Appears Sporting News Has Kansas As Its Pre-Season #1, UK #2

[Smashcat]

Sporting News NCAAB ‏@sn_ncaab 20m20 minutes ago

The college basketball preview yearbook (featuring NBA this year) hits newsstands a week from today. pic.twitter.com/WjnXydsrrE

 

[UK till Death]

LOL... good one.

Their editors must have run out of time to pull their heads out of their asses.

 

[Willy4UK]

Frank Mason

 

[BlueSince92]

We talkin about Kansas

 

[Notorious23]

maybe a mistake?

 

[KWilt43atbuzz]

We talkin about Kansas

 

[wcc31]

Can't argue too much with that pick. Kansas has a lot of upside and a good experience base.

 

[Ron Mehico]

To tell you the truth I don't know anything about Kansas other than last year when we murdered them. Just assumed they'd be awful again this year but maybe not?

 

[BigRedMachineBigBlueNation]

Said the same thing when polls have NCheat as #1
Preseason polls don't matter.

 

[At least 23 Ws in 22 of past 35 seasons_UK 1980-81]

Can't argue too much with that pick. Kansas has a lot of upside and a good experience base.

Unfortunately, this ^^^.

Compared to us, yes, Kansas has one less 5-star player, but they also have two more 4-OR-5-star players, WAY more minutes returning from last season, and...(and I know no one here will agree with the following)... their talent-level is, overall, not only 'close' or 'equal' to ours -- or even 'slightly better' -- imo, their overall talent level is 'quite a bit better'. For instance, I think Mason's overall a better player than Ulis (if you ignore the media and Cal's push for Ulis to turn pro. soon), (Mason's better, imo) in both leadership and in numbers. If you were to compare strictly their numbers (from last season), there's just no way you can say Ulis was better, but there is a case for saying they were equal (even though Mason's numbers were overall equal or better). If Mason had had all those 7-footers to pass to last season, his numbers would've been tremendously better than Ulis' (imo). However, Mason is really more of a short 2-guard than a PG, but he still has incredible PG skills. If you compare Kansas to Kentucky -- player by player -- I just don't see how you could say Kentucky has a definite edge, in fact, I see it the other way around. The Kansas team we faced last November just gave up, but they played well most of the rest of the season (before Wichita State beat them in a revenge game [revenge for never scheduling them]). I guess we'll ALL find out who's really better in January. Go Cats!!!!!!!!

 

[MdWIldcat55]

Unfortunately, this ^^^.

Compared to us, yes, Kansas has one less 5-star player, but they also have two more 4-OR-5-star players, WAY more minutes returning from last season, and...(and I know no one here will agree with the following)... their talent-level is, overall, not only 'close' or 'equal' to ours -- or even 'slightly better' -- imo, their overall talent level is 'quite a bit better'. For instance, I think Mason's overall a better player than Ulis (if you ignore the media and Cal's push for Ulis to turn pro. soon), (Mason's better, imo) in both leadership and in numbers. If you were to compare strictly their numbers (from last season), there's just no way you can say Ulis was better, but there is a case for saying they were equal (even though Mason's numbers were overall equal or better). If Mason had had all those 7-footers to pass to last season, his numbers would've been tremendously better than Ulis' (imo). However, Mason is really more of a short 2-guard than a PG, but he still has incredible PG skills. If you compare Kansas to Kentucky -- player by player -- I just don't see how you could say Kentucky has a definite edge, in fact, I see it the other way around. The Kansas team we faced last November just gave up, but they played well most of the rest of the season (before Wichita State beat them in a revenge game [revenge for never scheduling them]). I guess we'll ALL find out who's really better in January. Go Cats!!!!!!!!

We need a better, more clever class of trolls on this board than somebody who joins in July and then posts about nothing except how formidable Kansas will be, the history of Kansas basketball and so on. Nobody cares if you post here as a Kansas fan -- several do -- but no one likes a damn phony.

As for Kansas, as far as I know the have pretty much the same guards as the ones who were outclassed by Wichita State. It had nothing to do with 'revenge game' -- Wichita State was flat better. Other than losing Kelly Oubre and Cliff Alexander and gaining Diallo and a raw Calrton Bragg, it is basically the same bunch who were embarrassed by Temple by 25 and Kentucky by 32, and were beaten by a West Virginia team that Kentucky obliterated in the NCAA tournament.

