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C.J. Henry: One-and-Done or Role Player?

"I don’t like stepping on people’s toes," Carl says, "but I just know what I know. I watch them play, all the Kansas kids. I like all these kids, (Sherron) Collins, (Tyshawn Taylor), they’re good kids, man. But they’re not better than C.J."

-- Kansas City Star - "Getting to the pros the Henry family plan"

J. Brady's article caused quite a stir. It was going to no matter what, but instead of just instigating thousands of message board discussions and blog comments, it hit the subjects, the Henry family (particularly Carl), and they created a fuss about it. Maybe they weren't coming to Kansas, after all. But with that potential issue seemingly behind us now, given the handful of media sources claiming that, in fact, Xavier and C.J. are still coming to Lawrence, let's talk about what just might have been the most interesting aspect of the article.

The quote above.

It was preceded by the claim that Carl considers C.J. to be a "one-and-done player."

I'm not really sure how to take this. I mean, I suppose it's impossible to tell anyone that they will spend more than one year in college. It's his right to declare for the Draft. Lots of hopefuls declare every year that have no shot at getting drafted. But unless C.J. is way better than I figure him to be, then him declaring for the NBA after this year wouldn't be too intelligent.

But first, let's take a look at the depth chart. C.J. could probably play either the 1 or the 2, so we'll put him up for both positions. With that in mind, he's positively behind Sherron, almost assuredly behind Tyshawn and probably even slightly behind Elijah Johnson. His chance to capitalize on Elijah's injury, learning how to play with his teammates and such, gaining ground on Elijah has gone away as C.J. continues to work out with his brother in Oklahoma City. Opportunity wasted.

And that isn't even including Tyrel Reed and Brady Morningstar. Hell, Xavier could even see some time at the 2, taking away some more of the 80 minutes a game the two positions get. But, assuming that there are 5 minutes-or-so a game of three-guard alignment, we'll go with 90 minutes a game to divy up between Sherron, Tyshawn, Tyrel, Brady, Elijah and C.J. This is just a ballpark estimate, and the calendar just turned to July. So, lots of stuff can change.

  • Sherron -- 30
  • Tyshawn -- 25
  • Elijah --15
  • C.J. -- 15
  • Brady/Tyrel -- 5

Damn. And that isn't even including Travis Releford, who I think should redshirt this season because of the sheer depth here. That is just ridiculous.

But back to the point. How is C.J., picking up something around 15 minutes a night, going to end up declaring for the Draft? Now, again, I've never seen C.J. play. No one really has, at least not since he was a high schooler. And that was a helluva long time ago. I don't doubt he has talent; there is a reason we were recruiting him heavily as a high school senior. But if he wants to pick up loads of playing time and make an early exit to the League, 2010-11 would be the better year to do it. Think about it. Sherron will be gone. Tyshawn probably will, too.

If C.J. is half as good as his dad thinks he is, he can beat out Travis and Tyrel and Brady for the starting gig along with Elijah. Ignoring incoming recruits, of course, but whatever. The point remains the same.

C.J. probably isn't a one-and-done player. At least, not if he plays at Kansas. If he stayed at Memphis or something. then yeah, maybe. But not in Lawerence. Too much talent. Way too much.

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USA Today's Feature on Todd Reesing

Just to get everyone's mind off of Xavier and C.J. and Carl. USA Today previewed 6 top senior quarterbacks; one of them is our own Todd.

comment 1 day ago Rockchalktalk_tiny rockchalk comment 9 comments 0 recs

My Take on the Ridiculous Henry Saga

(deep breath)

The Background

Most of this is basic stuff everyone knows, but I felt it was necessary to set the whole thing up. If for nothing else than to put all of the ridiculousness of the entire situation into one, tidy package.

So, basically, this is where we're at right now. Xavier and C.J. Henry, sons of ex-Jayhawks Carl Henry and Barbara Henry, grew up fans of Kansas. So, when college decisions rolled around, and coaches from across the country came a-callin', Kansas was the natural fit. C.J. picked the Hawks, but his collegiate career was put in hold when he was drafted by those damn Yankees.

