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Monday, October 13, 2008

Keegan

Keegan: The race to say yes to Kansas

By Tom Keegan

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On Wall Street of late, the rich have gotten poorer. Not the case in college basketball, where defending national champion Kansas University is involved strictly with McDonald's All-American-caliber recruits, even having to say no thanks to some.

Another packed Allen Fieldhouse for Friday night's annual Late Night in the Phog could seal the deal for coach Bill Self's recruiting class.

The guys Self doesn't have room for could form a recruiting class that would rank among the nation's top handful.

The remaining players on KU's wish list are so talented that it has become a race to say yes. You lose that race, you can't come play for Kansas.

Power forward Thomas Robinson, ranked No. 18 in the class of 2009 by Rivals.com, said yes to Kansas, so there wasn't any room for No. 22 Daniel Orton. He settled for Kentucky.

KU has one more scholarship, but with Sherron Collins a lock to leave after his junior season, Self comfortably can recruit a class of three. The first of two point guards he's still recruiting to say yes gets to play for the defending national champs. So does the first of four shooting guards.

Point guard John Wall of Raleigh, N.C., is ranked No. 1 and considered by many sharp eyes for talent to be an equal to Memphis lead guard Derrick Rose. If Wall isn't KU's point guard next season, then Elijah Johnson of Las Vegas likely will be Collins' successor. Johnson's ranked 27th in the class, but that doesn't mean he necessarily would be a worse get than Wall. Johnson would stick around a few years, getting better each winter the way Mario Chalmers did. Wall's a one-and-done lottery pick.

At shooting guard, Oklahoma City's Xavier Henry, son of former KU player Carl Henry, is ranked third in the nation. He, too, is a definite one-and-done prospect. Lance Stephenson (No. 9) of Brooklyn might be a none-and-done risk. He and his father have talked about the possibility of his playing professionally in Europe right out of high school.

No. 11 Michael Snaer of California and No. 16 Dominic Cheek of New Jersey, a high school teammate of Kansas freshman guard Tyshawn Taylor, have outstanding range on their jumpers.

Henry, Snaer, Cheek, Stephenson and Johnson are scheduled to attend Late Night.

When all the decisions are made, Self will end up with a power forward (Robinson), a point guard (Wall or Johnson) and a shooting guard (Henry, Stephenson, Snaer or Cheek), all virtual locks to be named McDonald's All-Americans. Clearly, after winning the national title and signing a 10-year contract, Self has become a better recruiter than ever.

Friday will be an interesting night for coach Bonnie Henrickson's women's basketball team as well. The public will get its first glimpse of 5-foot-3 freshman point guard Angel Goodrich, a talent from Tahlequah, Okla., who has the chance to become a program-changer.

Recruits making their official visits to KU - Lawrence High's Tania Jackson, San Antonio wing Monica Engleman, Dallas guard Chynna Brown and guard Marisha Brown of Kansas City - shouldn't have any trouble envisioning Goodrich setting them up for scoring opportunities.

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Comments

troutsee (anonymous) says...

Isn't this a football site? Isn't it still football season? Are not the Hawks 5-1 and still in the hunt? Do we not have the biggest game of the season coming up this weekend in Norman? Are we not on ABC? If we want to read about BB, we can click on the BB site.

October 13, 2008 at 8 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Trobs (anonymous) says...

Actually, it's KUsports.comAll sports

October 13, 2008 at 8:16 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

TKELuke (anonymous) says...

It is okay to be excited about all sports at KU.

October 13, 2008 at 8:29 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

bangaranggerg (anonymous) says...

Isn't this a comment forum? Where we can bitch regardless of the merit of our comment? If we wanted to be corrected we'd just...uh.

October 13, 2008 at 8:40 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

hawk_bred20 (anonymous) says...

How is Collins a lock to leave after this season? I would hardly call him a lock. If he has a really good, injury free season then I think you could say that. But with his size, and history of injury, he really has to prove himself to be pro ready. The NBA is hardly ever in love with very small point guards.

October 13, 2008 at 8:59 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

CBaller13 (anonymous) says...

Two things: 1. Kansas is a much better basketball school than football school and because of this basketball is always on true KU fans' minds. I'm 100% more interested in the basketball recruiting trail than any KU football game, as big as it may be.2. Collins is going to go pro because he needs money. He's got a kid and doesn't come from money. He also isn't a player who's going to develop more after his junior season.

October 13, 2008 at 9:04 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

klong (anonymous) says...

Im with you troutsee! It is still football season and in case people didn't know, we lead the north for now. You CAN have your cake and eat it too. It's because of this sort of thing that KU football fans are like they are. Look at CBaller13 for example. And the fact that football requires beer and hot wings not cheese and wine. I love KU sports and always have, but I have to say that I don't like most of our fans.

