As promised, I am bringing you a FOUR part blog post highlighting players in the Class of 2013 that Bill Self has offered as well as other guys that he and his staff are watching. Part 1 includes a breakdown of the two players that have already given KU a verbal commitment – Conner Frankamp and Brannen Greene.

Part 2 will review the high major recruits that Self is making a top priority (Chris Walker, Julius Randle, Allerik Freeman, etc.) Part 3 will review all the remaining players that Self is known to have offered a scholarship from the ’13 class. Last, Part 4 will review those players that Self and Co. have been scouting and talking to. Many of the Part 4 players may eventually be offered a scholarship as back-up plans or if their stock continues to rise.

With that all said, let’s get started.

Conner Frankamp, PG – Committed

Notes:

• Hometown: Wichita, KS
• Height, Weight: 6’, 160
• National Rank: Rivals 42, Scout 64
• Rivals Profile, Scout Profile
• Follow him on Twitter at @CFrankamp_23
• YouTube video highlights

Review (and my take):

“Kansas has been my dream school since I was young.” – Conner Frankamp

You have to like a guy that has always dreamed of playing in a Kansas uniform. You have to like him even more if he has high major skills. Frankamp’s AAU coach, L.J. Goolsby, says Frankamp is a natural. He says that his guard makes it look effortless and that he’s in full control of the pace of the game. He’s very competitive and willing to burden the offensive load or get his teammates involved – whatever it takes to win.

When asked who Frankamp reminds him of, Goolsby said he can score like Jimmer and make incredible passing plays like Bobby Hurley (isn’t it funny how white dudes are always compared to other white dudes? I digress).

I watched Conner play a few times in person and I have to say I was thrilled with his game. He doesn’t look physically imposing at all, but he is sneaky athletic (yeah, more stereotypes). He clearly needs to grow and gain some muscle, but the good news is that he has a strong base. He isn’t scrawny in the shoulders or ankles, giving him room for some more mass.

He handles the ball extremely well. His best attribute other than scoring is definitely his ability to change speeds. He has a good crossover and can mask his move before he makes it. His best attribute, however, is his ability to score the basketball. He does have some Jimmer-like qualities in that he has an advanced offensive game and can score from anywhere in any fashion. If you step off of him, he’ll bury a long jumper. If you crowd him, he’ll find a way around you.

He needs to improve his defense on the next level and he needs to get in the weight room. Other than that, I think he’ll be a player Kansas fans will absolutely love.

Final link: A blurry twitvid of him dunking on some poor kid. 

Brannen Greene, SF – Committed

Notes:

• Hometown: Forsyth, GA
• Height, Weight: 6’7, 200
• National Rank: Rivals 31, Scout 20
• Rivals Profile, Scout Profile
• Follow him on Twitter at @b_greene14
• YouTube video highlights

Review (and my take):

“I just feel Kansas is a place I can excel not only athletically, but academically, socially. It’s a perfect environment” – Brannen Greene

Greene’s dad played at nearby Pittsburg State. In 1989, Jeffrey Greene broke the Pitt State scoring average record when he went for 24.8 points per game. Since that time, the elder Greene had been a fan of the Jayhawks. He has an even bigger reason to cheer now.

The first thing you see in Brannen is his size. He’s tall for the 2-guard position at 6’7, but he has the game to play it. At KU, he’ll most likely play a Brandon Rush-type position on the wing. It is actually a pretty good comparison as Brannen has a beautiful release from beyond the arc, especially in the corner. He also has a great baseline drive in his arsenal that results in either a mid-range jump shot or a dunk in your eye.

Like Rush, he probably needs to learn to attack the basket and get to the free throw line more, but he’ll get there. His mid range game is a huge bright spot as most preps (furiously) lack in that department. He has soft hands and a soft touch in the lane, and his jump shoot is silky smooth. He’s easily got college range and has the look of a player that can translate to an NBA two guard when he gains some more strength.

Perhaps his best attribute is his coachability, basketball IQ, and court presence. He is a 4.0 student and sounds nothing like a high school junior. He’s going to be a fantastic ambassador for KU off the court and will be a leader on the court.

Final link: A story about Greene turning into head KU recruiter now that he’s committed.

So there you have it. Part 1 in the books. Watch for Parts 2, 3, and 4 coming soon.