Former KU center Jeff Withey to play for Dallas Mavericks

Former Kansas center Jeff Withey has agreed to a one-year contract with the Dallas Mavericks, The Vertical reported on Friday afternoon.

Terms were not disclosed.

ESPN.com later indicated Withey’s deal was partially guaranteed for two seasons. Withey, 27, earned $1,015,696 last season while completing the second year of a two-year deal with the Utah Jazz. He also played two seasons for the New Orleans Pelicans after being selected 39th in the 2013 NBA Draft.

“The Mavericks could use another center, even if they re-sign Nerlens Noel. Salah Mejri is the only other true center, though Dirk Nowitzki will now play the position,” wrote nbcsports.com’s Dan Feldman. “Withey is a good rim protector. Just don’t ask him to do anything away from the basket. Dallas annually brings excess players to training camp and has them compete for regular-season roster spots. Whether or not his salary is guaranteed, Withey will likely fall into that competition,” Feldman added.

Withey, a 7-footer, averaged 13.7 points and 8.5 rebounds in 37 games in 2012-13 — his senior year at Kansas. He averaged 2.9 points and 2.4 rebounds per game in 51 games for the Jazz last season.

White signs with Celtics

Former KU forward Andrew White III has signed a one-year, partially guaranteed deal with the Boston Celtics, his agent told Syracuse.com.

White, who played at Kansas, Nebraska and Syracuse during his five-year college career, was not chosen in the 2017 NBA Draft. He averaged 7.0 points a game in four Las Vegas Summer League games for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The 6-foot-7 White averaged 18.5 points per game last season at Syracuse. He hit a school-record 112 threes (on 40.3 percent shooting), breaking Gerry McNamara’s record of 107. He scored a career-high 40 points in a win over Georgia Tech.

KU 5th; Wichita State 7th

ESPN’s Dick Vitale ranked Kansas No. 5 in the country and Wichita State No. 7 in his preseason “Super Seven” revealed on Friday at ESPN.com.

Duke, which earlier this week landed a commitment from Marvin Bagley, is No. 1, followed by Arizona, Michigan State, Kentucky, KU, Louisville and Wichita State.

Of KU, Vitale wrote: “Devonté Graham decided to return to school and Bill Self hopes he performs the way Frank Mason did last season. Malik Newman gets his opportunity to shine. Billy Preston is a Diaper Dandy who will get his own share of press clippings. If Kansas can make some noise up front, this team will be very tough. The loss of Josh Jackson hurt.”

Of Wichita State, Vitale wrote: “Gregg Marshall’s team should dominate the AAC in its first season in the conference. The injury woes of Landry Shamet may have an early impact, but the Shockers will be heard from as the season progresses.”

Thompson enjoys KU visit

Bryce Thompson, a 6-2 sophomore combo guard from Tulsa Washington High School, made an unofficial visit to KU on Thursday.

“Had an amazing visit at The University of Kansas thanks to coach Self, coach (Norm) Roberts and staff,” Thompson wrote on Twitter.

Self coached Thompson’s dad, Rod, at Tulsa. Bryce has received offers from Kansas, DePaul, Houston, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas A&M, Tulsa and Oral Roberts, according to Jayhawkslant.com.

KU looking at soph Johnson

KU has expressed interest in Jalen Johnson, a 6-6 sophomore small forward from Sun Prairie (Wis.) High School, Johnson told NY2LAsports.com.

The Wisconsin Playground Warriors AAU player also is being recruited by Duke, Kentucky, Marquette, Wisconsin, North Carolina, Iowa, UCLA, Maryland and others.

“I want to have a strong relationship with the coaches,” Johnson told NY2LAsports.com. “I don’t want distance to be an issue because I want to feel at home. I want to feel like it’s a family and I also want to win.”

This story was originally published August 18, 2017 at 8:05 PM with the headline "Former KU center Jeff Withey to play for Dallas Mavericks."