Kansas basketball: Opportunity of a lifetime for 5 Jayhawks

The NBA Draft Combine is set to get underway in Chicago. Five members of the 2017-18 Kansas basketball team have the opportunity of a lifetime.

Kansas basketball heroes Devonte Graham and Svi Mykhailiuk walked in Sunday’s university graduation ceremonies. On Thursday, they join over 5 dozen other college basketball stars and three fellow Jayhawk teammates at the annual NBA Draft Combine. Graham, Mykhailiuk, Malik Newman, Billy Preston and Udoka Azubuike hope to listen, learn and show their very best to the professional decision makers.

Unfortunately, Lagerald Vick is just an alternate and won’t get to attend.  While his friends get the first-class treatment in Chicago, Vick gets to show off his game at IMG Academy in Florida. That is the site of the secondary 2018 Pro Basketball Combine. It begins May 22.

All of the Jayhawks hope to make the most of this opportunity. This year’s NBA draft is crowded and nobody promises anyone anything.  Svi attended the event a year ago. Despite an injured ankle, he learned enough to know he needed to return for a senior season for Bill Self.  It certainly paid off for Jayhawk fans and the 6-foot-8 sharpshooter. He needs to wow them just like he overwhelmed the devils in the NCAA Regional Finals.

Graham needs just the right situation

Graham brings personality and leadership to the next level. On the other hand, that may not count for much in the NBA. On the right team and with the right coaching staff, Graham will be a star. The Big 12 Player of the Year will get lost on the wrong team.  Nobody will outwork Graham.

Malik Newman must bring that same effort to the Combine we saw from him in March. Newman must believe in himself.  He must attack the basket and play heads up defense. The time is now for the Mississippi native. As a matter of fact, if Newman hesitates, he could find himself in a lineup overseas.

Azubuike has the most to learn and Jayhawk fans can’t wait to see the results next season. Kansas basketball tweeted photos of the 7-foot center at Sunday’s graduation ceremonies with Graham and Svi. In the first place, getting an education is important to Doke and his mom. He will get an invaluable lesson while in Chicago.

Next: Marcus Morris learned defense at KU

Preston could be the surprise of the Combine

Kansas basketball fans only saw Billy Preston on the court in Italy and the Border War Showdown for Relief. We were told he left Europe with an injury. If he’s healthy, Preston could be the surprise of the Combine. He just might be the first Jayhawk taken in this year’s draft.