🏀 KuBuckets Archive

The MU stand off has gone nationwide. I wonder if the MU football players would go on strike if they were undefeated? On the serious side what has transpired is a very bad thing. The MU powers caving for the monetary reasons of football may start a very bad trend. It's like the prisoners running the prison. I hate MU as much as the next KU fan, but I wonder If the KU powers would cave to the KU basketball team? Did MU put the final nail in the coffin of college sports?

The NCAA's handling of Mister Diallo is just turning my stomach. Maybe by the bylaws they are correct in not clearing Diallo. Yet I have to ask the question why so tough on kids getting into college when you're so lax after the kids are already in college? What happened at UNC is the worst travesty of a college education of anything I've heard or seen in my life time. Yet the NCAA does nothing yet drag their feet. UNC has cheated the very nature of what a college athlete is supposed to be. The NCAA had no problem going after Louisville or Penn St, yet with UNC nothing. It almost makes me think if Diallo were attending UK, Duke, or UNC he would already be cleared.

The new Playoff 4 in College Football is a joke. I was so hoping with the new system that we as fans could get away from the east coast basis (SEC). Sadly I was mistaken. It seems its more of the same. A one or two loss SEC team will find it's way into the playoff. ESPN and the picking council has proven it's all about Name power. Hell one of the members of this beloved council says he pays attention to recruiting rankings? Are you fucking kidding me. Why even play the season? Lets just take the top four recruiting classes and let them play for the championships.

HCBS and this current KU team scares me. I think this KU team can show greatness. Yet I'm afraid HCBS isn't the right coach for this team. NO I'm not asking for his head, just saying I'm not sure HCBS is the right coach for this collective talent that KU has. HCBS is old school. He showed last year come hell or high water he's running his system. He has a bit of disdain for the three ball. His love for pounding the ball inside may cost him an NBA coaching gig, and KU truly fulfilling it's potential.

Just a few musings.

I think I read somewhere that Svi is ranked as the number 2 shooting guard in the next upcoming NBA draft. I guess NBA scouts have been attending KU practices.

It would appear to me that Svi could be the little secret everybody is over looking.

@HighEliteMajor

In the grand scheme of things our boy Lightfoot doesn't really move the needle that much. Yet it is nice to know that in this day in age of power conferences, big media deals, and the craze for the OAD's. That a kid can still get his chance to chase his dreams. In the end I believe that is what college sports should be about.

Sadly this is not the case anymore with these star studded and over hyped kids. To many people whispering in their ears, and in some cases forcing them to this school or that school. I'm always amazed at how many schools these want to be mega stars have on their wish lists. It's just mind boggling.

It's easy to look at things with your head. Logic would say Lightfoot will be in way over his head and mostly likely will become nothing more than a footnote of the lore of KU basketball. Yet never under estimate a persons heart. It's not just a nice story. Wars have been won and lost because of heart. Societies have changed because someone had the heart to stand up for what is right. And athletes have won games they had no business playing in with heart.

I'm not discounting talent by no means. Yet I've seen to many kids with no heart and all talent way under achieve. Think about it? All the greats had heart, Using your head and playing a system can only carry you so far. It's been proving on the field and the court.

The key is to find a kid with talent and a heart of a Jayhawk.

You know Mitch Lightfoot. and his signing is something that warms my heart. Oh yea so many have bashed Mister Lightfoot because of his interest In KU and KU's interest in him. They have said things like if KU doesn't recruit two big men over him then it's a fail. Sadly even I agreed. Yet I sit here with my heart in my hand, and realize the truth. Lightfoot wants to be a Jayhawk. Sure maybe he's not the best and maybe in a year or two HCBS recruits over him. Yet I'm rooting for the kid. Afterall what is he guilty of? What chasing his dream? To wear the Jayhawk uniform. and play in the Phog. Yes the damn odds are against him, but do you not understand he wants to be a Jayhawk so much he willing to lay every thing on the line for it.

We KU fans sit here and bitch and complain about the OAD's concept. Yet here we sit with a kid that wants to play for KU and all we can say is he isn't ranked high enough?

Reality check boys and girls.

Man that Nike money must be laced in gold. As everybody knows the American dollar is worthless.

@Hawk8086

Managing a business and being a coach are two separate things. Lets be honest here. The motivation for players to play especially at UK isn't hard. After all Espn covers them like they are the Yankees. Motivating those kids isn't hard at all.

