Truth & Rumors > NCAAB

Kansas luring East Coast recruits

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In 15 years at Kansas, Roy Williams brought in one East Coast player, and here was Bill Self, trying to sign four in one year. Anyone who has seen Self work a living room will say he is a great salesman, but even for him, extracting a fourth player from just off the Jersey Turnpike seemed a bit extravagant. Tyshawn Taylor had plenty of questions about leaving home for a place like Kansas. Most important, would he be bored out of his mind? He was a city guy, fast-talking, fast-moving and ever-tied to his cell phone. Georgia Tech was after him, which meant Atlanta. He had been committed to Marquette, which meant Milwaukee. But, then again, Thomas had chosen KU over Maryland and UNLV, and the twins picked the Jayhawks over hometown Villanova.

Kansas City Star

Bill Self, Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images Bill Self, Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images
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June 9, 2008  09:29 AM ET

Well, apparently you have not been to that part of the nation. Lawrence is 30 minutes from Kansas City, and 30 miles from Johnson County,KS. Combined they both offer any type of entertainment, restaurants, shopping you would desire. And, Lawrence is a terrific college town.

Oh, and here's another reason they might WANT to attend KU. We win championships. And, dominate the Big 12.

I think a kid would much rather play a top 5 all time program and have a shot at a National Title than go to Milwaukee for example.

June 9, 2008  09:41 AM ET

"Why in heck would anyone WANT to go to Kansas????"

Someone must've been living in exile during March/April this year. Kansas won a little something called a National Championship...I think you missed that one.

June 9, 2008  10:52 AM ET

Self IS a great recruiter, but I don't think winning a National title hurts either. I'm an Illini fan, and it's amazing how much of a drop there was in Illinois' recruiting after Self left. He got Deron Williams to leave Texas and come to Champaign.....even though he was recruited by most of the major Big 12 teams...

June 9, 2008  11:59 AM ET

yeah this is no surprise. self and KU are big time. they can and should be getting the best available talent anywhere they want.

June 9, 2008  12:24 PM ET

It stinks losing recruits to big-time schools/
but its EXPECTED

What sucks is when we lose these recruits to 'leser' schools

June 9, 2008  12:34 PM ET

Kansas has always landed East Coast recruits. Shoot, they got Wilt Chamberlain to go there from Philadelphia back in the 1950's.

So, why is this a story?

June 9, 2008  12:47 PM ET

great players have been going to KU for years, it shouldn't be surprising that east coast kids are interested now that they won the championship.

June 9, 2008  03:39 PM ET

That mean Big East schools need to recruit in KS. Nah!

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June 9, 2008  05:56 PM ET

STAY OUT OF THE EAST !!! THIS IS KENO COUNTRY !!!

June 11, 2008  03:44 AM ET

Wi;ll someone PLEASE come and play for Keno at PC - PLEASE !!!

June 11, 2008  11:32 AM ET

Self is a great recruiter ....I moved from Kansas in 2006 and went to many games. He is a [player-coach and well liked. I agree Lawrence is not the big city but the college is nice and it has great facilities. When you win a championship and recruit like Self... they wil come.

 
February 18, 2009  05:58 AM ET

Maryland won a national title too, but had to go to Venezuela to find a guy to shoot 38% from the field, while Durant and Carmelo could have commuted but went elsewhere.

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