Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk Signs With The Kansas Jayhawks

So remember when we mentioned that Kansas Jayhawks head coach, Bill Self was after another international recruit? Well, according to RockChalkBlog.com, and others, the Jayhawks have signed the Ukrainian phenom, Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk (can’t wait to hear Bob Davis try to say that name).

Help us welcome Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk to The Phog. http://t.co/UlIEiiCzPt #kubball http://t.co/B5oY5xOQZa
— Kansas Men’s Basketball (@KUHoops) May 21, 2014

The 6-foot-8 guard/forward came to Lawrence for a visit over the weekend and was convinced to stay. His story is unique because he is only 16-years old and will turn 17 next month. This means hat he HAS to play a minimum of 2 years in the NCAA due to the NBA’s age and restrictions. Therefore, if this kid is a stud, Kansas for sure has him for two seasons.

Bill self spoke about the signing,

"Obviously, this is great news for us,” Self said. “He is 16 years old and will turn 17 in June, but his skill level, knowledge and aptitude for the game are way beyond his years. I think that he will be an immediate impact guy. He is a guy that can play all three positions on the perimeter. At 6-8, he can play point, play the No. 2 (guard) or the No. 3 (guard). He allows us to be more versatile next year and certainly, there would be few people that would shoot it better than him.”"

The Jayhawks will be extremely tough to defend on the wing in 2014. With their 6-foot-7 recruit, Kelly Oubre, and the return of Wayne Selden Jr. and Brannen Greene, Mykhailiuk will make this offense deadly.

Mykhailiuk won’t be attending Kansas until the fall due to the fact that he’s going to stay with his Ukrainian national team over the summer. It’s also reported that since his parents are both teachers Mykhailiuk has studied, and can speak, English pretty well. He spoke about choosing Kansas,

"“I liked everything,” Mykhailiuk said. “From the history, the strength program and especially the coaches – everything. It’s Kansas. KU has players every year. Coach Self has had so many players go to the NBA. That’s an important thing.”"

His game reminds me a bit of Dirk Nowitzki, forward for the Dallas Mavericks. Mykhailiuk has one of the prettiest shots I’ve seen in a while and the reason I say he reminds of Dirk, is his ability to dribble away from the defender and pull up quick. His approach to the basket is smooth and he has good size for a 17-year-old. Give him two years in Bill Self’s program and he could easily become an NBA player.