🏀 KuBuckets Archive

New conference foe tonight in Allen. Some familiar High School targets from the last class, an old, old target @wissox Adam Miller as well.

Shak Moore to get his 2nd straight start. Says he's still a bit sore after games but getting close to 100%. Might be the defensive upgrade this team needs going forward..

As @drgnslayr likes to point out, KU played with Tempo in the UCF game and Shak might have been a good reason for it.

Didn't imagine that Storr and Griffen would both be coming off the bench in conference play but here we are. Let's see if they continue to react positively.

Wow, forgot about Adam Miller. When I first met his mom and work, she'd seen my KU shirt and told me he might go to KU, I looked him up and sure enough he was a high level recruit. His mom told me they were hoping he'd be a OAD.

I watched a few games and the last time I saw him was memorable. His school was playing Simeon, legendary coach Robert Smith and Smith puts this short little guy on Adam who face guards him. Like his only job was to guard himthisclose. Adam shoved him out of the way, foul. Guy kept doing it and Adam picked up another, 1 minute into the game. To the bench, and also to the bench for the kid who'd done his job. 2nd quarter Adam comes back in, short kid comes in, bam, 3rd foul. Bench. Lots of people on hand to see the game, it was NBA all star weekend, and by the time the 2nd half started Simeon was up by 15 or so.

@BeddieKU23 said in Arizona St:

New conference foe tonight in Allen. Some familiar High School targets from the last class, an old, old target @wissox Adam Miller as well.

Shak Moore to get his 2nd straight start. Says he's still a bit sore after games but getting close to 100%. Might be the defensive upgrade this team needs going forward..

As @drgnslayr likes to point out, KU played with Tempo in the UCF game and Shak might have been a good reason for it.

Didn't imagine that Storr and Griffen would both be coming off the bench in conference play but here we are. Let's see if they continue to react positively.

This team looks better when they run. And they look their best with two guards combined with Flory and Hunter 2-big look.

@Kcmatt7

Agree I hope they continue to push the pace. Playing slow doesn't work for this group imo. 3 guard starting lineup might be the answer on offense and may lead to improved defensive efforts as well. Moore was known as a good defender and could really help shore up our perimeter defense. Too early to tell but Moore could really be the chess piece this team needs to leap back forward towards its ceiling.

@BeddieKU23 said in Arizona St:

@Kcmatt7

Agree I hope they continue to push the pace. Playing slow doesn't work for this group imo. 3 guard starting lineup might be the answer on offense and may lead to improved defensive efforts as well. Moore was known as a good defender and could really help shore up our perimeter defense. Too early to tell but Moore could really be the chess piece this team needs to leap back forward towards its ceiling.

It’s hard to argue with the success we had against UCF with Shaq starting. I 100% would not have guessed it would lead to more scoring by replacing scorers Storr or Griffen on the floor.

Think about it for a second... Moore brought defensive intensity as a guard. Most, or all, of our guys defending behind him. They caught on to his intensity and it helped them play with intensity. Same for Flory... both these guys are sparks.

It starts with defense! Always does. You can start off hot on offense, but if you turn around and give it right back on the defensive end you have no benefit and eventually that catches up with you.

Good defense gives us the potential to convert baskets while our foe does not. It's how we build a lead and it is exactly what we did against UCF for most of 40 minutes!

What is really impressive with the UCF victory was our CONTINUOUS EFFORT! That is very rare in college basketball!

This team has the potential to bring home a trophy in April. It's convincing them to listen to Self... but also come ready to play. This is Self's Achille's heal... cheerleading the team! I guess he just yells at them, hoping that works, and if we've played bad and lost several games it works. What happens when we start winning again, like now... do we come ready to play?

Self nailed it with his statements on playing with intensity. I just don't think players get fired up very often based on talking about intensity. Maybe Self should start chewing off chicken heads before games! lol

I think we should be mimicking what a few coaches do that are famous for cheerleading... like Shaka. If Self isn't the animated one to fire them up then it should come from an assistant. I'm not sure we have an assistant with that talent. We should hire one. Let him be the fire breather before every game!

Tennessee is the only team this century to shoot 30% or worse on two pointers 15% or worse on three pointers and 60% or worse on free throws in a single game, (with a 25% minimum of attempts in each category). 12-56 from the field (21%) for the game. From beyond the arc they were even worse hitting 4-29 attempts (14%) and rounded it all out by shooting 16-25 from the free throw line (60%). (From OptaStats). The Vols came in undefeated ranked No. 1 in the nation. Rick Barnes didn't really brush it off in his post game comments, "We've been here before, believe me, we have been beat worse than this and will learn from it." According to Barnes, "Florida looked bigger, longer and more athletic in the front court but we could have overcome that with elite guard play."

