Seven-footer Embiid to visit KU for Late Night

Joel Embiid, a 7-foot, 220-pound senior center from Rock School in Gainesville, Fla., will attend the Oct. 12 Late Night in the Phog as part of an official basketball recruiting visit to Kansas University.

Embiid, who is originally from Cameroon, has a list of KU, Florida, Louisville, UCLA, Marquette, Texas, DePaul, Wake Forest and Virginia.

“I’m looking forward to the visit and I am very interested in Kansas,” Embiid told Rivals.com. “I’d also like to visit Florida and Virginia, but the only visit that I have set is my visit to Kansas.”

The 17-year-old Embiid started playing basketball just a year ago.

“He has to get a little more flexible and add strength, but he is a high-level rebounder, alters shots, has good hands and does a good job of establishing and holding position,” said Eric Bossi of Rivals.com. “The form on his jump shot is good, and he’s already developed a strong spin move that he’s comfortable using to go right or left.”

Embiid said he is looking for “academics, a good coach and good people around who can help me get better. I’d like a coach that knows my game and how to get me better.”

Roberson switches visit date: No. 29-ranked Tyler Roberson, a 6-8 senior forward from Roselle (N.J.) Catholic, has decided to switch the date of his KU visit from Oct. 12 to Oct. 19, Rivals.com reports. He has a list of KU, Alabama, Florida, Kentucky, Rutgers, Seton Hall, South Carolina, SMU, Syracuse and Villanova. He visited SMU last weekend.

Other uncommitted senior prospects expected for Late Night: No. 23-rated Wayne Selden, 6-5 combo guard, Tilton (N.H.) School; No. 5-rated Aaron Gordon, 6-8 forward, Archbishop Mitty High, San Jose, Calif. and No. 43 Karviar Shepherd, 6-10 center, Dallas Prime Prep Academy.

Collins in Spurs camp: Former KU guard Sherron Collins has been added to the San Antonio Spurs’ training camp roster, the team announced Monday. Collins, who is listed at 5-11, 215, played last season for Hacettepe Universitesi of the Turkish Basketball League where he appeared in 19 games, averaging 10.6 points, 2.8 assists, 2.0 rebounds and 1.05 steals in 28.9 minutes. Collins appeared in 20 games for the Charlotte Bobcats in 2010-11.

Wright update: Former KU forward Julian Wright is considering signing with Maccabi Rishon LeZion, a pro team in Israel, according to sportando.net. Wright averaged 16.8 points and 7.9 rebounds per game last season for the Austin Toros of the NBA Developmental League.

Update on Roy: Former KU coach Roy Williams tells ESPN.com he will have a biopsy on a tumor on his left kidney this week. A tumor removed from his right kidney recently was deemed non-cancerous.

“Then we’ll make some decisions after that as to what will be done next,” North Carolina coach Williams told ESPN. “The original plan was two surgeries, so I’ve mentally prepared myself to do that. If anything comes out better than that, I’ll feel like I birdied the last hole, and I keep playing.”

If the tumor does need to be removed, Williams would miss some practice time, but likely no games, ESPN reported.

“It’s pretty emotional at times, but I got such great care at the hospital, and the outpouring from the North Carolina people, and the other people in the coaching profession, my friends, my foxhole buddies, have just been off the charts,” Williams said.

On a lighter note ... “Wanda (Williams’ wife) has figured out with these 10 days, counting the surgery, that she might not be willing for me to retire so soon. Ten days to spend with me, she said maybe I ought to coach another 20 years. So there’s been some good things here, too,” Williams joked.

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RCJ 8 months, 2 weeks ago

I get a good vibe off those words from Embiid, i think we have a really good shot at him.

truehawk93 8 months, 2 weeks ago

Optimism is a good thing. I still kick myself when I think about how in the hell we lost KT to zona. We recruited him as well as any team or player. Miller crept in at the last hour and he committed to zona? It's the thing that keeps me awake some nights and it makes me say, "hmm..." Then I have a good night's rest. Oh well, we'll call this kid KT2. What makes it even more crazy is we had DMan too.

jayhawkintx1973 8 months, 2 weeks ago

Ya think that some shenanigans going on for Arizona to get them? Bill Self has a high level of integrity and has done things the right way. It might not even be the zona coaches, but boosters offering them guys some against the rules perks. Wouldn't be the first time it's happened.