October 13, 2008 at 9:14 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

KU (anonymous) says...

It's "fans" like CBaller13 that give KU virtually NO home field advantage in football whatsoever.I have season tickets, and I cannot believe how quiet the stadium is when the opposing team has the ball. We can have the opponent backed up inside their own 20 and the crowd won't even make noise until it's 3rd down and they get their cue from the video board to "get loud".The student section provides most of the noise, but I have to give them a C- because they leave the games in droves after halftime. The students did hang in better against CU, but the game was still in doubt at the beginning of the 4th quarter and the students started heading for the exits.That stadium better be loud against TT and UT because the Hawks can use all the help they can get in those games!

October 13, 2008 at 9:25 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

mike_blur (Mike Blur) says...

Y'all keep in mind the NBA is no longer the only option for underclassmen. NBA and college players are migrating to Europe like never before. Sherron doesn't have to be "NBA-draft" ready after this season.

October 13, 2008 at 9:28 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

troutsee (anonymous) says...

Yeah, I guess I am not a "true" fan because I do not worship KU BB. I am certainly a big fan of KU BB ( a season ticket holder for years) but I am also a huge FB fan and have been waiting for years for us to be consistent in FB. Sorry, CBaller, but I stand by my earlier comments. Let's talk FB. We have a huge game this weekend, and I am going to be in Norman for it. You can stay home and study your BB recruiting charts.

October 13, 2008 at 9:38 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

d_prowess (anonymous) says...

If I had to guess, i would say they just posted this article under the football section in error and it will get moved to the basketball section very soon.

October 13, 2008 at 9:54 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

10point8 (anonymous) says...

I know you take a lot of heat on these boards, Keegan, but I really enjoyed this piece. Always a fan but rarely a fanatic, I really don't have time to keep tabs on all of the recruiting minutia, thanks for boiling it down.Also, it won't break my heart if we miss out on some of these one-and-doners. This is Kansas. Our players stay for a few years and get better. At the same time, team chemistry improves which leads to Final Fours and National Championships. It's part of the reason that we have been able to consistently sustain ourselves as one of the premier programs in the country. That's what helps build not only a tradition of winning but a unique bond between former Jayhawk players and the University of Kansas.

October 13, 2008 at 10:03 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

troutsee (anonymous) says...

Agree with KU above. The fans seemed very apathetic during the CU game until 3rd down. That will need to change in the upcoming games.

October 13, 2008 at 10:34 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

hawk_bred20 (anonymous) says...

Yes, Collins needs the money, but saying he is a virtual "lock" is just not true. So many things can happen between now and the time to declare.Everybody talked about Ty Lawson waaay more than Sherron as far as NBA potential and overall talent. They are very similar players, with the exception that Collins probably has a better 3 point shot. Ty Lawson backed out of going into the draft because he wasn't a lock for the 1st round. I'm not saying it's not likely that Collins goes out after this season, but it's by no means, "a lock".

October 13, 2008 at 10:52 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

klong (anonymous) says...

Troutsee- I don't think they will ever get it, if they haven't got it by now. I don't think winning the national title would get these people to cheer! I don't get it though. Arrowhead is just an hour away and I know many of them go to Chiefs games, well maybe not anymore, but you get my point. Arrowhead can still be crazy. It is not the students fault. They are very loud and without them it really would sound like a golf course. Like I said earlier, about 75% of KU fans are stuck up rich people who think they may look bad by beating on the bleachers or screaming. I know it's harsh but it's true.

October 13, 2008 at 10:54 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

sensei (anonymous) says...

Finally, something good to read on the football page. Keep up the good work, Keegs.

October 13, 2008 at 11:15 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Hawkish4bigM (anonymous) says...

Stick this story on the b-ball page. As for me, I want to hear about football. If there had been some connection to football recruiting I could understand. Over at the Mizzu site they are probably giggling that KU is talking basketball on their football site. Brother!

October 13, 2008 at 11:41 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Hawklin (anonymous) says...

Over at the Mizzu site they are talking about KU basketball.

October 13, 2008 at 11:44 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Hawkish4bigM (anonymous) says...

Also, I have to add that I think this is an insult to Coach Mangino to be talking basketball during the middle of his teams season. Why now? What are you, a Sooner's alum?

October 13, 2008 at 11:44 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Hawkish4bigM (anonymous) says...

Hey Hawklin, that was a really good comeback. Funny!

October 13, 2008 at 11:46 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

gutter (anonymous) says...

