Since committing to the Jayhawks in May of 2008, the #94 ranked player in the ESPNU 100, Royce Woolridge , has made the trip to Kansas a few times, but his visit this past weekend might have been the best for the 6′2″ shooting guard from Phoenix. Not only was Royce blown away by the crowd during ‘Late Night,’ but he was also impressed by the new facilities that the Kansas basketball program is now utilizing.
TheShiver.com caught up to Woolridge to talk about the visit, the program and about who he’s trying add to the Kansas commitment list.
Now a senior, Woolridge finally had the opportunity to officially visit the University of Kansas. Having been to KU in the past, Royce thought he knew what to expect during his visit, what he got was another trip that left him counting down the days until he walks onto the court for ‘Late Night’ as a member of the Kansas basketball team.
“It was real cool,” Woolridge said of the visit to Kansas. “The campus is cool and the new facilities were nice. The new practice gym is huge and the music plays throughout the place. They got new lockerrooms too, which are nice,” added Woolridge.
Woolridge said he did have the opportunity to play with the current team a bit in the new practice gym.
“Yeah a little bit,” said Woolridge of playing with members of the Kansas basketball team. “I did alright. CJ (Henry), and Mario (Little) guarded me,” added Woolridge.
During the visit, which was hosted by Tyrel Reed, Woolridge seemed to enjoy going out to eat, including once at Coach Self’s house, hanging out with the current players and of course ‘Late Night.’
“We went out to eat a lot,” said Woolridge. “We ate at Coach Self’s house and went to ‘Late Night’ and got to hang out with the guys, which was cool,” added Woolridge about the visit.
Woolridge was once again impressed by ‘Late Night.’ Between the crowd, the scrimmage and the videos Woolridge was ready to suit up and play by time the event ended.
“Late Night was crazy,” said Woolridge of the annual Kansas basketball kick-off celebration. “It was so loud and there was so many people there. It was a good experience and I have no idea what it would be like to play there. It will be crazy. Whoever does those videos does a good job,” added Woolridge of the videos shown minutes before the basketball team takes the floor.
During the visit Woolridge also had the opportunity to talk to a couple of the other recruits who were also visiting for ‘Late Night.’
“I talked to Doron (Lamb) and Harrison (Barnes),” said Woolridge. “They had a real good time. I talked to Harrison and I’m trying to get him to come to Kansas too. He liked it down there, but I can’t tell, he’s a real laid back guy. Who knows, maybe he’ll surprise everyone and come to Kansas,” added Woolridge about Harrison Barnes choosing to attend Kansas.
Woolridge, who is best known for his ability to score in multiple ways, did get a homework assignment from the Kansas head man, Coach Self.
“Just told me to get ready and to work on making my shot pure,” said Woolridge. “That’s what I’m going to do, I’m going to work on making my shot pure. I’m also going to work on my body because they (KU) got some big guys. (Thomas) Robinson is a big dude, and Xavier has like a NBA body.” added Woolridge.
For now, Woolridge will be working hard to improve his shot and preparing to lead his high school team to a state title.
