🏀 KuBuckets Archive

Noticeably different this year. This thread is really just an excuse to post this picture however.

!alt text ↗

It has been a big relief with this team to not have a player or two who isn't on the same page as Self and the team. That has allowed team unity to grow and it shows in their play.

This team is our best chance at a National Championship since 08!

@BShark Jank, right up front again!

@mayjay I had my thumb in the middle of the screen as I scrolled. Looked like a nice team photo that way. 😝

@BShark

Who woulda thought a team that didnt have knuckleheads Vick, Grimes & others would bring guys together. The viruses left and then the team identify was built around Marcus, Doke & Dotson. Next year should continue a close bonded team

@mayjay the walk ons

@BeddieKU23 said in Team Chemistry:

@BShark

Who woulda thought a team that didnt have knuckleheads Vick, Grimes & others would bring guys together. The viruses left and then the team identify was built around Marcus, Doke & Dotson. Next year should continue a close bonded team

So true , well anyways I think so .I think Garrett is a huge leader believe it or not - -and if you watch - you an tell Christian is for sure bought in an a team guy - -I think anyways -Same for Oachi - -little bit of concern with Wilson , will see how that turns out. Myself from when he was here just seems like from things I've heard he is a guy that wants minutes hope he doesn't turn into a black hole become the next visrus. - -My heart says that won't be the case but you neve know - - love the chemistry this team has right now

I think this team is very close to one another and Self seems to be enjoying coaching them. We don’t have the cancerous Vick, or Grimes/Lawsons only worried about themselves.

I don't think the Lawson's were bad at all! Just incapable of playing D. I think Self loved them and I think the team did too! Grimes might not have played great, but he didn't quit on us.

@Crimsonorblue22 my inside sources had nothing positive to report on the Lawson boys. They were all about themselves is what I heard repeatedly. Grimes didn’t quit and leave the team but I’m watching him play against Memphis right now, he has scored 8 straight points for Houston and is without question playing harder than he ever did in a KU Jersey.

my Sources say otherwise! Biggest reason for problems last yr was vick, doke getting hurt, dedric not being able to play D. But No Dedric we would've been screwed! Grimes won us some games, vick won us some. Just disagree.

@Crimsonorblue22 I’ll agree to disagree with you. The same sources that told me Grimes was withdrawing from the draft and transferring, that everyone disagreed with me on. I’m am very curious as to what games we won because of Grimes and last season was arguably Selfs worst here so we were kinda screwed lol.

@Crimsonorblue22 I do agree that Dokes injury was obviously crippling to the team.

I believe it was Michigan state

If only Grimes had bought in and listened to Bill.

I'm rooting for him! Think he's dad was probably the problem. Plus dot came back and there was no room, schollie!🤷‍♀️

There was room if Grimes wanted to be back but he told the staff he was gone so he made it to where there was no room. I think we are much better off without him.

@Crimsonorblue22 I agree about Grimes’ dad, I’m glad he is doing better in Houston.

@BShark said in Team Chemistry:

If only Grimes had bought in and listened to Bill.

Grimes was always overrated as a recruit. He never should have been a 5 star recruit. Grimes was essentially thrown to the wolves last year because KU didn't have the depth to make Grimes a bench player like he should have been. Grimes on this KU team would've been much better off because he wouldn't have had the expectations that he had last season. Grimes should've been brought off the bench and brought along similar to how Braun was this year.

Grimes was not put in a position to succeed at KU, and transferring to a high level mid major was his best bet. I still firmly believe Grimes will be a 1st team AAC player by his senior year and a solid candidate for AAC POY that year.

He's had to come off the bench. Lesson learned. He's definitely talented, saw it at the USA games. Just don't know what happened, but he wasnt a ball hog

@kjayhawks said in Team Chemistry:

@Crimsonorblue22 my inside sources had nothing positive to report on the Lawson boys. They were all about themselves is what I heard repeatedly. Grimes didn’t quit and leave the team but I’m watching him play against Memphis right now, he has scored 8 straight points for Houston and is without question playing harder than he ever did in a KU Jersey.

I never heard anything negative about Dedric. The stories I heard about involved KJ. Similar to the Henry brothers about 10 years ago. Xavier was never a problem and is a very underrated player for KU. CJ and dad however were a huge pain in the ass for the program.

@Texas-Hawk-10 said in Team Chemistry:

@BShark said in Team Chemistry:

If only Grimes had bought in and listened to Bill.

