@drgnslayr timely article comparing Kansas and Baylor: https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/31645615/sales-pitch-discussion-how-baylor-became-baylor-kansas-return-being-kansas ↗
Wondering also how Porter Moser will do at Oklahoma. What he did at Loyola was remarkable.
Expecting Moser's defense to follow him, believe Loyola had the #2 ranked D last year per Kenpom. Going to be a much different OU team then we are used to seeing from a scheme standpoint. Certainly seems like a good fit for the league. Recruiting probably is the biggest unknown with him.
@BeddieKU23
I hope Lon stays close to the program and helps Moser out with the transition.
Here's a nice rundown about Moser:
https://www.crimsonandcreammachine.com/2021/4/7/22371129/oklahoma-sooners-basketball-porter-moser-lon-kruger-loyola-chicago-ramblers-rick-majerus ↗
@approxinfinity Lon won't be doing anything with OU. He retired after his son got the UNLV job so he could move out to Vegas. That's the program he's going to be assisting with.
@Texas-Hawk-10 ah! Thanks for the info.
I know many in here don't want to hear this... but I give a lot of praise to Drew for where he is today. He came into the league with his "deer in the headlights" appearance, year after year... especially in Lawrence.
This is a guy who refused to quit, and clearly has worked his butt off to coach better... in games, practices, and on the recruit trail. And bring in the right staff. He deserved a NC this past year... as much as anyone... including Few. He did it in the hardest of places. In a land where football is king, and basketball is a game for wimps... and in the case of Baylor... a game for criminals (history).
I'm thrilled to have another team in the Big 12 who will continue to contend for a NC. I hope Beard can get it together in Austin, too. He has a lot of tools at his disposal, but so did Shaka and Barnes.
@drgnslayr :hundred_points: if you had told me about this year's Baylor team 3 years ago, I would have been absolutely shocked, given how Bill used to own Drew. I used to think that Drew having all the talent in the world, Bill would still run circles around Baylor. Drew and staff clearly has coached these kids up. I look forward to seeing how they match up with Kansas with Bill reloaded on talent.
@approxinfinity said in Around the Big 12:
@drgnslayr :hundred_points: if you had told me about this year's Baylor team 3 years ago, I would have been absolutely shocked, given how Bill used to own Drew. I used to think that Drew having all the talent in the world, Bill would still run circles around Baylor. Drew and staff clearly has coached these kids up. I look forward to seeing how they match up with Kansas with Bill reloaded on talent.
You better add Texas to that circle now with Beard and the talent he is getting
@approxinfinity Moser can coach. You don't do what he did at Loyala not once but twice, without being able to. Oklahoma and Texas (Baylor aleady is) are going to be major defensive pains in the ass. I hope our NCAA woes are behind us soon, because our ass already has enough to worry about.
It sure looks that way, doesn't it. Beard has all the tools now... except a fanbase still not sold into basketball... but if Baylor can do it in a football state like Texas, you would think the Longhorns can, too. I just think there is some anti-basketball sentiment still around in the Texas donor pool. The youth are coming around stronger to bball.
@drgnslayr said in Around the Big 12:
It sure looks that way, doesn't it. Beard has all the tools now... except a fanbase still not sold into basketball... but if Baylor can do it in a football state like Texas, you would think the Longhorns can, too. I just think there is some anti-basketball sentiment still around in the Texas donor pool. The youth are coming around stronger to bball.
I agree. It's that in the not so distant ages we have seen some pretty empty arena's in Austin maybe half full , and even the one's that were there was more of a tennis match crowd real polite claps - -short pause and short claps - -NOT basketball atmosphere. It's going to take some time as I have said - - I think the anti basketball sentiment is just basically from lack of proof/production.
I mean and it may sound crazy but I still think even when they had some studs Durant - - PJ Tucker their surrounding cast was good - - - but not really great , I just think Texas Fans had higher expectations during those times and they weren't met. When you are known as a football School / State and your trying to win fans over that under achievement in THEIR fans eyes/minds just doesn't cut it.
Texas has had some pretty dam good big men and this past year they were a really strong team BUT still for what they had they under achieved - -is it because of it in a large amount because of the Coaching ? - - The answer for me answer is YES - - YES it was. Shaka knew that , he knew with what he had in the eyes of their fans he wasn't getting it done. He got out before they threw him out.
They now have that Coach but it's gonna take time for them to become believers in that program again and start putting butts in the seats. I personally don't think you will see some huge mass return like at the beginning of this coming yr. It's gonna take a year or 2 - - possibly even three - -However Chris is the guy that can get that program to a power.
Chris is loaded THIS year , he is going to get the recruits , he is going to change Texas recruits minds. Many of those that were leaving the state will now stay. Like I told Marco - Will Beard own the State of Texas - umm NO , your big time blue bloods the Duke's - - The Kentucky's - -Some for KU - -Some for Gonzaga - -- Some for Michigan St - -the bluebloods STILL gonna be able to pull big players out , as you know these are the Schools that have been blue bloods for ages - well except Gonzaga - -But even with Beard now at Texas , there are some that STILL going to go to the fore mentioned Schools , Big reason is just bcause of their name - -their tradition/history
Chris has work to do , can't afford a slip up. You get these football crazy Texas fans you get them to come - -start coming back and then you slip up, - -they are going to skee-daddle real quick, but I think if it can truly be done , Chris is the one that will turn that football School to at least a more level sports field
@jayballer67 rightl, I agree.... Drew Timme. Gee, wonder if that guy can ball? Clemence and KJ Adams will too, but thankfully we snagged those two. When I hear people say that Texas is all but devoid of high school talent, I almost want to scream. Jalen Wilson isn't too shabby either.
