Let it go, no really let it go.
DoubleDD
3749 posts
Damn I love this Royal's team.
To bad our cheap ass owner had to wait 20 years to understand if you build Royals fans will come. :(
Starting pitching throwing a lot of pitches. Looks like the bullpens will decide this one.
I like. :)
It goes back to a point I tried to make. These families have been poor and without means the whole time these top talents have been growing up. Yet now that they are knocking on the door of a free solid education, and future potential millions playing in the league. These young kids with the burden of their families have no choice but to go. Makes me sick.
How many kids wanted to stay in college for another year or two? How many? Yet they were forced to go, because hey can't pass up on the money. Well money comes and goes a proven fact, but an education, a fraternity, a brotherhood something the college experience gives can never be taken away.
So sad these kids are forced to chase the money so old uncle Joe can wear a gold chain.
Ok gentlemen and if any ladies, hopefully I can bring this heated debate to a close before we get the hammer and lock.
Is global warming real? or is climate change real? The answer is yes and no. However none of this is really that important.
Wait before you respond. Finishing reading.
First the earth is going to be just fine. Well unless scientist figure out how to blow this planet in a lot of little rocks. It's life of humanity and the wild kingdom that must be saved. The point take away humans and the earth and nature will fix what was broken. It's just a fact. One that has been proven.
A lot of the evidence that was presented to prove the notion that Global warming or climate change is real has been proved to be falsified. That my friends is just a fact. No matter what side of the aisle you lean. That doesn't mean we shouldn't be respectful of the place we live.
The Heavens will rain, the sun will burn, and the seasons will change. Yet after all the politicians, governments, scientist, and investors get their money grab the sun will come out and a new day will begin.
I say this to you my friends, when someone comes preaching the End of the world more times than not it's a money grab. The earth was here long before mankind and will be here long after we kill each other.
In conclusion I am a believer in climate change but not the mankind way. The earth is always changing, and that won't stop. I see nothing wrong with someone taking the means they have to live a simple none polluting life style.
If anything these will be the same people that will save humanity. When the knowledge of how to live without technology as been forgotten.
I hope my words will bring this subject to a close. As it is my desire that KUBuckets becomes the major nest of all KU fans. I would hate to lose posters and topic makers over a subject that has nothing to do with our beloved Jayhawks.
Though I would agree most of the work Hudy does is in the summer, but I have no doubt this girl is working year round. Think about how many athletic personal that have made a name for themselves. Hell even recruits are like yea I would love to work under Hudy's guidance. You don't make a name like just doing summer gigs.
Again I would agree KU doesn't need another manger, but KU recruiting isn't about WUG. It's about the future of KU.
Oh I think it's a brand builder as much as it can be. After all KU basketball is a household name already.
I'm no basketball genius like some of you that post on KU Buckets, but I am one that sees patterns and trends. KU has been recruiting quite well in the international realm. I know as @JayHawkFanToo once explained a lot of schools recruit foreign players in another topic. Yet KU isn't just recruiting foreign players they are getting some of the best. I find it very interesting KU is going hard after the footer in Paschal Chukwu. How he just wants to transfer out of the blue. Kind of makes the mind wander doesn't it.
@jaybate-1.0 opened our eyes to shoe wars. Whose to say KU isn't playing in this WUG because they are an Adidas school? It has been my prospective that Adidas does better in the foreign markets compared to the US market. So maybe I'm reaching a bit here or even just wishful thinking on my part. Yet maybe Adidas is behind the WUG bid for KU, as they want to present the storied KU Jayhawks to the world. Adidas greases a few pockets gets their school in, and then markets the hell out of it. I can see the commercials now. A little black in white action with a leather ball and a peach basket, then a close up of the inventor of the game Naismith. Flash forward and boom a couple crazy dunks with KU players sporting Adidas gear.
Well it's a theory.
I think sometimes people just look at the risk and reward by mere numbers. Never considering the game as a whole.
Just like a pitcher in baseball. Sometimes he'll intentionally throw a ball up high out of the strike zone to get the hitter to swing and miss. Even though the stats would say always keep the ball down and on the corners. However there is nothing like watching a hitter chasing a high fast ball with no chance of hitting it. ;)
The midrange jumper may not be the most fruitful shot on the court, but it's still a shot. I really believe that overlooking or downplaying the shot is hurting the college game and the offense output. How many times have you've seen a player pass up a wide open midrange jump shot to pass to a contested three point shot? I marvel watching games today as the offense spins the ball around the perimeter looking for a passing lane into the paint for an easy two, or a player on the wing with a spot 3. All the while they may mass up on 2 to 3 midrange shots on any giving possession. That just doesn't seem very efficient to me.
A well played mid range shot would at the very force the defense to adjust. The defense couldn't sit on the three line or pack the paint. Just my thoughts.
I would prefer a team effort, an offense attack that would utilize the midrange shot. If I had to pick just one player it would be Wayne Selden who I think would be a natural. Also if I'm to believe with out really seeing Bragg, he seems to have good outside game. I also think the midrange jump shot would help Greene and especially SVI.
I want to believe letting these guys make a few midrange jump shots would help them get in the flow of the game, and warming them up for the three ball when the need arises. Utilizing the midrange shot as a part of your offense scheme just like a high/low and so on. You take advantage of that open area on the court nobody shoots from anymore. It would be like throwing a zone against an offense that doesn't play against such schemes. At the very at least it would make the defense and the opposing HC adjust their game plan. Thereby giving the offense team the chance to get back to the sweet spots. In the paint scoring and three land.
