Cliff Alexander is ranked among the top 5 in the 2014 class. The 6-foot-8 forward from Chicago pulled a cruel little trick on his home-state Illinois fans during his announcement on Friday. Alexander, who was considering KU, Illinois and Depaul, originally picked up the UI hat before putting on the Kansas hat. Alexander’s move triggered the above reaction from the fans.
We’ve seen plenty of high school football recruits pull this trick when making their selection but for some reason this move by Alexander is getting more attention than the earlier declarations.
After committing to Kansas over Illinois, Cliff Alexander was asked why he picked up the wrong hat. He said his teammates told him to do it.
— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) November 15, 2013
I wish Cliff Alexander the best but that was not right to pick up the Illinois hat first. People's livelihoods are at stake.
— Seth Davis (@SethDavisHoops) November 15, 2013
Here’s his announement video:
Related: Stanley Johnson announces his Arizona commitment by holding up a pair of shoes
[Deadspin]