 

[ia.ukfan]

We need a better, more clever class of trolls on this board than somebody who joins in July and then posts about nothing except how formidable Kansas will be, the history of Kansas basketball and so on. Nobody cares if you post here as a Kansas fan -- several do -- but no one likes a damn phony.

As for Kansas, as far as I know the have pretty much the same guards as the ones who were outclassed by Wichita State. It had nothing to do with 'revenge game' -- Wichita State was flat better. Other than losing Kelly Oubre and Cliff Alexander and gaining Diallo and a raw Calrton Bragg, it is basically the same bunch who embarrassed by Temple by 25 and Kentucky by 32, and was beaten by a West Virginia team that Kentucky obliterated in the NCAA tournament.

What he said. It's beyond hilarious you thought anyone would believe you're a UK fan.

 

[BlueSince92]

We need a better, more clever class of trolls on this board than somebody who joins in July and then posts about nothing except how formidable Kansas will be, the history of Kansas basketball and so on. Nobody cares if you post here as a Kansas fan -- several do -- but no one likes a damn phony.

As for Kansas, as far as I know the have pretty much the same guards as the ones who were outclassed by Wichita State. It had nothing to do with 'revenge game' -- Wichita State was flat better. Other than losing Kelly Oubre and Cliff Alexander and gaining Diallo and a raw Calrton Bragg, it is basically the same bunch who embarrassed by Temple by 25 and Kentucky by 32, and was beaten by a West Virginia team that Kentucky obliterated in the NCAA tournament.

"quite a ways west of Paintsville"

 

[UKWildcats#8]

Said the same thing when polls have NCheat as #1
Preseason polls don't matter.

Yup, did not matter the last two years for UK either. The last one is all that matters.

 

[gracetoyou]

The good thing about Kansas is that regardless of talent you do not have to worry about them in the NCAA tournament.

 

[MdWIldcat55]

Kansas reminds me of my 1997 Buick LeSabre: It, too, is a year older than it was last year, but not necessarily a year better.

 

[CATFanINChampaign]

"quite a ways west of Paintsville"

Yeah, about 700 miles west.

 

[Bigblueforever]

maybe a mistake?

It is a big mistake.

 

[khuff80]

Unfortunately, this ^^^.

Compared to us, yes, Kansas has one less 5-star player, but they also have two more 4-OR-5-star players, WAY more minutes returning from last season, and...(and I know no one here will agree with the following)... their talent-level is, overall, not only 'close' or 'equal' to ours -- or even 'slightly better' -- imo, their overall talent level is 'quite a bit better'. For instance, I think Mason's overall a better player than Ulis (if you ignore the media and Cal's push for Ulis to turn pro. soon), (Mason's better, imo) in both leadership and in numbers. If you were to compare strictly their numbers (from last season), there's just no way you can say Ulis was better, but there is a case for saying they were equal (even though Mason's numbers were overall equal or better). If Mason had had all those 7-footers to pass to last season, his numbers would've been tremendously better than Ulis' (imo). However, Mason is really more of a short 2-guard than a PG, but he still has incredible PG skills. If you compare Kansas to Kentucky -- player by player -- I just don't see how you could say Kentucky has a definite edge, in fact, I see it the other way around. The Kansas team we faced last November just gave up, but they played well most of the rest of the season (before Wichita State beat them in a revenge game [revenge for never scheduling them]). I guess we'll ALL find out who's really better in January. Go Cats!!!!!!!!

***KU alum here.

UK has an advantage in their starting lineup. I feel KU has the better first 3-4 off the bench, however & better depth overall.

Having said that - when I've done my preseason rankings I've been having UK a spot or two ahead of KU....had KU ahead 'til the late additions of Murray & Humphries though.

 

[khuff80]

The good thing about Kansas is that regardless of talent you do not have to worry about them in the NCAA tournament.

***You don't? Admittedly, last year was an embarrassing way to bow out, but they still haven't had a Lehigh level embarrassment in a good 10 years now (Bradley in the 1st Rd. in '06 & even their biggest embarrassment in losing to Bucknell was as a 3...not a 2 like Duke) like Duke did just a short what 2-3 years back?

 

[Ron Mehico]

***You don't? Admittedly, last year was an embarrassing way to bow out, but they still haven't had a Lehigh level embarrassment in a good 10 years now (Bradley in the 1st Rd. in '06 & even their biggest embarrassment in losing to Bucknell was as a 3...not a 2 like Duke) like Duke did just a short what 2-3 years back?

