🏀 KuBuckets Archive

http://www2.kusports.com/news/2017/sep/17/annual-ku-basketball-boot-camp-set-begin-bright-an/?mens_basketball ↗ ↗

@KUSTEVE Welcome back to civilization. Well, the Board anyway!

@mayjay Thank you. It's good to be back.

@KUSTEVE Ya well you been, I was just getting ready to ask-if anyone had knew what had happened - just like a ghost rider lol - -ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY

@jayballer54 Hurricane irma . 6 days with no power.

@KUSTEVE Oh man, sorry to hear that, that was nasty. I have relation there one of them lost his home - -totaled the other was a little luckier, thank GOD at least your alive - -sorry to hear that - -welcome back anyways. You know at least for what they say materialistic things can be replaced right? - -lives can't again glad your back. - -ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY

Svi says he has lost 20 pounds changing his diet up. Significant change that could really help him with quickness etc

@BeddieKU23 hmm! Let's hope. That could be huge for him on both ends of the court; would love to see him not get torched as much when on ball. And rebounding he's always had the size but not the quick recovery and secondary hops. Would love to see that speed make him a plus rebounder if possible.

@BeddieKU23 one more indicator that at some point this season, be it through injury, fatigue, or foul trouble to one of our two legit big boys, we will be all in with the 4 guard lineup again.

approxinfinity said:

@BeddieKU23 one more indicator that at some point this season, be it through injury, fatigue, or foul trouble to one of our two legit big boys, we will be all in with the 4 guard lineup again.

Agreed, I think that was part of the message for Svi. Make him a bit quicker, lighter on his feet which will help him on both sides of the ball and give KU some mismatch advantages with lineups. We all know what Svi is at this point but this is definitely a positive in my mind for his game

Svi is definitely not a banger.

Svi realized that bigger $ comes after this year, but the real reason he came back is he wants a National Championship. He has become that wonderful thing that is dear to all Jayhawk fans - a starting Senior ready to make Brass Knuckles out of Gold Rings. This year, he has all the tools. Imagine Svi, Vick, Dante and Malik on the court at the same time. Someone will always be open and someone will always get the ball to that man.

Svi isn't a bad athlete and has the quickness to play on the wing.

Unfortunately, he plays with high hips (a high center of gravity) that means he isn't low enough to slide quickly on the defensive end because he's standing too upright. We saw this last year on his closeouts defensively. Giving up that initial first step is all most good slashers need. It doesn't matter if you can get back into the play. They already got their shoulders even with you.

Svi needs to get lower so he can tap into his athletic gifts on both ends. I think having a lower center of gravity would also make Svi a little more explosive and able to absorb contact when attacking the rim.

@justanotherfan i noticed a quickness in Svi in Italy I hadn't seen before. i think he has a break out senior season.

wrwlumpy said:

Svi realized that bigger $ comes after this year, but the real reason he came back is he wants a National Championship. He has become that wonderful thing that is dear to all Jayhawk fans - a starting Senior ready to make Brass Knuckles out of Gold Rings. This year, he has all the tools. Imagine Svi, Vick, Dante and Malik on the court at the same time. Someone will always be open and someone will always get the ball to that man.

Autocorrect got ya lumps.

But yeah, the team will be at it's best offensively imo with Devonte, Newman, Svi, Vick and Doke on the court. Doke being out there will also hopefully mitigate some defensive issues.

Most spots are pretty set. Newman and Graham are the starting guards and will play a ton. Doke is the starting 5.

The four spot will be intriguing. Preston being the main back-up 5 plus his perceived effort issues mean that we will see a lot of experimenting at the 4. A mix of Svi/Vick/Garrett/Lightfoot/Cunliffe. At this point I like Garrett a lot more than Cunliffe at the 3 or 4. Garrett and Preston (or whoever doesn't start out of Vick/Svi if Self wants to start Preston) should be the main bench players imo. Cunliffe and Lightfoot will play due to need but I think they are hold your breath when they are out there players like Jamari and wouldn't be seeing time on a lot of other Self rosters.

