🏀 KuBuckets Archive

Its 2 games and we've played no one so this is an early overreaction take but this dude, the flashes he's showing are impossible to ignore.

He's got some Embiid/Doke vibes to him. The ability to run the floor like he did last night for multiple dunks is very impressive. He has some quick twitch jumping ability at his size which we haven't had in the frontcourt in a while. He's not afraid to switch onto a guard on the perimeter defensively already which is rare to see from a freshman. He changes the offense with his lob ability, not just that he's good at it, he's elite there, his wingspan and athleticism allow you to throw it up at a height or angle that only he can reach. Again, extremely impressive.

Self found his next big thing

@BeddieKU23

I noticed that against Omaha. Since the game wasn't on TV I couldn't rewind easily like normal (grrrrr) but I saw him catch a mini lob from someone in the lane. Udeh's back was to the basket but he began a spin motion to the basket in the air and dunked it. It was very reminiscent of Doke and why he set an all time FG% record during his career here.

@BeddieKU23 said in Ernest Udeh:

Its 2 games and we've played no one so this is an early overreaction take but this dude, the flashes he's showing are impossible to ignore.

He's got some Embiid/Doke vibes to him. The ability to run the floor like he did last night for multiple dunks is very impressive. He has some quick twitch jumping ability at his size which we haven't had in the frontcourt in a while. He's not afraid to switch onto a guard on the perimeter defensively already which is rare to see from a freshman. He changes the offense with his lob ability, not just that he's good at it, he's elite there, his wingspan and athleticism allow you to throw it up at a height or angle that only he can reach. Again, extremely impressive.

Self found his next big thing

I was at the UK game last season and Tshiebwe ran the floor harder than any big I’ve ever seen.

Udeh is close, and he’s only a freshman! I’m thoroughly impressed by the effort in combination with the physical attributes he has. This might be his only season in Crimson and Blue…

Got three guys that are just school yard bully DUDES again. It's uh, been a minute. Zach looks out of place sadly.

@Kcmatt7 said in Ernest Udeh:

@BeddieKU23 said in Ernest Udeh:

Its 2 games and we've played no one so this is an early overreaction take but this dude, the flashes he's showing are impossible to ignore.

He's got some Embiid/Doke vibes to him. The ability to run the floor like he did last night for multiple dunks is very impressive. He has some quick twitch jumping ability at his size which we haven't had in the frontcourt in a while. He's not afraid to switch onto a guard on the perimeter defensively already which is rare to see from a freshman. He changes the offense with his lob ability, not just that he's good at it, he's elite there, his wingspan and athleticism allow you to throw it up at a height or angle that only he can reach. Again, extremely impressive.

Self found his next big thing

I was at the UK game last season and Tshiebwe ran the floor harder than any big I’ve ever seen.

Udeh is close, and he’s only a freshman! I’m thoroughly impressed by the effort in combination with the physical attributes he has. This might be his only season in Crimson and Blue…

To our benefit, players like Udeh aren't exactly in demand by the NBA. I don't think he's that good.

@BShark said in Ernest Udeh:

@Kcmatt7 said in Ernest Udeh:

@BeddieKU23 said in Ernest Udeh:

Its 2 games and we've played no one so this is an early overreaction take but this dude, the flashes he's showing are impossible to ignore.

He's got some Embiid/Doke vibes to him. The ability to run the floor like he did last night for multiple dunks is very impressive. He has some quick twitch jumping ability at his size which we haven't had in the frontcourt in a while. He's not afraid to switch onto a guard on the perimeter defensively already which is rare to see from a freshman. He changes the offense with his lob ability, not just that he's good at it, he's elite there, his wingspan and athleticism allow you to throw it up at a height or angle that only he can reach. Again, extremely impressive.

Self found his next big thing

I was at the UK game last season and Tshiebwe ran the floor harder than any big I’ve ever seen.

Udeh is close, and he’s only a freshman! I’m thoroughly impressed by the effort in combination with the physical attributes he has. This might be his only season in Crimson and Blue…

Too our benefit, players like Udeh aren't exactly in demand by the NBA. I don't think he's that good.

Idk man. The being able to switch onto guards makes him a lot more intriguing prospect than Doke was. The dude is super quick for his size. Tuesday will be a better eye test for that though.

@Kcmatt7 said in Ernest Udeh:

@BShark said in Ernest Udeh:

@Kcmatt7 said in Ernest Udeh:

@BeddieKU23 said in Ernest Udeh:

Its 2 games and we've played no one so this is an early overreaction take but this dude, the flashes he's showing are impossible to ignore.

He's got some Embiid/Doke vibes to him. The ability to run the floor like he did last night for multiple dunks is very impressive. He has some quick twitch jumping ability at his size which we haven't had in the frontcourt in a while. He's not afraid to switch onto a guard on the perimeter defensively already which is rare to see from a freshman. He changes the offense with his lob ability, not just that he's good at it, he's elite there, his wingspan and athleticism allow you to throw it up at a height or angle that only he can reach. Again, extremely impressive.

