Former Jayhawk Xavier Henry Finally Close To Deal With Memphis Grizzlies

Former University of Kansas Jayhawk Xavier Henry has spent much of the summer after being drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies sitting around waiting for the team to sign him.

Grizzlies owner Michael Heisley passionately defended his right to attach certain conditions and incentives into Henry’s contract that are unusual by NBA standards.

Michael Tillery of the Memphis Commercial Appeal reports that it now appears Heisley is finally ready to relent.

The Grizzlies removed performance-based bonuses from contract offers to Xavier Henry and Greivis Vasquez, and the first-round draft picks could sign deals as soon as Thursday.

Team owner Michael Heisley said Wednesday night that he was on the wrong side of the issue and made his decision after NBA officials provided an in-depth explanation with regards to the spirit of the collective bargaining agreement.

…

“As far as I’m concerned I’m happy the issue has been resolved,” Heisley said. “There’s no question I’m doing what I should have probably done earlier.”

Clearly, this is a huge win for Henry, who can finally begin his NBA career.

Bobcats Sign Former KU Guard Sherron Collins To Two-Year Deal

Former Kansas Jayhawks guard Sherron Collins finished the Charlotte Bobcats' summer league with an impressive 32-point performance that included 7/11 shooting on three-pointers.

That performance helped earn him a deal with the Bobcats, according to the Associated Press.

The two-year deal is not guaranteed, but has two triggers before January that would allow him to make the full amount of the league-minimum contract. Collins is in Charlotte to sign the deal on Friday.

The former Kansas product will join D.J. Augustin and newly signed Shaun Livingston as point guards on Charlotte's roster. The Bobcats lost last year's starter, Raymond Felton, to New York in free agency.

Good for him. I think once he gets going the Bobcats will be very pleased with him.

Cole Aldrich Compares Oklahoma City To Lawrence, Talks About Sherron Collins

Cole Aldrich joined Paul Allen of KFAN in Minneapolis this week and talked about being drafted into the NBA.

On playing in Oklahoma City:

“You really look at it. They don’t have any other professional teams in that area. In kind of reminds me of KU because, in Kansas City 45 minutes away we have the Chiefs and the Royals, but they don’t have a professional basketball team. In Oklahoma City that’s all there is. There is only that.”

On Sherron Collins going undrafted:

“I was. I played with Sherron at KU for three years. He’s just a hard-nosed point guard that knows how to win. You look at a point guard and you break him down, no matter what level you are at, you are based on do you win. Do you win games? That’s what it is. Scoring, assists all that are great things, but can the guy get the job done and win us a game? And he can, so that’s what really surprised me… I heard just the other day that he’s going to workout with the Bobcats just a little bit. I think that’s going to be great for him. I think Sherron’s best when people doubt him.“

Former Kansas State G Denis Clemente Will Join Sherron Collins With The Charlotte Bobcats

Once enemies on the court, former Kansas State guard Denis Clemente will join former Kansas guard Sherron Collins in Charlotte, according to NBC Action News.

The former K-State guard told NBC Action News he will be playing with Charlotte in the Orlando summer league games, which start July 5th.

Clemente was an even bigger long shot to be drafted than Collins. They'll be going against each other for a spot on the roster.

2010 NBA Draft: Bill Self Says Cole Aldrich Is Better Off In A Smaller Market

Cole Aldrich is going from Lawrence to Oklahoma City to play for the Thunder. Per Aldrich's former coach, Jayhawks' Bill Self, this is about the best spot for him.

"I don't think Cole could have gone to a better place than Oklahoma City," Self said. "He'll be so much more comfortable with the environment that exists there. That organization has done a fabulous job, not just at winning games but creating a family type environment I think Cole will thrive in.

"I don't want to say this in the wrong way, but I think Cole will operate very well in a smaller market. He could possibly get lost in some bigger places. I think all young kids can. Cole is fired up. His whole family is fired up right now."

Aldrich and Kevin Durant...Not a bad combo.

I think initially a smaller market is good for Aldrich so he can get used to the game. But, like all players, he's eventually going to want more attention because it makes himself more marketable. We'll see how it turns out.

2010 NBA Draft: Xavier Henry's Schedule On Day One As A Pro

Remember when you were in college and you had all day to hang out?

Not anymore, for Xavier Henry

Here's what he did no day one after being drafted by Memphis:

Appeared at a morning news conference with fellow first-round draft pick Greivis Vasquez of Maryland, held an online chat for the team’s official website, spoke at a camp for 7-to-14 year olds, worked out for Grizzlies’ coach Lionel Hollins and threw out the first pitch at the Memphis Redbirds’ minor-league baseball game.

Busy day, huh? I'd probably do it for $1.6 million.

Bill Self Did Something Right, Early Reviews On Xavier Henry Are Good

Looks like Bill Self did something right.

Xavier Henry's got Memphis excited because of, not only his athleticism (which some people questioned), but his "basketball IQ."

"Basketball IQ and the ability to play the game as it was created offsets a lot of physical liability," Hollins said. "I think if you can play angles and you can space and if you can anticipate, then you're going to be better than the athlete that can run fast and jump high. That's what this game has always been about.

This is a reflection of Bill Self and the Kansas program. There's a big difference between the high school game and the college game so the pointers Henry obviously received at Kansas have translated well.

As we've said before, Self still has a vested interest in seeing Henry succeed. The more NBA players Self and Kansas put into the NBA -- and the more players that become good or great NBA players -- only helps his future recruiting.

