Sunday, July 20, 2008

Summer recruiting heats up for Self

By Gary Bedore

Kansas coach Bill Self looks to an official in this Nov. 6, 2007 file photo in Allen Fieldhouse. Self has spent a considerable amount of his time on the road during the July recruiting period.

Photo by Nick Krug

Kansas coach Bill Self looks to an official in this Nov. 6, 2007 file photo in Allen Fieldhouse. Self has spent a considerable amount of his time on the road during the July recruiting period.

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A modest guy, Bill Self didn't wear 2008 Kansas University national-championship apparel into gyms in Akron, Ohio; Louisville, Ky.; Philadelphia; and North Augusta, S.C., during the first half of the July recruiting period.

AAU basketball players and their coaches knew who represented the NCAA champion Jayhawks at the LeBron James Skills Academy, Kentucky Hoopfest, Reebok All-American camp and Nike Peach Jam, held July 6-15.

"One thing that is a positive ... we are a little more recognizable now. You walk in a crowded gym, and they may recognize you. We've gotten a little added airtime," Self said Friday.

He admitted his first recruiting experience following a national title, "probably was a little different, but not different from people who matter - the prospects, their families and coaches. You can't talk to them (in accordance with NCAA rules). You can have no contact with them," Self added.

"It was different from people coming up and congratulating us."

After an NCAA-mandated week break, summer recruiting heats up Tuesday through July 31.

Poker-faced Self wouldn't reveal where he's headed, but it's a safe bet he'll be spending time in Las Vegas for the Reebok Summer Championships as well as Adidas Super 64 and Nike Main Event tournaments.

"Yes," Self said, asked if he thought recruiting was going well. "We always go out thinking we're going to get good players."

He has two available scholarships for the Class of 2009, more if Sherron Collins, Cole Aldrich or any of the squad's newcomers decide to turn pro.

"I would say we will try to sign a difference-maker - a guard, wing and big guy. We will recruit like we have more than two (available)," said Self, well aware coaches must expect the unexpected regarding their rosters nowadays.

He can't comment on individual recruits in accordance with NCAA rules.

It's safe to say one "difference-maker" on his radar is Xavier Henry, a 6-foot-6 guard/forward from Putnam City (Okla.) High, who averaged 24 points a game at the Nike Peach Jam. Henry, Rivals.com's No. 2-rated player nationally, has been playing well despite a nagging ankle injury.

"People tell me I shouldn't be playing, that I have nothing to prove," Henry told the Daily Oklahoman. "Until I get that No. 1 by my name, there's something to prove."

Henry has a final four of KU, Memphis, Texas and UCLA. He's talking about making official visits to all four schools despite the fact KU and Memphis long have been his heavy favorites.

KU is also in the running for top-rated John Wall, a 6-4 point guard from Raleigh, N.C. Wall tells Rivals.com he is "wide open with Kansas, Kentucky, Oregon, Oklahoma State, Memphis, N.C. State and Baylor coming on very strong."

Other top guards considering KU include No. 11-rated Dominic Cheek, 6-5, Jersey City, N.J.; No. 7 Lance Stephenson, 6-5, Brooklyn, N.Y.; No. 34 Elijah Johnson, 6-2, Las Vegas; No. 14 Abdul Gaddy, 6-3, Tacoma, Wash.; No. 16 Avery Bradley, 6-3, Tacoma, Wash.; No. 28 Rodney Williams, 6-5, New Hope, Minn., and No. 67 Anthony Marshall, 6-3, Las Vegas.

Top forwards considering KU include No. 12 Jordan Hamilton, 6-7, Los Angeles; No. 3 Derrick Favors, 6-9, Atlanta and No. 17 Ryan Kelly, 6-9, Raleigh, N.C.

Top centers considering KU include No. 10 Daniel Orton, 6-10, Oklahoma City and No. 133 Stephan Van Treese, 6-9, Indianapolis.