Let us not forget the unselfish play from Zeke Mayo who can light it up and probably will in Allen tonight. I hope we don't lay a Tennessee egg. About playing time for KJ, Hunter and Flory as they all are foul prone it will be different game to game and as Rick Barnes said it can be overcome with elite guard play. AJ is on the verge of being in team elite along with Rylan and joining, Shak, Zeke and Juando. Is Zach still hurt?

"“We know we dropped West Virginia, first game of conference, and we know we can’t let that happen in front of our fans, and we’re super ready to go,” Moore said."

I love this statement! Let's see if it's true!

@drgnslayr said in Arizona St:

"“We know we dropped West Virginia, first game of conference, and we know we can’t let that happen in front of our fans, and we’re super ready to go,” Moore said."

I love this statement! Let's see if it's true!

Exactly what I wanted to hear and didn't know it until I heard it.

Bryson Tiller here with the team. Not full go yet to practice but will redshirt and get a headstart for next season

UConn #9 loses to NOVA on the road.

@Zabudda I just know it was a bad groin injury

@Zabudda we better come ready. Upset week this week , # 1 Tennessee lost # 6 ? - -Kentucky lost this week-- # 9 U Conn loses tonight. better have our game face on

I didn't know adams was w/Beard.

@SlimShaddy54 What ? -what are you talking about ?

@SlimShaddy54

Never mind me i'm effing lost.

@SlimShaddy54

I was agreeing about game face and better be ready.

@Zabudda said in Arizona St:

@SlimShaddy54

I was agreeing about game face and better be ready.

Oh Ok my bad lol

Looks like our game will start on another ESPN channel since Ark/Ole Miss running late

@Zabudda said in Arizona St:

UConn #9 loses to NOVA on the road.

Karaban missed 2 free throws, had never missed 2 in a row before tonight

@stoptheflop said in Arizona St:

Looks like our game will start on another ESPN channel since Ark/Ole Miss running late

Espn news

Least no fran. But over under of 10 mentions to Cooper Flagg

So far hasn't started on the ESPN app

On the one hand ESPN makes sure we usually see our team. And many others. On the other hand there's four fingers and a thumb.

Who ya'll pulling for in the CFB playoff? Penn St is my family connection on moms side so PSU, but I wouldn't mind OSU. Texas and ND can get lost.

D looks lit

They're playing?

On +3 whatever.

@wissox ESPN news.

@patoh3 Thanks. the ESPN+ said game not started yet. Was just gonna watch there. OK, now I hate ESPN again.

9-7 good guys

9-7 Hawks at first TV timeout.

Started up 6-0.

Hunter had a nice stiff arm there it looked like. Not sure when that happened. But anyways, here now.

Good start. Very physical game so far

@wissox I was doing the same thing waiting with the app and then looked on the channel and the game was going. Right there with you being aggravated with ESPN.

@patoh3 Lets go to Bristol and protest.

Hunt has like 3 missed looks and Moore missed a wide open 3. We left some points off the board that opening 4 but they are playing with good energy so far

And of course now got to listen to a Cubs broadcaster. Ugh!

At least we don’t have Fran. I like these announcers

It is now on ESPN2

Juan had a heat check

@BeddieKU23 said in Arizona St:

Juan had a heat check

That was a bad shot methinks

Flory Bee Dune Ga

Stop hyping flory please

We need to run.

We’re not shooting well but getting better shots than ASU

Good block, Hunt.

Defense hasn't been very good so far

ASU playing harder at least on defense.

We have a 2 game losing streak against these guys including the infamous loss to Remy Martin 6-7 years ago when they ran us out of the gym.

Flo has footwork that always looks like he's travelling

We have liftoff

Running off the steals!

Kj probably traveled but who cares

Need shak in for diggy

Ugh Juan could have really pushed the momentum forward by hitting that 3. Just missing too many good looks and keeping them in it

But he's had steals to keep us in

Juan has 4 dimes and 2 steals

Awful storr

storr Is going to get fully benched

Wow.

I don’t know who our next big man is going to be but I’m going to miss Hunter’s 6 foot flip shot

Mayo should be playing 35 mpg

Not sure how that's on AJ.

Bad call

Fouled him with his face

One of these games again

Jay Williams can you do any prep?

Not AJ's finest 5 minutes of his career.

Yeah you can't play that kid

Is this Storr’s worst 5 minutes ever?

The intensity of KU is less than our last game against UCF.

