Cliff Alexander at one time went toe-to-toe with Jahlil Okafor as the best high school prospect in the nation. Now, he went undrafted while Okafor went third.
Alexander chose Kansas, a top program coached by Bill Self. Most observers believe it was a good choice, but now there are allegations that the Jayhawks may have mishandled the prodigious talent.
That was the case according to CJ online: "Blame will be thrust on KU - sometimes by coaches who recruit against the Jayhawks -- for not doing more to build on Alexander's potential. And, not doing more to educate Alexander and his family on the unsavory element of those attempting to profit on the future of a seemingly can't-miss prospect."
When Alexander was making a choice, it was down to two schools: Kansas and local Illinois. His high school coach Mike Oliver mentioned that Alexander went back on forth, Illinois one hour, then Kansas the next.
SB Nation noted that "Alexander suffered a foot injury at an early practice that kept him sidelined for Kansas' summer workouts. He might have been a five-star recruit, but Self had plenty of veteran options in the frontcourt. It put Alexander at a disadvantage from the start, and he was never fully able to win over Self's trust."
Apart from seeming lost on the court at times, his experience with Kansas was marred by an eligibility case. It was reported that Alexander's mom took a loan from a company that was known for lending money to potential NBA draft picks. Kansas preventively suspended Alexander and the case is still pending.
But eventually, Alexander confessed that "I had a good experience at Kansas," Alexander confided to SB Nation. "I had a good support system. It took me a little more time to define my role. Once I knew what I role really was,(sic) my season had ended."
That was why Alexander did not have a choice to return-- his eligibility was in question, so ready or not, he had to jump in. Alexander had nothing to build on-he was seen as an underachiever in college. He had to rely on the workouts.
In a workout with the Lakers, who were considering him for the 27th overall pick they got from the Houston Rockets, he got injured on his right knee. Teams interpreted that as a red flag, which along with the college debacle, doomed his draft chances.
Alexander's agent, Reggie Brown revealed there were deals from teams that would draft him in the second round but stash him overseas. They refused and somehow, Alexander found his way to Brooklyn.
He has a slim chance, but he can still prove what he's made of.