Really? You not counting Northern Iowa when you were a 1 seed?

 

[khuff80]

Kansas reminds me of my 1997 Buick LeSabre: It, too, is a year older than it was last year, but not necessarily a year better.

***Hilarious.

Like there's NEVER been proof a more "experienced" Self team doing better in the postseason. Every "young" team he's had ('06, '14 & '15) has bowed out no later than the Round of 32. Every other team's gotten to at least the Sweet 16 with the exception of the 2nd team he ever had (the '05 team with Srs. Simien, Lanford & Miles bowing out early in the 1st Rd.).

They've certainly made more noise than a lot of other teams if not Kentucky. I can't recall Arizona going to a Final Four in a good 15+ years for example yet most year we're typically talking about them being ranked going into seasons no less than 6th - 8th (this season being an exception).

This team feels a lot more like the '12 team where there's a LOT of experience to go around only better than the '12 team because that team only went pretty much 6-7 deep whereas this one could easily go 10-deep.

Most experience teams Self's had at KU since he's been there save for his 2nd team in his tenure in '05, have been '08 (Championship), '12 (Runner-up to UK) & now '16 (we shall see).

Having said all that my preseason rankings were:

1. Maryland
2. North Carolina
3. Kentucky
4. Kansas
5. Virginia
6. Iowa State
7. Duke
8. Villanova
9. Oklahoma
10. Wichita State
11. Gonzaga
12. FINALLY gets fuzzier at that point. Someone like LSU, Cal, Michigan State

 

[khuff80]

Really? You not counting Northern Iowa when you were a 1 seed?

***Not saying that wasn't embarrassing but that was also a 9 over a 1 in the 2nd round.....not 15 over a 2 in the 1st.

 

[wcc31]

If you're buying on Kansas, you're doing so for these reasons:

- You think Graham and Svi make a leap as sophomores.
- You think Diallo will be one of the best players in the country.
- You like their experience with Ellis, Mason, Selden and Greene.

I don't think it's that far-fetched. I can understand why someone would put them #1.

With that said, I still don't trust Mason at PG or Selden/Ellis in big games.

 

[khuff80]

If you're buying on Kansas, you're doing so for these reasons:

- You think Graham and Svi make a leap as sophomores.
- You think Diallo will be one of the best players in the country.
- You like their experience with Ellis, Mason, Selden and Greene.

I don't think it's that far-fetched. I can understand why someone would put them #1.

With that said, I still don't trust Mason at PG or Selden/Ellis in big games.

***all sound like reasonable 'takes'. They were a team that probably needed the confidence gained from their World University Games trip.

 

[brianpoe]

Unfortunately, this ^^^.

Compared to us, yes, Kansas has one less 5-star player, but they also have two more 4-OR-5-star players, WAY more minutes returning from last season, and...(and I know no one here will agree with the following)... their talent-level is, overall, not only 'close' or 'equal' to ours -- or even 'slightly better' -- imo, their overall talent level is 'quite a bit better'. For instance, I think Mason's overall a better player than Ulis (if you ignore the media and Cal's push for Ulis to turn pro. soon), (Mason's better, imo) in both leadership and in numbers. If you were to compare strictly their numbers (from last season), there's just no way you can say Ulis was better, but there is a case for saying they were equal (even though Mason's numbers were overall equal or better). If Mason had had all those 7-footers to pass to last season, his numbers would've been tremendously better than Ulis' (imo). However, Mason is really more of a short 2-guard than a PG, but he still has incredible PG skills. If you compare Kansas to Kentucky -- player by player -- I just don't see how you could say Kentucky has a definite edge, in fact, I see it the other way around. The Kansas team we faced last November just gave up, but they played well most of the rest of the season (before Wichita State beat them in a revenge game [revenge for never scheduling them]). I guess we'll ALL find out who's really better in January. Go Cats!!!!!!!!

Somebody here please let me know when JayhawkJackass here is finished writing his average 4 novels within a thread...

 

[Clive Gollings]

They probably just got UK and KU mixed up. ESPN makes the same mistake all the time.

 

[Clive Gollings]

Unfortunately, this ^^^.

