🏀 KuBuckets Archive

FINALLY, IT'S BEEN AWHILE.

@BShark 250ish days I believe.

@rockchalkwyo approximately too long

Good guys 72 over the ‘scared to leave their conference’ Zags 68.

Ochai goes for 25 to start off his POY campaign.

I think Gonzaga wins fairly easily due to their good bigs.

Wooo

I think it's going to be tight - -But I too am worried about the bigs

@BShark said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

I think Gonzaga wins fairly easily due to their good bigs.

I think you're underestimating the struggles Gonzaga will have getting the ball to their bigs since their two primary ball handlers are brand new to the program. Gonzaga also isn't exactly a defensive juggernaut either so KU will be able to score against them.

Even ESPN's BPI projector has KU a slight favorite to win today.

I would feel better about this game if Andrew Nembhard hadn't been cleared for Gonzaga. Still, I think KU can win. Marcus Garrett is going to have to be the clear best player in this game.

Jalen Wilson will start taking the 5th spot.

Wow

Over whom?

@KirkIsMyHinrich said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

Over whom?

It's been up in the air. Bryce was in contention as well. Kinda need the size against the Zags, hopefully Jalen does well.

So Marcus, Agbaji, Braun, Jalen, Mac?

@KirkIsMyHinrich said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

So Marcus, Agbaji, Braun, Jalen, Mac?

Yes.

🐦 View Tweet

Confirms what I thought. Braun was locked into a starting spot a little bit ago, other 3 were obvious.

Big Dave spent a lot of time in the weight room this off-season. A lot of time.

@bmensch1 said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

Big Dave spent a lot of time in the weight room this off-season. A lot of time.

And he had too

And it's 81 and sunny in Fort Myers. Sheesh.

Quick foul on Dave. Likely he will be spending a lot of time on the pine in the 1st half...

Jeez Dave didn't learn

What was the technical foul for?

@tundrahok said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

What was the technical foul for?

Taunting

Terrible call

Thanks, guess I missed that.

Will we match the turnovers from last year's opener vs Duke? That was painful.

Turnovers man

OK I have convinced myself that this game is actually happening.

David please rebound the ball

Nice strong take.

Good footwork by Dave, but gotta finish those shots at the rim.

Loping down the court...

Big Dave not playing well at all

Marcus' free throw percentage for the year is 100%.

Yeah this game is not going to end well. Might lose by 20+.

Yikes

Clean block!

Gonzaga shooting over 70%, rebounding it, KU can't make anything. :/

Gonzaga playing at a much higher level. Self must rally the troops

Gonzaga moving the ball really well. Nothing sticks

Guys playing scared

Right now, we look like a directional state school against the Zags...

I think we need to play better lol

Always seem to suck to start the year. Everyone looks so nervous.

Hopefully the game starts to slow down because it's not looking good

@BShark said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

Always seem to suck to start the year. Everyone looks so nervous.

What was that turnover #5?

Jalen looks really bad in particular. The fact that he was in contention to start (and got the start) isn't great.

Good news is we should get an early peak at all the new guys when we are down by 20

Shades of Duke last year with these turnovers.

@BShark said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

Jalen looks really bad in particular. The fact that he was in contention to start (and got the start) isn't great.

Dave said hold his beer imo

@approxinfinity Unfortunately, not much of an early peak, but yes, a peek.... ;)

@KirkIsMyHinrich said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

Shades of Duke last year with these turnovers.

Yepp. Going to be a struggle

Mitch looks like a midget compared

@BeddieKU23 said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

Mitch looks like a midget compared

Mitch is not good.

UPS

My 9 year old thinks we have no backbone

FOUL

Throwing up weak ass shots on drives against their bigs...

@approxinfinity said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

My 9 year old thinks we have no backbone

We don't

@DCHawker said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

Throwing up weak ass shots on drives against their bigs...

Seems not smart

This team may struggle to stay ranked

Reminds me of the Kentucky game, you know which one.

Wow these effortless point blank layups given up. Painful

Watched that replay and thought mitch just sat there and watched

Imagine not offering Drew Timme when he wanted an offer.

TGF

That is not off Kansas

Wow ref are u blind

@BShark bill just wanted a couple dudes

They're contesting every one of our shots, while we're playing matador defense.

Treys keeping us within shouting distance...

@nwhawkfan said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

They're contesting every one of our shots, while we're playing matador defense.

Pretty awful yeah.

No defense

Dave is just not a good interior defender period. Problematic.

@BShark yeah this looks like a huge huge problem

Old teams we are begging Self to defend the 3. This year taking a three looks like it’ll be a gift.

David sucks. There's no way else to say it

At some point we should try playing defense.

Dave needs help in the lane when his man gets by him. Somebody else needs to step in and take a charge.

@BShark said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

Dave is just not a good interior defender period. Problematic.

Never was. Never will be unfortunately

70% from the field is embarrassing. Not even like they’re shooting well, these are layups

Honestly, play a zone. Eff it.

@DCHawker said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

Treys keeping us within shouting distance...

Da fools gold

@BShark said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

Honestly, play a zone. Eff it.

This team may have to.

That or full court press. We have the bodies to do that.

@Kcmatt7 said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

70% from the field is embarrassing. Not even like they’re shooting well, these are layups

And, 11 to 3 on the boards...

@Kcmatt7

Defense will be a work in progress (optimistically)

@Kcmatt7 said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

@BShark said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

Honestly, play a zone. Eff it.

This team may have to.

That or full court press. We have the bodies to do that.

Maybe some of both and play 10 guys might work.

@BeddieKU23 said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

@Kcmatt7

Defense will be a work in progress (optimistically)

I thought it would be all we had to hang our hat on this year...

This is gross.

Wellp we don't have a legit 5 who can play D? Have we ever had a roster without 1? What about Muscadin?

Just being outplayed and now that zaga has shown they are just better guys are not playing together

KU defense doing a good job with social distancing.

@approxinfinity said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

What about Muscadin?

Nope

Snaring hasn’t been in yet right? Not exactly a bite of confidence in his development

@Kcmatt7 said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

@BeddieKU23 said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

@Kcmatt7

Defense will be a work in progress (optimistically)

I thought it would be all we had to hang our hat on this year...

This is gross.

Honestly Dotson and Doke were so elite at their positions this is the dramatic drop off i was worried about

@Kcmatt7 said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

Snaring hasn’t been in yet right? Not exactly a bite of confidence in his development

Who?

Zags are on a 100+ pace...

@nwhawkfan said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

KU defense doing a good job with social distancing.

They're playing in Florida. Social distancing guidelines don't apply.

Enaruna*

Oh look another dunk. Even KSU's shit bigs might punk this team tbh.

@approxinfinity said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

@nwhawkfan said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

KU defense doing a good job with social distancing.

They're playing in Florida. Social distancing guidelines don't apply.

Details...

Well I hope the guys compete.

Mitch nice lefty

Gonzaga can name their score tbh

Some momentum there

Someone for us has to be more assertive offensively and it can’t be Garrett

Mitch is the hero we need!

If Braun ever figures out how to finish at the rim he will be a stud.

@BShark p***y at the rim. Reminds me of Svi

Thompson needs to look to score. Green Light him

Lightfoot actually playing better D on Timme than Dave, although I realize that's not saying much...

@Kcmatt7 said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

@BShark p***y at the rim. Reminds me of Svi

I mean, he wants to get there, he actively tries to do it. He will keep getting stronger, just something to keep an eye on because as a SR he could be amazing.

@DCHawker said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

Lightfoot actually playing better D on Timme than Dave, although I realize that's not saying much...

Lightfoot is our best defensive post player by miles. Offense is his issue.

Finally some D

@BeddieKU23 said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

Thompson needs to look to score. Green Light him

Bryce is good, just needs a wee bit of time. Good shooter, NBA work ethic.

Man zone?

Bryce with a big defensive play

Starting to see a few signs of life.

Imagine not starting Bryce.

I have almost no doubts Bryce will be one of the top 4 guys by the end of the year assuming no injury.

Much better effort from all 5 on defense in the past few minutes

Besides a Suggs nba 3 they have potentially found their footing

So, talk is cheap, actions talk. Bryce is the back-up PG not Harris.

@BShark said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

I have almost no doubts Bryce will be one of the top 4 guys by the end of the year assuming no injury.

He has a funky dribbling style but so far I like what I see. Guy can be the offense too and hopefully he grows into that role

David nooo

David
Stop missing

@BeddieKU23 said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

David
Stop missing

Gotta make shots like that if you are going to take them...

