🏀 KuBuckets Archive

After a disjointed first half, pretty nice finish. Not really expecting that we would struggle as much offensively, but might have been some early tentativeness. Some postgame thoughts:

1. Defense: Love the overplays, trapping, and defensive pressure. Lots of quickness. This is how you have to play when you're a little undersized, and when you don't have the eraser in the back.

2. Alexander: Pretty impressed with his outside shooting. Saw an espn article this week that cited a KU assistant saying that he was an unexpectedly good shooter. We saw that tonight. He needs to start in the post for Traylor.

3. Greene: Started, but don't you get the idea that he's a placeholder? Look at his second half playing time. Literally nothing. I will be shocked if he starts Tuesday. Wonder about his role.

4. Graham: My preference is that he starts instead of Greene. Our asset is speed and quickness. Let's use it. Mason, Graham, Selden on the perimeter does that. The pace of the game is better. Graham looks like a terrific player. Seems to play some good defense, as well. Pretty darn good, actually. It is really reassuring to have two quality ball handlers. The star of the game.

5. Svi: Still getting his feet under him. Self likes him. Svi is a ball mover, excellent passer, quick and crisp. Plays active defense. B-Star with NBA talent. Nice sequence with the cross over that would make Tim Hardaway proud, and the dish to Cliff. Then a rebound and score. First perimeter guy off the bench should be his role right now, over Greene or Oubre. If I said that he was our best talent, would anyone argue with that?

6. Oubre: Uh, remember the speculation of the guarantee that he'd start for Wiggins? I cannot imagine that if Oubre is really better than Svi, that he would be playing over Svi. This is worth watching. Oubre is on draft boards, considered an OAD, and is the last perimeter player.

7. Other Post Players: Ellis still struggled defensively. Traylor has his well defined role of first big off the bench. He ain't a starter. Had 10 quiet rebounds. Just a perfect role for him. Lucas did look good. Like his low block presence. And Mickelson, on the outside looking in.

8. Selden: He's learning and adapting to his new shot. His form was changed, so we can be patient. He'll get it. But I firmly think that the change in his shot is the reason for his struggles. I just wonder why he's not more aggressive with the ball. Also, I thought he was excellent on defense. But he isn't a "combo guard." He's the big wing Self said he was. Played a few minutes of point when Graham joined Mason with 2 fouls, but Self quickly put Graham back in.

9. Mason: Saw a little of the Mason from last season. Some ill conceived drives. One other thing -- notice how he takes the layup when he could pass to a teammate on a breakaway? he likes to score. We need him to score, sure, but we need those 7 assists we saw vs. Washburn. He'll be fighting Graham. And trying to hold off Svi for a starting spot. Competition is good. Like his three point shooting. Looks better.

10. Substitutions: Notice how the substitutions settled down in the second half? I think that is the best indicator of Self's current preference on playing time. Oubre/Mick did not play. Greene and Lucas just a few minutes. The other 7 guys were the "rotation."

11. No lineup oddities: No playing small (perimeter guy at the 4), nor Ellis at the three. I will be surprised if either ever happens this season. Playing small, maybe. Ellis at the three, really, never. Just no advantage to it.

My biggest takeaway is that our defense looks so much better than last season. Amazing, huh? Wiggins, who was supposedly an excellent defender. And no Embiid. Same Selden. Same Ellis. Same Traylor. No Tharpe. Watch Mason and Graham and their effort guarding. Something Tharpe could only muster here and there. I like what I'm seeing.

Good observations on the defense. This seems like more of a Self team in that regard. I thought the 5 that started the 2nd half were the most effective. Traylor may start for awhile....he did some really good things. Didn't score when he had a couple of chances, though....at some point Cliff will start.
I have to believe Self will work towards getting Oubre more minutes. But, based on the way Graham and Svi played, he is going to have to work for those minutes. I would think there is some "political" pressure for Self to get minutes for a McDonald's AA. Don't you think?

@HighEliteMajor As usual thanks for the game summary. No tv or radio tonight for me, but just saw KCTV 5 sportscast & please forgive me but I simply cannot resist.

This just in: The UMKC Fighting Roos (Kangaroos) take down Misery Tigers at KC's Municipal Auditorium tonight. Final 69-61 UMKC.

Welcome back to big time ball Kimmie !! Was Norm there?! LOLOLOLOLOL!!!

