THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL
Wednesday was supposed to be D-Day for Kansas basketball recruiting, but the suspense isn't finished yet.
Five-star forward DeAndre Daniels delayed his decision another day, to the surprise of no one who has followed his lengthy recruiting saga. Daniels, ranked No. 10 in the 2011 class by Rivals.com, is scheduled to choose between KU and Texas this morning, after the spring signing period ends.
KU got clarity on two other recruiting battles, signing three-star forward Jamari Traylor, Daniels' teammate at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla. Five-star guard Trevor Lacey, another KU target, committed to Alabama.
Traylor, a 6-foot-7 forward, chose the Jayhawks instead of Texas Tech, Oklahoma State and Indiana. He is the fourth member of KU's 2011 recruiting class, joining point guard Naadir Tharpe, shooting guard Ben McLemore and power forward Braeden Anderson.
"I really feel Jamari could be a sleeper that everybody will say, 'Where did you get him?' a couple years from now, in a similar way they did the Morris twins," KU coach Bill Self said. "He's very young basketball-wise. He's a sponge and wants to learn. I really think he's going to get good, fast."
Forwards Marcus and Markieff Morris declared for the NBA draft after their junior seasons, leaving Thomas Robinson and Jeff Withey as KU's only returning post players. Minutes will be available in the frontcourt, a factor that contributed to Traylor's decision.
"If I go in and play hard and really try to prove myself, I know I can play right away," said Traylor, who averaged 20 points and 12 rebounds as a high school senior.
IMG director Andy Borman said Traylor could be the best pure athlete in the 2011 class, citing his ability to play around the rim. Traylor, who has played three years of organized basketball, will look to polish his skills at KU.
"I know I can match guys on the physical level, but I really want to work on my skills as far as my ballhandling," said Traylor, a power forward ranked No. 141 in his class by Rivals. "I know I can knock down the midrange shot, know I can step out and shoot."
For KU, the bigger questions pertain to Daniels. If familiarity matters, the Jayhawks should have an edge; Daniels was a teammate of Traylor and walk-on Christian Garrett at IMG.
Traylor said he is close to Daniels but offered no hints about Thursday's decision.
"We cool," he said, "but when I'm with DeAndre, I don't really want to talk about school."
Wednesday is the final day of the spring signing period. Players who miss the deadline for National Letters of Intent can sign nonbinding financial aid agreements.
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