I'm in no way am I advocating just a midrange shot offense approach. Yet I just feel it should be apart of any offense. Another weapon to the offense game plan. Too many times I have watched players pass up and open midrange shot, as they are taught not to take that shot.
Last time I checked fans will still scream and holler with a well placed Midrange jump shot.
I've studied all the numbers heard all the points of view, but I can't shake this feeling that a good mid range jump shot can help a team
So the argument goes why take a mid range jumper when you can step back another 2 to 5 feet and hit a three? or pass the ball inside and take the easy two. These are fair points, and in a perfect world impossible to argue. Yet this isn't a perfect world.
I could get into actual measurements, but I won't. I will take it for granted most of you know the length and width of a half court in the college game. I will say most of the offense is played with in 25ft of the basket give or take a few feet as I believe the rim actually hangs 3ft into the court. So if you take into account the 4 to 5 feet for paint play or bunnies and 1 to 4ft for the three point shot you have somewhere in the neighborhood of 15 ft that is dead space or where the mid range jumper was king. That's over 1/3 of the half court, and nearly half of where the game is played that is dead space. That's a lot of room to roam if you follow.
Now I get taking a three at 20ft versus say 19 to 16 ft. I mean you're already that close to the three line so why not. I also get taking the bunny or paint layup if you can spin or drive for the layup/dunk. Yet this isn't a perfect world.
The game has been involving for sometime. Head coaches and stat lovers have done their homework. The three and the 4 to 5ft paint shots are by far the must fruitful shots to take. I cannot argue. Yet as trends go on the offense side of the ball, so do the trends go on the defense side of the ball. All head coaches know this as they prep or install their offense game plan to play inside or shoot three's, they also preach crash the paint and crowd the three point on line on the defense side of the ball.
We see it in almost every game we watch. The center or forward gets the ball in the paint and is double teamed or even sometimes tripled team. Sometimes he makes a great move and scores, and sometimes he passes the ball out to start the offense again. It doesn't end there though sometimes he makes a move turns the ball over or misses the shot. Again it doesn't end there in some cases he gets fouled. So if he makes a great move and scores then great. If he passes the ball back out, then it's no harm the offense starts over minus the precious seconds that clicked off the clock . Yet if he misses then that was an empty possession, maybe not a big deal unless the game is on the line. Basketball is no different than any other sport in that it's a game of emotion. Miss a bunny and it could change the momentum of the game. If he gets fouled then that's not all bad. It adds a foul to the other team's big, but teams nowadays have lots of bigs with many fouls to give. As they recruit to the way the game is played now. In the paint and from the three point line. Yet if fouled he gets a foul shot or two. Well with few exceptions the bigs are poor free throw shooters. In fact with the game on the line teams are instructed to foul the others teams bigs instead of the easy two. Lets not forget how many times did you see a big take the ball to the hoop with two guys in front of him and another hanging onto him? Sometimes the bunny isn't so easy. Not to mention the injuries that could come into play.
The three point shot has changed the game like no other. I have to admit I'm all for the three shot. I would even go as far to say it's not utilized enough, or maybe that's just because I'm a KU fan. LOL Yet the three has it's faults too. Very few teams hit for an high average from three land. Also it's not like bigs where you can recruit for size. Playing out on the perimeter requires a very special set of skills. Handling the ball, passing the ball. seeing the floor. and so much more. Yet shooting the three can be a fools game. Sometimes it's there and sometimes it's not. Also very few shoot the three with an high average. Which would stand to reason has they more times than not have a hand in their face as no opponent respects the midrange shot. They don't even look for it.
My case for the midrange jumper is not half hearted, but full hearted. I just feel if you going to play offense in 47ft of court then why not use all that footage to your advantage? The midrange jumper used to be apart of this game and now it has no use? I just don't buy it. At the very least it would make a defense think or change their game plan. I remember the Morris Twins they just used to eat teams alive with their midrange game. I can remember so many times looking up the clock, and 5 minutes into the game KU would be up like 10 to 15 points, and the Twins would have like 5 mid range jumpers. I guess what I'm saying is sometimes the best offense is taking what the defense gives you.
I know I'm fighting a losing argument, but it's hay, I think I make a strong case.
I don't know. This whole nixing the midrange jump shots just doesn't seem right to me. I know you and other come up with all these reasons why it should go away. However I'm man of senses. I see what I see, hear what I hear, and so on.
Roy teams shot a lot of midrange jumpers. Woodberry was always roaming that area between the paint and three land. The twins used to kill teams with their mid range jump shots. I little spin, then step back nothing but net.
Not sure why so many just want to dismiss the midrange shot. It's like playing one handed basketball. Telling the other team, hey see all this area. No need to defend this area because the mid-range is pointless?
To me the death of the midrange shot has killed College offense to the core. It seems bunnies and three point shots are all that is left. If a team can't hit the three with any flavor then teams just pack it in around the paint. Basically turning the game into a blood bath.
I would also add to @jaybate-1.0 and @HighEliteMajor point that the refs don't do a very good job of enforcing the rules. I don't know how many games I've watched were the game was being called a certain way the whole game and then come crunch time what was a foul is no longer a foul and vice versa. It drives me nuts.
Also believe certain teams get breaks that others don't.. Duke and UK do quite well with the officiating crews. Drives me nuts when I see a player just get mugged at the rim by a UK player and it's a no foul because one player got all ball. Then the same player will called for a foul for just bumping a UK player. I don't even need to talk about Duke.
Another problem is each conference has their own refs with their own idea of applying those rules. Playing in the Pac is quite different than playing in say the Big 12. Not to mention the officiating changes from game to game. What was no call in one game is a foul in another.
