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2008 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Questions surround futures of Kansas trio

By Gary Bedore

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KU, the 2008 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament champions, were greeted by fans in Topeka and then celebrated at Memorial Stadium in Lawrence. Kansas head coach Bill Self, assistant coach Danny Manning, and several Jayhawk players address the crowd.

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Coverage of the festivities after the Jayhawks became the NCAA National Champions.

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Kansas Jayhawks: 2008 National Champions

View an audio slideshow showcasing the Kansas Jayhawk's dramatic overtime victory over Memphis for the 2008 NCAA National Championship.

San Antonio — The immediate future of Kansas University basketball looks rather rosy ... provided billionaire booster T. Boone Pickens fails in his attempt to lure Bill Self to Oklahoma State.

"We've signed five really good players, better than anybody thinks they are, which is pretty unusual at Kansas where the people we recruit are portrayed (by media) as the greatest thing ever," fifth-year KU coach Self said Tuesday, referring to twins Marcus and Markieff Morris, Quintrell Thomas, Travis Releford and Mario Little.

"We've also received a commitment from a sixth (Tyrone Appleton) and are recruiting another (unnamed player). I think we'll be really good no matter what, but it'll be a different-looking team."

KU loses scholarship seniors in Jeremy Case, Sasha Kaun, Darnell Jackson, Russell Robinson and Rodrick Stewart.

As far as the underclassmen ... sources close to the program believe junior Brandon Rush and sophomore Darrell Arthur, two members of the Div. I championship all-tournament team, will declare for the draft, while Mario Chalmers has yet to finalize a decision.

As most outstanding player of the Final Four, Chalmers automatically qualifies to have his jersey hung in the rafters of Allen Fieldhouse and just may find out he's increased his draft stock in the eyes of scouts.

Sophomore Sherron Collins, sources close to the program indicate, figures to return.

"We anticipate (losing) two, maybe a third," Self said of Rush and Arthur with Chalmers the third. Collins figures to benefit greatly from being the lead guard next year, provided Self is still the coach.

As far as Self ... he reiterates he will talk to Oklahoma State AD Mike Holder and/or Pickens if they call him.

Yet his fervent wish appears to be returning for a sixth year as KU coach if he can get an extension worked out with athletic director Lew Perkins.

Self has three years remaining on his contract that pays him $1.375 million per year. Pickens reportedly is offering a $6 million signing bonus and up to $4 million a year for 10 years.

"I would say positively I'm not interested ... I could say that in the next few days if I meet with my administration," Self said of athletic director Lew Perkins and chancellor Robert Hemenway.

"I've not met with 'em. Lew said we'd do it when the season is over. The season is over now. I'm sure it'll happen in the next couple days. "Out of fairness to Lew, why with my contract situation would I say I'm positively doing this (returning) if I don't even know if they will extend me?

"I have three years left on my contract. What I'd like to have is what anybody likes to have ... some security. When I say security I say years."

Some big-time coaches, like North Carolina's Roy Williams, prefer rollover contracts - contracts for up to five years that "roll over" or extend by a year every year, thus being a perpetual five-year deal. Others prefer the security of six to 10-year contracts with no rollover involved.

"I'm not looking for anything more than Kansas provides on a daily basis," Self said, adding, "I've got the best job. Tradition, history ... I love the people I work with. It's a great place to recruit. My family is happy."

Self, said Tuesday he'd never met OSU benefactor Pickens - "I didn't know he was the AD," he cracked - but is friends with current OSU AD Mike Holder, golf coach when Self worked as an assistant hoops coach at the school.

"On the outside looking in, they have great resources," Self said, drawing laughs from media who realize Pickens has money to burn.

"They've been to two Final Fours in 10 years. I know first hand if you get here (Final Four) and play well over a weekend, you might catch lightning in a bottle. They've won two national championships. There is tradition and history there. I do know the AD. There is not message being sent (by Self to Holder)."

Perkins doesn't need any messages sent his way. He and Self are friends who speak often.

"If you guys have followed us at all, you know my relationship with Lew is very good," Self said. "When the Oklahoma State job popped, the first thing I did is talked to Lew. He said, 'What do you want to do?' I said we do what we said we'd do all along, the same game plan, talk after the season because if I worried about my situation before the season was over it could be a distraction."