Agent For Sherron Collins Confirms Bobcats Summer League Is Next

Agent for former Kansas Jayhawk Sherron Collins confirmed to KUSports.com that his client would be playing for the Charlotte Bobcats summer league team.

Collins' agents (ASM Sports) indicated that Collins would be with a Charlotte team that opens play July 5 in Orlando, Fla.

Other teams in the Orlando summer league are Orlando, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Indiana, Oklahoma City, Utah and Boston.

Now we'll have to see if Collins can stick in Charlotte.

Former Kansas Jayhawks Guard Sherron Collins Signs With The Charlotte Bobcats

Sherron Collins was one of the three Kansas Jayhawks that were expected to be draft. The other two -- Cole Aldrich and Xavier Henry -- were lottery picks.

Collins, however, wasn't drafted.

So where did he wind-up in the post-draft undrafted free agent signing period?

Sherron Collins, guard from Kansas, will play for the Bobcats summer league squad, with Justin Dentmon who had success overseas this year.

For more on the Jayhawks and the draft, check out SB Nation's Rock Chalk Talk.

2010 NBA Draft: Bill Self Comments On Sherron Collins

Former Kansas Jayhawks guard Sherron Collins was once thought to be a late second round pick.

Last night, he went undrafted.

Jayhawks coach Bill Self commented on Collins' future.

“I feel for Sherron, but certainly, it’s not lost,” Self said. “He’s put himself in a situation where he’s going to have to work harder and be more disciplined than he ever has been to show everybody they made a mistake."

If I had to guess, Collins' career will be short-lived if it's ever revived. Undrafted players in the NBA don't stick around very often.

Bill Self Knew Where Cole Aldrich, Xavier Henry Would Be Drafted

If you want someone to help you out with a mock draft in the days leading up to the draft, Bill Self may not be a bad person to help you with that.

As it turns out, Self had a pretty good idea where each of the two Kansas lottery players were going, according to the Kansas City Star.

In the days leading up to the draft, Self received word that Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti was considering making a play to move up and draft former KU center Cole Aldrich, pairing him with former Texas forward Kevin Durant, one of the top young players in the NBA. And on Monday, Self traveled to Memphis to visit in person with Grizzlies brass and learned that former KU shooting guard Xavier Henry was high on their board.

Someone needs to check Bill Self's flight path the week of the draft.

2010 NBA Draft: Sherron Collins Goes Undrafted

Gauging the reaction I found from people around Kansas City, I figured Sherron Collins would be drafted Thursday night.

All 60 teams picked pass and Collins wasn't.

He was a consensus first-team All-American so you've gotta wonder how he'll end up.

In other KU basketball news, I caught from a good tweet from The Shiver, a Kansas site.

KUTheShiver Ironic that X got drafted by Memphis

Yeah, because you remember when he chose Memphis?

Read more on the Jayhawks at Rock Chalk Talk.

2010 NBA Draft: 'Jayhawk Wanna-Be' Daniel Orton Goes In The First Round

If you missed, I passed along a story that Kentucky's Daniel Orton has reportedly been telling NBA executives around the league that he wishes he had gone to Kansas.

We explained why that would have been a smart choice for him.

Orton was drafted and he did go in the first round.

Would it have been different at Kansas? Maybe. He was being drafted on potential all along.

Orton, by the way, is the fifth Kentucky player to go in the first round -- NBA record.

2010 NBA Draft: Twitter Trending For Cole Aldrich, Xavier Henry

You know you've made it when...

You're trending on Twitter.

Cole Aldrich is No. 2 trending topic and Xavier Henry No. 4.

Looks like Aldrich beat out Henry once again.

2010 NBA Draft: With Cole Aldrich And Xavier Henry Drafted, Jayhawks Wait On Sherron Collins

The two Jayhawks expected to be picked in the lottery -- Cole Aldrich and Xavier Henry -- did just that on Thursday night.

Now, the Jayhawks are waiting on more player to be drafted -- Sherron Collins.

Collins is predicted to be a low second round pick, if drafted at all, according to recent reports.

Will the Jayhawks go for the trifecta? That would be impressive (maybe not as impressive as Kentucky possibly placing five in this draft).

Xavier Henry On Being Drafted By Grizzlies: 'I Can Make An Impact On Both Sides Of The Ball

Former Jayhawks guard Xavier Henry talked moments after being drafted....

On whether his dad is still the best athlete in the family:

Not anymore. He could've been before but I think I caught up to him.

(His dad is a former NBA player)

On his brother C.J.'s influence:

He had a huge influecne because he wnet through everything beore I did. About 5 years earlier. He jumped straight form high school to the real world. He's got a lot of things he's taught me. I went just as fast, with one year in college, and he's helped me out a lot with it.

On his impact next year;

I think I can make a big impact on both sides of the ball, not just scoring. It's just part of my game and I just play with 100% effort at all times and that's what I plan to bring to Memphis.

Xavier's Dad, Carl Henry, Says He's Still The Best Athlete In The Family

Xavier Henry's dad, Carl Henry, spoke moments after his son was drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies with the 12th pick....

On how the family's athletic background help:

Everybody, this whole family, everybody plays. We are all in it for the grind.

On his advice for Xavier:

The advice was just to work hard.

Who is the best athlete in the family?

I still am.

Henry's father was a fourth round pick in the 1984 draft.

2010 NBA Draft: Grizzlies Snag Xavier Henry Right After Cole Aldrich

After being shut out of the draft last year, the Kansas Jayhawks have had two consecutive players drafted Cole Aldrich went 11th and now Xavier Henry has gone 12th to the Memphis Grizzlies.

