Power forward Carlton Bragg (No. 18 in ESPN 100) committed to Kansas on Thursday over finalists Illinois and Kentucky, giving coach Bill Self a five-star prospect and the best senior the state of Ohio has to offer.
Let's take a look at why Bragg picked the Jayhawks and what he will bring to Lawrence.
Why he committed: "I really like the way coach Bill Self develops his players," Bragg said. "The atmosphere was crazy when I went on my visit, and I felt the most comfortable around the players. It was brotherly love there and I have the full support of my family and coaches and they think I made a great decision."
What he brings: At 6-foot-9 and 220 pounds, Bragg brings great length and skill to either forward position, which creates matchup problems on the offensive end of the floor. He can post and score over smaller defenders and pull less mobile opponents away from the basket, where he can shoot a 3 or make a play in space with a straight-line drive to the rim. Bragg can rebound on both ends of floor and has the size and athleticism to defend both forward positions. Bragg has tremendous upside and should reach his potential under the direction of Self and his staff.
"I will bring energy, the ability to attack the basket and score inside and out," Bragg said.
How he fits: Bragg will be an immediate threat in transition with his ability to finish above the rim or spot up for the open 3. In the half-court offense, Bragg can be featured within the Jayhawks' set play package by coming off a variety of screening actions or being the recipient off a kick-out or drop-off pass created by dribble penetration. Bragg will also be a great asset in the Jayhawks' signature high-low power game by working the high post, where he will be a threat to shoot, drive or pass. And in the low post, he can score over smaller defenders in certain matchup situations given Bragg's size, athleticism and skill.
"Coach Self told me I would be great in pick-and-pop situations, and when I get stronger, I can do more in the post," Bragg said.
Who he reminds us of: Bragg has the size, athleticism, skill and versatility to create matchup problems that reminds us of a combination of Denver Nuggets small forward Wilson Chandler and Oklahoma City Thunder power forward Perry Jones.
How the class is shaping up: Bragg is the first commitment of 2015 class for the Jayhawks, but expect more five-star prospects to join him as the late signing period approaches. Kansas is still very much in the mix for small forward Jaylen Brown (No. 2 in ESPN 100), shooting guard Malik Newman (No. 3), power forward Ivan Rabb (No. 5), power forward Cheick Diallo (No. 7), center Caleb Swanigan (No. 8), center Stephen Zimmerman (No. 10) and small forward Brandon Ingram (No. 12), among others.