played scouting report well plus early foul trouble put him behind the times. I thought our guys did a great job not letting him go right every time
BeddieKU23
31745 posts
Mason, Mario, Sherron, Robinson, Hinrich. I know a lot of recent guys but Josh would be 6th with a chance to keep moving up. The way Josh played tonight reminds me of Lebron. Does it all
@BShark said:
@HawkChamp said:
First blow out in a long time. Need to can that second half performance. Very solid
Duke lost. Tonight was great all around.
What a shot. That kid is money
@cragarhawk said:
@BeddieKU23 truth. Maybe me favorite all time in all honesty. In the discussion minimum
Absolutely agree. Can't wait for the speech. I always get too emotional for them
@BShark said:
@BeddieKU23 said:
You know what's truly sad.
Just one more home game for Mason and Lucas
I'm gonna get emotional on senior pm.
Me too mason is a top 5 hawk for me
You know what's truly sad.
Just one more home game for Mason and Lucas
Amazing game to get this title!!!
Back to back to back to back to back to back to back to back to back to back to back to back to back
That's great!
Right, especially one that wasn't such a marquee name. White has turned around the program after Donavan left it high and dry
Can't see Crean lasting this time around. Wonder what will happen to the roster full of Fresh to Jr's.. Bryant didn't come back for this. Injuries have really hurt them but their play is so uninspiring on defense
I just saw your post, did you know Rush's Jersey was getting retired when you got them?
Wow you really lucked out. Have fun!
Really good point about Bragg. Such a wasted year so far. Just can't figure him out. I hope Preston doesn't drive him away- being the other side of Preston being good for Bragg.
Bingo!
Bill Self instead of coaching tonight's game against TCU has taken a red-eye flight to IMG Academy where a reporter spotted him camping in a tent outside of 5 star recruit Trevon Duval room. When approached about why he was letting assistant coaches Townsend, Roberts and Howard coach tonight's game he calmly responded " we need a dang point guard for next year". You have it, the "all out"
gotta love the all out references. Like are they sitting outside his house?
No Fran guys! We lucked out!!!
Mark Neely & Miles Simon on call.
Now what do we expect tonight? A hungry team at home or a close game yet again? Going with a close game, its the only way we win these days
Frank with 25, Josh with 2 Top 10 worthy dunks.
Oh and someone on TCU will have a career day from 3, most likely Parrish or JD Miller.
Does Kenrich Williams still have his half-finished mop in the back of his head?
Also Slim Shadey makes his appearance in Lawrence for the first time (Fisher).
Let's wrap up #13
He'll be used in the same way Josh is being used this year. He can matchup to opposing 4's but will be a mismatch for other teams because of his skills. Defense is the major question with him. He'll add spacing to the floor for Doke to operate on the block.
@joeloveshawks said:
Do any of you guys know where Preston stand as far as eligibility?
That has been a dead subject since he landed at Oak Hill. I figure it will come back around when he gets closer to graduation and getting to KU this summer...Get your popcorn ready
Preston sounds confident he will qualify, his coach does too. Haven't heard anything from KU's side on the matter
His game through his coaches eyes. Some high praise for a coach that coached so many D-1 and NBA players.. Pretty much what we know already. The rebounding sounds promising and he does have a great shot for a guy his size. We'll see how he defends..
*He’s done a little bit of everything. He’s our leading rebounder and one of our leading scorers. He’s had 20-plus rebounds in two games. I can’t think of anybody in the last 15 years that got 20 rebounds,” Smith said. “He’s had been 16 and 22 rebounds probably eight times.
Then there’s games we blow people out where he only gets 16 or 18 minutes. That hurts his stats a little bit. He’s getting more than 10 rebounds a game, which is more than anyone I’ve had in a long time.
“He’s a great passer. He can score the ball. You don’t realize he’s 6-10 and has guard skills. We don’t post him much. You can post him, but he’s not a post guy. He’s got a size advantage, but he plays on the perimeter for us, and he’ll play on the perimeter in college. He could play the 4, but he’s more of a 3. He’s got a nice stroke. He can really shoot it.”
Preston’s athleticism and size helps him excel on the boards, Smith said.
“He’s really long. He’s up on top of the box when he rebounds. He’s up a foot-and-a-half above the rim getting rebounds. He’s long and has good timing,” he said. “There’s a technique — you can box out, check off and all that. We want our guys to hit and go, and get to the rim. That’s what he does, because he’s so athletic. He can get to the basket and rebound over the top of people. When he has position, he’s going to get it every time, because he’s so long. His elbows are on the rim when he rebounds, so it’s hard for other people to rebound with him.”
Preston showed great range in warm-ups, and that carries over to game play according to Smith.