In the end, it's Aldrich that won the battle of the Jayhawks.

Per SBNation.com, the Grizzlies backcourt is looking better with Henry in the fold.

Henry has a smooth shooting stroke, putting in over 40% of his three-point attempts for the Jayhawks in his freshman season, and a strong, NBA-ready body, particularly for such a young player. Along with O.J. Mayo, Henry should give the Grizzlies a very promising backcourt for the future.

Closer To Home? Cole Aldrich Drafted 11th By Hornets, Reportedly Traded To Thunder

All that talk from Cole Aldrich about being excited to play with Chris Paul and former teammate Julian Wright?

Ignore it. Per ESPN's Ric Bucher, there's been a trade:

Don't know that he's going to be waring that hat for very long. I'm told there's a trade where Cole Aldrich and Morris Peterson will go to Oklahoma City for their 18th and 21st picks.

To be clear:

Cole Aldrich and Morris Peterson to Oklahoma City

18th and 21st picks to New Orleans

2010 NBA Draft: Cole Aldrich Speaks After Being Drafted By Hornets

Here's what Cole Aldrich had to say moments after being drafted....

On coming back for another year:

I think it helped me in so many ways. Not only on the basketball court but maturing as a person. I went through a lot with my grandmother passing away and I just want to thank my parents for helping me get through that.

On what former Kansas teammate Julian Wright has to say:

He says great things with Coach Williams just getting sign two weeks ago. He's going to bring a lot of energy and that fanbase back to New Orleans.

On working out with the Hornets coach:

He's a guy that really just loves to go out and run. He's going to be a good guy to play for.

Playing with Chris Paul:

It's going to be awesome. I was fortunate to play with Sherron Collins for three years at Kansas and now Chris Paul.

2010 NBA Draft: Cole Aldrich Goes 11th Overall To The New Orleans Hornets

Cole Aldrich is in the NBA.

The New Orleans Hornets drafted the former Kansas Jayhawks center with the 11th overall pick in the 2010 NBA draft.

Here's what ESPN's Fran Franschilla had to say about the selection:

What he is, is a very safe pick. He's an outstanding defensive player. He doesn't have fellow Timerbwolves' Kevin McHale's offensive game yet. When you're talking about Cole Aldrich, you're talking about a guy that's going to shot block and rebound. He's got a little game inside with the jump hook but really where he was most effective with Bill Self was screening and the pick and roll.

More importantly, it's what he brings to the Hornets on the defensive end. You're talking about a guy with 15 double-doubles this year, 125 blocks and, to his credit, got off to a very slow start because of the death of his grandmother, he picked it up during the season. You're going to get a guy that's low maintenance, high-IQ. He's going to give the coaches a great work ethic and hopefully a great anchor inside.

He's not going to be a great NBA player but a guy that will help you win and be in your rotation for a long, long time. Bill Self's gotta be happy about this because Cole Aldrich could have stayed as a sophomore, but he stayed, and gave Kansas three terrific seasons.

2010 NBA Draft: Another One Down, Jazz Pass On Cole Aldrich

The Jazz were considered strong players for former Jayhawk Cole Aldrich.

With Aldrich on the board at the ninth pick, the Jazz selected...

Butler F Gordon Hayward.

Maybe No. 14 to the Rockets is where Aldrich will land after all.

With the 10th pick coming up, Xavier Henry is now emerging into the picture.

2010 NBA Draft: Greg Monroe Over Cole Aldrich For The Pistons

In the various mock drafts we've been tracking, the highest Cole Aldrich has been picked is seventh overall by the Pistons.

The Pistons apparently had different thoughts as they just selected Greg Monroe.

Monroe has been said to be the most skilled big man in the draft.

Aldrich and Xavier Henry continue to wait...

2010 NBA Draft: Ekpe Udoh The First Big 12 Surprise

Baylor big man Ekpe Udoh is the first Big 12 surprise of the night.

Most of the folks I've seen and/or read have had Udoh after Kansas big man Cole Aldrich.

Udoh is the Big 12 player taken.

Aldrich and Xavier Henry wait.

2010 NBA Draft: Cole Aldrich's Draft Portrait

This is pretty good and has been making the rounds...I shared the link to Rock Chalk Talk earlier.

(Photo via Twitter)

This is Aldrich's draft portrait on Wednesday.

We haven't seen his suit for Thursday but, unfortunately, it doesn't sound like he took my advice of a red suit.

Cole's suit is definitely navy blue and it looks pretty standard compared to that much-talked-about vest that he wore on Wednesday. I think he may have a purple shirt on underneath the suit but for the sake of the Jayhawk Nation we'll call it lavender.

2010 NBA Draft: Cole Aldrich And Xavier Henry Hope To Be Drafted In The First Hour

David Stern will walk to the podium at 6:30 p.m. (CDT) to officially kick off the 2010 NBA draft.

With five minutes between picks in the first round, Cole Aldrich and Xavier Henry probably want to be picked before 7:30 p.m. (CDT).

That means both would be lottery picks and possibly top ten picks.

The second round has just two minutes between rounds. I'd really hate to be the SBNation.com bloggers updating that StoryStream.

2010 NBA Mock Draft: Flip-Flopping With Former Jayhawks Cole Aldrich And Xavier Henry

Well we are past the one-hour countdown to the start of the 2010 NBA Draft.

ESPN's Chad Ford has posted his latest mock draft and has one change that affects the pair of former Jayhawks expected to be lottery picks.

Previously, Ford had Xavier Henry going 15th to Minnesota and Cole Aldrich going 14th to Houston.

