Two of Kansas' best make jump to the NBA
Brandon Rush and Darrell Arthur declared for the NBA draft.
April 17, 2008
By Matt Lindberg
By now, I'm sure you have heard about it on television or through a friend on campus, in your dorm, etc. Kansas Jayhawks' mens' basketball team players Brandon Rush and Darrell Arthur have announced they will be eligible for this year's NBA draft.
I for one am happy. Yes, I know. The Jayhawks lose a lot in Rush and Arthur, specifically scoring as both were two of the team's leading scorers. But I am confident Coach Bill Self is bringing in some new guys to uphold Kansas basketball tradition. I've been hearing a lot of people say they were surprised both guys are moving forward to the NBA. However, I find this ridiculous.
Arthur is predicted to be a lottery pick. Yes, some say he is inconsistent. I can agree with this at times. But let's be honest, he's still one heck of a player. I think he will be a great asset to an NBA team. Rush also has potential to be a good role player for his future NBA team. He was a top scorer for the Jayhawks. I think he will need to improve on stepping up and taking the big shots though. I give him credit, he seemed to start doing this once the tournament, but before he always seemed to pass it off when he had opportunities.
But really I ask critics of both Arthur's and Rush's one question: Why not? They just won the NCAA title. And their odds of repeating are not very good at all, although I wish that weren't the case. The Hawks will lose Sasha Kaun, Jeremy Case, Russell Robinson, Rod Steward, Darnell Jackson and Brad Witherspoon due to the fact that they were seniors this past season. Chalmers might declare as well. I just don't see the Hawks repeating with Rush, Arthur, possibly Chalmers and Sherron Collins. The seniors I previously mentioned played a significant role in this past season.
I for one am going to support both of these guys in their NBA career. I can't blame them for leaving. If I had the opportunity of being a first round pick, making millions and living my life as a professional athlete, I'd do the exact same thing. Brandon is projected to go in the late first round or early second round, Arthur is predicted to be a lottery pick and I am hearing Chalmers would be in the top 20 if he declares.
Just like I rock my Jullian Wright New Orleans jersey, I will make sure to do the same for the players mentioned above, just as long as they aren't on the Spurs. I never have and never will like them.
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I won't be sad to see Arthur go, simply because he can't pass. I wish we could have kept Julian and gotten rid of Darrell, but whatever.
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