Kansas Jayhawks and the NBA Draft
by Andy Edwards on Jun 23, 2010 7:15 AM CDT
in Kansas Jayhawk Basketball
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On Thursday night, two of Jayhawk fans' all-time favorite boys and a we-barely-knew-thee legacy will make the leap from the college ranks, where they each had successful amateur careers in their time at Kansas, and into the basketball business world that is the NBA. We don't need to go into the specifics of their outstanding careers in Lawrence, as we've done so ad nauseam the last couple years here at Rock Chalk Talk. So, instead we now turn our focus to how their games will transition to the pro league.
The general consensus among NBA Mock Draft sites is that 6'11" center Cole Aldrich will go somewhere between eight and fifteen, the freshman swingman Xavier Henry will fall into line somewhere just a few places below Aldrich and that the all-time winningest player in Kansas basketball history, Sherron Collins, will just be hoping to be taken in the second round.
Sidenote: Isn't it just further proof that the college game is greater than the pro game when an undersized kid like Collins can become such a legacy in college, yet will likely be fighting for an NBA roster spot? No feel-good stories when it comes to money, money, money.
What the "Insiders" are saying...
NBADraft.net - Aldrich: Utah - #9, Henry: Milwaukee - #15, Collins: Oklahoma City - #51
Yahoo! - Aldrich: Utah - #9, Henry: Houston - #14, Collins: second round not listed
DraftExpress.com - Henry: New Orleans - #11, Aldrich: Houston - #14, Collins: Los Angeles Clippers - #54
MyNBADraft.net - Aldrich: Houston - #14, Henry: Milwaukee - #15, Collins: Pheonix - #46
Earlier this week, Sherron had this to say of a workout with a team on his Twitter page (@SHERRONCOLLINS4):
I had one if my best workouts for Portland today went great now on my way back to Vegas got Milwaukee on Tuesday then back to the chi
Obviously, we all hope that this is the case and that some team takes the chance on him and he makes the most of it.
Jayhawk History in the Draft
Complete Career Stats of Kansas Players in the NBA (Basketball-Reference)
You may notice the omittance of NBA Hall of Famer Wilt Chamberlain from that list, but that's because he was what was considered a "territorial pick" of the Philadelphia Warriors in 1959, due to the guidlines of having to have completed three years out of high school before playing in the NBA.
Since we all have opinions, I'll go ahead and throw my predictions of sorts out there and you can do the same in the comments. 15 RCT points (which are good for nothing) for each correct call regarding a Kansas player. Personally, I think the popular choice of Cole to Utah makes for a sound fit. He's a defense first kind of post player and we all know Jerry Sloan used to love him some former Jayhawk great(?) Greg Ostertag, who was most definitely first and foremost a defensive presence. And, doesn't Cole's laid back personality kind of fit Salt Lake City - quiet and not\thing going on. That would be a nice fit for him.
I don't see Xavier going to Houston. Not after they just paid out a big contract last offseason to a similar type player in Trevor Ariza. Since he's not a great three point shooter, he'll need someone on the floor with him that can stretch the defense to the perimeter and must be accounted for to allow him to be more of a dribble penetration type player. A player like a healthy Michael Redd in Milwaukee would seem to fit the bill. Current Buck John Salmons actually seems like the kind of player than Henry could potentially become in the league. Pencil me down for Xavier in Milwaukee.
As far as Sherron goes, the second round of the NBA Draft is the biggest crapshoot in the entire world. (Not that the first round isn't, too.) So, I won't even begin to speculate on which team could use a backup point guard, because they all could. So, instead, I'll pick the player that won Big 12 championships in every year of his college career and a national championship also to go to the team winning all the championships in the NBA - the Los Angeles Lakers. Why not? I like them. So what?
Also, remember all the drama and anxiety over last spring's recruiting saga over Henry and eventual Cincinnati standout Lance Stephenson? Well, he also declared for this draft (surprise, surprise) and opinions on him are even more varying than our Kansas boys. I've seen as high as the end of the lottery all the way to the very end of the second round. Henry got himself in and, whether you think he earned it or not, put himself in a far better position to be drafted than Stephenson. Anyone still wish that we'd have taken Lance instead? (Not that there were people calling for that or anything...)