See the problem with lots of people they look at what Cal has done and say wow. Yet if you really break it down and think about it. Cal has way under achieved. He has everything he needs to win not just a championship but multiple championships. He has the most talented teams. He has the most talent. He has a pipe line of talent being pumped into his program. Hell He doesn't even have to leave his house to recruit. As I said before UK and Cal are ESPN's golden goose. They have the east coast basis thing going on. They are always ranked number one no matter what.

Think about it? If the Wizard had the talent that Cal has he'd win another 10 championships in a row. I would even venture to say if Coach K had the talent that Cal has had he too would rattle off several championships in a row.

Look at Cal's team last year? That was a team for the ages. Yet Cal got out coached, and got beat by a system coach with not even a spec of the talent Cal had.

No Cal is just a thug that knows how to play the system, and he's playing it well. He's doing nothing for the kids he coaches.

@HighEliteMajor

You made two points that I couldn't agree with more.

1. If we don't snag 2 high talent bigs to fill our needs, then we've underachieved in recruiting.

Yea if Lightfoot is the elk we recruit for bigs in this class, then @jaybate-1.0 will be doing cart wheels of his prediction that bad ball is here to stay at KU.

1. And Self didn't adjust to what we had.

Sadly this maybe the chink in the HCBS armor, and keeps him from becoming legendary. Lucas and Traylor are good kids and play hard but I'm afraid HCBS is trying to use them in ways I'm not sure they can. Especially Traylor. These kids aren't stars they are good role players. They should never be the focal point of the offense, as they we're forced to be last year in HCBS determination to pound the ball inside.

@BeddieKU23

I'm not sure why everybody thinks Cal is this great coach? Especially when more times than not he plays with a stacked deck. I've watched a many of his coaching jobs and the thought he puts kids in the NBA just baffles me.

He doesn't coach or even prepare any of his kids for the NBA. Most of the kids he's getting are so talented they're going to the NBA even if they played at a lesser school.

To me Cal falls way short of being a great coach. Hell I'm not even sure I put him the good category. After all he's always played with a stacked deck.

@HighEliteMajor

Yea but how many of those kids where recruited over? It's not so much Lightfoot is the man as it is we need some players. I believe we will have quite the turnover after this year.

I'm sure even yourself would be against filling every hole with a OAD? Well the reality is the Lightfoots of the world can be hits, misses or just recruited over.

@BeddieKU23

I understand what your saying, but the reality is KU isn't UK and Duke in recruiting. I'm sorry guys be we aren't. It doesn't mean KU can't have a good or even great recruiting class. It's just KU has to work a little harder to get some of those top recruits.

Now before you guys beat me up, hear me out. Ever notice UK and Duke (as of late) always have a few studs already locked up and KU is playing the waiting game.

Don't get me wrong KU is still a destination for top talent. It's just not the top choice.

My point? If HCBS recruited this kid, then as fans lets be happy to have him. After all having BS as HC is what allows us to hang with those other programs.

@jaybate-1.0

You know I'm thinking the Hot Hand approach. HCBS is a system guy but I'm thinking or feeling he got a taste of letting his players play in the WUG's. I could see HCBS loosening the reins a bit this year, and going with the hot hand.

At least I'm hoping.

@wissoxfan83

Who is this LSU you speak of?

@drgnslayr

Dear Friend we can come to KU Buckets and speak our minds not matter how crazy they may seem.

However we will not suggest that a barbeque grill would sit all winter with out use. That my friend is unacceptable talk. Thank you for your cooperation. :)

Larry Brown and SMU may deserve what they got. Yet the NCAA is a joke. How long did the UNC cover up go on for? And the NCAA did nothing. Please, the NCAA is a joke.

If you ask me the NCAA should be investigated.

What a bummer for this kid. Get a shot to play for a big time program, and now this. Sadly the clock his ticking for Coleby. In reality he may never put on a KU jersey.

@Texas-Hawk-10

You know your not entirely correct. Rooting for a turd doesn't mean things will get better. There are many examples of what I speak of. In fact rooting for a turd could keep the powers to be from changing anything. Like putting a winner on the field.

Everybody knows KU doesn't have a strong following in football. Yet why call fans out as being the problem? Every Saturday I get up and look for the KU football game in the thousands of channels that I have. More times than not I'm able to find the game. Yet if you think I going to spend three hours of watching KU get their ass whopped I don't think so. Most days I'm tuning out by the 2nd quarter. I don't think that makes me a bad fan.

