Xavier Henry picks Kansas!
XAVIER HENRY (above), COLLINS AND ALDRICH, MAKES KU TITLE FAVORITES by Wayne Hodges
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – The rich just got ‘Warren Buffett’ wealthy as Bill Self and the Kansas Jayhawks emerged victorious in the Xavier Henry sweepstakes. “Next year, I’ll be taking my game to Kansas,” Xavier said in his opening statement of the press conference. “That’s all I’m going to say.” Enough said. The 6′6″ McDonald’s All-American from Putnam City, Oklahoma picked KU over that ‘ole used car-salesman, John Calipari, and the Kentucky Wildcats. Seriously, Calipari can sell snow to eskimos, can’t he? Xavier’s brother (C.J. Henry) is comin’ to Lawrence too; as part of the package deal.
So, why did it take so long to make a decision? Who knows? Kids will be kids. But I guess it’s fair to assume X’s parents (Carl & Barbara Henry), both former KU athletes, had something to do with the decision. “To me, they don’t want to buck the system,” said Carl Henry. “There is no way they want to see their mother unhappy.” See, mama knows best. And Kansas will benefit as a result. Now, let’s look ahead to next season. Folks, this is scary. Most media sources and bloggers, including yours truly, had Kansas ranked #1 before Henry’s committment. “They said they will be close to preseason No. 1 without us,” Xavier said. “Now I think we’ll be one of the best teams. I think the sky is the limit.”
With “X” onboard, it makes you wonder if the Jayhawks will even lose a game. The “X” factor will no doubt provide the Jayhawks with a much-needed third scoring option. The young man is blessed with tremendous athleticism, a soft fluid release, and explosive leaping ability. Xavier’s skills should fit in nicely with KU’s upperclass talent. PG Sherron Collins and center Cole Aldrich will both return as preseason All-Americans. In my opinion, they represent the best inside-outside combination in college basketball.
Self’s other freshmen recruits, PG Elijah Johnson and PF Thomas Robinson, are ranked #28 and #40 respectively by ESPN recruiting services. Xavier is ranked #3. Tyshawn Taylor, Brady Morningstar, Marcus Morris and twin brother Markieff Morris are expected to come back bigger and stronger. Newcomer Jeff Withey, a 6′10″ transfer from Arizona, will provide quality depth inside. And C.J. Henry, along with sharp-shooter Tyrel Reed, should give KU plenty of perimeter options off the bench.
Yes! It appears Coach Self has done it again. The “AP National Basketball Coach of the Year” continues to attract stellar, blue-chip recruits to the KU program. With former-Oklahoma star Blake Griffin leaving early for the NBA, Kansas will own the Big 12 next season. And, most importantly, be everybody’s preseason pick to cut down the nets in Indianapolis as 2010 NCAA Men’s Basketball Champions. “I don’t know how good we’re going to be, but I think we’re going to be pretty good,” Xavier said. “If everything falls in to place — no injuries and stuff — we have a chance to win it all.”
Wayne Hodges, an MBA from St. Mary University, is the editor of “Mass Appeal News.” He is also an adjunct professor, MPA at Kansas University, and legislative intern with the Kansas Senate. Wayne welcomes your comments at whodges@massappealnews.com
To see Xavier and CJ discuss their decision, click the play arrow located on the video box.
April 23rd, 2009 at 6:58 am
It’s official. Give KU the national championship trophy right now. It’s over baby! The “X” man will help us bring it home. Rock Chalk Jayhawk!
April 23rd, 2009 at 7:00 am
Yeah, it all looks good on paper. But without team chemistry, it doesn’t matter. How will Bill Self allocate enough minutes to keep all those players happy? I forecast an unhappy locker-room in KU’s future.
April 23rd, 2009 at 7:01 am
Yeah, I have to admit. Deciding on a steady rotation will present a major challenge to Coach Bill Self. But, it’s a wonderful problem to have.
April 23rd, 2009 at 7:07 am
Xavier Henry is a stud, but don’t sleep on KU’s other recruits: Elijah Johnson and Thomas Robinson. Both are excellent players that should contribute immediately. Kansas is loaded at every spot. Like you said, Bill Self has done it again.
April 23rd, 2009 at 7:51 am
Wayne, I agree with ya buddy. Kansas will kick some K-State and Mizzou tail next season on our way to a 2nd national championship in 3 years. Coach Self’s a genius. Rock Chalk Jayhawk, KU!!!
April 23rd, 2009 at 8:22 am
Please take it easy on K-State?
April 25th, 2009 at 3:13 pm
Let’s go ahead and make Bill Self the “AP National Coach of the Year” in 2010 too. Rock Chalk Jayhawk!
April 29th, 2009 at 5:22 pm
Now maybe Dick Vitale will give us some props! I’m sick of hearing about the ACC.
May 2nd, 2009 at 7:18 am
To quote Dick Vitale “This is totally awesome baby!” Nobody can recruit like Bill Self. He proved once again he’s college basketball’s best coach. With X in the house nobody can stop KU. I hear some bones shivering in Columbia, MO.
May 16th, 2009 at 1:45 pm
lol
May 27th, 2009 at 10:44 pm
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