I say simplify the rules, call the games according to the rules (no matter who the team), and let the players play.
I guess the real question is what defines a legend?
Roy on paper would seem to be a lock for legend status. However do numbers make a legend? For instance Johnny Orr is considered a legend in his own right. Yet it wasn't like Iowa state was building new trophy cases because of all the Championships Orr was winning. Even Mister Naismith is considered a legend despite being the only HC to have a losing record at KU. Of course he did invent the game. ;)
No I think there is more to it. As @approxinfinity was comparing Smith's success against Roy's. Yet 30 years from now who will be remembered Smith or Roy? Say Cal goes onto win 3 or 4 titles does he become a legend.
I don't mean to upset anyone I just don't think Roy gets his legend status, even though he might have the numbers to back it up. UNC will always be Smith's school, and he left KU. You don't make somebody a legend that dumps you. I believe if Roy stays at KU he does become a legend.
To answer the question what is a legend. I went back to my original post and the fond memories of my beloved Jayhawks. A legend not only wins games, conference championships, and National titles. He also loses key games in key places and key times. A legend becomes the backbone of his team and even the school. A legend not only teaches the game but also how to be a man and succeed in life. A legend is always humble, and gives way more respect to the rival than needed. A legend celebrates in triumphs, and saddens in failure and defeat. A legend never gives up as there is always a teaching moment.
Most of all a legend bleeds the school colors when you cut him.
When I say Roy Williams will be nothing more than a footnote. I never meant disrespect to him and what he has done for KU. After all it was under his tenure that I really learned about KU and it's contributions to the game of basketball. I'm not trying to take anything away from HC Roy, as I respect the man and what he did for KU. Even to this day I will watch a UNC game not for the matchup or the players on the court but because of the coach they have. Roy Williams.
My point is Roy Williams was on the cusp of Legend material at KU. When he left to go home it cost him that legendary status. That's all.
Even at UNC who will the now and future pay homage to? Dean Smith or Roy Williams? I'm sorry Roy Williams is a mere foot note. Unless he can go onto win at least 3 more championships. Then the substance changes
Oh I can see Roy receiving a national foothold, has he does have the success to merit such an honor. Maybe you have a point about UNC but not at KU. OH there will be those like you that will want to slap the legend tag on Roy. However it won't stick, and that's all I was trying to say.
It's not about agreeing or disagreeing, it's about understanding. Maybe I gave a poor explanation of what I mean that Roy will be just a footnote in the history of KU and UNC. As he is a fine coach and still root for the man. What I mean as he had something special at KU. If he would have continued at KU there is now doubt he becomes the stuff legends are made of. However him going back home to UNC at the behest of Dean Smith he cost him that shot at legendary status. Roy will be remembered is a very good HC, the numbers prove that. Yet he will never be a legend. Never mentioned in the same breath as a Dean Smith, Coach K, or a Phog Allen.
That's why I believe old Roy becomes just a footnote.
It depends on what you view as a success. No doubt Old HCRW has the numbers. Yet when talking about UNC and KU will HCRW be the first name thrown out there? I doubt it. HCRW if he would have stayed at KU would become a legend. They would be naming streets and buildings after him. Statues would be erected in his honor and so on.
As time passes old Roy Williams will be just a footnote.
Oh I don't know? You ask any KU fan and I would bet most if not all would say KU got a little luck against Memphis in that championship game. I'm not sure anybody is trying to take away anything from Iowa St. at least not the persons that post on KUBuckets. It seems most on here are stand up people and give credit where credit is do. They are indeed very knowledge fans and people. I know I've learned a lot.
The thing people see about Iowa St. and say I don't know about that. Are as followed
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Iowa St. maybe shooting for the moon in recruits. Yet until they land one it's all pointless and fodder. Ever notice must of these recruits pretty much have the same list of schools with a few exceptions? Saying Hey look this top recruit has Iowa St. on his list means nothing. When Iowa St. finds it's self on the final lists of many top recruits. Then a discussion can be had.
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Iowa St. has the same problem that so many other Big 12 schools have. It's called a KU thing. Sure Iowa St. has had some recent success against KU, but what has it gotten them? Nothing. To many Big 12 teams focus on beating KU and forget there are 8 other teams to play. This is why KU wins the conference every year. KU looks to win the war, while everybody else just looks to win the battle against KU. Iowa St. and it's fans want so bad to be and beat KU that it has become a little weird. When Iowa St. can bring that passion and desire to playing everybody in the conference then and only then can we have that discussion about Iowa St.
The Mayor and the Iowa St. are a fine team and program, but they are no where near being an elite program.
In a perfect world a HC will love the university that he works for as much as the fans and students. If you cut him with some medieval weapon his blood will bleed the colors of the school he represents. He is the voice, and the face of the program. The words that come from his lips will be like a gospel preacher. Moving and overpowering those that love and adore him. As kids come an go he will still be the vocal point. An anchor he will be through good and bad times. Wait tell next year they will say. He almost had it, just one more piece they will say. Ahh HC will never leave they will say. After all he is the coach.
But what if he leaves? Then What? Cries will ring out why? Speculations will begin to speculate. Indignation and the harden of the heart will begin to form. Coach was never our true coach, Our coach would never leave us. Theories will be formed. Search teams will be formed. A list of potential candidates will be formed. Alas after much searching of the heart and scouring the land for the new HC. A man his hired and the process starts again.