Foul sermons good grief

Screw these guys. Let's bury them.

Okay so things got better when they calmed down and started defending. WEIRD.

OKAY TRISTAN

Dave is killing us so far...

David sucks

Horrible sequence for Dave

Wow Dave. Just wow.

Whatever we have to do to get David off the court I'll pay it

@approxinfinity said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

Wow Dave. Just wow.

Zero effort on defense just stands there

Can Sydney Curry play the 2nd half? Asking for a friend.

Where are you Dave?

Dave's 20% from the field is just a wee bit short of Doke's %... ;)

@BShark said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

OKAY TRISTAN

Strong move from him.

Agbaji looked more mobile on his drive

McCormack's first name should be "Avid," 'cause there's no D.

Make KU dunk again:

Deep Bench Dave. Mitch Time.

Why is Marcus off ball

I'm just saying having agbaji and enaruna running the press is not the best coaching move

Remember when Bill said Dave was a potential AA? I lol'd.

Fuck that shot

@BeddieKU23 said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

Fuck that shot

Grosssss. Kispert is such a good college player.

@BShark said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

Remember when Bill said Dave was a potential AA? I lol'd.

Never happening

For having a team of 6’5 athletes we don’t appear to be trying to use that to our advantage at all

Outrebounded 16-6.

@Kcmatt7 said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

For having a team of 6’5 athletes we don’t appear to be trying to use that to our advantage at all

Playing a team just as big will do it

Zags have 7 different players with rebounds - we have only 2 - Dave with and Mitch with 4. Need to be crashing the boards.

@tundrahok said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

Outrebounded 16-6.

Well this is skewed by them shooting 67%

We can still win this. Just no more Dave and make our shots.

@BeddieKU23 said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

@Kcmatt7 said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

For having a team of 6’5 athletes we don’t appear to be trying to use that to our advantage at all

Playing a team just as big will do it

Well they are pressing and rotating guys and sprinting up and down the floor.

We... aren’t.

@approxinfinity said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

We can still win this. Just no more Dave and make our shots.

And, perhaps keeping them from making as many??? ;)

@approxinfinity said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

Why is Marcus off ball

Marcus is playing 35 minutes a game this year, he can run point and guard the best player all game. He's got to conserve energy at some point unless you want his gas tank empty by early February.

Hopefully Marcus can avoid injury this year.

@Texas-Hawk-10 it's less than halfway into the first game of the season against #1. If he is at the point where he's conserving energy we are in big trouble.

@Kcmatt7 said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

@BeddieKU23 said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

@Kcmatt7 said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

For having a team of 6’5 athletes we don’t appear to be trying to use that to our advantage at all

Playing a team just as big will do it

Well they are pressing and rotating guys and sprinting up and down the floor.

We... aren’t.

Yepp. No disagreement there

The drop off from Doke to Dave is incredible

How do you miss so badly

CB should be good from the line too, nerves?

Another lay-up btw

Christian is responsible for that basket

Agbaji jumper I approve

This is like, role reversal for a Self team. Threes keeping them in it while the other team DOMINATES down low...

@BShark said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

Another lay-up btw

Braun turned his back for no reason

@approxinfinity said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

@Texas-Hawk-10 it's less than halfway into the first game of the season against #1. If he is at the point where he's conserving energy we are in big trouble.

It wouldn't be an issue today, but if he's asked to everything all the time, Garrett will break down at some point. This is why you don't see great defense in the NBA until playoff time.

@BShark said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

CB should be good from the line too, nerves?

Started 0 for 9 to start last yr..

Our 3 pt shooting looks promising

Finally a little fire from the boys...

TGF not playing much. Bryce soaking minutes.

Agbaji is a stud today

I can see Agbaji growing into a big role with the need this team has for him to do so.

Damn wish agbaji had made that last one..

Terrible call ref go suck on a turkey

Bryce is very smart already, great hoop sense. Positional awareness reminds me of Perry and Lucas.

Jalen at the 5 right now.

Good lord kispert

Jalen Wilson shooting percentages

Foot on the line 99%

Three pointer: 0%

Marcus still can't shoot

Woof. Marcus just needs to shake off the rust I hope

Bullshit, feet were moving.

Jalen boxing out better than Dave btw.

Fuck you refs

Omg that's horrendous

A stop and a bucket would be a really good way to end this half.

That call will end up costing us

Wow thats bs

OKAY BRYCE

Nice block by bryce

@benshawks08 said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

A stop and a bucket would be a really good way to end this half.

The refs robbed us that

That was an and one from Marcus. I'm still upset about it.

@BShark said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

That was an and one from Marcus. I'm still upset about it.

I'm heated

You’ve got to be kidding

@BShark after a nice split of the D. Nice play though.

F this

That charge was atrocious

@benshawks08 said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

You’ve got to be kidding

Yeah what a joke

Absolute slops going in for Gonzaga

That charge cost us the game

Given the first 8 minutes, down 7 doesn't seem quite so bad...

@DCHawker said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

Given the first 8 minutes, down 7 doesn't seem quite so bad...

Great turn around tbh, also, should Dave even play?

Better hope our threes keep falling, or we're toast.

Defensive battle brewing

Gonzaga shot 68% that half. Doubt they repeat that in the second half. KU's not out of this yet.

Going to be a long year if we lack playmaking from the point guard spot. Seems like we are nothing but wings with David and Mitch.

🐦 View Tweet

After those first 10 minutes, single figures at the half is a blessing. Let’s see if we can bring some consistent defensive pressure in the second half. Saw it a few possessions but need it every time down the floor.

@Texas-Hawk-10 But their good shooting was our gift to them, for the most part. Too many easy shots at the rim.

@tundrahok said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

@Texas-Hawk-10 But their good shooting was our gift to them, for the most part. Too many easy shots at the rim.

Defense has a ways to go that's for sure. Won't play too many teams like the Zags offense though.

KU gave up a lot of layups and easy baskets, but Gonz can't shoot 68% from the field in the second half.

Imagine if KU had 2-3 more points (the Garrett call)...

@tundrahok said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

@Texas-Hawk-10 But their good shooting was our gift to them, for the most part. Too many easy shots at the rim.

I still don't see them hitting at that rate in the second half because they were still making shots when KU's defense was solid too.

Ok anyone know the score? I’ve now seen both 46 and 47

46-54. maybe somebody thought that last shot was a 3?

I think I did.

Gonzaga is an elite offensive team. Multiple pros.

@BShark 1.43 ppp is insane.

@benshawks08 said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

@BShark 1.43 ppp is insane.

Agree. KU has whiffed on defense a lot but this is a mix. Gonzaga will score on basically everyone this year. Of course it would be nice if KU made it harder on them in the 2nd half.

hi fellow Jayhawk citizen.. happy Thanksgiving to all. I can't stand the officiating of the game, decided to drop by here to vent my frustration!

I thought we got robbed in more than a couple of possessions:
Mitch's awesome block, Jalen's steal, Marcus' excellent cross behind the back, etc.. etc..

@msanchez I do think some of KUs physicality was held up by some early calls.

@msanchez Pretty blatant!

Ugh those rebounding numbers...

@BShark Thanks B. I sure hope our D will neutralize Zag's excellent offense.

That's what I'm talking about!! Go David!

Although he made that, Dave has very little court awareness...

Gonzaga is the best offense KU will fave this season.

Sure ref ochai just got punched in the face

Cannot afford to lose Agbaji

@Texas-Hawk-10 said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

Gonzaga is the best offense KU will fave this season.

True - but was hoping that the Hawks would be one of the best defenses they would face...

I feel like we lack speed

@DCHawker said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

@Texas-Hawk-10 said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

Gonzaga is the best offense KU will fave this season.

True - but was hoping that the Hawks would be one of the best defenses they would face...

It takes more time for a defense to become top notch than offense does.

With KU's length, mixing some zone would help a lot with keeping the ball out of the paint some.

can't lose Garrett - he's got 3, he's been stellar attacking the rim.

Here we go!

Just a note: mask don’t work if you pull them down every time you yell and spray your spit everywhere.

All the way back ! Wow. Don't let up the pressure guys.

Looks like HCBS has a COVID gut going...

That hurt.... ;(

@benshawks08 said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

Just a note: mask don’t work if you pull them down every time you yell and spray your spit everywhere.

