Brandon Rush Cleared by the NCAA Clearinghouse and Will Play at Kansas
Sept. 2, 2005
LAWRENCE, Kan. –
University of Kansas head coach Bill Self has confirmed that standout guard Brandon Rush has been cleared by the NCAA Clearinghouse and is now a member of the men’s basketball team.
“Brandon and his family rightfully have been waiting for positive feedback from the NCAA Clearinghouse concerning his eligibility,” Self said. “We received information from the Clearinghouse today and Brandon is eligible to pursue a college career this academic year.”
Rated the No. 13 best player by rivals.com following last season, Rush, 6-6, pulled out of the NBA draft this past June, making himself eligible to pursue a college basketball career. The Kansas City, Mo., native was the second-rated small forward by rivals.com behind KU teammate Julian Wright.
“I’m very happy about coming to school and getting this out of the way,” Rush said. “It’s a great school with great basketball. It’s a great coach and it has great history. It’s close to home. I just like it.”
Rush averaged 21 points, six rebounds and five assists per game for Mount Zion (N.C.) Academy last season. Additionally he was one of 10 finalists for the 2005 Naismith Trophy awarded to the nation’s top high school player.
“We are obviously excited to receive this word from someone of Brandon’s ability this late in the recruiting process,” Self said. “Brandon is a very versatile perimeter player that has excellent ball handling skills. His size and athletic ability will allow him to defend on the perimeter. We feel the addition of Brandon will help make this young but talented team even more versatile this season.”
A two-time all-state selection in high school, Rush was twice named an all-star at the Reebock ABCD Camp and was the 2004 ABCD Camp most valuable player while playing for AAU KS Rocktown. This past summer Rush joined Wright on the USA Men’s Junior National select team. The team defeated a World Select Team 106-98 at the eighth annual Hoop Summit April 9 in Memphis.
Brother of current NBA Charlotte Bobcat Kareem Rush and former UCLA player JaRon Rush, Brandon Rush was named to the 2005 adidas Derby Festival Basketball Classic and was named to USA Today’s 2004-05 Pre-Season Super 25.
“Brandon comes from a great basketball family that has experienced success at the highest level,” Self said. “Brandon and his family’s commitment to going to school and representing the University of Kansas should speak volumes to our fan base. I certainly appreciate the confidence Brandon and his family has shown us throughout this brief but very busy recruiting process.
“Although Brandon declared for the NBA draft this past summer, he is committed to being a part of a storied tradition and help our program in any fashion. He understands that winning at this level benefits everyone associated with the program.”