Talking Points
- Favorite Jayhawk(s) in the NBA?
- Jayhawk with the best NBA career?
- Predictions where this year's crop of Jayhawks will go?
- How glad you are to see me posting again?
- Which Jayhawk in this year's crop will have the best career?
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Jayhawk with best NBA career?
Wilt’s always going to be tough to top there but Pierce is definitely making a case for himself.
Jacque Vaughn’s 12 year career is definitely the most surprising career for me.
Glad I came, just wish I hadn't stayed so long.
People ask me what I do in winter when there’s no baseball...Rock Chalk Talk
Yeah that's crazy about Jacque Vaugh
You just don’t realize he was around for 12 years. That’s impressive.
by Joel Thorman on Jun 23, 2010 7:47 AM CDT up reply actions
That's Nothing
Greg Ostertag made over $80 million in the league. That’s stunning.
"Got a bill that's big enough to twist the Tiger's tail. Husked some corn and made those SORRY HUSKERS BAIL!"
by KennyGregoryRockThaCradle on Jun 23, 2010 2:13 PM CDT up reply actions
Raef...
isn’t that guy still collecting in the 8 figure category?
In case you missed it...I used to go by Denverjhawk : )
He made something like $140MM in his career.
Played in more than 60 games 4 times in his career, I think. Ain’t life grand?
"Got a bill that's big enough to twist the Tiger's tail. Husked some corn and made those SORRY HUSKERS BAIL!"
by KennyGregoryRockThaCradle on Jun 23, 2010 6:41 PM CDT up reply actions
Same reason that I think once Sasha Kaun decides to come back to the US and play in the NBA,
he’ll have a nice 8-10 year run where he make $5-6 mil. per year. There’s just not that many human beings that big on the earth.
"Not to be cliché or anything, but I’m Jayhawk born and Jayhawk bred and when I die I’ll be Jayhawk dead." - Ovechwin
by Andy Edwards on Jun 23, 2010 6:43 PM CDT up reply actions
Random, fun fact of the day
I met Eric Chenowith in England (iirc) and found out his sister is also named Amanda, therefore I pick him.
Twitter!!!1
Reppin' Team Tyler yo.
Most Opportunistic Jayhawk Ever in the NBA Award...
Raef LaFrentz
In case you missed it...I used to go by Denverjhawk : )
Still hate that pick.
Set the Nuggets back a lot. So many other possibilities. Of course, drafting Nikoloz Tskitishvili a few years later didn’t help things.
I've always been a Kirk Hinrich fan
I’ve always been a Hinrich fan, and it seemed that early in his career, he played for Chicago the way he played in college. You know, defense and passing and stuff.
I’m probably like every Jayhawk fan in that I pull for Darnell Jackson harder than anyone else. My number two is Chalmers. Sherron will land in that group, as well.
I always loved the interactions between Rush and Chalmers on the court; their salutes to each other cracked me up. Somewhere down the line, I’d love to see those two playing on the same team.
Sidenote^2
“Isn’t it just further proof that the college game is greater than the pro game when an undersized kid like Collins can become such a legacy in college, yet will likely be fighting for an NBA roster spot?”
Does that make the HS game greater than college, b/c there a bunch of unathletic kids can be competitive? Or maybe grade school where everybody gets to play?
I’m probably a little biased in that my HS was the undefeated state champions in the Illinois AA (big school at the time), and none of the players amounted to anything collegiately. They beat Isaiah Thomas’ team for the championship, and would have played Mark Aguire’s team in the semi’s, but Aguire lost in the quarters. It was good BB, and a great time – roll Queen’s “We are the Champions”.
I personally don’t disagree with your conclusion, but the thought process seemed intriguing. Maybe worth discussing? Maybe not.
umm...where in Illinois are you from?
