JUJU NOT GOING ANYWHERE

Julian Wright is staying put, at least through his Junior season, reports Dow Tate protegee and SM East journalism room veteran Jason King. Julian claims he made his decision based on his willingness to excel in the SF slot, the position he would likely play for an NBA team. NBAdraft.net, a website championed by yours truly, has Julian going 8th in the 2007 draft.

As a Jayhawk fan, this is terrific news. Julian's uncanny vision and elite athleticism are intangibles, but Wright hopes to gain polish on his shot and ballhandling ability. Everybody knows the dude can pass. He finds guys better than the FBI. He hits dudes who didn't know they were open. You get the picture.

But when I think if I were Julian...that's where I think he almost has to leave. If you're a lottery pick, GO. It's too good an opportunity, and if you're in the lottery, your stock is as high as it's going to get. Julian Wright's stock is already soaring. That's a hard opportunity to pass up. But if Julian can do it, no one will ever doubt his character.