Recruiting Rumors: Myles Turner And Devonte Graham Still Being Recruited By Kansas Jayhawks
By Joel Wagler
A Kansas Jayhawks cheerleader performs for the crowd Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Myles Turner and Devonte Graham are still being recruited by the Kansas Jayhawks. Evidently the Jayhawks Head Coach spent part on Easter in Texas. According to KUSports.com, and via the Bleacher/Report team feed, Self visited basketball recruit Myles Turner on Sunday, and Devonte Graham had a campus visit this weekend, according to Rustin Dodd of the Kansas City Star.
Self is trying to add Turner to what is already full stable of talented big men at Kansas. With Joel Embiid off to the NBA, Self feels that there is still room for Turner. Kansas will return juniors Perry Ellis, Jamari Traylor, and Hunter Mickelson, a transfer from Arkansas who sat out last season.
The Jayhawks also have sophomore Landen Lucas and incoming freshman Cliff Alexander. All five of these players can man one of the two big man spots in Self’s high/low offense.
Self is also heavily recruiting point guard Devonte Graham, just in case Turner chooses Texas, or one of the other schools Turner still has on his list. Graham visited Kansas this past weekend.
Graham evidently enjoyed his time in Lawrence. He tweeted this out Sunday that he “Had a great visit at KU”. (@im_dat_kid_dtae on twitter).
Kansas Jayhawks only have one scholarship open, so unless something changes with the present roster, both Turner and Graham won’t be coming to Kansas. Things will probably remain cloudy until April 30, when Myles Turner will announce his choice on ESPNU.
According to RockChalkblog.com, via the Bleacher/Report team feed, KU incoming freshmen Cliff Alexander and Kelly Oubre continue to try to persuade Turner to join them at Kansas, with a little help from Embiid.
"“He says he’s just weighing out his options right now,” Cliff Alexander said after the Jordan Brand Classic. “Me, Kelly [Oubre] and Joel have been talking to him. Joel talked to him earlier [Friday] at the hotel trying to get him to commit. Hopefully, he does that.”"
Alexander, who won the MVP of the Jordan Brand Classic by scoring 23 points, yanking down 8 boards, and blocking 5 shots, and Oubre have been making the circuit of All-Star games with Turner, although the latter didn’t play in the Jordan Brand game because of any ankle injury, according KuSports.com.
More from Kansas JayhawksLOOK: First Renditions of David Booth Memorial Stadium and the KU Gateway DistrictNBA Draft Prospects to Watch From Kansas, Missouri, and Kansas StateWhere Betting Markets Say Gradey Dick Will Land in the NBA DraftKansas’ Christian Braun Wins Fifth Title in Seven Years, Joins Elite Company with NBA ChampionshipThe No.8 Jayhawks Get Hooked by the No. 20 Longhorns
While I am still of a mind that Kansas needs a point guard before another big man, a team can never have enough size inside. I prefer seeing a talented player who has a chance to be on the team for three or four seasons like Graham, rather than a one-and-done like Turner. It is hard to feel a connection with players you know aren’t going to be around very long.
Regardless, Kansas will have another loaded team next season. Hopefully, one of these top-notch recruiting classes can turn into a Final Four appearance soon.
Be sure to check out KC Kingdom throughout the day for news on the Chiefs, Royals, Sporting KC, Tigers, Wildcats, and Jayhawks.