What I noticed from Svi on defense last year was the time it took to get his feet settled. When he came out to defend he had a bunch of shuffling to get his feet set. If they waited to long and Svi got everything set, he was solid on the ball defender. If they made their move while Svi was getting set up, then it was often a blow by.

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Can the football players participate too?

http://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/university-of-kansas/article175067486.html ↗

@BShark He is flipping the Billy Preston switch:

**Self said one of the Jayhawk newcomers — Billy Preston — stood out during week one Boot Camp exercises.

“Billy Preston has been probably our best one so far … of everybody (on the entire team),” Self said. “He’s in great shape. He’s trying really hard. I hope he can continue that.”

Preston is KU’s 6-foot-10, 240-pound McDonald’s All-American out of Oak Hill Academy in Mouth of Wilson, Va.

“He’s been a warrior, stud,” Self said of Preston. “He does everything hard. He’s not scared of it. He’s embracing it where some of the other guys were a little nervous.

“They are doing fine though,” Self added of all the players. They are doing pretty well. We had a rough day yesterday (Friday).”

Self also praised Preston while speaking as a guest on KU’s halftime show.

“Billy needs to play like a lottery pick, to be real candid with you, because there’s no question from a pure talent standpoint Billy Preston is the best player in our gym. But he’s young. He doesn’t know what he’s doing yet,” Self said.

“His motor doesn’t always run. There are things he has to improve on. There’s some exciting things. You look at it and say, ‘Udoka (Azubuike, sophomore center), Billy and Mitch (Lightfoot, soph forward) … if things fall perfect we ought to have the best frontline in the league. You could also look at it and say if things don’t fall perfect, (it’d be) middle of the pack real easy. We need those three to play big for us.”**

Why does the bold button not work?

KUSTEVE said:

Why does the bold button not work?

My experience is it does not transcend paragraphs.

@KUSTEVE Yep! That was the main reason I linked actually.

@mayjay Thank you. I'll try it.

@mayjay It worked like a charm. Thank you, once again.

@BShark Preston might have the highest ceiling on the whole team. If we could get that guy to become a rebounding fiend, the Doke/Preston front line could be quite formidable.

Forgot to tell everyone I ran into Mitch Lightfoot at Jefferson's when I was in town for the Central Michigan game. The place was swamped of course so I just said hello and shook his hand. Seemed liked a laid back quite guy, no way he was 6'8 lol

https://www.facebook.com/KansasBasketball/videos/10155729487039532/?hc_ref=ART0q_5Fd4j0eP2UN1V2IvuIIAiI3_Q68zyutyzPdYPa_UTpAeQ07gtd7p2lfMkPpAY&pnref=story.unseen-section ↗

You know what sucks about having it September 30th, is that it's over a month til even the exhibition games start October 31st.

Lil Yachty will be performing at late night.

This will be the crucial year for Mitch and his career at Kansas. He'll have to really scrap and make an impact in order to help keep him in Bill's mind next year. Of course he will be challenged because of his size and perhaps his athleticism. I remember the same issue with Kevin Young. Mitch has to think of himself as the next Kevin Young. If he can mold into that player, he will always find some minutes, even when we have a truckload of post depth.

@drgnslayr

Many think Mitch is an elite athlete ↗ including our good friend Fran...

@JayHawkFanToo It depends on your definition. If it's by normal standards yes he is, by players at elite basketball programs probably not as much.

@BShark

If you look a the article and others written contemporaneously, many consider Mitch an elite athlete. His rebounding is well above average for someone his size and with comparable playing time. I would love to see what he can do if he is given enough game minutes to get confident and develop his game.

JayHawkFanToo said:

@BShark

If you look a the article and others written contemporaneously, many consider Mitch an elite athlete. His rebounding is well above average for someone his size and with comparable playing time. I would love to see what he can do if he is given enough game minutes to get confident and develop his game.

Well he's going to get minutes, so we'll find out. Provided all of CBB isn't sucked into a death vortex by the FBI.

@BShark

There is a good chance that when all is said and done college BBall will never be the same again.