JarredLatta 8 months, 2 weeks ago

I disagree with you. Embiid is from Gainsville, FL which is where the Univeristy of Florida is located. He played AAU with Chris Walker and Kasey Hill, who are both committed to Florida. I say there isnt a very good chance at him at all.

Alohahawk 8 months, 2 weeks ago

From their early contact with him, I still think Florida and UCLA have the jump on Embiid, but it would be great if Self pulled this 7 foot surprise out of his hat. Having convinced him to visit during Late Night has to be Self's best chance to perform that magic. Same goes for Gordon, another surprising visitor for Late Night.

Of all the Late Night visitors, Selden is still my top choice, because he could possibly fill KU's PG/combo need. Adding Gordon is a very close second, and finally - Embiid or Shepherd at the center position.

If the above chose to go elsewhere or if any were to wait till Spring, and with only 3 scholarships left available for 2013, I'd think Self would hold at least one open for a late Spring option. Especially if a few top recruits still considering KU wait till then (ie. Parker, Lawrence, Roberson, Young, or highly unlikely - Randle). And who knows, maybe a late transfer or top JUCO PG might pop out of the woodwork? These current late PG options seem (to me) like they'd take away a much higher ranked option.

moonlightschlademan 8 months, 2 weeks ago

An impressive roster for Late Night. You can't teach size. You can learn to be an amazing big man at the University of Kansas. Look forward to seeing them all in the Field House. As a former mock UN ambassador for Cameroon, I would like to welcome Emblid. Embiid would be the first Cameroon hoop talent to sport the Crimson and Blue with Moulaye Niang originally from Senegal. (This assumes that Phog didn't go on many African recruiting trips).

An additional quote from the rivals article on Embiid states that he would like to sign early. Hopefully, KU has an edge as the first (and only) school that he has set up an official visit.

by moonlightschlademan

jaybate 8 months, 2 weeks ago

Joel Embiid--point center!

Wayne Selden--point OAD!

Roberson--point switch

Sherron Collins--point impact

Julian Wright--Middle East beast

Roy Williams--point coach

Wanda Williams--point wife

Gary Bedore--point sports writer

jross1972 8 months, 2 weeks ago

Jaybate...point poser

OakvilleJHawk 8 months, 2 weeks ago

Please feel free to insult me all you wish, troll...but get your own avatar, you scum-sucking d-bag!!

OakvilleJHawk 8 months, 2 weeks ago

Sorry for the response..you caught me at a bad time. I guess being a loyal Jayhawk alumni and program supporter doesn't count for much anymore on this site. Honestly, I'm pretty sure your post above is very clever and you are probably ten times the man I could ever hope to be. If you are a troll..good job. If you are a Jayhawk...Jesus weeps. ["lice-ridden varmint"..pretty darn good, though :) ]

jross1972 8 months, 2 weeks ago

Its been just a couple of months or so since you declared brazenly Doc Sadler did not want to be a part of coaching now because he desperately needed to "...charge his batteries." I guess we'll see here very soon if you were right or, on the other hand, your rambling pontifications have no basis in reality. Texas Tech is interested. Stay tuned. "All malice, no fiction."

jaybate 8 months, 2 weeks ago

Tuesday Recruiting Headlines:

Self Flirts with Class of Destiny: Cin Says OK

Shepherd and Embiid: Towers for Towers

Roberson/Gordon: East Meets West at Late Night Fest

Self and Selden: Stars Align

LB/Janks After Roberson: No Good Deed Unpunished

JayhawkJohn 8 months, 2 weeks ago

Why bring that up in a basketball article??

He has the right to have an opinion even if it flies in the face of your sense of reality.

Robin Smith 8 months, 2 weeks ago

He posts it after nearly every jaybate posting

jaybate 8 months, 2 weeks ago

Embiid has only played for a year?

P R O J E C T

truehawk93 8 months, 2 weeks ago

Self is the master at P R O J E C T S. He's better than any coach in the nation.

wissoxfan83 8 months, 2 weeks ago

Prove it truehawk and I'll believe. How do you know he's the best in the nation at P R O J E C T S? Have you analyzed all 300 some DI coaches for their success in taking raw talents and developing them? Maybe you have so let's hear it!

brooksmd 8 months, 2 weeks ago

wissoxfan83.....How's life over in BR?

coloradojayhawk 8 months, 2 weeks ago

Show us anyone who's better. Just an invitation.

brooksmd 8 months, 2 weeks ago

Project = 4 years. Yeah!!!

jaybate 8 months, 2 weeks ago

"I’d like a coach that knows my game and how to get me better." -- Joel Embiid

Sounds like he already speaks Self English.