This would have been a little before my time, but I’m pretty sure my HS has a very similar story.
In case you missed it...I used to go by Denverjhawk : )
Sidenote^3
Are you effin kiddin me.. did you watch the NBA finals? or the Playoffs? I understand the sentimentality but the quality of play is light years apart.. And if you want a feel good story how bout a scrappy kid white kid from from vancouver, with a game straight out of the YMCA, doesn’t get but 1 schollie offer then he hustles and guiles his way to back-to-back MVP’s and top 10 point guard ever status?
by HawkFrumRwanda on Jun 23, 2010 10:53 AM CDT up reply actions
Personally, I just can't get into the NBA for whatever reason.
I love watching basketball and especially college ball but the NBA game just seems to have no flow to it all from what I see.
Glad I came, just wish I hadn't stayed so long.
People ask me what I do in winter when there’s no baseball...Rock Chalk Talk
I think it has to do with rooting interest
because when its not Big 12 i cant stand college basketball.. kind of like how i try to watch the premeir league and can’t get into it.. cuz i have no horse in the race
by HawkFrumRwanda on Jun 23, 2010 10:58 AM CDT up reply actions
NBA is fine
in the playoffs and after, when they’re actually putting their hearts into playing a bit. Then it’s really a lot like college ball, in my opinion, except they tend to shoot better. Regular season NBA, though, is some emotionless lazy-ass stuff.
For me, college basketball has the right level of talent and emotion to make exciting games. The fan devotion is great too; a crowd that’s really into the game makes it better to watch, even if it’s not my team playing. You get that in college ball a lot more often than pro.
Of course on top of all that, there’s the identity stuff. If KC had a team maybe I’d care to follow the pros. (Sadly, ironically, I live in Sacramento.)
on a diffrent note
Some dude named wilt was okay back in the day he scored 100 times in a night.. then he had a 100 point game
by HawkFrumRwanda on Jun 23, 2010 10:56 AM CDT reply actions
"Got a bill that's big enough to twist the Tiger's tail. Husked some corn and made those SORRY HUSKERS BAIL!"
by KennyGregoryRockThaCradle on Jun 23, 2010 2:22 PM CDT up reply actions
It all comes down to situations
I may have talked about this before, but for Cole/X/Sherron, what number they are drafted isn’t nearly as important as what organization they’ll be joining.
Case in point: does anyone really think Wayne Simien couldn’t have done everything Big Baby does (and more) for the Celtics? Instead he ended up on a team with a logjam at the power forward spot, had some problems with injuries, and never made it.
Ideal Situations:
Sherron- the Lakers. Sherron would get another year or two playing behind Derrick Fisher to learn the intricacies of the pro game. He would have Kobe constantly pushing him to make sure he stays in shape and focused. After Fisher leaves, Sherron could have a great opportunity to replace him as their starting point guard (it’s clear at this point that Farmar doesn’t have what it takes to fill that role).
Xavier- Oklahoma City. It’s possible that having his dad right there in his hometown could actually work against him (Eddy Curry, for example, never became the player he could have, in part, because he got to continue hanging out with bad influences from his hometown of Chicago). However, it’s a young, up and coming team. X would benefit from all the attention that Durant gets from opposing defenses, allowing him to focus on hitting open jumpers and playing good defense- similar to his role at KU. He would be in a battle with James Harden for the starting spot, but the loser of that contest would likely be the 6th man relied upon to come in and provide an offensive spark.
Cole- New Orleans Hornets. Cole is ready to come in and rebound and block shots immediately in the NBA. His offensive game is what will need the most work. However, playing with a great point guard like Chris Paul could allow him to get lots of easy alley-oops and open looks from close to the basket. Currently, New Orleans doesn’t have a true center on their roster, which means Cole could potentially start or get major minutes from the beginning. Cole could also fit in well in OKC, another team that could use his size and shotblocking as they continue to develop.
