Kansas freshman Cliff Alexander, one of the most touted recruits from last years class, has decided to forgo his final three years of eligibility and declare for the NBA draft.
Projected to be a top pick at the beginning of the season, multiple mock drafts list Alexander as a late first to early second round pick.
The 6’8 forward from Chicago missed the Jayhawks final eight games of the year while the NCAA was investigating possible violations with Alexander and Kansas.
“This should come as no surprise to anybody,” coach Bill Self said. “Cliff had a very interesting and educational year. He was a major contributor to our team from the beginning of the season. He worked his way into the starting lineup and has had to deal with an off-the-court issue with the NCAA that made him ineligible for the last eight games of our season.”
“We all feel bad for Cliff for what he and our team had to go through because it was difficult for him to sit and watch his teammates play without him. During his time here, Cliff certainly got better. I loved coaching Cliff, but we support his decision 100 percent to move on and take his ability to the next level.”
“I talked this over with my mom and my dad and we decided the timing was right for me to enter the NBA Draft,” Alexander said. “Kansas has been a great experience. I enjoyed being on campus. When I came in I didn’t really know much (about playing in college). I was undersized and not strong enough to bang with other guys. As the year went on, I got settled and comfortable with the system. I got stronger in the weight room and competed harder.”
