Father knows best

Mario Chalmers said he made his decision to enter the NBA Draft after talking to KU coach Bill Self, as well as his mom, Almarie, and dad, Ronnie.

Ronnie Chalmers is KU’s director of basketball operations.

“My dad basically said, ‘If you feel it’s the right time, go for it. I know it’s been your dream, but just be smart about it,”’ Mario said.

Being smart apparently was not hiring an agent and leaving open the possibility of a return to KU. Chalmers said he’ll stay in the draft only if he’s guaranteed to be a first-round pick.

Point guard at next level

Chalmers said an NBA concern is that he has not played point guard exclusively at KU.

“I hear that’s the biggest issue with me, not playing point since I’ve been here. I’m not too worried. I’ve played it since I was growing up. The best fit for me at Kansas was playing 2 (guard) because we had great guards in Russell (Robinson) and Sherron (Collins). It’s something coach Self tried, and it worked for the best. I will try to go in as a point guard, something I did growing up,” Chalmers said.

Rush update

KU junior Brandon Rush, who has chosen Priority Sports of Chicago as his representation, will soon begin two-a-day workouts at the company’s facility in the Windy City. Self said Rush leaves KU with his blessing, only because Rush has taken care of his academic responsibilities.

“We have made it very clear to our guys if they care a lick about their school they are not going to hurt the guys after them,” Self said. “Brandon is well ahead of the curve academically. We anticipated this occurring (Rush declaring for draft with agent). He will be fine in fulfilling NCAA requirements (for eligibility).”