“He shoots 3s. He has good 3-point range. Sometimes he gets a little lazy with his shot. When he uses his legs, his stroke is as good as any guard we have. Maybe better. He might have the best shot mechanics on the team,” he said. “He shoots pull-ups and can get to the basket. He’s got the whole game on offense. He needs a little more intensity defensively. He has a great body for a guy who hasn’t lifted that much. He’s lifted here, but I don’t think he did until he got here. He just naturally has a great body.”
There have been questions about Preston’s motor and his intensity during his high school career. Those questions have largely been answered, Smith said.
“I think he’s more consistent all the way around. The knock on his was that he didn’t play hard and that he didn’t have a high motor. That’s vastly improved. When he has a big challenge, he is that much tougher than he usually is.” Smith said. “If he was out there tonight, he might have coasted a little, because he’s just so much better than everybody else out there on the other team. When we play somebody he knows will be tough, he revs it up a little bit. He’s playing much harder now than his prior reputation.
“He knows he can get beat and still recover to block a shot. I’m trying to get him to stay solid. I’m trying to get him to sustain and guard for however long he’s in there.*
Florida is playing better and they are also hard to beat at home (example the Kentucky beatdown they gave a few weeks back). Losing their leading rebounder and rim protector in Egbunu is going to hurt them going forward. Still not sold on them past the first weekend but its good to see Florida playing good basketball again after some rough years.
If they are better do they win more games? The Big-12 will be just as competitive next season and the road from the bottom usually is a slow grind. I just don't believe in Shaka's ability at this level. I know we have only last year and this current season to go on but he's already proven whether its his talent or someone else's that it doesn't matter. Then you take in what he did at VCU and you find he's no savant in conference play.
Your are right about the style of play he wants to implement. But offensively all his good teams had 3 point shooters up and down the roster and he won't have that again unless he signs some others in the spring. This is barely a 30% shooting team from 3 and worse without Mack's numbers included. They have possibly 4 more spots to fill in the off-season so I'm sure shooting will be addressed.
I have no real information about the Mack deal other than Shaka himself suspended him. Maybe Tevin is working to get back into the program, or Shaka is waiting until the end of the season to deal with his distraction. His comments to the media do not point to a player that is likely returning. This was his 2nd suspension of the season.
Agreed they did a great job Saturday.
Fran has gone on more rants in other games since our West Virginia game and has gotten into some twitter wars. It's not a coincidence people are starting to call him out for his ridiculous announcing and opinions. I feel like Doug Gotlieb has taken over his body and is living vicariously through him.
If we target Couisnard we should be freaking out. Not someone I would look at athletically or trying to figure out how he would figure in playing for next years team. If he's a signee just to fill the roster I'm still not happy with it.
Your right we softened losing on Brown by getting Cunliffe. Cunliffe if he puts it together has a great chance to fit into the role Svi is currently having. Cunliffe is a better athlete but must mature.
Yeah Smith is a big type of PG, reminds of Marcus Smart in body type or De'Andre Kane of ISU a few years ago. Those big types can be very very effective. Garrett is very long and lanky and is the same way, can handle the ball but on height alone is probably a better natural fit playing SG/SF..
Preston is going to be one of those players that shows tremendous flashes with plenty of freshman moments. I just don't think you teach effort in 1 off-season. He's going to be a work in progress in that way but if he fits into the team and becomes a team player he'll remind us why he's a top 20 player more often then not. 6'10 kids who can shoot and handle the ball like him just don't grow on trees.
That's an extremely optimistic outlook for them.
What makes you think Mack would be on the team having not played since January? That transfer is inevitable. If he does come back that would improve their chances, whatever they are.
Jones leaving is a possibility especially if he goes to the combine. I'm not surprised he's getting looked at, he's been the 3rd best freshman in the conference. If he returns he gives the team a real piece to use. He will be far and above their best player.
Coleman is the biggest immediate upgrade to the team, having someone who can handle the ball and make plays. He's not a gifted shooter which kind of is going to be the theme of this entire team. He's a perfect 4 year type for a College, but one that will be a liability shooting outside and that limits his ceiling just a bit.
Davis & Roach have been inconsistent especially shooting the ball. Roach, your correct has been playing out of position. He's a gifted athlete but unless he learns to make a jumpshot how much more improvement is he going to make. They do play solid defense so that is the one area that they are pretty darn good at.
Their best player if Jones is not back could be a transfer in Dylan Osetkowski 6'9 bruiser from Tulane that averaged close to a double double. He will either be a PF or a small ball 5. Can step out and make a 3 as well. Banks has been horrible, while he's a good shot-blocker doesn't offer anything offensively. I wouldn't count on him starting.
Ham and Febres are guys that can be put into the rotation but don't see either making a big impact unless they are forced to be relied upon.