As a man entering the second half of his life I must say I'm quite amused at the power of the HC. In 1988 when I really became a KU fan. I was in the seventh grade and if my math is correct 14 years old. Man that seems so long ago. :) Oh I knew of the Jayhawks before that miracle run in 1987/88 but I had yet to even begin to scratch the service of what they would come to mean to me. At the Middle school I was attending there was a strong push from friends and foes to be Sooners fans. Maybe it had something to do with Billy Tubbs another fine HC? Yet when Manning and the Miracles as they would become known as, made that awesome run. I was captured nowhere to run, nowhere to hide. I didn't care what social lines or boundaries I crossed I was Rock Chalk baby. Luckily I was pretty tough. LOL I wanted everything KU. Shirts, hoodies, shorts, stickers. and anything KU. Sadly I was from a poor family and wasn't able to show my support with the gear so many other kids did. "( . So I watched and learned.
Then a strange thing happened after that great season. HC Larry Brown left? Still in the newness of my love for KU I wasn't sure what to feel. I was amused not really sure what losing a HC really meant. I mean understood some things, having played sports most of my life. Getting a new coach was like starting over, maybe even learning a new system of playing. It really wasn't a big deal to me, as from my personal youth experience it happened many times and more than likely would happen again.
Then HC Roy Williams was hired at the behest of Dean Smith. Didn't have a clue who old Dean was but he seemed to me a man with some power. Hey growing up on the streets of KC you may not know the subject but you understand who the players are and who has the power. There seemed to be a bit of an Ho-hum mindset to this new HC. His first year was well less than inspiring to a 15 year old. It started out with a bang but quickly fizzled out. Later I would come to really appreciate that first year. With the post season ban and injuries in all, it only grew my love for KU Basketball. That never quit mindset was all I knew, so I could relate.
Then 1989 holy cow everything changed. KU with second year HC Roy Williams, entered into the preseason NIT. That field was stacked. I remember nobody given KU a shot, even I was just hoping for a good showing, a good fight if you will. KU shocked the world. (at least to me) KU while winning the whole thing upset #2 LSU, #1 UNLV and #25 St Johns. Are you kidding me? KU went from being unranked I think to being rated #1 or #2. Wow. HCRW brought a whole new system of playing the game for me. Say what you want about HCRW, but his KU teams were explosive. Deep runs and trips to the Final 4 would follow. Watching KU play was a must, and a thing of beauty. Games at he Fieldhouse would become a thing of mastery. HCRW teams just didn't beat you they made you look bad. They would blow you off the court. Every year brought new hope and a greater understanding of the game. DoubleDD was growing up and cutting his teeth on the most historical program in CB history. It was in these years that I began to learn and understand KU's position and it's contribution to the game I was in love with. I loved Old HCRW. To this day I still believe his 96/97 team with Peirce, LaFrentz, Pollard, Jacque, and Downtown Billy Thomas was one of the best ever to step onto the hardwood.
Then it happened. HCRW left just like HCLB. I have to admit it was like somebody suckered punched me. I never seen it coming. I had thought that the whole returning to UNC had been put to rest two years prior, when HCRW said no. I got a little bitter of the whole deal. The hardness in my heart was forming. Just as mad as I was. I was just as worried about the future of KU Basketball. What now? I'll be honest even to this day I'm still upset about the whole thing. Not so much at HCRW as I came to terms of why he did what he did. In the end he had no choice. Where my anger hangs out is with HCDean Smith. Having been a person that as overcame adversity against all odds more than once in my life. I began to understand the power of leadership and it's affects on those in the circle. Dean Smith may have been a class act and a great guy but what he did to HCRW was just wrong. It wasn't about bringing OLD Roy home as he made it sound. UNC was in trouble and falling of the map. Dean Smith was trying to save his legacy and in turn cost HCRW the greatness that was awaiting him. Sadly OLD HCRW becomes nothing more than a foot note in the history of UNC an KU basketball. In the end HCDean Smith was found to be selfish and cost his most prized pupil at any real greatness. The lesson learned here is never underestimate the power of the HC.
The ideal of handpicking a HC from the Fighting Illini left more questions than answers for me. I'll admit it. I had a haughty spirit. I was like come on this is KU. If not the birth place of basketball the nursery, grade school, middle school, junior high and High school where it was protected and cared for. I wasn't expecting the greatness that HCBS has brought to KU. His toughness and straightforward candidness has become something that I not only love but look forward too. Even though his tournament success can be argued he is flirting with KU greatness. Once again KU HC's have passed the torch with much success.
I've come to believe that KU just breeds good to great HC's. In my brief love affair that I'm turning into a love of a life time. I've really only seen three HCs at KU and each one carried the mantle with toughness, a desire to succeed, and a respect for KU's tradition. HCLB and even Old HCRW still talk of the greatness of the KU program. It's almost like they feel blessed to have been apart of such a storied program. That coaching in the Field house encompassed their passion. That the Phog of Allen made them better coaches. That KU land the final resting place of the inventor of the game inspired them to love the game for what it was and what it is. That fans though the faces change invoke the very spirit of why we play basketball. I've come to the conclusion KU brothers and sisters. HC don't make KU basketball, but KU basketball makes HC's. HCBS one day if not already will be at the crossroads of his career. Should I go pro of should I stay in live out a legacy? He will have to chose. No matter what choice he makes KU will be fine. We always are.
The power of HC's is awesome. Billy Donovan leaving for the NBA Inspired me to right about this topic. Billy in his own right is a bit of a legend. Did quite well for himself in the land of the Gators. Lets not forget this is football country. As I so often do I asked the question. Why? Why did he leave? Was it money? Was it Florida? Then I asked the question what becomes of Florida? Can they survive? I mean lets face Florida basketball was nothing before Donovan. It's also the question I ask about Duke. I know Duke won a NC before HCMK but lets be honest Duke basketball is MK. What happens when he leaves?
