2023 Recruiting
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His scouting report from 247 was interesting.
Johnson is a big guard with size and strength alike. He changes speeds, protects the ball at a high level going through the lane, and can score the ball in numerous ways inside the arc. He needs to keep progressing as a three-point threat with both inconsistent mechanics and a bit of a hard ball. Defensively, he has tools that should eventually be able to translate at a high level, although he has yet to make that end of the floor a consistent priority. Overall, he is confident, physical, and plays with an edge, that can be either a competitive advantage or disadvantage depending on how it is impacting him.
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One common theme through C/O 23 scouts is language like “needs to keep progressing” and “has the tools” because these kids (through no fault of their own) are way behind.
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@drgnslayr said in 2023 Recruiting:
Chris Johnson… wow! Watch his clips here:
https://www2.kusports.com/news/mens_basketball/
He’s as gifted as I’ve seen in combo guards. He shows about every quality to the game in these clips.
I’d hope he would stick around for a couple of seasons though because OADs aren’t the best ticket to a NC.
My question… does he play well with others? Team player? I think we’ve all come to learn a huge lesson from Och. That kid was 100% team player and totally supported his teammates… and without that attitude, no way we win it all!
That little mid range jumper reminds me of McCullar.
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Hey guys have to apologize in advance for this lengthy post I’m getting ready to post but just wanted to share a few snippet’s & some thoughts here. Ok 1st thing here is my opinion I fully realize that we are pretty loaded in big coming up right? - - yet Just saying if this kid wants to come your a fool not to take him aren’t you ?
Dennis Evans 7’1 & 210 lbs and currently # 12 in the Nation. The # 2 ranked center in the class this kid is jumping the scales left and right. Evans has jumped 129 spots in the latest rivals. He has went from being unrnnked- -to the # 141 player - - -to the 12th ranked player. People saying he for sure a top 10 ranked player. , the big thing about his ranking reason took longer is stayed playing at a public School instead of going to play for a shoe company. .Elvert Perry has been Coaching him since he was 10. Perry said they just played in the States and he averaged a triple double in Scoring , blocks & rebounds. - Saying he avraged around 13-14 blocks per game.
He can score in the paint - - and yet step outside far from a one dimensional player. He can score with either hand , he can up & under— he is 7’2 with a 7’7 wing span. 37 inch vertical. - he really likes KU they said even though other schools have entered the picture , Evans says Ku & Minnesota & TCU have seperated themselves.
They also said the deal with Coach Self & Townsend doesn’t bother them, - -saying Dennis really doesn’t care about blue blood schools or not even though he really likes KU. He says him and Townsend have developed a great relationship. This guy that has been his Coach said that HE had been to KU before and the reason for late night was hewanted Dennis to be able to see the culture of KU. Other things I wanted to mentioned but the story just got knocked off.
All I’m saying is if Dennis Evans is sold on KU , I don’t car how amny big’s we have these things have a way to work themselves out - - he wants to come then – we need to find a way for him on this roster
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@jayballer67 On top of that, Evans looks like a dead ringer for David Ruffin of The Temptations ! (Hope he turns out better than David did.)
https://www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/best-david-ruffin-songs/
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@nwhawkfan said in 2023 Recruiting:
Ya was reading off Jayhawk Slant. I just don’t see how we WOULD NOT take this kid if he wanted to commit. - super upside. has a really sweet left jump hook, beast rim defender , and the article keeps talking about how he likes Ku and a relationshi with townsend. - say people say he is like Jo Jo - obviously not s big in bulk - -for me I’m hoping - -Although have heard some about Minnesota bein good shape
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Of course, the clips are “best of” so tend not to show “work in progress.” But I saw a lot in those clips… great vision for passing, basketball EQ, crossover capable, competitive and communicator, size and quickness… the guy is smooth and scores in various ways including while guarded he created scoring space.
He looks like he could become a quality defender.
I just can’t recall seeing so many gifts in a few minutes of tape. I’m sure he is like most young players and needs time to adapt to D1, but he has a big toolset going in!
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Does anyone know… is there a list already started for Late Night attendees?
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Playing at Montverde as well which is one of the premiere schools. I’m hopeful here. I really like his game.
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KU made AJ Johnson’s top 8 (plus he’s considering G-League). No visit to KU set up although he mentions possibly setting something up. Doesn’t seem to know much about KU at this stage. I’d consider this one an extreme longshot
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If he’s contemplating turning pro out of HS maybe he’s not a great catch. I’d rather steer clear of OADs. We score big on him sticking around more than one year.
