🏀 KuBuckets Archive

@drgnslayr --Maybe I was being to general but my point doesn't change. I'm a logical person and think in logical terms. Now I know this doesn't always equate to a truth or a form of correctness, but in some ways it is a form of reality. Meaning I'm not trying to define what racism is or even aspire to it. I'm merely accepting a reality to be fact.

For instance it is a proven fact that Black Americans have a different muscle structure than do their white counter parts. In a study it was proven that Black Americans are indeed more explosive in running and jumping. This is a reality.

Look no further than physically demanding sports. Take Football and basketball the two most popular sports in our country. They're rosters are loaded with black Americans. This is a reality.

When you watch the drafts of these two sports. The first round is chocked full of Black Americans being picked with the occasional white American receiving a nod. This is a reality.

How many Black Americans do you see or hear that are drafted on potential? Now why is that? Are they talking about the potential of their mind? You no that answer is no. When a Black American is drafted on potential they are talking about their physical abilities and what they can do. You never hear of a white American being drafted on potential. This is a reality.

Look I can go on for days but I think you get my point. No I haven't traveled the world so my views are limited. However America is my world and my reality, and everything I see and read tells me that at least here in the states Black Americans are the better athletes.

Further more I wish people wouldn't throw around the term racism so easy. It undermines what it really means. Reality is we are not all created equal it's just a fact of life. Maybe if we can talk about these differences and accept them there would be less racism in the world. Now that's a reality.

@HighEliteMajor -- I normally don't jump in the middle of the fray. However I must say that I agree with much of your ascertains. It is this very reason I choose to avoid such discussions of race and religion. People can be quite sensitive to the issues. However I do love to discuss (argue) such issues, so I often find myself in the middle anyways.

It is a no brainer that % wise the black race are indeed better athletes and have more athletic ability. There was an actually study done on Black vs White physical makeup. The results of the study were very clear the black person had way more explosive muscles, meaning they could indeed jump higher, run faster, and so on.

Having spoken my piece I do want to try and pin you on something. You raise the question and a good one. How will Sviatoslav do against the athletes in the states. As you're correct he hasn't faced the level of talent he would face attending KU and playing the college game. In this regard he very well could be a bust.

Though I think you raise a very valid point, I think you're overlooking something when it comes to Sviatoslav. Everything he knows about basketball is European, and the last time I checked European players do quite well in the NBA. Now they may not be superstars as they lack some of the athletic ability you speak of, yet they are solid ball players non the less. Sviatoslav may or may not be a superstar, however I do believe the % a very high that he will at the very least be a good role player. Lets not forget HEM that HCBS is a system coach and Sviatoslav being brought up on European BB is by nature a system player.

I think I have to disagree with you HEM. I do believe Sviatoslav would be a perfect fit at KU. Lets not forget what Sviatoslav would do for KU internationally.

I guess the kid is going to pay KU a visit. I'm not sure what to think of it. I do know this we have got to get this kid a nickname. I hate referring Sviatoslav as him and he.

<a href="http://cjonline.com/sports/2014-05-15/reports-ukrainian-guard-sviatoslav-mykhailiuk-visit-ku)

I guess the kid is going to pay KU a visit. I'm not sure what to think of it. I do know this we have got to get this kid a nickname. I hate referring Sviatoslav as him and he.

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I guess the kid is going to pay KU a visit. I'm not sure what to think of it. I do know this we have got to get this kid a nickname. I hate referring Sviatoslav as him and he.

[http://cjonline.com/sports/2014-05-15/reports-ukrainian-guard-sviatoslav-mykhailiuk-visit-ku] ↗

@truehawk93 -- Yea I agree truehawk93 it's such a touchy feely subject. You get walking down that road and the path gets pretty narrow. Say the wrong thing even if your right and your a racist.

Well any ways the kid is going to pay a visit to KU. I'm not sure what to think. I know this if he does play at KU we have got to give him a nickname. I really hate referring to Sviatoslav as he and him all the time.

(http://cjonline.com/sports/2014-05-15/reports-ukrainian-guard-sviatoslav-mykhailiuk-visit-ku) ↗

Well KD and HEM seem to be going head to head. However it seems this kid has an offer on the table from KU? It seems HCBS has already made up his mind? or I'm I missing something?