Storr done unless bill feels charitable later. Hopefully he gets back in and does something

Thought we’d come out juiced and ready to go after laying an egg at home last game

Back to the excuse of “poor energy” - depending on how this season goes it might just be we aren’t that good

Why did flory get pulled???

We have struggled mighty with their ball screens tonight

Juan came to play

@BeddieKU23 said in Arizona St:

We have struggled mighty with their ball screens tonight

It’s because of who’s man is setting the ball screen this time that’s why ucf was so comical what they did

If you can’t guard a ball screen well no clue how you are supposed to play in todays game

We're shooting 50%, but it doesn't feel like it.

No zip. Looks like a Hunter Mayo against their three ball shooters and board work.

We’re not playing that poorly. aSu is hitting clanker shots and out rebounding us

Too many shots from Juan

@Kcmatt7 He’s the only one who looks like he cares to me tonight - he and zeke

It was in and out - good shot even though he missed

Good grief you called that

@Kcmatt7 said in Arizona St:

Too many shots from Juan
They’ve all been in and out though

Thank God For Zeke Mayo.

Geez shak throws it to kj in the post 8 feet from the goal and the entire asu bench puts their hand out meaning stay there and sit tight - no doubles and heck barely guard him

Where's flory?

Can we get a starters but sub Hunt for Flory lineup?

Dred guy plays no D though

@Crimsonorblue22 Damn good question!!!!

Came in and thought we got up - was pulled and we went down but hey who cares cause KJ’s playin baby and Bill loves him some Kj!

It looks like we are back to watching the other team rebound.

Bad d by Juan there

@patoh3 cough cough 4 man in the game changed and thus u see the obvious repercussions

The most excused 4 man that doesn’t rebound in Kansas history

Bill reamed Perry weekly for it but kj gets a pass cause he has nice legs granted he doesn’t use them on the defensive boards

Another bucket AT THE RIM!

Bill u hate giving up easy buckets per ur clinic in Houston and yet all we effin do is give up layups and dunks

I can't

@BeddieKU23 He was like gonna get the steal and tried so hard that he let him right to the basket.

Took 15 seconds to clear half court

I just don't understand how poorly we are playing at home

They have 6 freaking guys to play

@DanR I rewound it. Took about 6 seconds! I was thinking the same as you.

I see we are back to missing the tournament.

@BeddieKU23 Talent’s been this for 2 years now. Juan and KJ do not work offensively together with Hunter - it’s been proven it doesn’t work but we keep running it back like last year was an anomaly

Another team that looks quicker and more athletic than us

On a serious note this team is as bad defensively as I can remember for a Bill Self team. I don't care what KP says about that either.

Alright. Starting to watch from beginning now. Hopefully you wont be all doom and gloom by the time i catch up.

@BShark But but but the metrics!!!!!

This years ballscreen defense is as bad as last years - go figure a whole offseason with the same core 3 and no adjustments to a standard pick n roll!

@approxinfinity hopefully u are good luck and we flip a switch at halftime

Need a few broken clipboards at half to maybe inspire this group

Kill them in the second half. Guys should be fresh and pissef off

Losing to a Hurley. Double gross.

When Bidunga gets a little stronger on whatever nba team he is on next year, he can be ridiculous on the offensive glass.

Seriously consecutive opposing dukey coaches and a dukey color commentator, barf.

@BShark But Bills playing his best defensive players as we gave up 40 in a half at home to a team we are favored by 14 too

Play your scorers….

Looking at the stats. KU and ASU have the same number of made baskets on the same number of attempts. ASU has made 1 more 3 than us and 5 more free throws. They are also out-rebounding us, which is no surprise, based upon our effort.

Something is just not right. Another lackluster performance, like they just going through the motions. - -Something is going on, they just look like ehh. - -I dunno. There is no reason they should be playing these types of games with the players they got

What was the line for the game tonight? Nvm, just saw it above.

The espn replay started whe it was 7-9. Did moore start?

Yes

@approxinfinity said in Arizona St:

The espn replay started whe it was 7-9. Did moore start?

He did. We started 6-0 and then the game went south fast

KJ is working harder so far.

Team is allergic to making open shots

Flory 6 minutes first half when our D was struggling

I’m sure he blew some assignment that Bill hated and swore kj wouldn’t make the same mistake

Kj “works hard” but he’s kinda spazztastic and just celebrates it but his actual contribution is not good night in and night out

Coach is going to figure out his top 8 defense guys in the next week or two and that's going to be the end for some of the transfers unless there is a special moment when he needs some threes.

I am starting to think Storr has a focus problem more than an effort problem.

And 1?