¢ Deep pockets not so deep?: OSU athletic director Holder told the Tulsa World on Tuesday that any financial information circulating in the media about a contract for Self is "pure speculation with no credibility."

¢ Myers interview: Self not only spoke at the Alamodome Tuesday, but to Chris Myers of FoxSports radio.

"I'm sure it will play out in a very favorable way for me to remain here in the next three or four days, I hope," Self said.

¢ More on draft: It should be noted no Jayhawks have officially made their intentions known about the draft.

This year, it is believed they will go through their coach to announce the news after Rush announced it on his own last year.

Rush said Monday he would "take some time off" and announce within two weeks or by the April 27 deadline.

Draftexpress.com indicates Rush will be tapped No. 23 in the first round by the Utah Jazz and Rush 25th by Seattle's SuperSonics. The Website has Chalmers the first pick of the second round of the 2009 draft. Yet the Website last was updated on Sunday, before his game-tying three versus Memphis. NBAdraft.net has Rush being tapped No. 17 by Philadelphia, Arthur No. 19 by Cleveland and Chalmers No. 26 by Memphis.

Self, who does not put stock into online drafts, does seek information from NBA personnel for his players.

"If that happens," Self said of college players turning pro, "it should be because it's the best thing for their families. I hope before they make a decision they will get reliable information.

"Because of agents, runners, people in their ears there are 90 guaranteed first-round picks (in draft). If I am not mistaken, there are only 30 picks (in first round). If they would just exercise good judgment, take their time, take a deep breath, I personally don't know why anybody would leave the situation they have unless they don't like the coach, unless they were close to being guaranteed (first round). A lot of second-rounders don't get a sniff at playing in the league."

¢ NBA may call someday: Self is not sure he ever wants to be a head coach in the NBA.

"My mentality ... I don't know if I would be a good fit for that. There have been three things happen this year (that made him realize how much he loves college). The 110 year reunion was unbelievable - far better than I ever thought it'd be - and our Senior Night this year was just different and of course winning the national championship. I don't know if I can get that at the other level."

¢ Recruiting: Tyshawn Taylor, a 6-3 senior from St. Anthony High in Jersey City, N.J., has asked out of his letter of intent from Marquette. Taylor, however, according to recruiting analyst Adam Zagoria, will meet with new Marquette coach Buzz Williams on Friday. Zagoria says KU, Florida, Texas, Michigan, Virginia, Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech, St. Joe's and Houston are possibilities for Taylor.

KU Basketball

Comments

txrockchalk (anonymous) says...

I wonder how long it will be before we start hearing various KU staff and administrators complain that coaches Self and Mangino are overpaid and how it isn't fair.

April 9, 2008 at 7:37 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

plasticJHawk (anonymous) says...

Wow

How crazy must it be for Chalmers to know that his number 15 will be immortalized among Kansas' all-time greats. He was arguable the best player on our team all season long, but he will probably be the only one with such an honor.

Does anyone know what other achievements qualify for automatic recognition?

I know at UNC they announced that Hansbrough's number will be retired because he automatically qualified due to winning at least one major national player of the year award.

April 9, 2008 at 7:40 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

kc_wildfire (anonymous) says...

Not that I want it to happen because I want Mario to stay another year but wouldn't it be ironic if he does declare and gets drafted by Memphis like the one mock draft says?

April 9, 2008 at 7:44 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

jayhawkinatl (anonymous) says...

Yep, I think at the very least, Mario will throw his name into the hat to see where he may go. Would LOVE to have him around to show the new 'hawks the ropes next year, but I realize he must do what's best for him and his family.
ALL THE BEST, MARIO!!!!

April 9, 2008 at 8:05 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Solomon (anonymous) says...

While I am happy for Mario, I don't like the so-called "requirements" for inclusion.

The following comments are not directed at Mario.

I think someone could have one significant game, such as the National Championship game, and get named MOP by a media that has no idea about that player's over-all contribution, then be automatically entitled to a jersey hanging.

On the other hand, a player like Keith Langford may be a key player for four years, become the school's 6th leading scorer of all time, be on NCAA Regional All Tourney teams, but not be considered because he didn't reach some arbitrary achievement.

Furthermore, I think there should be at least a 5 year waiting period before hanging a jersey.

I would prefer a committee do the selection, using some published "guidelines," not rules.

Rant complete. Nothing above is meant to denigrate Mario, or to elevate Keith. They're just convenient examples to make my point.