Just a few musings I have had the last few days.
I'm not sure how the do it? I try to find stuff and get lost in the deep recesses of Google land, with no understanding of how to get out.
Thanks guys for the work you do to bring us the latest on the recruiting trail.
My first time watching. You'll have to accuse me, but this story this film brought me back to the days when I was a young boy and read the books "Where the Red the Fern grows", and "Old Yeller"
This shit brought a tear to my eye and made me so glad that I found my love for KU growing up on the streets of KC.
Admit it you're a KU junkie. The quiet period the last week has you squeamish. You want to sink your teeth in something KU. Well if you have some time? Enjoy. Some of you may have already seen. Well enjoy again.
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Well if you explain Bad Ball that way then it's always been here. At least in my life time. There has always been times in a game where the offense just can't run their stuff with any success. Sometimes the passing is flat, to many mismatches on the court, and mostly the defense just flat out turns up the volume.
However I Digress :)
As @HighEliteMajor stated he fully expects as I do that HCBS will still at times put the ball in the hands of Mason and say take it to the rack. However with the addition of Bragg and Diallo, plus all the returning players I would expect this KU team to look more like the HCBS's teams of the past. Looking for fast breaks, passing the ball around the perimeter, testing the driving lanes, but always looking for that entry pass into the post first.
If I fully understand your interruption of Bad Ball correctly. HCBS won't have to rely on Bad Ball to run his offense. He will have a veteran team with plenty of bodies to fill in at key spots. Not to say he won't use it from time to time as for the reasons I stated early, but he will in no way be in a position like Duke and UK this upcoming year. With so many new faces that Bad Ball is really the only offense they can run with any success. Relying on pure talent to rule the day.
HCBS will be in his wheel house again, what he knows best. HCBS has at times looked average as a head coach here lately, especially last year. I believe he got caught up in the whole OAD craze. Can't really blame him, but I think the light came on for him last year. What makes HCBS great is his ability to take advantage of teams, to starve the opposing teams best players with limited touches, and most of all to enforce his will, his system of offense on the opponent.
Bad Ball may never go away, but it will be a distance memory and something that is used far and between in KU land. I can't speak for UK and Duke though. ;)
There is always a chance that a player doesn't pan out. That all the glitz and glory are just sliver and gold sprinkles to dress up a player that merely fits the mold of greatness, yet is nothing more than an average to good player.
The difference here is with any kid there is a certain amount of talent, or they wouldn't be recruited in the first place. Unless you don't believe in HCBS ability to identify talent? Then Bragg and Diallo bring something to the table that KU is in need of or hence HCBS wouldn't recruit them.
To often last year Ellis was left on an island all to himself. Ellis is a great talent but he's not the kind of talent that can body check guys into the stands and can dunk on three guys. He needs space, he needs the offense to flow, and mostly he needs another big to draw some attention off him. We seen the results last year with Traylor, Lucas, and Hunter. All fine players, good hustle guys, and glue guys. However they don't bring that offense prowess that Ellis needs.
Enters Bragg and Diallo. This changes everything. This would be like the Chiefs saying we are weak at Wide Receiver and actually drafting one. KU had an eye sore. We all seen it. KU's play in the paint was most likely the worst in HCBS tenure. Well that all changes now. No Bragg or Diallo don't bring instant success, but it changes the dynamics of the team. HCBS can be himself again. HCBS if anything has enough fresh bodies to play down load that he can sit any player that isn't playing to his expectation.
I've found that people or persons in their comfort zone often do better than those that aren't. (with some exceptions of course). HCBS will be in his comfort zone, his wheel house, and that alone will make a difference how this team plays next year. Bringing in Bragg and Diallo not adds pure talent but a real depth to Big Man U.
I would expect HCBS has learned something the last two years that will indeed change how he coaches and recruits. One he's not going to stray to far from his high/low system. He cut his teeth on it and it's what he knows. However he understands the game is changing, and that he'll need to change too or be left behind. So I would expect some hybrid of his high/low system. I think I heard and read more about tweaking or adding knew wrinkles from HCBS this last few months than all the years he's been here combined.
I understand you're love of the BAD BALL, but there is no reason to play it this year. None. HCBS has exactly what he needs to run his patented High/Low. In fact he may have gotten more than he expected with Bragg and Diallo.
With what KU has returning and the addition of Bragg and Diallo. I just don't see this team scarping for wins. It will be more of what we are used to. KU damn near knocking somebody out in the first 10 minutes and then just kind of grinding out and eventually coasting to a win.
I don't know about that? We live a new era in college sports. With the Big 10, ACC, SEC, Big 12 and the Pac breaking off into the Power five. It's not about the college experience anymore. It's all about money, endorsements, and tv contracts. It's win at all cost or fear being left behind. Gillespie maybe very toxic but the rules have changed, and we all know Gillespie can coach.
I have to say I'm in the same boat. I'm really excited about this upcoming year. Of course I'm excited every year when the time comes to roll out the ball on the hard wood. Yet this upcoming season just seems so different. There just seems something special about to happen. Veteran guard play, an all American in Ellis, mixed in with two stud big men. Are you Kidding me? Diallo grabbing MVP in two not one but two star studded events says to me the kid can play. Bragg may need sometime to adjust to the college game, but the WUG and all those extra practices can't hurt. Count me in brother I'm ready for the ride.