Grimes was always overrated as a recruit. He never should have been a 5 star recruit. Grimes was essentially thrown to the wolves last year because KU didn't have the depth to make Grimes a bench player like he should have been. Grimes on this KU team would've been much better off because he wouldn't have had the expectations that he had last season. Grimes should've been brought off the bench and brought along similar to how Braun was this year.

Grimes was not put in a position to succeed at KU, and transferring to a high level mid major was his best bet. I still firmly believe Grimes will be a 1st team AAC player by his senior year and a solid candidate for AAC POY that year.

Looking back, the 2018 class was not great. I like Dave but he was a top 40 guy in that class.

The biggest issue with Grimes coming off the bench is his circle never would have been okay with it.

If Grimes stays until his SR year I do think a stellar season is likely.

But we really didn't have anyone else. Did we?

@Crimsonorblue22 We did not so Grimes had to start. It was a theoretical in response to texas hawk because I'm just not sure it could have ever ended well for Grimes at KU.

@Crimsonorblue22 we didn’t and sometimes players just don’t fit and that was probably was the case with Grimes. I just didn’t appreciate his Dad running his mouth. @Texas-Hawk-10 you could very well be right.

He couldn't have been to mad, he got every break in the book.

No way he could replace dot

@Crimsonorblue22 Dot and Doke won’t be replaced. I think we could see Dave score more than Doke but not have his presence in the game. Will be hard to replace Dots speed and driving ability.

@kjayhawks said in Team Chemistry:

@Crimsonorblue22 Dot and Doke won’t he replaced. I think we could see Dave score more than Doke but not have his presence in the game. Will be hard to replace Dots speed and driving ability.

The hope is we have enough of an increase in shooting to help offset losing Dot's speed. A year of improvement from Braun to get more minutes, Bryce coming in and hopefully Jalen improves as well (blessing in disguise with the injury as long as he is healthy going forward).

@kjayhawks but his foul problems scare me

@BShark agreed, I think next years team will be much better offensively. The defense will be a question outside of Garrett. At least probably easy on before Self breaks them in.

@Crimsonorblue22 rightfully so, dude fouled out in 4 minutes. I’m not sure if there is a record kept on that but it’s got to be close lol.

The thing about big guys is they always tend to get better at not fouling with more experience. Plus I think the refs tend to call less fouls on a guy when they are the starter vs when they are coming off the bench and a less important player. I have zero evidence to support that last bit, just feels that way to me a lot of the time.

The Lawson’s were fine. Not choir boys but not a Vick type cancer either. Last year’s team needed someone who could crack skulls and get everyone on the same page. We were just way too young at key spots. Put this year’s Garrett on that team and things are way different.

Next season won't be a 4 guard look for KU. It will be much more like most of the past decade with a stretch 4 since KU will have 4 guys that could man that spot in Tristan, Mitch, and Wilson, and Grant-Foster.

I think KU's line up to start next season will be Garrett at the point, Bryce and Ochai at the 2/3 spots, Mitch at the 4, and Dave at the 5.

For the reserves, I think it'll be Braun, Wilson and Silvio as the primary reserves once conference rolls around Self trims the rotation. I think we'll see Thompson and Braun be the primary back ups to Garrett and we could also see Mitch play some 5 as well if needed.

I don't see DaJuan Harris playing a big role on next season's team. Tyon Grant-Foster is the one I'm curious about in regards to how well he'll adapt to high major basketball given the track of of JuCo's under Self has been a mixed bag over the years.

Tristan, Jalen, and Grant-Foster fighting for minutes should be good for KU. I could also see a scenario where Self goes with a big line up and use Tristan and Grant-Foster at the 3 in situations as well as KU won't have much back court depth next year. That's really what Tristan needs to develop anyway because the 3 is his NBA position and he could cause a lot of March ups problems if develops into capable 3/4 player for KU.

@Texas-Hawk-10 said in Team Chemistry:

Next season won't be a 4 guard look for KU. It will be much more like most of the past decade with a stretch 4 since KU will have 4 guys that could man that spot in Tristan, Mitch, and Wilson, and Grant-Foster.

I think KU's line up to start next season will be Garrett at the point, Bryce and Ochai at the 2/3 spots, Mitch at the 4, and Dave at the 5.