After an entirely failed baseball career, where he appeared in the news for but a day in 3 years-and-change, when he was the headliner in Bobby Abreu's trade to the Bronx, C.J. wanted to return to college basketball. Xavier, his younger brother, was down to Memphis and Kansas, so C.J. was too. He chose Coach Calipari, and Xavier subsequently picked Memphis the following November.

Coach Calipari left to go to Kentucky, in a move that completely and entirely changed so many recruiting decisions, it'd take days to fully account for the carnage.* They subsequently reopened their recruitment, with C.J., as a walk-on, able to transfer without sitting out a year, this time choosing between Kansas and Kentucky.

* I mean, not to go all JoePo on you, but it's mind-boggling. John Wall, who wasn't really considering Kentucky, and was probably going to Memphis, ends up in Lexington. Same with DeMarcus Cousins, although he had already committed. Same with Xavier Henry, except he (most likely) ended up in Lawrence. Lance Stephenson, who was announcing his decision to attend Kansas (according to multiple sources, at least), just decides today on the Cincinnati Bearcats. I'm not a huge recruiting guy, but wow. It would be interesting to do a retrospective in a couple of years, figuring out how everything would have been different if Calipari would have just stayed at Memphis. Hell, it'd be interesting to read one in a month-or-so.

They chose Kansas. It may or may not have had anything to do with Barbara Henry's desire, or lack thereof, to live in the Bluegrass State. But whatever the reason, they chose the Jayhawks. On Sunday, J. Brady McCullogh penned what I thought to be a wonderful article about the lives of the Henrys. In it, the Henrys were portrayed as, well, stuck-up, spoiled-out-of-their-mind kids. And yes, that includes Carl. They didn't like such a portrayal, naturally. I would hope nobody would. Of course, instead of just realizing that, hey, we do kinda sound like that, don't we Xav, they freaked out. And now, they might switch back to Kentucky. Over a freaking newspaper article. I have no idea what this world is coming to.

Now, word is coming out that, after all, the Henrys are coming to Kansas. So, take it for what you want.

My own, personal thoughts on the matter after the jump.

Continue reading this post »

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Xavier and CJ Still Jayhawks?

Do Xavier and CJ Henry still want to be Jayhawks?. (AP Photo)

More photos » AP

Do Xavier and CJ Henry still want to be Jayhawks?. (AP Photo)

The smoke is thickening and there is most certainly fire surrounding the rumor that both Xavier and CJ Henry may not in fact be headed to Kansas after all.  Carl Henry keeps talking to the media and dropping hints about a possible change in the decision and now reports have surfaced Bill Self and Danny Manning are flying to OKC tonight as the Henry's are having second thoughts and honestly I don't think they want to be Jayhawks. 

I'm interested to hear what everyone else thinks and I certainly don't have any knowledge other than what's being talked about by other outlets but this is getting a tad ugly.  I'd love to have the Henry brothers in the Crimson and Blue next year but I'm getting concerned and starting to think Self might need to draw a line in the sand here.  Even if it means playing 09'-10' without the Henry's.

Make no mistake I'm still a big fan of these two and want them in a Kansas uniform but it just seems like they've had ample opportunity and if they still aren't sold something is wrong.

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Rockchalk's Ramblings // 6-25-09

I don't really know what to say. I'll try and be way more consistent with the RR postings, as well as actually posting other stuff at the same time. As for right now, there is understandably a large mass of links to pass along your way.

Kansas Football

2009 Kansas College Football Predictions | NCAA Football Lines

This is basically just a simple summary of our team, but still interesting.

Berry Tramel ranks Big 12 football games from 1-96 | NewsOK.com

This is a really interesting link. This guy, Berry Tramel, takes every single Big 12 schedule and ranks the games, 1-96, conference-wide. Kansas' games are as follows:

  • #9 -- vs. Missouri
  • #14 -- vs. Nebraska
  • #18 -- vs. Oklahoma
  • #28 -- @ Kansas State
  • #30 -- @ Colorado
  • #38 -- @ Texas Tech
  • #42 -- @ Texas (guess they don't really give us a shot at winning)
  • #44 -- vs. Southern Miss
  • #46 -- @ UTEP
  • #54 -- vs. Duke
  • #74 -- vs. Iowa State
  • #95 -- vs. Northern Colorado (ouch!)