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Sounds like KU did a really good job with Johnson on his visit. 247 guy is close to putting in a CB. Jeremy Case leading the recruitment here. Sounds very, very promising!
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KU is actually really well positioned. C/O '23 looks to be a bit of a down class. That’s not surprising since those kids missed half a year of development when they were freshmen. That’s a huge loss in court time and coaching.
But KU will have a fairly experienced group returning in Fall of '23. Harris will be back. I’m guessing Cuffe will still be on the roster. Yesufu, Pettiford, Clemence, Adams, Ejifor and Udeh are more or less locks to return as well. I figure either Rice or Dick is back (probably both). You can make a very strong 8 man rotation out of that group without adding a single player. If KU brings in two guys that can fit into that rotation, they are a contender for a #1 seed, deep tournament run, etc.
The quality of the current roster means KU doesn’t need tons of help in 2023. Dennis Evans is so talented, he’s an obvious addition if he wants to join up. Chris Johnson could be an interesting fit. I don’t love his shooting stroke, but I do love his vision and athleticism. The challenge for KU is finding minutes for any additions considering that it’s doubtful Self takes minutes away from a RS-junior Harris, RS-sophomores Pettiford and Cuffe, sophomores Dick, Rice, junior Yesufu - that’s six perimeter guys. Even if someone in that group isn’t getting minutes this season anyway, or leaves due to attrition, finding minutes for more than one more perimeter guy is going to be tough unless at least two of those guys are gone.
In the post, minutes are even tighter. Clemence, Ejifor, Udeh, and possibly Adams (although I think he plays both the 3 and 4 this year) are all likely to be back for the 23/24 season. Playing more than 4 interior guys is tough, and even if Adams splits time on the perimeter (a tough ask given how loaded the perimeter rotation is this year), there’s just not much room. Evans is reason to make room, but even if they do that, someone is the odd man out
There just isn’t roster space for KU to grab a ton of guys in 2023. These things have a way of sorting themselves out, but KU only needs to add 2 or maybe 3 players, and even then, the rotation is probably pretty crowded, especially inside.
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@justanotherfan 2 wings and a guard probably. 1 wing for sure. Of course if you can get it done for Evans, you do it. I could see looking at the portal for most spots. Especially since most departures could be up in the air.
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@BeddieKU23 said in 2023 Recruiting:
Sounds like KU did a really good job with Johnson on his visit. 247 guy is close to putting in a CB. Jeremy Case leading the recruitment here. Sounds very, very promising!
I think Johnson would be a very sweet catch - -very solid
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@BShark said in 2023 Recruiting:
@justanotherfan 2 wings and a guard probably. 1 wing for sure. Of course if you can get it done for Evans, you do it. I could see looking at the portal for most spots. Especially since most departures could be up in the air.
I prefer 2 wings and a thigh when i order from El Pollo Loco. Mmm, El Pollo Loco…
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Would be more than fine with just taking Mikey, Evans and Chris Johnson as the class.
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About as good of a trio as is realistically possible.
TJ Power would be other one I’d want but doesn’t feel like we are in a great position there currently.
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@BeddieKU23 He wanted to schedule only 2 blue blood visits He decided on visiting Duke who already have 10 5 stars for the class and UNC who offered him after they lost GG Jackson. He have have relatives who went to UNC most likely he goes there.
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Chris Johnson will be announce his college decision on Tuesday August 2nd
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@JAYHAWKFAN214 Election Day
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@Crimsonorblue22 Bit of a big one on the ballot this time too…
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If he lands here and commits on the 2nd - - Will be a great Birthday present for me. - - Birthday on the 2nd - - Wedding Anniversary on the 2nd. What more could I ask for lol
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@BShark said in 2023 Recruiting:
@Crimsonorblue22 Bit of a big one on the ballot this time too…
Man that 109th House primary is a BARN BURNER
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Also Chris Johnson is good and we should be happy he’s a Jayhawk
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@FarmerJayhawk LOL
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What I learned from Arkansas fans (as they were hot on Johnson as well)- they think their home arena is better then Allen Fieldhouse. You can’t make this stuff up
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@BeddieKU23 lol!
