Actually he was ahead of Svi and Greene. He was going to start the exhibition games with Mason and Self say him playing a lot this year. The players were shocked he left and Selden said he has been playing very well. But I think he wants to play the point and be more of a focal point of an offense. Self talked a lot about using two of Mason Frankamp and Graham on the floor at the same time as something that would happen a lot this year.
As for the game. There really isn't much to take away because it's Washburn. I'll be more interested to see their first game against real competion.
Coaches almost always say nice things when players leave.
Team chemistry wise this is good for KU. It is clear he was only going to be happy being "the guy", and at best he was going to just be small guard #3. If he was a team guy, yeah, the scholarship opening after the year would be even better, but he (or his dad) that.
It will be interesting to see who becomes KU's go to player. Ellis has the talent, but needs to get the ball, and has not demonstrated alpha behavior in the past.