Chalmers receives praise

Kansas University junior guard Mario Chalmers drew rave reviews from one talent evaluator at the recent Adidas Nations Basketball Experience in New Orleans.

“Chalmers really stood out with the phenomenal on- and off-ball defense he played throughout the camp, smothering with his excellent combination of lateral quickness, tenacity and length, constantly getting in the passing lanes, finishing craftily in transition with a layup or emphatic dunk, showing a great attitude throughout, and also coming up with some excellent passes on the fast break and in half-court sets,” said Jonathan Givony of draftexpress.com.

“He has NBA potential for sure. It’s just a matter of polishing his skills and decision making and becoming a viable defensive oriented combo guard who can shoot and handle the ball well enough to make himself useful as a pro. He’s not a prototypical NBA point guard prospect, but he does have some very appealing attributes that should make him a solid draft pick either this year or next.”

Chalmers was a counselor at the camp, which also included KU teammate Sasha Kaun as well as Darren Collison, Eric Gordon, Terrence Williams, Tyler Smith, Derrick Rose and others.

KU coach Bill Self believes the experience will benefit Kaun and Chalmers.

“It was great for them,” Self said. “It’s great anytime you can play against other good players.”

Self plays Southern Hills

PGA in Oklahoma: An avid golfer and native Oklahoman, Self wanted to attend this weekend’s PGA championships at Southern Hills in Tulsa. Prior commitments will prevent that, however.

Self says his best round at Southern Hills is “an 81 or 82. It’s the nicest course I’ve played.”

He said the toughest hole is the 488-yard, par-4, No. 2 hole.

Monroe update

KU is in the running for Greg Monroe, the No. 1 player in the Class of 2008. Monroe, 6-10 from Cox High in Harvey, La., says KU will be awarded an in-home visit in September. Others on his list: Duke, LSU, Florida, Georgetown, Louisville, Southern California, Texas, North Carolina, Baylor, Connecticut and Kentucky.