For the reserves, I think it'll be Braun, Wilson and Silvio as the primary reserves once conference rolls around Self trims the rotation. I think we'll see Thompson and Braun be the primary back ups to Garrett and we could also see Mitch play some 5 as well if needed.

I don't see DaJuan Harris playing a big role on next season's team. Tyon Grant-Foster is the one I'm curious about in regards to how well he'll adapt to high major basketball given the track of of JuCo's under Self has been a mixed bag over the years.

Tristan, Jalen, and Grant-Foster fighting for minutes should be good for KU. I could also see a scenario where Self goes with a big line up and use Tristan and Grant-Foster at the 3 in situations as well as KU won't have much back court depth next year. That's really what Tristan needs to develop anyway because the 3 is his NBA position and he could cause a lot of March ups problems if develops into capable 3/4 player for KU.

If dajuan Harris was not going to Tribute next year then he wouldn't have not redshirted this season

If Mitch 2ppg 2rpg Lightfoot starts we are in for big trouble and a precipitous fall imo.

@JAYHAWKFAN214 said in Team Chemistry:

@Texas-Hawk-10 said in Team Chemistry:

Next season won't be a 4 guard look for KU. It will be much more like most of the past decade with a stretch 4 since KU will have 4 guys that could man that spot in Tristan, Mitch, and Wilson, and Grant-Foster.

I think KU's line up to start next season will be Garrett at the point, Bryce and Ochai at the 2/3 spots, Mitch at the 4, and Dave at the 5.

For the reserves, I think it'll be Braun, Wilson and Silvio as the primary reserves once conference rolls around Self trims the rotation. I think we'll see Thompson and Braun be the primary back ups to Garrett and we could also see Mitch play some 5 as well if needed.

I don't see DaJuan Harris playing a big role on next season's team. Tyon Grant-Foster is the one I'm curious about in regards to how well he'll adapt to high major basketball given the track of of JuCo's under Self has been a mixed bag over the years.

Tristan, Jalen, and Grant-Foster fighting for minutes should be good for KU. I could also see a scenario where Self goes with a big line up and use Tristan and Grant-Foster at the 3 in situations as well as KU won't have much back court depth next year. That's really what Tristan needs to develop anyway because the 3 is his NBA position and he could cause a lot of March ups problems if develops into capable 3/4 player for KU.

If dajuan Harris was not going to Tribute next year then he wouldn't have not redshirted this season

Touche -- Touche indeed lol

@BShark said in Team Chemistry:

If Mitch 2ppg 2rpg Lightfoot starts we are in for big trouble and a precipitous fall imo.

If Mitch starts, it's not for his offense, it'll be for his defense and leadership. He's one of the best help defenders Self has ever had in the paint.

Mitch is also a solid rebounder at 10 per 40 minutes last season.

Mitch would absolutely be the 5th scoring option any time he's on the floor, but he's also capable of knocking down an open 3 if teams leave him alone (which he probably would be the guy teams double off of) and it seemed like he usually got a couple of offensive boards and put backs as well.

If KU is depending on Mitch as a low post scoring threat, then KU is in trouble next season. 5th year senior Mitch starting at the 4 spot and playing 20-25 minutes per game is not bad for KU.

At those minutes, I would expect Mitch to average about 5-6 PPG, 5-6 rpg, and about 2 blocks per game. Mitch will be the glue guy on next season's team.

I know I shouldn’t go down this road but I can’t shake this hunch Dot comes back. Stock hasn’t improved and he’d be the unquestioned man next year.

@FarmerJayhawk !alt text ↗

@BShark said in Team Chemistry:

@FarmerJayhawk !alt text ↗

¯_(ツ)_/¯

You heard it here first!! !!
Dot coming baaaaaackk!!

(Breathing hard... ok now calming down...)

Well, if we do win the NCAA championship, he gone 100%
But If we don’t, there is a Teeny tiny sliver of a shiver of a chance...

I’m not sure Mitch starts next season. I think we could see a Garrett, Ochai, Bryce, Braun and Dave line up. With Mitch playing some off the bench at the 4 and 5. We know Mitch will go to war for us but I’m just not sure he is a major D1 guy if I’m being honest. Hopefully I’m wrong he has upped his game during this redshirt year.

@JAYHAWKFAN214 said in Team Chemistry:

@Texas-Hawk-10 said in Team Chemistry:

Next season won't be a 4 guard look for KU. It will be much more like most of the past decade with a stretch 4 since KU will have 4 guys that could man that spot in Tristan, Mitch, and Wilson, and Grant-Foster.

