Padgett’s pick puzzling
Self surprised, but supportive of freshman
Forty-something Bill Self doesn’t always understand how young minds work.
“I’ve never experienced a guy who started on an Elite Eight team that thought the grass was greener elsewhere, but everybody’s entitled to their own opinions — what they think is best for them,” Self said Thursday after 6-foot-11 freshman center David Padgett pulled a head-scratching move in telling Self, the first-year Kansas University basketball coach, Padgett had decided to transfer.
“He feels he needs to play on the perimeter — more so than what I played him on the perimeter to better utilize his abilities,” Self said. “I don’t agree with David’s decision or reasoning, but certainly respect the decision he’s come to. He is certainly a good kid, and we wish him well in future endeavors.”
Padgett, who averaged 6.5 points and 4.5 boards while starting 19 of 31 games last season, cited a desire to play forward instead of center as his reason for transferring.
He didn’t indicate his future school or tell Self his destination, though his finalists in high school included Stanford, Arizona and North Carolina. Also, his hometown school, the University of Nevada, has made major strides and now legitimately could attract a former McDonald’s All-American like Padgett.
“I think I’ll have more opportunities to be a face-up player and play the four position at another school,” Padgett said. “I want to wish my ex-teammates and the great KU fans all the best, and I hope they have a great season next year.”
Padgett attempted several 15-foot jumpers from around the free-throw line last season, and Self said he had envisioned the big guy firing outside jumpers in the future.
“Our style allowed David to play at the top of the key and the low-post area, which, to be honest, best served him,” Self said. “Obviously, he didn’t feel that way.
“This is the first year we didn’t have a big guy shoot a lot of threes. I bet Wayne (Simien) shoots at least 50 of ’em next year.”
Kansas University freshman David Padgett, left, goes up for a shot as Kansas State's Jeremiah Massey defends during the Jayhawks' game Jan. 28 in Manhattan. Padgett announced Thursday he intended to transfer from KU.
Minor setback
Speaking of next year, Self said Padgett’s departure — and that of Omar Wilkes and Moulaye Niang, who also have decided to leave — should not diminish high expectations for the squad, ranked No. 1 in ESPN reporter Andy Katz’s preseason list.
“We’ll rely on young guys, just like we did this year,” Self said of freshman Alexander Kaun, 6-11 from Russia, who could take over Padgett’s starting spot next to Simien.
Also, 6-9 Darnell Jackson and 6-2 Russell Robinson join the program, and Christian Moody’s playing time likely will increase. KU also is adding a walk-on in 6-11 Matt Kleinmann of Blue Valley West.
One scholarship remains to be given in recruiting — three if the 5-and-8 recruiting rule is rescinded.
The NCAA’s 5-and-8 rule limits programs to five scholarships in a year or eight scholarships in two years.
“We have four good starters coming back, plus Mike Lee, who gives us experience, a good recruiting class coming in and maybe a chance to add to it. There’s no reason the expectations should be dampened at all,” Self said.
“You have arguably the best returning big guy in America and get Alexander Kaun, who will be one of the best freshman big men in America. Darnell is coming in, and Christian is here, and we have maybe the opportunity to sign someone else, although the timing is not the best.
“There may be some appeals out there. Who knows?” Self said of appealing to the NCAA over the 5-and-8 rule.
Those appeals rarely are granted, as schools like Arizona, crippled by transfers in the past, have learned.
6Sports video: Padgett looking for new program
Padgett’s pick puzzlingCaught ‘off guard’
Self, who spoke calmly to the media and said he was not angry at Padgett personally, said Padgett’s decision, “certainly caught us off guard. We were under the impression based on conversations with David that everything was fine. We found out after he went home this past weekend after the banquet that he had been unhappy with the way he was utilized.”
As to where he’ll be utilized next, Padgett’s future suitors will have to call athletic director Lew Perkins for permission to talk to the player.
“There is no such thing as a blanket release,” KU assistant AD Jim Marchiony said, noting each school had to ask for permission to talk to the player.
As far as rumors Padgett might want to play for Roy Williams at North Carolina –Williams recruited Padgett to KU — Carolina sources indicate there’s no sign UNC will pursue the player. Carolina has filled all its scholarships for next year, though one or two signees are rumored to be headed to the NBA.
Self was told one recruiting analyst had Padgett headed to UNC.
“That would be very disappointing,” Self said in response, “but David gave me no indication that was the case.”
As to Padgett perhaps playing close to home, where Padgett returned last weekend for a visit after KU’s banquet, Self said: “That was not talked about.”
Self’s bottom line?
“We wish David and his family the best, and we certainly appreciate the one year of effort he gave us here at Kansas,” Self said.
Padgett will remain at KU to finish the spring semester.