Self found his next big thing

I was at the UK game last season and Tshiebwe ran the floor harder than any big I’ve ever seen.

Udeh is close, and he’s only a freshman! I’m thoroughly impressed by the effort in combination with the physical attributes he has. This might be his only season in Crimson and Blue…

Too our benefit, players like Udeh aren't exactly in demand by the NBA. I don't think he's that good.

Idk man. The being able to switch onto guards makes him a lot more intriguing prospect than Doke was. The dude is super quick for his size. Tuesday will be a better eye test for that though.

Yeah something to monitor but we've only played Summit League guards so far lol.

It's 2 games and they have done a good job telling Udeh to set screens and roll within the belly of the offensive sets & its working. He's barely scratching the surface to a full man's game but wow what he does well already is almost jaw dropping. He could be the best athlete on this team bar none among a bunch of really good ones

@Kcmatt7

The fact he already has that mindset on defense as a freshman is extremely encouraging. Doke became a beast at this his Sr year. Dave was another who got much better at this in his Sr year. Udeh is ahead of them already.

11 minutes last night. He needs 20 a game minimum. Let him make mistakes and screw up- he'll learn!

@BeddieKU23 said in Ernest Udeh:

It's 2 games and they have done a good job telling Udeh to set screens and roll within the belly of the offensive sets & its working. He's barely scratching the surface to a full man's game but wow what he does well already is almost jaw dropping. He could be the best athlete on this team bar none among a bunch of really good ones

Baylor won their title with their 2 bigs doing this. Neither was a threat to post up at all.

Of course, I'm sure Self would love for him to develop some post moves. Big thing will be figuring out post pinning/sealing.

@BShark I loved that Baylor team 4 guards 1 big who would block shots, defend the post and rim run (exactly what Udeh can do).

The 4 guards could all attack off the bounce and shoot it that was the key.

We have 4 guards who can do this we just don’t play them the most minutes or often together.

Bill values defense over offense unfortunately and even the best defensive teams in basketball will get beat by guys who can make shots often tough ones

@BShark

In time I see no reason why he wouldn't establish post moves etc. I thought maybe he was a little more raw coming in then we've seen so far so I'm very encouraged with his early play. He certainly has shown he can impact the game in a positive way on both ends already

I don't know if this holds up... but from a few games I see a new possibility for how we use our bigs.

Moving away from back-to-the-basket hi-lo game and use them mostly for lob dunks. We've got players, like Bobby, who can easily penetrate and score at the rim. He draws defenders and "BAM!" we have the lob dunk!

I like the idea of keeping the paint opened up because we have so many driving threats, JWil, Bobby, Joe, Gradey... even Dajuan!

I see our need to use bigs different than in the past... with a higher emphasis on high ball screens for pick-n-roll, sometimes pick-n-pop... getting out on the break sometimes for either primary or (especially) secondary break finishes. Then work hard to stop low post scoring on defense and be a big rebounder.

I think we need, at least, two players getting significant minutes at the 5... probably 3!

It's starting to look like Zach could be the guy left out. I know it's early... and I know both @Texas-Hawk-10 and I have had hopes of Zach being big in this formula... but I think the formula might be shifting away from our bigs shooting treys, to focusing on our shorter players hitting treys. JWil is looking very comfortable out there at trey and Gradey is a beast on the trey. A few other guys can chip in out there as the season progresses.

I sense a new wrinkle in Self's offense this year and I'm excited for it! Last year we saw more of our "large guards" Och and CB cutting through the post in our half court offense. We barely even have a half court offense left now as we move to a "speed team" transition basketball.

Does the hi/lo work with a transition team? I think NOT!

Rice! YES!!!!! I especially love his rebounding! He's a piece in all of this. Hope he can pop the trey!

Zach was not playing within the flow of the game, and looked out of control. He's pressing, and it shows. You could see the stress in his face.

@Jethro

Good point and agree. He hasn't looked comfortable at all. I think he senses he's been surpassed.

Has Zach made a shot yet this year? I agree on him pushing and being out of sync.

Honestly wish we’d give up on the Z train and let Zuby play more. With our wings we have enough scoring and Zuby will at least look at the rim when he catches it or rebounds it under the basket.

In limited minutes last year, Z had some great moments but he looks all out of sorts and actually slower than before. It’s as if the game hasn’t slowed down for him mentally but sped up which makes no sense his second year in the system.

I did not watch the game and just saw highlights.

Based on short sample size, Udeh, by far, looks our best Big to me.

@kuballin10 said in Ernest Udeh:

Honestly wish we’d give up on the Z train and let Zuby play more. With our wings we have enough scoring and Zuby will at least look at the rim when he catches it or rebounds it under the basket.

In limited minutes last year, Z had some great moments but he looks all out of sorts and actually slower than before. It’s as if the game hasn’t slowed down for him mentally but sped up which makes no sense his second year in the system.