No. 4-rated Renardo Sidney, 6-10 from Los Angeles, recently failed to mention KU on his most recent list of schools. Rivals.com reports his current favorites as USC, UCLA, Memphis, Texas, Texas A&M and Arizona State.

Other top players who have listed KU include No. 23-rated Dante Taylor, 6-8, Fort Washington, Md.; No. 113 Sherrod Wright, 6-4, Mount Vernon, N.Y.; No. 140 Clarence Trent, 6-7, Henderson, Nev., and Michael Dixon, 6-0, Lee's Summit, Mo.

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ESPY's on tonight: KU coach Bill Self and guard Mario Chalmers represented KU at the ESPY Awards show, taped earlier this week in Los Angeles. It will be aired tonight at 8 p.m., on ESPN.

KU was nominated in two categories: Best Game and Best Team.

Best Game went to the New York Giants, winners over New England in the Super Bowl. Best Team was claimed by the NBA champion Boston Celtics.

"It was really cool," Self said of the ESPY experience. "I'm not even disappointed we didn't win one. Sure we wished we'd won, but we played our game (NCAA title win over Memphis) when the Super Bowl was one of the best ever. And we were up for Best Team when the Celtics had such a great year. We're certainly proud we were nominated."

Comments

jman18562 (anonymous) says...

Sure, NYG was a huge upset. But there is no way anyone can tell me it was a better game than KU vs. Memphis. NOBODY.

July 20, 2008 at 4:28 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

fljayhawk (anonymous) says...

The game may or may not have been better BUT there are more Giant fans than Jayhawk fans around the country. I was one that was on the spot as I am a KU grad (1959) and a loooong time New Yorker (1932). Just to bad I couldn't split my vote.

July 20, 2008 at 6:26 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

JJHAWK (anonymous) says...

fljayhawk,

Don't feel bad about not being able to vote for the Giants. We understand.

Go Hawks!

July 20, 2008 at 7:48 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

sho_tyme21 (anonymous) says...

Well I guess there is no reason to watch the ESPYS tonight. I saw on Sportscenter last week who won the big ones. Its kinda dumb in my opinion to let us know who won now why watch it

July 20, 2008 at 8:28 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

jbrownjib (anonymous) says...

We won what that mattered! The rest is subjective.

July 20, 2008 at 8:52 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

fljayhawk (anonymous) says...

JJHAWK
THEREIN LIES THE PROBLEM, I DID VOTE FOR THE GIANTS. YOU CAN TAKE THE KID OUT OF THE 'CITY' BUT YOU CAN'T TAKE THE 'CITY' OUT OF THE KID. GO 'BLUE TEAMS'

July 20, 2008 at 9:16 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

pilot100 (anonymous) says...

What can one say. It's the "Eastern Sports Promotional Network" ESPN.

July 20, 2008 at 9:39 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

jayhawkinatl (anonymous) says...

Jesus, djkc28...give it a rest already!!!!!

July 20, 2008 at 10:42 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

nocaljayhawk (anonymous) says...

I for one, prefer the national championship. It's tangible, and everyone can see it.

July 20, 2008 at 10:54 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

kushaw (anonymous) says...

djkc: I am giving you a layup here! Everyone knows that rivals, scout, and jayhawk slant are recruiting websites. If you're so adament about this Christian thing; why don't you start Jayhawkchristians.com! That way, those individuals that want to talk about Christian athletes within the Jayhawk community can go to that website and talk about it in that forum. For me, I am going to continue to enjoy my Sunday's at home, drink beer, cheat on my taxes (Not really) and live a good non-Christian life. You should pay me some rolyalties for giving you this start-up idea. I will never read or acknowledge your posts after today.

July 20, 2008 at 10:56 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

KU7679 (anonymous) says...

It's not enough that our recruits are Christians. They have to be the RIGHT KIND of Christians. If they are not born again, pro Phil Kline, Christians, they really aren't Christians at all are they? After all, we don't want any Presbyterians (too liberal), Catholics (don't read the Bible enough) or any of the other branches of Christianity that believe in dancing, drinking alcohol or other sorts of sin.

