Maeshon Witherspoon (left), Josh Selby’s mom, is relieved after Selby announces he’s attending the University of Kansas Saturday evening at the Jordan Brand Classic. (photo by Nick Krug, Lawrence Journal World)
By Derek Toney
Under the bright lights of New York City, Josh Selby said he’s going to the land where Dorothy and Toto once roamed. The Lake Clifton senior point guard announced he’s going to attend the University of Kansas during the Jordan Brand Classic at Madison Square Garden Saturday.
“I think that’s the best place for me to mature and get to the next level,” Selby said after making the nationally televised decision. “[Coach Bill Self] kind of reminds me of myself. He’s very outgoing, a good coach and he’s going to get the job done.”
Selby selected the Jayhawks over Arizona, Connecticut, Kentucky and Tennessee. Speculation over the last several months had Kansas in the driver seat for the 6-foot-3 point guard.
With Kentucky freshman point guard John Wall announcing last week he’s entering the NBA Draft, Selby’s name automatically was linked to the Wildcats. Brandon Knight, considered the nation’s top prep point guard, committed to Kentucky on the first day of the national signing period Wednesday, all but assuring Selby would indeed be headed to Lawrence, Kansas.
Selby averaged 32 points, seven assists, five rebounds and two steals for the Lakers, earning All-Metro player of the year honors by the Sun. He scored 40 or more points in six contests during the winter season.
Selby, who spent two seasons at DeMatha Catholic and his freshman year at John Carroll, is part of the best B-more senior class in recent memory. Brewster Academy’s Will Barton, who formerly attended City College and Lake Clifton and is considered the nation’s No. 1 shooting guard, is headed to Memphis along with brother Antonio. Roscoe Smith (Virginia’s Oak Hill, formerly Walbrook) is headed to UConn and Brewster Academy’s C.J. Fair (formerly City College) will play for Syracuse.
Before his junior campaign, Selby verbally committed to Tennessee, but reopened his recruitment last summer. The Vols made a last push with Bruce Pearl coming to Baltimore to see Selby lead Lake Clifton against City College in the Class 2A state North Region semifinals at Coppin State.
In the end, it was Kansas winning over Selby. With the graduation of Sherron Collins, Selby should immediately see time in the Jayhawk backcourt.