Recruiting Rumors: Is Devonte Graham The Next Target For the Kansas Jayhawks
Kansas Jayhawks head coach Bill Self Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Devonte Graham just became very popular in Lawrence, Kansas.
Wednesday at approximately 4:20 EST, top recruit Myles Turner informed the nation of his intentions to attend the University of Texas. Turner chose Texas over other finalists Duke, Kansas, SMU, and Oklahoma State.
So, with Turner choosing the Big XII rival Longhorns, where does Bill Self and the Kansas Jayhawks go with its last available scholarship for next season?
The most likely option is Devonte Graham.
Graham initially signed with Appalachian State in 2013 before deciding to attend a prep school after Appalachian State would not allow him out of his letter of intent to attend the school.
Graham is a six-foot-tall Point Guard from North Carolina that could fit into Bill Self’s offense perfectly. Graham is described by ESPN as a:
"“crafty point guard with excellent court vision. He can push the ball well and is athletic for his size.”"
He is also known not to be a big risk-taker, which could be good for Kansas as current starting Point Guard Naadir Tharpe has had issues taking to many risks.
The knock on Devonte is obviously his lack of size. He weighs only about 170 pounds and could easily be overpowered by bigger guards such as the Harrison twins of Kentucky if the two teams were to meet next season.
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Despite his lack of size, Graham would be able to make an impact at Kansas if he were to choose to attend KU. Other schools currently in the running for his talents include NC State and the 2014 ACC champion Virginia squad.
If Graham does choose Kansas, he would definitely have to fight for significant playing time. Returning to the team next season are current starter, and senior guard Naadir Tharpe, and sophomore point guards Frank Mason and Conner Frankamp.
Graham would have to prove himself in order to make it into the rotation. If he can impress Bill Self enough, Kansas fans may be seeing a lot of time spent with two point guards on the floor at the same time.
Adding Devonte Graham to the Kansas roster for the 2014-15 season would do nothing but help the Jayhawks in their search for a National Title. Point Guard play is what held the talented Jayhawks team back last year and the addition of Devonte Graham could eliminate Kansas’ biggest glaring weakness.
I certainly feel like Devonte Graham could be the Jayhawks answer but, do you?
Start the discussion below and be sure to check out KC Kingdom throughout the day for news on the Chiefs, Royals, Sporting KC, Tigers, Wildcats, and Jayhawks.