Darrell Arthur Signs With Kansas

May 9, 2006

LAWRENCE, Kan. –

Kansas head basketball coach Bill Self announced Tuesday the signing of Darrell Arthur, one of the nation’s most highly-touted recruits, to a National Letter of Intent. Arthur, a 6-9 power forward from South Oak Cliff High in Dallas, Texas, announced his decision in an afternoon press conference.

A 2006 McDonald’s All-American, Arthur averaged 18 points, 10 rebounds and six blocked shots in leading South Oak Cliff to its second straight state title as a senior. Arthur, the 16th-ranked high school senior in the nation according to rivals.com, chose KU over Baylor and LSU.

“The Kansas basketball family is extremely excited to announce the signing of Darrell Arthur,” Self said. “`Shady,’ as he is nicknamed, was heavily recruited by schools across the country for the past two to three years. His decision to pick Kansas after such an intense recruiting period with many other good choices definitely will impact our program in an immediate way.”

“Darrell is one of the premier athletes in America,” Self continued. “He has excellent perimeter shooting skills and can certainly score in the post. His athletic ability and shot-blocking should make him a presence defensively. His versatility will definitely be a bonus for our team and will allow us to play with more interchangeable parts. Coaches James Mays [South Oak Cliff High] and Jazzy Hartwell [AAU] have done a great job of preparing him for the next level.”

“I like the coaching staff and the environment,” Arthur said at his press conference. “It was mainly Coach Self — I need a coach that will push me. I love the Kansas players and coaches and most of all the family atmosphere at KU.”

Arthur joins KU signees Sherron Collins and Brady Morningstar in the Jayhawks’ 2006-07 freshman class.

– KU –