You act as if fans will fix the problem with the KU football program. Again I don't think so. Look at the Royals. The owner finally spends some money and puts a winner on the field, and what happens? The fans come out in droves.

@Lulufulu

To be honest I too think min wage should be raised just for the fact to keep pace with inflation. Yet I always shake my head when everybody is up in arms about what a CEO makes. Like somehow the CEO is a bad person or something.

Think about it? If somebody offers you truck loads of money to take advantage of your skills are you going stand on you soap box and say no? ;) Neither would I.

Think about HCBS. He's pretty much a CEO of KU basketball. He's hired to run the program. I'm not sure too many KU fans would be grudge him for the millions he makes. I don't see a movement demanding HCBS take less money so those that run concession stands and cleanup the Field House can make more money.

The idea of raising the min wage is really a ruse so some politician can't ride around on his high horse. When in reality it could do more harm than good. Such as losing even more jobs and raising the cost of the goods we need and want even more.

@jayballer54

Well some young men want more than a One night stand.

@jayballer54

Nobody is dropping the ball on the KU staff. You see these OAD's are business men. Most of them come from broken homes and were raised quite poor. To them basketball is a means to change the cards life has dealt them. They have had agents and runners whispering in their hears since the time it came apparent they could really play this game we call basketball.

You see KU flies in the face of everything they want to do. They don't want to fall in love with a school. They want to play their one year and be gone. They know they can't do that at KU. They've seen the love, the romance and the history KU brings to the table. It scares them like a young man thinking about marriage. They don't want to fall in love as it goes against their plans. College is only a layover stop, a connecting flight to their next stop in the NBA.

That is why they pick the Kentucky's and the Duke's of the world. They can play their one year and move on. They can't do that at KU. Once you become a Jayhawk you're always a Jayhawk. Even the greatest basketball player ever Wilt Chamberlain had to learn that lesson. These young kids don't want the emotional heartache of leaving a school like KU. They want to play their one year and be gone. Kind of like a one night stand.

@jaybate-1.0

I love this point about Cal not doing well with similar talent. He has made a living at having better talent, and even that doesn't always help him. See last year. My arm chair ass could've coached that team to a NC. ;)

I wonder how Adidas will react to Cal stomping in their back yard ??? Or is UK now looking for some Adidas love after Nike kicked them to the curb ???

@Lulufulu

I don't know what's worse ??? The rich using their money or power to get what they want or those that drop out of High school, decide a job at McDonald's is a retirement job, and then demand $15 dollars an hour and benefits.

In my day a fast food job, or stocking shelves at a department store was for kids and old folks looking to make some spending money. Man how things have changed.

@wrwlumpy

As fans sometimes we have to do what we have to do. I once gave a bar owner a wad of money to keep a KU game on. A few of the patrons were a bit upset in their drunken state. ;) Crazy thing is in a few years KU will probably be playing those early season games on the Big 10 Network.

Damn it. How do I root for King Kaun and yet root against King LeBron and his loyal Cavs ???

You know the NCAA declaring kids ineligible is becoming pointless, and even hypocritical. We as fans and alumni sit here and watch these Power five conferences sign huge media deals, threaten to abandon the NCAA all together, so they can do as they please. And for what? So the NCAA can act like they care about students grades and corruption in college sports?

Give me a break. I just sit here and watched one of the biggest scandals in my life time, and it took the media to get the NCAA to even look at the issue. UNC cheated on a level that should've brought the death penalty or at the very least some sort of severe punishment. Yet the NCAA does nothing and UNC gets nothing more than a slap on the wrist. Are you kidding me ???

Everybody knows how important a college education is these days. It's all about having that that degree. We've all seen it in our work places were a certain person gets a position in the company just because they have that little paper. So why stop kids from getting that degree?. I mean lets be honest here not all High schools are equal or on the same footing. So why punish the kid?

Is it because you don't want colleges taking kids just because they can play? That some how that will do damage to the concept of a student athlete? I think we are way past that. In case you didn't notice student athletes get paid to play their respected sports.

So NCAA quite acting like you care and Free the Diallo

@drgnslayr

He plays no doubt. Adidas is going to write a check to the NCAA to make this go away.

