Kansas Basketball Recruiting Update

As of now, the Kansas Jayhawks only have one open scholarship for the 2015-16 basketball season.

Brannen Greene's father said his son isn't going anywhere, and there has been no word of any other transfers. Someone still could, but for the sake of this article, let's assume everyone is staying (although Kelly Oubre, Jr. and Cliff Alexander are not likely coming back), and Bill Self has only one scholly to hand out.

Let's take a look at 247sports' top three most likely targets to land at Kansas, plus one who already has committed to the 'Hawks.

Tomorrow we will preview more top targets.

Already Committed

Carlton Bragg -- 6-8, 205-pound PF

Villa Angela-St. Joseph -- Cleveland, OH

Bragg is a guy who can come in and make an impact right away. Of course, we thought that about Kelly Oubre, Jr. as well, and we all know how that went in the beginning.

He is the No. 19 overall player according to 247sports, and a five-start recruit, but it looks like he should be in Lawrence for more than one season.

Most 2016 mock NBA Draft boards don't even have Bragg listed. That's a good thing for the Jayhawks.

Especially if KU lands a true rim protector with their final offer, Bragg could be a great compliment at the four along with Perry Ellis. He's athletic enough to be a slashing three, but that's not what he wants. He would add length and take the pressure off of Ellis, who shouldn't be the team's leading rebounder like he was this past year.

Bragg told Rivals.com:

"I see myself as a power forward, so that's what I wanted to hear from Coach Self."

Self always has the option of trying whatever he thinks will be best for the team, but most likely Bragg will slide in to the four. It will remain to be seen though how much playing time he gets early on.

Top Targets

Cheick Diallo -- 6-9, 218-pound PF
Our Savior New American -- Centereach, NY

Diallo is another stud power forward who is  being heavily recruited by the Blue Bloods. Jayhawk Slant and others reported that Self and his assistant Norm Roberts made a visit Wednesday.

He is yet another guy who will help the Jayhawks around the rim, something they are so desperately lacking, especially if Cliff Alexander does not return next season.

In addition to his strong rebounding on both ends of the floor, he is well-known for the high energy he brings to the court.

That talent and effort earned him, for a second time, the New York State Gatorade High School Basketball Player of the Year, after averaging 17.6 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks his senior year, according to zagsblog.com.

The many interested teams outside of Kansas, and most likely to land him, include Kentucky, Pitt, St. Johns, and KU's Big 12 brethren, Iowa St.

With the signing of Bragg, Diallo would join a crowded front court that includes Ellis, Landen Lucas, Jamari Traylor, and possibly Cliff Alexander. Yet, Diallo is the type of five-star stud Self could find room for if he can't land everyone's favorite big man, Thon Maker.

247Sports Prediction:

Thon Maker -- 7-0, 205-pound PF/C

Athlete Institute Basketball Academy -- Toronto, ON

Maker seems to be as can't miss as possible.

He reclassified in February so he could be eligible this fall. Maker shot up to No. 7 overall on 247's board, not bad for a guy who was going to be in the class of 2016.

While he has made unofficial visits to Kentucky, KU, Duke, Missouri, Louisville and others, it's thought his choice is coming down to Kentucky or KU. If he were to come to Lawrence, it would beef up a team that already will be laden with upperclass talent.

Maker is so talented though, he should fit right in. This is a guy who, during his freshman year of high school, averaged 24 points, 13 rebounds and five blocks.

He is a beast above the rim, and has excellent footwork and athleticism for a player his size. He needs to add strength, but if Andrea Hudy works with him, that won't be a problem.

If you like blocks, and want to see what having a Joel Embiid-type rim protector in Lawrence again could look like, grab your popcorn and watch the video below.

247Sports Prediction:

Brandon Ingram -- 6-8, 180-pound SF

Kinston -- Kinston, NC

Jayhawk fans have seemed to warm up to Carlton Bragg (despite this slip of the tongue) just fine, but they may even more so if can execute his own recruiting plan successfully.

From Zagsblog.com Jan. 29, 2015:

Kansas committ Carlton Bragg plans to use the forum to recruit fellow forwards Jaylen Brown and Brandon Ingram to join him with the Jayhawks.

"I think there is a chance I can get them to come to Kansas with me," Bragg told SNY.tv contributor Chip Miller. Asked if he was working on a package deal, he said, "Yes."

Brown, the No. 2 overall player and Ingram (No. 12) aren't thought of as highly likely to land with the Jayhawks, but it's certainly possible. Of course, if Bragg pulled off his plan, it would require someone to transfer or leave the team.

Ingram would not solve the no-center dilemma Kansas has, but this is a kid who helped lead his high school team to four straight state championships. He is already part of a winner, something he will be used to if he comes to Kansas.

He is built like a smaller Anthony Davis who can step outside and hit the three. He's actually a small forward (and would be the only one on the Jayhawks' roster next year), but plays extremely high around the rim (as you'll see in the video), while handling the ball well and shooting from the perimeter like a two guard.

247Sports Prediction:

Look for more in part two of our series including the chances of landing big man Stephen Zimmerman, two of the top four ranked players -- Jaylen Brown and Malik Newman -- and a possible graduate transfer.