The updated version has Aldrich going 14th to Houston and Henry going 13th to Toronto.

Ford reports that Minnesota's situation is very fluid at the moment.

As of late Thursday afternoon, the Raptors were still in serious trade discussions with a number of teams. The latest has them discussing swapping picks with the Oklahoma City Thunder, provided that the player the Thunder want at No. 13 is still on the board.

If the Raptors keep the pick, it looks as though Henry, Patrick Patterson and Cole Aldrich are among the favorites. They also like Eric Bledsoe, Avery Bradley and Solomon Alabi, but probably pull the trigger on one of them only if the team moves down in the draft.

So who gets drafted first? I imagine this is going to be a major point of the trash talk between the two moving forward.

2010 NBA Draft Video: Cole Aldrich Getting Closer To Draft Night

The countdown begins. Check out the video above to see Cole Aldrich in a ridiculous vest as a few players get fitted for their suits.

Doesn't look like Aldrich is going with my suggestion of a red suit.

Or check out a photo of Aldrich at Rock Chalk Talk.

2010 NBA Mock Draft: Settling On A Consensus For Jayhawks Cole Aldrich, Xavier Henry And Sherron Collins

More and more 2010 NBA mock drafts are starting to spill in. Kansas City-based paper The Pitch compiled a lot of the rankings and has begun to settle on a consensus for both former Kansas Jayhawks Cole Aldrich and Xavier Henry, as well as Sherron Collins.

One observation: I guess I didn't realize how many people had Sherron Collins going undrafted.

Make sure you check out The Pitch for more links to mock drafts. Here's the rundown...

Cole Aldrich:

Highest pick: No. 7 to the Pistons
Lowest pick: No. 18 to the Heat
Consensus: No. 14 to the Rockets
Best guess:  Aldrich goes to the Rockets, who could use insurance with the oft-injured Yao Ming in the middle. Aldrich provides some insurance, although at least one writer is already pegging him as this draft's bust.

Xavier Henry:

Highest pick: No. 10 to the Pacers
Lowest pick: No. 15 to the Bucks
Consensus: No. 13 to the Raptors
Best guess: The Jazz may need to replace Carlos Boozer at forward. The Bucks just traded for a couple of guards. The Pacers need a point guard and are trying to trade the No. 10 pick. The Hornets have good young guards, and could use front court help. So could the Rockets and Raptors. All this is to say, Henry slips to the Minnesota Timberwolves at No. 16, and he's a great pick that late.

Sherron Collins:

Highest pick: No. 54 to the Clippers
Lowest pick: Undrafted
Consensus: Undrafted
Best guess: Collins signs as a free-agent with an pro team.

2010 NBA Draft: Should Cole Aldrich Have Left Kansas Last Year?

As we mosey our way to the 2010 NBA draft, I just wanted to point out that former Kansas Jayhawk Cole Aldrich is one of the players that was probably better served coming out earlier than he did.

After Aldrich's sophomore year, quite a few folks were saying he should head to the NBA.

He was projected to be a top 5-10 pick (a little higher than this year) but cited his drive for a championship and the opportunity to improve his game (along with Sherron Collins) as a reason for staying.

It's an admirable move -- and it's hard to knock him for it -- but was it the right move?

This year, Aldrich is rated slightly lower than he was last year, if you take mock drafts as the gospel. Most have him in the 7-16 range compared to a seemingly guaranteed top 10 range last year.

In the end, not much will have changed but he stayed an extra year so he could gain something. As it turns out, it looks like he didn't gain much instead losing some money because of his draft position and a full year of experience (and pay) in the NBA.

2010 NBA Mock Draft: Cole Aldrich, Xavier Henry Go Very High At SB Nation

So if you're a Kansas Jayhawks fan and you've been wondering if you should start reading SB Nation Kansas City and SB Nation's Rock Chalk Talk, here's a reason why you should:

SB Nation apparently loves them some Jayhawks.

Take a look at the official 2010 NBA mock draft from our league of NBA bloggers.

We've already had a post on where the two Jayhawks would go but, as a refresher, here's what likely is the best-case scenario for the two lottery Jayhawks:

7. Detroit Pistons - Cole Aldrich, Center, Kansas Jayhawks

Defense. Rebounding. Shot-blocking. The kind of paint-focused player that gives every other player on his team a better shot from the field. He'll give his man problems, and he'll make the paint deadly territory for driving guards. Is he going to score 20 points a game, is he going to even impact your team's offense in a productive way? No. He's a specialist. His ceiling is pretty much hit his sophomore year. But 10/10 and 2 ain't nothing to cough about, especially on a rookie contract.

From SB Nation's Detroit Bad Boys.

9. Utah Jazz - Xavier Henry, Guard, Kansas Jayhawks

With Monroe off the board the Jazz front office have stated that they're going to take the best player available despite their glaring need for a defensive big man. Their next favorite target is Xavier Henry.

The Jazz traded away Ronnie Brewer last season because they had a "logjam" at the wing position amongst other reasons. Despite that, they'll take Henry who is said to have one of the most NBA-ready games and bodies in the draft. His outside shooting ability will be a welcome addition to the Utah offense. In Jerry Sloan's system, good passing is a necessity, so Henry should fit the bill.

From SB Nation's SLC Dunk.

Cole Aldrich On Why NBA Team Should Draft Him: 'Watch Lakers-Celtics Game 7'

Guys who are Cole Aldrich's size and talented players don't come along very often. It's like the old adage in the NFL draft, go with size at the top of the draft because you can't teach that.

