Mass Sports: Selby picks Kansas
KANSAS LANDS A LEGITIMATE “SUPER STAR” IN RECRUIT JOSH SELBY, by Wayne Hodges
NEW YORK – The rich just became Warren Buffett wealthy as top-5 ESPN basketball recruit Josh Selby announced his decision to attend the University of Kansas. “I think that’s the best place for me to mature and get to the next level,” said an elated Selby. “[Coach Bill Self] kind of reminds me of myself. He’s very outgoing, a good coach and he’s going to get the job done.” At 6′2,” Selby promises to deliver tremendous size and athleticism to the point guard position that was held by the legendary Sherron Collins.
Let’s give Kansas coach Bill Self and his staff some credit. The Jayhawks lost Collins, center Cole Aldrich and freshman sensation Xavier Henry; all double digit scorers. Yet, Self was able to restock the shelves with a phenomenal young talent. Selby, who also considered Tennessee, Arizona and Kentucky, made the announcement during a media timeout at the Jordan Brand Classic held inside Madison Square Garden.
*** To hear Wayne Hodges’ commentary on Selby’s decision to attend KU, click here ***
In Selby, the Jayhawks are getting an explosive athlete equipped with enough offensive prowess to take over a game. Selby has deceptive quickness which makes him great off the dribble and explosive in transition. He also possesses the patience and tenacity necessary to compete in the half-court set. Defenders looking to sag off in coverage may want to think again. Selby has incredible range and he’s certainly not afraid to pull the trigger. His mid-range game is above average. Meaning? He’ll be tough to stop off the pick and roll.
“They run an NBA-type offense with pick and roll and pick and pop,” said Selby. “When I get to the next level I don’t want to be looking around [thinking] this [system] is different. I’ll already know it.” In addition to unique athletic ability, Selby is blessed with an element of unbridled toughness that Coach Self loves in his point guards. There’s no question he’ll be an extension of the coaching staff while performing on the basketball court. When asked how long he plans to stay in college, Selby was candid with his response: “God willing one year. But I have to get where I need to be.”
I just don’t see many flaws in Selby’s game. Really, I don’t. If he can somehow manage to maintain a decent assist-to-turnover ratio, Kansas will win its 7th consecutive Big 12 Championship. I’m dead serious. Selby has all the tools necessary to be a one-and-done player. His success, however, will be contingent upon his ability to adapt to the college game. Ask Xavier. It can be a little humbling at times. Xavier, after a strong non-conference start, hit the freshman wall when league play began and didn’t regain form until late in the regular season. Selby figures to endure a similar scholastic experience. Most freshmen do.
That said, I still expect Selby to be a ’super star’ at the collegiate level. Veteran Tyshawn Taylor will serve as an excellent complement; transforming KU’s talented backcourt into one of the very best in the nation. Kansas may have lost an all-time great in Collins. But Selby is not a bad consolation prize. As a matter of fact, he’s probably better. Congratulations Coach Self. You bounced back strong from that disappointing loss to Northern Iowa in the NCAA tournament. With Selby onboard, the University of Kansas will remain amongst the elite of college basketball.
Wayne Hodges, an MBA from St. Mary University, is the Editor-in-Chief of “Mass Appeal News.” He is also a candidate for Johnson County PCT Committeeman, an adjunct professor, and legislative intern with the Kansas Senate. Wayne welcomes your comments at whodges@massappealnews.com
April 18th, 2010 at 12:59 am
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April 18th, 2010 at 12:51 pm
JS welcome to the University of Kansas – the best in the country. ROCK CHALK JAYHAWK!
April 18th, 2010 at 10:13 pm
Selby is a better fit for KU than D. Lamb and B. Knight. Now we need Tyshawn to work on this jump shot this summer and we will be set. Coach Self still has one scholarship left…with X gone we could use another wing player unless Coach Self puts Marcus Morris at the 3 spot. Overall, i think we look good for another title run.
April 19th, 2010 at 12:38 pm
Gotta agree with KU chris about Selby. Bill Self got the better player. Brandon Knight is a hotdog thats hard to coach. Selby is a little more humble and more coachable.
April 19th, 2010 at 2:08 pm
wait and see…kansas will still choke in the NCAAs. they could have Michael Jordan playing for them and they would still get beat. this year Northern iowa beat that ass. next year it will be Belmont, Bucknell, Leheigh, UMKC or some other mid-major cream puff. dont get your hopes high KU fans. the ROCK CHOKE JAYHAWKS are gonna lay an egg