Compared to us, yes, Kansas has one less 5-star player, but they also have two more 4-OR-5-star players, WAY more minutes returning from last season, and...(and I know no one here will agree with the following)... their talent-level is, overall, not only 'close' or 'equal' to ours -- or even 'slightly better' -- imo, their overall talent level is 'quite a bit better'. For instance, I think Mason's overall a better player than Ulis (if you ignore the media and Cal's push for Ulis to turn pro. soon), (Mason's better, imo) in both leadership and in numbers. If you were to compare strictly their numbers (from last season), there's just no way you can say Ulis was better, but there is a case for saying they were equal (even though Mason's numbers were overall equal or better). If Mason had had all those 7-footers to pass to last season, his numbers would've been tremendously better than Ulis' (imo). However, Mason is really more of a short 2-guard than a PG, but he still has incredible PG skills. If you compare Kansas to Kentucky -- player by player -- I just don't see how you could say Kentucky has a definite edge, in fact, I see it the other way around. The Kansas team we faced last November just gave up, but they played well most of the rest of the season (before Wichita State beat them in a revenge game [revenge for never scheduling them]). I guess we'll ALL find out who's really better in January. Go Cats!!!!!!!!

It's great you finally quit pretending to be a UK fan.

A couple of things though. KU did give up because UK broke their will. Shattered it really. And two, I won't be surprised if KU wins this year AT KU. It's a tough place to play, but I guarantee, KU won't break UK like we did you guys and it' won't be a 32 point blowout.

Also to be completely honest. UK didn't just break the will of KU players but also their fans. Why else would a KU fan pretend to be a UK fan on a UK message board? I'm sorry we hurt your KU fandom so deeply.

 

[SosaUK]

Unfortunately, this ^^^.

Compared to us, yes, Kansas has one less 5-star player, but they also have two more 4-OR-5-star players, WAY more minutes returning from last season, and...(and I know no one here will agree with the following)... their talent-level is, overall, not only 'close' or 'equal' to ours -- or even 'slightly better' -- imo, their overall talent level is 'quite a bit better'. For instance, I think Mason's overall a better player than Ulis (if you ignore the media and Cal's push for Ulis to turn pro. soon), (Mason's better, imo) in both leadership and in numbers. If you were to compare strictly their numbers (from last season), there's just no way you can say Ulis was better, but there is a case for saying they were equal (even though Mason's numbers were overall equal or better). If Mason had had all those 7-footers to pass to last season, his numbers would've been tremendously better than Ulis' (imo). However, Mason is really more of a short 2-guard than a PG, but he still has incredible PG skills. If you compare Kansas to Kentucky -- player by player -- I just don't see how you could say Kentucky has a definite edge, in fact, I see it the other way around. The Kansas team we faced last November just gave up, but they played well most of the rest of the season (before Wichita State beat them in a revenge game [revenge for never scheduling them]). I guess we'll ALL find out who's really better in January. Go Cats!!!!!!!!

You are not fooling anybody.

 

[At least 23 Ws in 22 of past 35 seasons_UK 1980-81]

Oh, come on. It's not like KU's roster is full of a bunch of nobodies.

I just-now went to KU's website and found this stuff: their players' high school accomplishments (yes, I realize it has absolutely no bearing at the college level, but still...it's somewhat interesting...maybe):

--

Mason (from Richmond, VA area): 1,901 pts (2nd all-time in points at his high school, behind only Moses Malone)

--

Greene: career "over 2,000 points"; All-Middle Georgia Player of the Year as a Jr; Senior year: 2013 Gatorade Georgia Boys Basketball Player of the Year; Atlanta Journal-Constitution 2013 Player of the Year; Georgia’s 2013 Mr. Basketball
--
Ellis: McDonald's AA. 2,231 pts and 4-time state-champ in Kansas' Kansas City & Wichita league (6A)
--
Svi Mykhailiuk (Ukraine): all-tournament at both U16 and U18 European Championships. Played in the 2014 Nike Hoops Summit and 2014 FIBA World Cup.
--
Devonte Graham (Raleigh, NC): North Carolina state champ and high-scorer in North Carolina's (state) all-star game.
--

Selden: on Niang's and Noel's championship team in Nike Elite Youth BBall League. Also a teammate of Noel's at Tilton Prep. and they reached the title game. Sr year avg.'d 24.8 ppg and 10.1 rpg. McD's AA and 2nd-leading scorer for the East team.
--

Mickelson: Before transferring to KU, set several U. of Arkansas blocked-shots records. Three-time all-state selection while at Westside High School in Jonesboro, Ark… Four-year all-conference selection… State MVP as a junior… Four-year state all-tournament team honoree… Averaged 22 points, 12 rebounds and seven blocks per game as a senior… Led Westside to a 4A state championship as junior. His Arkansas Wings team won the AAU National Championship in 2011… Rated the No. 54 player in the nation by both ESPN and Scout. Also played baseball at Westside.
Landen Lucas: Oregon prep player of the year
--
Jamari Traylor (from Chicago): Averaged 20 points, 12 rebounds and three blocked shots per game at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla.
--

Vick: recruited by Calipari; His senior year (in a Memphis high school) he averaged 24.0 ppg, 8.0 rpg and 5.2 apg.

