While it might have taken Alexander Kaun a little bit longer to make a decision about his future, he could not be happier with his decision to attend the University of Kansas. The 6-foot-11, 245-pound center from Florida Air Academy in Melbourne, FL., talked about why he chose to be a Jayhawk and his feelings about Coach Bill Self.

“I am very excited,” Kaun said. “I can’t wait to get to the University. This has been a learning process, and I have met lots of wonderful people, but I am relieved it is over. It was a very hard decision. All of them have tremendous academic and athletic programs. Kansas just felt like a better fit for me.”

Kansas, Michigan State and Duke all did a great job in terms of their recruitment of Kaun, but the Jayhawk coaching staff and their efforts throughout the process definitely made Kaun’s decision a little easier.

“I was very impressed with the quality of their academics as well as their basketball program, and I really like the coaching staff,” Kaun said. “I know I can learn a lot from Coach Self and his staff.”

Florida Air Academy Head Coach Aubin Goporo is happy that his star big man has finally made a decision. It was a good experience for both player and coach, but one that couldn’t end soon enough.

“This has been a long, very involved process,” Goporo said. “This past summer, Sasha dominated many highly ranked big men in several tournaments, and from that point on the press, coaches, and fans across the country all started calling. It has been non-stop since.

“Sasha has a terrific work ethic and is committed to developing his skills,” he added. “Sasha will be a strong member of their team and community. We have seen great things from him and I know there is a lot more to come.”

Rivals.com ranks Kaun No. 23 on the Rivals150 list and the fifth best center in the class of 2004