Players on the court also can't hear what a coach says with a mask up so coaches need to pull it down to call plays or get a refs attention.

Since when kicking a ball is allowed in basketball?

Wtf agbaji dunk it

@BeddieKU23 He's in an awkward position IIRC.

How do you miss a point blank shot with no defense (Thompsons follow)

Bryce looks legit.

@Texas-Hawk-10 in a mostly quiet gym pretty sure they can be heard. They may not FEEL like they are being heard.

Bryce is good at basketball folks.

@BShark said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

Bryce is good at basketball folks.

Never a doubt. Love his game

Hopefully bryce can make these. Free throws have been a struggle

@benshawks08 said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

@Texas-Hawk-10 in a mostly quiet gym pretty sure they can be heard. They may not FEEL like they are being heard.

With the artificial crowd noise being pumped in, it's a lot more difficult than you would think to hear, especially with the type of mask Self has on. I do coach basketball in empty gyms and still have to pull my mask down so my players can hear a play call.

I've even had to pull my mask down in practice so my players could instructions for a drill because my mask was muting my voice more than I thought and I'm one of the loudest teachers on my campus.

We've totalled 6 assists so far vs Zag's 10.

@BeddieKU23 I like his stroke. Think he will get there. Was a shock early swing Ochai taking the tech throws.

Bad pass Braun

@Texas-Hawk-10 But if you pull it down to tell, why even wear it... adjust.

When you yell with your mouth wide open, your jaw pulls the mask down. It's not always on purpose.

@tundrahok fair enough. But pew keeps pulling his down and spitting all over the floor.

Well, that seems counterproductive!

Lazy d by Ochai.

Brick layups

Was Jalen not fouled there?

Sad

I think he got pushed but he still needs to make that.

@BShark I actually like the no call because it was before the shot and should have just been a free two point...

I hate that Bill is still having them force it in to Dave.

@BShark said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

I hate that Bill is still having them force it in to Dave.

Just insert any bigs name into that statement

@BeddieKU23 said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

@BShark said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

I hate that Bill is still having them force it in to Dave.

Just insert any bigs name into that statement

I mean it works when it's Udoka.

@BShark we will be best when we can score both inside and out. Gotta get him going. Dave needs to perhaps consider passing out a bit more often.

@BShark said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

@BeddieKU23 said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

@BShark said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

I hate that Bill is still having them force it in to Dave.

Just insert any bigs name into that statement

I mean it works when it's Udoka.

He will go to the grave feeding the post

@benshawks08 but then again his passing is a bit suspect...

@BShark Let's see with Gethro?

@benshawks08 said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

@benshawks08 but then again his passing is a bit suspect...

I was gonna say the issue is Dave is a black hole.

Wilson made a lay up!

@msanchez said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

@BShark Let's see with Gethro?

Not ready. Lacks strength.

@benshawks08 said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

@Texas-Hawk-10 But if you pull it down to tell, why even wear it... adjust.

What adjustment is there to make? I can't yell louder because I'm already yelling during a game near the top of my volume level. I'm not buying a cheaper mask that does nothing. I pull my mask down for a couple of seconds while I'm calling a play out and pull it back up when I'm done.

Quite frankly, if I'm catching Covid at my school, it's not going to be from basketball, it's going to be from one of my overcrowded in person classes that I don't have enough room to properly social distance my students.

Typical Jayhawks team in one respect - too many missed FTs...

I was wrong about Jalen Wilson.

@Texas-Hawk-10 True that. I know it’s not ideal but if you are wearing a mask, do your best to keep it up and not touch it over and over again. Especially if you are on national television.

Beautiful passing!

Another weak call favoring the Zags? Say it isn't so!

Wtf ref!

@benshawks08 said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

@Texas-Hawk-10 True that. I know it’s not ideal but if you are wearing a mask, do your best to keep it up and not touch it over and over again. Especially if you are on national television.

Just swtiched over to the end of the Macy's parade. Santa wasn't wearing a mask !
(His elves were, though.)

@BShark said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

I was wrong about Jalen Wilson.

He improved his body tremendously

Bryce has a great jumper!

@BeddieKU23 said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

@BShark said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

I was wrong about Jalen Wilson.

He improved his body tremendously

Night and day. I haven't been this wrong about a player since I thought Bragg would be good.

@msanchez

Yep known for it. Especially the midrange

I do like that we have 9 guys who have scored. And, we're outrebounding them this half...

@BShark Bragg. Lol

@BShark

I really liked him in high school. Think the year off might have saved his career here

@benshawks08 He looked so good coming out of HS. Then he just kinda broke under Bill. Not saying it's Bill's fault to be clear. Some guys just flame out.

I’m thinking Bryce might be the real point guard. Need that speed.

Harris not going to play much this season?

@msanchez said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

Bryce has a great jumper!

Bryce, CB and Jalen is a really nice core going forward...

@benshawks08 said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

I’m thinking Bryce might be the real point guard. Need that speed.

Helps his draft stock if he gets into a timeshare with Garrett there

So no Harris.. guess he's gonna take more time

@KirkIsMyHinrich said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

Harris not going to play much this season?

Yeah I was wrong here as well. Really seemed the staff was positive about him but Bryce is the back-up PG. Things might change a little in games that are not against top 10 teams or big conference games but not a ton.

@BeddieKU23 I see Harris more as a mere PG who likes to pass. He's not an offense threat like Bryce or Marcus.

@msanchez said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

@BeddieKU23 I see Harris more as a mere PG who likes to pass. He's not an offense threat like Bryce or Marcus.

This is very correct. Pass or lay-up guy at this point.

Wow, nice follow-up by Jaylen!

We make the dumbest turnovers

I was ready to write Wilson off this game until he settled down.

@approxinfinity said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

I was ready to write Wilson off this game until he settled down.

He scraps more than I expected.

Looks like Bill's mask is made from a negligee...

@DCHawker Bill Playah Self

Come on tyon

Mark Few is a mask abusing idiot. Seriously dude. Get a clue.

That was bad from Tyon.

Those r the shots that kill

That's looking like game

Gonzaga bigs making jumpers :beer_mug:

Dave trying to pass...

TOs last 4 trips down...

Ochai's 4th foul killed us. Eff it put him back in and pray.

Thompson length gives him a high defensive ceiling

Lolz. Goodnight

Ochai back in on cue.

Umm... not sure about that call.

A foul on one end isn't a foul on the other.

@benshawks08 said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

Umm... not sure about that call.

I am - a bad one...

Wilson is showing off

@BShark Thought so..

@DCHawker said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

@benshawks08 said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

Umm... not sure about that call.

I am - a bad one...

Everything has been bad

Out of control

@BeddieKU23 He's warming up. Nice showing.

@approxinfinity refs can’t reward that.

Suggs was absolutely out of control.

@benshawks08 really bad

@BShark said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

Suggs was absolutely out of control.

And got rewarded. Sounds about right

Refs reward the wrong things. If Jalen flops it's a charge...but he stands his ground so it isn't...

It doesn't feel like it now but this will end up being a good/quality loss.

I really like playing #1 first game. Good setting expectations. Dave got to visit with ghost of Christmas Future and see what happens when we play a good team and he isn't alive.

Shots like that lose games

This team loves long 2s.

Yeah that will do it...

Sirmons is blind as fuck

Long 2s with D set = no chance for rebound

Bout to be a 20 point game oh well

Brick city

Looks like another free FT. Out of control.

@BeddieKU23 We are clearly not the best team in the country right now...

McCormack isn't the answer down low. Mitch is who he is. Thats the ceiling of the team

Finally! A great whistle.

@benshawks08 said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

@BeddieKU23 We are clearly not the best team in the country right now...

Gonzaga simply has better players. They've got several pros. We have to play a lot better defense to keep up...

@benshawks08 said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

@BeddieKU23 We are clearly not the best team in the country right now...

I never thought this squad would be the best.

Free throws...

Trapped! I like that..

@benshawks08 said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

@BeddieKU23 We are clearly not the best team in the country right now...

Gonzaga is. #1 everywhere.

Lol. Dave

@BShark said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

Free throws...

Always a problem every year

@benshawks08 said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

Lol. Dave

He is really bad, it's alarming.

I'd rather Garrett shoot a jumper then dave

So sad dave

Good gawd Dave

@BShark He shatters our hope.

I think we’re going to see more Mitch

I mean.... Is this shot selection Bill Self approved?

