The Bill Self statement that resonated most loudly at the team banquet came in reference to Malik Newman, who practiced with Kansas last season after transferring from Mississippi State.
“I’ll be disappointed if Malik’s not an all-league or All-American player next year,” Self said.
The KU coach ought to know an All-American when he sees one.
Kansas has had a remarkable run of Associated Press All-Americans since Sherron Collins became Self’s first Kansas recruit to earn the distinction with third-team honors in 2009.
That started a run of 12 All-Americans in the past nine seasons, a run in which at least one Jayhawk was named first, second or third-team All-American by AP in every season except 2015.
Devonte’ Graham also has the potential to land on an All-American team as a senior.
Of the 12 Self Kansas recruits honored by the AP, five were seniors (Collins, Tyshawn Taylor, Jeff Withey, Perry Ellis, Frank Mason), four juniors (Collins, Cole Aldrich, Marcus Morris, Thomas Robinson), three freshmen (Ben McLemore, Andrew Wiggins, Josh Jackson).
A year-by-year breakdown of All-Americans in Self’s 14 seasons:
**2017:** Mason, first team; Jackson, third team.
**2016:** Ellis, second team.
**2015:** None.
**2014:** Wiggins, second team.
**2013:** McLemore, second team; Withey, third team.
**2012:** Robinson, first team; Taylor, third team.
**2011:** Marcus Morris, second team.
**2010:** Collins, second team; Aldrich, third team.
**2009:** Collins, third team.
**2008:** None.
**2007:** None.
**2006:** None.
**2005:** Wayne Simien, first team.
**2004:** Simien, third team.