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Kansas basketball: Ochai Agbaji joins loaded 2018 recruiting class

By Stan Unruh

LAWRENCE, KS - FEBRUARY 6: Kansas Jayhawks fans cheer on their team as they are introduced prior to a game against the TCU Horned Frogs at Allen Fieldhouse on February 6, 2018 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images)
LAWRENCE, KS - FEBRUARY 6: Kansas Jayhawks fans cheer on their team as they are introduced prior to a game against the TCU Horned Frogs at Allen Fieldhouse on February 6, 2018 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) /
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Kansas basketball added another name to the 2018 recruiting class. Ochai Agbaji is considered by many the best high school player in Kansas City.

The Kansas basketball team is getting plenty of recruiting attention the day after college football’s National Signing Day. Hall of Fame Head Coach Bill Self found a local prospect who could be a tremendous addition to the Jayhawk basketball family.  Ochai Agbaji stopped by Allen Fieldhouse for a visit Saturday, February 3, to see the Jayhawks take on Oklahoma State.

The 6-5 shooting guard or small forward, depending on who you read probably thought he could bring some energy to help the Jayhawks. He picked a tough time to visit considering the lackluster performance and the final outcome. On the other hand, the visit paid dividends for Self and the Jayhawks.

Agbaji didn’t waste any time making up his mind despite offers from 7 or 8 other schools and visits reportedly planned to schools in the Pac 12, the SEC and some genuine interest from a Big 10 program according to Eric Bossi on Rival.com.  Agbaji accepted the offer from coach Self and made the announcement at Oak Park high school Thursday afternoon.

The announcement was not anything long and dramatic as many of these events. He simply sat down with his parents in front of some cameras. He took the microphone, said a few words and stood up to reveal a Jayhawk t-shirt.  Those assembled in the gymnasium screamed and cheered appropriately for the young man who is averaging almost 30 points a game this season.

Crowded bench next season

Next: What we learned from win over TCU

As a matter of fact, Agbaji is not among the top ranked players in the country. The rank means little to the Kansas basketball coaching staff.  Frank Mason received little attention in high school and we all know what he accomplished in Crimson and Blue.  Coach Self knows what he likes and what the Jayhawks need or he would not have offered the scholarship.

Agbaji  joins a crowded list of recruits for the 2018 season. The roster includes McDonald All-Americans David McCormack, Quentin Grimes and Devon Dotson. Silvio De Sousa is already on the team along with five guards or wings for next season. It’s great to have too many. After the thin roster this season, coach Self is loading up for next season and Agbaji should be a great addition.

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