The Kansas Jayhawks lost a pair of their teammates on Wednesday. The KU Athletics department issued a press release that C.J. Henry and Chase Buford would be leaving the team.
At this point, it doesn't appear Henry has any solid plans on where he's going next but he does want to further his basketball career. Bill Self said in a statement that he didn't know of any plans Henry had already made but he did say that he would be furthering his basketball career (Henry was once drafted into MLB).
Self said Henry first approached them about three weeks ago about looking into other options.
"It's a decision I totally respect. The Henrys have been Jayhawks for many, many years and certainly Xavier (Henry) had an outstanding freshman campaign. C.J. battled injuries all year long but has been healthy this past spring and summer. He is a good player. He was definitely in the mix for being a major contributor on the court this season but we respect his desires and certainly wish him the best. I know he will be successful wherever he goes."
Of course Henry's brother, Xavier, was drafted into the NBA this summer.
It wasn't likely Henry would've seen a lot of playing time anyway. He would be fighting for time with freshman Josh Selby, junior Tyshawn Taylor, senior Tyrel Reed, senior Brady Morningstar, senior Mario Little, sophomore Travis Releford, sophomore Elijah Johnson and freshman Royce Woolridge.
Henry committed to KU five years ago but was drafted by the Yankees. After that stint ended, he came to KU as a walk-on because the Yankees would pay for his college.
Meanwhile Buford was a junior who was a role player on the KU squad. He'll be staying at the university to finish his degree.
"We, as coaches, have thoroughly enjoyed having Chase as a member of our program the last three years," Self said. "I totally understand - this being his senior year and the time commitment involved - that he wants to pursue some other interests and also enjoy being a normal college student for his final campaign. He'll always be a Jayhawk. He will always be part of our program but certainly we respect the fact that he has other interests and wish him the very best."
Both players were walk-ons so there no open scholarships as a result of the move.
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