More on ‘Svi’: Bill Self discusses Ukraine freshman at Monday’s Boy Scout golf tourney

By Gary Bedore     Aug 25, 2014

Kansas University basketball coach Bill Self had some additional comments about incoming freshman Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk at Monday’s Boy Scouts benefit golf tournament at Lawrence Country Club.

Mykhailiuk, it was reported Sunday, will play for Ukraine in the upcoming FIBA World Cup, set for Aug. 30-Sept. 14 in Spain. This will delay his arrival to KU until after Ukraine is eliminated in the tourney. Self figures if Ukraine doesn’t make the medal round, Mykhailiuk could be here between Sept. 8-10.

“We’ll enroll him, obviously,” Self said, explaining the academic part of missing the first few weeks of the school year. “And then we’ll talk to his professors to make sure that there’s a way to do some things. We may even have him do some things potentially online that could get (him) caught up. He’s a really really bright kid. I mean really really bright, considering his English is good. But it’s not exceptional yet. He’s in that Sasha Kaun-type category, so I would still predict he’d be a 3.5 student at the end of the semester.”

Self said he’d be missing individual workouts and lifting the next couple weeks at KU.

“I’m more concerned about him strength wise. He wasn’t here with Andrea (Hudy, strength coach) all summer and of course he needs it. He weighs 193 pounds, still yet he’s not strong,” Self said of the 6-foot-8 wing. “You don’t get strong overnight. It takes time. He’ll be a little behind in that area. But we’ve sent him programs. He knows what he’s supposed to be doing. He’s responsible, so he’s probably doing it. He’ll be behind from a basketball standpoint. But the kid is so bright. I can’t believe he can’t get caught up faster than most.”

Self said he’s pleased Mykhailiuk, 17, made his country’s national team.

“I talked to Mike Fratello (Ukraine coach) before the event and he told me what his plans were, to play with the junior team (Under 18 Div. B European championships in July) and let him practice with the national team. He said, ‘I really doubt he will make the team. He’s going against men. Let him hang out over here. He’ll get some good training,”‘ Self said.

“They trained him well enough he made the team. I’m happy for him. I’m a little concerned he’s going to come in well behind, which he will. Without putting too much pressure on him I was hoping he would be really ready to be a major contributor mid November. It may take a little bit more time. But overall it’s a great experience for him. Certainly we’re happy for him.”

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