Given their dominance of the Big 12–to the tune of 11-straight regular season titles–no conversations about preseason favorites can be had without including the Kansas Jayhawks. Bill Self and company have earned that prestige, no doubt.
Their case for next season just got a bit stronger with the commitment of Cheick Diallo, who win MVP honors at both the McDonald’s All-American game and the Jordan Brand Classic. The five-star power forward announced that he will head to Lawrence next season, picking KU over the likes of Kentucky and St. John’s.
Cheick Diallo’s motor is his biggest attribute. Rim-running ability will shine with Kansas’ pace. Dominant rebounder. Always productive.
— Jeff Borzello (@jeffborzello) April 28, 2015
No pure centers in the bunch, but Cheick Diallo, Perry Ellis and Carlton Bragg are an intriguing trio. All bring something different. — Jeff Borzello (@jeffborzello) April 28, 2015
Diallo will give Self yet another big, and athletic body to employ against the likes of Iowa State and Oklahoma, both of which should challenge the Jayhawks for conference supremacy in 2015-2016.
Loading up in the frontcourt may not completely make up for the fact that KU missed out on a handful of guard targets that they had been in the running for, like Malik Newman and Tyler Dorsey, but it certainly helps add depth to a unit that, outside of Ellis, lacked offensive firepower.
Kansas has gained a reputation for developing big men, and preparing them for the NBA, which is one of the primary reasons that Diallo said he chose the Jayhawks over other suitors.
Self’s attention now turns to five-star small forward Jaylen Brown, who has KU in his final five schools.