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@rocketdog

Just yesterday I was shopping for an outfit to work out wit. You know what? I chose and bought Adidas gear. The thought never crossed my mind to look at Nike stuff. Crazy how advertising and shoe wars work.

I don't know the numbers on the Adidas contract, but I know Nike comes nowhere close. I believe Adidas covers all of KU sports teams where Nike only wants to cover Football, and men's basketball.

Dollars wise Adidas is the way better deal. Yet from a recruiting point Nike seems to have no equal. Just look at where the stacks are going. UK still has some good talent coming in, but it seems Nike is tired of giving Cal everything he needs to win a championship only to fail. So now the stacks are moving to other schools. That's power.

However I'm not sure KU being a Nike school would really help KU in recruiting. KU in the Nike stable of schools is just another school. Nike would and does have all the power. KU would be at the mercy of the Nike machine. Nike cares nothing of history, and blue bloods. Cross them and they will starve you out. A Nike school is a servant to the needs and dreams of the Nike Kingdom.

Not all is lost with Adidas though. As the world and its many economy systems begin to falter, and a more friendly world economy begins to grow. I believe KU will be sitting better than most Nike schools. Adidas will be the reason behind it. KU is already landing very good to great talent from the world. I also truly believe Adidas was behind KU getting the nod for the WUG's.

KU would be just another school with Nike.

KU is a flag ship with Adidas.

@jaybate-1.0

Even the 300 Spartans or so didn't run into the madness and their timely death. No they stayed together and stayed true to what they were, and how they fought. You see the sheer numbers met nothing to them. It was the precision of the style of fighting on the battle field that allowed them to make their mark on history.

Bad Ball is to abandon who you are even if you cut your teeth on the great High/Low or Muscle Ball. There is nothing ugly about the high/low when it's run right with the right people. It's like a puncher throwing body shot after body shot setting up the knock out punch. In fact it's quite beautiful to watch.

Bad Ball is none of these. Every time I watch a team play Bad Ball I feel the game of basketball takes a step backwards.

@jaybate-1.0

And one more thing you're like one of those first generals the Old Abe had to let go or fire. As he needed a man of war with a real plan.

@jaybate-1.0

Of course any true Jayhawk fan would take a win any way the they can. However the truth of the matter is playing Bad Ball means your team sucks. It means you can compete with the opposing team, It means you're being out coached, It means you can't stop the other team from kicking your tail. It means you have no players to run a real system. If you play bad ball all year it means no championships and no celebrating. I've seen enough of it to understand what it is.

Bad Ball is like that boxer that keeps wrapping up the other fighter because he's kicking his ass. By the way Bad didn't win a conference championship last year. In fact it damn near cost KU the streak. I find nothing to be proud of the way KU finished the season last year.

Even the great George Washington wouldn't run such a plan of action.. To risky and could cost to many lives.

Bad Ball is keeping the ball game close with the hope that you can pull it out in the end. Well as we found out last year. KU didn't always pull it out in the end. :(

I say be gone with bad ball.

@jaybate-1.0

If KU plays bad ball this year there will be no Conference tournament Championship. There will be no deep run into the tournament, no winning a national Championship. KU got lucky to even win the conference championship last year playing bad ball towards the end of the season, and finished with a huge thud in the tournament.

Playing Bad Ball isn't the mark of a champion or greatness. It's not heart or desire. It's not something that should be praised and hailed. Playing bad means you and your team sucks so you muddy up the game.

If KU plays Bad Ball this year then HCBS needs to be evaluated as a recruiter and HC. This team is ripe for greatness. It has every thing you need to win a championship.. It has talent, speed, heart, strength, passion, and it's deep.

If KU plays Bad Ball this year HCBS has failed has a HC.

@ajvan

No reason for KU to play Bad Ball this year. They have talent and experience everywhere.

If KU plays bad ball this season?

Please

Run me over with your car or truck, and tell the paramedics I'm an organ donor.

Invite me to your home and serve me fiddles laced with poison.

Take me to Spain to run with the bulls and then trip me when we start to run.

Promise me a night of drinking and fun, yet don't bring any money.

Hide some meth on my possession and drop me off in MU land.

Buy me home tickets to a UK home game.

Because if KU is playing bad ball. Then KU is in big trouble, and the season is lost.

Who is this Cliff aka The big Red dog that you speak of ???