April 9, 2008 at 8:17 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

pmohr13 (anonymous) says...

Don't you think with Mario's dad as and assistant that money is a drive for Mario. Right now atleast.

April 9, 2008 at 8:23 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

pmohr13 (anonymous) says...

isn't*

April 9, 2008 at 8:23 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

pmohr13 (anonymous) says...

i ment isn't

April 9, 2008 at 8:25 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

txrockchalk (anonymous) says...

Someone correct me if I am wrong, but I believe at least one of the following requirements for jersey retirement at KU must be met:

* Player of the Year
* NCAA Tournament MVP
* Four-time All-American
* Consensus first-team All-American
* Two-time first-team All-American
* Academic All-American of the Year

April 9, 2008 at 8:30 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

mcrozb (anonymous) says...

Right after the championship, Mario said on camera, he would be back next year. A lot can happen between now and then, and yes, his stock has risen, but there is a chance he could be back. I sure hope so!

Rock Chalk ChampionHawk!

April 9, 2008 at 9:16 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Chicago_JHawk (anonymous) says...

The criteria used to be Player of the year or MOP of Final Four, or 2 time All American (I think). They changed it a few years ago to be 1 time consensus All American, which is what allowed the recent flood of retirements. I preferred the old format, but always disagreed with the MOP component for exactly the reasons Soloman pointed out - 1 or 2 great games in the Final Four does not warrant a jersey retirement.

Obviously you can't take down the jerseys that are up there, but it would have been better to create a special display in the Booth Hall or something for our 1 time AA and for MOPs. BH Born was MOP in '53 but only a 1 time AA, so my criteria wouldn't warrant his jersey up there. Our other three MOPs (Lovellette in '52, Chamberlain in '57, and Manning in '88) were all 2 time AA, and Lovellette and Manning were also POY.

Mario deserves recognition, but not in the rafters...

April 9, 2008 at 9:18 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

creightonjayhawk (anonymous) says...

Does anyone know who the 7th "unnamed" player Self is recruiting is?

Rock Chalk

April 9, 2008 at 9:22 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

AzHawk97 (anonymous) says...

I'm not naive to ways of big time college athletics, but I wish graduate of the university was one of the requirements as well.

April 9, 2008 at 9:34 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

chicagohawk52 (anonymous) says...

Solomon:
I agree with you. You speak of Langford, what about Hinrich? Collison has his jersey hanging but I don't think that those 2 would have been the same without each other. They were such a compliment to one another.

April 9, 2008 at 9:37 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

WilburNether (anonymous) says...

How idiotic is it if making one shot could elevate a player's draft status from second round to the middle of the first round? The reporter's speculation is clueless; but then, NBA general managers have proven time and time again that they are clueless, too.

April 9, 2008 at 9:39 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

milehighhawk (anonymous) says...

All this Mario-bashing is beyond stupid.

His numbers aren't out of this world because he played on a balanced team.

He has been one of the best defenders EVER to put on a KU jersey.

He WON the Big XII Championship AND the national championship for us this year. Not like that happens every year.

His jersey deserves to hang just as much as anyone else's.

April 9, 2008 at 9:44 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

vmwskywalk (anonymous) says...

Rush is so good, he's going to play for 2 NBA teams!

April 9, 2008 at 9:53 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

vmwskywalk (anonymous) says...

I feel that they should hang a banner, a very big banner, with the numbers of every single player on this team. They all deserve to be up there. They all had a huge part in their accomplishments. They won as a TEAM. They should be celebrated as a TEAM. They should be remembered as a TEAM.

April 9, 2008 at 10:02 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

hawkandtigerfan (anonymous) says...

I think we stand a very good chance of getting Mario back. He'll be our #1 guy next year, so he'll have scouts watching and anticipating his entrance into the NBA next year. I think the biggest thing in our favor is that his father is on the coaching staff. I think its tough to leave and put your father in a hard situation as a coach (an empty, fresh cupboard next year). I don't think any of the guys are high enough to warrant going . . . all of our guys are at the low end of the first round.

April 9, 2008 at 10:08 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

OwenJarvisIII (anonymous) says...

I'm astonished some of the comments questioning whether Mario's #15 should merit inclusion in the rafters... Are you Serious.?

This guy hit the biggest shot for Kansas in the last 100 years - after being the man all season and pretty much all of his career - and we're comparing him to Langford?

