🏀 KuBuckets Archive

A couple thoughts.

-Long has a plan, and he's sticking to it. He was never going to rush into anything, like firing Beaty after Nicholls. Agree or disagree with the plan, but he's had one and now we can all see the wheels are in motion.

-He really wants fan support. He's not blaming the fans like some like to bitch about, but you could see he was pissed at ISU having more fans than KU at Memorial yesterday. Could he have been more artful? Sure. But I kind of liked seeing some emotion. He's just asking for fan support. What kind of CEO doesn't ask for consumers to try their product or service? We'd all hate him for being apathetic and mailing it in if he didn't mention getting fan support, and rightly so.

-He has a list of candidates in his head, and knows who's serious and who isn't. Guessing that those who are actually serious called up Long before today. Those who just called are probably in the camp of trying to get a raise from their current employers. Could've been a jab telling those guys to not even bother.

-Related to the process, I like that he's taking charge and not hiring a stupid search firm that comes up with the same list that we could here, just for seven figures more. Keep it in house and make the decision. Also was clear there has to be a formal process. We can't just call up Les and tell him he's the guy tomorrow. KU is public so there are some EEOC type things we have to do first. Which is fine, that's the nature of the beast, but I don't expect the list within the list to be very long.

-On the timeline, it'll be done quickly. By keeping it in house and calling it "all encompassing," Long has staked out that he's going to do this right and do it quickly so the new guy can start recruiting immediately to have a semblance of a class together by the early signing period. That tells me it'll be done no later than December 1.

-At the end of the process, I still think it's Miles. He checks all the boxes Long articulated both on Twitter and in his presser. Doesn't seem like the type to outsmart himself.

@Gorilla72 I doubt it. The Maryland administration is a total shitshow right now and it’s a tough place to win. KU, while also a tough job, has a new and seemingly really solid leadership structure and money to spend. Don’t underestimate how important it is for a coach and AD to be able to work together. Miles and Long go back to the Michigan days.

@jayballer73 for sure. I mean barring something unforeseen it’s Miles.

Interested in what the presser will be about later. I'm guessing (without any real info) is that it's going to outline the plan moving forward, both the search process (since legally KUAD has to do a formal one) and for the remainder of this football season.

It’s in Long’s release.

Official. http://faninfo.kuathletics.com/nl/jsp/m.jsp?c=ff4bd336d292c947ff ↗

Sounds like it. I won’t believe it until he puts on the hat

@jayballer73 just a release today, and a presser once the new coach is hired. At least that’s last I knew

Battle for the basement next week is gonna be lit

Tomorrow could be wild...

No. The deal isn't 100% done that I'm aware of. Sometime in early December seems more likely.

It’s Miles, baring a last minute change of heart

Beaty is gone. Announcement tomorrow.

Honestly wouldn’t surprise me that much if we worked something out with Doke to stay for his senior year if we whiff on Zeke.

dylans said:

@KUSTEVE Basetball is heading towards a more positionless place anyway. Combo guards and point forwards are not unusual these days.

I wonder if playing the 3 is the allure or if it’s just the FBI stuff and he’s letting us off the hook gently?

The FBI stuff had nothing to do with JRE’s decision. Wright promised him a lot of run on the perimeter, which we didn’t. He also just really liked the school; it’s smaller, and culturally more like what he was used to at Miege. Very good academics as well.

I agree largely that the game has passed Snyder by, especially in getting talent. As of last year (and pretty sure it hasn’t changed) he never went on the road to recruit and his staff didn’t go on the road during the season. Can’t compete for Big 12 talent like that.

Lately there’s been some concern in Adidas and their programs that Nike has used the trial to get in deeper with some guys. UK and Oregon are shaping up to have monster classes.

jayballer73 said:

@FarmerJayhawk

He won't dammit lol - -ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG

Ah, have to love recruiting gallows humor.

I’d be really surprised if he left the west coast.

On Hurt last I heard was he cared more about watching his friends play football than setting up visits. There’s not much out there on him right now, because Matt doesn’t have much info on himself

Gonna look great in Carolina blue.

Kcmatt7 said:

@BShark Absolutely did. Wouldn't be shocked if it scared away Hurt and JRE. And will continue to be a cloud until the NCAA makes a ruling on it.

Fwiw, I do think we end up with at least a couple of top 100 guys before next season one way or another. I think Stumps could still be in trouble. I think Shaka could be in trouble. Bruce Pearl could end up in some stuff. UCLA is getting tired of not winning under Alford. Maryland is fed up with Turg. Add in any late risers or guys waiting on bigger offers.

So there is plenty of shuffling left. But we are definitely whiffing on our top guys and I totally thought Bill seemed to be getting in a groove again.

Just looking at uncommitted guys:

• Jaden McDaniels - What is up with him? Seems to have weak offers for being a top 10 guy. Perhaps a Spring signee?
• Precious looks like he is waiting. But also seems like he could be an eligibility nightmare? His recruitment has been quiet, but seems like Penny might have found a way in.
• Trendon Watford - We offered him. But apparently didn't take the bait?
• Malik Hall - Man we didn't even show any interest. Letting talent leave Kansas always bothers me.
• Carl Lewis - Is he an academic risk or something? NOBODY showing interest there.
• Tyrese Samuel - Only visited Wake so far. KSU supposedly involved, so he has to be clean right? lol.

We'll see on Hurt. Last I knew he was more interested in high school football than college basketball. And the list within the list still had KU at or near the top, so we'll see.

