"Rushing" Back?

As a diehard Jayhawk fan, the sight of Sherron Collins clutching his ankle in pain wasn't great. As it turns out, the turned ankle was a blessing in disguise. Because X-Ray's had to be taken after Sunday's win over UMKC, the stress fracture in his foot was found. It was a time-bomb ready to go off. Had it not been detected, this injury could have popped out much later in the season, which could have proven very costly. As it is, Collins is out six weeks and will miss key out of conference games with Arizona, USC, and Georgia Tech.

On the other side of the spectrum, perhaps KU's best player, Brandon Rush was dubbed a "game-time decision" for Thursday's game with Washburn by coach Bill Self before Wednesday's practice. This was stunning news to those in Jayhawk nation and smells like a reaction to the Collins injury. Self claims otherwise. Rush says the doctors have cleared him.

To me, I think this is a huge mistake. Washburn is a D-II school, akin to playing Little Sisters of the Poor. There is no need for Rush to play in this game. Give him another week to get himself ready. If he is truly ready then, play him next week against Northern Arizona. As important as these games may seem, this team will be judged by what they do in March. Nobody knows that better than Self. Missing out on the Final Four this year with all of this talent, could be costly to him on several levels.

I want as close to a full strength Brandon Rush as we can get. Remember, he tore his ACL this summer. It's been less than six months since the injury. Lets hope I'm wrong.

Meanwhile, KU received three letter of intent today from The Morris Twins and Mario Little. Travis Releford and Quintrell Thomas are expected to sign their letters later in the week. Once the LOI is signed, Coach Self can comment on the player finally. Per kusports.com, here is what Self had to say:

Bill Self on the Morris twins: “We feel Marcus and Markieff Morris are two of the most underrated players in the country. Both twins are very skilled as they can both shoot the ball with range and also have an inside game. Markieff is a big forward that can play either spot on your front line. He is a very good low post player. Marcus is a very skilled, do-everything wing when he has the ball. He is a tall perimeter player that can also go inside. The twins experienced great success in high school having won two state championships (2006, 2007) and have been very well coached by Dan Brinkley at Prep Charter.”

Bill Self on Mario Little: "Mario is a versatile guard who can play the wing or he could be a two guard. He’s a very good scorer and he will bring an element of toughness to our program. With coach Greg Heiar, Chipola plays a very similar style to that we do and he has been very well drilled in his stay at Chipola.”