LJWorld.com

Kansas University's basketball team completed its seventh day of pre-Canada-trip training camp Wednesday at Horejsi Center.

"To be honest with you, in our seven days we've had five good days and two where we looked really young," KU coach Bill Self said of his 2008-09 team that currently includes eight returnees and five newcomers.

Two freshmen - Marcus and Markieff Morris - have yet to practice as they continue to wait for word on their eligibility from the NCAA Clearinghouse.

Self said the twins would travel with the team to Canada if they are cleared sometime today - or by the time KU's traveling party leaves for Ottawa on Friday.

KU plays a doubleheader against McGill University (10 a.m. Central time) and Carleton University (6 p.m.) on Saturday and a single game against University of Ottawa on Sunday (6 p.m.).

"They can go play (if eligible). We're not going to run any plays anyway," said Self, who has stressed that the value of the Canada trip is in practicing in Lawrence, not playing the exhibitions.

"They will definitely be behind, no doubt about it. I think it'd be great if we had them just for the camaraderie and also to get them back up. They are down right now. They have missed a week of school. Certainly this has not been positive for them. They've kept a good attitude."

Since the twins are not enrolled in school (KU can't pay for their education until they are cleared), they cannot practice, attend class or work out with KU's trainers.

"We can talk to them (but) everything has to be on their own, not using our facilities," Self said. "If they are working out, they are doing it somewhere other than here."

It's a similar situation to Brandon Rush's freshman year when he wasn't cleared to practice and attend class until early September.

"If it wasn't Canada it wouldn't be a big deal, except for class," Self said. "Obviously class is the biggest deal. The last thing you want to do is put students behind, playing catch-up. Hopefully we'll get an answer as soon as possible."

Self is leaning toward not playing junior guard Sherron Collins during the three games in Canada. Collins, who had arthroscopic knee surgery on April 22, reported back to school carrying some excess pounds.

"I'd say probably not," Self said when asked if the 5-foot-11, 200-pounder would play. "The doctors think his knee looks very good. Until he is in condition enough ... to push off on it and stuff, there's no reason to risk it."

Self said Collins "has been out there a few possessions (in scrimmage situations at practice), not the whole time," Self said.

As far as getting in shape: "I would say he's doing some extra things to get caught up. (He's) not quite got caught up yet. He'll probably not play."

Self was asked which players "fans should be excited about" after a week of pre-Canada workouts.

"I think they should be excited about all of them at some point in time," Self said, not naming names this early. "After this many practices, nobody has stood out."

¢Roster info: KU has released its official basketball roster. Here are the official heights and weights of the newcomers: Tyrone Appleton, 6-2, 203; Mario Little, 6-5, 210; Tyshawn Taylor, 6-3, 180; Quintrell Thomas, 6-7, 240; Marcus Morris, 6-8, 225; Markieff Morris, 6-9, 232 and Travis Releford, 6-5, 200. Here are heights and weight of the returnees: Cole Aldrich, 6-11, 245; Brennan Bechard, 6-0, 185; Chase Buford, 6-3, 210; Sherron Collins, 5-11, 200; Matt Kleinmann 6-10, 250; Brady Morningstar, 6-3, 187; Tyrel Reed, 6-3, 185; Conner Teahan, 6-5, 215. Appleton will wear jersey number 32; Little No. 23; Taylor No. 15; Thomas No. 11; Marcus Morris No. 22; Markieff Morris No. 21 and Releford No. 24.

¢More on Henry: Carl Henry, the father of KU recruit Xavier Henry, told Rivals.com on Tuesday that Xavier, a 6-6 senior from Putnam City (Okla.) High, will still visit KU in the wake of Xavier's brother, C.J., committing to Memphis on Tuesday.

"C.J.'s decision has absolutely no impact on Xavier's decision," said Carl Henry, who played basketball at KU. "He is still going to visit Kansas during their ring ceremony (Sept. 19-20) and during Late Night (Oct. 17). That hasn't changed at all. Xavier is also going to visit Memphis. As far as a decision goes, he hasn't made one. Xavier is going to do what is best for him."