I think KU's line up to start next season will be Garrett at the point, Bryce and Ochai at the 2/3 spots, Mitch at the 4, and Dave at the 5.

For the reserves, I think it'll be Braun, Wilson and Silvio as the primary reserves once conference rolls around Self trims the rotation. I think we'll see Thompson and Braun be the primary back ups to Garrett and we could also see Mitch play some 5 as well if needed.

I don't see DaJuan Harris playing a big role on next season's team. Tyon Grant-Foster is the one I'm curious about in regards to how well he'll adapt to high major basketball given the track of of JuCo's under Self has been a mixed bag over the years.

Tristan, Jalen, and Grant-Foster fighting for minutes should be good for KU. I could also see a scenario where Self goes with a big line up and use Tristan and Grant-Foster at the 3 in situations as well as KU won't have much back court depth next year. That's really what Tristan needs to develop anyway because the 3 is his NBA position and he could cause a lot of March ups problems if develops into capable 3/4 player for KU.

If dajuan Harris was not going to Tribute next year then he wouldn't have not redshirted this season

DaJuan Harris redshirted because of academics this year. Even if Harris was academically eligible this season, he wasn't going to be a big factor in the rotation. Even next season Harris is only going to the third best PG on the team behind Garrett and Thompson, and that's assuming Dotson is gone. Harris was signed as a project player to give Self long term stability and depth at the PG spot, not to be an early contributor.

The fact of the matter is we are going to have some solid to good players on the bench next year. This year we had RS and injuries to help manage egos, it might not be the case next year.

@BShark said in Team Chemistry:

The fact of the matter is we are going to have some solid to good players on the bench next year. This year we had RS and injuries to help manage egos, it might not be the case next year.

Next year is going to be a roster with a lot of upper classmen and strong leadership from Garrett and Lightfoot. I have zero concerns about ego's next season. On top of those two, Silvio will also be a senior, Dave will be a junior, Ochai will be a junior. Most of the rotation will be upper classmen next year.

It also helps in managing egos that KU doesn't have a lot of highly ranked recruits on the roster. Bryce Thompson could realistically be the only newcomer who plays more than 5 mpg next season. Tyon Grant-Foster is a nice player, but he's probably in line for a much larger role in 2012-22 than next season. Gethro Muscadin is a long term project that could redshirt next year. Latrell Jossell could decommit and reopen his recruitment if Dotson came back.

There's too much strong leadership on this team for egos to become an issue next year

I was thinking of transfers after next season. That is pretty far away though.

Next year’s group is going to be a lot of fun. Self has a boatload of interchangeable pieces, all of whom play really hard. I have no idea who’s going to start at the 4. Wouldn’t surprise me to see Enaruna, Wilson, Braun, or TGF at that spot.

@FarmerJayhawk said in Team Chemistry:

Next year’s group is going to be a lot of fun. Self has a boatload of interchangeable pieces, all of whom play really hard. I have no idea who’s going to start at the 4. Wouldn’t surprise me to see Enaruna, Wilson, Braun, or TGF at that spot.

Braun at the 4 potentially? I don't see that at all. I really wouldn't be surprised if Mitch wins the starting 4 spot next year because of his intangibles.

The advantage Enaruna and TGF have in the battle for minutes is they can both play the 3 and stretch 4 spots. I think Jalen is exclusively a 4 due to his lack of athleticism to guard on the perimeter. I don't see Braun playing any 4 because he's too small to guard post players. I think he can play 1-3 with the off ball guard spot being his natural position.

I agree about the versatility of the roster next season. Other than Dave and Silvio, everyone else who will be in the mix for rotation level minutes can play multiple positions which will give Self a bunch of flexibility to adjust to specific match ups. We could genuinely see an 8 or 9 man rotation next season even when Self trims it.

@Texas-Hawk-10 said in Team Chemistry:

@FarmerJayhawk said in Team Chemistry:

Next year’s group is going to be a lot of fun. Self has a boatload of interchangeable pieces, all of whom play really hard. I have no idea who’s going to start at the 4. Wouldn’t surprise me to see Enaruna, Wilson, Braun, or TGF at that spot.

Braun at the 4 potentially? I don't see that at all. I really wouldn't be surprised if Mitch wins the starting 4 spot next year because of his intangibles.