“He’s got great size for a guard and has tremendous quickness and explosiveness for his size,” Self said. “We think he can be a guy that can get his own shot, but also force a lot of help by driving the ball and could be an elite defender in time.”


“(He’s) a really good player offensively,” said Norton Hurd, who coached Vick for Team Thad on the spring and summer circuits.


Recent rumor 1: Larry Brown recently said Vick is, without a doubt, one of the top-20 players in this class. He originally signed with SMU.


(Fwiw, rumor also is that Brown said "Diallo is the best player in the class, and it's not even close.")

Recent rumor 2: his 'first step' is really, really quick, per KU fans (who watch rec center games)

--

Carlton Bragg: "6-foot-10 Kansas recruit met each challenge. Bragg led the Vikings in scoring at 18.3 points per game, was second in rebounding (6.6), blocks (1.4), and steals (1.6) and was third in assists (2.1). The honors rained down upon Bragg during the stretch run of his final season: McDonald's All-American, Northeast Lakes District Division III player of the year, Ohio Division III player of the year, and now 2015 News-Herald boys basketball player of the year. Not to mention the most important title: two-time state champion"

Better than Perry Ellis at this stage.

Taller than expected (now 6'10")

--

Diallo (if eligible): MC'D's and Jordan Brand MVP.

"Diallo holds more than 25 scholarship offers, Jaklitsch said, from the likes of Ohio State, St. John’s, Arizona, Louisville, Pittsburgh and Kansas. A decision is a long way off.

'He’s the No. 1 player in New York — regardless of class,” said Terrence “Munch” Williams, his AAU coach with Team Scan. “It’s about what he does. That kid performs every single game and he brings intangibles every single game. There’s not a lot kids in the country who are going to get you a double-double every night, get three or four blocks. He takes no plays off. He’s efficient [on offense]. You can’t really find anything wrong with him.'”

--

Ps: Self recently said the "biggest surprise" of this recruiting class has been 6'9" Dwight Colby (Old Miss transfer, who must sit out a year)

 

[SosaUK]

Oh, come on. It's not like KU's roster is full of a bunch of nobodies.

I just-now went to KU's website and found this stuff: their players' high school accomplishments (yes, I realize it has absolutely no bearing at the college level, but still...it's somewhat interesting...maybe):

--

Mason (from Richmond, VA area): 1,901 pts (2nd all-time in points at his high school, behind only Moses Malone)

--

Greene: career "over 2,000 points"; All-Middle Georgia Player of the Year as a Jr; Senior year: 2013 Gatorade Georgia Boys Basketball Player of the Year; Atlanta Journal-Constitution 2013 Player of the Year; Georgia’s 2013 Mr. Basketball
--
Ellis: McDonald's AA. 2,231 pts and 4-time state-champ in Kansas' Kansas City & Wichita league (6A)
--
Svi Mykhailiuk (Ukraine): all-tournament at both U16 and U18 European Championships. Played in the 2014 Nike Hoops Summit and 2014 FIBA World Cup.
--
Devonte Graham (Raleigh, NC): North Carolina state champ and high-scorer in North Carolina's (state) all-star game.
--

Selden: on Niang's and Noel's championship team in Nike Elite Youth BBall League. Also a teammate of Noel's at Tilton Prep. and they reached the title game. Sr year avg.'d 24.8 ppg and 10.1 rpg. McD's AA and 2nd-leading scorer for the East team.
--

Mickelson: Before transferring to KU, set several U. of Arkansas blocked-shots records. Three-time all-state selection while at Westside High School in Jonesboro, Ark… Four-year all-conference selection… State MVP as a junior… Four-year state all-tournament team honoree… Averaged 22 points, 12 rebounds and seven blocks per game as a senior… Led Westside to a 4A state championship as junior. His Arkansas Wings team won the AAU National Championship in 2011… Rated the No. 54 player in the nation by both ESPN and Scout. Also played baseball at Westside.
Landen Lucas: Oregon prep player of the year
--
Jamari Traylor (from Chicago): Averaged 20 points, 12 rebounds and three blocked shots per game at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla.
--

Vick: recruited by Calipari; His senior year (in a Memphis high school) he averaged 24.0 ppg, 8.0 rpg and 5.2 apg.