@HighEliteMajor Nice analysis. Glad to see Devonte show everybody what he can do, because he can do a lot. I probably shouldn't mention my Frank grumbles, other than I do grumble about Frank. Not real happy over Oubre's 4 minutes, but I don't have an 82% winning as coach, so I will defer that to those that do have a 82% winning percent. Highly agree that Cliff and Devonte should be in the starting lineup. If it was up to me (which it's not) my starting 5 would be Devonte, Svi, Selden, Perry, and Cliff.

@HighEliteMajor

I fretted over an upset that did not happen. Yay!

Self did what he had to do: avoid going to Indy 0-1 and starting 0-2 with his young team.

If we had been told 2 months ago he would have had to get the W without Oubre and Frankamp and Mickelson in the rotation, and with Alexander not starting, and Greene being unproductive and the team either in a trey slump, or being the worst three balling team in Self's tenure, we would be ecstatic he got the W.

And I am.

And KU's small bigs--true 6-7 Perry and true 6-6 Jamari--found a way to keep 20% trey shooting UCSB from being efficient inside (Williams 9 of 18). And both got on the glass for 10 Reebs each and both got on the offensive glass!

This was as big as Coral Sea for Nimitz. It makes a Midway at Indy at least a statistical possibility.

But KU could not separate at home and had to go best 7 rotation the second half to beat a mid major by 12 at home.

Self is desperately seeking threes from what might become his worst 3pt team ever, if this proves not to be a slump. He has rotatated Graham, Svi and Greene, as starters, looking for a defense stretcher. He would not be trying Svi and Greene, if he did not hope to start Graham at point eventually.

Greene blew a big chance vs. UCSB. Self is apt to start Graham, but he needs trey balls outside, and some size.

Mason? Same virtues, fewer vices. He seems shaky, more under control, but a season from comfortable and that is only reasonable. Graham would start at point if Self could find a wing that could protect and trey ball. But he can't yet.

Bottom line, we are sailing into Indy needing a Midway sized victory, and after UCSB, it appears our Nimitz aka Bill Self has NOT got 4 carriers in hiding at an unexpected angle of attack.

Gulp.

Time for a new metaphor.

P.S.: Oubre has to be injured.

My thoughts from the game.

First, I don't think that Graham and Cliff should start yet. I thought both played very well but I liked how we could go to our bench and get 2-3 quality type starters. I think the depth we have or could have is amazing. Now I think as the season goes it might work better to start Graham and Cliff especially if offensively they are more consistent than Greene or Traylor.

Foul trouble is going to plague Cliff, his first foul was a bad call and already a sign of how ref's are going to view him. He was better 2nd half. I liked how he wasn't afraid to shoot the 15 footer but if those don't go in, he could do better by driving to the hoop. The greatest asset with him is you know he's going to rebound everything. Could be a key in the Kentucky game.

Graham was great, hit some tuff shots and played well within the game. I think he will be a good end of game FT shooter which is important in close games. His D has looked good and he looks poised with the ball.

I was a bit disappointed in Selden. I don't think he should take many 3's because he wasn't even close. I understand that he's changed his shot but it's not his strength. He does enough of everything else to keep him on the floor but I'm left expecting much more from him. It's early and I'm sure he will get better at affecting the game.

I thought Ellis looked quicker and more bounce. I liked his aggressiveness and he showed signs he could take games over if we need him too. Not a bad start with a double/double from what probably was an off game for him overall.

I'm impressed with Mason's improvement. Besides the 2 fouls that limited him in the 1st half, his 3 ball looks better, his FT shooting is much improved and he's a jet with the ball. He's still going to drive the ball, that's who he is and the charge call was just another example of how the charge call can't ever be called consistent.

Jamari is the glue, we need him on the court, his energy is amazing and he was very good on the boards. So impressed with his improvement from yr to yr.

Lastly I thought our Zone offense was horrendous. We haven't shown to be good at playing against zone's in a while. I know its the first game but we will see Zone from a lot of teams and we flat out stunk!!! Teams can scout against us and clearly see how much of an advantage Self has running his offense as opposed to Zone Offense. 3 point shots have to fall!

