Bill Self says KU likely to add a guard from another school for World University Games

Kansas coach Bill Self is preparing his program to represent the United States at this summer’s World University Games, and that preparation includes some roster tweaking.

Self says he expects to add one perimeter player from another school to KU’s World University Games roster. The Jayhawks will represent the United States in the international tournament in July in Gwanju, South Korea, and Kansas’ current roster situation features some holes in the backcourt.

Junior guard Brannen Greene will miss the tournament after having offseason hip surgery, while sophomore guard Svi Mykhailiuk, a native of Ukraine, is not eligible to play for the United States. That leaves just three guards on the roster — Frank Mason, Devonte’ Graham and Wayne Selden. Self said he expects to add another perimeter player through recruiting — the Jayhawks have two scholarships remaining — but Kansas will likely add a guard from another school for depth purposes.

Any player under the age of 25 and enrolled in college classes this summer is eligible to play in the World University Games.

Incoming freshman Cheick Diallo, a native of Mali, Africa, is also not eligible to play this summer, but the Jayhawks still have five frontcourt players available, including incoming freshman Carlton Bragg, who will be able to play. The Jayhawks’ staff is also pursuing a couple of big men via the transfer market, including former Mizzou forward Johnathan Williams III and former NC State forward Kyle Washington. (NCAA rules bar coaches from commenting on potential recruits.) Any non-graduate transfer would have to sit out the 2015-16 college season, but would be able to play in the World University Games.

Self said Friday that Kansas will likely begin preparing for the World University Games on June 8. The Jayhawks will practice for three weeks in the leadup to the tournament and have two exhibition games at the Sprint Center on June 23 and 26. During that time, Kansas will not be subject to any NCAA limitations on practice time.

“We can have unlimited practice,” Self said.

Mykhailiuk and Diallo will be classified as “team managers” during those weeks. They can be present and take part in practice, but their participation will be limited in certain ways.

This story was originally published May 16, 2015 at 10:45 AM with the headline "Bill Self says KU likely to add a guard from another school for World University Games."