I want Keegan to explain why Collins is a lock to leave. Waiting............

October 13, 2008 at 11:58 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

oldalum (anonymous) says...

Maybe Keegan thought it was pertinent since Late Night is this week. Couldn't anyone tell by reading the headline that this was going to be an article about basketball? Don't know why you didn't just ignore it and read the article about the running game and put your football comments there. Fact is, football and basketball seasons run together for a while so I would expect the coverage to continue being about both.

October 13, 2008 at 12:14 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jman18562 (anonymous) says...

you are right! With the football team experiencing success we should forget about our ridiculous traditions. Who cares about a night that will display the next era in KU basketball? Who cares about unveiling a championship banner in tribute to one of the greatest teams in school history? And those top 20 recruits coming to experience our pointless tradition..... Just take them to a football practice and call it good. Why would we want them to be exposed to KU basketball's laughable traditions? I don't know why we are recruiting right now anyway. Can't we wait to do that when football is over? What is wrong with you people? We're talking about late night... a fan favorite tradition introduced by Roy 20 years ago! We are talking about a team coached by the inventor of the game. A place that sells out every game and considered by Sports Illustrated as one of the Top 10 sports venues in the world. This is a place that gives us goosebumps upon paying heed to the Phog. I love football as much as the next guy. But if you are ignorant or stubborn enough to think there is no room during football season for the most tradition rich basketball team in the world to have one night..... Suit up your black and gold and get the hell out of KANSAS.

October 13, 2008 at 12:29 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Hawkish4bigM (anonymous) says...

This is a football thread...period. It is not a slam on KU Basketball to ask for purity of the thread. If the baseball team, soccer team, etc have a great year and someone wants to talk about it here it is the wrong place. Grow up. Don't use your sarcasm to divide Jayhawk Nation. I hope the KU players do not read these posts because it is a distraction regardless of what is said, but if they do I don't ever want the team to think that the fan base is just waiting for basketball to start. Had that for too many years. I am following KU football as much as I can considering I live on the West Coast. So, lets just agree to disagree. NO talk of other sports on the KU football thread is all I am asking for out of respect to our players and coaches.

October 13, 2008 at 12:48 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

rockchalk80 (anonymous) says...

while this article was posted in the football section, it is STILL a basketball article... therefore we should post comments on the article, not the section where it was mistakenly placed.Regardless - the implication that we'll fill every open slot we have (you folks can argue if that is 2 or 3 scholarships), from our recruiting wish list seems a little arrogant... but I guess if it is going to be true... another final four / NC with this crew would be a lock, right? RCJHKU!

October 13, 2008 at 12:52 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

10point8 (anonymous) says...

How is this a "football thread?" It follows a column about basketball accidentally put in the football section online. Get over it. I agree with rockchalk80. Let's keep the comments related to the article.

October 13, 2008 at 1:04 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

ohioburg (anonymous) says...

"We're talking about late night... a fan favorite tradition introduced by Roy 20 years ago! "Bzzt. Probably stuffed somewhere in my closet is my "Late Night with Larry Brown. All Roads Lead To Dallas." t-shirt.

October 13, 2008 at 3:05 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

troutsee (anonymous) says...

Klong, I'm with you all the way. The BB guys just don't get it. We have the biggest game of the year coming up, and these guys want to talk about BB recruiting.And you are right, the Johnson county crowd is afraid to bring attention to themselves by actually cheering.....polite applause, if you please and don't bother me while I'm checking on my tee-time. Gag.

October 13, 2008 at 3:42 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

fihsch (anonymous) says...

In the recent KU BB history, the first Late Night started in the 85-86 season. Danny Manning (PF) was a Sophmore. Greg Dreiling(C), Cedric Hunter(PG), Calvin Thompson(SG), and Ron Kellogg (SF)were seniors. And they went on to advance to the Final Four. We lost to Duke in the semifinal. We didn't do any of silly skits, just some layup / donks to warm up and an intra-squad scrimmage.Just be ready to rock the house down this Friday. rcjhgku.

October 13, 2008 at 5:36 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

fihsch (anonymous) says...

It's possible to follow and root for both sports at once. Showing interest in basketball recruiting development does not exclude one from follow our football team. It's not one or the other. Indeed, gag yourself and your close mindedness.

October 13, 2008 at 5:49 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

swjhawk (anonymous) says...

Is this the "I don't have a life" thread? I didn't notice any category. I just clicked on the article, which I enjoyed.

October 13, 2008 at 6:47 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

ku_tailg8 (anonymous) says...

JMAN right on!I'm not sure where you people are getting this football thread. I just went to kusports.com and it was there. I didn't click on the football site. Quit your complaining. This is definitely news worthy because the recruits will be here for late night. I swear people just look for things to complain about.