Was reading an article on KUSports.com and ran across this

Ukrainian recruit: KU and Virginia are said to be leading Michigan, Oregon, Iowa State and North Carolina for Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk, a 6-6 wing from Ukraine who will either attend college this fall or play for a pro team overseas.

“If he ends up in college he’ll face a little bit of a challenge because of his age (turns 17 this summer),” ESPN’s Fran Fraschilla told Jason King of bleacherreport.com. “But he’s just so skilled. He would impact a team immediately. He’s a 6-6 combo guard. He’s not a pure point, but he can play the point. He’s a dead-eye shooter who is tough as nails. It’d be like signing a really good player from Detroit or Pittsburgh or Chicago. He’s a competitor.”

As far as possibly playing pro ball, Fraschilla told Bleacher Report: “A club over there could make it very difficult for him to leave. Right now I’d say there’s a 50-50 chance he ends up in college.”

So what is the word or inside scoop on this guy? Does KU really have a shot at landed him?

This is all very interesting fodder. However I'm not sure we can compare last years team to any of HCBS previous teams. Whether the intentions where there or not HCBS started three freshmen last year. This is not a normal occurrence. We can throw around all the numbers we want but even a causal fan can see that HCBS is a defense first kind of coach. Problem with this mindset is very few kids coming out of high school can play the level of defense at the college level their first year. Hence that is why you don't see to many freshman start for HCBS.

However times are changing. With the concept of Kids leaving early to chase the money becoming the norm. A head coach has to play these elite athletes even though a year riding the pine would do them some good. Especially on the defense side of the ball. Are you seeing my point here? It doesn't matter what system you play when you have freshman running the show there are going to be break downs of the execution on both sides of the ball. You maybe able to replace older players in the system with better athletes but it's not so easy to replace the wisdom, and the ability to execute these more seasoned players have earned.

Now having said all that, I do think there is one area that HCBS needs to change and focus more on. The point guard position. I really believe this is where most of our tournament failures come from. Don't get me wrong we have had some very nice two guards handle the rock quite well, but they were two guards and acting like one when the time came. Look no further than S. Collins. He was a great point guard right? I don't think so. Yes the guy was great at getting to the rack, but that is all he wanted to do when the game was tight or on the line. A true point guard will take the points when they are there, but he is always looking for the easy bucket, getting the offense going. Look at Coach Cal and all the talent he had. Dismiss last years team (way to many last minute shots) his best team was the one where he had J. Wall. a true point guard.

I love Tharpe as person and a Jayhawk, but I'm sorry when you get hit in the head by a pass. That says it all. Just my two cents worth.

@VailHawk

1. Iowa St.

2. Kansas St.

Iowa St. values basketball because the really love the game. Not just because they want to beat KU.

I'm getting a little tired of Kansas St fans thinking they are all that and above KU in the pecking order in this conference. I hate to say it but I can't wait for Bill Snyder to pass away. It's not that I hate the guy. He is just a great coach and as long as he can draw a breath Kstate will be there with an open check book. I like to see what would happen without coach Snyder. If my memory serves me correct they didn't fair so well. Plus I hate their new Basketball Coach. He has such a complex with HCBS.

I think Myles Turner is a kid stuck in a hard place. His childhood heart is Longhorns. Kevin D is his hero, and also a Longhorn. What kid doesn't want to follow in his/her their hero's footsteps. However KU the mecca of college basketball is calling. What to do? Set aside your KU bias and be this kid for a second. What would you do?

For me if I was in his shoes. I would hope somebody was whispering in my ear your not Kevin D. you're Myles Turner. I would have to think I'm going pro no matter what. If I go to Texas I might not win the Big 12, hell I might not even make the tournament. If I go to KU, I have a great chance of winning a conference championship, and the tournament is a shoe in. A final 4 is possible and a championship could very will happen. With Texas my stock may go down costing me a lottery pick. With KU my stock may skyrocket just like Joe E.

The kid has to make up his own mind, but after weighing everything. I would go to KU.