@DanR said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

I think we’re going to see more Mitch

I think we see more 5 guards

@DanR I don’t and it scares me.

Dave is nothing but a somewhat serviceable backup big. Problem is, he doesn't have anyone to backup...

Dave looks like a 1990s Nba Jam player being controlled by a 6 year old.

We will need Dave to improve and he will. I like a lot of other things regarding the team.

We always look like this at the start of the year unless we have an experienced point guard. Self will figure it out.

DOKE COME BACK BABY

Point guard isn't the issue. Everything else is

@BShark said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

We will need Dave to improve and he will. I like a lot of other things regarding the team.

We just need rim protection, rebounding, and some finishes. NOTHING else

Zags are legit, so I’m not too worried as far as the season goes

@KirkIsMyHinrich Take off your mask, he can't hear you!

@BigBad Yeah, lots of new faces and guys in different roles. This team will take some time but Jalen and Bryce look better than I expected.

It appears exhibition games are important??

@BShark said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

We will need Dave to improve and he will. I like a lot of other things regarding the team.

Maybe senior year he will be serviceable defensively. I'm not expecting it though which is why self signed 3 bigs

@KansasComet Every game is important to me.

About 50 turnovers later

Suggs is good.

It’d be nice to not Lose by 20 though

Suggs is also good at flopping.

@benshawks08 said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

Suggs is good.

Just getting his free yr in

@msanchez For team development.

@msanchez multi-talented

@BeddieKU23 said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

@BShark said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

We will need Dave to improve and he will. I like a lot of other things regarding the team.

Maybe senior year he will be serviceable defensively. I'm not expecting it though which is why self signed 3 bigs

Totally agree. We obviously needed bigs for next year. Hell this year really... Missing Silvio after all.

This is unfortunately going to be a team that struggles to stay ranked

Suggs is a clear NBA guy.

@BeddieKU23 said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

@BShark said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

We will need Dave to improve and he will. I like a lot of other things regarding the team.

Maybe senior year he will be serviceable defensively. I'm not expecting it though which is why self signed 3 bigs

This is also by far the best front court in the nation and the biggest reason why Gonzaga is #1.

@BeddieKU23 said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

This is unfortunately going to be a team that struggles to stay ranked

Idk about this yet, this is against the far and away #1 team in the country. Let's see what happens tomorrow and against Kentucky. It could be the case, but I am not sure yet.

Dave will have some good film on what not to do. Better it happens now.

Was surprised to see on ESPN last night that we're supposed to be favored against Kentucky. Not so sure now.

@BShark said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

@BeddieKU23 said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

This is unfortunately going to be a team that struggles to stay ranked

Idk about this yet, this is against the far and away #1 team in the country. Let's see what happens tomorrow and against Kentucky. It could be the case, but I am not sure yet.

Not enough fire power on this team and the defense is horrendous. This bunch is a yr away

@nwhawkfan

Definitely the dog in that game now

Our coach is better at wearing a mask so I think that makes us the real winners.

@BeddieKU23 I've thought the offense has been good after the bad start. Room to improve as well.

This season is going to be one we can split into two phases. First, getting beaten up by ranked teams in the non-con and then second, the lights will come on and the season will be cancelled.

Takeaways from this game IMHO are:
we've got potential to be a better offense team with a pretty good defense, can depend on contribution directly from our freshmen. I like the fact that we have shooters from many jumpers 2, 3 pts.

Gonzaga has a real shot at going undefeated this season. Baylor is going to be the biggest threat to Gonzaga going undefeated this season.

@BShark said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

@BeddieKU23 I've thought the offense has been good after the bad start. Room to improve as well.

Yeah I see where this team could be okay on offense but the ceiling of the team looks very clear to me. Schedule is murder, no home court advantage.
But above everything else Dave makes this team what it is. He isn't good enough

Yep, Gonzaga is elite, that's why I'm not melting down too much. Kinda saw this margin coming.

86 points is respectable.

We played one good quarter, tied it up then plated some dumb bball

Been a while since anyone hung 100 on us, uptempo or not.

Thanks everyone! Fun to watch & chat together! We'll catch up again. Go Jayhawk!

Honestly Gonzaga looks like a very good team but last years KU squad would have ran laps on them. That's the drop off from 2 elite players to what we have

Wanted to see more of Gethro

@msanchez later!

Everybody have a great Thanksgiving ! Stay safe.

The defense isn't where it needs to be but the people discounting the Zags on twitter saying anyone would score on KU are nuts. Gonzaga has multiple pros.

Happy to have the Hawks back. Unhappy that my concerns of this team are real and not going away

@BeddieKU23 We will lose more than three games this year. Still think we have a chance to win the last one, though.

Washburn counts for stats this year, had to pull a Scott Drew due to COVID.

@benshawks08 said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

@BeddieKU23 We will lose more than three games this year. Still think we have a chance to win the last one, though.

Yeah, this team will end up winning a lot of games. I had to close twitter, too many overreactions.

The good news is Bryce and Jalen look really good. Ochai was GREAT, 4th foul hurt a lot... Garrett was also great. CB needs to be better.

Well think it was pretty easy to see why we got beat today , It can be fixed for sure, and I know it will be addressed for sure. - - our Defense just killed us today , not sure how many time we were beaten for easy layups - - break downs. - -that was a reason I really think our main reason & then we had NO ANSWER for the Big's which I was afraid of before the game.

McCormack once he got that 1st foul you might as well taken him out then as he just played like he was too afraid to pick the 2nd lay up after lay up against him.

I liked the fight , the way the guys came back- but just costly turnovers , no defense, getting beat back down the flor.

Wilson done some good things but he also hurt us at critical time too. - Things I think we will get better at were going to be all right - knew they would score quite a bit they love to score - - alot. - have to look at it as just one game - -I forgot we turn around and play again tomorrow - - time to go to work get these things ironed out now. ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY

@BShark said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

@benshawks08 said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

@BeddieKU23 We will lose more than three games this year. Still think we have a chance to win the last one, though.

Yeah, this team will end up winning a lot of games. I had to close twitter, too many overreactions.

The good news is Bryce and Jalen look really good. Ochai was GREAT, 4th foul hurt a lot... Garrett was also great. CB needs to be better.

I agree BShark - -kind of hard to get to upset did see some good things , I am not really worried about scoring that much - looks like it is going to be spread out pretty nice. - -I think we get these turnovers and tighten this Defense we going to be there with alot of others.

@BShark said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

The defense isn't where it needs to be but the people discounting the Zags on twitter saying anyone would score on KU are nuts. Gonzaga has multiple pros.

Their Bigs are going to Score a lot on ANYBODY & Suggs is really good

@jayballer67 Definitely agree. We can fix the transition d. Will need to get more creative with the half court defense but Self never shows too much in early games against top tier teams. I think he sees them as games to see what the guys are made of. The boys are gonna need some coaching this year to lean on. Don’t have the talent to roll the ball out there and just play with the best teams. It’s why it’s nice to have a hall of fame coach on the sideline. We WILL improve.

@BShark said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

@benshawks08 said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

@BeddieKU23 We will lose more than three games this year. Still think we have a chance to win the last one, though.

Yeah, this team will end up winning a lot of games. I had to close twitter, too many overreactions.

The good news is Bryce and Jalen look really good. Ochai was GREAT, 4th foul hurt a lot... Garrett was also great. CB needs to be better.

There's just a lack of talent on this squad. It's been noted by several on Twitter who are not KU Homers. I'll hope they can improve on turnovers and defense. I like parts of this team and will hope the weaknesses get serviceable. Happy turkey day!

@BShark said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

The defense isn't where it needs to be but the people discounting the Zags on twitter saying anyone would score on KU are nuts. Gonzaga has multiple pros.

Still, Bill Self teams don’t give up 100 points. And definitely not 70 of them in the paint.

The defense is going to be terrible.

@Kcmatt7 said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

@BShark said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

The defense isn't where it needs to be but the people discounting the Zags on twitter saying anyone would score on KU are nuts. Gonzaga has multiple pros.

Still, Bill Self teams don’t give up 100 points. And definitely not 70 of them in the paint.

The defense is going to be terrible.

Bingo giving up 100 doesn't happen. Ever.

@Kcmatt7 We saw like two double teams and zero zone today. There wasn’t much of a defensive game plan. In crunch time there will be. It will be about how good this team can learn the systems rather than talent this year.

Suggs... good effing player
Oad level

The defense can be better and I trust Bill to figure it out. It might involve playing Dave less but this squad has a lot to learn about playing defense as a team.

