Kansas University basketball coach Bill Self plans on meeting with Brandon Rush this afternoon to discuss the player’s future.
“Whatever he wants to talk about,” Self said of the sophomore guard, who has until midnight Eastern time Sunday to decide whether to enter the NBA Draft.
“We can talk about where people (NBA officials) see him and he’ll express himself,” Self added.
Self said he did not necessarily expect any final word from Rush today regarding his draft status.
Yet a final decision from Rush is possible, especially in the wake of a report on draftexpress.com.
Citing a “source with knowledge of the situation,” NBA Draft analyst Jonathan Givony reported on his Web site late Tuesday night Rush had decided to enter his name in the draft, yet not sign with an agent.
Draftexpress.com’s Givony said Rush would withdraw his name from the draft by the June 18 deadline if he wasn’t assured of being a top-20 first-round pick.
Currently, Rush is not regarded as a top-20 pick.
Givony indicated Rush would have a news conference Friday. It is unlikely an announcement would be delayed that long if Rush indeed today tells his coach his intentions are to enter the draft minus an agent.
Rush has told the media he would likely have something to report by Friday.
One source close to the situation indicated Rush wanted to meet with his brother, Kareem, on Friday before finalizing his plans and making known his intentions.
Coincidentally, NBAdraft.net moved Rush back into its 2007 draft on Tuesday after having had him in its 2008 draft for several weeks. NBAdraft.net predicts Rush will be taken as the fifth pick in the second round by Golden State. Draftexpress.com has Rush as the 21st overall pick in the first round by Philadelphia.
With each passing day, Rush’s chances of being taken in the first round have appeared to take a hit with players entering their names in a deep draft.
On Tuesday, Texas A&M’s Joseph Jones, VMI’s Reggie Williams and Virginia’s Sean Singletary declared for the draft but indicated they would not sign with agents.
As of Tuesday, 37 underclassmen had declared for the draft with just 30 first-round slots available.
¢Arthur update: Self, who earlier this week told the Journal-World that Darrell Arthur would definitely be returning for his sophomore season, on Tuesday again was willing to respond to rumors Arthur was pondering putting his name in the draft.
A Kansas City television station reported Arthur, like Rush, was considering heading to the pros but not hiring an agent.
“Nothing has changed,” Self said. “He is not contemplating leaving. He will definitely be back.”
Arthur told the media at the team’s year-end basketball banquet he definitely would be back for year No. 2.