Former UCLA and Los Angeles Laker great Jamaal Wilkes is not upset at his son, Omar, for choosing Kansas University instead of his alma mater.

On the contrary.

“I think it’s a great choice for him. I think not only is coach (Roy) Williams one of the premier coaches in college basketball, but is a true gentleman,” Jamaal Wilkes said Wednesday afternoon after his son announced he chose KU instead of UCLA and California at Loyola High in Los Angeles.

“It’s what sold my wife and I. We trust coach Williams. The Jayhawk program is a stellar program with great people in a great area of the country. UCLA our daughter goes there Omar’s sister (Sabreen). Omar was fortunate to have some great choices.”

Jamaal he says Omar stands 6-foot-4, not the 6-2 some list him realizes his son will be able to play both shooting guard and the point in college.

“I will let coach Williams decide that,” Jamaal Wilkes said with a laugh.

“One of the things that impressed me about coach Williams is he understands Omar and Omar’s game as well as anyone. I trust coach Williams to blend Omar’s ability in with the team’s.”

Jamaal said he was unsure of his son’s destination until right before Wednesday’s press conference, organized by Rico Cabrera Group Consulting Firm and attended by 200 of Wilkes’ classmates, media and relatives.

Omar Wilkes committed to Kansas on Wednesday.

“I knew for sure when he just announced it,” Jamaal Wilkes said. “I know he liked the Jayhawk program and coach Williams all along. The last few weeks has been very intense. Some of the other schools made a major effort.”

Happy KU coach: Kansas coach/salesman Williams had a tough time controlling his emotions after closing the deal on David Padgett on Tuesday.

“I was talking to coach on the phone. I told him I was coming to Kansas. He said, ‘Hold on.’ Actually he dropped the phone,” said Padgett, a 6-foot-11, 240-pound high school senior from Reno, Nev., who also announced for KU Wednesday.

“I think he went around the corner and let out a scream. He came back and said he had to walk around for corner for a minute,” Padgett said, laughing.

Williams he’s intent on signing what he calls a “nucleus class” this year can’t comment on future Jayhawks Padgett, Wilkes, plus Oklahoma guards Jeremy Case and J.R. Giddens until they sign letters of intent on Nov. 13.

But it’s safe to say he’s elated with the group of future KU players.

“Oh yes. It is possible they will finish with one of the top three classes in the country. We’ll have to wait and see how it turns out,” said analyst Mike Sullivan of rivalshoops.com.

Family matters: Omar Wilkes’ sister, Sabreen, is a freshman volleyball player at UCLA. Omar’s brother, Jordan, 13, is already 6-foot-8 and a standout basketball player at Loyola High. Padgett’s sister, Melissa, is a junior basketball player at the University of San Diego.

Courtesy calls: David Padgett showed some strong character Tuesday night.

He’d already reached a decision on his college, but refused to make it public until Arizona coach Lute Olson had been informed. Olson was difficult to reach, being overseas, but was told of Padgett’s decision early Wednesday morning.

“We released the information (to media) as soon as coach Olson was told,” Padgett’s dad, Pete, said. “David did not want a press conference, but he also wanted to make sure to tell coach Doherty (Matt, North Carolina) and coach Olson.”

It’s over: You better believe Padgett is “relieved” recruiting is over.

“I mean it’s been going on for two years. It’s weird to know it’s over,” David said. “It’s a great relief. I’m just happy with my decision right now. It’s time to concentrate on the season, it’ll be weird though, not having it (recruiting) to think about.”

No presser: Why didn’t Padgett hold a press conference to announce? “I don’t know. I didn’t want to make it a big deal,” he said, simply.