The advantage Enaruna and TGF have in the battle for minutes is they can both play the 3 and stretch 4 spots. I think Jalen is exclusively a 4 due to his lack of athleticism to guard on the perimeter. I don't see Braun playing any 4 because he's too small to guard post players. I think he can play 1-3 with the off ball guard spot being his natural position.

I agree about the versatility of the roster next season. Other than Dave and Silvio, everyone else who will be in the mix for rotation level minutes can play multiple positions which will give Self a bunch of flexibility to adjust to specific match ups. We could genuinely see an 8 or 9 man rotation next season even when Self trims it.

If Braun won the job I’d think Ochai would move to the 4. Fewer teams are running with 2 posts now so we could get away with playing 4 smalls like we did a couple years ago.

Agree 100% otherwise.

@FarmerJayhawk said in Team Chemistry:

@Texas-Hawk-10 said in Team Chemistry:

@FarmerJayhawk said in Team Chemistry:

Next year’s group is going to be a lot of fun. Self has a boatload of interchangeable pieces, all of whom play really hard. I have no idea who’s going to start at the 4. Wouldn’t surprise me to see Enaruna, Wilson, Braun, or TGF at that spot.

Braun at the 4 potentially? I don't see that at all. I really wouldn't be surprised if Mitch wins the starting 4 spot next year because of his intangibles.

The advantage Enaruna and TGF have in the battle for minutes is they can both play the 3 and stretch 4 spots. I think Jalen is exclusively a 4 due to his lack of athleticism to guard on the perimeter. I don't see Braun playing any 4 because he's too small to guard post players. I think he can play 1-3 with the off ball guard spot being his natural position.

I agree about the versatility of the roster next season. Other than Dave and Silvio, everyone else who will be in the mix for rotation level minutes can play multiple positions which will give Self a bunch of flexibility to adjust to specific match ups. We could genuinely see an 8 or 9 man rotation next season even when Self trims it.

If Braun won the job I’d think Ochai would move to the 4. Fewer teams are running with 2 posts now so we could get away with playing 4 smalls like we did a couple years ago.

Agree 100% otherwise.

I just don't see Self voluntarily going that small next season with Mitch, Jalen, Tristan, and TGF on the roster. None of those 4 are low post oriented players, they're all perimeter/face up guys so I think our offense will look much more like it did from about 2011-2016 when our 4 spot was manned by a stretch 4 like Marcus, KY, and Perry. Dave and Silvio will have plenty of space to operate in the paint.

Size wise, next year should look a lot like 2011-2013 when KU was on of the biggest teams in the country. Next year's starting line up and rotation for that matter should not feature anyone under 6-5.

@Texas-Hawk-10 said in Team Chemistry:

@FarmerJayhawk said in Team Chemistry:

@Texas-Hawk-10 said in Team Chemistry:

@FarmerJayhawk said in Team Chemistry:

Next year’s group is going to be a lot of fun. Self has a boatload of interchangeable pieces, all of whom play really hard. I have no idea who’s going to start at the 4. Wouldn’t surprise me to see Enaruna, Wilson, Braun, or TGF at that spot.

Braun at the 4 potentially? I don't see that at all. I really wouldn't be surprised if Mitch wins the starting 4 spot next year because of his intangibles.

The advantage Enaruna and TGF have in the battle for minutes is they can both play the 3 and stretch 4 spots. I think Jalen is exclusively a 4 due to his lack of athleticism to guard on the perimeter. I don't see Braun playing any 4 because he's too small to guard post players. I think he can play 1-3 with the off ball guard spot being his natural position.

I agree about the versatility of the roster next season. Other than Dave and Silvio, everyone else who will be in the mix for rotation level minutes can play multiple positions which will give Self a bunch of flexibility to adjust to specific match ups. We could genuinely see an 8 or 9 man rotation next season even when Self trims it.

If Braun won the job I’d think Ochai would move to the 4. Fewer teams are running with 2 posts now so we could get away with playing 4 smalls like we did a couple years ago.

Agree 100% otherwise.

I just don't see Self voluntarily going that small next season with Mitch, Jalen, Tristan, and TGF on the roster. None of those 4 are low post oriented players, they're all perimeter/face up guys so I think our offense will look much more like it did from about 2011-2016 when our 4 spot was manned by a stretch 4 like Marcus, KY, and Perry. Dave and Silvio will have plenty of space to operate in the paint.

