Nov 15: Updated: Cliff Alexander Picks Kansas
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Believe me, if I had a better pic, I’d be happy to submit it. I would’ve shot a couple and used the better of the 2-3. I guess your response explains it all.
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Best case scenario: We get Okafer and Alexander, but not Jones.
Next best case scenario: We get Okafer or Alexander.
Next best case scenario: We get none today, but get Turner in the spring.
Next best case scenario: We get all three today.
*As you can note there, I don’t want Jones anywhere near the terrific perimeter group we already have. Priority is that I’d rather have at least one big guy signed right now and not wait until the spring for Turner. Also, ESPN predicts we get none today, and Turner goes to Texas. But predicts that we get Rashad Vaughn in the spring. Trying to figure out how that fits, as well.
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So I took some time to watch the mixtapes of all three guys announcing today.
Tyus Jones
Positives - A PG for sure. Plays under control. Can drive right or left, and doesn’t mind going right or left. Can shoot well enough to demand attention, but doesn’t just take jumpers to take them - he’s willing and able to attack off the bounce. His shooting stroke is very clean, so I would imagine that he will continue to shoot the ball very well. Finishes at the rim with either hand. A willing passer. Always drives with his head up, looking to distribute. Has all of the standard PG finishes (layup, runner, floater, pull up J). He even showed some basic post moves. You press him at your peril because he finds openings and angles very well, and he sees the floor well to get the ball to the right place at the right time.
Negatives - There’s only one highlight that really shows any sort of explosive athleticism, with him dunking on a guy that appears to be about 6-3. Other than that, he’s a below the rim player. Similarly, he showed flashes of great quickness, but not a lot of WOW, that guy is quick plays in his highlight package. That may mean he’s quick enough to handle HS guys, but won’t blow by guys at the collegiate level. Has a tendency to finish off balance sometimes. That will be tougher against bigger, stronger players in college, although with the new emphasis on hand checking, that may not be an issue.
Overall - I like his game. He’s a better shooter than either Naadir or Frank from the perimeter. I wonder how he will translate to the college game just because I don’t see the natural physical gifts that will separate him at the college level. Skill wise, he is very talented.
Jahlil Okafor
Positives - He’s a big guy. He dunks. A lot. That may not seem like its that important, but HS big men tend to not finish strong around the rim, and that gets them in trouble when they transition to college and encounter big guys that are physically gifted as well. Okafor has no such issues. He dunks on everybody. Also shows some nice footwork on spins. Has the ability to step out to 15. A highlight shows him hitting a three, but I doubt his range goes quite that far out. Protects the rim. Blocks shots at the high point. Will pass the ball (a rarity for a dominant HS big man).
Negatives - He’s big, but he hasn’t filled out yet. This could be a positive, because it usually means that there’s more growing and maturing to do, but its also possible that the extra size/ muscle will never come. His non dunk/ layup finishes are a little wild sometimes. That could be a concern in college. He’s very right hand dominant. I saw 1 left hand finish, no left handed blocks. Almost all of his dunks (75%-80%) were one handed (right) dunks.
Overall - I see why scouts are high on him. He’s big but still very agile. Very powerful. Explosive for a man of his size, and probably still going to add size and muscle. I am concerned about him being so right hand dominant, but he’s extremely talented, so that’s just a minor thing.
Cliff Alexander
Positives - The first thing that stuck out to me is how long his arms seem. Sounds weird, but it was something that was noticeable. That wingspan makes him bigger than he is. VERY strong. Dunks a ton. Blocks lots of shots. His long arms allow him to high point the ball without jumping as high, allowing him to wait on the shooter. Finishes through contact with no real issues, mostly because he is violently dunking over that contact.
Negatives - Didn’t see him shoot much, which is a worry. His mechanics look okay, but I wonder if he has the ability and confidence to step out to 15. Didn’t see him really handle the ball at all. He’s a post up PF, which is fine, but don’t expect him to start knocking down 15-17 footers.
