Hmmm. Interesting Comment from Marques Bolden

[Smashcat]

Justin Rowland ‏@RowlandRIVALS 1h1 hour ago
"I'm not sure if I'm going to visit Duke this weekend...don't know what I'm going to do next...important decisions to make." -Marques Bolden

 

[KnowsAllTellsAll]

"I wouldn't have made the trip to Kansas if I wasn't serious about going to Kansas," said Bolden. "I've always had a lot of interest in Kansas and that hasn't changed. Coach Self has made it clear that he wants me at Kansas and during my visit, we talked about how Kansas would use me in and we talked about what role I would play if I decide to attend Kansas.

"I was able to attend a practice, so I got a good look at how Kansas does things on the court," he added. "Being able to attend practice was good for me. Just being able to see how Coach Self works with his players and to see how they use their big men, it was good for me."

Bolden, who also told Jayhawk Slant that the new dorms at Kansas are as nice as any he's seen, has officially visited Kentucky (9/2), Duke (9/18) and Kansas. He's scheduled to officially visit Oklahoma the weekend of October 23, and there's been some talk that a return visit to Duke and Kentucky could take place this weekend.

However, according to Bolden, no decision has been made yet regarding any future visits.

"I'm not sure if I'm going to visit Duke and Kentucky this weekend or not," said Bolden. "I really don't know what I'm going to do next. I've got some important decisions to make, so I need to sit back and think about what I'm going to do next."

kansas.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1813594

 

[LineSkiCat14]

Good. I hope they get no one else. They already start with 3 extra recruits per game, anyways.

Also, can't believe I'm saying this, but I'd be thrilled with Bolden picking Kansas over Duke. It's not like Kansas is killing it in the 2016 class. Don't see them being much of a threat for the next few years unless Self really turns up the heat.

 

[Smashcat]

"I'm not sure if I'm going to visit Duke and Kentucky this weekend or not," said Bolden. "I really don't know what I'm going to do next. I've got some important decisions to make, so I need to sit back and think about what I'm going to do next."

Good editing by Rowland.

 

[KnowsAllTellsAll]

"I'm not sure if I'm going to visit Duke and Kentucky this weekend or not," said Bolden. "I really don't know what I'm going to do next. I've got some important decisions to make, so I need to sit back and think about what I'm going to do next."

Good editing by Rowland.

That's why I posted a link to that article. That tweet was a tad edited.

 

[Rossardio]

"I'm not sure if I'm going to visit Duke and Kentucky this weekend or not," said Bolden. "I really don't know what I'm going to do next. I've got some important decisions to make, so I need to sit back and think about what I'm going to do next."

Good editing by Rowland.

Thanks Smash. Doesn't sound terribly encouraging for us or Duke.

Oh well. Would rather him go to Kansas than Duke.

 

[UKEE]

Thanks Smash. Doesn't sound terribly encouraging for us or Duke.

Oh well. Would rather him go to Kansas than Duke.

Yes, I agree on both of those statements!

 

[caneintally]

If I was betting on someone for Bolden I would put money on us but I do think KU has a better chance then Duke and that is funny as Duke was soooo convinced they were getting Bolden and Gabriel . They will get Giles though .

 

[Mark Gastineau]

Seems like many on here are conceding Bolden to a school besides UK. I thought ya'll were in the driver's seat here?

I would love him at Duke, but it seems like he has cooled on us recently.

 

[DY9ASTY]

If Cal gets him on campus we will get him. I mean come on....how is an elite big man going to pick Kansas over Kentucky?? Just completely irrational, there's gotta be enough intelligence around him to help him see the obvious.

 

[Mark Gastineau]

that is funny as Duke was soooo convinced they were getting Bolden and Gabriel

Nobody was ever convinced we would get either. Everyone around Duke was optimistic and believed our recruiting efforts would pay off. Regardless, nobody thought either was a lock for a commitment, hence the staff reaching out to Delaurier.

 

[Willy4UK]

Self would just start a 7' foot stiff from junior college over Bolden.

Best of luck to him wherever he decides.

 

[struggler]

Per Cal - UK isn't for everyone - and everyone cannot come to UK - but that said I will ask again - Why, based on results, would any elite recruit, especially a BIG, choose Kansas over most anyone, much less UK? Self has, at best, a very inconsistent record with BIGs, many could argue a very sub par record. Self must convince them of something he cannot/does not consistently produce, tangible results. For any success he may have had - he has as many fails - or more. A kid who wants the fastest and overall best results would not choose Kansas. Only thing to go to Kansas for is BIG 12 fame in an arguably iconic venue (known for some serious home cooking), but outside of the BIG 12 and the Phog... not much going on.

