Kansas preparing for life without Cheick Diallo

Kansas is getting set to rock and chalk despite the potential absence of its prized freshman recruit, Cheick Diallo.

The 6-foot-9 power forward, who was the MVP of the McDonald's All American Game in March, has not yet been cleared by the NCAA Eligibility Center, forcing Kansas to consider possible contingency plans.

"We've talked about (not having Diallo) a lot, but we're not going to change how we play," Kansas head coach Bill Self told John Rothstein of CBS Sports on Wednesday morning.

For what it's worth, Self added that he's optimistic his team will have Diallo in the lineup when the Jayhawks open their season on Nov. 4.

"Although there's no guarantees and everyone is doing their part in terms of looking into it, I believe that we'll play with him. So we're going to prepare like that," he said. "That doesn't mean that we're going to have him, but sometimes what I believe is also what I hope."

Diallo was a five-star recruit and the seventh-ranked high school prospect by ESPN. He was expected to be a key component of a Jayhawks team looking to reinsert itself into national championship contention. The NCAA is permitting Diallo to practice with the team, but have yet to give him the go-ahead for game action, according to Rustin Dodd of The Kansas City Star.

Without Diallo, Kansas would likely rely on Carlton Bragg to help fill the void. Bragg, a fellow freshman, was ranked by ESPN as the 21st-best high school prospect and is known as an excellent passer, but does not possess the raw talent of Diallo.