Overall - I don’t know if he can hit jump shots with any sort of consistency. What I do know is that if you get him the basketball within 8 feet of the hoop, he’s probably going to drop step and dunk. He also has a useful jump hook and a reasonable turnaround from that area, so its not all just power. But there is a TON of power. Like his defense more than Okafor. To me he’s the better shot blocker. My only worry for him collegiately is that he won’t be able to get the kind of position offensively that he gets in high school, so he will need to extend the range on his secondary shots (jump hook, turnaround).
Considering that we already have Oubre and may only lose Selden, Wiggins and Black, we don’t have to get all three. It’d be nice, but not ultimately necessary.
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BREAKING: Quentin Snider has decommitted from Illinois and signed with Louisville, according to a source.
Does this news hurt their chances with Alexander? Good news for KU??
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Looking at twitter today of the three KU prospects.
From Cliff Alexander…FiveStarRecruits Predictions: Stanley Johnson - Arizona Cliff Alexander - illinois Jahlil Okafor - Duke Tyus Jones - Duke Retweeted by Cliff Alexander
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Hopefully Cliff was chuckling as he reposted this… Edit Excuse me retweeted the list.
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HEM- I think it’s interesting the three are announcing at about the same time today.
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I hope Cliff understands that he’d get all the PT minutes he could handle next year as a Jayhawk… regardless if we keep Perry and JoJo.
Self would take these three and make the rotation for the 4 and 5 spot, which in a proper CS hi/lo means running two 4s. The only difference is on defense, where the presumed 5 would guard the other team’s 5 (typically).
I really won’t get it if we don’t sign Cliff. That would be two awesome PFs in a row we missed on, even though we have the absolute best offense to showcase their talents (hi/lo).
My guess is other recruiters sell the idea that he wouldn’t have to share the light with Perry if he signed with them. But why wouldn’t a star recruit want to share the post with someone like Perry, because it would prevent the double downs and let them shine in their one year as a college player!
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dylans- reposted what?
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The Cliff post gives me optimism.
From what I picked up on Cliff, he’s an intelligent guy, and I doubt he’d be laying down his hand before 3pm, and it would be if the FiveStarRecruits Predictions are true. I’m thinking he is getting a chuckle right now as all the media flies are swarming around his tweet and already proclaiming him gone to Illinois.
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Kip - Here is the link on your breaking news:
http://www.cardchronicle.com/2013/11/15/5107574/quentin-snider-signs-with-louisville
Read something interesting in the comments below. Something about UL running out of scholies so they might not be able to sign Myles Turner.
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drgn - thanks for doing the dirty work. I just copied and pasted Doug Gottlieb’s retweet.
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If anyone has a good link on info concerning Turner, please post it. I heard a while back that we had him wanting to sign but now he’s looking at Texas hard.
I know CS was licking his chops on Okafor, but maybe Turner is the better pick as a Jayhawk. He seems to be on the bubble as to being an OAD or TAD, and that means more wiggle room for PT and a player seeking out development. Turner is built more like Withey and JoJo… so we have experience with this type of 5 and he seems like a natural to become a major shot blocker at Kansas.
Our defensive structure is built around having a solid shot blocker on the post. We like an aggressive man-to-man with guards going high to limit the trey, and in doing so, opens up drives to the lane where we keep our shot blocker. It wasn’t all Jeff Withey who earned those blocking records… it was a combination of Withey and our defensive structure that allowed him to rack up those numbers.
If I’m a 5 built like Turner, I’d want to be at Kansas. And Kansas should want a guy like Turner!
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Factoring who may or may not leave, Oubre and Alexander would be a great compliment to the players that we will likely have coming back. If I were a betting man, I would call Alexander to KU and Okafor and Jones to Kentucky.
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@JayHawkFanToo - I see you changed it, I thought maybe you were predicting something from way out in left field!!!
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Cliff Alexander
Positives - The first thing that stuck out to me is how long his arms seem. Sounds weird, but it was something that was noticeable. That wingspan makes him bigger than he is. VERY strong. Dunks a ton. Blocks lots of shots. His long arms allow him to high point the ball without jumping as high, allowing him to wait on the shooter. Finishes through contact with no real issues, mostly because he is violently dunking over that contact.
