Keeper: Cole Aldrich, Kansas

Chalmers Chiefers

On Thursday, February 12, 2009 at 8:45am, Chalmers Chiefers elected to keep Cole Aldrich, Kansas. This decision was as close to a no-brainer as you can get. Needless to say, it wasn't surprising that Chalmers Chiefers made his decision a month before nearly every other team. Over last season, Aldrich's numbers remained consistent - despite having to play for more than a month with missing teeth, and a protective mask that never seemed to fit quite right. He was a warrior on the boards all year long, while displaying a smooth stroke from the free throw line. Expectations will be high, but I have a feeling Cole is ready and willing to shoulder the load.

Aldrich was one of the most dominant players in the league last year. He truly hit his stride towards the end of the year, and displayed a sky-high ceiling in the NCAA tournament. Aldrich already announced he would return to Lawrence next year, for the chance at two national championships in three years. Despite being a projected lottery pick in the upcoming NBA draft, he decided it was more worthwhile to improve his lower body strength and develop his post moves, with the help of assistant coach Danny Manning. Given the trend of his quick development, Aldrich could very well be a 1st team All-American and National Player of the Year candidate. He is on his way to being a top-five pick in the 2010 NBA draft.

After averaging 15pts, 11reb, 3blk and 1ast last season, Aldrich should be an absolute beast next year. Obviously, teams will do everything within their power to stop him. But with a stronger supporting cast, don't expect much of a statistical dropoff. He is already one of the elite shotblockers in the country, and even posted a triple-double against Dayton in the second round of the NCAA tournament. Kansas looks primed for an even deeper run next year, and expect Aldrich to be the engine to the Jayhawks' drive to Indianapolis.