@jaybate-1.0 I'm not saying we'll beat UK. Obviously, right now, that is not expected. Self said after the game that he'd prefer to play UK in the 60s or the 70s, not the 80s or 90s. Wrong! As wrong as @Crimsonorblue22 praising Oubre's hair. Maybe worse. We need to attack, play fast, challenge UK with our overplays and double teams, increase the pace, take advantage of our lack of size. Play to our strength. I love your military analogies .. don't you liken this more to a blitzkrieg attack through the Ardennes forest? It may be conventional wisdom to plod through central Belgium, or try to play in the 60s. But I would be surprised if this succeeds. If we lose, we lose,but we should play to our identity. Self talks about a team having an identity. This is our identity. Create mistakes. Capitalize on turnovers. Overplay. Trap. I love this stuff. I really liked when Self got on Svi for mishandling that steal last night -- because he tried to one-hand it vs. securing it. Those will be our life blood.

@Hawk8086 I think your Oubre mention is interesting. The political pressure you refer to will increase. Self was a little short in his press conference. A reporter asked "What about Oubre." Self responded with, "What do you mean" -- a little irritated it sounded like. Self knew what he meant, and then after the reporter was specific, Self simply said it was a coach's decision, of course noting that Oubre was "young." Of course, Svi is young. So is Alexander. So was Wiggins. So was Selden. The Oubre dilemma is really a Brannen Greene dilemma, right? Greene starts but is not trusted enough to play in the 2nd half vs. UCSB in a non-con at home? An insight into Self's mind, in my opinion. Oubre will become the 5th perimeter guy. Greene goes to 6th with Svi's emergence. The 6th perimeter guy sits. Why Oubre? Self said post game that some of our most talented players weren't playing -- clear reference to Oubre. And the political pressure. One guy gets left out. Svi is the X-factor. Greene has to change the dynamic and make himself needed. In the OAD world, you're right, the "political" pressure to not leave the possible OAD out will be real. But I really have to hand it to Self in playing the guys to win the game last night. Big win ... or big non-loss.

@KUSTEVE -- You suggest a starting lineup of Graham, Svi, Selden, Ellis, and Alexander. I ask everyone, why is he wrong? Really, it is hard to argue with with @KUSTEVE's starting lineup as being our best five. Are these our best five? @BeddieKU23 suggests that Graham and Cliff shouldn't start "yet." His post indicates it's likely a matter of time. So the question is, do we start our "best five?

Here's what I'd do. Start Mason, Graham, Selden, Ellis, and Traylor against UK. Move Cliff into the starting lineup against Rider (I know I said "now" above, changing my mind slightly). If Mason and Graham are functioning fine, and that dynamic works, leave it alone for a while. There are worse things than Svi off the bench. But my tipping point would be once Svi starts hitting from outside. Once he has some games in a row where he is shooting well, then consider making the move -- simply trade out the second best of the Mason/Graham battle.

One last thing. @beddieku23 mentioned how bad our zone offense was. What's new? It is just a stagnant scheme, but that's another post. Been there before. What was the bright spot though? Svi -- he was the best passer against the zone. Got the ball to the middle of the zone effectively, rotated the ball effectively. Self has to love that.

@HighEliteMajor Well, you're trying to be practical and realistic; I'm not...lol. I am terrified of Frank vs. Kentucky. If he takes off to the basket, he's going to get his clock cleaned. I wonder how many turnovers he will have when Kentucky traps with two 6'6" guards
( he had 4 against UCSB ). I think we'd be wise to keep the ball in Devonte's hands, as pressure really throws Frank off. I think Coach spoke volumes when he re-inserted Devonte into the game with 2 fouls in the first half, while Frank sat on the bench with 2 fouls during the first half.

I think that there are some good things to take away from last night! The most impressive stat line was Ellis who had a Double Double! The commentators said he increased his vertical by 14"!!! That's just absurd to think about! Alexander only played 12 minutes and had he been allowed to play for 29 like Traylor he would have had a game like Alan Williams had last night!!! Our pg play which I remember everyone being concerned about was one of the highlights of the game! Add in that our 3rd option at the wing is Oubre and that's not a bad dilemma to have! Its all good people. Play was sloppy and chemistry wasn't really there but that should all be tightened up by conference play and I believe that Alexander, and Ellis will be one of the best starting front courts in the country come early next year. One of our wings will start to separate from the pack and our pg play exceeds last years already in my opinion. Tuesday cant some soon enough for me because I think we will hand UK its first loss.