Aldrich is obviously aware of that and pointed to his size -- and the Lakers-Celtics game 7 -- as a reason NBA teams should draft him.

“I’d tell them to watch the Lakers-Celtics, Game 7,” said Aldrich, referring to the recent NBA Finals. “That game was all about defense, the big guys were in there banging. And that’s what I love to do. I think that’s what I’ll be able to contribute the most at the next level.”

Sorta the same reason Greg Ostertag was a first round pick (and Jazz fans love him actually).

For draft talk with KU fans all day, check out Rock Chalk Talk.

2010 NBA Draft: Cole Aldrich's Mom's Prediction Before Attending Kansas Was Correct

Phil Miller of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune has a good feature on the life and times of none other than Cole Aldrich. One passage in the story shows that the mother of Cole Aldrich correctly predicted her son's future.

“Walt,” Kathy Aldrich recalls telling her husband [after Aldrich committed to Kansas], “we’re gonna be rich.”

Indeed. It's not like it's the world's wackiest prediction (I think most others predicted the same) but still a cool story that shows the pressure that's on an 18-year old kid.

Aldrich will be drafted on Thursday night -- most likely as a lottery pick -- and sign a contract that guarantees him in the neighborhood of $4 million.

To see what KU fans are saying leading up to the draft, hop on over to Rock Chalk Talk.

Video: Cole Aldrich Interviewed On Eve Of Draft

Andy Katz of ESPN.com posted the following video interview of Cole Aldrich, University of Kansas center, prior to tomorrow's NBA draft. Aldrich figures to be a top 15 selection.

2010 NBA Draft: Realistic Scenario For Former Kansas Jayhawks Cole Aldrich And Xavier Henry

When looking at mock drafts for any sport, I tend to listen to the local beat writers the most often. They're the ones that are connected to the team the most and spend the most time with them. No, it doesn't make them an expert at mock drafts by any means because you're still predicting what other teams will do but I do think they give a good indicator.

One outlet that does a solid job covering the Jayhawks -- KUSports.com -- devised a mock draft with one scenario for Cole Aldrich and Xavier Henry that I think is realistic.

9. Utah Jazz — Cole Aldrich, C, Kansas

“Carlos Boozer’s free agency has left a void in the post for the Jazz and Aldrich is the best big man left on the board. He’ll never dominate offensively but his defensive presence merits a high draft spot.”

14. Houston Rockets — Xavier Henry, SF, Kansas

“Call him Tracy McGrady Part II... Kind of. It’s no secret that the Rockets are set inside and at the point guard. What they need is help scoring. Henry can provide that. As an outside shooter, his range will help spread the defense. And if he ever develops his dribble-drive and learns to create his own shot, he could be a nice successor to the McGrady of old. Someday."

You could even put Henry at the 15th spot to the Timberwolves, who have reportedly shown interest in him.

2010 NBA Mock Draft: 14 And 16 Another Scenario For Cole Aldrich, Xavier Henry

I'd say the majority -- or at least a good chunk -- of the mock drafts out there have former Kansas Jayhawks big man being selected in the range of 10th overall, give or take a spot. Meanwhile, Xavier Henry seems to fall all over the place. There are talks that he could be selected before Aldrich.

I stumbled across another scenario regarding the landing spots of Aldrich and Henry.

14. Houston Rockets -- Cole Aldrich (C - Kansas) The Rockets are not a team that will draft for need but instead tend to take the best talent available. That being said, Houston could use some help up front where Luis Scola is a free agent and Yao Ming is eternally injured. Cole Aldrich is more polished than most players expected to be picked around this area so he would fit the Rockets' modus operandi.

And Henry:

16. Minnesota Timberwolves -- Xavier Henry (6-6 -- Kansas Jayhawks) If the Timberwolves add Derrick Favors with their first pick then selecting Henry if he falls this far would make perfect sense with their second choice. Henry did not progress as quickly as some expected in his only season at Kansas but he would work nicely with the young nucleus in Minnesota. After watching Wolves GM David Kahn bumble through the draft last year, who knows what happens here.

I'd say you always root for the local guys so I'm going to go ahead and predict Aldrich is a top 10 pick. I think Henry is probably in the right spot. It'll be interesting to see how these guys end up because one of them is the experienced, safe guy (Aldrich) while the other one is less experienced (Henry) and banking on more potential.

2010 NBA Draft: Bill Self Predicts Lottery Picks For Two Kansas Jayhawks

I wondered earlier today if Kansas Jayhawks coach Bill Self would show his KU bias while doing some draft day coverage for NBA TV and NBA.com on Thursday.

While he's not a cheerleader by any means, he does think both of KU's top prospects -- Cold Aldrich and Xavier Henry -- will be lottery picks, according to KUSports.com.

“I don’t know where or how high. It could vary with both of them,” Self added. “There’s teams in the 7-8-9 slots that have expressed interest. I think the reality is I believe both will go in the 8-to-15 range. I really believe that."

Meanwhile, Sherron Collins, the third KU player expected to be drafted, may be headed for the second round, according to Self.

“My prediction is Sherron will go mid-second round,” Self added of point guard Sherron Collins. “If somebody gets him mid-second round, they’ve got themselves a player.”

Collins is a wildcard. He was one of those guys that's heralded in college but not expected to have a big NBA career. I think Collins is the player I'm the most curious about as he enters the NBA.