 

[KnowsAllTellsAll]

If Cal gets him on campus we will get him. I mean come on....how is an elite big man going to pick Kansas over Kentucky?? Just completely irrational, there's gotta be enough intelligence around him to help him see the obvious.

If you read the snipet from the article I posted, you would have read that he has already officially visited Kentucky on 9/2. I'm assuming that official visit included a trip to the Kentucky campus.

I am not reading any clear indication of where he is leaning in that article. He's already visited all three of his legitimate destinations officially. I just read it to mean now he is ready to get the process over with and decide. I.e., he doesn't need another visit.

 

[USNNFOCAT]

If Cal gets him on campus we will get him. I mean come on....how is an elite big man going to pick Kansas over Kentucky?? Just completely irrational, there's gotta be enough intelligence around him to help him see the obvious.

Because Bill Self is sooooooo good at developing big men...haven't you heard? If there is any doubt you should listen to Coach Self talk. Oh and by the way, he was close in 2012 too...another big selling point.

 

[Aike]

I wonder if the love that Humphries is already getting from scouts could scare him off?

Humphries will be on the roster with a year under his belt. Some guys are skittish about the prospect of splitting minutes.

 

[prossdog]

Not saying he won't go to Kansas but if he came to BBM it'd be on his own dime. He saw what he needs to for a decision. It's not like he set an announcement and canceled his official. I still feel good about uk's chances. Although I don't know anything more than the next guy.

 

[KMKAT]

Self is selling Bolden very hard, and sounds like he's trying to convince him not to visit UK or Duke again.

Self knows closers, and he has to get the deal done very soon.

I say Kansas for Bolden.

 

[gracetoyou]

I think we all are reading too much into this interview. Have you ever read a recruit say, "Visit sucked!! It was terrible!! Self's a geek! Players suck!"

He had a great visit. He's already visited UK officially...his visits to UK & Duke this weekend would be on his own dime. Not a big deal...would love to have him this weekend but it's his $$

 

[caneintally]

Nobody was ever convinced we would get either. Everyone around Duke was optimistic and believed our recruiting efforts would pay off. Regardless, nobody thought either was a lock for a commitment, hence the staff reaching out to Delaurier.

I think we get Bolden still . And my comment was directed at the few Duke fans who are asses on here . I don't remember you being one of them and the TUL guy isn't either. But to be fair ya'll ain't half as bad as the Mich St fan and KU fan on here.

 

[true blue1]

would rather him go to Kansas than Duke.

I don't think he will go to Duke, because they will most likely get Giles, I think he goes to Kansas.

 

[Bodvar Bjarki]

It really is easy to ignore the recruiting wars with Cal at the helm. We pretty much know he will get who he wants and if he misses here or there then he'll get somebody else and wind up making the player that spurned us look foolish for doing so. Cal makes being a fan so easy. So casual. We really have nothing to worry about. Just sit back and enjoy the luxury of being a UK fan as long as Cal is here. We really, really are spoiled.

 

[JFCats22]

Looks like he may no longer be visiting UK.

Aaron Kall ‏@AaronsUKBBBlog
2016 5 star center Marques Bolden tells http://JayhawkSlant.com he's not sure if he's going to visit Duke and Kentucky this weekend or not

 

[WildMoon]

I don't think it makes much sense for Bolden to go to UK. No matter what, we already have 2 legit players. I guess Bolden can play over SKJ, but i'm not sure he'll be able to play over Humphries.

I really liked what i saw from Humphries, considering he probably had less time at UK than other players. He's so polished offensively, and feel like he can help create spacing in our offense that we have never seen before.

Combine that with athletic players we have coming in next year, it's a great match for both defensive and offensive.

I actually prefer BAM. You can't ever have enough insane rebounders.

 

[Blueaz]

Does it mean he is unsure about visiting BOTH schools, or does it mean he is not sure about visiting Duke after visiting Kentucky?

 

[JWat_]

Honestly, I don't think UK or Duke are going to lose any sleep over Bolden. Either would love to have him, and I think he would eventually do good things after a few years of working with Payne, but I'm not particularly sad about this news because nothing about his skill set or athleticism is overly impressive.

Kansas has available PT and exposure. It makes sense for him, and I wouldn't blame him for any choice he makes. It's kind of hard to go wrong if you're choosing between UK, Duke, and Kansas.