@HighEliteMajor said:

@jaybate-1.0 I'm not saying we'll beat UK. Obviously, right now, that is not expected. Self said after the game that he'd prefer to play UK in the 60s or the 70s, not the 80s or 90s. Wrong! As wrong as @Crimsonorblue22 praising Oubre's hair. Maybe worse. We need to attack, play fast, challenge UK with our overplays and double teams, increase the pace, take advantage of our lack of size. Play to our strength. I love your military analogies .. don't you liken this more to a blitzkrieg attack through the Ardennes forest? It may be conventional wisdom to plod through central Belgium, or try to play in the 60s. But I would be surprised if this succeeds. If we lose, we lose,but we should play to our identity. Self talks about a team having an identity. This is our identity. Create mistakes. Capitalize on turnovers. Overplay. Trap. I love this stuff. I really liked when Self got on Svi for mishandling that steal last night -- because he tried to one-hand it vs. securing it. Those will be our life blood.

@Hawk8086 I think your Oubre mention is interesting. The political pressure you refer to will increase. Self was a little short in his press conference. A reporter asked "What about Oubre." Self responded with, "What do you mean" -- a little irritated it sounded like. Self knew what he meant, and then after the reporter was specific, Self simply said it was a coach's decision, of course noting that Oubre was "young." Of course, Svi is young. So is Alexander. So was Wiggins. So was Selden. The Oubre dilemma is really a Brannen Greene dilemma, right? Greene starts but is not trusted enough to play in the 2nd half vs. UCSB in a non-con at home? An insight into Self's mind, in my opinion. Oubre will become the 5th perimeter guy. Greene goes to 6th with Svi's emergence. The 6th perimeter guy sits. Why Oubre? Self said post game that some of our most talented players weren't playing -- clear reference to Oubre. And the political pressure. One guy gets left out. Svi is the X-factor. Greene has to change the dynamic and make himself needed. In the OAD world, you're right, the "political" pressure to not leave the possible OAD out will be real. But I really have to hand it to Self in playing the guys to win the game last night. Big win ... or big non-loss.

@KUSTEVE -- You suggest a starting lineup of Graham, Svi, Selden, Ellis, and Alexander. I ask everyone, why is he wrong? Really, it is hard to argue with with @KUSTEVE's starting lineup as being our best five. Are these our best five? @BeddieKU23 suggests that Graham and Cliff shouldn't start "yet." His post indicates it's likely a matter of time. So the question is, do we start our "best five?

Here's what I'd do. Start Mason, Graham, Selden, Ellis, and Traylor against UK. Move Cliff into the starting lineup against Rider (I know I said "now" above, changing my mind slightly). If Mason and Graham are functioning fine, and that dynamic works, leave it alone for a while. There are worse things than Svi off the bench. But my tipping point would be once Svi starts hitting from outside. Once he has some games in a row where he is shooting well, then consider making the move -- simply trade out the second best of the Mason/Graham battle.

One last thing. @beddieku23 mentioned how bad our zone offense was. What's new? It is just a stagnant scheme, but that's another post. Been there before. What was the bright spot though? Svi -- he was the best passer against the zone. Got the ball to the middle of the zone effectively, rotated the ball effectively. Self has to love that.

Svi seemed to get the light bulb after making those 2 free throws. The pass to Cliff, and the offensive rebound/put back were things we hadn't seen in a game from him yet.
We know he's a good shooter so hopefully its just the nerves that's holding back his shot and now that he's had a shot go in will make him more comfortable.

I do think Graham and Cliff starting is a matter of time. Especially if they are scoring more points off the bench then the starters in front of them. Right now with the Kentucky game if Graham and Cliff are the spark plugs when they go 5 in 5 out could be negating any advantage UK is supposed to have over us in depth. If we bring in Svi, Graham, and Cliff and all can contribute like starters then I say keep them coming off the bench until they all prove without a doubt they belong to start.

Jamari is maybe the most valuable player on the team. Right now he has earned his chance to start and has played fine. Active on the boards, scores when needed, great pressure D. All the little things he does are what Self loves and until Cliff picks up some of those I think Jamari starts and helps Cliff avoid early fouls.

As for the Zone O, Kentucky could play it and Florida coming up loves to play zone as well. We will need to really get some serious reps in because I don't think we will see as much man to man D as we would like.