Finally Hunt. Sheesh. 7ft dunk the ball, a novel idea

That's a flagrant

Kj pumping him up too

@approxinfinity adhd?

Nice play by hunt

@dylans he has to jump to do that lol. I think his feet actually left the floor a tiny bit that time

@BeddieKU23 He had to make up for the missed bunny.

@Crimsonorblue22 yea thats where my head went. He just seems frequently distracted. I wonder that about a lot of these kids, Timberlake, Vick, etc

@BeddieKU23 he just need a run at it

Jerrance is everywhere. Bet his wife loves moving.

Hunter has two attributes: he’s tall and has no muscle so his shot is soft as a cotton ball

Christ. Even the bench guys are trying to fire hunt up

@approxinfinity said in Arizona St:

I am starting to think Storr has a focus problem more than an effort problem.

I don't think that's it. I think he's scared to death of Bill Self and scared to death of screwing up and becomes tentative. 2nd team all league last year. Averaged 20 against Purdue and big guy Edey. The kid can play. But somethings off this year obviously. I hope he can get going.

@DanR He seems pretty stout against other bigs under the basket. He does look like a sloth at times.

Here we go

@Crimsonorblue22 Where is he now?

On the bench🤣

Foul on Dajuan on a step back 3 with 1.6 ooof

ok, I'm lost. Jerrence who?

Snacks?

Howard

OK, is he at Arizona St now? I've been watching but not listening.

2nd charge juando had taken including the opening tip

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerrance_Howard ↗

Alright I likey

Shaq is my man

@BeddieKU23 glad to hear something positive!

@wissox was wisconsins system easier for AJ?

I think Jay Williams has lost his Mic, no sound lol

Jay looks like his dog died

@approxinfinity I guess! I'm not a big X's and 0's guy. He had some frustrating moments last year for sure, but nothing like this. They were a 5 seed in the dance but wouldn't have been so with him playing like this. He had a guard Chucky Hepner who's at Louisville now and I think they understood each other pretty well.

Both teams perfect 9-9 at the line. i know I just jinxed one of em.

I aint diggin diggy tonight you dig?

This lineup sucks

Ooh we Shak!!!

SHAK

Little dude can fly

Exclamation pt!

BIG TIMMA

I still don't these dudes numbers I thought that was diggy

Shaq is a dog. Get some of that in Mayo and we’ll be good

Mayo has 4 to's tonight

Shaq giving that effort that spark great job

Jay Williams can go away and never come back.

@DanR you were saying…..

Crazy when you have a legit on ball pg defender

Go figure juan and kj to the bench and we grow it to our largest lead of the game….

@DanR said in Arizona St:

Shaq is a dog. Get some of that in Mayo and we’ll bee be good

Mayo was really timid in the first half. I imagine Self tore into him in the locker room because he has really been pressing things in a bad way this half. #noticing

Kj is in

17-3 in the 2nd half.

@approxinfinity He was the PG of the future in Chicago when he violated his contract and got in a motorcycle accident which ended his career.

@wissox Shak’s number is 0 whereas Coit’s is a vertical infinity AKA 8.

We just need five guys who really hate to lose like in 2022

@Crimsonorblue22 for flory wth

1 for 3!

@wissox said in Arizona St:

17-3 in the 2nd half.

@approxinfinity He was the PG of the future in Chicago when he violated his contract and got in a motorcycle accident which ended his career.

Objectively hilarious stat

Lmao

Welcome to college basketball

Shak Moore keep channeling #bifm and ball out!

Jay shut up

Slight shoulder lean may have earned him that illegal screen call.

If you watched this game you’d think Shak isn pg1 and Juan is the backup pg

Shak better pg if he had all of Bill’s confidence and belief in him like juanny gets

Has Storr gotten in at all in the 2nd half?

@Kcmatt7 Nope

@kuballin10 dajuan is fine. Shak can eat up some coit minutes and moore minutes in addition to dajuan breathers and get plenty of run.

More shak please

More Shaq less coit

Not an offensive foul on hunter screen.
Awful call.

For being such a terrible defensive team , we have certainly picked things up in the 2nd half - -Anyon else see those stats for ASU ? - -seven points in the 2nd half -- - Ku ha six steals and other I for forget lol , been pretty good D

I like the competition of coit Shaq and juando though compared to our options last couple years

@approxinfinity ur right juan is fine….shak is better though but no way that’s allowed on bill selfs earth

Rylan and Flory need way more run

@DanR imo any time you are winning by double digits AND talking about bench players that need more time, you got good problems.

Nothing wrong with continuing to give minutes across the board to keep everyone hungry like you
said

Crazy d by flory

@DanR and offense!

