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Kentucky, Kansas, Arizona top landing spots for Mark Lyons

spt-120424-marklyons

Mike Miller

All the cool kids want to be friends with Mark Lyons. That’s what happens when you’re an experienced guard who can score, play defense and will be eligible to play during the 2012-13 season.

No waiting for a potential starter? Sounds great to Arizona, Kansas and Kentucky, among others.

Those are the top three schools on Lyons’ transfer list, per Jeff Goodman. He’ll visit all three before making the call.

All three would certainly welcome the three-year Xavier starter, too.

The case for Arizona has already been made by Rob Dauster, but Kentucky and Kansas would be welcome landing spots as well. The defending champs lost their top six players and will likely be starting N.C. State transfer Ryan Harrow at point guard and incoming freshman Archie Goodwin at shooting guard. Lyons could push either for a starting spot, though it’s more likely all three could play considerable minutes.

Kansas might be a better spot if Lyons wants to start. Elijah Johnson will start at one of the guard spots. Redshirt freshman Ben McLemore will likely join him, but the Jayhawks might prefer to use him on the wing for more scoring punch than senior Travis Releford provides.

Regardless, Lyons would find ample playing time at all three schools.

Lyons averages 15.5 points and 3.4 rebounds last season. The one speed bump for any school: His two-game suspension for taking part in the Xavier-Cincinnati brawl last December.

But given Lyons’ talents, that’s all it is. A bump.

You also can follow me on Twitter @MikeMillerNBC.