It is hard to comment on the game when all I have to go by is the radio broadcast, the live stats (which the entire game showed the ECU name and logo) and the post-game press comments.

I posted a while back that Coach Self made some compromises on defense last season in order to play his OADS; I predicted it would not happen again. I looks like the team is back to playing Self ball, that is defense first and foremost.

Looks like Graham and Traylor had good games, Graham directing and scoring and Traylor rebounding and guarding an experienced and future NBA player. Perry's double-double was also nice; I wish I could have seen how he played defense; however, considering that the two other forwards for UCSB had a combined 4 points and 2 rebounds in 21 minutes, it would appear that he did OK, but then, the Gauchos are a teams light on forwards (other than Williams) and heavy on guards, this is probably not a good indicator.

Looks like Svi has put together all the parts of his game except scoring. He can pass, rebound, move the ball, defend and move well in transition; once his scoring comes around, KU will have one heck of a well rounded player.

Oubre not getting much playing time was a surprise. Looks like neither Oubre nor Green are playing to the level that Coach would like and the first one that get his act together will get the minutes. I believe that a Mason, Graham, Selden starting back court is distinct probability, although Mason will get the hook if he continues with the silly TOs; I posted in another thread about his scoring.

Fouls might be an issue going forward. Too many, too quick against less than top competition so far. Luckily the bench is good and deep but this might become a big issue against stronger competition. I am sure this will a be a point of emphasis at practice today.

This is what the scoreboard looked at the kuathletics.com web site the entire game last night...embarrassing...
Apparently they did not know KU was playing UCSB...and these are the people that make decisions about who can and cannot have access to the game broadcasts...un-effing-believable!!!

!KUBroadcast.JPG ↗ .

@JayHawkFanToo "Too many, too quick against less than top competition so far". I don't know that they are sub par competition considering they returned 4 starters from a team the won 20+ games last year. USBC could make the dance this year? We could have faced a Presbyterian team that only won 6 games last year and blown them out like Duke did last night... We already had 2 exhibition games for that lol.

@Statmachine

I did not say sub par, I said "less than top competition"...right? Sub par are teams like Emporia and Washburn and less than top competition are teams that are good but, well...less than top competition...in other words not top 20-25 like a UK is, like 4 other Big 12 Conference teams are...right?

The only UCSB player 6'-8 or taller that scored, other than Williams, was Brewe that had all of 4 points. Texas has 7 players 6'-8 or taller and most of them can play, Kentucky even more; you can see where fouls can be a big issue when they can throw big after big and draw fouls.

@HighEliteMajor

Regarding playing to our identity, I agree with that. But right now we are a team with a defensive identity of pressure applied almost Roy Williams style at varied pressure trapping points unpredictably, but with a big helping of Self toughness and help. I think you are going to see an incredibly amped defensive performance for stretches of time. But the team lacks an offensive identity at this point, beyond it being half court passing team that scores efficiently inside, is horrible outside, and unpredictable at the FT line.

Regarding a blitzkrieg metaphor, I am on the look out for a more fitting and so more illuminating metaphor so I will certainly try it out.

As I look at UK, I see two teams--a first string composed of 5 reputed draft choice players that constitutes an experienced veteran club (for this day and age) that has been to a Final Four. I see a second string of green wood Mickey Ds. What I will hazard now is that if there were to be any kind of a breakthrough with force concentration via an unexpected route, the blitzkrieg will involve finding a path around the first string and then involve using more sophisticated and complicated attack defense on that second string than the players on that second string have the experience to cope with. More about the implications of this later.

Regarding Oubre...

IMHO, I have to resort to paraphrasing Cool Hand Luke as I probably do too often: What we have here...is a failure to trifectate.

KU is trying to decide right now if it is in a trey ball drought that will end shortly, or in a trey ball desert where it must learn to be like a desert succulent or reptile that has to adapt to precious little water. And an opponent, UK, approacheth in which whether KU is caught in drought, or desert, the shooters need to break the drought, or tap into their water reserves, and make it either rain treys, or swell the arroyo with treys from the reservoir shooting back to one's averages. Self has got to find someone that can make some treys in Indy to give them some chance. Self apparently doubts Oubre is even worth gambling on in this regard.

And I still wonder if some kind of injury perhaps stopped Oubre playing through.