Everything I read says that Svi and Diallo can't play in the Exhibition games. That they can only be mangers? Whatever that means? I would assume they can and will practice with the team.
Relax friend just having fun with you. However we can have some fun with this. First recruiting classes are not just based off the talent you recruit. The size of the recruiting class goes a long way in determining the ranking of a recruiting class too. Meaning a school that recruits five players versus a school that just recruits two will indeed get bonus points, and a higher ranking.
In fact I would be willing to bet if a school recruited the #1 and #2 recruiting recruits in any given year they would fall behind a school that recruited say 5 players all ranked in the top 50 and two in the top 15 of course.
So you see rankings of recruiting classes really mean nothing in the big picture, other than to show where the top high school talent is going. It really boils down to who and what you get. Duke got a Royal Flush when they landed Okafor and Jones. Two top talents that delivered, but that doesn't happen all the time. Remember UK's top recruiting class of 2012? They didn't even make it out of the first game of the NIT. The error (or maybe not)(respecting you here) in your theory is Kentucky. Sure they have been getting all the talent every year. 3 to 4 top 10 recruits every year. Well they eliminate or change the equation a bit, but they are loaded up. If two or so don't pan out they have 3 more that may not be the best but are really good, and increase their odds that one will be really special. Which get to my point and why I disagree with you here on this subject. UK is trying to reload, while KU is recruiting to fill needs. We know what KU has and what players like Bragg and Diallo can do if they deliver. Where as with UK or even Duke we have no idea.
Lets shift gears here and let me ask you this question. You're a knowledgeable basketball fan. Watch a lot of games no doubt. So here is my question. Is UK good as they were this previous year with all that top talent and flirting with greatness without Willie Caley Stein a JUNIOR?
Either way I respect you as you like to stir the pot. I seen an opening on you so I took it. Nothing but love and respect.
Me: Hi my name is @DoubleDD and I'm addicted to KU basketball, and /
Counselor: Why do you feel that way?
Me: I watched @Crimsonorblue22 video 3 times from her link on /
Counselor: Yes you are addicted to KU Basketball. Sorry there is no cure, however not to worry though as I watched it twice myself. ")
OK? Granted the Mayor as in way gotten the Clone program heading in the right way. A tip of my cap. Hold on let me put a cap on so I can tip. So the Clones are returning 4 of their starters from last year. Check. The Clones have been playing KU pretty hard that last 2 or 3 years. Check. The Clones took two of three from KU last year. One in the regular season and one in the conference tournament. NOT Check.
Yes the Clones indeed did win that tournament game. However It wasn't so much that they won but it was more like KU lost that game. KU was in control and had the Clones on the ropes pretty much the whole game. It took a late comeback from the Clones to win that game. Again a tip of the cap. It's ok I kept the cap on this time. I know a win is indeed a win. I get it. However by basing that the Clones owned KU last year with their two wins isn't telling the whole story. KU lost that game more than the Clones won it. Congrats Clones on your win.
However how does any of this correlate to next year? It doesn't If you really think about it KU is only losing one of it's starters from last year too. Yet KU is gaining so much more than ISU can even dream about. Bragg is border line OAD but more likely at least a two year player. However Diallo who may not be the top recruit in this years recruiting class, (Not sure why?) was the MVP of not only the McDonald's all American game, but also the Nike Classic. That says something. He was going against the best up and coming talent and he claimed the title as the best not only once (meaning it could be a fluke), but twice (meaning the kid has some game).
@JayHawkFanToo seems to think Diallo has something to prove, before KU can be considered a final 4 team. Yet automatically believes UK's and Duke's OAD's will be great. Sorry friend just picking on ya. ;) I'm thinking the kid has already proved he can play with the best, but that's just me. Think of Embiid for a second. A lot of potential but wasn't getting the love from the media and even the great UK. Only Pitino came out on record and said this kid is going to be special. So what happened? Embiid under HCBS's love of the war in the paint and big men in general. Embiid was being considered the next great coming of Olajuwon. What do you think HCBS is going to do with Diallo?
I'll be honest I'm foaming at the mouth here. Yes I get sideways with HCBS in his apparent lack of ability to play to the strength of his team, and not valuing the three shot as much as I think he should. However none of this matters. HCBS has finally done what all us KU fans dreamed about. He has recruited two high powered big men. This is a game changer for not only KU and it's fans but College Basketball in general.
HCBS getting his hands on some of the top talented big men in the country to play his high low is going to move that east coast bias. Even the powerful Nike will be shaking in their high priced shoes made in sweat shops with the hands of little children.
This upcoming season could be special my friends. My advice buy all the tickets you can find. Make plans to attend the final four, because this team can be very special. KU is returning their whole team except Cliff and Oubre. Lets face it Cliff never materialized has he was suspended and Oubre in some ways will be missed as he did have talent. However I'm sure Svi and Greene can fill his shoes. Graham will be better. Mason are you kidding me the kid is rock solid. Selden has only one way to go but up, and lets not forget we have Ellis an all American talent with a solid core of glue guys. When the game is being called tight I"m sure Traylor, Mickelson, and Lucas will fill in quite nicely.
Forget Iowa St. KU next year could very well run the table. I know, I know. I'm just saying HCBS finally has gotten a class of bigs that he could very well ride to greatness. Also for dessert he's not done recruiting.
Rock Chalk boys and girls. Now you know where I stand.