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@Crimsonorblue22 -- I'm a bit of a conspiracy theorist so sometimes a throw these scenarios around. I really believe that HCBS will never leave KU for another college job. He has found heaven and he knows it. However I do think he has an itch for the NBA game. So I do believe if the right situation presented itself and it would have to be perfect. HCBS would at the very least consider it. That is why this Thunder situation kind of bothers or at the very least makes me wonder. The Thunder are loaded so it would be a ready made team for a new coach. Not to mention Oklahoma is HCBS's home state.

As for potential KU coach's if God forbid HCBS were to leave. I think it's more about who we can't get as it is who we can get. Meaning there is only a few coach's we couldn't get but every other coach couldn't pack their bags fast enough. So here my list of coach's we couldn't get (and maybe don't want).

Coach Cal of UK -- I do believe Cal would take the next big thing in a heart beat. He has no loyalty. However lets face it. Moving to KU would be lateral move for him, and he's not a good fit for the KU faithful.

Coach K of Duke -- The Duke faithful are going to build statues of him in Duke. Do I need to say more?

Coach Roy of UNC -- Yea I'm not even going there. However I bet there is a part of Old Roy he wishes he was still coaching at KU.

Coach Boehiem of Syracuse -- The guy has been coaching there since Noah boarded the ark. He's not going anywhere.

Coach Izzo -- Michigan st -- Like HCBS he found a peace of heaven. Though I don't think Michigan st is on the same level as KU. I do believe it would be a lateral move for Izzo.

Well that's it. I really can't think of another coach that would be off limits to KU. I think even Pitno would be interested in the KU job.

@Crimsonorblue22 I'm good ;-)

@JRyman Yea I don't know if I'll ever forget that 97 Arizona loss. That one really stung. I also think the VCU loss left a mark too.

Was listening to 810 am today and the subject of the Oklahoma Thunder playing so poorly in the NBA Playoffs came up. Between the lines Kevin K. raised the question (imagine that) what if the Thunder bowed out of the playoffs earlier than expected. Would they look for a new coach and would Bill Self be at the top of that list? Now I know those that 810 am would love nothing more than to see Bill Self leave KU. Hopefully ending the dominance that KU has had over the Big 12.

As much as I would love to think HCBS would never leave KU, the interview made me think. Would HCBS leave KU? and if he did who would we find to replace him? Yes I've been drinking. I was at a poker game (which I did quite well), but I couldn't shake this imaginary scenario. So here I am asking my KU brothers for clarity.

Is it possible if the Thunder job came open would HCBS jump on it? After all it's his home state, and from everything I read HCBS is a big NBA fan. So with this last beer before I call it a night or is it morning? If HCBS were to take the Thunder coaching job. Who would you want? Who could we get? Is there any coach that we couldn't get? I'm very interested to hear what you have to say.

@icthawkfan316 --Not sure what we options we have of recruiting a PG. However when looking at we have.

Tharpe---Can shoot the ball and create his own shot. However he is very careless with the ball. Sometimes you just shake your head and can't believe he just did that. Tharpe also seems to disappear when the game is on the line, not a good quality in a point guard. He is also is a liability on the defense side of the ball. HCBS will let him handle the rock to start the season, Yet I would look for a change somewhere at mid season.

Mason---Is a cannonball. Fearless, can get to the rack when he needs too. Lacks a good jump shot and doesn't facilitate the offense. He is raw and with more experience and seasoning is the future PG of the Jayhawks. There is a reason HCBS went after this guy.

Frankamp---is a sturdy and dependable player. Plays solid defense and can shoot the three. He will protect the ball and will do a fine job in an emergency situation, but he is not a PG. He can't get to the rack or create his own shoot. This is an important quality in a PG.

Unless there is some point guard out there to recruit, Mason is the answer, followed by Frankamp, and then Tharpe when the refs are calling the game to close.

Reality HCBS is loyal to his players. So the point guard situation will be as it was last year. I hope Tharpe comes ready to play.

I've been watching College Basketball for over 25 years. In fact the 1988 season was my real first season of watching the game we love. Over the years I've heard the term blue bloods many times. I thought I knew what it meant. A college program steeped in tradition that has had much success paying the game, but now I wander?

