Kansas Jayhawks Basketball: Coveted shooting guard chooses to walk on for Jayhawks

The Kansas Jayhawks keep piling on the talent. They add a shooting guard in E.J. Elliott who chose to walk on rather than accept a scholarship elsewhere.

E.J Elliott is a shooting guard from Texas that can shoot the ball and play stout defense. The Kansas Jayhawks could use such a player, and now they have him. Despite being targeted by schools such as Wake Forest, UConn, and Nebraska, Elliott decided to turn down any scholarships offered and walk on at Kansas.

That says a whole lot about a kid when he chooses to take the harder road just so he can be part of what the Kansas Jayhawks are doing in Lawrence. Jayhawks of the past, present, and future had a whole lot to do with his decision.

Bill Self did his part as well. As Elliott told the Journal-World via phone.

"I’m just a team first type of guy, a gritty type of player, whatever it takes for the team to win. Bill Self was the first one from a big, big school who shaowed any type of interest. He’d check up on me. Text me on my birthday. That kind of stuff went a long way.More from KC KingdomWin $650 GUARANTEED Plus $100 Off NFL Sunday Ticket With Caesars, FanDuel and DraftKings Kansas Promos!This Plus-Money Bobby Witt Jr. Prop Bet is on Fire (Hit in 15/21 Games)!How to Bet on the Chiefs vs. Cardinals in NFL Preseason Week 2The Royals Need to Extend Bobby Witt Jr. ImmediatelyThe 3 Most Intriguing Games on the Chiefs’ Schedule"

Elliott knows playing time will be sparse. He understands he is going to have to work for minutes. Right now he is focused on doing whatever he needs to do to help this team be the best as it can be.

He’s familiar with the Kansas Jayhawks. He’s played with Billy Preston and played against Josh Jackson. Elliott has hung out with Frank Mason and Devonte Graham on unofficial visits. He has had plenty of talks with current Jayhawks Sam Cunliffe, Quentin Grimes, and Devon Dotson. He knows what to expect and how hard it’s all going to be, and he has chosen to walk on.

That speaks to his character. He fits the Jayhawk mold like a glove. Hard work pays off, and if he does what he needs to do, he knows he will see the court when the time is right.

"I’ve been around it and I’ve played with or against a lot of guys who have been at Kansas, so I’m really looking forward to the opportunity. Coach Self gave me a chance and I’m grateful for it. I’m just excited and ready to go to work."

The Kansas Jayhawks are still trying to lure sharpshooter Joe Cremo, who appears to have a few more visits before the graduate transfer from Albany makes his decision. It’s very obvious Self isn’t happy with the shooting guard position in a shooters sense, so either way, the addition of Elliott will be beneficial to Kansas.

Next: The best seasons Kansas basketball has ever had

The roster is stacked, meaning competition will be fierce. Competition always brings out the best in people. Welcome to the family E.J.