Billy Preston speaks Sunday: ‘I’ll be a Jayhawk forever’

Billy Preston says he spoke from the heart to his former University of Kansas basketball teammates and coaches on Sunday, a day after it was announced that he’d be leaving school to play professional basketball in Bosnia in advance of the 2018 NBA Draft.

“I basically told everybody I’d miss them,” Preston, a 6-foot-10 forward from Los Angeles told The Star in a Sunday night phone conversation.

“I told ’em it’s not the way it was (initially) planned. God has a plan for everybody, so it’s just the plan now,” Preston added.

The highly-touted McDonald’s All-American represented KU in exhibition games in Italy last summer and during three preseason contests prior to the start of the 2017-18 campaign.

Preston, however, never participated in a regular-season game. He was held out of the opener against Tennessee State as penalty for missing curfew and a class, and missed the next 18 contests as KU compliance and the NCAA looked into the financial picture surrounding a car he’s been driving in Lawrence this school year.

“I’ll be a Jayhawk forever. That’s what I told coach (Bill) Self today,” said Preston, whose on-court highlight as a Jayhawk had to be his 12-point, 4-rebound performance in a 93-87 exhibition victory over Missouri on Oct. 22 at the Sprint Center.

Preston said he felt a lot of love speaking with squad members Sunday.

“Coach Self, coach T (Kurtis Townsend), the rest of the staff and the rest of the team were real supportive of my decision,” Preston said. “There was nothing negative toward me in any way. I’m really going to miss them. I’m going to miss KU.”

He said he’s also paid attention to supportive posts on Twitter from fans.

“I am grateful,” Preston said. “It’s a blessing. It shows how many (people) really care out here.”

Preston said he’s also grateful for the work put forth by KU officials on his behalf in correspondence with the NCAA over the car issue. Ultimately the NCAA did not decide on his case, so Preston decided to accept an offer from the team in the Adriatic League.

“I’m more than happy with the effort, coach Self, coach Townsend, the rest of the staff,” Preston said. “I’m just glad we found something (so he can play ball this season).”

In regards to the specific situation regarding his car — or anything else the NCAA might be looking at — Preston said: “I don’t have anything to say about anything that has to do with the situation. I’m just handling this from the next step (playing in Bosnia).”

Preston said he believes he’ll be able to contribute right away to the pro team.

“I don’t think I’m rusty at all,” said Preston, who said his plan is to definitely enter the 2018 NBA Draft. “I was able to practice and work out still with the KU team. I didn’t spend my time just sitting out. I still had that time in the gym, that whole time in the situation with the NCAA I was still in the gym. I feel fine. I’m in great shape. I feel I could play now if I was in Bosnia right now.”

Preston showed a sense of humor in addressing a question about starting his pro career.

“Just a little bit earlier than expected,” Preston said.

“It’s exciting just to be able to play. Now I’m able to play again and rise back up. No matter where it’s at, I’m just happy to be able to do that,” he added in a serious tone.

He said he does not know much about his new team, BC Igokea.

“I’m excited to learn about it when I get out there,” Preston said, unsure of the exact date he’ll join his pro team.

Preston said he hoped fans read the statement he wrote Saturday on Twitter. That statement read: “My family and I have decided that it is in my best interest to sign with BC Igokea of the Adriatic League in Bosnia. We have fully cooperated with the NCAA and were prepared to continue but it has been 67 days since this process began, and still no end in sight.

“Playing at the University of Kansas was a dream of mine but being a professional has always been my long term goal. That day is finally here. I look forward to joining my new team and preparing myself for whatever my future holds.

“I appreciate the support from coach Self, coach Townsend, and the entire staff and fan base at KU, you will always hold a special place in my heart. Rock Chalk, BP.”

This story was originally published January 21, 2018 at 8:45 PM with the headline "Billy Preston speaks Sunday: ‘I’ll be a Jayhawk forever’."