I was reading and article about the championship game between UCon and UK and the title was Blue Blood vs New Blood. This vexed might thought process. What is a blue blood? Where did this term come from?

When somebody throws out a name or term like blue blood you have to think elite. Right? However after pondering the question I'm not so sure. In my limited years of watching the game we all love. I always thought of the Hoosiers, UCLA, Duke, NC, UK and KU as the blue bloods. Yet when following the game like reading articles, watching analysts the term might include teams like Ohio St. Michigan st. or some teams on the east coast.

So what is a Blue blood? I used to think it was a school that was steeped in tradition and had much continued success in the hardwood game. Now I'm not so sure? I mean UCLA had one of the greatest runs in CB history yet other than the Wooden years what have they really done? Yet they are considered a blue blood. Indiana considered the birthing ground of great basketball and the great coach Knight hasn't really produced much since that era, yet they are considered a blue blood. Lets not forget Duke. Yes they've done quite well for themselves but all pretty much under coach K. Does one coach make a blue blood?

What is this club of blue bloods? Can anybody gain admission to it? Can anybody lose their status as a blue blood? And why isn't UConn considered a blue blood? Other than total wins they have done everything Duke has done. I'm really perplexed on this one.

@jaybate 1.0 -- I'm thinking the cat is going to be a TE in the NFL. Just saying.

@DinarHawk I concur. It is the strength that Ellis hasn't figured out yet. He has often taken that mid range jumper in the flow of the game. However he rarely makes it a point to look for that shot.

@Crimsonorblue22 I would agree. However I've to admit he has been stepping into the passing lanes here lately. After all I did call him the sleeping giant.

After reading article after article I'm beginning to wonder? We all have heard and read about how great Wiggins, JoeJoe, and Seldon are. These three have disappointed and wowed us with what they can do on the basketball court. I think we can all agree if these three are on their game KU is almost impossible to beat. However I wonder.

It seems to me there is a sleeping Giant in our mist. A player that can rebound, a player that can dunk, a player that has a mid range shot, a player that can shoot the three, and finally a player that can create his own shot.

Wiggins wows us at what he can do and hasn't done yet. Joe is just a freak of nature, and Seldon is most likely the toughest player KU has. However the there is one player nobody talks about. Kstate calls him the silent assassin.

The young man, the myth, the player nobody talks about. Yet is the player KU tournament success relies on.

Perry Ellis.

I think the thing is. The other teams you mentioned that are in the mix already know who they are, and we know who they are. However let me ask you this question. When you sit down to watch the game with Iowa state. What are you thinking? What are expecting. If you're like me your thinking what am I going to see tonight. I would think you and most KU fans would agree we don't even really know what this KU team is yet. All we know is that they can play, and can't wait to see what the do next.

In a normal season I would totally agree with you on the #1 seed theory. However with this current KU team I just don't think it matters. They have but just scratched the surface and already starting to look scary good. Even Vegas has them the favorite to win it all. Yet maybe that is the Achilles heel of this team. Being they never reach their potential. I don't know, but I do know one thing no future #1 seed wants KU in their bracket.

@justanotherfan When you recruit the talent Coach Cal has been getting you're going to win some games. I think you're missing the point here. Coach Cal doesn't make players better. The players he recruits make him look great. Ask yourself this question? Why didn't Coach Cal even look at Embid? The guy is turning out to be the greatest big man to play the game in decades. Where was the interest? Where was the scholarship? Why wasn't the great Coach Cal as you call him looking at Embid? That is the question. Meaning Coach Cal only want's ready made players.

I'm a little confused here. Watching the college draft the last few years, it's hard not to think that Kentucky and Coach Cal get who they want. So I ask what is the deal.