Size wise, next year should look a lot like 2011-2013 when KU was on of the biggest teams in the country. Next year's starting line up and rotation for that matter should not feature anyone under 6-5.

We’ll see! A lot will be determined by defense since we won’t have a force of nature on the interior. Love Dave, Silvio, and Mitch but they aren’t Doke.

@FarmerJayhawk said in Team Chemistry:

@Texas-Hawk-10 said in Team Chemistry:

@FarmerJayhawk said in Team Chemistry:

@Texas-Hawk-10 said in Team Chemistry:

@FarmerJayhawk said in Team Chemistry:

Next year’s group is going to be a lot of fun. Self has a boatload of interchangeable pieces, all of whom play really hard. I have no idea who’s going to start at the 4. Wouldn’t surprise me to see Enaruna, Wilson, Braun, or TGF at that spot.

Braun at the 4 potentially? I don't see that at all. I really wouldn't be surprised if Mitch wins the starting 4 spot next year because of his intangibles.

The advantage Enaruna and TGF have in the battle for minutes is they can both play the 3 and stretch 4 spots. I think Jalen is exclusively a 4 due to his lack of athleticism to guard on the perimeter. I don't see Braun playing any 4 because he's too small to guard post players. I think he can play 1-3 with the off ball guard spot being his natural position.

I agree about the versatility of the roster next season. Other than Dave and Silvio, everyone else who will be in the mix for rotation level minutes can play multiple positions which will give Self a bunch of flexibility to adjust to specific match ups. We could genuinely see an 8 or 9 man rotation next season even when Self trims it.

If Braun won the job I’d think Ochai would move to the 4. Fewer teams are running with 2 posts now so we could get away with playing 4 smalls like we did a couple years ago.

Agree 100% otherwise.

I just don't see Self voluntarily going that small next season with Mitch, Jalen, Tristan, and TGF on the roster. None of those 4 are low post oriented players, they're all perimeter/face up guys so I think our offense will look much more like it did from about 2011-2016 when our 4 spot was manned by a stretch 4 like Marcus, KY, and Perry. Dave and Silvio will have plenty of space to operate in the paint.

Size wise, next year should look a lot like 2011-2013 when KU was on of the biggest teams in the country. Next year's starting line up and rotation for that matter should not feature anyone under 6-5.

We’ll see! A lot will be determined by defense since we won’t have a force of nature on the interior. Love Dave, Silvio, and Mitch but they aren’t Doke.

I'd agree that Dave isn't the rim protector that Doke is, but I think with another off-season to work on his body, he can be a very good defender. I'll also say that Mitch is one of the best help defenders I've seen in the Self era. Plus Garrett will still be on the perimeter as well so I'm not too concerned about the defense next season.

I do think defense will take a small step backwards because it'll take a bit for Bryce Thompson to pick up the defense, but I think the offense should be better next season as well.

@Texas-Hawk-10 said in Team Chemistry:

@FarmerJayhawk said in Team Chemistry:

@Texas-Hawk-10 said in Team Chemistry:

@FarmerJayhawk said in Team Chemistry:

@Texas-Hawk-10 said in Team Chemistry:

@FarmerJayhawk said in Team Chemistry:

Next year’s group is going to be a lot of fun. Self has a boatload of interchangeable pieces, all of whom play really hard. I have no idea who’s going to start at the 4. Wouldn’t surprise me to see Enaruna, Wilson, Braun, or TGF at that spot.

Braun at the 4 potentially? I don't see that at all. I really wouldn't be surprised if Mitch wins the starting 4 spot next year because of his intangibles.

The advantage Enaruna and TGF have in the battle for minutes is they can both play the 3 and stretch 4 spots. I think Jalen is exclusively a 4 due to his lack of athleticism to guard on the perimeter. I don't see Braun playing any 4 because he's too small to guard post players. I think he can play 1-3 with the off ball guard spot being his natural position.

I agree about the versatility of the roster next season. Other than Dave and Silvio, everyone else who will be in the mix for rotation level minutes can play multiple positions which will give Self a bunch of flexibility to adjust to specific match ups. We could genuinely see an 8 or 9 man rotation next season even when Self trims it.

If Braun won the job I’d think Ochai would move to the 4. Fewer teams are running with 2 posts now so we could get away with playing 4 smalls like we did a couple years ago.

Agree 100% otherwise.

