In an interview Monday with New York radio personality Mike Francesa, Wichita State coach Gregg Marshall said Kansas “still tried to get to” Fred VanVleet even after he committed to the Shockers.
“They still tried to get to him [after he committed] but he stood by his word and his commitment,” Marshall said. “We were glad they got to the party late on him.”
The 6-foot junior went for 17 points, 6 assists, 6 rebounds and 4 steals on Sunday when No. 7 Wichita State upset No. 2 Kansas 78-65 to advance to a Sweet 16 matchup with No. 3 Notre Dame in the Midwest Region.
“I’ve never been around a kid like him, as competitive and as tough and as hard-nosed,” Marshall told Francesa.
In high school, VanVleet reportedly cut his list to Wichita State, Kent State and Northern Illinois before picking the Shockers.
Meantime, Marshall is now reportedly being targeted by Alabama, with Gary Parrish of CBSSports.com indicating they are willing to pay at least $3 million annually to entice Marshall to replace the fired Anthony Grant.
Photo: USA Today Sports