“He’s got great size for a guard and has tremendous quickness and explosiveness for his size,” Self said. “We think he can be a guy that can get his own shot, but also force a lot of help by driving the ball and could be an elite defender in time.”


“(He’s) a really good player offensively,” said Norton Hurd, who coached Vick for Team Thad on the spring and summer circuits.


Recent rumor 1: Larry Brown recently said Vick is, without a doubt, one of the top-20 players in this class. He originally signed with SMU.


(Fwiw, rumor also is that Brown said "Diallo is the best player in the class, and it's not even close.")

Recent rumor 2: his 'first step' is really, really quick, per KU fans (who watch rec center games)

--

Carlton Bragg: "6-foot-10 Kansas recruit met each challenge. Bragg led the Vikings in scoring at 18.3 points per game, was second in rebounding (6.6), blocks (1.4), and steals (1.6) and was third in assists (2.1). The honors rained down upon Bragg during the stretch run of his final season: McDonald's All-American, Northeast Lakes District Division III player of the year, Ohio Division III player of the year, and now 2015 News-Herald boys basketball player of the year. Not to mention the most important title: two-time state champion"

Better than Perry Ellis at this stage.

Taller than expected (now 6'10")

--

Diallo (if eligible): MC'D's and Jordan Brand MVP.

"Diallo holds more than 25 scholarship offers, Jaklitsch said, from the likes of Ohio State, St. John’s, Arizona, Louisville, Pittsburgh and Kansas. A decision is a long way off.

'He’s the No. 1 player in New York — regardless of class,” said Terrence “Munch” Williams, his AAU coach with Team Scan. “It’s about what he does. That kid performs every single game and he brings intangibles every single game. There’s not a lot kids in the country who are going to get you a double-double every night, get three or four blocks. He takes no plays off. He’s efficient [on offense]. You can’t really find anything wrong with him.'”

--

Ps: Self recently said the "biggest surprise" of this recruiting class has been 6'9" Dwight Colby (Old Miss transfer, who must sit out a year)

 

[Clive Gollings]

Oh, come on. It's not like KU's roster is full of a bunch of nobodies.

I just-now went to KU's website and found this stuff: their players' high school accomplishments (yes, I realize it has absolutely no bearing at the college level, but still...it's somewhat interesting...maybe):

--

Mason (from Richmond, VA area): 1,901 pts (2nd all-time in points at his high school, behind only Moses Malone)

--

Greene: career "over 2,000 points"; All-Middle Georgia Player of the Year as a Jr; Senior year: 2013 Gatorade Georgia Boys Basketball Player of the Year; Atlanta Journal-Constitution 2013 Player of the Year; Georgia’s 2013 Mr. Basketball
--
Ellis: McDonald's AA. 2,231 pts and 4-time state-champ in Kansas' Kansas City & Wichita league (6A)
--
Svi Mykhailiuk (Ukraine): all-tournament at both U16 and U18 European Championships. Played in the 2014 Nike Hoops Summit and 2014 FIBA World Cup.
--
Devonte Graham (Raleigh, NC): North Carolina state champ and high-scorer in North Carolina's (state) all-star game.
--

Selden: on Niang's and Noel's championship team in Nike Elite Youth BBall League. Also a teammate of Noel's at Tilton Prep. and they reached the title game. Sr year avg.'d 24.8 ppg and 10.1 rpg. McD's AA and 2nd-leading scorer for the East team.
--

Mickelson: Before transferring to KU, set several U. of Arkansas blocked-shots records. Three-time all-state selection while at Westside High School in Jonesboro, Ark… Four-year all-conference selection… State MVP as a junior… Four-year state all-tournament team honoree… Averaged 22 points, 12 rebounds and seven blocks per game as a senior… Led Westside to a 4A state championship as junior. His Arkansas Wings team won the AAU National Championship in 2011… Rated the No. 54 player in the nation by both ESPN and Scout. Also played baseball at Westside.
Landen Lucas: Oregon prep player of the year
--
Jamari Traylor (from Chicago): Averaged 20 points, 12 rebounds and three blocked shots per game at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla.
--

Vick: recruited by Calipari; His senior year (in a Memphis high school) he averaged 24.0 ppg, 8.0 rpg and 5.2 apg.