"Got a bill that's big enough to twist the Tiger's tail. Husked some corn and made those SORRY HUSKERS BAIL!"
by KennyGregoryRockThaCradle on Jun 23, 2010 2:33 PM CDT reply actions
Also
I’d rate my happiness of KC posting again at about a 6.8-7.2 out of 10. Pretty happy, but not quite “Landon Donovan scores in injury time to win Group C” happy.
"Got a bill that's big enough to twist the Tiger's tail. Husked some corn and made those SORRY HUSKERS BAIL!"
by KennyGregoryRockThaCradle on Jun 23, 2010 2:39 PM CDT reply actions
I think KC would agree,
since he went pretty well nutso when that goal happened, and I can’t quite imagine KGRTC making quite that much of a fool of himself over something like KC’s return.
When is Late Night?
KC was drinking beer and warshing futball with me this morning
Clearly he is tied up in more important matters.
I suggest, sir, you don’t open the can of corn. Cuz I’m in a foightin mood!
Well not really. USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA
Shit happens when you win championships
by Andrew Clark on Jun 23, 2010 4:19 PM CDT up reply actions
Tough year for Aldrich to come out.
There are a lot of PF/C types coming out. I think Aldrich could carve out a Kendrick Perkins type career in the NBA. Solid rebounder and defender on a team that he doesn’t have to score for. His Free throw shooting will also make him a favorite of coaches to have in at the end of games.
While it's a tough year for big men,
Doesn’t that possibly drop him to a slightly better team and potentially a better situation?
"Not to be cliché or anything, but I’m Jayhawk born and Jayhawk bred and when I die I’ll be Jayhawk dead." - Ovechwin
by Andy Edwards on Jun 23, 2010 3:12 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
hey!!!
look who’s out serving kool aid on this fine afternoon!!
In case you missed it...I used to go by Denverjhawk : )
I'd love for the Lakers to pick him up :)
"Not to be cliché or anything, but I’m Jayhawk born and Jayhawk bred and when I die I’ll be Jayhawk dead." - Ovechwin
by Andy Edwards on Jun 23, 2010 6:19 PM CDT up reply actions
I think that's right.
I definitely see him as at least a top 9 rotation guy in the NBA for a long long time. Like I mentioned above, Raef LaFrentz/Nick Collison/Greg Ostertag/Scott Pollard all amassed substantial fortunes in the league.
But he does have pretty good hands, which makes me wonder if he could end up scoring a lot of points just created by a really good point guard. I think he gets 16ppg with Chris Paul feeding him the ball. Maybe more.
"Got a bill that's big enough to twist the Tiger's tail. Husked some corn and made those SORRY HUSKERS BAIL!"
by KennyGregoryRockThaCradle on Jun 23, 2010 6:45 PM CDT up reply actions
I think he could be a lot like Chris Kaman
For the Clippers. A true center who is a great rebounder, shot blocker and defender to start and gets only better at that in the NBA. Also grows offensively, adds some low post moves, scores a bit off rebounds, put backs, passing etc and bang.
Shit happens when you win championships
by Andrew Clark on Jun 23, 2010 6:54 PM CDT up reply actions
I find it really hard to project Aldrich at this point.
Is he what he was his jr. year or sr. year? As a Jr. he was a viable scoring option that could create his own shot with a variety of post moves. He didn’t really show any of that as a senior.
And Kenny, I don’t think he can score 16ppg with a good point guard because he can’t finish at the rim in the NBA. His scoring will come off jump hooks and put backs, but only if he can put together what we saw him do as a junior.
This is totally unrelated, but,
Did anyone else notice the dramatic change in where our players were drafted after Danny Manning?
The effects of winning a championship on recruiting are so evident right there. We went from picks all over the place, to consistent 1st and 2nd rounders.
Hopefully the effects of winning in ’08 will yield the same results.
I'm Your Huckleberry.
Especially with the bigs
It seems like we put bigs in the league now very consistently, and that will continue into the future (Morrises, TRob, maybe even JDubs)
Shit happens when you win championships
by Andrew Clark on Jun 24, 2010 7:59 PM CDT up reply actions
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