Sports THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
WEDNESDAY, JULY 23, 2008
35
WWW.KANSAN.COM
Top recruiting classes for next year's basketball teams
5. USC
Admittedly, the Trojans shouldn't be ranked this high. They grabbed super-prospect Demar DeRozan straight out of Compton but didn't get any other superstars. Coach Tim Floyd, however, did receive a commitment from Romeo Miller, better known as Lil' Romeo. If he can rap about basketball, he must be a decent player.
4. OHIO STATE
Seven-foot center Greg Oden led the Buckeyes to the national championship game two years ago. Coach Thad Motta hopes this year's 7-footer, B.J. Mullens, can provide similar results. Motta landed five other players including a pair of talented shooting guards, William Buford and Walter Offutt.
3. MEMPHIS
Although the Tigers' class might have catapulted to No. 1 if the Morris twins didn't break their verbal commitment, they still had a solid haul. Combo guard Tyreke Evans might be
the most talented player in this year's class. Coach John Calipari also grabbed forwards Wesley Witherspoon and Angel Garcia.
2. KANSAS
The Jayhawk class might lack star power but it's got depth. Guard Tyshawn
Taylor has blown away everyone who has watched him this summer in scrimmages. Marcus and Markieff Morris will add much-needed depth inside. Junior college transfers Mario Little and Tyrone Appleton should
Holiday
work into the rotation immediately. Travis Releford and Quintrell Thomas are the final two pieces of the class.
1. UCLA
It's not easy to receive commitments from five of Rivals. com's best 50 players in the nation, but Bruin coach Ben Howland did it. Headlining the star-studded class are point guard stud Jrue Holiday and big man J'Mison Morgan. The Bruins have traveled to three straight Final Fours without a title. Perhaps
this will be the class to push them over the edge.
Case Keefer
MLB
A-Rod signs to expand image
ASSOCIATED PRESS
YORK — Alex Rodriguez another big-league con-
NEW YORK signed another tract, joining the William Morris Agency in an attempt to extend his brand beyond the baseball diamond.
The New York Yankees slugger signed with the powerhouse talent agency in Beverly Hills, Calif., according
manager, Guy Oseary, a music business mogul who has worked closely with William Morris.
"Partnering with William Morris will enable me to broaden the scope
"Partnering with William Morris will enable me to broaden the scope of my career in creative and innovative ways."
ALEX RODRIGUEZ New York Yankees pitcher
to published reports Tuesday.
of my career in creative and innovative ways," Rodriguez said in a statement in The Wall Street Journal. "I'm excited to see what we will be able to accomplish together, both domestically and abroad."
The deal was completed this month and set up by Rodriguez's
Dwyane Wade,
Serena Williams and Kevin Garnett are among the star athletes handled
by William Morris, whose client list includes some of the biggest names in sports, entertainment and business. Among the entertainers it represents are Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe.
Rodriguez's decision to join William Morris comes at a time when he is now a staple of celebrity gossip. His wife has filed for divorce and his relationship with Madonna has generated blaring tabloid headlines and daily fodder for talk-show radio.
The 32-year-old third baseman has 538 home runs and is on pace to pass Barry Bonds. He is drawing a major league-high $27 million salary this year and last December signed a record $275 million, 10-year contract with New York.
SPORTS BRIEF
Chiefs add an international development player for'08
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs are adding a little international flavor to their practice squad this season.
General manager Carl Peterson announced Tuesday that linebacker
Aden Durde will join the Chiefs roster as an international developmental practice squad player for 2008.
Durde is a 6-foot-1,240-pound linebacker. He's a five-year veteran of NFL Europa.He played with the Scottish Claymores and Hamburg Sea Devils, including the 2007 Hamburg team that won World
Bowl XV.
Teams in the AFC West, AFC North,NFC West and NFC South will have an additional international developmental practice squad player this season for a total of 16 international developmental practice squad players.
Associated Press
Curves Works. So you can get more out of your summer
Curves 30-minute circuit works every major muscle group, two muscles at a time. You can burn up to 500 calories every workout. So you'll look and feel great this summer and long after.
Mother-Daughter packages available
Non-Student memberships $34 per mo.*
Call or visit Curves for details
Curves YOUR CURVES WILL AMAZE YOU.
Over 10,000 locations worldwide.
curves.com
(785) 841-1431 Holiday Plaza:25th & Iowa
*Offer based on first visit enrollment, minimum 12 mo. c.d. program. Discount applies to monthly dues. Service Fee paid at time of enrollment. New members only. Not valid with any other offer. Valid only at participating locations through 08/24/08, ©2008 Curves International, Inc
International, Inc.