“He’s got great size for a guard and has tremendous quickness and explosiveness for his size,” Self said. “We think he can be a guy that can get his own shot, but also force a lot of help by driving the ball and could be an elite defender in time.”


“(He’s) a really good player offensively,” said Norton Hurd, who coached Vick for Team Thad on the spring and summer circuits.


Recent rumor 1: Larry Brown recently said Vick is, without a doubt, one of the top-20 players in this class. He originally signed with SMU.


(Fwiw, rumor also is that Brown said "Diallo is the best player in the class, and it's not even close.")

Recent rumor 2: his 'first step' is really, really quick, per KU fans (who watch rec center games)

--

Carlton Bragg: "6-foot-10 Kansas recruit met each challenge. Bragg led the Vikings in scoring at 18.3 points per game, was second in rebounding (6.6), blocks (1.4), and steals (1.6) and was third in assists (2.1). The honors rained down upon Bragg during the stretch run of his final season: McDonald's All-American, Northeast Lakes District Division III player of the year, Ohio Division III player of the year, and now 2015 News-Herald boys basketball player of the year. Not to mention the most important title: two-time state champion"

Better than Perry Ellis at this stage.

Taller than expected (now 6'10")

--

Diallo (if eligible): MC'D's and Jordan Brand MVP.

"Diallo holds more than 25 scholarship offers, Jaklitsch said, from the likes of Ohio State, St. John’s, Arizona, Louisville, Pittsburgh and Kansas. A decision is a long way off.

'He’s the No. 1 player in New York — regardless of class,” said Terrence “Munch” Williams, his AAU coach with Team Scan. “It’s about what he does. That kid performs every single game and he brings intangibles every single game. There’s not a lot kids in the country who are going to get you a double-double every night, get three or four blocks. He takes no plays off. He’s efficient [on offense]. You can’t really find anything wrong with him.'”

--

Ps: Self recently said the "biggest surprise" of this recruiting class has been 6'9" Dwight Colby (Old Miss transfer, who must sit out a year)

You post like you're not ashamed to be a KU fan yet you claim to be a UK fan. Watching you post here is like watching a replay of that 32 point beatdown from last year. Keep up the shameless work. We love owning KU fans as well.

I'm going to take a wild guess and assume you only do this with UK's fans.

 

[Willy4UK]

 

[brianpoe]

 

[SosaUK]

 

[bucsrule8872]

People talk about experience, but UK has more NCAA tourney experience than KU.

Poythress, Ulis, and Lee have Final Four experience, while no one on KU's squad has been to the Elite Eight.

I'd rather have big game (winning) tourney experience than just game experience.

 

[kentucky_wildcat_#1]

I guess i'll just wait to be proven wrong on KU. I just don't see what the hype is about with them. When Perry is your best go to player and you're couting on Seldon to finally break through and show you what all the hype is about, you're pretty much screwed. Self is a great coach, but you can only do so much and when your best overall player is a soft forward who would rather shoot 15ft jump shots than play inside, i don't like your chances in the NCAA tourney.

 

[WitnessGreatness]

Perry has to be about 30 by now doesn't he?

 

[KnowsAllTellsAll]

I guess i'll just wait to be proven wrong on KU. I just don't see what the hype is about with them. When Perry is your best go to player and you're couting on Seldon to finally break through and show you what all the hype is about, you're pretty much screwed. Self is a great coach, but you can only do so much and when your best overall player is a soft forward who would rather shoot 15ft jump shots than play inside, i don't like your chances in the NCAA tourney.

There are a lot of unknowns on Kentucky's side as well, from a freshman perspective, with a lot of projection being made about how they will perform based only on high school rankings. There is also a complete disregard that outside a handful of players, this is a weak weak class. Skal is a surefire bet to come in and make an impact and Murray showed some game playing for Team Canada. I am absolutely not sold on Briscoe. I think he's going to take some time, like Selden, to come into his own.

 

[KnowsAllTellsAll]

Perry has to be about 30 by now doesn't he?

Ha! Isn't he and Poythress in the same class?