Kansas won’t be able to easily replace Marcus and Markieff Morris next season. But it’s giving it a shot.
The Jayhawks secured a commitment Sunday from 3-star forward Braeden Anderson, according to multiple reports. He’s not as broad as either of the twins (6-8, 210 pounds), but should be a good fit for Kansas’ high-post offense because of his solid post moves and reliable mid-range jumper.
A big factor in the decision? Assistant coach Danny Manning, who’s helped every Kansas forward since 2008 boost their NBA profile.
“It was a tough choice,” Anderson told Jeff Borzello of CBSSports.com. “But KU is a better fit.”
Anderson’s the second solid recruit Kansas added in the last week. Shooting guard Ben McLemore, a four-star prospect, committed last Monday. He’s expected to compete for a starting spot now that freshman guard Josh Selby seems likely to also declare for the NBA draft. (Seniors Brady Morningstar, Tyrel Reed and Mario Little are also gone.)
With McLemore, Anderson and previous recruit Naadir Tharpe, the Jayhawks’ roster just got a little deeper next season. Relying on Thomas Robinson, Tyshawn Taylor, Elijah Johnson and Travis Releford to carry the load for an eighth straight Big 12 title wasn’t going to be enough.
But now? Things are shaping up nicely for Kansas coach Bill Self. (And small forward DeAndre Daniels is still out there.) Adding a few talented players in April is just what he needed .
“He sounded fired up,” Anderson told Evan Daniels of Scout.com. “He said it was the best news he’d gotten this week. It was a surprise. Coach [Joe] Dooley let me call and tell him.”
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