Negatives - Didn’t see him shoot much, which is a worry. His mechanics look okay, but I wonder if he has the ability and confidence to step out to 15. Didn’t see him really handle the ball at all. He’s a post up PF, which is fine, but don’t expect him to start knocking down 15-17 footers.
Overall - I don’t know if he can hit jump shots with any sort of consistency. What I do know is that if you get him the basketball within 8 feet of the hoop, he’s probably going to drop step and dunk. He also has a useful jump hook and a reasonable turnaround from that area, so its not all just power. But there is a TON of power. Like his defense more than Okafor. To me he’s the better shot blocker. My only worry for him collegiately is that he won’t be able to get the kind of position offensively that he gets in high school, so he will need to extend the range on his secondary shots (jump hook, turnaround).
Of all these guys, Cliff A is the one I want at KU the most. He is basically TRob 2.0 and potentially a 2 year guy. Like you, the wingspan was the first thing I noticed, and if his DraftExpress.com measurements are correct, that TRob 2.0 comment is literally true. Same height (6’9" in shoes), same wingspan (7’3"), same weight (240lbs), and same beastly athleticism. He could be our best defender if he comes and Embiid leaves. Although TRob wasn’t our best defender on the 2012 squad, he did show what he could do on a number of occasions, especially when he was FBOTB in 2011 (remember that time he blocked a shot, fell down, got up, and blocked the second attempt? I know, it was some cupcakey school, but I’d never seen that before or since). Cliff has that kind of length and quickness.
As for worrying about his positioning and shooting, KU excels at teaching bigs how to gain position when the ball reverses, so I don’t think there’d be any problems for him there. And if he stays 2 years, he’d have time to work on his jumper. He’s not an automatic OAD like Oakafor, so that’s not out of the question if NBA GMs agree.
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Cliff to Kansas? Rumor Mill
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Gheez… now there is a 247 rumor trying to cover their bases. Isn’t this the site that basically guaranteed he was going to the Illini because they did some kind of statistical regression from all the sports media from around the country, and the majority of them had him going to the Illini?
I bet none of these guys even know he’s dating someone at Kansas… not that that will be a factor, but it could be.
I think he picks Kansas because:
- Our CS hi/lo offense was built for his style of play.
- We develop big men better than anyone else, including strength training.
- He seems to have hit it off with the existing players well.
- Jerrance Howard.
- Girlfriend in Lawrence.
- And I can go on and on…
I don’t even factor in who goes and who stays because I believe Cliff will get floor time regardless of who is here. The best combo punch would be him playing beside Perry…
I don’t have a crystal ball, and neither does 247 (or an inside source). And I was wrong with Randle… but I’d put my prediction record up against the media fluff any day of the week!
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This is actually no rumor-Goodman just stated that he has been covering cbb recruiting for TWELVE whole years & that in his estimation this is a “mediocre to average class.” How is Heaven’s name do these guys remain employed as experts with 12 freaking yrs of experience vs coaches that have been recruiting & teaching at the college level their entire lives? What on Earth could he be smoking?
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I hate waiting that last hour!
Think I’ll have a “Napalm Bomb.”
Anyone want to join me?
Recipe:
1 oz Everclear
1 oz Vietnamese Cobra “wine”
1 oz Red Bull
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Global… I have personal experience with Goodman. He’s a coffee tweaker. Sounds innocent, but it can influence your views as much as any drug!
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In warmer weather I prefer Christian Brothers, aged in oak barrels, straight with a cold chaser. Then in Winter it’s great with Starbucks med house blend also, really close to the fire…But ONLY, safe & sound at home.
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Well Okafor and Jones just took a Dook on my hopes of a sweep. Come on Cliff!
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Cliff to Kansas!
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Welcome to Larryville Cliff!
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Dang, For once we got one with the hats. It went just as I thought it would; I think we got the player that fits the system the best. Not a large class, because of the scholarships available, but a quality class. I am happy.
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I’m happily updating the links on this thread folks…
Welcome Cliff!
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I am relieved Jones didn’t come to KU.
Alexander is a perfect fit.