The Bamba situation is interesting. Crazy potential with him that is still in the beginning stages of refining and development. As highly ranked as Bamba is, he's not better then Allen is currently for Texas. Allen is a really polished offensive player and Bamba is still a bit raw at least from the games I saw him play in AAU. Texas needs guys that can score and be immediate offensive weapons. Bamba strikes me as a guy who would be a great equalizer at an elite program like Duke/Kentucky which are chasing him as well. It would buy Shaka another year if he did land him..
I am not seeing this team being all that better. I figure natural progression from their Sophomores would make them slightly better but I'm struggling to see how this team will be much more than a 500 squad. If Jones returns, Mack somehow comes back and say Bamba signed they have some good pieces to work with. If neither returns its a rebuilding year yet again.
Had the same thoughts actually. I know we got involved and then he just ended it and went with Texas. I thought he was going to be a good one, haven't seen anything to say otherwise. He was great against KU the first time.
Agreed, they needed that quality win bad. I still don't think they have a single road win and the non-conference was full of puff pastries.
Your right but we don't know what kids are thinking these days. Devonte is old for his class, might want to start his career regardless of how the season ends. There have been rumors that he told the staff he was planning to leave. None of that has substantiated but I believe those rumors started floating sometime after he ended last season on a high note, he performed well at Summer Camps and started receiving buzz from the media. Then you had Self out in full force recruiting top ranked point guards since last season ended. Just seems like there has been some writing on the wall..
What talented youngsters will be back if Allen/Jones leave?
ESPN had him in the top 30 in their most recent update. GM's intrigued by his size and development over the year.
I was just basically listing any guard that KU was either recruiting or interested in at one point. I could have added Chaundee Brown, while not a PG was another huge miss for the staff. And then to think that for all OAD SF's we've gotten how many were scared away by Svi's position on the team. I mean we are talking about 10-20 guards/wings that avoided coming to KU so far because these kids couldn't be guaranteed a starting spot next year.
Obviously KU has done well getting Newman & Cunliffe, prolific scorers.
Preston if eligible is one of the most intriguing talents we've ever landed.
Garrett is a sure-fire fan favorite while he's here and I still feel he'll have the ball in his hand at times. I see a lot of people taking Ryan's word that he'll be recruited to play the wing because he's saying so when he's never seen him play a single game!
Crazy that our insiders don't even know our own players coming in. I can't take that kind of un-knowledgeable opinion serious. He's saying the same thing about Mark Smith who without a doubt is playing the PG position and doing a heck of a job playing it this year. That's how he's gotten all the way into the top 100.
I'm sure Self will find us a DITR as you've mentioned.
Surprising because its a veteran team that made the tournament last year.
They have made a habit of losing close games. KU, West Virginia, now ISU all in the last week. Epic collapse for a team that has tournament talent but can't close games
Love it,
Good point, the uncertainty surrounding what Graham is doing definitely affected these top kids decisions. They all want to start immediately and not play behind someone.
It just blows my mind that if kids really payed attention to KU's offense this year we are playing 5 guards big minutes. If your good enough you will play.
In the scenario where Graham/Newman/Vick/Svi/Cunliffe are all on the team next year that would be unattractive to a top player who doesn't want to fight/compete for minutes.
Yeah I can't see Allen staying when he's projected to be in the middle 1st round/maybe late lottery discussion. Andrew Jones has shot up boards as well of late and could also depart. Shaka will be in full rebuild at that point if that happens.
Missed the game but saw the highlights. Anyone see the end?
Tech got the ball after a missed FT and their best player Evans drives down the court for a potential game tying/game winning shot. Stops at the 3 point line, passes it off to their 2nd best player Zach Smith who doesn't take the 3 point shot. He passes the ball backwards to Thomas with zero time left who heaves a shot well after time has run out and makes it. Epic decision making failures in that one. For a bubble team that desperately needed the win..
Yupp that is why the stakes were so going after high the last PG target.
I know Devonte hasn't said publicly he's going pro but there was plenty of smoke from around the program that he was. And it seemed to be backed further when Self's main goal for the entire recruiting cycle was to get a top point guard.
He struck out on Thornton who transferred from Duke-USC, Sexton -Alabama, Troy Brown-Oregon. We also tried unsuccessfully to get involved with Quade Green- Kentucky, Matt Coleman- Texas, Tremont Waters- Georgetown, Nick Weatherspoon- Miss St, Deajon Davis- Washington. That's 9 PG/Combo Guards in the top 50 that KU has not landed for one reason or another. All of them besides the OU kid decided before Frank Mason blew up and had such a great season.
What we can hope is that his season has a great impact on the 2018 kids like Dotson, Grimes & Lewis that the staff has already targeted..
That would leave Malik Newman and Vick and Cunliffe to carry the load.