Obviously it was horrible today.

Zags, after playing Baylor dec 5, looks to have basically an easy schedule. Their division is as always bad. When the hell has KU had an easy schedule?
Zags could indeed go undefeated. They look great.

@BShark said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

@BeddieKU23 said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

This is unfortunately going to be a team that struggles to stay ranked

Idk about this yet, this is against the far and away #1 team in the country. Let's see what happens tomorrow and against Kentucky. It could be the case, but I am not sure yet.

I don't really think or am worried about us staying ranked. - -Hard to judge against a team like this -pretty dam good. -- & being the 1st game is kind of hard to Judge a year we shore up the defense some - -I was more worried about if we were going to put points up - - 90 points against the # 1 team i the Nation isn't bad - -we are going to be all right

@approxinfinity said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

This season is going to be one we can split into two phases. First, getting beaten up by ranked teams in the non-con and then second, the lights will come on and the season will be cancelled.

@BShark I’m already thinking we need to go 5 guards and sit Dave completely.

Dave was 3/9 from the field. He’s not even an offensive presence

@BeddieKU23 said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

@BShark said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

@benshawks08 said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

@BeddieKU23 We will lose more than three games this year. Still think we have a chance to win the last one, though.

Yeah, this team will end up winning a lot of games. I had to close twitter, too many overreactions.

The good news is Bryce and Jalen look really good. Ochai was GREAT, 4th foul hurt a lot... Garrett was also great. CB needs to be better.

There's just a lack of talent on this squad. It's been noted by several on Twitter who are not KU Homers. I'll hope they can improve on turnovers and defense. I like parts of this team and will hope the weaknesses get serviceable. Happy turkey day!

I disagree with Goodman. Not sure who KU lands in the last two classes w/o the cloud but I am not sure much changes.

Looking at the roster that played real minutes today

Garrett - proven at this level was good today

Bryce - 5*, looked good

Ochai - same as Garrett, and looks better than last year

Dave - an issue obviously, but was a 4* #36 in his class

Jalen - 4* top 50, looked good

CB - good role player, could obviously improve in some areas, but pretty athletic and talented

Mitch - :upside-down_face: I'll admit, not really a KU level guy

Tristan - 4*, needs work though

Tyon - looks to be playing hurt? High JUCO ranking, obviously athletic but has mental lapses

I'm not seeing a huge talent void overall. I am seeing a lot of new players and guys moving into bigger roles, which has taken time for Self teams in the past.

@BShark said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

The defense can be better and I trust Bill to figure it out. It might involve playing Dave less but this squad has a lot to learn about playing defense as a team.

Obviously it was horrible today.

I could agree about not playing Dave as much possibly - -but then we are REALLY REALLY vunerable even more - - who is going to rebound - afraid it would just for sure be more of a repeat of today - -

@Kcmatt7 said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

@BShark I’m already thinking we need to go 5 guards and sit Dave completely.

Dave was 3/9 from the field. He’s not even an offensive presence

I mean, he has to play SOME. He has a good attitude, and we need him to get better. That said, and I was harping on it during the game (not sure how much here but def in my twitter group chat) that Jalen was boxing out better than Dave, which is ridiculous.

@BShark I agree I think talent is fine. Especially if you were anticipating Silvio being in this team during recruiting season.

We had a great no 1 team ... then COVID robbed them of a chance to go and win it.
Now the zags get to roll thru the season into the final 4.
Love to play them again in the tourney.. when we are tougher and better and more disciplined. who knows ...

@BShark does he?

He was legitimately terrible today. 4 TO, 3/9 from the field with zero blocks.

@Kcmatt7 said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

@BShark does he?

He was legitimately terrible today. 4 TO, 3/9 from the field with zero blocks.

I think we need him to improve for this team to reach their potential. You can't play him 0 minutes.

@BShark I mean I realize that he is going to play some. But I just don’t know he’s capable of being better.

The defense will get better the more these guys play together and get their chemistry working together.

We know Dave isn't Doke, but he's also not going to shoot 3-9 every game either. This is where losing Silvio is going to hurt the most because what's going to hurt Dave the most is not having another legit big to practice against everyday. Silvio was going to be that guy, but now it's an undersized Mitch or a too skinny Gethro guarding Dave in practice.

Not having Silvio also means that Mitch can't play the 4 next to Dave and help on defense which is Mitch's biggest strength on defense.

With the length KU has, I'd like to see Self develop a zone defense to take advantage of KU's perimeter length. Not something to run all the time, but it can be weaponized to great effect to disrupt the other team.

@DanR said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

I think we’re going to see more Mitch

I think he ought to maybe get some more minutes - - I think he might be a little more valuable on the offensive stretch the floor a little more - only thing that would be a liability he just doesn't have the body frame/bulk to play exclusive.

I think you look at this team a ways down the line - -gonna be different for sure

Dave looked like what I expected from him for aboutt 4 minutes to start the second half. He got a couple key rebounds, stayed with his man, took strong shots down low and finished through traffic. Outside of those 4 minutes he was a complete dumpster fire. I don't think it's an athleticism problem. He just looked shockingly lost.

@Kcmatt7 said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

@BShark I mean I realize that he is going to play some. But I just don’t know he’s capable of being better.

This was the best front court in the nation and you're judging Dave's season based on what he did against the absolute best front court he will face all season.

Name a better front court Dave will go against this season? Baylor is the only one in the same neighborhood, but Baylor's front court is in the back of that neighborhood where the lesser homes are.

@Texas-Hawk-10 Agree - - just really don't think you will see better then these two. Actually i mean I knew they were good but kind of under estimated them myself - really good. might of been a little with our lack of defense but still really good

@Texas-Hawk-10 I’m judging Dave off of 2 previous seasons. He was shit last season too which is why we went 4 guard

@Texas-Hawk-10 From a junior starting 5 I expect better, regardless of opponent. It's OK to get beaten it's not OK to not be in position most of the game and to jack up bad long 2s.

@Texas-Hawk-10 said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

The defense will get better the more these guys play together and get their chemistry working together.

We know Dave isn't Doke, but he's also not going to shoot 3-9 every game either. This is where losing Silvio is going to hurt the most because what's going to hurt Dave the most is not having another legit big to practice against everyday. Silvio was going to be that guy, but now it's an undersized Mitch or a too skinny Gethro guarding Dave in practice.

Not having Silvio also means that Mitch can't play the 4 next to Dave and help on defense which is Mitch's biggest strength on defense.

With the length KU has, I'd like to see Self develop a zone defense to take advantage of KU's perimeter length. Not something to run all the time, but it can be weaponized to great effect to disrupt the other team.

that might be a good idea. Doubt it's going to happen but it would be worth a shot i think

@Texas-Hawk-10 said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

The defense will get better the more these guys play together and get their chemistry working together.

We know Dave isn't Doke, but he's also not going to shoot 3-9 every game either. This is where losing Silvio is going to hurt the most because what's going to hurt Dave the most is not having another legit big to practice against everyday. Silvio was going to be that guy, but now it's an undersized Mitch or a too skinny Gethro guarding Dave in practice.

Not having Silvio also means that Mitch can't play the 4 next to Dave and help on defense which is Mitch's biggest strength on defense.

With the length KU has, I'd like to see Self develop a zone defense to take advantage of KU's perimeter length. Not something to run all the time, but it can be weaponized to great effect to disrupt the other team.

Well said all around.

@Kcmatt7 Jalen at the 5 is intriguing though, for sure.

Maybe teams should have played their top conference rival in the first couple weeks this season, in case the season by conference time gets canceled. It would be nice to see us vs. Baylor.

!alt text ↗

All time tweet here from Dougie. This is why you try not to have too hot of takes early.

@Texas-Hawk-10

Texas, West Virginia. The list goes on

@Kcmatt7 said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

@Texas-Hawk-10 I’m judging Dave off of 2 previous seasons. He was shit last season too which is why we went 4 guard

Dave was played out of position last year which is why he looked like shit until he played the 5 backing up Doke.

Please tell me what front court Dave will see the rest of the season that's as good as what Gonzaga has?

This is the third time I've asked this question in general now and nobody has yet answered it because there isn't better front court than Gonzaga this season.

@BeddieKU23 said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

@Texas-Hawk-10

Texas, West Virginia. The list goes on

Those are good front courts, but still nowhere near what Gonzaga has in both quality and depth.