@kuballin10 i dont know that rylan needs way more run. I think we are getting a healthy contribution from him but as @Texas-Hawk-10 has pointed out hes a catch and shoot role player.

Bidunga with another slam

Juando could’ve thrown that a little higher lol

They need to do hockey assists and give an assist to Zeke too on the alley oop because he set it up.

Flory is a rebounding machine

Did Adam nut punch him like Brad Davison?

Really @kuballin10 i think the most important thing for this team, like most years, will be to go into the post season healthy. Hopefully that means Flory gets to wreck the B12 while we keep Hunter from snapping in half

I think the effort will all be there when we need it.

@kuballin10 at least the guys pull for each other and don't act like you!

We were getting killed on the boards in the first half, but we're now out rebounding them by 6.

@wissox the EJ special?

@approxinfinity keep watching…

A team that struggles with spacing and labors to score can use a 6-7 wing who can shoot, rebound and started on a final 4 team

I have to say, this team is growing on me. Yeah, hunt, kj, and juando are what they are but there are some potential game changers too.., and depth!

@approxinfinity Shak playing his nuts off and on the bench…why

@DanR only when they get minutes

Ncaas Bill gets tight and sticks with his guys

@approxinfinity The timing of EJ's was a whole lot worse! That's probably the reason we don't play in back to back title games.

Arizona St has 8 pts in the 2nd half

@Crimsonorblue22 who’d I not pull for???? I want the best players and hot hand to play

Hey look griffin drive the paint

@kuballin10 hard to argue with personnel usage this second half when we have wrecked them from start to finish.

Main thing is flory can fill in for hunter against tall bugs where hunter struggles

Didn't realize snacks was still getting coaching gigs

Snacks looking fit

@BeddieKU23 well bobby hurley doesnt seem into party favors

Rock chalk!

Zeke cleaning up

Wow gave up 13 Points 2nd half

No rock chalk chant??????

@BeddieKU23 Met him once at a high school game here.

Thanks ESPN, you couldn't resist just shrinking our game to 1/4 of the screen to talk to a former duke jerk.

@approxinfinity check those minutes and we know why! :)

@kuballin10 you deaf too?

I do agree we could have seen Shak the last 5 minutes, game was won and we languished a bit, but hey if Shak is injury prone i would rather keep him healthy

I like how they cut away for another game whereas if it had been Duke they would have talked to the coach and high-scoring player. Yeah, looking at you ESPN!

you take the six we were down at the half- -from that on we went on a 38-13 run the rest of the game

Did Flory foul out?

@Crimsonorblue22 started wayyy late with 20 seconds normally it’s around 1:30 when we up 20….

But if I was deaf would u even feel bad - doubtful

@approxinfinity he’s still on a bit of a pitch count right now

@patoh3 ESPN box is kind of whacky right now. It says he did, but it also said he scored 4 points on 0-2 shooting with no FTs.

BR has him fouled out too.

@kuballin10 you just don't get it.

One thing I'm liking better these past two- -three games , doing better on the OFFENSIVE end in rebounding or keeping the ball alive for 2nd chance opportunities

@patoh3 yes

@BeddieKU23 said in Arizona St:

Wow gave up 13 Points 2nd half

Insane half. We learned some things tonight and I will add I'm good if AJ never gets ina game for KU again outside of garbage time.

+/- Shak 26, KJ 18, Hunt 16, Juan 14, Zeke 12, Grif 5, Diggy 5, Flory 4, Storr -5.

@kuballin10 Shak started

I am happy that we played well twice in a row.

@SlimShaddy54 Bidunga is the key.

@patoh3 wow Shak doesbr get to +26 if he doesnt get minutes. Feels like he got the opportunity to make a big contribution. Cant be upset with that as a player.

Yeah i mean Moore got 22 minutes and is ramping up. Dont see anything objectionable there.

After AJ'S brief floor time in the first half which he got the minutes he deserved , not many was just BAD wgeb he was in and not a second the 2nd half- -- - -

Could it be possible he leaves the team during the Season ?

@SlimShaddy54 if we can keep winning and the players that do get run perform, I dont see any reason why he would leave unless he has a bad attitude or getting bad advice. We are already into second semester. He has plenty of time to develop his potential and improve his stock and nobody would blink twice if he left at seasons end, even if sticking around would do him good.

Zeke Mayo Highlights vs. Arizona State (23 Pts, 5 Rebs)

@SlimShaddy54 said in Arizona St:

After AJ'S brief floor time in the first half which he got the minutes he deserved , not many was just BAD wgeb he was in and not a second the 2nd half- -- - -

Could it be possible he leaves the team during the Season ?