Why should we give up on the as you say Z train ? - - if we give up on the Z train then he WON'T play more, lol -- - -not sure what Z your talking about - -seeing how Z is a freshman

@kuballin10 said in Ernest Udeh:

Honestly wish we’d give up on the Z train and let Zuby play more. With our wings we have enough scoring and Zuby will at least look at the rim when he catches it or rebounds it under the basket.

In limited minutes last year, Z had some great moments but he looks all out of sorts and actually slower than before. It’s as if the game hasn’t slowed down for him mentally but sped up which makes no sense his second year in the system.

This team looks much better than last year's team at this stage of the game, imo.

@Jethro said in Ernest Udeh:

@kuballin10 said in Ernest Udeh:

Honestly wish we’d give up on the Z train and let Zuby play more. With our wings we have enough scoring and Zuby will at least look at the rim when he catches it or rebounds it under the basket.

In limited minutes last year, Z had some great moments but he looks all out of sorts and actually slower than before. It’s as if the game hasn’t slowed down for him mentally but sped up which makes no sense his second year in the system.

This team looks much better than last year's team at this stage of the game, imo.

Will be interesting to see how this team handles adversity. I can already hear self, “they’ve made shots, so that makes us look better than we really played” type stuff. Which always seems like coach speak to me but may have some validity. Definitely appear ahead of schedule to me. Should be a fun season!

I'm not sure Zach has found his rhythm with the speed we are playing.

He definitely has some special big man skills that are unique to this team.

Maybe it's just a matter of time before suddenly it "clicks in" for him. If it does... he could become a big piece to this team. But he doesn't have to be. We have the 5 covered and will develop whatever Self wants to develop.

@jayballer67 Z being Zach my bad

He’s regressed and honestly looked better against Michigan state and spot minutes last year than this year which is concerning.

With this squad Udeh and Zuby are better fits

@benshawks08 gotta love that Self quote as if it’s not the entire point of the sport putting the ball in the hoop.

He will go to his grave preferring a 44-43 win over 90-89

@Jethro hadn’t thought of this but you are right. Kinda scary honestly because all the freshman will be much better in Feb-Mar versus how they look Tuesday

I'm guessing that Zuby will get some or lots of playing time against Duke and their FOUR 7-footers. Plus a few 6-10+ guys.

I dunno how much they all play, but Ernest will have his hands full, and no doubt do some fouling with all them big bodies flying around.

So, toss him and Zach into the fire, we'll likely need some bodies next week.

@rockchalkjayhawk said in Ernest Udeh:

I'm guessing that Zuby will get some or lots of playing time against Duke and their FOUR 7-footers. Plus a few 6-10+ guys.

I dunno how much they all play, but Ernest will have his hands full, and no doubt do some fouling with all them big bodies flying around.

So, toss him and Zach into the fire, we'll likely need some bodies next week.

Ya I think Zuby gonna HAVE to play more in this game- -need height. Duke got so many big's - -talented big's

How are they going to slow us down? We don't need height- we need SPEED. Dook won't see a faster team all year. The NDSU coach was right- you can't practice for that kind of speed. We look like a Roy offense on steroids. We don't have to change our style one bit. No lumberjack wrestling matches with footers. Those footer's tongues are going to be hanging out. RCJHGKU.

@Jethro

Wish I could give you 10 likes for your last post!

Speed and basketball IQ!

I've watched Duke this year and they have some tall talent, but they look really sloppy and vulnerable to pressure.

Run, run, run! Keep them out of playing half court ball... keep it our speed...

I'm hoping Dajuan, Kevin and crew capture double-digit steals that end in run outs! The formula for victory! Swarm their height with bees and sting, sting, sting!

@jayballer67 I really hope you’re right but from the lineups we’ve seen this won’t happen.

Kj or Udeh start

The other comes off the bench

Zach spells them

Zuby may see 3-4 minutes in the first half but I doubt anymore than that

Tuesday is going to tell us a lot about where Udeh is. Duke has some serious size, so we will need a big game out of him.

@drgnslayr Totally agree that this team is at its best when they SWARM! We saw that in the first half of the last game. If they can keep up that kind of pressure for a full game they are going to be so hard to score on.

@jayballer67

Zuby has 10 boards in ten minutes of play and was able to hold his position doing it. We need a dog down low!

@Zabudda said in Ernest Udeh:

@jayballer67

Zuby has 10 boards in ten minutes of play and was able to hold his position doing it. We need a dog down low!

ya I mentioned that the other day I think - -Zuby an active guy

Bob and Udeh will be the new Dotson and Udoka. Give it a year.

Zuby and Udeh are being taught that they have to all-out hustle to take minutes away from KJ. This is Self' coaching.. and he has exactly what he wants for the 5... a competition for minutes with guys that all bring different gifts.

🐦 View Tweet

Such a great kid :smiling_face_with_heart-eyes:

@Crimsonorblue22 !!

@BShark 😢😍