I just don't see Self voluntarily going that small next season with Mitch, Jalen, Tristan, and TGF on the roster. None of those 4 are low post oriented players, they're all perimeter/face up guys so I think our offense will look much more like it did from about 2011-2016 when our 4 spot was manned by a stretch 4 like Marcus, KY, and Perry. Dave and Silvio will have plenty of space to operate in the paint.

Size wise, next year should look a lot like 2011-2013 when KU was on of the biggest teams in the country. Next year's starting line up and rotation for that matter should not feature anyone under 6-5.

We’ll see! A lot will be determined by defense since we won’t have a force of nature on the interior. Love Dave, Silvio, and Mitch but they aren’t Doke.

I'd agree that Dave isn't the rim protector that Doke is, but I think with another off-season to work on his body, he can be a very good defender. I'll also say that Mitch is one of the best help defenders I've seen in the Self era. Plus Garrett will still be on the perimeter as well so I'm not too concerned about the defense next season.

I do think defense will take a small step backwards because it'll take a bit for Bryce Thompson to pick up the defense, but I think the offense should be better next season as well.

I agree about Dave really like him. I think a Big thing about Dave is OR one of the Big things is his motor. - -Dave at times just gets so caught up, seems like he just so hyped up/sped up which in turn causes some ba situations defensively can get caught out of position. like you say if they can work on this more during the summer - - he gonna be fine. He sure in the hell tries no doubt about that. ROCK CHALK ALLD AY LONG BABY

@Texas-Hawk-10 Good observations, but I think that you are wrong about Harris - he's a junkyard dog.

So,,, what are your opinions on Gethro? I see him getting atleast 8+ productive minutes per game.

Guys Self trusts going into next season:

Garrett, Ochai, Braun, Dave, Mitch

4 of them will start.

Enaruna, Harris, Wilson, Silvio are guys that need a really good off-season to step into bigger roles. He needs at least 2 to be in the "trust" zone.

Thompson has a potential big role on this team as a likely starter. We need everything he can provide on offense and with his BBIQ.

I've watched a few of Grant-Foster's games this year. I think he'll take some time. Indian Hills plays a sort of platoon style so he doesn't get 30+ minutes a night on the regular. He can help us I just don't know how much yet. That's a guy Self is going to have to push the most.

@Marco said in Team Chemistry:

So,,, what are your opinions on Gethro? I see him getting atleast 8+ productive minutes per game.

Red-Shirt Candidate imo

@Marco said in Team Chemistry:

@Texas-Hawk-10 Good observations, but I think that you are wrong about Harris - he's a junkyard dog.

He is, but I just don't see a lot of minutes for him next season once Self trims the rotation for conference play. Harris isn't some highly touted recruit, he's a 100ish ranked player that needs time to learn the system. He also needs time to put on muscle so he's not a complete defensive liability. Recruiting sites had him listed between 150-160 lbs. He'll be a good player in time, but I don't see it next season when KU will have Garrett with Thompson and Braun as capable back ups. Harris should be ready in 2021-2022 to take over the PG job.

Gethro will be non factor next season and I wouldn't be surprised if he redshirts. He's a 5 and KU has Dave, Silvio, and Mitch at that spot already so there's not really any room for Gethro next season.

Next year should be a fun team but I'm doubtful they give us the chance at a NC like this team. Doke and Dot can't be replaced.

I still hold a little hope that Dot will return, but I seriously doubt it. He'll have to substantiate that he can still improve in the eyes of scouts considerably, and I don't think that window is there. Risking injury just isn't worth coming back. And if we win a NC, he for sure won't come back.

Mitch will be great to have back. A 5-year senior who could challenge for national defensive player of the year (against Marcus). It's fun to think of Marcus and Mitch out there dominating. Obviously... we will need to replace some offense, but Self goes defense first. We could have a lot of games in the 50s... but wins!

I expect to continue to see big improvements with Dave. He's a guy who stays busy working on his body and his game. Excellent work ethic!

Christian is a baller! He's going to become extremely valuable next year. His defense is coming along great and his trey shot, too.

If Marcus can lift his trey shot numbers next year (and FT%).... WATCH OUT! I might change my idea that next year's team can't compete with this year's team!

@Texas-Hawk-10

Can't imagine he's at that weight now after a year on campus and another off-season to go.

Self had this to say a month ago about Harris

"Self on Dajuan Harris (redshirting): He’s been good. He’s a good player. If he was eligible he would be playing a lot and helping us.

Self adds Harris is probably further along than KU would have thought at this point."