@approxinfinity said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

Dave looked like what I expected from him for aboutt 4 minutes to start the second half. He got a couple key rebounds, stayed with his man, took strong shots down low and finished through traffic. Outside of those 4 minutes he was a complete dumpster fire. I don't think it's an athleticism problem. He just looked shockingly lost.

Several plays in the first half he showed zero want to on the defensive side of the ball.

It’s the first game going against a team that will be in the top 5 all season. It’s impossible to judge our season’s success now. With that said I have no doubts that West Virginia and Baylor will beat us easily in both games.

Zags posts are good, defensively they aren’t anything special. It’s a stupid argument

@rockchalkwyo said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

With that said I have no doubts that West Virginia and Baylor will beat us easily in both games.

Hmm, Self usually manages to put Drew in a box. The 2nd game last year Self destroyed Drew. I will never count Self out against Baylor for that reason.

Huggins pulling down his mask to yell. Ughins.

We’ve seen plenty from Dave and today looked like what we saw last year.

@rockchalkwyo said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

It’s the first game going against a team that will be in the top 5 all season. It’s impossible to judge our season’s success now. With that said I have no doubts that West Virginia and Baylor will beat us easily in both games.

Same shit people said after the 30 turnovers against Duke last year. KU will be fine. This is what happens when not the best team in the country plays the best team in the country.

@Kcmatt7 yeah. I'm not buying the excuses. Dave is going to have a pretty low floor this year.

Most improved player is Wilson

Bryce will be a star

Abaji, please shooting the trey

I think Wilson and Abaji have a higher ceiling than Braun, and they should be in the starting lineup at least by conference play

Agbaji and Wilson both started today. I think it's possible Bryce works into the starting line-up over Braun. He fits a bit better with Garrett I think.

Correct, I concur that Bryce should take over Braun after a few games. One can tell as to why he was a 5 start player.

@BShark said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

Agbaji and Wilson both started today. I think it's possible Bryce works into the starting line-up over Braun. He fits a bit better with Garrett I think.

Good take there.

Dave M needs to slow down, he seemed too rushed today. He did show several good post moves which is very encouraging.

Maybe Wilson becomes the defacto 5. We cannot start Dave

@AsadZ said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

Dave M needs to slow down, he seemed too rushed today. He did show several good post moves which is very encouraging.

We've been saying slow down for 3 yrs now..

I thought one of Jalen/Tristan might transfer after this year. If today is any indication it will be Tristan. I'd like to keep him but it seems like he isn't a great fit with Self.

He can be a force, just needs to slow down his game. He should watch tape of Thomas R and Morrii

Can we have Danny join the staff immediately? Call it some bogus title. LOL

We should realize that he is now considered as the main Big, a new role. I am optimistic that he will be a force, double double kind of a player.

Dave is basically Bragg. Slow footed big with limited athleticism and an okay jumper

I don't see Self going away from McCormack so I hope he can figure out some effort things that have plagued him for 3 yrs now. He clearly has some offensive skill but everything else just looked below average

PG is the huge need going forward. We've addressed the bigs in recruiting (Zach is really good, trust me on this) but you give this core a salty grad transfer SR guard next year WATCH OUT.

Two plays that stick out from a effort standpoint regarding Dave is him being unable to box out and rebound. 2 baskets he gave up off misses for simple effort, balls Timme grabbed and quickly put up for layups

@BeddieKU23 said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

I don't see Self going away from McCormack so I hope he can figure out some effort things that have plagued him for 3 yrs now. He clearly has some offensive skill but everything else just looked below average

Yeah this is the thing. Don't forget he tried to forcefully start Dave by playing him out of position last year. He loves Dave.

@BShark at least he showed he was willing to play Wilson at the 5 today though. I was worried he’d throw Mitch out there no matter what.

Still hope Dave plays limited time

@BShark why can Self not land a OAD PG?

@Kcmatt7 said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

@BShark at least he showed he was willing to play Wilson at the 5 today though. I was worried he’d throw Mitch out there no matter what.

Still hope Dave plays limited time

Ultimately Self does want to win. Dave only played 20 minutes today. If he doesn't get better that might be around his mpg.

I am optimistic that he will improve, this is the 1st game without any pre-season against #1 ranked team with an incredible front court. Last year he did not get much PT as KU played mostly 4 guard lineup. I envision him a double double caliber player.

@Kcmatt7 said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

@BShark why can Self not land a OAD PG?

Legit OAD guards are pretty rare. I'm happy with landing 4-5* guys. Nothing is happening in this class though short of a reclass from Armstrong but I think for next year and how good the roster looks around that spot, I'd prefer a 5th year SR.

@Kcmatt7 Selby comes to mind LoL.

@Kcmatt7 he had one. Selby :)

@AsadZ beat me to it.

Grimes thought he was a OAD...and I guess at KU he was...

For PG I'd rather have Mason and Graham type of players, no OAD please, although every once in a while it will be nice to have a Josh J, Wiggins etc.

@approxinfinity said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

@Kcmatt7 he had one. Selby :)

I’ve blocked these memories from my brain.

@AsadZ they have two 100+ ranked guys.

Give me a Suggs

My bad on the last post, it's Cuffe JR that is likely to reclass, not Armstrong. KSU actually has some strong ties there.

If we lose tomorrow I'll be worried.

Mason and Graham are exceptions. Just not easy to find guys severely underranked who will be so good they get jerseys in the rafters.

Need to realize we were spoiled

@BShark I just think we are more like a 10 loss team this year. Will drop a couple of games the three doesn’t drop I’m thinking.

Still wouldn’t want to play us in March/April

@Kcmatt7 said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

Mason and Graham are exceptions. Just not easy to find guys severely underranked who will be so good they get jerseys in the rafters.

Need to realize we were spoiled

Yeah. Bryce was a great addition in the last class. We struck out this year in the high school ranks. At this point it has to be a reclass or immediately eligible transfer in. Self will add a guard, of that I am sure.

@Kcmatt7 said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

@BShark I just think we are more like a 10 loss team this year. Will drop a couple of games the three doesn’t drop I’m thinking.

Still wouldn’t want to play us in March/April

I think 6-7 losses. 21-22 wins with the lower game total schedule. This assumes all games are actually played.

Silvio's absence due to drunken stupidity this year might hurt this teams roster as much as his presence against Duke helped us in his first season. I still hated Grayson Allen and Duke that year enough to say it was worth it but it's getting very hard to argue Silvio as a net positive objectively.

Hickman is the guy we needed to land, Self went all in there and ran into Calipari. SUCKS but that happens regardless of the NCAA crap imo. Never getting Davison or Chandler. Not sure how serious KU was with Diggins or Collins but they both went to ahem, known acquirers of talent.

@BShark with the lower game total you’re probably right.

We will have a pretty good feel for this team after the Creighton game. Will have played 3 good teams. Can’t go 0-3

@AsadZ Bryce got his legs the second half.

@Crimsonorblue22 said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

@AsadZ Bryce got his legs the second half.

Yeah Jalen and Bryce both started nervous but rounded into form.

@BShark Jalen surprised me.

@Crimsonorblue22 said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

@BShark Jalen surprised me.

Same, I thought he was a potential transfer risk but he looks like one of the best 5 players on the team. His body transformation is incredible you can tell he worked really hard for it.

@Crimsonorblue22 me too. Way better showing than I expected. He wasn't bouncy but he was tough, smart, long, and seems like he could be reliable.

@Kcmatt7 said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

@BShark I just think we are more like a 10 loss team this year. Will drop a couple of games the three doesn’t drop I’m thinking.

Still wouldn’t want to play us in March/April

Back away from the ledge, this isn't a 10 loss team. If this team loses 10, that means they got bit by the injury bug big time this year. This is a 5-6 loss team.

This group is nowhere close to the profile of Self's other two 10 loss teams here.

@Texas-Hawk-10 2013-2014 and 2018-2019 were both talented rosters on paper. I think I agree it won't be a 10 loss team, simply because Marcus is as tough a leader as they come and we are returning more talent than 2013-2014, but it's a team that lost its PG and AA Big, that appears to be missing a reliable rim protector unless this showing by Dave is anomalous.

With the Big 12 being very competitive this year, I think 8 losses is likely.

10 losses is not out of the question. Look at the schedule and you can see where there's plenty of 50/50 games especially if certain guys do not step up. I don't think we've seen enough games to predict that. This may end up one of those teams that takes a while to gel. Lots of new faces, lots of guys in new roles.