To be sure, lets list their specific religious preference and their political party as well.

July 20, 2008 at 11:27 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

DJay23 (anonymous) says...

The way I see it, if they are good enough to earn a scholarship to KU, they are probably good with the Big Guy Upstairs.

July 20, 2008 at 11:47 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

jross1972 (Johann Ross) says...

Djay...

Great quip!

July 20, 2008 at 11:56 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

oldalum (anonymous) says...

djkc28: If you thought you were being funny, you missed the mark. You are only being offensive and irritating. Even if anyone thought you were being funny initially, you have worn it out. Please, please knock it off. You make me embarrassed for you.

July 20, 2008 at 12:01 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

WisconsinJayhawk (anonymous) says...

I would like to review their responses to my ethics questionnaire, review their tax returns, gather information on chemical/biological analysis of their first poopy diapers, and review the reasons behind their third grade time-outs before I decide if they are good enough to meet my high, high standards. Please get back to me with this information. I'll wait here.

July 20, 2008 at 12:30 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

AlferdPacker (anonymous) says...

Come on LJW, you couldn't have picked a better picture of Self for the front page? Really?

July 20, 2008 at 1 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

ChicagoJHawk (anonymous) says...

LJW,

Can't 1 of you guys remove the comments from djkc28?? Everything he says is offensive and irrelevant. I have read comments from Christian and non-Christian KU fans that are offended. I'm not sure if he really is a super religious freak or he's just trying to push peoples' buttons but either way, nobody is amused by anything he has to say.

Anyway, it seems like winning a NC has definitely helped improve Self's, already proven, ability to recruit. I'm hoping we'll land a few top 10/top 20 recruits for 2009.

Rock Chalk!

July 20, 2008 at 1:28 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

thiknthinhawk (anonymous) says...

djkc28- I admire your passion for Christ- however, we need, as believers need to remember that He called us to be put in a position to minister to people. It's hard for that to happen if we stay to ourselves and be a club.

July 20, 2008 at 1:37 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Eurekahwk (anonymous) says...

Good christians aren't what win conference titles and NCs. Tough, skilled, and calm players do. For all I care, they could be pagan.

July 20, 2008 at 2:14 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

ku_painter (anonymous) says...

Allen Fieldhouse has big windows so God can check in on games when he wants. So I think we're good.

July 20, 2008 at 2:15 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

stravinsky (anonymous) says...

In the front page picture of Self he looks like he's going to cry.

Hopefully those are tears of joy as Xavier Henry and John Wall both commit to KU? Everyone returns, then Derrick Favors and Daniel Orton decide since we're short on schollies that they'll just walk on, then KU goes undefeated for four years and KSU becomes University of Kansas - Manhattan Campus.

It'll be dandy.

July 20, 2008 at 2:54 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

nicka (anonymous) says...

God wears Jayhawk pajamas to bed.

July 20, 2008 at 3:55 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

fabolous_bg (anonymous) says...

That is the best post I have read in a long time, stravinsky

July 20, 2008 at 7 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jhwkfan162515 (anonymous) says...

That would be really something if we could get Xavier Henry. Go get'em Bill!

July 20, 2008 at 10:01 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

mightyjoyung (anonymous) says...

djkc why don't you comment on the UNC website. I'm sure Ole Roy would love your comments

July 20, 2008 at 11:17 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

s6u6r6f (anonymous) says...

I would like to see information on the religious beliefs of these recruits.

Sure, I like seeing how many points the recruits average. And how tall they are. And where they go to high school.

But I don't think it's too much to ask to also include their religious beliefs, purely for informational purposes for the millions of KU fans like myself; those who have not had their life changed by the one and only Jesus Christ and would like not to preach the gospel to young people everywhere.

Nothing gives me more joy than to watch a team of atheists play basketball, good or bad. I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say we would rather have a team full of non-believers than a national championship.