2010 NBA Draft: Former Jayhawk Cole Aldrich Has Competition At The Center Position

Former Kansas Jayhawks star Cole Aldrich has never been afraid of competition and that's a good thing as he prepares for the 2010 NBA Draft. As many as six centers could be taken in the first round of the draft compared to two last year (and those two aren't exactly premier players yet).

The No. 1 center prospect is considered DeMarcus Cousins.

Leading the way is Kentucky's DeMarcus Cousins. In his freshman season, Cousins averaged 15.1 points and 9.8 rebounds in just 23.5 minutes per game. With the fifth pick, the Sacramento Kings have taken a strong interest in Cousins.

He'll likely be picked ahead of Aldrich. In fact, the Rockets were reportedly considering jumping up to the fourth spot to snag him, according to Jordan Godwin of the Houston Chronicle.

Greg Monroe and Derrick Favors are players here, too.

Aldrich would fall in line as the next best center prospect. He's been predicted to go anywhere from 7th to 16th in the draft. Competition for Aldrich includes Hassan Whiteside, who has trained a bit with Hakeem Olajuwon.

But the player with the biggest potential risk and reward is Marshall's Hassan Whiteside. In his freshman season, Whiteside averaged 13.1 points, 8.9 rebounds and an otherworldly 5.4 blocks per game. He had three Hakeem Olajuwon-esque triple-doubles by collecting double-digit points, rebounds and blocks.

If I'm making predictions, then Aldrich is locked in as the second center taken. He's definitely one of the safest prospects in the draft.

2010 NBA Draft: Sherron Collins, The Forgotten Jayhawk

While we’ve written extensively about his more heralded teammates Xavier Henry and Cole Aldrich, University of Kansas point guard Sherron Collins is expected to be taken on Thursday as well. Wendell Maxey writes that Collins has battled weight issues, experimented with “The Subway Diet” but now has a different plan once he turns pro.

Collins is now 212 pounds. He injured his groin during first pre-draft workout in Detroit and gained a little during a 10-day layoff. The “Subway Diet” still works, but don’t expect Collins to stay on it once David Stern calls his name at Madison Square Garden on Thursday.

“When I get to the league,” Collins said, “the thing I’ll probably do first is hire a chef.”

For more Jayhawks talk, head over to SB Nation’s Rock Chalk Talk.

2010 NBA Draft: Xavier Henry And Joe Johnson Comparison

Initial reports would indicate former Kansas Jayhawks guard Xavier Henry is going to be drafted right around the top 10. Here's an interesting article comparing Joe Johnson and Henry.

Joe Johnson didn't put up numbers in college that advertised he'd be a future All-Star. In his sophomore year at Arkansas he averaged 14.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.4 steals. At Kansas, Henry was good for 13.4 points, 4.4 boards, 1.5 dimes and 1.5 steals a night at the two-guard spot. 

Would you select Joe Johnson around the 10th pick if you knew in four years he'd be one of the most sought-after free agents?

And I'm sure Xavier Henry doesn't mind Joe Johnson's $70 million payday that went along with that free agency period.

Cole Aldrich, Xavier Henry Both Invited To The NBA Draft

The NBA Draft committee typically invites potential lottery picks to New York for the night of the NBA Draft to make for more compelling television, but they survey enough NBA teams to make sure that only the best of the best are invited so that no one gets embarrassed.

This year's best of the best apparently includes Kansas teammates Cole Aldrich and Xavier Henry as they are among the 15 players that will be at the draft in person.

Henry was one of the last two players, along with Kentucky's Patrick Patterson, selected to join Aldrich in the green room for Thursday night's festivities according to Jonathan Givony of Draft Express.

2010 NBA Mock Draft: Xavier Henry Might Be A Top 10 Pick

Former Jayhawk Xavier Henry is starting to pop up before Cole Aldrich in quite a few of these mock drafts that are floating around.

Henry represents a lot of potential so some team will definitely take him and, if these mock drafts are any indication (they're not), then he'll be taken before Aldrich.

Here's are a few of the mock drafts I've found:

Utah Jazz (9)

The Jazz probably won't get the shot at Monroe that they'd like, and they're considering big men like Cole Aldrich, Udoh, Patrick Patterson and Ed Davis. But shooting is a need, and Henry's the best in the class.

Indiana Pacers (10)

The Pacers are looking to trade this pick for a point guard, and I can't say I blame them: a system like the one Jim O'Brien runs needs an engine. But it also needs shooters, and Henry fits the ball better than any other prospect in this draft. Henry is a dynamite scorer who'd give Indiana a real one-two punch in the backcourt. If the Pacers reach for a point guard, it'd be Avery Bradley or Eric Bledsoe. But Henry is the safer pick.

A coherent draft strategy from the Grizzlies has been difficult to get our head around, but Henry fits a need and the strength of his character would be very appealing to this franchise.

2010 NBA Mock Draft: Cole Aldrich Is Landing Between Picks 7-16

We perused the various 2010 NBA mock drafts out there and found that there's a decent gap in where folks think former Kansas Jayhawks' Cole Aldrich will go.

At one point, it was more likely that Aldrich would go before Xavier Henry. Now that's not the case in a few of these.

Here's a sampling of the mock drafts:

Detroit Pistons (7)

"The Pistons are in need of a legitimate center, and Aldrich gives them a solid two-way big with his shot-blocking and enough of an offensive repertoire to make opposing bigs defend him."

New Orleans Hornets (11)

With playmakers like Chris Paul and Darren Collison, the Hornets don't need a center with tons of post moves. A simple ability to drop the ball in the basket from close range, grab rebounds, and play defense will more than suffice. Not only that, but an Aldrich signing would probably eliminate the possibility of seeing a front court of Darius Songaila and David West in crunch time.