And maybe it cascaded into a little tension and unplanned questioning of authority.

Or maybe Self is just trying to conceal the injury in hopes of at least making Cal prepare for an Oubre that won't be able to do much.

Or maybe Oubre is just not ready to cut his hair. An OAD's choice between branding aesthetics and team aesthetics that may not cut it with a coach that has FU money and has learned that you can lose more games with OADs than you did with characters, some 3AD draft choices and some eye test failers, you know? :-)

Self appears to want to play Oubre BAD! because Oubre has physical attributes that make Self think and say the AF term--ATHLETIC FREAK!

But again Self is scambling to find a three gun for the UK game.

Without a three gun in Indy, the blast effect and collateral damage to a young team by this Lexington arsenal of thermonuclear OADs could not only overwhelm, but have fallout with a radioactive half life of the rest of the season!

With a three gun in Indy, Self can complexify it, alternate between sand bagging (against the UK starters) and attacking (against the UK freshman), apply tons of defensive pressure at varying pressure points, and keep it within striking range down the stretch.

The only strategy against UK that is coherent (not certain, but understandable) to me and makes use of the blitzkrieg metaphor is this: try to foulup the first five and steal some possessions with a combination of high defensive pressure (steals and charges), and a long hold offense distinguished by slashing attacks designed to draw fouls. Use this approach to get quickly to their second five, then really mix it up between running the stuff and transitioning. Throw everything but the kitchen sink at the second five. Use every weapon you've got, swarming pressing defense and an offense fluctuating unpredictably between complex half court action and rapid transition strikes with long passing.

Distilled, you want to play their second five quick, and their first five sloooooooooooooooooooow.

The fewer possessions that occur while UK's starters are in the game, the better for KU.

The more possessions occur, while UK's pop tart baking freshmen second string is in the game, the better for KU.

Further, as nearly as I can tell, UK's first and second strings are going to be equally long inside, while the second string perimeter will be not so ridiculously long.

Really, the dream game for KU is to draw a foul every possession that the UK starters are in, and never draw a foul when the UK reserves are in.

A good possession against the UK starting five is: defend them hard for most of the shot clock, then run the stuff for 30 seconds and draw a foul driving on a perimeter starter. Make FG+FT.

You want to foul up their long perimeter players, because that gets you to their shorter perimeter backups. Trying to get starting footers fouled up, when backup footers come in gets you less payback.

KU has to be hitting treys. So: Self has had to get the kinks out of his trey shooters before Indy. So: Oubre has to wait. And he probably doesn't like it, or understand it. And Self is probably trying to use the down time as toughening box time, even though Oubre, outside of hair, Oubre has probably done nothing what soever to deserve the toughening box.

And, frankly, if Svi and Greene really are D1 grade trifectates , then one is, or both are, primed and ready for Indy.

They have both stunk up the floor shooting, especially Svi.

Svi, statistically speaking is primed for a 6-7 night from trey.

What interests me most is whether Self will start Graham, or Svi. Other things equal, Graham should start based on performances so far. But other things are not equal. Self has to make a decision about which tandem he thinks can score the most against UK's freshman second string: Graham, and Alexander, or Svi and Alexander. I don't know UK's second string so I can't say, what Self will do.

But I am getting jacked up about this game.

I got the objective, doubting Thomas assessments out of the way early last week.

The last two days I have been in operational mode trying to figure out how to do the impossible, which is what I really like to do.

Rock Chalk!!!

Nobody knows until Tuesday. Good warm up game for KU. Good motivational game for Oubre. I'm thinking he will be fired up when the lights are bright. When Svi starts knocking down the J, and he will, watch out. I understand why Conner transferred. I miss him, but it was the right thing to do, win-win for everybody. Great kid, that deserves a chance to play.

@KansasComet

I am still hoping you are right, that this is just a little slump, but...

I keep remembering waiting for guys that never came around, and for guys that had injuries that kept them from coming around.

What if this is WYSIWYG?

What if this bunch just doesn't have anybody that can gun it 40% from trey? Or maybe only one?

It sends chills into my vertebral bodies!

Last season we sucked from trey and were bailed out by a once in a generation footer and the best prospect since Lebron.

BUT WE STILL LOST DOUBLE DIGIT GAMES!

OMG, how many games would a doughnut with a hole in the middle and no 40% trifectates lose?

