Sept. 20, 2005
The Big 12 recently had big news about a pair of talented diaper dandies arriving on campus. Nobody ever questioned the athletic ability of Brandon Rush and Keith Brumbaugh. Both entered the NBA draft but pulled their names out.

Who are these two freshmen? Rush finally qualified academically and is going to Kansas. The 6-foot-6 guard/forward joins a Jayhawk class that includes Julian Wright, Mario Chalmers and Micah Downs. They form one of the premier freshmen groups in America. At Kansas, they do not rebuild, they simply reload!

This freshman group will create loads of excitement as the chants of "Rock, Chalk, Jayhawk" will be heard loud and clear in Lawrence.

Coach Eddie Sutton has done a phenomenal job giving kids a second opportunity.

Rush, the younger brother of Charlotte Bobcats guard Kareem Rush and former UCLA star JaRon Rush, was co-MVP of the Roundball Classic (he scored 21 points and grabbed 11 rebounds). There is no doubt he comes from a family of outstanding athletes.

After a disappointing loss to Bucknell in the first round of the NCAA Tournament last season, Kansas had to restock its talent. Last year's Jayhawks had veterans who tasted the Final Four, and now guys like Wayne Simien, Keith Langford and Aaron Miles are no longer in Lawrence.

Because the name on the jersey says "Kansas," everyone will still be gunning for them. Coach Bill Self has an outstanding sophomore class as well with the likes of Russell Robinson, Darnell Jackson, C.J. Giles and Sasha Kaun returning. Self is a motivator with a tremendous sense of pride, and his team will be back.

Meanwhile, Brumbaugh, a 6-8 forward-guard from DeLand, Fla., averaged 30-plus points in his senior year of high school. He joins an Oklahoma State program led by coach Eddie Sutton, who has done a phenomenal job giving kids a second opportunity.

Recently, Brumbaugh was arrested and charged with shoplifting items worth approximately $40 from a Wal-Mart in Stillwater. The young man apologized for his action, and let's hope he really means it. Now the Mr. Basketball in Florida has the chance to make the most of his opportunity.

JamesOn Curry was released from his scholarship at North Carolina after drug problems. The former high school sensation then went to Stillwater, and he has become a vital part of the Oklahoma State program. I feel that once he recovers from recent knee surgery, he will have a breakthrough season.

Going further back, look at ESPN analyst Doug Gottlieb, who had some legal problems at Notre Dame. He went on to clean up his act and enjoy great success as a member of the Cowboys, becoming one of their all-time assist leaders. Gottlieb received his degree and went on to a career in radio and television.

Yes, some people go on and take advantage of second chances.

Brumbaugh is young enough to learn from his mistake and move on in a positive way. He must be accountable for his actions, and he must listen to his coach. Sutton talks to his players about life away from basketball and doing the right thing. Brumbaugh's initial impression at Oklahoma State has not been positive, as he made a bad decision. There is a strike against him, and I hope his apology is genuine.

There will be pressure on Rush and Brumbaugh this season. They are certainly capable of having an immediate impact in the Big 12.

Dick Vitale coached the Pistons and the University of Detroit before broadcasting ESPN's first college basketball game in 1979. Send a question for Vitale for possible use on ESPNEWS.