Quigley's crash course | KUsports.com

The Angus Quigley-to-linebacker angle is a very interesting one. I mean, on one hand, it is cool that he's making the switch so late in his collegiate career, and he definitely has the body for the position (and the fumbleitis to keep him away from the ball on offense. But, it isn't like he's going to be seeing some big-time PT. At least, I don't think so.

BMOC: Collins vs. Reesing | CJOnline.com

There are a helluva lot more basketball links today, so I'll put this intersport link in with the pigskin ones. I have to disagree with Tully on this one, too. It has to be Hot Toddy. Sure, Sherron is awesome and great and probably more recognizable, given the fact that basketball players don't wear masks. But Todd Reesing's face has to be well-known by now, right? And given our sketchy football history, which Todd has entirely changed, he has to have a greater on the fanbase. Maybe I'm way off, here, but I don't think so.

Kansas Basketball

Lance Stephenson is still without a school, and here's why - The Dagger - NCAA Hoops - Rivals.com

The Lance Stephenson saga has yet to find an end, and may not ever, really. I feel bad for the kid, considering that he was almost assuredly picking Kansas before John Calipari changed the entire recruiting landscape, and now he is getting shunned by Florida International, but it isn't like he's some goodie two-shoes getting screwed left-and-right. As the post says, he has 4 strikes going against him in a 3-strike world, and an NCAA investigation is almost assuredly pending when he commits, if he ever does at all. Let's just say it ain't lookin' pretty.

Wondering about : Kansan.com

June -- the time to wonder. Apparently, at least.

Tulsa World: KU widely favored for next season

Why yes, of course we'll be favored. Thanks for the reinforcement, though, Tulsa World. A nice batch of quotes from ESPN talking heads, though. And I mean that.

KU's Robinson embracing life on the hill | KUsports.com

Good. As stacked as we are, Mr. Robinson should still see plenty of playing time.

Sherron Collins is heavy again | CJOnline.com

Oh boy. Here we go again. As long as he's all better by September, I suppose it isn't a huge deal. But, um, yeah. Not good.

An excuse to write about Nate Erdmann | CJOnline.com

A list of some of the more forgotten Big 12 draft picks ever.

Tyshawn Taylor at No. 17: An exploration | CJOnline.com

I haven't heard too much T2-to-the-NBA speculation so far, but I'm sure it will start fairly soon. And if he leaves, and Cole leaves and Sherron leaves and Xavier leaves, we could be in a similar position to last year. As long as they leave a National Championship behind, though, I couldn't be happier. Obviously.

"It's Draft Day in the NBA: Does anyone care?" by 'Hawks in the NBA | KUsports.com

(Raises hand). No, really, I'll watch it. I love the Draft.

Offering no regrets | KUsports.com

It's nice to hear and all, but I mean what do you expect them to say?

"Yeah, not entering the Draft was the biggest mistake of my life. Every day I wake up and wish I would have left this school. I wish I wasn't even here right now."

I mean, I believe them and everything. It just seems like a funny article to write.

KU freshman Elijah Johnson undergoes knee scope | KUsports.com

Oh boys. As long as everything ends up OK, which it sounds like it will, then sweet. That doesn't make it any less scary, though, that's for sure. Hopefully he's back in the expected 6 weeks, or whatever, and he won't miss a second of practice.

Holy Cross search includes KU's Dooley | KUsports.com

This isn't shocking in the least. Dooley is going to be leaving for a Head Coaching job at sometime, and probably sooner rather than later. But, I mean, how does Holy Cross still not have a Head Coach? It's good to be deliberate and everything, not to make a mistake, but geez. It's nearly July. They might want to speed this thing up, right about now.

