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Kansas basketball: Lagerald Vick needs a senior season

By Stan Unruh

AMES, IA - JANUARY 16: Lagerald Vick #2 of the Kansas Jayhawks dunks the ball as Nick Weiler-Babb #1 of the Iowa State Cyclones watches on in the second half of play at Hilton Coliseum on January 16, 2017 in Ames, Iowa. The Kansas Jayhawks won 76-72 over the Iowa State Cyclones. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images)
AMES, IA - JANUARY 16: Lagerald Vick #2 of the Kansas Jayhawks dunks the ball as Nick Weiler-Babb #1 of the Iowa State Cyclones watches on in the second half of play at Hilton Coliseum on January 16, 2017 in Ames, Iowa. The Kansas Jayhawks won 76-72 over the Iowa State Cyclones. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images) /
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Kansas basketball fans would love to see Lagerald Vick in Crimson and Blue next season. He pulled his name from the NBA Draft and has some big decisions ahead.

Lagerald Vick excited Kansas basketball fans Friday. One of the Jayhawk heroes from the Final Four run decided to pull his name out of this year’s NBA Draft. That doesn’t automatically mean he is returning to school. On the other hand, there is a chance he will play another season for Hall of Fame coach Bill Self. That would be wonderful!

When word leaked of Vick’s decision, social media exploded with enthusiasm for the possibility of his return to KU. There were a few who, based on statements made when he announced April 6 his intention to turn pro, felt Vick was never going to return. Most Kansas basketball fans read what coach Self said, “We wish him the very best in whatever path this takes him.” Coaches say similar things when any player turns pro. Vick’s situation is unique.

I still don’t understand why Vick didn’t get an invite to the NBA Draft Combine?  I’m sure that shocked him too. I hoped that as an alternate he might get a last-minute call to travel to Chicago. It didn’t happen and he settled for attending the Pro Basketball Combine in Florida. It’s the secondary draft combine when you miss the cut to make the big showcase.  As a matter of fact, Daxter Miles of West Virginia also attended this combine.

In Florida, Vick measured 6-foot-4 ½ in shoes with a wingspan of 6-foot-10. The combine website listed him among the top 3-point shooters and one of the three fastest in the ¾ court sprint. He scored 8 points on 3-5 shooting, hustled for a rebound and a pair of steals in one half of a game on the second day of the combine.

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Big decision ahead for Vick

This year’s NBA draft is crowded. Vick is wise to wait. Kansas basketball fans all want the best for him. If he decides to go to the G-League, fine. If he decides to return for his senior season, fantastic!  His experience and shooting touch would be very valuable for next season. Senior seasons at KU worked well for Frank Mason and Devonte Graham. I know Vick will make the right choice.

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