Recruiting - Hoops

Just heard confirmation that Julian Wright has committed to Kansas. This kid didn't even have Kansas on his list a few weeks ago and now baaammm! KU grabs another one. Why is this important for GT fans?

1. Kansas only has one 'ship left to give. In other words, CJ Miles and Kevin Rogers are no longer possible as a package deal, UNLESS THEY WANT TO GO TO Georgia Tech. We seem to be the solid #2 choice for both at the moment, but that could change. Not only that Miles, Rogers and Brandon Costner are in a bit of a stand-off for the remaining 'ship.

2. Wright is a 6'8" small forward. He is listed as the #2 SF in the nation by Rivals, the #10 player in the nation and the #1 player out of Illinois. CJ Miles is a guy who can play anything from the 1-3 spot. There is a bit of overlap here.

3. There is more overlap for Miles to consider. Kansas also has a verbal from 6'8" Micah Downs, another SF and considered the #14 prospect nationally and the #4 SF. Now, there are rumors that his verbal to KU is not solid and that he might consider another school. But that is all speculation at the moment. If he backs out that does leave 2 'ships, but for the moment there is only one left to give.

4. GT has signed one of the top scoring guards in the class - Lewis Clinch, and a high-potential guy at teh 3/4 spot - Alade Aminu. We are inline for one or two more big guys down low and inline for a top PG prospect in 2006. This whole thing sets up perfectly for a place for Miles to have a real impact.

5. CJ Miles will be visiting GT the weekend of 9/17. He will have an in-home visit from Paul Hewitt 9/12, an in-home visit from KU's Bill Self 9/13, then a campus visit to GT the weekend of 9/17. He does have a visit to Texas scheduled for early October, but many people believe he will make his decision before then. While KU is still his leader, this all sets up VERY well for GT. Do NNNNOOOOTTTT count out the Jackets landing Miles, no matter how impressed he was at Kansas.

Folks, things are getting REAL interesting. This is a positive turn of events for GT. Stay tuned!!!!
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PS - What is going on in Kansas. They are amassing talent like NOBODY!!! I am serious. Here is their last 2 recruiting classes and their RIVALS rankings:

2005
Mario Chalmers - #1 Ranked Point Guard by Rivals. #12 player overall
Julian Wright - #2 Small Forward, #10 overall, #1 in Illinois
Micah Downs - #4 Small Forward, #14 overall

2004
Russell Robinson - #7 SG, #27 overall
Alex Galindo(6'6") - #15 Small Forward, #65 overall
Darnell Jackson (6'9") - #12 Power Forward, #54 overall
Alexander Kaun (6'11") - #5 Center, #34 overall
Chester Giles (6'10") - #9 Center, #62 overall

Folks, that's just amazing. If Self can coach and balance playing time and keep all these guys happy, they ought to win a lot of games. The new guys will have to just accept watching from the bench.

On top of that, when you look at their existing team already, they are LOADED on the wings. I just don't see Miles going to KU now. For Self to tell Miles he will get lots of playing time would be an empty promise. I am thinking "you can be a part of a great team" speech.