There should be a street named after him considering what he did the other night... That guy ended 20 years of frustration, agitation and anticipation with that shot...

HANG HIS JERSEY!

April 9, 2008 at 10:16 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

HawkFanEddie (anonymous) says...

Langford's final career stats are very impressive. He had some great games but he doesn't deserve to have his jersey retired. If they had an All-Headcase Team or All-Bad Attitude Team or an All-Lazy Team...Langford would have been a First Teamer his Jr. and Sr. year.

Tear, tear, Ole' Roy left me. I bet Langford watched KU this weekend from his little apartment in whatever NBADL town he plays and thinks...man, I wish I would have listened to Self and maybe things would have turned out different...

April 9, 2008 at 10:22 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

BCRavenJHawkfan (anonymous) says...

hawkandtigerfan,

I have somewhat the same view regarding Mario. I would add to it that I get the sense that he and his parents place a very high value in education. As such it would service him well to have another year so that life after the NBA has meaning.

April 9, 2008 at 10:26 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Solomon (anonymous) says...

It's not a question of whether Mario deserves the rafters, or not.

The point is that it's possible that due to injury, Jeremy Case could have been inserted into the game. Maybe he would have displayed the shooting skill he reputedly has for two games, and have been named MOP. Automatically, his jersey is in the rafters, while Rush, Mario, Langford, et. al. aren't.

Is this what we want our jersey recognition to represent? My opinion is, "No." I think it should represent not only AA, MOP, etc., but also include the body of work over a career. That's why I think evaluating worthiness after at least 5 years would be better. It would put a player's accomplishments into perspective.

I'm not dissing Case, either. Just another example. It could as easily be a reserve on the '52 team.

April 9, 2008 at 10:29 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

BrockIII (anonymous) says...

I believe the 7th unnamed recruit is Ater Majok, who from what I've read is a fairly raw big man with UConn, UK and Maryland high on his list. He is ranked 30th in power forwards at Scout and if I'm not mistaken has scheduled a visit for Lawrence. I know Self will make a good decision, but we need a dynamite class in 2009, i.e. Henry, Johnson, etc. The elite of the elite want to play at KU and win a championship; save the scholarships and get some all stars in 2009.

April 9, 2008 at 10:40 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

creightonjayhawk (anonymous) says...

First, Chalmers will be gone after this year no question. He has a kid to feed plus I had heard from friends of his that he had said he was entering the draft before the tournament even started. Secondly, who is this unnamed recruit?

April 9, 2008 at 10:43 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

lalawguy (anonymous) says...

Sorry, but as much as I liked Langford, he was no Mario Chalmers.

I also would not argue that Hinrich deserves to be on the rafters, but that should not take away from Mario's qualifications.

As to Chalmers' draft status, I think he should follow the route Rush took last year (except without the injury) -- declare, but don't sign with an agent. If after all the pre-draft camps he is nothing better than a late 1st-round pick, then he should withdraw his name and come back for one last year.

April 9, 2008 at 10:54 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Chicago_JHawk (anonymous) says...

I think the jersey criteria should be very strict...which is why I was upset when they changed the criteria years ago. I liked the fact that in the hundred year history of Kansas basketball, there were only 6 or 7 jerseys that warranted retirement, it made it a true honor. I assume they changed the rules because of the changing landscape - it was rare that a player would stick around to be named an All-American more than once. Unfortunately, now that they have so many up there, cases could be made for so many more, and most won't get up there.

Xavier Henry is the crown jewel of the 2009 class - sighning him would be HUGE.

April 9, 2008 at 11:10 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

cstevenday (anonymous) says...

Way to go KU. Awesome Game and Awesome Team all year.

2 things....

1. If I had been at the Alamodome and seen Benedict with that KU sticker on, I would have yanked it off his shirt and told him, thanks, but No Thanks. Whatever his gesture was meant to be, doesn't fly with me. Stick the knife in my back if you must, but don't kiss me and tell me you love after you do.

2. Wonder if the other kid Coach is recruiting is that former HS teammate of Shady that signed with LSU? That kid (can't remember his name), can now ask for a release since the coach he signed with (Brady) was terminated. I know KU was on his short list. With Shady heading to the NBA, the kid can step in and take over.

Just a thought.

April 9, 2008 at 11:14 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

kcmostwanted (anonymous) says...