As the expression goes, a rising tide lifts all ships. Likewise, an investigation of this magnitudes will probably affect all big time programs to one extent or another. Once the NCAA gets involved we might see so many penalties and appearances vacated that the affected teams might start their own version of the NCAA. We ain't seen nothing yet...😳

Anybody going to late pm?

@JayHawkFanToo

Even though we experienced Mitch for several minutes last year... I kind of feel like none of us have a total grip on his athleticism. Especially now since he has had a summer of Hudy.

He was so undersized for the post (compared to what we are used to) that it was hard to totally assess his athleticism because of him lacking height and girth.

I do think he has a decent vertical leap, but there is a lot more to athleticism than jumping. Others have challenged his athleticism, but I'm not one of them, only mentioning it because others have. I can honestly say I don't know what tag he has earned in this area. That is why I say "perhaps."

He was rather bad in Italy but it should be noted he was injured/not comfortable. So hopefully he is better now.

https://t.co/hbn9CNZrLh ↗
Lightft looks a little thicker

http://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/university-of-kansas/article175790661.html ↗

@BShark Oh man...if this guy can figure it out...oh man...

KUSTEVE said:

@BShark Oh man...if this guy can figure it out...oh man...

One of the most talented bigs Self has ever had. Just...a bit of a headcase.

@BShark BTW, Frank Martin takes a huge hit from Evans being arrested, imo. He brought Evans with him from K-State to SC. Evans was instrumental in bringing in Thornwell and Dozier. Even if no funny business was going on, it sure puts a different light on SC's Final Four run last year. I have always liked Frank, but if he thinks he has to have an Evans on his staff, maybe I am rating Frank way too high. Maybe Frank knew Evans so well, he encouraged him to go to Okie St. Maybe Frank wanted some distance. I dunno, but I won't look at Frank Martin the same way. And that is unfortunate. And I noticed that Brad Underwood made an announcement, of course, of his "shock" that Evans was arrested, even though Underwood worked side by side with Evans for years.

@drgnslayr

Much like Ellis, and because of need, Mitch has been playing out of position. He has the build to be SF but has been playing PF. In HS this is not an issue but in Division I it is. He does have knack for rebounds so I will guess he will play a 3/4 combination.

@KUSTEVE

I think Evans said he left for Oklahoma St for more money opportunities in the scheme.

Juwan Evans could have been one of those reasons..

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@BShark ahhhh snap.. Glad to see Preston and Doke getting along. Those two are going to be BEAST! Team chemistry seems good!

@approxinfinity

I've heard some downright nasty things about Billy. I guess he is just shredding everyone in practice.

@drgnslayr Do tell. I'm all ears.

@KUSTEVE Self ain't playin when he called Billy the best player on the team. Let's just see if he can consistently transfer it to games. Kid has a ton of talent. It might be that Self was the perfect choice to help him fully unleash during games.

Newman is an exciting talent too.

Frank and Josh had "IT" but this team has more talent. Esp if you are counting Doke vs Landen.

@BShark Our starting 5 should be as solid as a rock.

situational basketball is where I'm worried.

Doke foul trouble. Devonte foul trouble. Those 2 situations provide the most unknown right now.

Excited to see how this group blends in and digs in

BeddieKU23 said:

situational basketball is where I'm worried.

Doke foul trouble. Devonte foul trouble. Those 2 situations provide the most unknown right now.

Excited to see how this group blends in and digs in

Devonte being a SR knows what to do imo. Like, it's worth him letting a guy go by him sometimes so as not to pick up a foul. He is worth more on the court than a cheap foul. Plus, KU at least has a semblance of guard depth.

I am much more concerned about Doke foul trouble.

@BeddieKU23 A heavy dose of Svi, Vick, and Garrett in the 4 out when foul trouble occurs.

Ok I admit it...I am totally geeked about this season. Is it normal for a 50 year old man to be this excited about a college BBall team???

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I am going!!

For anyone wondering about Lil Yachty. Seems like a great move for the target audience (the recruits) based on twitter posts.

@BShark I'm interested to see how much they tone him down. I know it is supposed to be family friendly, but every other word coming out of Yachty's mouth is not appropriate for the audience. Well I say that... But If they just let it be rated R, it'd be sick.