What if Conner Frankamp can shoot 40%, and we watched him take a walk?

Puts a knot in my stomach just imagining it.

Kentucky shot 3-14 from 3 or 21.4% against Grand Canyon, BTW, former Jayhawk Royce Wooldridge led the Antelopes with 15 points. KU shot 2-10 from 3 for 20% albeit against better competition. Looks like both teams are weak from the 3.

@jaybate-1.0 BOOYAH! I knew you'd come around...lol.

The work that Ellis and Selden create together on the offensive end when they are combining to make plays is impressive–I'm looking forward to their chemistry maturing much more this year.

Selden is already looking much better on defense, as did the whole team last night. Selden is the only one to earn over 30 minutes and there were only four others to earn over 20: Traylor, Ellis, Graham, Mason. Those five would be the candidates to start against Kentucky and earn big minutes in that game.

Without Selden and Ellis on the floor Mason, Graham, Svi, Traylor, Alexander were five that looked quite strong together–it is the stretch that included Svi's cross-over move on the break to feed Alexander which bumped the lead back up to double digits in the second half.

Oubre has the talent though his work was done last night in one shift during the first half. Greene, even with all of his confidence and energy that I like, still looks loose on his team play responsibilities.

@jaybate-1.0 There is something about Svi. He rebounds, gets in the lane, runs the floor, gets back on D, and can finish at the rim. The only thing he hasn't done well yet, is hit the 3. That will come in time, he is only 17.

@KJD gotta say, there were a couple of times Selden didn't rotate over when they doubled team the big guy. Ellis went over and Selden was suppose to slide over and take Ellis's man. First time was late, 2nd time he didn't move at all. Both times he came right out. The double team worked well til end of second half, that guy was good! Cliff would get more time if he could've kept him higher. Jamari did a good job on him, but was getting tired! Williams worked him over. I'm sure he was feeling it today. I thought Perry looked better on d. I've been pretty tough about him, but thought he was much better than last game. I loved Jamari and Cliff together. I'm hoping Greene and Oubre get more chances, Svi needs to put the 3 in the hole! Graham looks great!

@HighEliteMajor

"Notice how the substitutions settled down in the second half?"

Yes... and it paid off. We needed guys to settle into a rhythm and that happened when we found a group that played well together. Sometimes all the substitutions just add chaos and disjoint... especially with a young bunch. Guys need to find more team chemistry if they hope to maintain a good flow when subbing frequently.

@JayHawkFanToo

"Powered by SIDEARMSPORTS?

They sound like the makers of "Call Of Duty!"

@BeddieKU23 Cliff has to play in the paint & not 15 ft away. We'll see how his footwork & arm hooks can hold position v taller bigs right away. Easy to gain foot position but taller guys are a witch to get on top of & hold back with arms. Upper body strength has a everything to do with that, TRob was the best position rebounder I've seen in HCBS tenure. but was just so damn strong he wouldn't be denied. Am anxious to see how Cliff stacks up v some heavy hitters like Ridley. With UK's huge frontcourt it could be a very long game for our Hawks. Pushing tempo may be the best option if we can sustain it, also I'm of the school of thought to throw different defensive looks at UK & keeping them wondering what's next. Or as some say, keeping them thinking & not just playing. When it comes to processing info quickly, I seriously doubt if Cal will have any Rhodes scholars in the lineup.

Wanted to get a new avatar pic of Mom's Little Rascal doing his Big Air routine after a tree'd squirrel. His vertical is between 3-4 feet. He knocks the BB outta my upstretched hand at a tad over 7 feet. He was pretty excited as temp is in the teens this am & might even get higher without the coat on. Hope Cliff is this relentless as Rascal over dunks & rebounds !!

@globaljaybird hope the whole team is as energized as rascal!!! You got your hands full. Fun times!

@drgnslayr

Every thing at KU Athletics is apparently for sale or rent...

@Crimsonorblue22 The ball pressure that Selden is applying, the lateral movement on the perimeter, particularly since we are pressuring beyond the arc so much more this season, is where I'm noticing Selden's D being better. It simply may be that he is running on better wheels this year and we are seeing a healthy Selden for the first time. His size with that lateral movement looks tough when he is hounding his man--and he is getting after it on D. The missed assignments on rotating in the block will tighten up and it mostly likely will by Kentucky since there is teaching tape.