110 YEARS OF KANSAS BASKETBALL
SUCCESS OF NBA PLAYERS CRUCIAL TO COLLEGE RECRUITMENT
BY BEN ASHWORTH
With more than 300 schools in Division I college basketball, high school seniors need certain categories to help them trim down their potential college lists. Arena quality, fans, coach, supporting cast, academics, proximity to family and the presence of college girls have always been taken under consideration in college basketball. However, as the NBA has expanded and paychecks have skyrocketed, the ability of a head coach to turn a freshman into not only a well-polished college player, but an NBA-ready, potential draft pick has become a deciding factor in the finalizing stages of recruitment.
Luckily, the NBA has been kind recently to former Kansas players, making them NBA players from stars to supporting cast members. The following eight players
have made an impact not only on the professional basketball court, but also back at Kansas, where their contributions have helped land key recruits looking for that big future contract.
Paul Pierce — For years, he was the lone superstar on a Celtic team spoiled by years of championships ranging from the days of Bill Russell to the 1980s, led by the three-some of Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, and Robert Parish. Pierce's constant outcry for more talent was heard as he was joined by Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen in the offseason. He left Kansas after an All-American junior year and was drafted tenth. Since his entrance into the NBA, he became a five-time All-Star and averaged 23.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.9 assists during his career.
Kirk Hinrich — Although recognized recently for his struggles as part
of a disappointing Bulls team which has less heart than the Tin Man, Hinrich exploded onto the scene as part of the NBA draft class including LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, and Dwyane Wade. With a career average of 14.7 points and 6.4 assists per game, he helped lead the Bulls to a sweep of the Miami Heat in the first round of the NBA play-offs. Hinrich stayed until his senior year, beneficial for him as he was drafted seventh in 2003.
Drew Gooden — A member of the Kansas team that lost to Juan Dixon and the Maryland Terrapins in the Final Four in 2002, Gooden decided to put an end to his college career as a junior, declaring early for the NBA draft. After being drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies with the
fourth pick, he appeared to be a journeyman, traveling from the Grizzlies to the Orlando Magic before finding his niche in Cleveland alongside LeBron James. He averaged 12.1 points and 8 rebounds while trying to escape the "soft" label which haunted him at Kansas.
Nick Collison — Collison is well-remembered for receiving a standing ovation by Dick Vitale for his 24-point, 23-rebound performance in a victory win against Texas. The gritty forward led Kansas to two Final Fours before being drafted 10th by the Seattle Supersonics. He missed his rookie season because of a shoulder injury but has since joined the starting lineup, averaging 9.3 points and almost nine rebounds this season.
1993-1994: Jacque Vaughn's greatness was apparent early. Vaughn, a freshman, made a three-pointer at the buzzer to sink Indiana in Allen Fieldhouse. It's one of the most memorable shots in KU history. The Jayhawks finished third in the Big 8 and made the Sweet 16.
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1994-1995: Another great for Kansas with a Big 8 championship. A Final Four looked like a possibility, but Virginia ousted the Jayhawks from the tournament in the Sweet 16.
1995-1996: Freshman Paul Pierce emerged, and Raef LaFrentz and Jacque Vaughn continued to get better as Kansas won the Big 8 title and made it to the Elite Eight. The Jayhawks were crippled by Syracuse's defense later that season, a shock for most Kansas Jayhawk basketball fans.
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