KU's new basketball coach reaching into Oklahoma for talent

(Lawrence, Kansas-AP) -- An Oklahoman is among Bill Self's first recruiting class as Kansas' head basketball coach. <br><br>Self -- the former coach at Tulsa and Oral Roberts -- has signed Darnell

Friday, November 14th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Lawrence, Kansas-AP) -- An Oklahoman is among Bill Self's first recruiting class as Kansas' head basketball coach.

Self -- the former coach at Tulsa and Oral Roberts -- has signed Darnell Jackson, a 6-foot-8 center from Midwest City.

Jackson averaged 20 points, 12 rebounds and five blocks last season at Midwest City High. He chose Kansas over Oklahoma, Purdue, Oklahoma State and Illinois.

Jackson says he fulfilled a personal goal when he gave Kansas an oral commitment on July 11th. He says he's wanted to go to KU for a long time.

Self says Jackson's skills will develop in time. He says Jackson's got a big, wide body and is known for his rebounding and offensive board work.