RCJ 8 months, 2 weeks ago

There ya go, this one made sense

kellerman411 8 months, 2 weeks ago

I wonder if Sherron's shot in training camp has anything to do with Bill's relationship with that organization. Not that Sherron isn't good enough to get it on his own.

Robin Smith 8 months, 2 weeks ago

This would be fantastic if he made the roster with the best organization in the NBA. It certainly doesn't hurt to have the connection. Buford likely knows him personally. But of course they want him for basketball reasons - you don't run the best organization by submitting to nepotism. They are in fact the very best scouts in all of the NBA. They're probably hoping he can be successful like Lawson and spell an aging Tony Parker, be that spark-plug. This is by far his best shot to stick in the League.

jhawkrulz 8 months, 2 weeks ago

I didn't see anything about the Oklahoma City Thunder going after Sherron...

You mentioned the best organization in the NBA...I must have missed something about your comment.

jaybate 8 months, 2 weeks ago

kellerman,

Not only Self but LB. Recall Sherron flourished under LB briefly at Carolina before Jordan decided he knew more than Brown. Sherron hung 32 pts in some summer or preseason game, while in Carolina. If the Spurs invest a year in him, he will pay dividends. If Derek Fisher can play in the NBA for 15 years, Sherron can. Just has to find the right launch pad.

bennybob 8 months, 2 weeks ago

What's a better 5th schollie flier: Embiid or Milton?

rockchalk1990 8 months, 2 weeks ago

always go with the 7 footer

truehawk93 8 months, 2 weeks ago

and Hudy

konkeyDong 8 months, 2 weeks ago

benny,

Embiid has already broken the skin of the CBS top 100 for what it's worth. I don't think they're the best at rating talent, but from the buzz he's getting and the offers too, I wouldn't be shocked if he winds up making Rivals or ESPN.

BeachHawk 8 months, 2 weeks ago

The attached talks to Marcus about last year and the upcoming season with the Rockets. http://blog.chron.com/ultimaterockets/2012/10/a-new-perspective-for-marcus-morris/

soapisurfriend 8 months, 2 weeks ago

The Harrison twins moved up their announcement date and are set to announce on Thursday.

Alohahawk 8 months, 2 weeks ago

Come on Maryland. Love to see how Cal Lie Pari would fair with a sub par class, and how the Kenstinky faithful would take it. If they go to yUKey, Randle will too. If elsewhere, he'll most likely end up at N. Carolina.

konkeyDong 8 months, 2 weeks ago

This isn't a surprise. They wanted really badly to be the first in UK's class (even though UK already has a commit? whatever), so they're trying to stay ahead of James Young. If they wanted to do us a solid, though, they'd commit to Maryland.

soapisurfriend 8 months, 2 weeks ago

I don't expect any surprises here either. You bring up an interesting point. People forget about Willis, who is a pretty talented prospect, because there is so much talk of a potentially historic class in Lexington. I've said all along that Randle will not pick UK if the twins go there, but it appears my chances of being wrong about that grow each day. If Cal we're to assemble a monster class as it appears he is, what happens to Willis if schollies start filling up?

mi_familia 8 months, 2 weeks ago

It wouldn't surprise me though if they did choose Maryland. At Maryland, they could have the ball in their hands 70% of the time and get lots of recognition on the East Coast. It also would pretty much guarantee a hefty Under Armour contract (once they turn pro of course).

HighEliteMajor 8 months, 2 weeks ago

If they go to Maryland, perhaps Roddy Peters becomes more of a possibility.

konkeyDong 8 months, 2 weeks ago

Exactly what I was thinking.

phogphan2000 8 months, 2 weeks ago

I'll also mention that it would just be a great get for Mark Turgeon and a thorn in the side of UNC and Duke, so there are plenty of reasons to want them to go to UMD.

I know they're really, really good and all, but I still don't think Goodwin is a lock to be a OAD and who knows what happens with Harrow. Obviously they've got minutes for them at UK either way, but at this point they can't know for sure they'll be the stars of the show so to speak. Just wonder if they want to announce ahead of Midnight Madness so the MD fans go nuts while they're on the visit?