@Kcmatt7 Yeah, seems touchy when there will be young kids in the audience.

BShark said:

For anyone wondering about Lil Yachty. Seems like a great move for the target audience (the recruits) based on twitter posts.

Who is Lil Yatchy? I guess it reveals my age and taste in music (???).

JayHawkFanToo said:

BShark said:

For anyone wondering about Lil Yachty. Seems like a great move for the target audience (the recruits) based on twitter posts.

Who is Lil Yatchy? I guess it reveals my age and taste in music (???).

Don't feel too bad. I had to google his name when KU made the announcement, lol.

@JayHawkFanToo he's a very, very bad rapper that has been apart of one huge song.

@JayHawkFanToo I made it about 30 seconds thru this:

[

@KUSTEVE That's further than I got...

They will clean it up.

@Fightsongwriter you gotta get geeked about something man! Why not Kansas basketball?

Man. Lil Yachty might just S-U-C-K more than Rick Pitino. Seriously couldn't we find someone with talent?

approxinfinity said:

Man. Lil Yachty might just S-U-C-K more than Rick Pitino. Seriously couldn't we find someone with talent?

The kids are excited about it. That's what matters right? Glad I'll be watching on TV so I can just tune that part out that's for sure.

Kids like this? What is wrong with them?...maybe it's just me.

@Crimsonorblue22 You sure it's possible to clean that up?

I'm sure there is a budget for who they can get. I would like to see them land someone like BOB or Flo Rida. I think that's the sweet spot for family friendly and an awesome concert. But might be slightly out of the price range. Even Lil Wayne has some cleanish songs he could come sing, but again he may be out of range.

I just wanna know who made Drake a U.K. Fan. That really is a game changer.

Snoop, DJ Khalid or Ludacris would be amazing too. There is definitely talent out there that isn't As bad as Yachty.

Kcmatt7 said:

I just wanna know who made Drake a U.K. Fan. That really is a game changer.

How about P Diddy? He is as big as they come and he has literally kicked Drake's butt before and might do it just to show him up one more time...😵

My daughter and I were planning on going. When she heard who was performing she changed her mind and wanted no part. Sad because she is a HS senior and this will be our last chance to go in a while (she will be going to college in Boston or CA next fall). Every song on Spotify of his is labled "explicit?" Guess I'll be watching the royals instead.

@Fightsongwriter Well, I can't really blame her after listening to this joker for about 30 seconds. That dude is off his rocker.

Like I said earlier, I'll just skip that part since I'm watching online. Hopefully KU will do better next year.

JayHawkFanToo said:

Kids like this? What is wrong with them?...maybe it's just me.

Not just you. Something we agree on! Next thing you know, we will see world peace, the end of disease and hunger, and snowballs down in you-know-where!

@BShark Hey where you watching on line? - -ESPN 3 right? - -I know that's blacked out here in Kansas I'm sure. - -trying to find somewhere, I have dish so not on TV - -are they streaming this somewhere else? - -ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY

ESPN3

It's amazing to me that ESPN 3 would black out something as simple as this. - - If I were some huge NON- Con game or League umm ya, but to black out a scrimmage? - -come on let's be real. - -Not on any radio - use to be they would even broadcast it off the local stations out of Lawrence but even they are not doing it this evening - I call BULL SHIT. anyways. - -ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY

Wish u guys were here!

Allright Allright Allright.

CHALMERS SIGHTING

@BShark Think he will be picked to shoot the 3 for $10K?

Gotta let Bechard defend his crown right?

These announcers...

Crimsonorblue22 said:

Wish u guys were here!

wish I was too. should of went

Crimsonorblue22 said:

Wish u guys were here!

Wis I was too, should of went BUT no one to go with - -rock chalk all day long baby

They still doing their skits and stuf? - -can't believe they not carrying this in some type other then ESPN 3 - -blacked out in the state. - -ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY

Having fun❤️💙🎉

They aren't showing LilYachty.. He's performing now in the student section

@RockChalkinTexas everyone enjoying him!

