Devonte’ Graham commits to Kansas

Four-star point guard Devonte’ Graham committed to Kansas over North Carolina State on Friday, according to ESPN’s Jeff Goodman.

The commitment caps off arguably the strangest recruitment of the 2014 class. Graham, the last top recruit to sign in the 2014 class, originally committed to Appalachian State before his senior season at Raleigh’s Broughton High School in 2012. He wasn’t a top prospect, and according to his AAU coach, through the Raleigh News & Observer, he committed to the Mountaineers because he got “nervous” about his recruitment.

During his senior season at Broughton, Graham’s profile rose, and he requested to be released from his letter of intent so he could pursue some bigger schools. However, Appalachian State coach Jason Capel refused, so instead of enrolling at Appalachian State, Graham took a prep year at Brewster Academy. After Capel was fired, new coach Jim Fox released Graham from his letter of intent. Graham received offers from Virginia, Providence, Virginia Tech and Xavier, among others, but ultimately narrowed down his top two to Kansas and NC State.

Graham’s commitment to Kansas is a win-win for both the player and the school. After point guard Naadir Tharpe announced his transfer from Kansas, the Jayhawks had a major question mark at the position, which was already shaky at the end of last season. Apparently, Tharpe’s departure played a role in getting Graham to Lawrence.

Graham fills a void, and he should get the opportunity to play a lot, competing for time with rising sophomore Frank Mason. With Perry Ellis and Wayne Selden returning, along with Cliff Alexander, Kelly Oubre and Graham coming in, Kansas should be the favorite in the Big 12 next season, though the Jayhawks will have competition from Texas, Iowa State and Oklahoma.