BigManU 8 months, 2 weeks ago

I have this pit in my stomach that says KU is going to get Selden. I will be honest, I am going to be crushed if he goes elsewhere. Selden is a flat out stud.

In regards to Embiid..............if you saw improvement with Jeff Withey during his career at Kansas, Embiid would be the Hope Diamond. Kid is raw, but has so much potential. If I was Embiid all I would have to do is look at the Morris Twins, T-Rob, Aldrich, and Withey and say, "Man, Self put's big guys in the NBA".

The same goes for Kaviar Shepherd. It is interesting how the Embiid involvement will affect both of these guys? I know Gainesville is Embiid's current resident, but he has already played behind Chris Walker on his AAU team. Why would you do it at Florida as well where I believe that they don't have any scholarships left? Not sure about that though.

kellerman411 8 months, 2 weeks ago

I could not agree anymore. If Selden committs, he is automatically my favorite Jayhawk. His game is so ruthless and furocious. He is like some crazy hybrid mix between Sherron Collins and T-Rob. He is an absolute pro in the making, he'll be in the league for 10 years at least. I think he is the 4th or 5th best player in this class. If we get him, we have EASILY the best set of guards/SFs in the nation.

konkeyDong 8 months, 2 weeks ago

I'm all in on Selden as a point forward. Here's hoping Self can convince him that's the best move. If he'd rather be a wing, though, we're sunk. Still, can you imagine what a break would look like with BMac and Selden? Get those two on the court with a high powered big like Randle or Gordon and it's the rebirth of Phi Slamma Jamma!

drgnslayr 8 months, 2 weeks ago

No team in the country will have a good match-up against our PG beast, Wayne Selden! People need to realize the advantage that would give us. And when we have a PG who can do as he pleases imagine how our offense runs!

truehawk93 8 months, 2 weeks ago

Randle is but a KU recruit of yesteryear KDong. I remember when this kid was all KU and KU was alone on his list. Then D1 recruiting happened as with most players, which is a fact of the game. He's long gone. I want to be wrong, but he has East coast fever.

konkeyDong 8 months, 2 weeks ago

Oh, I know, truehawk, but a man can dream. Most of the rest of the bigs we're looking at are finesse types. Randle could still wind up at KU, though. If Marcus Lee commits to UK this fall with James Young and Wiggins reclassifies, their roster is going to look awfully crowded for starting spots. Calipari would rather have Wigs than Randle. I don't think he'll go Duke at this point because he wants a run & gun team. UNC and KU would be the next two in line. Either way, he's not at the top of the list of bigs I'd like to see us sign as it is. I think we'll want at least one guy who'll be around for 2-3 years. Shepherd and Luke Cothron fit that bill for me, but neither of them is going to give you that TRob-esque, punish-the-rims power game. This is going to be a fun recruiting season regardless.

KEITHMILES05 8 months, 2 weeks ago

There have been very few kids who attend Late Night who actually sign. It's a fun trip and all paid for but that's about it.

konkeyDong 8 months, 2 weeks ago

The only one I can think of from recent memory was Selby. Or at least, he's the only one I can think of who said that's what convinced him. I'm not doubting you, but do you have a list? I'd really like to know how many kids it's swayed.

dylans 8 months, 2 weeks ago

I believe Frankamp was there last season.

Bulkmania 8 months, 2 weeks ago

Yes frankamp was there last season but any respectable fan knows that he had already committed before then. I'm thinking July.

konkeyDong 8 months, 2 weeks ago

Yeah, I know Frankamp was there, but I think we were going to get him regardless since he's a life long Jayhawk and a Kirk Hinrich fan. I'm more thinking the guys that weren't local or otherwise needed convincing. Who has it really made a difference for?

OakvilleJHawk 8 months, 2 weeks ago

BenMac was there and hinted that he would have signed that night if he had won his family over!!

HawkKlaw 8 months, 2 weeks ago

C'maaaawn Selden! That would be a huge get for Self & Co. I won't be extremely upset if he chooses another school (after all, we're Kansas, and we don't live and die with any one recruit), but he would be exactly what KU needs going into next season. Wherever he goes, he'll be a beast of a PG, to be sure.

