Bill Self hasn't completely ruled out Brandon Rush returning for his junior season.

"We can be as good, if not better, than we were last year," said the Kansas head coach. "Even if he stays in the draft, we've got as good three guards as anybody."

Self is right. Despite Julian Wright bidding farewell to college ball after two years and Rush, in all likelihood, not all that far behind, the Jayhawks are still the clear-cut favorites to win the Big 12.

The freshman duo of Darrell Arthur and Sherron Collins will have more pivotal roles - and Self will likely use the three-guard tandem of Collins, Russell Robinson and Mario Chalmers - and go small.

"Darrell is as good of a prospect as there is in the country," Self said.

While Self isn't comfortable putting a label on "Shady," it's not unreasonable to think the versatile and talented 6-foot-8 forward couldn't put himself in position to become a top three pick in next year's NBA Draft.

The one void, if Rush does sign with an agent, with Kansas will be that of a big wing.

"He's met with our compliance, his family and the NCAA," Self said of Rush. "We've had numerous talks to protect his eligibility. If he's not a sure first-rounder - and I think he's a first-rounder if he does what he's capable of doing - then he may come back. It's a deep draft."

Self did say that Rush plans to participate in the Orlando Pre-Draft Camp later this month.

"He's planning on playing and doing a few workouts for teams," Self said. "Right now I've been told he's a late first-round pick, but he can definitely help himself in Orlando."

RIDING THE WAVES

Vance Walberg has plenty of admirers in the coaching fraternity because of his up-tempo style of play that produced plenty of points - and wins - while in high school at Clovis West and also at Fresno City College, where he was 133-11 in four seasons.

However, Walberg wasn't in favor of other coaches coming by this past season - because he realized he didn't have the personnel to carry off his attacking, wide-open system.

"We're probably going to be at around 75 percent of what we need to be this year," said Walberg, whose team finished 8-23 in his first season in Malibu.

Walberg will add six players this fall, including a pair of talented teammates at San Diego Crawford High - 6-foot-7 wing Tyrone Shelley and his less-heralded teammate, 6-foot-8 forward Malcolm Thomas. The Waves will also have ultra-athletic point guard Rico Tucker available after he sat out last season following his transfer from Minnesota. Toss in Australia's best big man on its under-20 team, 6-foot-10 Daniel Johnson, and Pepperdine should be much better.

Walberg is also petitioning the NCAA for a sixth-year for his son, Jason Walberg, who suffered a season-ending knee injury after five games a year ago. The younger Walberg also suffered a torn ACL while at St. Mary's a couple years ago.

While the talent level will increase substantially, Walberg has a daunting schedule that includes at least 13 (and possibly 14) of his non-conference games away from picturesque Malibu, Calif.

"The key for us will be mentally keeping ourselves positive," Walberg said. "Because when you keep losing, it's hell. If we can get to 14 or 15 wins this year with 13 on the road, I'd take it."

SIDNEY - BEST IN AMERICA?

After getting a chance to watch many of the elite players last month, we've come to the conclusion that the most talented player in the country, regardless of class (this includes O.J. Mayo and this year's incoming freshman class), is 6-foot-8 1/2 versatile forward Renardo Sidney.

There's nothing that the Mississippi native, who moved to California prior to last season, isn't able to do. He's gotten his body back in shape and is able to score in the low-post, distribute the ball on the break and also make shots from the perimeter.

Sidney said that the two schools are showing the most interest these days are UCLA and Texas.

HOG WILD

New Arkansas head coach John Pelphrey wasted little time in getting the top available in-state player, 6-foot-8 power forward Michael Sanchez, to stick around.

Sanchez, who played for much of the past season with knee problems, was slated to go the prep school route in the fall. However, he chose the Razorbacks over Kentucky and Wake Forest on Monday.