Let's talk about Jeff bad takes Goodman

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"Not good news for KU when Frank Mason takes shot with game on the line."

@approxinfinity said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

@Texas-Hawk-10 2013-2014 and 2018-2019 were both talented rosters on paper. I think I agree it won't be a 10 loss team, simply because Marcus is as tough a leader as they come and we are returning more talent than 2013-2014, but it's a team that lost its PG and AA Big, that appears to be missing a reliable rim protector unless this showing by Dave is anomalous.

With the Big 12 being very competitive this year, I think 8 losses is likely.

2013-14 had Naadir Tharpe running point, enough said. 2018-19 had all kinds of injury issues and was just a very inexperienced team overall considering half of the current rotation was on that team. Garrett is a far better PG than Tharpe ever was and I would take this version of Garrett over freshman Dotson was.

@BShark said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

@Kcmatt7 said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

@BShark I just think we are more like a 10 loss team this year. Will drop a couple of games the three doesn’t drop I’m thinking.

Still wouldn’t want to play us in March/April

I think 6-7 losses. 21-22 wins with the lower game total schedule. This assumes all games are actually played.

pretty much what my Nephew & I were thinking : - - Lost today , - -good chance we lose to Kentucky , lose at least once to Baylor/possible split , I think we lose to Tech once , I think Good chance WV gets us in Morgantown - -Maybe - -Maybe Texas split - that would be six

@Texas-Hawk-10 well to play devils advocate, 2013 had a future POY PG on the bench and a perennial NBA all star at the 5. It's possible that roster management may have contributed to 10 losses there, just as it may have with the commitment to Grimes and hi lo with Udoka and Lawson in 2018 and just as it could this year. It's possible with question marks around the roster this year the losses could mount.

10 minutes left it was a 1 pt game. 5 minutes later KU is down 13. Issues within that period should be a big focus for film room

@BeddieKU23 they definitely should start there. And look at the first 4 min of 2nd half when we erased their lead for a positive sample.

@approxinfinity said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

@Texas-Hawk-10 well to play devils advocate, 2013 had a future POY PG on the bench and a perennial NBA all star at the 5. It's possible that roster management may have contributed to 10 losses there, just as it may have with the commitment to Grimes and hi lo with Udoka and Lawson in 2018 and just as it could this year. It's possible with question marks around the roster this year the losses could mount.

Mason was a true freshman and Embiid was playing injured a good chunk of that season. That team was also insanely young that season with I think only 1 player that wasn't in their first or second season at KU.

The 2018-19 team was title contender until Doke broke his wrist. KU was undefeated and top ranked prior to Doke's injury.

Injuries played the biggest role in 2018-19's season. Like I said earlier, only way this team loses 10 games is if Garrett or McCormack get injured.

KU is going to be in some score fests this year. Kinda like a worse 2017-18. Dave isn't going to magically improve his defense but he will undoubtedly have better offensive showings. A key will be surviving his below average games and getting wins in his average games.

Family obligations kept me outside around a campfire with no one allowed in my own home on Thanksgiving! But, I did record and watch several hours ago. Interesting as I was watching (with no foreknowledge of how the game went) is that the things I was seeing was the same as you all.

Bad calls. Not enough to overcome a deficit like that, but impacted the game. Ones I remember that you all noted: Mitch block, Marcus and one turned into a charge (HORRIBLE), Marcus masterful pickpocket steal (HoRiBlE) Nearly all the out of bounds calls that appeared close were not favorable to us.

Bad defense. Maybe they were told to practice social distancing. Maybe they thought they already were in the NBA. Maybe they thought this was the mid major Gonzaga instead of the darn good Gonzaga, but we defended like no Bill Self has ever defended, because really, we didn't defend.

Our offense was decent, but it's just hard to keep up with a team sometimes. Make a 3, maybe get a stop, come back and score, and we're down 2 or 3 , and then bam Zags layup line forms again and we can't respond.

There's a hugely different look to the team compared to the last 3 or 4 years which always had returning go to guys. That will take a little adjustments. Hopefully Big Dave can develop into a consistent inside scorer and rebounder. Without Doke he looked a bit lost today.

Tomorrow's a good day to tweet things for the looming Kentucky battle.

1PM game tomorrow folks don't miss it while out bargain hunting.

@Texas-Hawk-10 I agree we need a better version of McCormack and we definitely need Marcus.

Dave looked unhappy out there. I hope he can find a way to get locked in. Maybe with his complete vacation of the lane today they'll be able to see on tape some things that can easily be fixed.

I feel like people are over reacting. Gonzaga is a legit team and it was the first game. We replaced our two biggest scorers and our best player is playing a new position....

Center will be the weakest position all year. McCormick will be the guy, unless he just falls flat. He isn’t great but Gonzaga has some of the best big men in the country and I do think he will play a little better. Lightfoot will have a major game or two but he is still lightfoot and is outmatched too much.

Wilson, TGF, Tristian will battle it out for the starting 4 spot. I think it will be 7-10 games before one clearly wins it. Wilson played the best today but I think it will fluctuate for a bit until there is a clear winner.

Garret and Ochi are lock starters and should be the stars of the team.

Thompson and braun will battle it out for the
Starting shooting guard spot. The other will be the main guard off the bench. Braun had a disappointing game but he will bounce back. Thompson looked good and I think he will end up being the starter....

Small chance Self could go Houston rockets and play 5 guards but I doubt it.

We had the best team last year. It’s normal to have a slight rebuild year. Plus, fbi thing has kept us from landing top ten players. We will still be a top 10 team by years end

The best offensive unit will be the worst defensive unit on this team. Going to be fun watching coach Self deal with that.

Interestingly the national narrative seems to be that it was a great game and that both teams are good. When you remove people with KU bias in either direction.

Gonzaga pounding Auburn.

@BShark said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

Interestingly the national narrative seems to be that it was a great game and that both teams are good. When you remove people with KU bias in either direction.

Actually ya know I found myself where I really couldn't get overly upset I mean ya , I was PO for a minute but like if this would of been last years team and this happened then I would be hot 1st game or not. - I mean yes sir we made a lot well not overly but plenty of mistakes but I think these are things that can be fixed.

I like how they fought back , I mean this thing could of REALLY snow balled o us we got down 14 in the 1st half -but they didn't quit,

I think well at least I think our biggest concern is going to be the 5 spot. I like Dave but it was brought up by media/commentators yesterday after he got that 1st foul early - -it just screwed him up, he played alt of Olay defense , Self gonna have to work on that.

However We are not going to see to many others that have the front line Gonzaga has , I think as the Season goes along People going to see that improvement entire team wise - - lots of things to be settled. Who is going to be that 5th Starter , I think you will see better games from Christian. - -Got me to thinking a little bit if it wasn't for frame wise/bulk that maybe we might be a little better to Start Mitch at the 5 I think he stretches the floor a little more, - -I think he is a better shot blocker - -He is a Scrapper , not afraid to get on the floor get Dirty , I dunno just a thought.

Call me Whacky - - Nuttier then a fruit cake , - - crazy - insane BUT I wouldn't mind hooking up with these guys again on down the road this Season - -roll the ball out. - Actually is was a pretty good game yesterday, for sure shows us what we need to improve. - We still put up 90 ourselves - -One other thing then I'll sssssh but I hope people don't get a false sense and think Marcus gonna hang 22 points game in and game out. I see more realistically 14-15 a game. - -ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY

@BShark said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

Gonzaga pounding Auburn.

They playing now ? - - what channel is that on ?

@jayballer67 Fox

@BShark said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

@jayballer67 Fox

thanks buddy

Read where there were 2 individuals from Gonzaga that had to quarintine after the KU game yesterday. - -The 4 teams decided that they would be able to play today anyways. - -I guess at least one of the two was a non athlete that was with the Traveling party.

Hope this still doesn't cause issues later. - -ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY

Timme has 26/10 at the under 8. Maybe it’s not just us

@FarmerJayhawk said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

Timme has 26/10 at the under 8. Maybe it’s not just us

At this point is there ANY DOUBT who the # 1 team is right now ? - - ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY

@FarmerJayhawk said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

Timme has 26/10 at the under 8. Maybe it’s not just us

Timme and Kispert are going to wreck everyone.

Hope they didn't infect us! Stupid Few might as well trash the mask.