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@BeddieKU23 said in 2023 Recruiting:
What I learned from Arkansas fans (as they were hot on Johnson as well)- they think their home arena is better then Allen Fieldhouse. You can’t make this stuff up
Their thread about this on the 247 board is solid gold. Musselman is better than Self! LOL
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Elijah Gertrude a 6’3 Guard out of Huson NJ. 1st time heard anything about him , talking about working on relationship with KU looking to visit , probably he said after School starts - -he is all about Dense , defense , defense it was said. - -Don’t think really anything serious but who kows’
I guess we are still in on JP Estrella also just visited Iowa and planned trip to Syracuse , another one I knew we were after early but don’t know how serious we are still persuing this kid now
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@BShark said in 2023 Recruiting:
@BeddieKU23 said in 2023 Recruiting:
What I learned from Arkansas fans (as they were hot on Johnson as well)- they think their home arena is better then Allen Fieldhouse. You can’t make this stuff up
Their thread about this on the 247 board is solid gold. Musselman is better than Self! LOL
Talk about a fanbase drinking some serious Kool aid from a pond in the Ozarks
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@Crimsonorblue22 said in 2023 Recruiting:
@BeddieKU23 lol!
I wish I was kidding. Methzu and K St level crazy
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@BeddieKU23 said in 2023 Recruiting:
@BShark said in 2023 Recruiting:
@BeddieKU23 said in 2023 Recruiting:
What I learned from Arkansas fans (as they were hot on Johnson as well)- they think their home arena is better then Allen Fieldhouse. You can’t make this stuff up
Their thread about this on the 247 board is solid gold. Musselman is better than Self! LOL
Talk about a fanbase drinking some serious Kool aid from a pond in the Ozarks
Arkansas borders Missouri. Rly makes u think.
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@BShark said in 2023 Recruiting:
@BeddieKU23 said in 2023 Recruiting:
@BShark said in 2023 Recruiting:
@BeddieKU23 said in 2023 Recruiting:
What I learned from Arkansas fans (as they were hot on Johnson as well)- they think their home arena is better then Allen Fieldhouse. You can’t make this stuff up
Their thread about this on the 247 board is solid gold. Musselman is better than Self! LOL
Talk about a fanbase drinking some serious Kool aid from a pond in the Ozarks
Arkansas borders Missouri. Rly makes u think.
I should have known. My geography was slipping today
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I’ll take some Mr Johnson for my birthday present tomorrow & Thank you lol
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Well today’s the day
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Chris Johnson has committed to Kansas
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Welcome Chris you made the right choice.
Rock Chalk
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For your viewing pleasure. One of the best highlight tapes I’ve seen in a while. Shows off his court awareness, ability to change pace, make quick decisions, and finish at and away from the rim.
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Johnson was quoted as saying from the 1st minute he stepped onto the KU campus he knew this is where he belonged , where he wanted to go , even the School wasn’t in session. Loved the Campus, talked about his relationship with Case and talking with Coach Self. - -good to hear
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The thing I like best about Chris Johnson is the suddenness that he plays with. When you watch him, his moves are all very sudden. I’m not sure how quick he is, but the suddenness that everything happens with makes his first step seem even more dangerous.
That shot delivery uncurls a bit slower than I am comfortable with, but he can make shots, so cleaning up form is always possible. I’d be more worried if he were a poor shooter. He’s more of an average shooter, but there is potential there.
Johnson could be the athletic combo guard we have been missing. He’s a point that could slide to the wing, so I think he could fit into a variety of lineups (especially if the shooting improves). I’m still not 100% sure what the depth chart will look like, but when you can add talent, you add talent.
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@justanotherfan yep, that change of pace. I suppose if he can be sudden enough to create space for his shot then he’ll be fine.
That change of pace is why Frank Mason was so good at getting to the basket. He wasn’t just blazing through the paint, he changed it up, kept people off balance, was prepared with floaters, etc. I love that kind of play.
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I think Evans actually has some serious interest in KU. , question is does KU have Serious interest in Evans ? - -I hope so - -I think we would be in good shape is we show some love for the kid. - You can nevre have enough good quality big men - the bonus here is Evans is a serious rim protector. - - Whay ya think ?
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@jayballer67 your last sentence is exactly why we should offer.
Bills D with a legit rim protector is borderline unfair.
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I can’t say if Gertrude is a KU level guy or not. But I do think we could see a situation where the only two guards we have for sure on next years roster are Bobby and Dajuan. In this scenario I’m counting MJ and Gradey as wings obviously.
I could see us taking Mikey and then going after a transfer in the portal.
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Well I know not our recruiting ( KU ) But just saw where K/State Coach Tang landed another 4 * SG today. - -RJ Jones - - Looks like this Tang guy is no joke, he has a pretty dang good class sitting up , he keeps going gonna make me mad lol. trying to make them into something
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I know you guys might have stronger sentiments, but my dislike was always for Bruce and not for K. State. I enjoyed the Huggins and Martin years.
