To beat out Deion and Jackson State allegedly.

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Yohan Traore, the 6-foot-11, 227-pound power forward from Dream City Christian in Glendale, Ariz., is one of the most heavily recruited prospects in the entire 2022 class. Traore, the No. 4 ranked player in the class, is also the top unsigned prospect in high school hoops. Kansas, LSU, Louisville, Memphis, Michigan, Oklahoma State, Tennessee, Texas Tech, UCLA, UTAH, Arizona State, Arkansas, California, Creighton, Gonzaga, Houston, Ohio State, Oregon, TCU, Texas, USC, and others have made a strong push. I mean, most of these programs have extended a ton of time recruiting the elite big man.

Currently, Traore, the No. 1 ranked power forward in the 2022 class, has officially visited Kansas, Texas Tech, Michigan, and Memphis. Originally, Traore had planned to visit Texas or UCLA, while also considering the NBL and the G League. However, late in the game, Kentucky decided to throw its hat into the ring and get involved. Now, recently, Traore, a five-star prospect, made it clear that a visit to Kentucky will have, almost immediately, if a scholarship offer is extended. As of 8:54 on Tuesday morning, no scholarship offer from Kentucky has been extended to Traore.

So, after making some calls this morning, I was told that Kansas is still in play for Traore, but at this point, nobody really knows for sure what he’s thinking. I think the feeling is that, if Kentucky offers, Traore will ultimately accept the offer. Folks, it doesn’t matter how those on the outside might or might not feel about Coach Cal, elite recruits still love and want to play for him. The thing about it is, Coach Cal, from what I was told, is dragging his feet with on this one and, at the end of the day, still may win out.

If Kentucky doesn’t offer or if Traore just decides to go elsewhere, the guy I spoke to said he could see Traore going to Kansas or Texas Tech, for instance. The thing is, he’s done such a great job with the recruiting process and has everybody guessing right now. If you asked me today, I just don’t see Traore to Kansas happening. I only say that because nobody really seems to know what he’s thinking. I mean, it's clear that a visit to Kentucky will happen if the coaching staff decides to offer, but no offer has come through yet.

Regardless of what I think or what others think, the fight for Yohan Traore is still on and Kansas is still very much involved.

With the 15th approaching here in the coming hours anybody want to guess the number of portal entries we see nationally starting tomorrow?

This first flurry of portal entries was beneficial to Kansas, but I think the next round and the round after that and the round after that could even bring about even higher quality entries. No reason to fret on who we may have missed on. A lot of good talent still left to be had.

2022 class to date

3 OL
3 DB
2 LB
1 RB
1 TE
1 QB .. 11

James Livingston - OL - HS - MI
Joey Baker - OL - HS - TX
Mason Ellis - DB - HS - KS
Kaleb Purdy - DB - HS - MO
Ethan Vasko - QB - HS - VA
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Tevita Noa - TE - Juco - UT
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Sevion Morrison - RB - Portal - OK
Kalon Gervin - DB - Portal - MI
Nolan Gorzyca - OL - Portal - NE
Craig Young - LB/Hawk - Portal - IN
Eriq Gilyard - LB - Portal - FL

Updated - removed a DB

Already getting the “we are experiencing a heavy volume” from Rivals!!! This wind better not knock out my internet either. Gonna start drinking.

I have had a few people reach out to me and ask about some schools announcing their portal guys.

Well, you had better be 100% confident you will get them. There is still a lot of time for players to flip.

A portal can not sign anything official. To sign them they have to sign a financial aid agreement that doesn't bind them to anything.

And if they change their mind and decommit then you lose that spot.

I think KU is doing the absolute right way by not announcing anything until they get on campus.

Happy Birthday, Bill of Rights! Today is the 230th anniversary of the ratification of the Bill of Rights, the first 10 amendments to our Constitution. They form the foundations of many of our freedoms today, yet these powerful and significant words were not part of the original Constitution. In ways that should disturb Americans, they are under attack by those who value unrestrained and unaccountable power. The 2022 and 2024 elections may well determine whether the system of equal justice under the law created by them survives intact. Hysteria?? Your thoughts on this?

People I have been talking to think Illinois has a slight edge over KU.

Adams told me earlier this afternoon he wouldn't announce until tomorrow.

From what I can gather from everything that is out there most everyone that is expected to sign told me they plan to.

There could be a surprise, hey its signing day but if there is I don't know about it.

And in the middle of typing of this Anthony Davis just confirmed to me he will not sign tomorrow. I'm trying to get more out of him and will come back with details.

The two coaches who were his primary recruiters are no longer on staff. This will be something I monitor and keep you posted.

What’s the latest with him?

Coming to the game Saturday night with two grandsons…age 11 and 8. Any suggestions on where to eat beforehand (no fast food or chains if possible). Anything good and kid friendly? Thanks in advance.

Lb n cb. Look like 4 year guys

Jones and Chevis were main two recruiters is there any concern?

For the first time in what feels like a long time I think we can say Daniels will be the starting QB to start the season. I assume Vasko will red shirt. I know they tried Bean at RB a few times, but is there any chance they move him to WR? He has the height and speed. That way the door is open for Hawley or Easters to return as backup?

Anyone know when the naming rights on the stadium expire? I hope we don't renew that. Was thinking how wonderful it would be to name it after a great player. I'm thinking Gale Sayers Memorial Stadium.

I really doubt that it would alienate Mr. Booth. I suspect he made the donation purely because he loves KU. My guess is the university didn't have anything to show for it and getting it characterized as a marketing expense may have had some tax benefits. My guess is he wasn't too crazy about the idea either but his lawyer advised him to go with it.

When you're trying to recruit great players it might help.l to remind people some greats have already been here. KU does have some football history and it revolves around some great players.

I think Smith is what the Jayhawks need and a rare find.

Last year he was a pass rusher. This year they moved him to safety. One of the things that will give him an advantage at KU is being able to play all three LB spots including the Hawk. He can play inside, outside, and the hybrid. Not bad for a kid who just weighed in at 230 pounds.