008 at 9:51 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

WisconsinJayhawk (anonymous) says...

Self says, !@#$%^! No way he "nice guys" Snaer to FSU. Snaer is an excellent player, but needs development as all HS players do regardless of talent level. We lost a guy whose primary motivation is not winning, and frankly, may not be basketball. Maybe the beach babes and continuing to avoid a snow climate is driving him. I predict Snaer will be a 4-year player at FSU, will be a 2nd round L pick or undrafted. I don't wish for that, every kid is entitled to make a mistake, but this one may really hurt him his whole life.

November 15, 2008 at 11:56 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

KU1992 (anonymous) says...

I am more excited that Robinson says he wants to stay four years. Finally a kid who can see what a special time college is and how important the hands on training you get under HCBS is for your development.Way to go Robinson, welcome to the Jayhawk family

November 15, 2008 at 12:45 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Chicago_JHawk (anonymous) says...

I give Snaer the benefit of the doubt. He made a choice he felt was best for him. We shouldn't bad mouth him for that. 24 hours ago, we all loved him. Whether he made the right decision is impossible to calculate. If he struggles at FSU, there's no reason to think he wouldn't have here. If he's lights out down there, then maybe he would have been in a Jayhawk uniform. Who knows?

November 15, 2008 at 1:18 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

soobawls (anonymous) says...

We dodged a bullet. Any kid that makes THAT decision (FSU over KU) is quite frankly as close to being retarded as you can be without needing a legal guardian and wouldn't be able to learn anything beyond a Highschool system in the first place. If he had come to KU it might have taken valuable practice time to learn that he's a halfwit like Micah Downs.

November 15, 2008 at 1:38 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

kdurham07 (anonymous) says...

Is X still scheduled to make an announcement in the spring or has he pushed the date up since Snaer signed???? Anyone with some news please comment.

November 15, 2008 at 2:32 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Jaminrawk (anonymous) says...

Snaer just went where there will be playing time. I'm sure the girls on campus didn't hurt either. I don't understand playing at a second-tier school, especially when it's a football school, just for playing time. UNC, Duke, Wake Forest, Georgia Tech, those are the schools that will be owning the ACC next year. FSU, not so much. Hamilton is no sure thing to be the coach at FSU in two or three years. Self will be at KU in 2012.Oh well, Xavier and Cheek are better prospects anyway.

November 15, 2008 at 2:39 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

fihsch (anonymous) says...

The two recruits we have already gotten are good. Add them to this year's incoming freshment will form a great young team that can aim for the Final Four. Adding a 3rd big time recruit is not that necessary but it would add icing on a great cake. Even better if it's xov - e -a.xov e a ! xov e a! xov xov xov e a!!!

November 15, 2008 at 2:45 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

kdurham07 (anonymous) says...

Has anyone seen FoxSports list of top 40 games to watch this season. Kansas on there once and Tennessee four times. What the @#!%$#&%.

November 15, 2008 at 2:53 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

fihsch (anonymous) says...

kdurham,Yes. It's O.K. KU doesn't have a high ranking preseason with this young team. We are expected to do better at the end of the season when it counted. The same guy who didn't rate KU's game as "must watch" is predicting KU to make Elite Eight and Tennesee getting upset in the first round.

November 15, 2008 at 3:01 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

flipborder02 (anonymous) says...

Soobawls you and IDIOT!!!

November 15, 2008 at 3:07 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

CasperCorps (anonymous) says...

Wow.. FSU?... I have a feeling we're gonna be stacked regardless for a few years to come.. Just gotta wait for some of the recruits to beat out Reed and we'll be fine...

November 15, 2008 at 5:52 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

kvskubball (anonymous) says...

sooBAWLSQuit crying and grow up. Just because the young man made a decision that doesn't please YOU, doesn't make him retarded. Your post makes you sound like a pre-adolescent.High school basketball players that have a lot of talent generally choose between playing time and being part of a team that has a chance to be a big winner (Not WHINER, like you). Mr. Snaer chose a school where he is more likely to have maximum PT. Good for him.You just want to reach out and slam everyone don't you? Micah Downs's transferring to Gonzaga doesn't make him a halfwit either. He looked at his options and thought that joining the Zags was a better fit for him.Gee it worked out for KU, we went on to win a NC. Good for KU! He is now a senior on a team that many predict has a chance to go to the final four, this year. Good for him!Why don't you check with your legal guardian before making any more asinine posts at this site!Your drivel isn't needed here, nor do I appreciate it.RCJH

November 15, 2008 at 7:25 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

up4par2000 (anonymous) says...

snaer marching to the beat of his own drum. i hope you will be proud of your nit appearances. for xmas i will get you a soccer ball!!

November 15, 2008 at 8:11 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jaybate (anonymous) says...

KU1992,I, too, was jazzed about Robinson's remarks. The guy seems to be KU through and through before he even gets to campus. I am sooooooooooooooo glad he has chose KU. We could be fantastically tough in the paint next year with the current bigs with experience and Thomas Robinson. All arrows point up for the bigs.

November 15, 2008 at 10:33 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jaybate (anonymous) says...

ER, uh, make that "chosen." Embarrassing.

November 15, 2008 at 10:34 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

ohioburg (anonymous) says...

Don't waste time responding to soobawls. Wasn't he already exposed as a purple kitty?

November 15, 2008 at 10:34 p.m. ( | suggest removal )