October 13, 2008 at 7:45 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

rockchalkAZ (anonymous) says...

let's call this the "I'm a little bitch and have nothing better to do than argue that it's football season so we shouldn't discuss basketball" thread. Kinda a long title, I know, but I feel it is appropriate.

October 13, 2008 at 7:49 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

fihsch (anonymous) says...

Robinson's signing does put a little pressure on others to "race" to sign with KU. It does seem that Orton's choice of Kentukey was made for him when Robinson signed with KU. So it's a bit of first come first serve scenario. Robinson being a 4 spot also helps with KU's recruiting in that he provides great compliment to PG and SG/SF positions. It's great for Wall and X to know that KU will have a great big man for them as a teammate. The better the team, the more hype and exposure each individual will get. MVP Player of the Year Honors usually goes to the winning team. Rising tide floats all boats.

October 13, 2008 at 9:31 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

DSommersby (anonymous) says...

I cheer for all Kansas Jayhawks teams no matter the sport. I get a big smile anytime the Jayhawks win. No need for Jayhawk fans to get in silly p*ssing matches with each other. I think that KUSports.com does a great job covering all the KU teams. They give us good football and basketball coverage all the time. This is a busy recruiting month so Keegan should be running this story. The football team is getting good coverage too. Love em all because I am a Jayhawk and we should all be getting along! Rock Chalk Jayhawks!

October 13, 2008 at 9:31 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

LAJayhawk (anonymous) says...

sigh....More dissension between the football and basketball folk.I don't know about the rest of you, but I am actually capable of chewing gum and walking at the same time. I also maintain the ability to cheer for and remain a die hard KU football fan while also reading about and being excited for the upcoming basketball season, to which I am also a die hard fan. I wear my Todd Reesing jersey every Saturday (even keeping it on when I went to Dodger stadium for the Cubs/Dodgers NLDS game -- incidentally, I received many comments about the jersy; who knew Los Angelenos were such sparky fans??), and yet listen intently to interviews with defending national championship coach Bill Self during the football broadcast. I get on KUsports before during and following FB games to read articles and comments about the team and the play. And then I click on the basketball articles to get my fill. Surprisingly my head has yet to explode............Come on, everyone, lighten up. I understand if it was frustrating if this showed up on the football link (although, I just saw it in the opinion section; I'm guessing they moved it), but it's pretty clear that was a mistake. Late night is just a few days away, and, thus, the beginning of the season. Football articles were on here the weeks before the season started. And considering so many recruits will be there (at Late Night), this clearly is a relevant article. Those of you, however, dismissing the excitement and success of the football program and calling KU a bball school are, quite frankly, complete tools. Get a life. Continued success in football can do nothing but help the basketball program and KU in general.A world can exist where fans cheer for KU football and basketball at the same time.... I know because I live in it.

October 13, 2008 at 9:54 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

LAJayhawk (anonymous) says...

Oops... in the above I said "comments" about the Tood Reesing jersey. What I meant was compliments. I received many, very nice compliments and questions while wearing the KU #5 to Dodger Stadium. People out here seem to like the program.....

October 13, 2008 at 9:57 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jaybate (anonymous) says...

What concerns me is that no one is on duty at kusports.com to correct an obvious error of placement; this means the World Corporation has decided to lay off the night shift.Perhaps they ought to look into a wikipedia approach to the site. Create it so that the users can reposition and edit the stories.

October 13, 2008 at 10:10 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

fihsch (anonymous) says...

Memphis has a 5 Star PG Tyreke Evans coming this year. Ty Evans is something like No. 6 overall rated player according to Rivals. it would seem that Tyreke Evan's commitment this year would decrease the probability of John Wall going there. Tyreke Evans' chance of going pro may not be that great for there are two other PG ranked ahead of him at this point.

October 13, 2008 at 10:16 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

kvskubball (anonymous) says...

Hawlin,"Over at the Mizzu site they are talking about KU basketball."I love it!Posted by oldalum on October 13, 2008 at 12:14 p.m. and...alsojman18562Your comments are right, basketball and football should be able to co-exist, and I don't see any reason to NOT talk about one or the other! I'm a fan of both!ku_tailg8Don't swear please, (but your 100% correct!)fihsch I agree the race is on! Sign-up or sign-out! I wish all the recruits would see this article, so they would sign-up!LAJayhawk LOL... I'm glad one of us can cbgawatst!Now let's all root-on both our basketball team and our football team. To paraphrase the musical "Oklahoma!". The footballers and the basketballers must be friends!Wow, its amazing, LAJayhawk can cbgawatst and I can talk about football, basketball, and musicals at the same time. Boy, KU fans sure are talented aren't we!Have fun guys! As RockChalk likes to say .... rcjhgku (for Basketball, Football and all other sports too.... To Infinity and Beyond!)