If Embiid stays, or we get Turner … well, that’s too much to ask for.
Self hit a slam with a two-man recruiting class. Maybe we could add a Merv Lindsay in June?
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Now here is my guess for next years rotation:
PG) Naadir Tharpe AND Frank Mason split time
SG) Andrew White III / Brannen Greene / Thare or Mason
SG) Kelly Oubre / Brannen Greene
PF) Perry Ellis / Jamari Traylor / Cliff Alexander
C) Joel Embiid / Cliff Alexander / Jamari Traylor
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I was hoping for Alexander all along and couldn’t be happier it ended up this way. Our backcourt is already stacked and Tyus not starting would simply serve as a distraction. With the speed and athleticism at every position a guy like Okafor would slow down one of the biggest advantages we have.
I feel like, regardless of departures, Alexander is the best fit and will start immediately - you cannot keep him off the floor. If Embiid leaves he can instantly be slotted in the 5. If he stays (and this would be the case if we could somehow get Turner) we have the ability to slot Alexander at his natural position of PF. This is assuming Perry stays as well - Perry’s biggest assets are his IQ and footwork which would transition nicely to the small forward position. SF is the only position Perry will be playing in the NBA so it makes sense for him to develop those techniques at KU. That leaves us with either Selden (if he stays) at the two or plug in AWIII if he leaves and Naadir at point. We’ve got Traylor, Lucas, Mickelson as front court reserves and Mason, Frankamp, Greene, and Oubre to spell our back court.
I think the reality of KU’s recent recruiting (and hopefully future) is that we are attracting NBA ready one-and-done talent. Does that mean they’ll all bolt? Hopefully not. But it is no secret that Kansas players haven’t been as successful in the Pros as other programs. This is because, in large part, Self is a system coach who puts his best 5 on the floor. Take the Morris Twins, for example, who struggled their first few years learning the position and, now comfortable in their role, are flourishing. Same with T-Rob.
If we are going to start brining in top 10 guys on a consistent basis then 1. they will start and 2. We will try to start them at their NBA/natural position because that is where they provide us with the biggest advantage. There will be times we mix and match like we did against Duke when other teams are going to 3 guard sets but can you imagine the size, length, strength, and speed of a lineup of 1. Tharpe 2. Selden (WhiteIII) 3. Ellis 4. Alexander 5. Embiid (Turner)?
Now, assuming Embiid leaves and Turner goes elsewhere we would simply shift to a smaller lineup that gets the players a bit out of their NBA position but fits Self’s best five strategy. Either way Alexander ensures that we are set to be a dominant team next year and we won’t be forcing a player like embiid to enter the draft so a player like okafor can take his position. That’s not Self, that’s not Kansas - thank god we aren’t Kentucky.
Really excited for this season and years to come. We’ve got something rolling right now!
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Man… IowaJayhawk… where you been hiding?
It’s great to have your feedback! You have something to offer so keep posting!
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Hey - thanks man! I give all the credit to my dog who is literally the cutest puppy in the world.
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Cliff’s highlight video link:
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Hey - thanks man! I give all the credit to my dog who is literally the cutest puppy in the world.
Well lets see the little guy. Mine ain’t a puppy anymore, but I wouldn’t trade him for anything. See my photo.
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Wasn’t impressed with the ‘fakeout’ grabbing of UofI hat. That lacked class. Wouldn’t be surprised if he does an about face on us, considering he didn’t sign his LOI.
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Blown I agree the fakeout move was not my fave, but ESPN is reporting that he faxed in his LOI this morning. That doesn’t mean he couldn’t ask for a release, but I don’t think he’s going anywhere. Plus, it does feel a lot better to be on the winning side of that move, having been faked out in the past.
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@konkeyDong Here’s an ESPN article about Cliff dodging the question about potentially going elsewhere. I’d prefer to give the kid the benefit of the doubt and assume he doesn’t like to be pushed into making an absolute statement, because it’s always true that anything could happen between now and next Fall.
What I do wonder though, is to how Self’s staff manages expectations of the recruits once they are signed. How much work does it involve, and how is that work divided up by the staff? Anyone have any insight into this?