Xavier Henry completes stellar offseason for Kansas basketball - Luke Winn - SI.com

My favorite of the basketball links, probably, but that's just because I looove Luke Winn. At this point, though, the top half of both the best and worst offseasons pretty much write themself. Kansas and Kentucky for the best, in that order, with USC and Memphis topping the worst. Game over.

Kansas Other Sports

USA picks KU's McCray | CJOnline.com

Tyshawn won't be the only Jayhawk on a Team USA roster this summer. Danielle McCray will be on the woman's team. And as a senior next year, she'll (hopefully) lead us to a NCAA Tournament for the first time since forever.

KU's Walz on Team USA roster | CJOnline.com

Add another one to the Team USA bandwagon! T.J. will be on the baseball one, obviously.

KU hires softball coach | CJOnline.com

New softball coach. Old LSU assistant. That's all I know. Sorry.

KU releases athletics GPAs | CJOnline.com

What a way to end this endless array of links, hey? With a mindless list of GPA's broken up by sport. I have no comment on them, sorry.

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RCT -- 200,000 Visitors!

Late last night, 11:43 EST, the 200,000th person visited RCT. It was a quick visit, lasting only 13 seconds, but hey. They all count the same.

comment 10 days ago Rockchalktalk_tiny rockchalk comment 8 comments 0 recs

Rockchalk's Ramblings // 6-22-09

Hope that everybody had a wonderful weekend. And Happy Father's Day to all of you dads out there.

This is links-heavy, so you might want to go get a snack. Just an idea.

Kansas Football

Column: KU defining toughness? It's no dream | CJOnline.com

No, it isn't. A little late for such a "column" to be written, as Mangino's toughness isn't some newfound trait, but hey. Whatever.

KUsports.com | Extreme makeover: Stadium edition

A switch to Field Turf well, well overdue. I mean, my frickin' high school has a Field Turf football field. That AstroPlay nonsense sucks, man. I'm a fan of the newly-added turf, let's just say that.

KUsports.com | O-lineman finds new life at Kansas

A nice little article on the forgotten member of the Kansas offensive line, Brad Thorson. We are replacing the three interior positions, and while Jeremiah Hatch at center is basically done, the two guard positions are well open. And Thorson is definitely a legitimate possibility.

Why They Will Win the Big 12 North - A Focus On Strengths - Corn Nation

SBN Nebraska blog Corn Nation focuses on the North teams' strengths, giving a reason (or two!) for every team to hope that, just maybe, they can win the North this year. That's quite optimistic for about half of the division, but hey. It's June. Optimism reigns supreme.

Unit Rankings: Big 12 North Offenses - Rock M Nation

Rock M Nation, i.e. the greatest team-specific college blog out there, uses numbers and non-biased opinions to break down the North's Offenses. If you want a quote that sums up the North battle, here you go (from the comments section):

The bottom line is that KU, NU, and MU have more proven quantities than the rest of the division, the others are a couple of steps behind, and, in NU’s case, NU is nowhere close to being more proven than MU or (especially) KU.

Unit Rankings: Big 12 North Defenses - Rock M Nation

And now, the Defensive rankings. This one is just as good, albeit with worse results from a Kansas' fans perspective. In the end, though, including Special Teams and Coaching and everything, we end up first. So, yay.

K-State's Athletic Department Priorities - Bring On The Cats

And finally, to complete the trip around the Big 12 North here at SBN, BOTC's plan to fix up the entire mess that Bob Krause left. As per usual, TB knows what he's talking about.

Oread Boom Kings " Blog Archive " Interesting JoePo Trivia Question

One last link, even though it isn't necessarily football-related. Here is how JoePo framed the question:

How many BCS colleges have not had ANY of the following

1. Football national championship
2. Basketball national championship
3. Basketball Final Four appearance
4. BCS Bowl appearance (1998 to present)
5. Naismith Award Winner (best basketball player in America)
6. Heisman Trophy Winner (most oustanding football player)
7. No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft
8. No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft

And the answers? Missouri and Arizona State. Admittedly, it's kind of arbitary, and I'm not buying a 1931 Helms Championship by Northwestern as qualification to get off the list, but whatever.

