photo by: Journal-World illustration

University of Kansas basketball recruiting

Less than 24 hours after learning about the departure of two players from the 2020-21 roster, the Kansas men’s basketball program got word of a replacement when Bobby Pettiford Jr., a 6-foot-1, 175-pound point guard from Creedmoor, N.C., announced his commitment to the Jayhawks on social media.

“Thanks to all the coaches that recruited me through these tough times,” Pettiford wrote on his Twitter page Tuesday afternoon. “With all that being said, I’m excited to announce I’ll be committing to the University Of Kansas. Jayhawk nation stand up! Let’s get to it.”

The one-time Louisville commitment who reopened his recruitment after a change on the Cardinals coaching staff, is ranked No. 115 in the 2021 recruiting class by Rivals.com and in the Top 100 by ESPN (95), 247 Sports (88) and SI.com (82).

Rivals.com lists him as a three-star prospect while 247 Sports has him rated as a four-star talent.

After announcing his de-commitment from Louisville, Pettiford heard from a couple dozen schools who were interested in adding him to their roster.

Known primarily as an explosive athlete who plays best around the rim, Pettiford showed off his improved shooting touch during his senior season at South Granville High, hitting 53% from the floor, 39% from 3-point range and 80% at the free-throw line.

Pettiford, who hails from the same general area as former KU point guards Devonte’ Graham (Raleigh) and Devon Dotson (Charlotte) has drawn comparisons to Dotson for his attacking mindset.

“Pettiford is a big-time athlete and really gets downhill with the ball,” national recruiting analyst Eric Bossi wrote last summer. “He’s not backing down from anybody.”

Pettiford will be eligible to make his oral commitment official by signing a letter of intent with the Jayhawks on April 14, the start of the regular signing period for Division I college basketball.

His addition to a 2021 class that already included four-star prospects K.J. Adams (6-7, 220), Zach Clemence (6-10, 210) and three-star big man Sydney Curry (6-8, 265) moved the Jayhawks up to 5th in the 2021 team rankings at 247 Sports.