Make it happen, Coach Self!

July 21, 2008 at 5:01 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

overseashawk (anonymous) says...

Can you guys give the religous stuff a rest? I'm a long time poster on these boards and it's just getting plain annoying. I'm a catholic but choose not to ramble on aimlessly about religion on a SPORTS page. We're all here because we're die hard Jayhawks fans regardless of religion.

Please knock it off.

July 21, 2008 at 6:11 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

KGphoto (anonymous) says...

God? Please give us the best F'n recruiting class in the country.

F UNC. F UCLA. F Texas. F Memphis.

Jesus loves KU more!! Wooohoooooo! Yeaaaahhhh!!

Jesus is a Hawk!! Go Jesus! I love it!

Ever notice if you see a word too much it starts looking funny. Like if you type Jesus a hundred times you wonder if you're spelling it right? Try it.

Jesus jesus Jesus jesus Jesus jesus Jesus jesus Jesus Jesus jesus Jesus jesus Jesus jesus Jesus jesus JesusJesus jesus Jesus jesus Jesus jesus Jesus jesus JesusJesus jesus Jesus jesus Jesus jesus Jesus jesus Jesus.

Is that right?

July 21, 2008 at 8:13 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

fljayhawk (anonymous) says...

HOW ABOUT U JESUS FREAKS FINDING AN ISOLATED ISLAND IN THE PACIFIC SO THAT WE HUMANS CAN NUKE IT.

July 21, 2008 at 10:15 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

JayCeph (anonymous) says...

I think I figured it out... I know djkc is just jerkin' with people and trying to get a rise out of them. I just couldn't figure out why for the longest time. Now, I'm not 100% certain but I think I might have finally read enough 'between the lines' verbiage from him/her that just might reveal their (supposedly?) random religious postings...

I think djkc is pontificating all this religious 'pooh-yah' as a response to the articles a while ago on Wayne's return to Lawrence. Those articles were filled with a ton of sports-meets-god talk and I think (I repeat I THINK) this is where djkc's ramblings stem from.

They just might figure that this is just as superfluous as that and therefore, tit-for-tat, quid-pro-quo.

Djkc probably assumes that if Big Dub's religion comes into play regarding basketball and nobody batted an eye or took exception, they might have decided to see how far that logic would stretch.

This is all just a random supposition but this COULD be a bridge to these awkward postings...

July 21, 2008 at 11:01 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Lebowski (anonymous) says...

Dear everyone,

Lets not give any more attention to dumbasses. Please.

Very sincerely,

Jeff

July 21, 2008 at 11:21 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

milehighhawker (anonymous) says...

I may stand corrected about my assesment on John Wall's chances of landing here. Direct quote from Wall...

"I would like to unofficially visit Kansas and check things out," he said. "I could also take an official visit to Kansas, too. Kansas really showed how much they want me because coach Self was at all of my games at Peach Jam.

"I saw coach Self sitting on the front row, which is a big deal to me," he added. "It's a big advantage when a head coach attends every game like coach Self did. I kind of lean to those schools that send head coaches to watch me play."

July 21, 2008 at 12:15 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

lalawguy (anonymous) says...

KU is a public university. I think Bill Self and the university would be in a lot of trouble if they discriminated against recruits based on their religious beliefs. It would be a violation of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

July 21, 2008 at 12:22 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

txrockchalk (anonymous) says...

Lebowski - a pithy yet germane post. It reminds me of the old adage, "If a tree falls in the woods and lands on a mime, does anyone care?" Indeed, it would be nice if everyone read and abided by your request. I must admit, I have fallen into "their" trap more than once. I will continue to diligently work on it!

July 21, 2008 at 12:43 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

s6u6r6f (anonymous) says...

Good sir fljayhawk,

Hey, wait a minute...I live on an isolated island in the Pacific. Don't just choose some random isolated island in the Pacific. Choose a sandy middle eastern hot spot. Or Missouri.

Faith in hoops.