New Orleans Hornets (11))

If the Hornets go big, the pick is expected to be either Aldrich or Patterson. Gordon Hayward could wind up here, too.

Minnesota Timberwolves (16)

Can Aldrich really drop this low? There's enough exciting talent and volatility to drop a solid player like Aldrich a dozen spots. If Minnesota hangs on to this pick and manages to pick up Aldrich, it will have an antidote to Darko Fever, a real big man who can rebound and bang in the post.

2010 NBA Draft: Former Kansas Jayhawks G Xavier Henry Receives An Invite To The Green Room

Cole Aldrich was invited to the green room and plans to attend (in a nice brown suit). His teammate, Xavier Henry, does have an invite to the green room as well.

The most recent report indicated that the Henry family hasn't decided where they'll spend draft night. It will either be at the draft in New York or at home in Oklahoma City.

Henry's expected to go in the mid-teens. A lot of folks have him connected to Milwaukee with the 15th pick but that could change.

Only one other Big 12 player besides Aldrich and Henry -- Ekpe Udoh of Baylor -- received an invite.

2010 NBA Draft: Which NBA Player Does Xavier Henry Remind You Of?

Earlier, we brought you a great scouting report of Xavier Henry from SB Nation’s At The Hive. Here’s another great look from DJ Foster from Clipper Blog, which includes some player projections.

Best Case Scenario: John Salmons

Salmons may not be flashy, but he’s a proven scorer who relies mostly on efficeint perimeter shooting for his buckets. While Salmons is far better right now at creating his own shot, it’s not hard to see Henry developing into a tough perimeter defender who can spread the defense with his jumper.

Worst Case Scenario: Arron Afflalo

Afflalo is a nice player in the “3 and D” mold, and at the very least Henry should be able to fill a similar role. There’s a million guys in the league like Afflalo and Henry who have stuck around for a long time and been valuable role players on good teams.

To hear more from the Clippers side of life, head over to SB Nation’s Clips Nation.

2010 NBA Draft: Former Kansas Jayhawk Cole Aldrich Visits The Raptors Again

Former Kansas Jayhawks big man Cole Aldrich talked with KUAthletics.com as we sit here just days before the 2010 NBA Draft.

Aldrich ran down the teams that he's visited and early signs would indicate Toronto has at least somewhat serious interest.

Toronto (13), Golden State (6), Sacramento (5), Utah (9), Houston (14), New Orleans (11), Detroit (7) and I'm going back to Toronto today.

Picks 5-13 is where his visits have occurred. That's about in-line with where folks are predicting him to go.

Judging by the two Toronto visits, his ceiling may be at 13. I know a lot can happen between picks 1-12 but two visits would indicate more than passing interest.

I suspect most of these visits are going well. Aldrich comes off pretty well and Bill Self even recently side the interviews were going well for Aldrich, who attributes much of his success to his time at Kansas.

In so many ways, not only on the court but maturing off the court. On the court working with not only coach Self but also with coach (Danny) Manning telling you so many things that he has learned in his years in the league. That has helped tremendously.

Thursday night and we'll know Aldrich's future.

For more on the Jayhawks, check out Rock Chalk Talk.

2010 NBA Draft: Cole Aldrich Invited To The Green Room

According to Jonthan Givony of DraftExpress.com, Former University of Kansas Jayhawk Cole Aldrich has been extended an invitation to the 2010 NBA Draft’s green room, an invite given to a select group of 15 prospects who are expected to go early in the first round of the draft.

Gary Bedore of the Lawrence Journal-World writes that while Aldrich’s spot in the Green Room is secure, his attire is still up in the air.

Cole Aldrich — who has been allotted six tickets — will be sitting in the 2010 NBA Draft Green Room with his mom, dad, girlfriend, brother and agent, waiting for his name to be called, he hopes in the 14-team lottery, on Thursday night at New York’s Madison Square Garden.

What the 6-foot-11 former Kansas University center will be wearing is anybody’s guess.

"I like my suit right here. This is kind of a nice suit," Aldrich said recently, referring to a light brown coat and slacks. "I don’t know. It all kind of depends on what I feel like."

Celebrate the honor over at SB Nation’s Rock Chalk Talk.

2010 NBA Draft: Scout Questions Former Kansas Jayahwks Cole Aldrich And Xavier Henry

In a story by Tom Keegan of the Lawrence Journal-World, NBA scout Jim Clibanoff gives evaluations of former Kansas Jayhawks Cole Aldrich and Xavier Henry. While Clibanoff thinks they will wind up getting drafted higher than they probably should be, he raises questions about both players.

In Aldrich, Clibanoff sees a solid, serviceable and unspectacular post player.

"He’s not smooth, graceful or elegant with his finesse game, nor is he brawny or powerful enough as a power player," Clibanoff said. "He’s somewhere in between. Usually, that’s not a recipe to become an NBA starter. However, the NBA is a center-starved league, so depending on time and place, he could get a lot of minutes."

On the plus side, according to the operator of a scouting service known as Clib Hoops, Aldrich has proven he knows how to fit in with talented players and knows how to embrace his role.

"It’s easy to like his game and really hard to love it," Clibanoff said.

Henry, on the other hand, still has something to prove.

"Because he didn’t stay at Kansas longer, he didn’t develop a versatile skill set," Clibanoff said. "He didn’t show that off-the-dribble game. My concern is he might be a one-dimensional shooter. He does have that poise and NBA-readiness some players never will have."