We got schooled... They were clearly far ahead of us in preparation for the season ahead. They did everything they wanted to do on offense... pick and rolls, backdoors, dribble drives, feeding the post, fastbreak finishes. Total domination. It looked like we were all freshmen playing seniors.

The good news is we put up a lot of points and showed we could match them at times. Take away our stupid turnovers, tighten up our defense (a ton) and suddenly we stand toe to toe and can win.

It was frustrating watching Timme doing the exact same move in the paint every time and Big Mac never catching on to his pivot move. Mac definitely needs to learn a ton on how to defend the low post. He let Timme have any space he wanted and would play him out of position. Then Timme would move with the ball and Mac wasn't moving his feet well. This is concerning.

All our newbies did about what I expected them to do... show some bright moments then goof in places, especially on defense.

Our defense was horrible... but realize it's the first game and we played a very well-coached team that has one of the top offenses in America. I just didn't expect them to make it look so easy.

Overall, I see a lot of potential. We have many scoring options. My main concern is Mac's defense. We need solid low post defense and also Mac can't be such a liability away from the basket. He's got to learn to play smarter, move his feet more... and then we need other players helping him in several ways... from sagging in or putting heavier pressure on the passers. I think all of our newbies were "caught in space" on defense... being not close to defending someone while the Zags quickly pushed the ball around easily.

Maybe yesterday isn't as bad as it 1st looked - - I mean we had lapses defensively at times but that can be fixed with games played - well then Dave ha got to be better

Gonzaga is really good and the game was tied in the 2nd half despite KU's mistakes. That's fairly promising.

I appreciate the point that it wasn't all Dave's fault that their whole team had whatever they wanted in the paint @drgnslayr. He is the one most capable of doing something about it, but everyone was getting beaten. Dave suffered from the exact opposite problem of Baby Udoka who got caught hanging out in the paint against 5 out teams.

Gonzaga dominated the paint again today.

@BShark And some pretty tough end-of-shot-clock 3-pointers by Gonzaga. We have a lot of room for improvement and all things considered didn't look too bad against a world-beating Gonzaga team. I'm fairly optimistic.

@approxinfinity

I was hoping to see Big Mac a little further moved along... just like how Doke made noticeable gains every year. David has continued to improve his body and I'm sure that means he's improved his athleticism. The part lacking now is mental. Just looks like he needs some schooling on all areas of his defense. He was badly beaten all game. Granted... he probably won't be tested more than this all year....

I think this Zag game will help us immensely. Self now has a tool to take into practice and show his troops exactly where they need work. Few did us a favor by beating us all over the floor at ease. I hope Self thanked him!

I read today that a Gonzaga player and a staff member had tested positive on Friday but they still played the game with Auburn. Both school officials and medical staff gave the green light. In my opinion the game should have been called off. I hope that KU does not get impacted.

@drgnslayr

The lack of an normal offseason may have impacted Dave the most for what he needed to work on defensively. The concerns about his defense have always been there and now its under the microscope. I know it was impossible to think he could reproduce the defense Doke provided last season but I'm sure we all thought it was possible the drop off wouldn't be this dramatic. The staff has work to do with him and film should point out what went wrong. Its interesting to see a guy who gives effort like he does still struggle rebounding and providing help defense

The drop off last season when we subbed him in wasn't even this dramatic. He can and will be better.

I think I was a little harsh on Dave. His performance against Gonzaga was bad. There's no denying that, but @BShark 's post reminded me about how COVID has affected my own sons soccer team. Notably an aversion to play the same tough physical defense that they hung their hat on in seasons prior. With this being the first time Dave was banging with other big bodies he really does deserve a pass for not being as physical in the paint. Weird times. Better times ahead.

@BShark you could match him up better last year with subs though too.

@BShark

Good point. He will need to step up against Kentucky because Sarr and Jackson are going to be a problem to guard. KU will not win that game if Dave plays as poorly as he did this week.

Honestly I don't see how KU can be expected to win any game against ranked quality opponents if Dave is an non factor in the post. I wish he'd worry about rebounding, defensive awareness and not turning the ball over then shooting jumpers and looking for his offense. I know Self thinks as we play more teams that play a traditional big it will be easier for him, too me that's coach speak for he knows damn well Dave is limited and hoping that specific matchups increase his level of play. Very concerned

Self once again said that Dave will be this team's highest scorer. How do folks feel about it. He has shown some good moves and his jumper is smooth.

Self also said that the two teams we faced this week were not good match ups for Dave especially St Joe.

Can Dave improve his D, I am still optimistic.

@AsadZ said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

Self once again said that Dave will be this team's highest scorer. How do folks feel about it. He has shown some good moves and his jumper is smooth.

Self also said that the two teams we faced this week were not good match ups for Dave especially St Joe.

Can Dave improve his D, I am still optimistic.

If Gonzaga and St. Joe's weren't good match-ups, who would be? A team with a slow, non-scoring threat big? The Zags had one skilled big, and he ate Dave's breakfast, lunch and dinner. St. Joe played small and he couldn't cover the perimeter and was blown by on drives. And, against a small team, he still just made 33% of his shot attempts.

I don't mean to dump on him - he works hard and puts in the effort. He's a pretty good FT shooter. He has a decent jumper (but I would prefer almost anyone else shooting 3s than him taking 18 footers). But he is just an average rebounder, doesn't provide much rim protection (zero blocks in 31 minutes), and is a TO machine.

Hopefully, he just "sped up" and will settle down. And, there likely will be a few teams where he will match up reasonably well. But, be our leading scorer???? The idea that HCBS is still thinking that the offense will go through him frightens me....

I would be fine if we run no more than a handful of plays for him a game, and he scores 8+- a game off a jumper, couple of offensive rebound putbacks, and a couple of FTs...

Zags have 3 good bigs. I count Kispert as a big though.

@DCHawker at this point announcing that Dave will be our high scorer seems more like a political move than an actual prediction

DCHawk,

Zag is #1 rated in the country with really skilled Bigs and St Joe played a small lineup, all guards.

I do not believe that KU will see a team with such quality Bigs for the rest of the season.

Time will tell, however, I am still optimistic that Dave would be a much better player, double-double quality.

@DCHawker

Agreed with your entire post.

Dave has to bounce back Tuesday, no questions asked. Kentucky has several bigs that can give him a hard time. Self got extremely lucky Wilson could switch over to the 5 given St Joes limited height and inability to get to the rim. I'm not confident we can expect that every night from Jalen.

Self is going to have to find a way to limit shots at the rim from opposing teams. Gethro as raw as he is might be might deserve a chance at some point if the struggles continue.

@BeddieKU23 I'll take eight minutes and five hard fouls.

@AsadZ I am not. Think that Dave is going to become very sour this year with his minutes becoming fewer and fewer.

@BeddieKU23 said in Gonzaga Game Thread:

Its interesting to see a guy who gives effort like he does still struggle rebounding and providing help defense

I think his issues are 75% footwork problems, 25% mental education on positioning and other things. The guy works hard and has a great attitude. I really hope he comes along during the year. We still need a post presence, or at least the option for it.

This is something he'll need to do if he has any ambition at the next level. He is surely motivated after watching the transformation of Doke to the point where Doke went in the first round! Early in Doke's KU career I never would have guessed he could make it into the first round, but after this past year and his vast improvements on foot speed and work, it became apparent he could do it.

Dave also just has awful timing.

You can see guys like Jeff Withey who are as unathletic as they come, but have just impeccable timing, can be successful. Same for Cole Adlrich. And even to some degree, Mitch for being like 6'6-6'7 has amazing timing which helps him blocking shots.

Some guys have a knack for being in the right place at the right time. Jumping up at the right time. Seeing the way the ball bounces off the rim. Blocking shots at the peak. Etc.

Dave, however, does not possess a single one of those qualities. He constantly looks like he is either a full second behind or a full second ahead and is just never able to time anything just right.

@Kcmatt7 you nailed it.

I get a sense that in an effort to do too much he is sped up. I believe that with proper coaching this issue can be corrected.

some tid bits I picked up hadn't realized from the 1st weekend : They were talking about all the bunnies we had missed against Gonzaga. - - - -10 layups against Gonzaga - - TEN - - that's 20 points guys just flat missed. - - -Garrett missing his 1st three layup attempts against St Joes. - -hit half those layups against Gonzaga and we got a closer game - - can't miss the bunnies

I like to think that timing is a skill that can be coached. Let's hope to see improvements this year!

@Kcmatt7 he chases the game. Has zero anticipation skills.