Late Night Visitor Breakdown

Friday marks the official start of the college basketball season. It’s also the day Bill Self’s Kansas Jayhawks begin defense of their 2008 National Championship trophy. As they do every year, the Jayhawks will open the season with their fan and recruit friendly Late Night in the Phog event.

Speaking of recruits, the Jayhawks will also play host to a group of highly touted recruiting targets from the classes of 2009, 2010, 2011 and even 2012. Having evaluated each of these players in person, Phog.Net is here to break down the game of those targets expected to be in attendance on Friday night.

CLASS OF 2009 VISITORS

Xavier Henry - Hailed by many as the premier two guard recruit in the country, Henry is down to Kansas and Memphis and should have a decision shortly. A physical and skilled southpaw, Henry is a dangerous shooter with range to well beyond the three point line. He uses his strength to get to the hoop and can finish with contact.

Michael Snaer - Those who did their homework on Snaer weren’t surprised when he “blew up” during the summer of 2008. A physical and athletic wing player, Snaer is an excellent ball handler who can create angles to score off the bounce. Capable of blowing by defenders for dunks in traffic, it’s his attention to the defensive end that is equally impressive. His trip to Lawrence will be his fifth and final official visit after traveling to Marquette, Missouri, Florida State, and UCLA.

Dominic Cheek - Hailing from the same high school as Kansas freshman guard Tyshawn Taylor, Cheek is another big time wing scorer. While slender, he’s not afraid to attack the rim and he’s a good jump shooter to the three point line. Coached by the legendary Bob Hurley on the high school level, Cheek has a chance to step right in and produce on the offensive end.

Elijah Johnson - Johnson’s official visit to Lawrence marks the fourth time that the high flying point guard has been to Lawrence since last winter. A powerful 6-2 guard, Johnson uses an explosive first step, superior lateral quickness and leaping ability to convert on difficult finishes in traffic and well above the rim. His pull-up jumper is also a weapon and Johnson has tremendous potential as a defender. Others expecting visits from Johnson are Big 12 foes Texas and Oklahoma.

CLASS OF 2010 VISITORS

Harrison Barnes - No stranger to the campus of Iowa State in his hometown of Ames, the versatile wing makes his way down to Lawrence. A good jump shooter who can handle and finish at the rim, Barnes is among the top juniors in the nation. He’s been in Lawrence as a player and left the 2008 Jayhawk Invitational with a title in the 16 and under division back in May. Along with Late Night, Barnes will stick around on Saturday to watch Kansas practice.

Ray McCallum - A clever and heady young playmaker, McCallum is among the quickest players in his class. Solid with his right or off (left) hand, he breaks down defenders off the dribble and has the bounce to finish well above the rim. Unselfish and steady, he’s the son of a coach. McCallum has said in the past that he considers Kansas to be his leader.

Nino Williams - A native of St. Louis, the 6-5 Williams is getting ready for his junior season at Leavenworth (KS) High. An aggressive wing who loves to get to the rim, Williams is a tenacious rebounder on either end of the floor. He plays hard and has started to generate plenty of attention.

CLASS OF 2011 VISITORS

Bradley Beal - Beal played his way onto the Kansas radar with an impressive summer for the St. Louis Eagles 15 and under squad. A dangerous shooter from deep, Beal also handles well enough to run the point for stretches. The sophomore is poised for a breakout year after averaging around 8 points per game as a freshman.

Christian Kirk -After spending the last few years in Springfield, MO, Kirk has returned to the St. Louis area where he’ll take the floor for St. Charles (MO) West. An athletic 6-7 insider, he’s got a developing skill game.

CLASS OF 2012 VISITOR

Perry Ellis - Only a freshman, Ellis is attending his second straight Late Night and he was also on campus for last month’s ring ceremony. Touted as one of the prospects from the state of Kansas in quite some time, Ellis has already drawn considerable attention from colleges and scouts. Athletic, quick and inside out ability in a frame that has reportedly stretched out to 6-8 make him a hot property.