Agree or disagree? Discuss these two NBA-bound Jayhawks at Rock Chalk Talk.

2010 NBA Draft: Hornets Fans Take A Closer Look At Former Kansas Jayhawk Xavier Henry

SB Nation's Hornets community, At The Hive, has a nice piece taking a closer look at former Kansas Jayhawk Xavier Henry.

Henry should be a strong defender that can hit jumpers. In many ways, he certainly reminds me of the James Posey of a few years ago. Henry didn't exactly get many opportunities at isolation play at Kansas, so there is the chance he could develop into a sizeable, creative wingman for the Hornets. Those factors could make him an interesting pick- there is the possibility for good upside, but the associated risk isn't too much to stomach. At worst, he projects as a good role player; at best, he projects as a Paul Pierce type.

Interesting best-case-scenario comparison to Paul Pierce, another former Jayhawk.

The Hornets pick 11th in the draft.

Hop on over to At The Hive to check out how outsiders are viewing Henry.

2010 NBA Draft: Not Everyone On The Xavier Henry Bandwagon

Kansas coach Bill Self said last week that he's heard good things about all three of the former KU players -- Cole Aldrich, Xavier Henry and Sherron Collins -- expected to be drafted into the NBA on Thursday night. Specifically, he pointed out Henry, whom Self says he's heard "great" things about from NBA folks.

ESPN's Doug Gottlieb is not one of those folks who feel Henry will be "great" at the next level.

“Xavier, everybody thinks is a little bit soft,” ESPN analyst Doug Gottlieb was quoted as saying in Sunday’s editions of the Daily Oklahoman. “But he is skilled and can shoot. He’ll be lucky to be a starter in the NBA, I’m not huge on Xavier.”

Quite a contrast from what Self had to say. Self has something to gain -- recruiting power -- by having Henry drafted early so that needs to be taken into account when he's talking about Henry's NBA chances.

For more on the Jayhawks, check out RRock Chalk Talk.

2010 NBA Draft: Bill Self Says Pair Of Jayhawks Doing Well And Xavier Henry Is 'Great'

Kansas Jayhawks coach Bill Self is in-tune with what's going on in the NBA and recently gave his thoughts on a few of his former pupils. He says Sherron Collins has interviewed well, Cole Aldrich is "solid" and Xavier Henry has been "great", according to NBA folks he's talked to.

“Everybody says Cole is exactly what we thought he was, Sherron is exactly what we thought he was, and Xavier a little better than we thought he was, which would be great for him.

Aldrich is likely to go as high as No. 7 and as low as No. 21 while Henry isn't expected to make it past the Bucks at No. 15.

Collins, however, is more of a mystery. Some have him pegged as a late first-rounder while other say he's a shoo-in for the second round.

“I’d just love to play in the NBA,” said Collins, who recently has worked out for New Jersey, New York, Phoenix, Chicago and Memphis. “I come from a system at Kansas that fits the NBA. At KU we get out and run and have a pick-and-roll offense. I played different roles every year, whether it be a scorer, running a team, getting my teammates shots, hitting shots. I come to play hard and compete every night.

“John Wall (Kentucky) will be the first point guard taken. He should be. He’s a good player. Everybody is shooting to be the next guard taken,” Collins added.

Five more days and these questions will be answered.

2010 NBA Mock Draft: Big 12 Will Have A Strong Presence

The 2010 NBA Draft is coming up on June 24 and it figures to have a Big 12 presence, writes Blair Kerkhoff of the Kansas City Star.

One-fifth of the players whose names could be called Thursday in the two rounds of the NBA draft played at Big 12 schools last season — 12 out of the draft’s 60 picks. Seven or eight could go in the first round.

Previous bests for the Big 12: Five in the first round and 10 overall.

The star of the show, at least in the Big 12, should be the Kansas Jayhawks who could have two top ten picks. Another Jayhawk, Sherron Collins, could be a second round pick as well.

This year's draft could be among the best for the Big 12, even though they won't have one of the top two picks, which has happened in each of the last four years.

2010 NBA Mock Draft: Former Jayhawks Cole Aldrich, Xavier Henry Possible Top Ten Picks

The Kansas Jayhawks are expected to have one, maybe two lottery picks in the 2010 NBA Draft. Cole Aldrich is the polished, mature veteran hitting the draft while Xavier Henry is the young, potential-filled young guard.

They're pretty much opposites but both have a shot to be lottery picks.

SB Nation's Ridiculous Upside is hosting out 2010 NBA Draft with all of the SB Nation bloggers. They've got both of these guys going in the top ten, which would be a nice surprise locally.

Here's what they had to say about these two picks:

7. Detroit Pistons - F/C Cole Aldrich

Defense. Rebounding. Shot-blocking. The kind of paint-focused player that gives every other player on his team a better shot from the field. He'll give his man problems, and he'll make the paint deadly territory for driving guards. Is he going to score 20 points a game, is he going to even impact your team's offense in a productive way?

No. He's a specialist. His ceiling is pretty much hit his sophomore year. But 10/10 and 2 ain't nothing to cough about, especially on a rookie contract.

9. Utah Jazz - G Xavier Henry

The Jazz traded away Ronnie Brewer last season because they had a "logjam" at the wing position amongst other reasons. Despite that, they'll take Henry who is said to have one of the most NBA-ready games and bodies in the draft. His outside shooting ability will be a welcome addition to the Utah offense. In Jerry Sloan's system, good passing is a necessity, so Henry should fit the bill.

Above all though, his defensive game is perhaps his biggest attribute and could earn him some PT under Sloan.