ESPN ended. We don't get to watch the scrimmage? WTF. :-(

@Crimsonorblue22 Everybody enjoying him? Did they pump in laughing gas?

@RockChalkinTexas Same here, wtf? ugh

Damn ESPN.

anybody have another stream they know about?

@mayjay no! I liked him!

@RockChalkinTexas They don't suck, they swallow.

@Crimsonorblue22 Enjoy the 💩 outta da journey tonight J Bonifacio just got the splash for da dinger. Royals 4-3 over DBacks. It's OK 👌 if you're tardy tomorrow. I'll have you covered. Tomorrow's gonna be for Mike ...

RockkChalkk said:

anybody have another stream they know about?

Nope I've been PO'D all night - 247 sports on face book showing short clips hoy shit lol. - -ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY. I CALL BULLSHIT

Wow. ESPN. M----- F----ers

http://www.espn.com/espn/customercare/index ↗

Me: You guys dropped the espn3 stream of late night in the phog repeatedly, then ended the broadcast before the men scrimmaged
I am so f'ing mad at ESPN right now.
Total BS.
You would never NEVER do this to Kentucky or Duke.

Alex B: We are aware of the issue and are working to resolve it as quickly as possible. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Me: Unfortunately that doesn't help. I've known the issue for the last decade. its a cancer on sports called ESPN

Alex B: I apologize for any inconvenience this has caused. We are working to get this issue resolved for many fans like you as quickly as we can.

Me: Wellp. How about you at least do it to Duke and Kentucky next year and not to Kansas to even the score.
That seems fair to me

Alex B: I can pass any feedback along for you if you would like, but I cannot accommodate that request.

@approxinfinity Bahahahaha

Self just heaping praise on Vick.

@BShark

Me:
Are you going to get the rebroadcast in full at least?
Or have you lost the scrimmage, the part of the event that we waited 2 hours to watch

Alex B: Please give me a moment to look into this for you.
Unfortunately I do not have any specific information on what will be done to resolve this at this time, however we can add your email to the support ticket for this issue and you will be notified of the resolution to this specific issue when a resolution is reached if you would like?

Me:Ok. Let's do that.

Alex B: Alright, may I have your name and a contact email I can add to the ticket for you tonight?

Me: sure. my name is Duke Sucks, and my email is approxinfinity@gmail.com

Alex B: Thank you. I will add this to the ticket for you so that you will receive an email when we reach a resolution. Again, I wish to apologize for the inconvenience this has caused, and I do hope we are able to resolve this issue as quickly as possible for you.

Me: Thanks Alex. Not your fault. I hate ESPN.

Alex B: I will express your disappointment and frustration with us and this situation with the appropriate personnel for you as well.
Is there anything else I can help you with today?

Me: Yeah, can you tell them that their Opinion pieces are garbage and they should stick to reporting, and providing adequate coverage, which should be the bread and butter of their business.
Also, tell them Stephen A Smith is the most annoying man on the planet and I'd rather chug castor oil than hear him talk.

Alex B: Alright, I will make a note of these comments in the feedback report for you as well.
Did you have other comments or feedback you wanted to provide us with tonight?

Me: Also, their sportscasters should learn then names of the players on the teams that they are covering
And they shouldnt talk about their vegetable gardens or the NFL, because unlike them, the people watching the program actually give a rats ass abouts the teams playing
That's good for now. Thanks Alex
You'll relay all of that for me?

Alex B: Alright, I will pass those remarks along for you as well.

Me: Thank you

Alex B: Absolutely

Me: You rock Alex.
This is years of pent up irritation.
Talking to you is like seeing a shrink

Alex B: It's no problem. We greatly appreciate you bringing us your thoughts on this, and are more than happy to direct your feedback to the appropriate personnel for their consideration any time for you.
I am told I have a very comforting demeanor. How did this chat make you feel and all.

Me: It made me feel as if I might actually not be completely helpless regarding the garbage that happens on my TV when ESPN is on

Alex B: In all seriousness, I am sorry this event is experiencing technical difficulties and hopefully it will be fixed soon so our fans will be able to view it the way they initially planned upon.

Me: :) All good! Keep on doing what you do.

