Kansas coach Bill Self said Rush will have surgery either later this week or next week. The Jayhawks' leading scorer injured his right knee in a pickup game last week when he landed awkwardly.

"There's no way to know how long it will take him to get back," Self told The Associated Press today. "A lot will depend on how hard he works at rehab."

Rush averaged 13.8 points and helped the Jayhawks win a second straight Big 12 championship.

Self is hopeful Rush will be back sooner rather than later.

"The surgery is so much more advanced than it was just a few years ago," Self said. "If things go well, he may not miss any games at all. There's no way to know."

Rush was hurt in a way that was strikingly reminiscent of the knee injury sustained by his older brother, JaRon Rush, who played for UCLA.

When Rush withdrew from the draft, he stated the injury was not a decisive factor. He did not hire an agent, so his eligibility was not compromised for a return in his junior season.

"We did not announce the nature of the injury last week per Brandon's request," Self said. "Friday was an emotional day for Brandon as he had worked very hard in preparation for the NBA pre-draft camp. By law, we cannot comment on an injury without a player's consent."

When Rush returns to the court next season, the Jayhawks will have all but one of the 14 players who went 33-5 last year. Julian Wright declared for the draft and hired an agent.

Self said he would be careful in working his star guard back into action.