Heard or read all games will be on ESPN
Man I'm so tried of Shaka Smart. He's nothing more than a flash in the pan. Hell he couldn't even dominate the sub tier conference that he coached in before this Texas job. Yet for some reason now he's just going to kill. I'm willing to bet he doesn't get half the recruits that Barnes got. Sure he'll have is uptick as he is new and the savior of Texas basketball, but when the tides recedes Texas will be looking for a new HC.
Ah it's just like those anti KU f%$ks at 810 am. Every year they keep picking this to be the year. At some point they'll be right, but not this year. ")
Ok I have a one beef with ya here. When you responded to who could be better than KU you mention ISU, then you backed that up with because KU doesn't know what to expect from Bragg and Diallo. OK which is fair, but then you mention Duke and UK? Now I know you didn't mean it this way but you always stir the pot so I thought I would return the favor. Why are Dukes and UK new recruits better? Why are they given the automatic to be successful? I remember not to long ago UK had a top recruiting class and they didn't even make the tournament. ;)
Duke and UK lost a lot of not only talented players but key players too. KU lost Cliff which was a bust and Oubre who showed flashes but was never really the go to guy on KU's team last year. If anything KU has returned a very battle tested team, and recruited some real talent to fill positions of need. Meaning KU got stronger. While Duke and UK got weaker.
Duke and UK have bigger question marks than KU does.
It's a good question you ask. My best guess is HCBS will try to recruit another guard and then just run with what he has. Unless he tries to pick up another project player. Either way I'm sure HCBS has a plan.
I have to say I'm a bit giddy about this up coming season. With the addition of Bragg and Diallo, I'm thinking this could be one of those years.
I know we here on KUBuckets debate, converse and sometimes even argue about potential OAD's. Me personally I can and so side with those that rather have the project players, yet I also understand that KU is in a unique situation to land a couple of OAD's. Some schools have no shot. Bottom line is no person or school is walking away from top shelf talent.
Now I'm not saying either Bragg or Diallo will leave after one year but if the money is there? They are good as gone. However I feel differently about these two. Last year? Well lets face it Cliff was a bust, Oubre showed us flashes but never really was able to take over a game. Which is what us fans expect from so much talent.
With that said. Bragg and Diallo play right into HCBS honey spot. Basketball in the paint. Some of us screamed and threw ourselves on the floor (especially me) because HCBS wouldn't play to his talent last year. Well this year he can. He can run his patent high/low offense until his heart is content.
Now think about this for a second. Sure KU won't have that classic rim protector, but it will have three bigs that can fill up the hoop. Let that sink in for a moment. Not even that 2008 championship team had bigs that could potential score like this threesome. I know some will try to rebuttal., but come on.
HCBS will not only have one big but two that can step out and hit a three or stretch the floor when teams try to pack it in. Bragg is known for his outside game, and it's one of the reason Ellis is coming back for another year to improve is draft position. NBA scouts want Ellis to work on his outside game. Then you have Diallo who could very well be the best running big man in the country. He has a motor that never quits, and a another gear that even guards have a hard time matching.
Take in account a veteran team from last year that really had no go to guy or top talent, returning intact with the additions of Bragg and Diallo. Oh MY.
Think about how much power Nike has for a second. Let it sink in. Now some of you are like what are saying? What are you talking about? No Shoe companies don't persuade a kid to go to that school or that school. Put down the peace pipe DoubleDD its affecting your brain.
OK answer me this question? How does Jaylen Brown wind up at Cal? The kid spoke for himself not so long ago about how important it was for him to attend an Adidas school. Not my words but his. So how did he wind up in the backyard of Nike? How did he wind up in Nike country?
I'm not saying I was expecting him to come to KU or anything. Kind of glad he didn't, but that doesn't answer the question of how Jaylen Brown became a Nike beetch. You all read the articles. You all were keeping a close eye on where Jaylen was thinking about going. Even @KonkeyDong said he was surprised to see Jaylen commit to Cal, and @KongDong is like the most reliable source we have on KU Buckets.
Jaylen's commitment makes no sense. You seen it? You know where he was going? He was going to be a Spartan. Every thing about Jaylen said Spartan. Yet somehow Nike wielded it's power to the point of insanity, and now Jaylen will be attending Cal.
Nike is a force Guys and Gals. A real force.
Aw dude or dude it love your comment. Maybe KU's humble hard work approach to the game fits in their paradox, their familiarity. Making KU a logical place for them. Like being home away from home?
I was bit taken back that UK didn't corner the market in recruiting again this year, however not shocked. I've become a firm believer that the shoe companies and so on have a vested interest where these kids go. Oh it's all legal like, no NCAA investigations here or there..
Me personally I feel Coach Cal cost himself big time in the eyes of his benefactors. One he has been given a stacked deck or team more than once and couldn't deliver and two he has an arrogance that rubs people the wrong way, especially seeing how he cant' back it up or deliver. Some of the things I've read on UK and coach Cal makes me wander if the ride is over. Former UK players and fans are tired of Cal's team failing because of the basic's of how to play the game of basketball. Which is basic coaching.
It seems Nike maybe changing their business model when it comes to the college game. Nike found out this last year all fans except those rooting for UK thought UK was a joke with all the talent they had. They felt it was stacked deck, an unfair advantage for UK which was a Nike school. The powers to be at Nike are no dummies. They realized this was bad for business. How many fans jumped and danced when the Badgers buried UK in the final 4? I bet the numbers swooned to out of this world comprehension for those at Nike. Nike likely ran the numbers and asked the question if Fans where willing to not only root for but celebrate a Badger win how many would be willing to turn against their very product because of the unfair advantage.
Maybe I'm just spinning a conspiracy theory here, but you have to admit it does seem plausible. Especially after this year of recruiting. As you said the top talent seems to be spread out quite a bit.