I had the same thought! Wondered if Storr would call it a day in Lawrence and move on. Seems crazy of course, but he's now deep in the doghouse. I will say this: Bill gave him a chance to play through FOUR turnovers/mistakes until he yanked him on the fifth eff up. Or something like that. That's more than usual.

Very intriguing to see how this story line plays out.

Bill said, no energy? Let's press and the defense we've seen for the last several games went boom. Shak Moore I can electric slam and I can thief. Rylan was having FUN! Hunt running out to contest three pointers and I'll have another double double. Yes Zeke can score. Flory eyes are on everything and oh here's an athletic slam from a Juan dime. KJ playing as hard as I can remember. We only really played one good half but look out B12 we can ball.

@rockchalkjayhawk I'd say he's in his own doghouse. He could really help the team. It's his decision, which would really help him in the long run. What a waste of talent.

@Crimsonorblue22 said in Arizona St:

@rockchalkjayhawk I'd say he's in his own doghouse. He could really help the team. It's his decision, which would really help him in the long run. What a waste of talent.

100%

@approxinfinity

He's been sore after games still so probably best approach in the short term. His minutes are here to stay and is showing why he's now a starter

@Crimsonorblue22 the team would be better off without him imo

@BShark much rather he stick around and contribute so i can justify picking up some sweet swag from the corner storr.

https://thecornerstorr.com/thecornerstorr/shop/home ↗

@approxinfinity said in Arizona St:

@BShark much rather he stick around and contribute so i can justify picking up some sweet swag from the corner storr.

https://thecornerstorr.com/thecornerstorr/shop/home ↗

Ha. It's just very hard to see at the moment. Right now, he's the worst player on the team probably. Bill gave him a make a wish start and heavier minutes against WVU and we see how that went. The energy is so much better starting games without him in the line-up. He just can't process a different role other than "middling volume scorer". He needs the ball in his hands and lots of shots to put up stats. That's who he has always been.

All that said he is being paid a lot so maybe both sides figure something out by the end of the season.

@BShark said in Arizona St:

@approxinfinity said in Arizona St:

@BShark much rather he stick around and contribute so i can justify picking up some sweet swag from the corner storr.

https://thecornerstorr.com/thecornerstorr/shop/home ↗

Ha. It's just very hard to see at the moment. Right now, he's the worst player on the team probably. Bill gave him a make a wish start and heavier minutes against WVU and we see how that went. The energy is so much better starting games without him in the line-up. He just can't process a different role other than "middling volume scorer". He needs the ball in his hands and lots of shots to put up stats. That's who he has always been.

All that said he is being paid a lot so maybe both sides figure something out by the end of the season.

A shame but you can just see how uncomfortable he is in this system. Not good utilizing the pick and roll. Forces 3s at the wrong time. Gets torched on D constantly. Lazy passes.

He’s a shell of who he could be. It’s just how Bill coaches and sometimes it works great and sometimes it ruins a good player.

Some guys thrive under this scrutiny (Zeke, Coit, and Moore) and some guys need positivity and uplifting. Storr is a guy who thrives from being told how good he is. And Bill Self just isn’t the warm fuzzy father figure pat you on the back buy you ice cream kind of coach.

Thank God Bill went scorched Earth though and brought in Diggy and Shak. Guy said I need at least 10 playable guys because 1-2 of these dudes just suck every year.

I think this team is about to get really damn good. Starting five is figured out. Flory minutes will probably keep growing. Griffen looked pretty good last night. Zeke can be our “need a bucket guy”. Diggy can keep Juan fresh. Last piece of this whole thing is seeing the D crank it up one more notch. You see how well this team runs on a rebound right now. If we start getting a few more stops a game we are going to run teams out of the gym.

I think we have our rotation figured out. DaJuan, Diggy, Shak, Mayo, Rylan, KJ, Flory, and Hunter. We will roll with those 8 guys most of the season. Maybe even with 7 (Diggy not making the cut) when things get really intense.
AJ didn't make the cut.

@Kcmatt7 Yeah I think we have figured out the top 8 (and 7). Last night is actually the exact kind of minutes/rotation i want to see. Outside of Flory fouling out (which clearly lowered how much he played) and Shak/Rylan still easing in a bit. Diggy should be in the 10-12 minute range unless he is NBA jam on fire. Fwiw he started the season 15-30 from three but is 2-15 lately. So he might be streaky but at least he isn't shy to let it rip.

The defense is trending in a good direction lately.

