Micah Downs, a 6-7 small forward from Bothell HS in Bothell, Washington, has given a verbal commitment to play basketball at Kansas.
"I think Downs is a potential impact player on the college level," said recruiting analyst Eric Bossi prior to Down's commitment. "He is laterally quick, he elevates well and he gets up and down the court quickly with long strides."
"Downs has 22 foot range on his jumper right now, and is a very good catch and shoot guy. He'll be able to knock down jumpers."
"He's also very adept at beating defenders with pump fakes and jab steps before attacking the rim, and he has a very good step back jumper if his drive gets closed off," added Bossi. "Creating shots won't be a problem. He's really agressive and always attacking."
Downs, who had been thought to be a KU lean, ended his recruitment this weekend, electing not to take further recruiting visits, including a visit tentatively planned to Duke the following weekend.
Downs was recently interviewed by John Watson of TheDevilsDen.com, and Micah had this to say about Kansas and Coach Self:
“Kansas has a nice tradition and I really like Coach Self. He’s a real Christian, and so am I so that’s something. I like the way the team is a family there – the team is always over at his house and hanging out with each other.”
Downs is listed as the #5 small forward in the nation by TheInsiders.com rankings for the 2005 class, though he's likely to move up as those rankings are updated later this spring/summer.
Phog.net will have more on this developing story.