Bill Self weighs in on Big 3 draft order

By Gary Bedore     May 30, 2014

Nick Krug
Kansas center Joel Embiid looks across the lane as Andrew Wiggins lines up for a pair of free throws during the second half on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2013 in Paradise Island, Bahamas.

Barring some monumental surprise, one of three players — Andrew Wiggins, Joel Embiid, Jabari Parker — will be taken first in the June 26 NBA Draft.

It’s the order in which the Big Three will be selected that has everybody guessing with a month to go before the NBA extravaganza in Brooklyn, New York.

“I think Jabari from a basketball and maturity standpoint … he’s as far along as any of them,” Kansas University coach Bill Self said Thursday on the Mike and Ike CBS radio show in Philadelphia. The 76ers have the No. 3 pick in the draft behind Cleveland and Milwaukee.

“I think Andrew is the best athlete. I think Jo has maybe the highest ceiling. I think all three of ’em can help your team a lot. I could see them (Cavs) taking ‘Wigs’ one. Of course, Jabari is in the game, too. I could see ’em taking Jo one. Whoever gets one of those three guys with the first three picks, I think all franchises will probably be pretty happy,” Self added.

Of course, the Philly radio hosts asked several questions about Self’s one-and-done players Wiggins and Embiid. Parker is a one-and-done from Duke.

Self said he’s convinced the back injury that kept Embiid from playing in the Big 12 and NCAA tournaments will not negatively affect the 7-footer’s draft status.

“When you have a stress fracture in this situation, it creates inflammation. It creates stiffness, soreness and all those things, but it’s symptom-related (regarding) when you can come back,” Self said. “Time takes care of the symptoms as well as rehab. I don’t see any problem — zero — with him moving forward. It’s not a surgical procedure. It’s nothing that should be lingering at all. I think there’s plenty of evidence to back that up. I’d be very surprised if the physicals he takes moving forward — I’m sure he’ll take one for the teams picking in the top three spots — I would bet that all of them will have the same conclusion, that he looks strong as an ox.”

Self sees stardom for Embiid.

“There are so many Olajuwon comparisons that have been made. I think they are real,” Self said of comparisons between Embiid and Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon. “That’s his (Embiid’s) favorite player. He studies every move he makes. He has feet like Hakeem. He’s got touch like Hakeem. Of course he doesn’t have the presence yet. I don’t know if Jo is as naturally gifted an athlete as Hakeem, but he would still rank out as a premier athlete. Hakeem was a freak athlete when he was with Phi Slamma Jamma (at University of Houston).

“Jo’s got it. He will continue to get better. What makes me so optimistic about him is he has played basketball for (just) three years. He played volleyball and soccer. What a blessing it was for him to play soccer. It’s created a situation where his feet are really good. He’s light on his feet. He’s unique and very bright.”

Of course, Self loves the potential of 6-8 shooting guard Wiggins as well.

“He’s going to make his biggest jump now,” Self said. “He’s been around what real competition is like. He knows how to work. He’s hungry, thirsty. His ceiling is ridiculously high. When you improve your stroke a little bit, so now everybody has to guard you beyond the three and now you can utilize your first step a little better … there are things that will happen naturally as he gets a little bit older that will translate well to him becoming the player you are talking about (a star).”

Of Wiggins and Embiid, Self concluded: ” I think you’ve got an 8- to 10-time all star in both of them.”

Luncheon ahead: Self will be featured speaker at KVC Health Systems Hero Luncheon, set for 11:30 a.m., to 1 p.m., June 19 at the Overland Park Marriott, 10800 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park.

The event, according to a release, “showcases KVC Everyday Heroes, monthly giving partners who make a tremendous difference in the lives of children by meeting essential medical, psychological, and education needs.”

For ticket information and sponsorship opportunities go to http://ljw.bz/1tVpSLt

Renderings: Architectural firm Gould Evans has released artist renderings of the 32,000-square foot DeBruce Center, which will showcase James Naismith’s original rules of “Basket Ball.” To look at the renderings go to Matt Tait’s blog

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