WHAT TO WATCH
West forward Josh Jackson, right, from Justin-Siena high school/Prolific Prep Academy in Napa, Calif., blocks East forward Jayson Tatum during the McDonald's All-American game, Wednesday, March 30, 2016, in Chicago.
Associated Press n Chicago
Basketball recruiting roundup: Udoka Azubuike, Josh Jackson and transfers
SKYLAR ROLSTAD @SkyRolSports
With the departures of a few key contributors, such as Perry Ellis and Wayne Selden Jr., Kansas basketball reloaded this season in recruiting. Kansas added a couple key freshmen at positions without a returning starter and improved its depth going into a promising 2016-17 season.
Kansas got what it needed this offseason: some frontcourt players to balance an experienced and talented backcourt. While the team's recruiting class looks to be strong, it wasn't considered among the best in the nation. Duke ran away with its recruiting class this season, earning the No. 1 ranking from 247Sports, while Kansas' recruiting class was ranked No. 16 in the nation.
Forward Dwight Coleby wasn't a recruit, but he will be a new face for the Jayhawks on the floor. Coleby, a transfer from Ole Miss, returns from a torn ACL to play this season. He was also ineligible to play for the Jayhawks last season due to NCAA transfer rules.
1. Mitch Lightfoot
Position: Power Forward
High School: Gilbert
Christian (Gilbert, Ariz.)
Lightfoot was the first recruit Kansas secured this season. He'll provide a bit of depth at power forward, but Self will probably look to develop Lightfoot for the future. Lightfoot is a four-star recruit who was ranked No. 67 in the ESPN 100. He chose Kansas over Stanford, Arizona and St. John's.
2. Udoka Azubuike
Position: Forward/Center
High School: Patters House
Christian (Jacksonville, Fla.)
Kansas adds some needed size with the 6-foot-11 Azubuike. After Ellis' graduation, Azubuike will step in with the expectation to contribute from the start and split time with forward Landen Lucas. A five-star recruit, Azubuike was ranked No. 22 in the ESPN 100. Azubuike is younger than an average recruit, too; he will turn 18 just a couple weeks into the school year.
3. Josh Jackson Position: Small Forward High School: Prolific Prep (Napa Valley, Calif.)
Josh Jackson is likely to be one of the best players in the nation in 2016-17. In fact, he's so good he broke 247Sports' rankings; the basketball recruiting website rated him 102 out of 100 in its scouting report. Jackson chose Kansas over Michigan State and Arizona last April, making the decision official in May. Jackson should be an instant starter on the wing and his hype brings some reminders of 2013-14 Kansas one-and-done Andrew Wiggins.
4. Tucker Vang Position: Guard High School: Goddard High School (Goddard, Kan.)
Vang joins the Jayhawks as a walk-on for this season. In previous years, he's practiced with the Kansas women's basketball team, so he's been around the athletic program. He joins the team in his junior year. Expect Vang to play sparingly this season, as his value comes in giving the Jayhawks a little depth and some help in practice. Vang comes from a Jayhawk family, according to a KU Athletics release; his father and uncle played on the Kansas football team.
5. Malik Newman Position:Guard High School: Callaway High School (Jackson, Miss.)
After two difficult seasons with his hometown college Mississippi State and a trial at the NBA Combine, Newman announced he would transfer to Kansas. The talented guard will not be eligible to play in 2016-17 due to NCAA transfer rules, but will play his senior year in 2017-18 with the Jayhawks. Newman is likely to be a key addition in that season. Newman was a McDonald's All-American and a five-star recruit out of high school. Newman should be able to take over for Josh Jackson at shooting guard if he decides to leave after the 2016-17 season, but regardless, will get major minutes in his final college season.
6. Evan Maxwell Position: Forward/Center High School: Abington Heights High School (Clarks Summitt, Penn.)
Evan Maxwell will have to sit out for the 2016-17 season due to NCAA transfer rules after transferring from Liberty University, but he will take the floor
for his senior year in 2017- 18. Maxwell was a two-star recruit out of high school who played at Liberty for his first two years of college. Averaging 10 points and 4.8 rebounds, Kansas coach Bill Self is likely counting on Maxwell to develop for the future.
7. Marcus Garrett Position: Guard High School: Skyline High School (Dallas, Texas)
Garrett is the only player on this list who has committed to Kansas but not yet signed, but he's also still one year away from his college career. On Aug. 1, Garrett committed to join the Jayhawks for his freshman season in 2017-18. Garrett is rated four stars by 247Sports and is ranked No. 44 in the 2017-18 class by Rivals.com. Garrett will add to the backcourt strength for the Jayhawks. Svi Mykhailiuk and LaGerald Vick will be the remaining players at shooting guard for the Jayhawks in 2017-18.
Edited by Brendan Dzwierzynski
Checkers LOW FOOD PRICES Your Local City Market! 23rd & Louisiana
Free Digiorno Pizza! 17.3-34.2 oz.
With $20 purchase
Limit 1 per customer, Limit 1 with coupon
Excludes alcohol, tobacco, & service items
STORE COUPON GOOD AUG 18 THRU AUG 24, 2016
Free Coke, Pepsi or 7-UP! 12pk-12 oz. cans
With $20 purchase
Limit 1 per customer, Limit 1 with coupon
Excludes alcohol, tobacco, & service items
STORE COUPON GOOD AUG 25 THRU AUG 31, 2016
Studios; 1-, 2-, & 3-bedrooms A fitness center. Two pools. Several KU bus stops. Amenities to support your active lifestyle.
www.meadowbrookapartments.net
Bob Billings Pkwy @ Crestline, next to KU 785-842-4200
.