It wouldn't hurt Mario to test the waters but i think for the most part he'll be back unless he tears it up at the camps.

here are some of the guards that are possible entries to the 2008 Draft:

-Derrick Rose (top 2)
-J. Bayless (lottery)
-O.J. mayo (lottery)
-D.J Augustin (lottery-midfirst)
-Ty Lawson (mid-late..but his poor game against KU could hurt him)
-Eric Gordon (lottery)
-Darren Collison (lottery-midfirst)
-R. Westbrook (mid-late..athletic but i don't think he's proven himself at the college level..but seems like scouts love him)
(i'm not even including the seniors)

there are probably a few more...but these are possible first round draft picks..that's 8 guards out of the 30 picks in the first round....

It would be best if he stayed another year because if he drops to the 2nd round he's not guaranteed a contract.

April 9, 2008 at 11:15 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

JNgohawks (anonymous) says...

If he stays he could become the all-time steals leader for at least KU if not more

April 9, 2008 at 11:34 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

JayViking (anonymous) says...

Posted by creightonjayhawk (anonymous) on April 9, 2008 at 10:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

First, Chalmers will be gone after this year no question. He has a kid to feed plus I had heard from friends of his that he had said he was entering the draft before the tournament even started. Secondly, who is this unnamed recruit?
____
I thought Collins had a kid? Mario has one too?

April 9, 2008 at 12:21 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

FlaHawk (anonymous) says...

I have heard that KU has NO chance for Xavier Henry, unless Chalmers, Rush and Arthur leave or Chalmers and Collins both leave.

I would think the chances of either of these combinations happening in 2008 are less than 15%.

Henry is said to be headed to Memphis with Rose and CDR both being gone. He want to play on a strong team that can support his scoring and KU is likely not a good fit with it's historically balanced attack!

April 9, 2008 at 12:43 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

rockchalks7 (anonymous) says...

that kid that signed with lsu is Bobo Morgan or J'Mison... it could be either him that self is recruiting or tyshawn taylor... the point guard who as already asked for a release from marquette

April 9, 2008 at 12:53 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

calwanbaker (anonymous) says...

cstevenday, that's one of the stupidest comments I've ever read. If you'd ever touched Roy, I'd hope he or another Kansas fan would've knocked your block off and kicked your @$$. It's comments like that that by a few disgruntled @$$holes that give a whole group of fans a bad name. You should be ashamed of yourself if you, in fact, have the brain capacity to feel shame!

April 9, 2008 at 12:55 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

rockchalks7 (anonymous) says...

Henry is going to be a senior so he still has another year before he gets here so therefore chalmers will be gone for sure either by graduation or leaving this year... so chalmers has no effect on us landing henry

April 9, 2008 at 12:56 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

chuckberry32 (anonymous) says...

I kinda doubt Mario's dad will stick around after he leaves.

April 9, 2008 at 1:43 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

TXJayhawk92 (anonymous) says...

Anyone still holding a grudge against Roy need to grow up. He is a great part of our history and we're obviously still a part of him. The UNC people, on the other hand are pissed that he was outcoached and then showed up supporting KU in the final.

Brandon, Darrell and Mario should all test the NBA draft waters. What can it hurt. Just don't sign with an agent so that you have the option to return. Brandon learned that lesson last year when he got hurt after declaring. Don't forfeit your eligibility unless you are 99% sure of a guaranteed contract.

Any recruit that makes his decision based on which team can support his scoring (in other words, lack of defense) is not one we should be chasing. We want players that play both ways and do want needs to be done to help the team win, be that scoring 25 pts or defending like crazy. We want kids who want to become better players and win a lot of big games along the way.

April 9, 2008 at 2:25 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

bashe24 (anonymous) says...

Can we all just agree about one thing.......we have waited 20 years for a title......20 years......no one can ever take it away that we are national champions......NO ONE.....Memorial Stadium was amazing yesterday......even if everyone goes pro and we start Reed, Teahan, Aldrich, Collins, and Klienneman.....we are still national champions.....everyone needs to breath and relax and enjoy this......20 years in the making.....thank you to the seniors especially.......Russ Rob is a class act, we did it guys everyone chill out, Bill isn't going anywhere.......he will retire a jayhawk.....and probably have something named after him.....

ROCK CHALK TITLE TALK 08....ACHIEVED

April 9, 2008 at 2:36 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

wcormode (anonymous) says...

cstevenday - SHUT UP!!!!