Alex B: I'm glad I could help, and any time you want to bring us your thoughts on our content, from games to studio shows, please do not hesitate to contact us
Thank you for contacting ESPN. Have a great night!

Me: Will do! Take care.

Guys... their live chat might actually be a chance to get heard? I haven't seen this live chat before... thinking this might be new.

approxinfinity said:

Wow. ESPN. M----- F----ers

can I like your message to the end lmao. - -ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY

approxinfinity said:

Me: You guys dropped the espn3 stream of late night in the phog repeatedly, then ended the broadcast before the men scrimmaged
I am so f'ing mad at ESPN right now.
Total BS.
You would never NEVER do this to Kentucky or Duke.

Alex B: We are aware of the issue and are working to resolve it as quickly as possible. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Me: Unfortunately that doesn't help. I've known the issue for the last decade. its a cancer on sports called ESPN

Alex B: I apologize for any inconvenience this has caused. We are working to get this issue resolved for many fans like you as quickly as we can.

Me: Wellp. How about you at least do it to Duke and Kentucky next year and not to Kansas to even the score.
That seems fair to me

Alex B: I can pass any feedback along for you if you would like, but I cannot accommodate that request

Can you tell them total BULLSHIT bubba - -doo. - -at least you seen bits. - with me being in Kansas - -Topeka I got nothing no radio - -no live stream - no nothing - -well did get some bits and pieces off 247 face vook. - -ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY

You tell em @jayballer54 ! I think the more voices the better here. Let's him em early and often!

@approxinfinity OMG buddy, was he reading his responses from a script or what? - -get the F - - - off me -ESPN is a piece of cold dog - -Crap - but thanks for speaking up man ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY

@approxinfinity "tell them Stephen A Smith is the most annoying man on the planet and I’d rather chug castor oil than hear him talk.
Alex B: Alright, I will make a note of these comments in the feedback report for you as well."

I would have thought they would say the feedback box on that issue was already full and overflowing!

@mayjay loooooool hahaa

You know what I haven't done in years? Watch anything but a live sports event on ESPN.

I really can't recommend this strategy enough.

OMG BMac

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@BShark yeah saw that! sick chain. BMac keeps climbing my list of favorite ex-Jayhawks. Though we didn't have him for long, his love for KU goes deep. Same with Selden, coming back on his birthday. That's :heart:

Wellp, the late night replay on ESPN3 cuts off after interviewing Self at half court, no scrimmage. Beautiful.

approxinfinity said:

@BShark yeah saw that! sick chain. BMac keeps climbing my list of favorite ex-Jayhawks. Though we didn't have him for long, his love for KU goes deep. Same with Selden, coming back on his birthday. That's :heart:

Yeah. He had to go pro, his family was dirt poor.

approxinfinity said:

Wellp, the late night replay on ESPN3 cuts off after interviewing Self at half court, no scrimmage. Beautiful.

That's where it died when I was watching it live. Whoever put that deal together can rot.

@mayjay lay off Stevie dude, he's one of the quota ...

What a joke. We watched two hours of filler for that?

What a let down. I guess we'll have to ask Crimson to do a play by play for us.

@BShark Me too. Even then I can barely tolerate most of their announcers.

Scrimmage wasn't great. Dtae, vick, Malik were great. Doke looked bad. Dribbling full court, walking, hanging on the rim. Svi had a few nice drives. Charlie Moore had some 3's and a few good assists. Lightft struggled. Preston not to bad, had at least one 3. Marcus not a great game. Sam had some boards. Older Lawson had a couple underneath, neither Lawson could hit an outside shot. Probably most disappointed in dokes play. Missed some passes right to him.

@Crimsonorblue22 Thanks.

Self didn't sound too impressed with Preston or Dedric but then also did mention it's just a fun thing, real games are not like this etc...

Speaking of which Garrett to me is the kind of kid that does better in real games than a scrimmage like this.

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@Crimsonorblue22 Read so more thoughts from others. Like everyone else online I couldn't watch the scrimmage. Seems everyone agrees on Lightfoot. Others thought Garrett showed well. Doke hit/miss.