No. 9 player in 2007 class says atmosphere and chance to work with former NBA player Manning made choice easier
Cole Aldrich, a 6-foot-11, 250-pound center from Bloomington (Minn.) Jefferson High, made public on Wednesday his decision to orally commit to Kansas University. Aldrich -- who said he committed to Jayhawk coach Bill Self on Monday, but waited until today to announce his choice because of a heavy academic work load this week -- chose Kansas over Minnesota and North Carolina. He said he will sign a letter of intent in November of 2006.
"It's final that I'm going to Kansas now," Aldrich said. "I'm definitely excited about my decision. It will be a lot of fun playing in front of all the crazy people in Lawrence. With coach Self coaching me, and coach (Danny) Manning helping me go to the next level -- it should be a great career." Aldrich said he didn't want to wait around another year to make his decision because he already felt he knew what the right school was for him.
"I've been telling everybody I didn't know when I would commit. It could have been a year from now or yesterday," said Aldrich, who averaged 15 points, 11 rebounds and five blocks a game. "I felt the time was right. I didn't want to pursue the universities I wasn't totally interested. I felt Kansas was the right place for me."
Aldrich, who is rated the No. 9 player in the Class of 2007 by rivals.com, had made five unofficial visits to KU over the last couple of years. "Every time I went there it was a new experience and more fun than the last time."