As expected, Alexander “Sasha” Kaun announced Wednesday at his high school that he will attend KU next year.
The 6-foot-11, 245-pound senior is an honors student at the Melbourne, Fla., school and is a native of Tomsk, Russia. He averaged 13 points, seven rebounds and two blocks per game last season.
“I am very excited,” Kaun said in a statement. “I can’t wait to get to the university. This has been a learning process, and I have met lots of wonderful people, but I am relieved it is over.”
Kaun, who led Florida Air Academy to an undefeated season and state championship last season, chose KU over Duke and Michigan State, and had been recruited by many other schools, including Connecticut, Georgetown, Michigan and Stanford.
“It was a very hard decision,” he said of his final choice. “All of them have tremendous academic and athletic programs. Kansas just felt like a better fit for me.
“I was very impressed with the quality of their academics as well as their basketball program, and I really like the coaching staff. I know I can learn a lot from Coach (Bill) Self and his staff.”
According to a press release from the Academy, Kaun plans to major in computer science at KU and expects to be an academic All-American.
“This has been a long, very involved process,” FAA coach Aubin Goporo said in the release. “This past summer, Sasha dominated many highly ranked big men in several tournaments, and from that point on the press, coaches, and fans across the country all started calling. It has been non-stop since.
  KU basketball should secure top recruit today 6Sports video: Self hopes for Kaun commitment Recruit impressed by visit to Kansas Recruit Price stands out during pick-up game |
“Sasha will be a strong member of their team and community. We have seen great things from him and I know there is a lot more to come.”
At the Academy, Kaun is a Cadet Lt. Colonel and Squadron Commander, responsible for the welfare of 65 students.
“It has been a real pleasure to watch Sasha grow as a person as well as athletically and academically over the past three years,” FAA athletic director Jim O’Malley said in a statement. “He is a terrific person and deserves all the great things that are happening for him.”
Kaun will sign a national letter-of-intent Nov. 12.