Did they miss the boat? Was the recruiting report flawed? Again what is the deal? When we lost out on Randle I thought what in the world? (I really thought he was in the bag) Then came Wiggins and two days later I was able to accept that KU had recruited the #1 recruit of the class. (so I thought)

Don't get me wrong the season is very young and Wiggins is starting to find his game, and may live up to all the hype thrust unto him. (I'm starting to believe)

However Wiggins is a no brainer. Anybody that watches and loves the game of basketball knows the guy is going to be good. (really good)

Yet as I said before, "What is the deal". Maybe I'm wrong but I don't remember reading or seeing anything where Kentucky or coach Cal were pursuing or looking at Embid. What is the deal? HCBS took one look at the guy and said come to KU. I am really confused here. Why would a program like Kentucky and a coach like Cal pass on a talent like Embid? Was he to raw? Was he ranked to low? (even though he was climbing like no other)

My opinion. Coach Cal didn't think he could teach him and make him great. His young and fresh skill set was to much for coach Cal to handle. I'm starting to think coach Cal thinks he's a NBA coach. Only looking for ready made talent. Because as you and I have seen Embid can play. (understatement)

I'm so glad we have a HC that knows real talent we he sees it, no matter how raw. I'm also so glad we have a HC that knows how to harness and grow that talent. Wiggins may well very well wind up being the best college basketball player this year, but something tells me Embid isn't going to be to far behind. (and neither will Seldon or Ellis for that matter)

My point? KU makes players. Players don't make KU. Whether one and done, three year player, or someone that stays four years. When you leave KU you'll know how to play the game we call basketball.

@VailHawk As mush as I would love to see Conner succeed, OU doesn't play defense. One thing that bothers me about Conner is he seems to pass first before even thinking about a shot. I would like to see him more aggressive in taking a few shots. The guy can obviously shoot as he showed tonight when he was open and when he created his own shot at the end of the 1st half.

@nuleafjhawk No disrespect (as I have respected many of your posts), but I have yet to see this KU team get blown out. Even in the Florida game when it was clear the deck was stacked against them. They didn't quit, and in the end it was almost a game. In fact if you look back on this young season this year's KU team is just mere seconds of only having one loss.

I want to believe this KU team is on the cusp of turning the corner, but they just don't look like they're having fun to me. As I said before I think a few rummies would have done this team good. However I'm no BS just some guy posting like he might know.

@DoubleDD After rereading this I realized I butchered the English language like no other. I often work late and like to finish off my day or night with a few beers. My apologies.

@jaybate 1.0 Every team has strengths and weaknesses. Every team has some part of their game that can be exploited. That is what makes HCBS so good. His ability to develop a game plan to a mask those deficiencies. Think about it? When was the last time you seen a KU team and said hey they've got no weaknesses?

This team wasn't ready for the extremely tough schedule they have had to face and will continue to face. I maybe reaching here but I think this team could've used a few more rummy's. I really believe only a seasoned team with senior players could've of survived this gauntlet of games. This is why I think BS went to far.

Maybe in the end you're right and this team just has to many flaws. If that is the case then maybe we as KU fans need to temper our expectations of this team and just enjoy the game of basketball we so much love.

First of all let me say I love HCBS and don't won't any other Head coach. Having said that I ask this question because the current KU team seems to lack confidence and they don't look like they are having fun. The talent is there. The heart is there. The depth is there. The skill is there. So why is this team falling so short of expectations?

So here it is my opinion. I think this out of conference schedule is just crazy, especially for such a young team. I can't remember a team playing such a strong schedule. I can't even remember the last time we played a rummy. Even Michigan St who are known for playing anybody anywhere throws in a couple rummies. I know some say you gain nothing from beating the crap of a lesser team, but I disagree. This isn't the NBA full of pros. These are kids. They need to know the beat the crap out of somebody. They need to now they can dunk on somebody. They need to know the can run on a fast break. They need to know they can keep a team from scoring. They need to know they can rain threes from the outside. Most importantly they need to know they can have fun playing the game they love.

I maybe wrong in everything that I posted and this team will be hoisting a big championship and NCAA championship (I hope so). However right now this current KU team doesn't look like they are having fun. It's almost like they are trying live up to something they never can. I blame the out conference schedule. I'm not sure playing a tournament team every game is what this young team needed. My hope for this team is at some point they become the hunters instead of the hunted. If this team can learn to have fun through this meat grinder of a schedule then I take back every thing I said, because then look out. They'll be unstoppable.