@drgnslayr

You'll have to accuse me as it wasn't my intent that HCBS abandon his High/Low offense. College basketball is really a long season, and having a game plan that you can hang your hat on is quite important. Yet sometimes the game plan isn't working, especially in the NCAA tournament. This is mostly likely the biggest grip I have with HCBS. If the system or the plan isn't working then just let your superior athletes just play. I believe HCBS learned this lesson in the WUG's. If HCBS sticks to his guns and his system no way KU wins the WUG's. A lesson learned that even HCBS acknowledges.

@Texas-Hawk-10

@HighEliteMajor

Some times in life changing is the hardest thing to do, even if you've seen the results. HCBS has cut his teeth of pounding the ball inside no matter what. No way is he going to forget that and nor should he. After all it's been good to him. Yet the WUG's opened his eyes to the barrier that his coaching style limits his progress. It won't be easy to change, and sometimes it will be the right move to go to his patent High/Low offense. It is the lesson he'll need to learn. If he does look the hell out.

Sometimes the Tournament is a crap shoot. Yet if you have the best talent and things aren't going well? Then just release the grip and control and let your dogs play.

@drgnslayr

@HighEliteMajor

You know the WUG's could be the very thing that changes the course of HCBS coaching style. It would seem from everything I've read and heard from HCBS, change is a coming. I think the experience has left him in a state of dazed and confused. He seen the results.

HCBS didn't have to just make adjustments to his game plan and his mind set. He was forced to. The concept of sitting back, trusting your players to just play was a new experience I'm not sure HCBS had ever unleashed in his coaching career. Keeping my fingers crossed here but if HCBS continues to be in awe of the results of just letting the talent just play. He could very well become the next Wizard of college basketball lore. Instead of a conference winning streak, we could see a NC winning streak.

HCBS can win conference championships with his eyes closed. We all know that. Yet lets be honest he has had some trouble of transferring or connecting that success to the tournament. Yet the WUG's experience may have been the key that unlocks a side of HCBS coaching that we haven't seen before.

@BeddieKU23

To be honest I hope Bragg comes back for another year. In fact I wish all players had to stay at least two. Even though I prefer 3 years. ;)

Really it's all up to Bragg. If he does what HCBS wants. I just don't see how this kid doesn't get the minutes. Like I've said before with the shorter play clock, I just don't see how Bragg doesn't get some minutes. After that it's all up to him. Like you said in the end will see what the kid has got.

@Texas-Hawk-10

Look dude I have my opinion and you have yours. Neither is right or wrong. In fact if you would actually read my comments you would know that I've said, "I think Bragg could be back for a second year but wouldn't doubt if he was to turn pro after one year. Why you have a problem with this is beyond me ???

I BELIEVE THIS because I think he has the specs the NBA looks for. He can handle the ball and actually has a nice jump shot. He also doesn't give up on plays.

Trying to compare Bragg to Cole, the Morris Twins, TRob is like comparing apples to oranges. I believe, feel, and think that Bragg is more ready to play as a freshman than all those guys. Now I'm not saying Bragg is just better than these guys. I'm just saying he's ready to play.

Every year is different as are the new up and coming players. For instance everything I've read says the next NBA draft is going be a weak draft for big men. Meaning an average to good big man has a better of chance getting drafted. This alone increases Bragg's chances of getting drafted.

It seems you think Bragg won't even see the court this year, which is mind boggling to me. Yes KU has a lot of bigs but are they great? After Ellis, Diallo, and maybe Hunter who's better than Bragg? Not to mention the game is changing this next year with the shorter play clock. Also the game has been moving to a big that can take his defender from the paint and shoot the jumper. Bragg has Aces when it comes to this new style of playing the game. He'll be better than Hunter, Lucas, and Traylor. I believe Before this season is over Bragg will be the first big off the bench. Yes I said it. Do you want me to say it again? Before this season is over I see Bragg as the first big off the bench.

I've explained to you more than once on this topic why I think that Bragg could indeed go OAD. I'm sorry you don't agree me thoughts, and even consider my thoughts as mere stupidity. However stop saying I haven't explained to you why I think Bragg can go OAD. I've explained more than once. You just don't agree with me.