Hell even Kansas, which is a hell of alot less populated has bball talent - Braun, Dick, Mitchell, Berry and I've forgotten more than a few.
I think what could really help Texas is a long March run. It would put Texas on the map.. just like now how Baylor lifted its program.
I think a big key for Texas is they have to be able to recruit well outside of Texas and I think Beard will prove capable there.
So who do you see as the winners/losers in Big 12 moving forward?
@drgnslayr said in Around the Big 12:
I think what could really help Texas is a long March run. It would put Texas on the map.. just like now how Baylor lifted its program.
I think a big key for Texas is they have to be able to recruit well outside of Texas and I think Beard will prove capable there.
So who do you see as the winners/losers in Big 12 moving forward?
ya, I would agree for the most part of what you said. One thing I REALLY agree with what you say and I think will play an important piece in their fan status is - - A long run in March. -The Reasoning is partly is because look at it this way , What is the Goal for ALL NCAA teams? - it's to claim the NCAA Championship right ? - -I mean very true there can only be ONE winner at the end of the yr, anything less is like kissing your sister.
Now I reckon if you are a pretty consistent team that always has poor years year after year after year, and then you pull off a pretty good Season well -- that's fine. BUT TEXAS is not one of those types of programs. Texas has a program that has been decent through out - -Not horrible by any means but not really great considering some of the talent they have had in the past. -Been kind of under achievers . So I agree a long run in March could wash away alot in the Texas fans eyes/mindsets if they could get that to happen , Texas fans most of them were ready to run Shaka out under achieved -He was just smarter and ran while he could.
Also yes they have to be able to recruit OUTSIDE the State of Texas -Chris can not just rely on Texas talent to be able to win the Tourney - & I think Chris will be able to do that.
As for as winners & losers guy - - it's hard to tell I think here again I think Texas stepped up big with being able to Lure Chris away from Tech , other then that I think things pretty much stay status quo .As much as some people here refuse the Fact about Drew & how he turned that program around , I mean - - - look at the shambles that program was in before he arrived Holy crap man. Drew is a better Coach then what people want to give him credit for. He has made a steady progression to look where he is at now & I think West Virginia & KU will stay right there towards if not at the top. I think for this year especially KU has got pieces where they could be very dangerous - So - -Deep , Deep , and that's with what they got right now. If Jalen and say Remy happen to return - I think then - - LOOK OUT we are a very legit contender for the title - - I just think Abaji is gone I think he sticks in the draft. Yet if we get two out of those three back - -OH YA. -Have no concrete hard evidence on WV , just feel Huggy Bear will keep them there where they are be a solid club They took some hits this year not sure whats going to happen with McBride if he comes back they will be better.
Then we have more towards the bottom. I think Tech will fall off with the departure of Beard maybe not drastic but I just think they are gonna spiral down some lost some players AND lost their Coach. I actually think Iowa State will suck really again this year just how it is & then I think K-State will struggle , Ol Bruce just has problems holding onto/keeping players , and actually the talent level is questionable for a P-5 I think, others might disagree I just don't see any hard core overly talented players on that roster. Now the Big guy there I think he has a chance to be fairly decent. looks like he could grow to have decent game , McGurl is coming back but he really doesn't impress me but yet those two right off the top of my head is about it. I also just think ol squeaks really just ain't got it anymore if he ever did. Had a decent yr at Illinois but a lot of those players were Bill holdovers. - -Then we have Iowa State and I think that pretty well speaks for it'self they are in trouble I think they really struggle again this yr
@drgnslayr said in Around the Big 12:
I think what could really help Texas is a long March run. It would put Texas on the map.. just like now how Baylor lifted its program.
I think a big key for Texas is they have to be able to recruit well outside of Texas and I think Beard will prove capable there.
So who do you see as the winners/losers in Big 12 moving forward?
@jayballer67. Oh, they are coming, make no mistake. Hell, Texas has been getting their ass kicked by OU in football for how many years now? And it's not going to get any easier for them this year. Oklahoma is going to be an absolute animal, even on D year 3 under The Grinch. Given the losses at Alabama (including Sarkisian) and Clemson OU will probably be the favorite to win it all this year.
Good post! I can see your logic.
Back in the 80s I lived in Dallas. I still am an outside contractor for UT-Austin. Texas people just think different from the rest of the USA... It's the old "everything is bigger and better in Texas!" I embrace their positive feelings about Texas, and for the most part their attitudes are what gives Texas more charm and magic to be bigger and better. But this goes into everything... especially in sports. Bragging rights are crucial in Texas and if you aren't winning, they will turn their backs because they expect excellence. In some ways, I think this hurts them in sports often, definitely with support for basketball.
