On Thursday morning I found myself in a high school gymnasium just outside Oklahoma City. I couldn’t help wondering why I drove through the night to get to this city. It’s all part of the wild and crazy ride that the Xavier Henry recruiting process has become. In all reality, the Henry family has turned a simple process into its own personal three-ring circus.

It seemed so simple at first. Henry had narrowed his choice to Kansas or Memphis. He chose Memphis and Kansas fans moved on. Things got interesting when coach John Calipari left Memphis for Kentucky. It looked like Henry and his brother would leave and come to Kansas, but then they announced they would take a visit to Kentucky. Then they called it off and set a press conference for Thursday morning. This is what brought me to Oklahoma City.

There was entirely too much speculation before the conference even started. People were claiming Carl Henry, Xavier’s father, had told them the pair would be heading to Kansas. Rumors were swirling, but a decision had to be made Thursday morning.

With the announcement that Henry is coming to Kansas, it’s safe to say next year’s squad could be a circus of its own. Henry is the lion: everyone is watching to see how ferocious he can be on the court.

No, it doesn’t stop there. The Morris twins are the clowns, the jokers of the team. Tyshawn Taylor is the motorcyclist in the cage. He makes everyone nervous. He caused too many turnovers last season, but when he’s on, he’s on, which makes him exciting despite his flaws.

The two ringleaders of this team are Cole Aldrich and Sherron Collins. The fact that they are both coming back gives the team two players who can run the show, though Sherron obviously takes on more of that role.

Bill Self is the P.T. Barnum of this operation. He sets up the game plan and orchestrates everything like a master. He’s really handled this recruiting situation very nicely. Landing Xavier Henry is a big deal and will complete Kansas’ squad for next year.

All the parts are coming together nicely. Henry will join a top-notch recruiting class including Thomas Robinson and Elijah Johnson. The team also retains a lot of talent. Pundits are already talking about the Jayhawks as a preseason favorite to win the national championship next year. The Xavier Henry circus coming to town only helps their chances. Next year, in all reality, Kansas basketball could turn into the greatest show on Earth.

— — Edited by Justin Leverett