Yep you're right. I forgot Wigs is from Canada.
I'm kind of wandering if KU is at the dawn of a new horizon, a beginning if you will. I'm not sure how to express what I want to say but I will try my best.
It seems to me KU is becoming a save haven for up and coming international players? Now I haven't really done any research on the topic. So I'm kind of shooting from the hip here. However KU has recruited Embiid, Svi, and now Diallo in what the last three years? All big time talents, how be it from other countries.
What is going on? What is the deal? Is KU just backing into these players? Are these players targeting KU? I'm not really sure what question to ask? Are foreign players watching KU games in huts? I don't know? Is Adidas steering these kids towards KU? Is the Nike brand forcing KU an Adidas school to look for players born overseas?
I wish I had an opinion, but I don't. I'm perplexed. Will this become the norm? KU recruiting a foreign born player? I'm all ears if anybody has answers. Am I over thinking this? or am I right on the money? Please do tell.
Seen a pair on Ebay. He wanted over $600.00 for a pair of size 10 1/2
Is there a waiting list to put your name on? I want a pair
Ok I find this all a bit odd. I'm not saying Brown won't pick the Spartans in the end. It just seems odd to me. Maybe I need to do some home work but isn't the Spartans in a big rebuilding mode? Why would a projected OAD want to go to a school that maybe lucky to even compete in the Big 10 in the up coming year? Does he plan on staying for two years? Or did Nike back up the Brinks truck to his recruitment? If he does wind up at UK then the shoe war argument is over. It's for real.
Just curious for your take. As this recruiting season is coming to the finish line. It seems UK hasn't done as well as some projected and fallen way short of season's past recruiting classes.
Is this Nike saying we are done with you Coach Cal?
You know I've become your disciple on the shoe wars. It seems to me that not so much UK but Coach Cal has soured Nike and it's investments in the UK program. Coach Cal's lack of respect for not only the opponent, but his attitude of thinking he's God's Gift to basketball has to be turning the stomachs of the money makers at Nike. As American consumers hate arrogance. Plus his failure to deliver the coveted championship even though the deck has been clearly stacked in his favor.
Just curious what you think?
To tell you the truth as you most likely have seen. I'm not really a OAD kind of Fan, but I except it because it is what it is.
What I don't like is over recruiting guys we already have. To me that just seems counter productive. I get recruiting Bragg, and Diallo as KU is really weak in the paint, but I'm afraid HCBS is going to over recruit Svi and Greene. To me that just seems wrong. I just don't see any OAD being that much better than those two.
Ifs and buts are like horse shoes and grenades. Could've, should've, but didn't.
I'm not really arguing recruiting OAD's versus taking project players.
However nobody seems to know the answer to my question? So KU and HCBS are supposed to just pass on great talent so they can get a project player that may take 2 or 3 years to teach? Come on. Really? So your telling me KU and HCBS should come out in the media and say we isn't recruiting OAD's?
If HCBS did that and didn't win a conference championship and God forbid didn't make the tourney we KU fans wouldn't have to worry about him heading to the NBA. There would be a lynch mob to run him out of town. It wasn't to long ago a lot of KU fans were asking for HCBS job because he wasn't recruiting to the level of the Dukes and UK's of the world. Remember that?
It's easy for us to sit here and speculate recruiting project players versus OAD's is the way to go. However KU is bigger than it's fan base. There are sponsors, donors, media outlets, and even the Big 12 to answer too. Not only that but if the conference realignment merry go round starts up again I think we would want KU to be at top or as close to the top of the college basketball world. And being a destination spot for the top recruits in the nation is apart of that recipe.
Yea I did mean national Championship. There's no denying that you can win a NC without OAD's but even those teams usually have some star player or two that was over looked or didn't evolve into a great player, until after a few years in the college game.
I'm not a big fan of the OAD craze either, however I except things for what they are. Until something changes KU has to recruit the OAD's. Also keep in mind taken a lesser talent hoping they blossom into a great player is no different than rolling the dice on a OAD. You just never know.
Now you can't take a lesser player a make them a solid player, but even these kids find themselves overmatched when facing better talent.
As I've said before I don't have the answers. I just don't see how KU and HCBS can say we aren't recruiting OAD's and take their ball home. It would be bad on all fronts. Especially those that pay money to endorse the KU program.
I will say this I really like the veteran team we have coming back and the additions of Bragg and Diallo. I just hope HCBS doesn't over recruit Greene and Svi. I think that would be a big mistake.
OAD's are a gamble. There are no guarantees. Just putting out the best starting five guarantees nothing. I don't have the answers, but I have played many sports and team chemistry is just as important as any talent. I say lets don't rock the boat. Keep what we have and recruit to what's best for KU for not only this year but years to come.
I see you. I see it in your posts. I see what your going to say before you get your fingers to move on the keyboard. I just want to say you're not alone. I too am not a fan of the OAD craze that has taking over college basketball. In fact I think a strong case can be made that it's ruining the game we both love.
However my friend it is what is. As long as the top recruits are allowed to leave after one season, they will leave. The money is to great. It's nothing personally against KU and other colleges and the college game. It's the money is to great to pass up.
KU has to play this game. They have no choice. To stay in the realm of the Blue Bloods and the saving grace of Kansas University. They have to pursue the best talent. Even if they leave after one year. Do you think Coach K wins the championship last year without his two OAD's? NO
I'm with you and hope something changes but until then we have to get the best talent we can. Look on the bright side. KU has a seasoned team coming back next year sprinkled in with some real talent. Here's hoping.