If someone looks at the centers for each program in say, the last 5 years, I don't think Kansas' have developed at a significantly better rate than Purdue's. They had the Morris twins in that time period, but JaJuan Johnson ended up being named a 1st Team All-American and they did not. I guess they could point to Jeff Withey's development over the course of his career, but Purdue should be able to do the same thing in regards to A.J. Hammons and Isaac Haas. They had Joel Embiid, but he was expected to be a stud and was for the most part in his one season. As far as the current personnel goes, I would think Schnider Herard would be more impressed with how Haas and Hammons are coming along vs. that of Landen Lucas and Hunter Mickelson.
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Both Boilermakers were ranked substantially higher than those Jayhawks.
Landon Lucas was Kansas' plan D ((or worse)) after Tarc popped for Zona. At one time he was ranked in the 130s, but I can not remember if he was ever higher than that. At the time of final rankings, he's not listed.
Hammonds - #77, which isn't World Beater either, but incredibly better by all means.
Mick was 2011 #100 and I really hope the kid leaves it all on the court for his final season, KU will need him. Only at KU for two yrs, but so was Withey.
Haas- #71, and iirc loads of Jayhawks wanted him, but no offer came bc Kansas was heavily in Alexander/Okafor/Turner. At 7'2", kid was better than his ranking, but not better att than the other guys.
Morri were not centers, 2008 #29/49 and went pro after their jr year.
And while All-American Johnson was ranked also in 40s, he benefitted from an extra year in his program. I don't think its too much of a stretch to think Marcus could have made First Team had he played his sr season, since he made Second Team his jr year. avg'd 17/7.5
But, that's not nearly the point. Kansas usually does not keep highly rated bigs long ((looking directly at one Perry Ellis)). Not saying Purdue isn't a very realistic option for Herard, because he could do a load worse. Painter isn't a bad coach, not in the least. I just happen to think that Self is better.
Either way, I hope Herard ends up a stud. I tend to cheer for the could-have-beens for 'my' school. Those 3/4 year guys who aren't 5★s. The ones who want to get better and have loads of potential and the drive to work hard. Those guys make up the heart of ncaa bball.