@Chris1955 I don't think it's because they don't listen. They are just to young and have played a out of conference schedule that is just to much for such a young team. I mean when was the last time we played a rummy? There is something to say for just kicking the crap out of a lesser opponent. It builds confidence and it's fun. This team isn't having fun right now. Every game is like a tournament game. Life or death.

Man oh man. I'm afraid that HCBS may have created this problem. This current KU team lacks confidence. I'm thinking the out conference schedule was just way to tough. I mean when was the last time we played a rummy, and with a surprisingly strong Big 12 on the way. I just don't know. My only hope at this moment is that KU becomes obscure. That the media makes us irrelevant. Then maybe just maybe we become the hunter instead of the hunted.

If HCBS were to leave for the NBA, I would just tip my hat and say thank you. He's has done so much for KU. I remember when Roy left. I was so afraid and confused. A coach leaving KU the mecca of college basketball for another program (I don't care if it was NC) made me sick to my stomach. You know what is scary is HCBS was almost coach of MU. I don't want HCBS to go anywhere, but if he goes all I can do is tip my cap. KU will be alright.

Come on guys the new rules or old rules buried in the back of the book will increase scoring this year. I mean think of all that none stop action at the free throw line we get to watch.

I have to watch the game in the bedroom. It's not that I can't watch the game in the main room. I just don't like to be bothered when I'm watching the game. I found that when it comes to people watching the game with me. It can only be other diehard Jayhawks fans like me, or it just doesn't work.

With these new rules can anybody play defense? I guess you just have to out score people?

When has KU not played a strong noncon? I remember last year reading somewhere that HCBS was trying to work out a home and home with UK. It seems UK no wants no part of that.

I have no doubt he will. Didn't say he wouldn't. I was just saying the Kid has big dollars awaiting him. Don't under estimate the money these super stars can make from endorsement deals. In some cases depending on the star they can make more in endorsement money than their salary.

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/adidas-reportedly-offer-andrew-wiggins-180-million-shoe-015304838--nba.html ↗

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/adidas-reportedly-offer-andrew-wiggins-180-million-shoe-015304838--nba.html ↗

I stand corrected? It was more like 180 million.

Yea figured I was just losing my mind. It seems I read somewhere that Wiggins already has a shoe contract on the table with Addis for something like 160 million . Not sure on the amount of money but I do remember it being the most money ever giving in a shoe contract. All Wiggins has to do is finish the year and sign on the dotted line.

I'm wonder how big Wiggins is in Canada? Will the whole country be watching? I'm starting to wonder if Jaybate's rants on the shoe companies pulling the strings in recruiting has some teeth? Think about this for a second. Nike is top dog in the states. UK and UNC are Nike schools and kind of had there way in recruiting in the states. I didn't know until recently that Addis was a world power in the shoe business. Is Addis leading recruits from around the world (Kaun, Embid, Mario (Alaska is kind like it's own country , and now Wiggins) to KU? Is KU becoming the college of choice around the world? Ok KU fans am I reaching or am I just losing my mind? ; - )

I would assume Kentucky. It seems to me that the coaches have more say so in this than perceived. I maybe wrong but again it seems to me recruits that come to KU just say they are coming. Recruits going to Kentucky seem to have a big media day with hats and so on. I guess what I'm trying to say is that the decision is already made and now it's just about show boating. Who's king of show boating?

If the refs call the game according to the new rule changes Duke is in big trouble. As Duke made a living off flopping or sliding under at the last second. KU might not be the defensive beast they've been in years past but look for an explosion in points scored. I can't think of a KU team that has had the offensive fire power this team has. Even the future bench players won't be just stealing minutes but have the potential to bury a opponent. Lets call it shock and all.

Selden will own him. Even if he doesn't KU will own Okie st. The rivalry has started.

I didn't post much on KUsports, but I did love reading the articles and more so the comments to the articles. I'm just so glad I've found most of you here at KU Buckets. (I do wish Jaybate would show up). The insight and the passion you guys displayed with your key boards left a KU fan like me wanting more and more. When everybody was at KUsports I guess I just took things for granted. However I'm starting to see that participation is quite important. I live a very busy life but I'm going to try be more involved this time around. Thanks for KU buckets. OH and I will be reading.