July 21, 2008 at 3:41 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

hawk316 (anonymous) says...

Guys, look at the number of responses ol' djkc28 got from his latest religious rant. If his goal was to jerk us around to get a rise out of us, as JayCeph suggested, then he succeeded. I suggest we ignore his comments in the future, and perhaps he will fade away. It won't be easy for me because his bizarre remarks are a total caricature of Christianity, but I'm going to grit my teeth and refuse to take the bait...God help me.

July 21, 2008 at 4:19 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

shannyvan1 (anonymous) says...

Good sir s6u6r6f:

"Or Missouri." Very clever!

July 21, 2008 at 8:38 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

ralsterKUMed95 (anonymous) says...

So...Here is my 2cents: I will keep consistent with my own feelings that THIS is a basketball blog. Other than a passing "atta-boy!" for our excellent football team, it is not a football blog, NOT a religious blog, or rowing or soccer or whatever else...So--I think those of us who LIKE to 'cuss & discuss the finer points of KU's game, team & strategy, are repeat visitors to this site for that reason. For me, it is about 'ballers' with skill, or the right attitude to learn Self's Way. I want us to win. Dear djkc--People here DO love to debate, and some are very astute at driving a point home. They will be merciless with an "out-of-the-blue" religious post such as yours. To my fellow bloggers who say "do not answer or comment on djkc's post", I say actually that it's gotta sting to see your comment get ridiculed like that, so making a comment about djkc's irrlevant posting is simply allowing me to COMPLETELY DISAGREE with him on his idea (my perogative). No thanks to knowing some players PRIVATE business--I WILL TAKE THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP. And I do not know or care what religion or denomination ANY of the players are!!!!! DID IT MATTER??? Djkc showed the world his narrow mind--get outside your own box--we won a championship with players from all over this country that checked their egos and came together to get something done. In a sense they epitomized America. And you sir, would do well to remember this is a FREE country with FREEDOM of religion guaranteed to all--I do not care what religion someone is as long as they do NOT tread on me. I am completely interested in a recruits ability to shoot a J, or crossover, or defend, etc, etc...
Let me create another uncomfortable scenario for djkc and anyone so inclined: if he came up to a bunch of us in person standing around debating KU bball and started to talk about the religion thing, immediately some of us would maybe politely nod, but say nothing. The more raucous in the bunch would call him out on the spot. Not pretty. Not cool. And certainly inept social skills. We do not come to this site to fix society, feed the needy or talk politics. This. IS. A. KU Basketball. Blog. Please understand that. As I would say to the swami: "...but I did not come here seeking enlightenment..." Learn to pick your audience, djkc, if you feel you must spread the gospel--you may have better results elsewhere.

July 21, 2008 at 11:36 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

stickmantoo (anonymous) says...

Do any of you girls have a good raspberry vinaigrette recipe?

July 22, 2008 at 12:33 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

cffighter86 (anonymous) says...

whoa there fljayhawk..i hope that was just sarcasm..im christian so does that mean i should go to that deserted island to get nuked too? with that said..

I hope we can land Xavier Henry. If you havent seen videos of the kid, he can flat out ball. I would seriously even say if we land him he could lead us to another NC, IDK about you all but i dont want to have to wait another 20 years

July 22, 2008 at 2:55 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jhawks (anonymous) says...

I'd like to watch Christians fighting Lions?

July 23, 2008 at 9:59 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

derringer29 (anonymous) says...

great points ralster kumed95--i think the correct word to use for coach self is hes a great tammer, he likes taming the wild and thats what he did with this group-the previous core group-miles-langford-J.R. ect, just wouldnt let coach tamm them due to previous success and loyality to the previous coching staff-you see when he got HIS kids in here, they didnt know any better than to take his teachings to heart,when u can tamm a lion theres nothing better than that. i going to say it now we get x and we get wall and we win 2 out of the next three championships--bold words i no but wait and see

July 24, 2008 at 4:44 a.m. ( | suggest removal )