B
I think the way we are recruiting is the way we will recruit as long as we have Self at the helm. Kansas is a top 5 program, with all the accolades and reputation of an elite program.
The Elite high school kids these days barely make it to Sophomore year of high school before they are being hailed as potential 1 and done’s. The exposure has created hype and a belief in these kids that they are bigger than College before they even arrive. Very few like an Embiid blow up so late in the process that it takes the media and scouts to catch on.
Self knows his program has a strong brand, Wiggins and others have lifted it even further. We are in with most of the top remaining kids left in the 15 class because KU is a darn good place to play. We are in with many of the top kids in the 2016, 2017 classes because Self knows that he can develop talent no matter the skill level they come in with.
Self gets paid millions to mold a team his way, no matter if its a 3 star or 5 star player. He knows the risks either way on how both can or don’t pan out. It’s his job to figure out how to consistently put Kansas in a position for championships.
The development method can be more satisfying to him and to the fans because both get to witness progression over the years. 1 and done’s leave an unfinished business feeling if those star players don’t bring home championships. We are always left wondering “what if they came back another year”.
We might gain more brand recognition with the 1 and done method but it might not always be what’s best for the long term of the program.
That’s why Self is still one of the best because he gets a Landon Lucas, a Frank Mason, a Jamari Traylor to mold around the All American’s. Graham could be one of the best point guards Self has ever had. Who would have thought from a kid who was once signed to Appalachian St. Svi is a 2-3 year player who could be an All Big 12 kid in a few years. It’s his talent evaluation on the less heralded players that we should scrutinize just as much as the stars because those might be the foundations for years to come in this program.
Now if the NBA 1 and done rule gets changed, maybe a shift in the recruiting of top kids changes slightly to where kids buy into a school more… Kids might be more likely to stay for a 3rd year where if they are academically gifted can get a degree and still hit the league at a young age.
Self has changed with the times. The 1 and done created this ongoing trend, only a rule change can swing it a different way. We know whatever happens Kansas will always be near the top.
