Robinson happy to have Rush back

There is a psychological conflict in Russell Robinson's mind.

Regarding the injury-induced return of junior Brandon Rush, who pulled out of the NBA draft after tearing his ACL, Robinson's feelings are mixed between feeling bad for a friend, and feeling good for his team.

"I wish he'd have been able to go on to the NBA, because that's what he wants to do," Robinson said. "But I'm definitely happy to have him back."

In a few quick weeks, Robinson and the Jayhawks had to mentally adjust to Brandon Rush's departure (and that of Julian Wright), then re-adjust to his re-entry.

So did Brandon Rush.

"Of course he was down," Robinson said. "He was disappointed. It was looking good for him as far as the draft. It was unfortunate, but you can kinda see now that he's over it."

With a healthy Brandon Rush (and maybe even without), the Jayhawks again have a national title contender.

"I'm happy he handled the situation the way he did," Robinson said Wednesday after a session at Bob Chipman's youth basketball camp at Washburn. "He had the opportunity to come back. We're gonna be a much better team now that he's back."

Maybe not right away, however. Brandon Rush, who underwent surgery last Friday, faces about a six-month recovery, a time frame that would place his return somewhere in November or December, during the nonconference portion of KU's schedule. While Brandon Rush is out, and possibly even after he returns, Kansas coach Bill Self will be toying with lineups in attempts to replace Brandon Rush, then integrate him back into the rotation.

"Time will tell," Robinson said. "I think he's gonna recover fully. I just think whatever the lineup is, coach Self and the team is gonna find a way to win. As long as we get the best production out of everybody, I think that's what matters."

Senior center Sasha Kaun isn't too concerned.

"It's just like, that's a part of the injury," Kaun said. "It's good to see what happens."

Kaun and Robinson spent part their Wednesday at Lee Arena as part of their annual participation in Chipman's camp. The pair played one-on-one and two-on-two against numerous campers, with both players toying with their foes and thrilling the young onlookers with alley oops and shots swatted half across the floor.

After the schooling, both players took questions from the campers, signed autographs and posed for photos.

As seniors, this year's camp will be Kaun and Robinson's last in Topeka.