October 13, 2008 at 11:38 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

CBaller13 (anonymous) says...

Tyreke Evans is not a pg he's a combo guard. Tyreke Evans is also most likely go pro. I really don't think Wall will have a problem with him being there or not. They can both play in the backcourt. As for all this banter -- KU basketball has long been KU's trademark. We aren't a football school and I hope we never are a football school. I kind of watched the game on Saturday but was more interested in Texas/Oklahoma because they are better teams with better players (just like when we play Texas in basketball I'm sure that Nebraska fans would rather watch a top 5 basketball game over a game vs. some subpar conference team.) When it comes to KU basketball, there is no team in any sport I get more excited about. I will watch Late Night or some recruit we might get's high school game before I watch KU football. This article is worthy of being written and Keegan makes a few good points except that there's a chance we get two of the sg's instead of 1 pg and 1 sg.Also FYI - Lance Stephenson won't be at late night because he has a semifinal game in NYC for his summer league.

October 13, 2008 at 11:46 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

troutsee (anonymous) says...

CBaller....you are not a true fan as you claim. A true fan supports all KU sports. You are a bit narrow minded. I'll bet you are a G W Bush fan as well. Good luck.

October 14, 2008 at 8:37 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

CBaller13 (anonymous) says...

haha Im as true a friend as any but I lived in Lawrence when KU football was terrible. I think GW is a good guy but Im a democrat.

October 14, 2008 at 8:44 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

CBaller13 (anonymous) says...

fan not friend

October 14, 2008 at 9:38 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

troutsee (anonymous) says...

Good for you. That means your mind is not totally closed. GW may be a good guy but he has been a horrible president. Here's to KU BB and KU FB. Now let's go to Norman and get a big, big win.

October 14, 2008 at 10:31 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

CBaller13 (anonymous) says...

Definately a bad president, I'm just saying I don't hate the guy, I think he's probably a good guy and likable. I personally think I would be friends with him setting politics aside. As for KU football, good luck. I'm just saying that in my eyes, Kansas Sports mean basketball more than anything and that's where my allegiances are. When it comes to football I'm all about the Chiefs - as bad as they may be.

October 14, 2008 at 11:04 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

kvskubball (anonymous) says...

Hey CBall...I chose to watch the KU - CU game over the OU - TU game. I figured both would be good games to watch(and they were). So I went with KU! I wished I could have watched both!Saturday was a great day for Big XII football, the two games above were nationally televised, as was the OSU - MU game! Great exposure in one sport, will help other sports as well. That's why I'm glad our football team is on the rise! It won't affect all players, but it might make a difference to one or two bballers that we have a good football team. Coach Self said something similar when he was interviewed in the Press Box during the game on Saturday! He said he loves football!

October 14, 2008 at 11:42 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

CBaller13 (anonymous) says...

haha he has to - he's employed by KU. You know if he had his choice he'd be watching Oklahoma because it's better football. Our team is good and fun to watch - and I love the WR coach calling the plays, I'm just saying I want to watch two national title contenders and future nfl players over our game.

October 14, 2008 at 12:39 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

troutsee (anonymous) says...

Then you better have your set on ABC this Sat at 230. Guys like you, who disrespect KU FB, are pathetic alums. Go check your BB recruiting charts and be sure to tune into CBS on Sunday to watch the Griefs. You are not worth my time. I'm through communicating with you.

October 14, 2008 at 1:33 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

CBaller13 (anonymous) says...

haha I'm no alum, I grew up in Lawrence. I would much rather read the recruiting charts and think about basketball season during football season. Im just being honest. I don't root against KU football.

October 14, 2008 at 2:38 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Strikewso (anonymous) says...

Football or bball - who cares? Talk about sweating the small stuff.Good info but I feel like this article is counting a lot of chickens before they're hatched. I'll believe it when I see these guys on campus. Even if a kid commits a million things could happen before he shows up. Reference Chris Lindley.

October 15, 2008 at 2:11 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

JJHawq (anonymous) says...

been a KU FB fan forever - just like BB. I agree w/ sentiment that our fan base is not as good w/ football as basketball.however....some of you football fans need to give the "why a basketball article" crap a break. we can read about both in one day!!! It's OK to have both...Jeez - now I know why there are so many "whoever KU plays" fans out there.

October 16, 2008 at 6:27 p.m. ( | suggest removal )