Kansas Basketball

DraftExpress: USA Basketball Tryout Interviews: Tyshawn Taylor & Gordon Hayward

Great interview with T2 and a Butler basketball player (please) about trying out for the USA Basketball team.

KUsports.com | Iowa prep Barnes not typical standout

We've talked a lot about Harrison Barnes around here recently, and here's another article that just goes to show how he really is different than your average mega-recruit. I want Harrison. Let's start a campaign or something.

KUsports.com | KU’s past, present make Self’s camp a hit

Kinda-fluffy, just talking about Self's camp. Blah.

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Rockchalk's Ramblings // 6-19-09

Naturally, I apologize for missing yesterday. I'll try to make up for it by providing double the links, which sounds exciting but really just means that the articles from yesterday are included as well.

Kansas Football

Premature Assessments: Huskers hurtling toward The Leap - Dr. Saturday - NCAA Football - Rivals.com

The always outstanding-and-fantastic Matt Hinton takes a look at the Cornhuskers, the team that would appear to be our primary competition for the North title. It's good, naturally.

If it's the 'team of the decade' you want, at least consider them all - Dr.... - NCAA Football - Rivals.com

And while I was there, I found this really interesting as well.

Big 12 coaches' records -- as head coach and assistant - Big 12 - ESPN

This is from Tim Griffin's ESPN blog, and runs with an idea given to him by Tim Brewster. Minnesota's football coach boasted on his bio page of having a career record of 113-61-1. Except, he's only been a head coach for two years, where he's gone 8-17. So, with Brewster counting his record as a coach, period, assistant or head, Griffin looks at all of the Big 12 coaches and their records as assistant coaches. It's cool.

Questions would be answered with a conference challenge - ESPN

And for one, final non-Kansas (kind of) related football link, that Conference Challenge thing they did last week that I missed. Schlabach has us playing Kentucky; I don't think it'd really be that interesting of a game, but hey, I'm biased. Of course, given Schlabach's history, so is he.

Kansas Basketball

KUsports.com | Gary Bedore's KU Basketball Notebook

A little Notebook-action from Bedore. The primary topic of interest: both Withey and Reed are battling injuries, with Withey's being considerably more serious. Reed's is just a sore groin that is listed as day-to-day in June, which means it's basically nothing. Withey's isn't a huge deal, just a sprained thumb, but he's likely out 2-4 weeks.

KUsports.com | It’s time to change NBA Draft rule

Everyone's favorite topic: the NBA and draft eligibility. Included are some quotes from Bill Self, though, which make the whole take kind of more interesting.

KUsports.com | KU basketball alumni outlast current players, 67-63

Well, at least it wasn't as big of a blowout as last week. The alumni scored the same 67 as last game, but we scored 11 more this game. Unsurprisingly, we had one Travis Releford this time around, and he played well, scoring 9 points. The star was Marcus Morris, though, who piled in 20 points. 20. And yes, he's still my favorite player.

KUsports.com | "Jayhawk Flashback: Roy Williams introductory press conference, July 8, 1988" by The Newell Post

I love Jesse Newell, like I said, and this Jayhawk Flashback is really cool. Roy's intro press conference.

KU's Tyshawn Taylor named to 19-and-under U.S. team for Fiba championship - Kansas City Star

As Denver noted in the FanShot, Tyshawn made the 19-and-under team. It's awesome for him.

Kansas Baseball

KUsports.com | Thompson named to ABCA 2nd team

Another All-American list for Tony Thompson to be listed on. This guy's a stud, man.

Smyth Signs with Oakland : Kansan.com

Paul Smyth becomes the what, 4th Jayhawk to sign. Brian Heere remains unsigned, although all indications are that he's coming back to school. And hopefully Heere does come back.

Rosenblatt Stadium Hosts Its Last CWS : Kansan.com

Nice little story on Rosenblatt. He makes it sound like this is its last year, though, while I'm almost positive that it has one more year, 2010, before Rosenblatt says goodbye. I hope so, because I am already working on setting things up so I can go. I'm definitely going to a CWS at Rosenblatt. And with next year being the last year ever...

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