 

[Willy4UK]

I don't think it makes much sense for Bolden to go to UK. No matter what, we already have 2 legit players. I guess Bolden can play over SKJ, but i'm not sure he'll be able to play over Humphries.

I really liked what i saw from Humphries, considering he probably had less time at UK than other players. He's so polished offensively, and feel like he can help create spacing in our offense that we have never seen before.

Combine that with athletic players we have coming in next year, it's a great match for both defensive and offensive.

I actually prefer BAM. You can't ever have enough insane rebounders.

Or it could mean that BAM liked his visit to UK........

Still having hope BAM commits, but if one of our resident guys in NC say differ, I'll stick with the gumption that he is going to Nc State.

 

[Mark Gastineau]

Looks like he may no longer be visiting UK.

Aaron Kall ‏@AaronsUKBBBlog
2016 5 star center Marques Bolden tells http://JayhawkSlant.com he's not sure if he's going to visit Duke and Kentucky this weekend or not

Might be that he has already made up his mind. Honestly, with the comments he made after his official to Lexington, I was pretty surprised he didn't pull the trigger and commit to UK.

 

[Mark Gastineau]

I think we get Bolden still . And my comment was directed at the few Duke fans who are asses on here . I don't remember you being one of them and the TUL guy isn't either. But to be fair ya'll ain't half as bad as the Mich St fan and KU fan on here.

No worries at all. As for Michigan State fans, I don't have much issue with them. Then again, they are pretty tame on the national boards and don't post on the Duke home board. Also, I don't have much experience with Kansas fans, beyond some terrible homers on the national board.

 

[westerncat]

Or it could mean that BAM liked his visit to UK........

Still having hope BAM commits, but if one of our resident guys in NC say differ, I'll stick with the gumption that he is going to Nc State.

Have not head anything on BAM. Was he here Sunday night to see practice?
Would love to see Cal steal him out of NC.

 

[Willy4UK]

Have not head anything on BAM. Was he here Sunday night to see practice?
Would love to see Cal steal him out of NC.

He was here over the weekend. Pretty much a gimme for NC State, BUT, maybe new developments have supplanted Bolden's intentions with UK because of it. Only speculation though.

 

[westerncat]

I bet he was impressed with the practice and all the NBA scouts being there. Hope UK made a big impression and we can get him.

 

[Neue Regel]

No worries at all. As for Michigan State fans, I don't have much issue with them. Then again, they are pretty tame on the national boards and don't post on the Duke home board. Also, I don't have much experience with Kansas fans, beyond some terrible homers on the national board.

I think a lot of the Kansas fans who come here must also post on the Kansas scout forum as there are always references to certain threads on this site over there.

 

[Jamal Sunburn]

He looks okay. Not. Very physical. We already have Tai, SKJ, & Humphries. Who imo are better than Bolden.

If we get another big make it an exceptional big like Giles, Bam, or wait until Ayton reclassfies.

Bolden aint that guy. Let Duke or Kansas get him.

 

[K_TIME]

- SKJ is a leaner kid and probably more of a 4 as opposed to a 5.'
- I think UK is wanting Giles/Bam but apparently can't get into the favorite seat for either...so moving onto Bolden is the idea.
- Humphries will be his main competition as a true 5...I'm fine with it

 

[Ben101er]

Cal may have put the full court press on Bam, and has gotten enough favorable vibes that he has asked Bolden to hold off for a few weeks. If so, it may be the reason he will not visit BBM. Who would want to pay their own way to it, and then may not have a spot?

 

[W_Heisenberg]

I can't tell what's a serious question on this board these days....

 

[anon_013cn8yrfncx2]

Not sure .. doesn't seem like a great match. Of course, there's always the "In cal we trust" take.

 

[Untouchables22]

Parsing the words of 18 year olds is extremely tedious business. However reading his statement I think the fairest reading of what he meant was that he has now been to visit all of his top options: Duke, Kentucky, Kansas and Alabama. He has all the knowledge and experiences needed now to make comparison's between the schools and choose the right situation for him. I believe just a week ago he stated that the recruiting process was beginning to wear him out. So frankly now that he has been to everywhere I think he wants to make his decision and not postpone it by taking extra visits to schools.

 

[caneintally]

I am not sure if the OP was being serious or mocking some of the more " challenged" members of the board. Bolden is the best true center in the class though I don't think he is better then Humphries you need 2 centers and Tai , Willis , SKJ and Gabriel are 3's and 4's not centers. Bam and Giles are going elsewhere and that is fine . We will get Monk , Fox , SKJ , Gabriel and a big , hopefully Bolden .