!alt text ↗

@Jhawk69 said in Arizona St:

I think we have our rotation figured out. DaJuan, Diggy, Shak, Mayo, Rylan, KJ, Flory, and Hunter. We will roll with those 8 guys most of the season. Maybe even with 7 (Diggy not making the cut) when things get really intense.
AJ didn't make the cut.

Ha. I see we reached the same conclusion.

@BShark if he's a cancer on the team, it's really too bad. Maybe some counseling. Hate giving up on a young man.

@approxinfinity thing is he has had problems at different schools, had some issues. I think one of the biggest is he doesn't want to commit to defense and you know how Bill feels about that. Storr has always been a high volume shooter, I think there is some problem there- - -could be a problem with others in the locker room

My initial enthusiasm about Diggy is waning a bit.

There’s lots to like about his play — mainly that he isn’t shy and he’s in the game for one reason…shoot it.

We sure need that at times. I wish he could reign in his shot selection a tiny bit.

I checked the score a few times but was too tired to turn it on and get invested. Sounds like the second half went well. I’m very glad we won the KU fight cancer hero for the game was a gal I went to highschool with so that’s nice.

@Kcmatt7 Besides his shot volume AJ just isn't buying into that there are two ends to a court. He just doesn't buy in to the defensive end , gets smoked multiple times , plus he like has been mentioned he has to get his shots , and a lot of times they are at a critical point of the game

Look at Rylan , he was in deep to , BUT I think Rylan is on the right track, and evidentially Coach believes that too , as his floor time is increasing. We need Rylan actually I myself believe more then AJ-- Rylan gives us another legit three point threat , more so then AJ.- - If you notice Rylan is also driving the ball better and has been making the mid range J's also I think Rylan is figuring it out. Give me Zeke and Rylan from distance we be good.

I think also Coach just maybe has gotten a better feel for his starting five,-- Have Diggy give Juan some back up minutes , bringing in Rylan , -Flory playing more and also backing up Hunter-- - then we have AJ -AJ right now loks to be the number nine option on the roster - -one reason I asked is it possible that AJ says screw this and packs and goes.- -AJ needs the headlines,he has to be " THE GUY " or so he thinks. but until he can prove himself, then it is what it is

@Kcmatt7 Can we really say Storr was thriving before though? Like he was good scoring at Wisconsin but he needed to bring more to the table than that if he wants to get drafted. Some times you need a kick in the ass to get there.

Just realized does saying that means I may officially be old.

@rockchalkjayhawk yeah rationally I don't think it is good for the team if Diggy is getting a lot of minutes, but he sure is entertaining to watch

Human nature I guess to talk about Storrs stinkage but Man o Man, Mr. Mayo, your table is ready. Is he playing his way into 1st team AA? 1st team all conference? 23 or more in 4 of the last 5 games and the game he didn't score that much he had 8 assists. He has hit so many big shots.

@mr11 2nd team all BIG is some indicator of thriving. They don't even go to the dance without him. I sometimes wonder does Self call Greg Gard and say 'Greg buddy, got any tips on AJ? Like what made him look competent there in Madison?' I mean I jest of course, but I still believe we can see a Remy like revival of AJ in February and March. We all can hope it happens.

AJ start physical guarding and boarding. You have the gifts and then get in on the fun. Then go to your spot and ring the bell from three because you need it and the team needs it. Just a couple of makes opens up one side of the lane and gets us to a reliable 10 makes from deep to complement our defenses emergence. It's all about confidence sir.
Did the Sun Devils get only 13 in the second half?

This isnt MJ Rice or Udeh or Pettiford.

Storr has done things in a p4 conference.

It does make me a little anxious looking at his twitter tagline and seeing him saying for business inquiries heres my email… Feels like a kid who thought his trajectory was one thing and has his head in a lot of different places. 7 different schools, swag shop with his own logo. Probably distracted by fun stuff too.

Needs to shut all the noise down and just focus on basketball, if thats possible.

By chance, is AJ homesick?

We stepped up second half and shut them down. KJ was instrumental in that turnaround. Wish he was an on/off switch and just turned on at the start of every game! ZEKE remains our volume scorer. It’s so nice to have a guy who always looks to score when his fingers touch the ball. Also a great rebounder! He has a future in basketball! May not be NBA but definitely abroad!

If AJ were prone to homesickness he wouldn't be on his 7th school in 7 years.

@Jhawk69 is that true? Maybe he hasnt put his roots down anywhere because he is being advised not to do so?

@approxinfinity I'm pretty sure. I know he is at his sixth stop in the last 6 years. In high school he played for Bishop Gorman, then AZ Compass, then IMG Academy. In college he spent a year at St John's, a year at Wisconsin, then a year at Kansas.

https://redstormsports.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/aj-storr/4812 ↗

Update we are now 2-0 in 2025 with a 35 point margin of victory.