@drgnslayr said in Around the Big 12:
Good post! I can see your logic.
Back in the 80s I lived in Dallas. I still am an outside contractor for UT-Austin. Texas people just think different from the rest of the USA... It's the old "everything is bigger and better in Texas!" I embrace their positive feelings about Texas, and for the most part their attitudes are what gives Texas more charm and magic to be bigger and better. But this goes into everything... especially in sports. Bragging rights are crucial in Texas and if you aren't winning, they will turn their backs because they expect excellence. In some ways, I think this hurts them in sports often, definitely with support for basketball.
I hear you, I lived in Texas for a time and liked both it and the people. In many ways, they still think themselves to be a Republic - and I'm not knocking it, just saying. But OU has absolutely owned Texas in football for years now. I guess what I'm saying is, they only think that they are a football school.
@Marco said in Around the Big 12:
I guess what I’m saying is, they only think that they are a football school.
Love this!
I met Porter Moser a couple years back and told him I still had some college eligibility left. He told me he'd let me know. Still waiting, but if he calls now I'll just say I couldn't bear the thought of playing against my alma mater so I'd politely decline.
I didn’t read the ESPN article but when people act like Baylor has passed up KU they conveniently forget that we were the hands down favorite in 2020 only to have life steal the chance for us to win it. No guarantees of course but I sure liked our chances and I hate when people here criticized Self like he’s lost it or something.
No way Self has lost it. And one of his big pluses is how he has adapted to other strategies, depending on the hand he has.
It just isn't realistic to think a D1 basketball coach is always going to bring a FF team to the table. Too many variables. Look at Self's conference streak... NCAA appearances streak.... He has amazing consistency... still!
Many factors go into capturing NCAA titles... including good fortune. 2020 is a fine example of how important good fortune is. Self had no way to control the Covid situation and snag the title.
Big loss for West Virginia as McBride stays in the draft
Courtney Ramey will return to College same as McNeill of WVU
@BeddieKU23 said in Around the Big 12:
Big loss for West Virginia as McBride stays in the draft
The difference between WVU competing for the league title and maybe finishing 5th imo..
Was researching landing spots for Carr and with all the KU stuff that’s happened over the last few months I glossed over how loaded Texas is. Disu and Mitchell are both really good. Bishop solid depth piece. Ramey back. Timmy Allen was first team all-PAC last year as a wing. Potentially adding Carr. Just being honest, but if they get him I think they’re better than us and right there with Gonzaga.
@FarmerJayhawk said in Around the Big 12:
Was researching landing spots for Carr and with all the KU stuff that’s happened over the last few months I glossed over how loaded Texas is. Disu and Mitchell are both really good. Bishop solid depth piece. Ramey back. Timmy Allen was first team all-PAC last year as a wing. Potentially adding Carr. Just being honest, but if they get him I think they’re better than us and right there with Gonzaga.
I wouldn't say better than us and they surely are not up there with Gonzaga
If he doesn't come to Kansas then hopefully he goes to Louisville.
@FarmerJayhawk said in Around the Big 12:
Was researching landing spots for Carr and with all the KU stuff that’s happened over the last few months I glossed over how loaded Texas is. Disu and Mitchell are both really good. Bishop solid depth piece. Ramey back. Timmy Allen was first team all-PAC last year as a wing. Potentially adding Carr. Just being honest, but if they get him I think they’re better than us and right there with Gonzaga.
Went on Kentucky boards. The y ( the fans ) there aren't really giving much hope there or really to concerned either , as they feel they are pretty deep at that position and with Mintz coming back just adds more depth. Not knocking Carr by any means they just saying they really don't feel the need - -I would have to agree with them on that , the have enough guys for that spot quality. - -Basically so thinks then it comes down to KU - Louisville - - & Texas - -basically we are on the outside looking in on this - - I think dammit Beard get's this one too. - -He is becoming a real pain in the ass.
@jayballer67 said in Around the Big 12:
@FarmerJayhawk said in Around the Big 12:
Was researching landing spots for Carr and with all the KU stuff that’s happened over the last few months I glossed over how loaded Texas is. Disu and Mitchell are both really good. Bishop solid depth piece. Ramey back. Timmy Allen was first team all-PAC last year as a wing. Potentially adding Carr. Just being honest, but if they get him I think they’re better than us and right there with Gonzaga.
Went on Kentucky boards. The y ( the fans ) there aren't really giving much hope there or really to concerned either , as they feel they are pretty deep at that position and with Mintz coming back just adds more depth. Not knocking Carr by any means they just saying they really don't feel the need - -I would have to agree with them on that , the have enough guys for that spot quality. - -Basically so thinks then it comes down to KU - Louisville - - & Texas - -basically we are on the outside looking in on this - - I think dammit Beard get's this one too. - -He is becoming a real pain in the ass.
Good, I hope Beard makes Texas a consistent national title contender and Drew keeps Baylor at an elite level. The more top tier title contenders in the Big 12, the better for Kansas. Hell, Duke has won two national titles since the last time they won a regular season ACC title because that league is so damn top heavy most years.