Draft stock

Draftexpress.com has KU junior guard Sherron Collins and KU sophomore center Cole Aldrich returning to college for the 2009-10 season. The Web site lists Aldrich as the No. 5 overall pick (of Minnesota) in the 2010 Draft and Collins the No. 21 overall pick (of Utah) also in ’10.

NBAdraft.net currently has Collins as a second-round pick of the Philadelphia 76ers (No. 47 overall) in this June’s draft. It has Aldrich being tapped No. 7 overall in the 2010 draft.

Draft dates of interest

College players have until April 26 to declare for the 2009 NBA Draft. Players have until June 15 to withdraw from the draft in order to retain collegiate eligibility. The draft is June 25 in New York.

Rest on tap?

Mario Little, who was slowed by a stress fracture in his left leg this season, figures rest will be on his immediate agenda. He said he would not need postseason surgery.

“I’ve been trying to fight through injuries. I’ve been playing through pain. I’ll rest and heal, I guess, then start working out again,” Little said.

Back in town

The Jayhawks, who left the team hotel after 10 a.m. Saturday, arrived at Allen Fieldhouse around 2 p.m. About 30 fans greeted them. KU’s plane was re-routed to Omaha, Neb., then to KCI because of icy conditions in Topeka.

Will roommate return?

KU soph Tyrel Reed hopes he has the same roommate next year: the fun-loving Aldrich.

“I can’t make a prediction. I hope so. I enjoy having him as a teammate,” Reed said. “Everybody loves him. I’m extremely proud of him.”

Buddies to confer

Collins said he would confer with Aldrich and KU coach Bill Self before finalizing his future plans.

“I think Cole and I will talk,” Collins said. “Cole was the most improved player in the country this year.”

Aldrich said he’d also speak with Collins. “He’s my point guard, the best in the country,” Aldrich said.

Leadership 101

Collins said he proved something to himself this season.

“I learned I could be a leader,” he said. “My game has elevated so much from last year. I gave it all. (I played) a lot of minutes. The great shape coach Self put me in was good for me, too.”

Stephenson update

Top high school recruit Lance Stephenson scored 14 points and had six rebounds in Brooklyn Lincoln High’s 77-50 loss to New York Rice in Saturday’s Class AA boys semifinal game in Glen Falls, N.Y. Maryland coach Gary Williams was on hand. Stephenson will choose KU, St. John’s or Maryland Tuesday or Wednesday at the McDonald’s game in Miami. Zagsblog.net believes Stephenson’s choice will be Kansas.