Newman being the only hope of being a ball-handler/facilitator. Garrett would get some major PT at that point as well.
It's clear Self will get guards if Devonte does leave. We just don't know what will be available when Devonte makes that decision. And we will have no clue what level of impact those guards will be at.
It probably does have an impact. Mark Smith is a perfect example of that. He's a big PG, more combo guard in certain situations. Unless KU picks up on him I see him going with a team that has prioritized him. We clearly need 2 more ball handlers for next season unless there's a miracle and Devonte returns
It seems like this team has benefited from learning how to play aggressive with foul trouble. I saw where Lucas has had 4 fours a bunch of times and has only fouled out once. Josh seemed destined to foul out against Baylor Saturday only to come back in the game with 6 minutes left and keep himself alive. Other then the fluke game against Tech where Mason was picked on by the ref, Mason/Graham have really done a great job staying out of foul trouble. And that could be by design as we don't have other options to go to if they are not playing 35-38 minutes a game.
Oh yeah there's no risk chasing him because that's what he wants. That's what he and his father have always wanted. He's a great talent but I've always believed he doesn't have the type of character Self wants from a OAD. I just don't think he cares where he goes as long as it showcases his game
Could be, we just don't have a consistent rim protector without Doke. And while Mason/Graham/Jackson play inspired defense- Vick & Svi are not consistent enough to make all 5 positions a wall. We have 1 or 2 leaky wheels in at all times. Bragg is not even worth mentioning, he's just a body at this point stealing minutes. Lightfoot has actually looked like a quick twitch defender. But its clear Self doesn't trust him enough.
anyone see duval's blog post., SMH at this kid. Comments about Kansas not shouting his name at the game but Duke did. Yippeeee that fans didn't bend over backwards for you when the game was more important
I think Lunardi has done this what 3-4 years in a row putting Wichita St on KU's side. He does it for clicks and the mail he'll get over it. It's nothing more then engineered ESPN drama. They know the situation well.
Wichita has to win its league championship to be safely in. They have zero non-conference wins that give them an edge over any Power 5 bubble team. They split the season series with Illinois St which is their biggest competition. If they drop a game between now and Selection Sunday its going to be a bad loss for their resume
Really good post. It's always interesting what others see from the same team over the course of the season.
Another point of emphasis in looking for a contender that can be used as a good tool is looking at the teams that made it the previous year. KU, Oregon, North Carolina, Villanova all made the Elite 8 and this year and they all return key players from those squads.
A team that is forgotten is Notre Dame that is seeking its 3rd straight Elite 8. Brey is a great coach, brilliant offensive mind. He still has pieces remaining that were on those Elite 8 teams. I would say its not likely this years squad can make it that far but they are one of the few sleeper teams that I'll be interested in seeing who they are matched up against. Notre Dame's offense is really hard to guard against and they are playing small ball with Bonzie Colson (all 6-5 245) of him at Center. They have went through periods of extreme highs and lows this season including blowing a marquee non-conference game against Villanova where they had a sizable lead in the 1st half.
I agree that KU's margin for error is small but we have Frank Mason and the best freshman to come to Lawrence in a very long time leading this team. We always see the flaws in our own teams because we are so invested in them. I think how Frank Mason has played this whole year is a microcosm of what is to come in March when the pressure is on. Last year we had Perry, a great Hawk but we all knew he didn't have the type of personality that typically leads a team through that 6 game gauntlet. This year we have that guy with swagger, the I'm not gonna let you beat me type in Frank Mason. It's how we have won so many close games this year, having a leader and a team full of personalities that don't want to lose. I think this is a hungry team with a hungry coach that is eager to prove himself in the big stage again. I hope I'm right
I think the general thought is that Louisville is a pressing team but this year they have not used it like they have in the past. I've seen them sporadically use it but not over the course of a whole game. I think all the bigs that Pitino has makes it kind of impossible to play that style of play. He just doesn't have any quality guards outside Snider & Mitchell this year.
And your right the press has not been an issue for KU against West Virginia as far as getting the ball up the court.
I have to agree with you about Louisville. They are not really pressing this year and maybe its due to the personnel they have. They are light on guard play and have more bigs with NBA size then any team in the nation. What I think makes them a tough matchup is the obviously the length that they play with at every position as well as their rebounding prowess. Rebounding controls the pace of the game and against KU it would seem they would have a big advantage rebounding against us. Now KU has been able to overcome rebounding deficits by just being a tougher team and making perimeter shots so anything could happen against them.
I'm happy Vick is starting to assert himself because he did go through a month plus of going through the motions. Him pushing Svi is a good sign. I think the staff will get back in Svi's ear and he'll step up. The lack of trying on defense is getting old though and that's where I'd start when I address his play of late. He still is a confident shooter that can make momentum changing plays for this team.