NBA briefs

Mark off another name from the Kansas football team’s list of potential high school signees in the 2018 recruiting class.

Grandview, Mo., defensive end Cartez Crook-Jones, one of the eight initial preps to commit to David Beaty’s program this past February, now plans to sign with rival Kansas State.

A 6-foot-3, 230-pound lineman rated a three-star prospect by Rivals, Crook-Jones announced his altered plans to commit to K-State via Twitter on Sunday, after visiting the Manhattan campus with high school teammate Shane Cherry, who also pledged to sign with the Wildcats.

Crook-Jones’ change of heart came 10 months after former KU defensive line coach Michael Slater recruited him.

At the time, the D-end was one of eight prep commitments on board with Kansas. Only cornerback Corione Harris, running back Anthony “Pooka” Williams — both from Louisiana — and Texas quarterback Clayton Tune remain from that group (Tune backed out, too, in October and then jumped back on board in November).

Crook-Jones, defensive back Aaron Brule, receiver Ja’Marr Chase, defensive tackle Nelson Jenkins and five-star receiver Devonta Jason all have since de-committed after making non-binding verbal declarations to sign with Kansas.

A Landry-Walker High teammate of five-star prospect Jason and four-star Harris, New Orleans defensive end Josh Smith re-opened his recruiting process, reneging on his commitment to Kansas, a few days before Crook-Jones’ and Jason’s decisions became public knowledge.