@Jhawk69 Ya There is a reason he has been that way---- -something just not right, just has some problems on the floor. Ya sur was leading scorer at what Wisc ?- -Yet look at the shot volume think he just has to be in the lime light, think he has some trouble sharing that - - -doesn't plat defense a lick and that's a problem , you don't play both ends then you get a seat over with Coach

Anybody worried about that “flat” first half? Seems common now.

Once again we seemed lifeless. Of course I missed the first 5 min of the game. Thx ESPN!

@rockchalkjayhawk said in Arizona St:

Anybody worried about that “flat” first half? Seems common now.

Once again we seemed lifeless. Of course I missed the first 5 min of the game. Thx ESPN!

We actually started the game quite well. Was 6-0.

Storr just isn't a fit here. They shoulda known better but it was a bad eval and here we are.

Sucks for both sides. If Moore and Rylan continue to ascend as we are seeing then we don't have to worry about it too much.

He will be at his 8th school next yr

@wissox yeah true me saying he wasn't thriving probably goes too far. But as good as he was even there, he was mostly just elite at getting to the basket and still had a lot of room for improvement in the rest of his game. Would Greg have been able to get more improvement out of him this year if he had stayed? I definitely can't imagine his season would have gone worse than how he is playing at KU so far, but agreed the season isn't done and we could see it all click still. Going to keep rooting for him as long as he wants to be here.

It's not easy, but i'm going to have some hope for Storr though. We did see something good out of him in the UCF game. He did well to find some baskets. not all hope lost, but something needs to change. we don't know these players, but maybe it's just a mindset.

@BeddieKU23 said in Arizona St:

Storr just isn't a fit here. They shoulda known better but it was a bad eval and here we are.

Sucks for both sides. If Moore and Rylan continue to ascend as we are seeing then we don't have to worry about it too much.

He will be at his 8th school next yr

So, went back and looked at Storr's stats last year trying to figure what the attraction was. Shiny almost 17ppg, but....43% FG%; 32% from 3 - 4 RPG - 1 APG with almost 2 TOs. Known defensive liability and extremely inefficient scorer who doesn't contribute elsewhere. And throw in the multiple schools. Why???

@DCHawker The attraction was that he is a scorer who could create his own shot which was something missing from last season.

@DCHawker If I recall correctly we were a little underwhelmed by his start to the season. He came on stronger in the 2nd half which is of course what people remember. The BIG tournament was his best part of the season. I really don't pay attention to how someone plays defense so it's kind of tough for me to comment on that but I do wonder if people who say he doesn't play D actually watched him or just formed opinions on what they've heard?

@DCHawker

A scorer with what they thought was untapped potential to be more then just that. If they paid anywhere close to what I think they did yikes

@wissox No he sticks out pretty easily, hard NOT to see actually how of defense he plays, if any at all. Again that's one of the main reasons we are seeing less of him. That on top of his ridiculous turnover overs , - sloppy passing , poor drives IF he does , bad timed forced ill advised shots at the wrong time in a game , non rebounder , low assist gut , if you can't play any Defense or really poor defense then your going to have plenty of time to gt it figured out.

It's not like Coach hasn't given him opportunity, but when he is on the floor it doesn't take long before he has done one or multiple things wrong to get pulled. Bill has started him - -brought him off the bench early -- brought him off the bench late, an I think the only mind set AJ has is one thing an that is to get the ball and shoot , forced or not-- he does not give playing any kind of defense a second thought - -not a good recipe to play here, just a bad fit

So were we so desperate we told him he just has to score here? Doesn’t sound like Self….

@drgnslayr said in Arizona St:

So were we so desperate we told him he just has to score here? Doesn’t sound like Self….

Last season, KU had nobody that could create a shot and get a basket and AJ's skill set filled that need.

Self was so frustrated that he went out and added 4 transfers who were all known much more for their offensive skills over their defensive abilities. We've definitely seen Griffen, Mayo, and Coit struggle on defense at times, but nothing compared to Storr.

It's always interesting to see when players are not motivated by Self's coaching style. I guess it's not for everyone, there's a standard to uphold and I don't think AJ has bought into it. Easy to say from the outside but he doesn't show that he fits here, which is crazy because his athletic profile and body type is meant to thrive here. With his recent struggles I'm imagining they will try and figure it out in this important 5 game stretch we start today. Team has been healthy so far but we have upcoming games against two of the most physical teams in the nation. Any injury is going to put the focus back on AJ having to be a factor. He needs to figure it out