No I don't think your opinion is uniformed at all. In fact I would say % wise you would have a better chance of being right. However it's not that I disagree with you it's just that Bragg seems special to me. The kid has that it factor. I don't know what it is, but I think if things go the way I think they will. Bragg has a chance of leaving after one year. Sorry if that offends you. ;(

@Texas-Hawk-10

So you're telling me a talent like Bragg isn't going to see playing time? OK

@Texas-Hawk-10

Hey by all means bet your house that Bragg will be back for a second year.

You know I used fret over recruiting. I don't even bat an eye these days. It's not to say I don't love the discussion or topic of recruiting, because I do. Recruiting is almost like a soap opera. You can go on vacation or go hide in your basement for a month thinking the world is going to end. Yet when you get back from vacation or climb out the basement to get more supplies. You realize nothing has changed. These kids are recruited so hard from such a young age, It's almost in the bag as to where these kids will go. Hell I'm not even sure these kids really get to pick the school they want to go to. I mean think about it, what kid comes out of High School with a list of 15 schools they would like to attend? Really?

Future rosters is another great topic and subject that needs to be looked at and discussed. Yet it unlike recruiting has more intrigue and surprise. It seems everybody is an expert on who goes and who stays, especially in this forum. :) I'm surprised that the media outlets and the NBA aren't just hanging around reading and hiring KU Bucket posters. ;)

Terms like we will have Bragg back, Selden will stay for another year, Diallo is a OAD, and Vick will never see the court for two years are indeed just opinions. Nobody really knows. All we really know is what the NBA looks for in physical attributes of a player, and the potential of said player. Don't meet the specs it doesn't matter how good you are, you're looking at 4 years in college and if your lucky mid round pick in the draft.

Now for my opinion. :*

Selden becomes the player we all thought he would be. He's gone

Diallo has star written all over him, even without great numbers. He's gone.

Svi has a break out year. To many people sleeping on this kid yet forgetting he was really just a kid last year and I mean a kid. He could play the NBA or European ball. He's gone.

Maybe's

Bragg is not a lock to come back for another year like some would suggest. I'm not saying this kid is gone, but no way would I bet my house that he's staying either. If KU has a magical run to a title this year and Bragg is a part of it. Look for his stock to rise, and for him to enter the draft.

Greene is a NBA talent but has big holes in his game. One he doesn't take the ball to the rack enough, and his defense is suspect. His does rebound, can run, jump, and stroke the jump shot. I think he has enough of the specs the NBA is looking for to get drafted. Again like Bragg if KU has a crazy run to a championship and Greene is major piece to the puzzle. It wouldn't surprise me if he goes.

Ok I'm done acting like I know what I'm talking about.

Not to long in a travel out to the west coast. I visited a Cuban family. Not fully aware of the in's and outs of their culture, I made the mistake of eating IN and Out Burger before stopping by. Huge mistake for you see the man's wife insisted that I eat dinner. I realized my situation right away. It would have been disrespectful to not oblige her. So with my gut busting I eat some of the best Cuban food in my life. And damn near puked.

My point is you don't change you're way of life or pass laws to change ones way of life to keep peace. What they did in Portland is dumb. A PB&J sandwich is like apple pie it's part of the American culture as anything.

You know as adults we can go out to eat and if we see something on the menu we've never had or don't like we don't ask the owner to change the menu. Yet we want to ban PB&J's because some kids with a foreign background never had them? Really?

atta boy workem Moose

Um @drgnslayr I'm not sure Ayton is your typical tree. ;)

[Deandre Ayton](

@KUSTEVE

Yep, It's called the grape fruit method. A ploy used by the government to distract the masses from paying attention to what's really going on. I bet nobody knows our government just signed a treaty with Iran and yet they have 4 Americans hostages ???

I concur with your lineup but I think Svi can be a wild card. Everything I've been reading says the kid is coming to play.

I don't care what anybody says. I have many fond memories of eating PB&J sandwiches, and I still enjoy them today. Sometimes I grill them. If you're offended then so be it, and get over it.

That would be like telling me I can't have fries with my cheeseburger. Not going to happen.

Political correctness can only go so far, before a man or women says enough is enough.

Let me try to put this in a basketball prospective. Whether it's the Rebel flag, Fried chicken, Grilling over and open flame (oh yea barbequing is deemed a black thing and racist if white people do it), or eating a PB&J sandwich. They are just symbols, intents and really nobody cares. If they did the top talented Black kids would never step foot on the Kentucky Wildcats campus. As the Wildcats were one of the most racist Colleges in the history of the game. Yet we don't see that do we?