And Julian Wright averaged 8 boards a game last season in the D-League? That's never been one of his strengths, so that really surprises me. If he can put up those kind of numbers, he should be playing professionally somewhere (either the NBA or abroad). He's always been one of my favorite high-flying Jayhawks.

kellerman411 8 months, 2 weeks ago

Wayne Selden!!! I can't remember the last time I wanted Bill to land a guy so bad. He is just perfect for the type of team we want to field here at KU. Big, strong, explosive and just a little big cocky :)

ralster 8 months, 2 weeks ago

Agree 100%. Selden is a stud. I saw his highlight videos, and he has awesome court vision, and has great fluid moves. A 6'5 bundle of swagger& skill in the same tough, all-around player mold of Sherron (&Selby pre- & post-ku). My fingers are crossed...

jayhawkintx1973 8 months, 2 weeks ago

Can someone please give Jaybate his lithium medication?

OakvilleJHawk 8 months, 2 weeks ago

Embiid = PROJECT: P - Potential R - Rejector O - Offense Inside J - Jammer E - Elbows C - Clogger * T - Terrorizor

LeadFarmer 8 months, 2 weeks ago

Go outside, live.

archercc 8 months, 2 weeks ago

The only thing that worries me about a raw-talent center is I wonder if we will be able to devlop them at the incredible pace we have historically with Danny Manning running the inside. Most of our standouts, after going to the NBA, credit Manning directly with their development.

JayhawkJohn 8 months, 2 weeks ago

Be sure and send this post to Embiid and maybe he will go to Tulsa!

OakvilleJHawk 8 months, 2 weeks ago

I started to laugh then realized you weren't kidding!!! Good point!! :{

konkeyDong 8 months, 2 weeks ago

I don't think it would be a bad idea to outsource the Embiid project to Manning. As far as I see it, it's a win-win, except maybe for Embiid's redshirt year. Manning gets a recruit that's probably better than what he'll be able to attract on average to Tulsa, and, after two seasons, we get back a Manning trained big who has a year off to get Hudy-ized. I think it's a highly unlikely scenario, but it could become one that pays off in the long run. We could maybe send him Landon Lucas in exchange.

konkeyDong 8 months, 2 weeks ago

So speaking of scenarios where we could wind up landing Julius Randle, check out this bomb that just dropped on Twitter and Zagsblog:

http://zagsblog.com/articles/report-julius-randle-cuts-list-to-six/

UNC OUT! DUKE OUT! Its KU and UK as the front runners. WOW!

heterohilfiger 8 months, 2 weeks ago

Great news. I kind of counted Randle out but this gives a little hope back. If Wiggens reclassifies and signs with UK it seems like Randle wouldn't want to go there and out-shined. Or, would he want to be a part of that "best class ever" with Harrison twins, Wiggens, Young and Randle?

We could start a pretty good football team with Randle, Selden and Peters! I love the idea of having these insanely physically aggressive players mixed in with more finesse players like White, Greene, Frankamp. From the little I've seen of B-Mac and P. Ellis, it seems like they are somewhere in between in their playing style.

heterohilfiger 8 months, 2 weeks ago

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/writers/rob_dauster/10/02/John-Calipari-Jay-Z-recruiting/index.html?sct=cb_t11_a0

heterohilfiger 8 months, 2 weeks ago

just had to rewatch this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJqaMi...

LeadFarmer 8 months, 2 weeks ago

Only been playing basketball for a year? We really don't need another Moulaye Niang.

phogphan2000 8 months, 2 weeks ago

I know it's great that Julian Wright can get paid serious money to play in exotic locations, but dang I wish for that guy he was starting in the NBA. Such an exciting player.

Best of luck to Sherron Collins, we know you have what it takes to play at any level.

Roy Williams, hope you're in good health now. I'm very skeptical of UNC being ranked as highly as most have them even though they do have a good deal of talent. I'll be impressed if Roy can hold of NCSt whom I favor to win the ACC.

Joel Embiid, you should have a good time. Glad you're showing interest in the University of Kansas and HCBS's staff.

jaybate 8 months, 2 weeks ago

jloss, what year did u

graduate from ku?

jloss, let's talk about shoe

And the summer game, too

jloss, lets stuff the roster

with sons of friends

From St. Bennie's, too.

jloss, lets make up

Lies about Sadler

And call them true.

jloss, why do u fake

Being crimson and blue?

:-)

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Seven-footer Embiid to visit KU for Late Night

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