Staying power, the hidden beauty of Bill Self’s latest blockbuster recruiting class, separates it from most elite ones.
Cliff Alexander, ranked No. 4 by Rivals.com in the Class of 2014, is on record saying he doesn’t view himself as a one-and-done college basketball player. At 6-foot-8, he’s shorter than most NBA power forwards, so he’ll need the time to figure out how to score against longer defenders, just as Thomas Robinson did.
Kelly Oubre, No. 6 in the class, has an explosive game but could stand to fill out, so he’s not necessarily a one-and-done recruit.
Point guard Devonté Graham, ranked No. 36, projects as a four-year player, as do most who play his position.
The NBA’s age restrictions deny Ukranian sensation Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk from eligibility in the 2015 draft. Sure, he could decide to play professionally in Europe after one year at Kansas, but it’s more likely he’ll be having such a blast he’ll want to stay at KU for at least two years. Plus, a loud sophomore season could mean more to him long-term financially in terms of a shoe contract than a European contract anyway.
It’s conceivable that every key Kansas player from the 2014-2015 season could return the following season, although the NBA might have strong interest in Wayne Selden by then.
Just for fun, let’s say Selden bolts after next season and Oubre stays. The experience and talent of the 2015-16 roster, especially if the Jayhawks add a shot-blocking center to the mix in the next recruiting class:
Point guards: Graham (sophomore), Frank Mason (junior), Conner Frankamp (junior).
Wings: Oubre (sophomore), Mykhailiuk (sophomore), Brannen Greene (junior), a freshman to be named.
Post players: Alexander (sophomore), Perry Ellis (senior), Jamari Traylor (senior), Hunter Mickelson (senior), Landen Lucas (junior), plus a freshman to be named.
No telling how good Traylor (17 points and 14 rebounds vs. Eastern Kentucky in KU’s opening game of the NCAA Tournament) could be by then. The best guess is very, very good. He came to KU extremely raw and with each season adds a little polish, which increases his confidence, which sends his production up.
By his senior season, Ellis could have a killer three-point shot and will be able to play the wing or post, wherever he’s needed most.
Nobody needs to look that far ahead to project KU winning another Big 12 title. The Jayhawks are favored to make it 11 in a row, but could develop into an unstoppable force the following year.