I rest my case.

@jaybate-1.0 @drgnslayr @Texas-Hawk-10 @BeddieKU23 @Kcmatt7

I'm not sure KU is looking for a rival in Philly or even for one period. I believe KU goes to Philly for pure experience and the potential recruiting. Think about it Philly is one of the few places HCBS has no problem playing a road game at. Not to mention KU has in deed grabbed some nice talent from the area. It's no different than Duke and the ACC trying to play as many games in the Madison garden. "Exposure" Only difference KU has to do it alone as nobody else in the Big 12 can travel that far and have enough cache to demand respect and attention.

As fans we must first understand the question before we can find the answer. What is a rival? Is it just hating another school or team? Is it just the amount of games played between each other in history? Is it a school that is in your state or connecting state? Who decides if it's a rivalry? Is it the media or the fans? A lot of questions to consider.

So was the MU and KU a real rivalry. Maybe, but was it really a rivalry? It was full of hatred no doubt, but it was hate that transcended the two schools, and formed it's roots in the very nature of hate "slavery". I know it was called a rivalry, but was it really? KU mopped up the MU basketball program like has so many others. I guess you could say football? I mean KU and MU are pretty much tied even with the recent success of the MU program. Yet when these two hooked up at Arrowhead I'm not sure they even sold out the stadium. In fact I think the second game was a dud as far as fan support goes. I'm not sure Hatred is enough to claim a rivalry.

There was a time Texas was supposed to by KU's rivalry in basketball. Sure they had some good teams and gave KU a run for it's money. Yet was it really a rivalry? Was it more Espn trying to push the whole UT and KU rivalry? I guess I just never seen it that way. I always saw Texas as trying to buy what KU already had.

The problem with KU having a rivalry with someone is that the rivalry really only exists if both teams are good. To often a team will rise to the top to challenge KU, only to falter when KU decides to circle that game on the calendar. Iowa st is a fine example. This isn't it's first time of the Clones rising up to lock horns with KU. However as KU has taken notice of the Clone threat it will focus on destroying and defeating the Clone nation. The Clones will not and can not survive this KU onslaught. They will falter and fall as their empire will be left in ruins.

You see KU can't really have any true rivals. For when KU feels a threat from someone they began to focus on that team, that program, and that game. The KU program is like a reaper, it breaths to crush and defeat you. Very few programs can match the strength of KU, none can match the lore. Yet you see Kentucky, Duke, and UNC don't want that rivalry with KU. HCBS has tried. They instead want to be snipers sneak up on KU every once in awhile in some faraway tournament. They have no desire to play KU head to head every year. Hell UNC doesn't want to play KU at all. For you see when you have to play KU every year, then KU becomes stronger. KU will take notice of you, study you, find your weakness, begin to break you down, slowly take away you're will, KU will not only rise to you're challenge but it will crush and defeat you just like a reaper.

On the serious side KU can't have a true rivalry in basketball because the more times they play you eventually they start kicking you're ass until they just get tired of kicking your ass. It would be no different with UK, Duke, or UNC. Throw them in a league with KU and in the end KU will be kicking their asses on a regular biases too.

@wrwlumpy

What is the deal with this DeAndre Ayton kid? Why do they have him a 100% commited to KU? Did he already pledge to KU or something? I understand a school can be a heavy favorite, but I don't think I've ever seen a 100% projection. Either way the kid's game looks to be awesome.

@drgnslayr

I'm not sure KU could build up WSU to merit a home and home. If my memory is correct KU did offer WSU to come to the Field House, but Marsha didn't want any of that. He wants KU in Wichita. That for me is the reason KU shouldn't play WSU. WSU has no right or power to demand such claims. They even went as far to force KU to play in Wichita by using the state government. KU is a big boy and have earned the right to play who they wish at their choosing.

Not only that you put KU at a disadvantage playing WSU home and home. To KU the game is just another game on the schedule. While for WSU it's the biggest game of their year.

State Law of Iowa forces the Clones and Hawkeyes to play each other plus two other lower schools in the state. As of to date it has done nothing to build up those programs. All it boils down to is bragging rights, and bragging rights don't pay the bills. The Clones and the Hawkeyes have tried in vein to get of playing these games. To no avail. Their argument is money, exposure, and recruiting.

@JayHawkFanToo

I thought as much. Thanks for the ammo, Um I mean link. ;)