Its over. We beat Roy and got our revenge. He gave his heart and soul for 15 years and hell yeah I was pissed at him. If I were married to a woman for 15 years and she promised to stay forever and then one day told me she was getting back with her HS boyfriend I would be pissed in the same way. But now we have the better of him. Bill Self is 0ne million times the better coach and we are lucky to have him. I hope Lew Signs him to a lifetime contract. I want BS to be like Paterno and coaching into his 80's from a luxury box.

It's over. Roy Williams is a class act for wearing that sticker and for letting kids that go to his UNC bball camp to wear KU jerseys.

April 9, 2008 at 3:01 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

mr_lawrence (anonymous) says...

Mario's jersey belongs in the rafters. What a shot!!! But it wasn't just the shot; how about 18 pts, 4 stls, 3 assists, 3 rebs, stellar defense, and nerves of steel?! If he's here next year, he will set records (steals at least) and may end up being a consensus all-american.

Roy and Kansas, you'd have to say, have officially buried the hatchet. Let's bring him to a game next season to honor him (under our brand new championship banner).

THANK YOU, SENIORS!!! THANK YOU, BRANDON!!! THANK YOU, DARRELL!!! We'd love to have you back, but... I know how it goes. Man, Darrell would be so good with one more year of tutelage from Danny & Bill, but...

CONGRATULATIONS, CHAMPIONS!!!!!!!!!!!

April 9, 2008 at 4:38 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

ChicagoJHawk (anonymous) says...

Are you kidding me?? Mario deserves to have his jersey hung in the rafters. That's not just because he hit the most clutch shot ever in the history of KU basketball, and releived us of 20 years of agony, but because he's been an outstanding player all round the whole time he's been here.

Mario's dad won't be mad if he left. He'll be more than happy to see his son find himself a job paying millions of dollars after going to college for 3 years.

Someone mentioned Mario having a kid to feed. Don't quote me on this but I think you're confusing him w/Sherron Collins, I'm almost positive Mario doesn't have a kid.

April 9, 2008 at 5:05 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

JJHAWK (anonymous) says...

Xavior Henry has susposedly narrowed his choices to Memphis or KU but it is still early days and it wouldn't surprise me to see him take the five allowable official visits.

His dad of course is the former KU BB player Carl Henry. With the drug and thug problem of the Memphis BB team, I would hope that those items might give Xavior's parents some concern. If nothing else, it gives KU a lot to sell against.

If Bill stays, and I think he will, I like our chances of getting Henry to come to KU. Xavior has a better chance at playing for a National championship at KU than at Memphis.

Yes I know - just call me homer! Rock Chock Jayhawk!

April 9, 2008 at 5:33 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

remlap101 (anonymous) says...

Hey! I like that street name idea. How about the Mario Chalmers On-Ramp?

April 9, 2008 at 6:54 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

BannerforKirk (anonymous) says...

Since the issue of Mario and his MOP entitling him to having his number retired came up, I should make an appearance. The name indicates my belief that KU is making a mistake if it doesn't retire Kirk's number. Nick is up there - deservedly so. But Nick isn't Nick without Kirk. Those two together did so, so much to help this program get back to national prominence (first FF in 9 years) and they were as good of student athletes as KU has ever seen. Their names should be in the rafters together.

April 9, 2008 at 6:59 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

BannerforKirk (anonymous) says...

For those who forget how great Kirk and Nick were together, check this out....

http://youtube.com/watch?v=6IroDbPpwlM

April 9, 2008 at 7:06 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Strikewso (anonymous) says...

The MOP doesn't really matter, Mario's jersey would have been retired anyway. Roy Williams got the criteria changed to allow many more jersey retired, and it remains to be seen if Langford's number is retired - I think he deserves it. Hinrich will have his retired, too someday.

Also, note that we retire jerseys, not numbers, so there is no reason to limit the numbers. I also think Wayne Simeon's should be retired.

Now, thoughts on Memphis picking Mario? Are you kidding me??!

April 9, 2008 at 7:43 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Strikewso (anonymous) says...

Solomon, if you were voting for the baseball hall of fame, you'd be that one committe member who didn't vote for Cal Ripken on the first ballot. Geez, what does it take to please some people?

Rush is impressive, getting picked by two teams. They'll have to duke it out for him.

April 9, 2008 at 7:49 p.m. ( | suggest removal )