Bill Self believes Ben McLemore, KU’s top rated recruit in 2012, is capable of filling the talent void left by Thomas Robinson and Tyshawn Taylor.

“Ben has as much potential as anybody in the gym,” Self said. “Potential. I mean, he’s as good a prospect as anybody we have in the gym. Period. And if you were to ask Thomas [Robinson] and Tyshawn [Taylor] who the best prospect is, including themselves, they both would say Ben McLemore.”

McLemore, who was allowed to practice with the Jayhawks during the second semester, was ruled academically ineligible to start the season.

“Now, he doesn’t know what he’s doing,” Self said. “He has no concept of certain things. His handle and passing ability reminds me of Brandon Rush when he was young, which if you remember, wasn’t great.

“He can run, jump and shoot. And he has the quickest feet of anybody, maybe since I’ve been here. Unbelievable feet.”