Here's what I have on the rest:
McDaniels - different type of dude. Kentucky is involved but I expect him to either stay home or go hang out with his brother.

Precious - Memphis is trying to get in, but UConn is also really strong there. Could be a G League candidate honestly.

Trendon - KU was never that serious about him given their desire for JRE, Hurt, and Zeke.

Lewis - has all the academic red flags. Probable JuCo.

Samuel - I think UConn or K-State. Don't think KU is interested.

Ha! I saw that. There’s no way on Earth that’s legal

BShark said:

FarmerJayhawk said:

Here's what I know about JRE. Now that it's kind of out there, I can say his people think he can play the wing and has been promised some run on the perimeter at Nova, where KU sees him more of a traditional 4 (which, to be fair, he is). It's also not over by any stretch of the imagination. KU certainly has their work out to close, but they definitely can.

I love JRE's game, but man, he is not a wing. He's a CENTER in Nova's system.

Recruiting, man. ¯_(ツ)_/¯

Here's what I know about JRE. Now that it's kind of out there, I can say his people think he can play the wing and has been promised some run on the perimeter at Nova, where KU sees him more of a traditional 4 (which, to be fair, he is). It's also not over by any stretch of the imagination. KU certainly has their work out to close, but they definitely can.

Total "packages" reach seven figures for top talent, once you factor in transportation, housing, and a job for one or both parents. Rent in swanky new Durham subdivision isn't cheap my dudes.

UNC can’t be in it because Duke is. 2 teams from the same conference can’t be in a guaranteed matchup in non-conference. Hence why UNC, UCLA, Kentucky, and a 4th team I’m forgetting have their own thing later on.

Agree with @Texas-Hawk-10 that Miles is the target. My sense is that he’ll retain Hull. We’ll have a shot at getting LeGendre back into the fold. With a competent line coach, Stanley at QB, and a solid OC we can take a big step forward on offense. The defense will be meh, but the drop off may not be as pronounced just because Bowen will be gone. 5 wins is definitely doable, maybe 6 if things fall right.

BShark said:

FarmerJayhawk said:

Ochai is going to RS

Factual insider info or gut feeling?

Based on Self’s comments earlier and that to my knowledge it’s been the plan since Vick came back.

Ochai is going to RS

Basketball already has more flexibility in the RS rule than football. The NCAA has traditionally given out a lot more medical redshirts just because there are a lot more games.

Hopefully Ochai does take one. We don’t need him this year and I’d rather have him for when recruiting is a total mystery when OAD goes away. His senior year would be 22-23 so we’d have at least one stud for post-OAD. He’ll play tonight and the next one just because freshmen can play in exhibitions and still RS. Upperclassmen cannot, so if Mitch plays tonight he can’t, barring injury.

BShark said:

FarmerJayhawk said:

I still think JRE picks KU but Nova has me pretty nervous. Too early to say anything definitive on Hurt, and we’re not really recruiting Chandler that hard.

When you slowplay guys like Chandler and some others, you'd better not miss on your top targets like JRE. JRE is as close to "must get" as you can have for KU imo. I really don't want to see what the scramble result looks like. Hope you are right.

The backup plan for JRE is Zeke, but the staff views him as a guy than can start in years 2-3, not a guy that’s going to be a KU level starter immediately.

I still think JRE picks KU but Nova has me pretty nervous. Too early to say anything definitive on Hurt, and we’re not really recruiting Chandler that hard.

Gassnola said under oath Fenny didn’t get the $60k, just the $2500 if memory serves.

Kcmatt7 said:

You lawyer folk. Is it too late for a deal to be made at this point? That's over right?

Only deal they can make now is to roll on others for a reduced sentence if the government doesn’t have all they want on a certain other shoe company.

Hehehe 😏

HighEliteMajor said:

@JayHawkFanToo The NCAA punished Memphis for the Rose deal, that they supposedly didn't know about, right? If we play an ineligible player, regardless of prior knowledge, we can get hammered, clearinghouse or no clearinghouse, right?

And you think the FBI doesn't have more info? Why would you think that?

The NCAA warned Memphis something was fishy with Rose (namely, his fraudulent SAT) and Calipari played him anyway.

JayHawkFanToo said:

@FarmerJayhawk

Unless the NCAA has a lot more evidence than the FBI it is not happening.

Exactly. They won’t drop the hammer for $2500.

BShark said:

FarmerJayhawk said:

“Done” lol ok. If you’re going to go there might as well say the FF banner is coming down too.

You don't think it's possible that he doesn't play for KU this year and the banner stays up? I think it's possible.

Possible, though remote. To be clear, the thread title is getting way out over your skis.

“Done” lol ok. If you’re going to go there might as well say the FF banner is coming down too.

BShark said:

DanR said:

I think we should give ESU a couple of our guys. Seriously.

Elijah and Luinstra? ;)

This is a 12:30 Farmer is finishing his beer take but EJ is gonna make a big 3 for KU at some point in his career. Dude is a legit mid major talent who’s family doesn’t give a rats ass about paying for school

@BShark 🙌🏻🙌🏻

@JayHawkFanToo @BShark if Zeke is a OAD KU had a phenomenal year so I’m A OK there 👍🏻

Guys you’re making a poor guy jealous. I do have a case of Stone Anti-Matter though

Same. I’m tired of just talking legalese and rumors. I do post a lot on those just because it’s what I’ve done for a living, but I like actual basketball more. If I had to guess, I’d say the starters will be Dotson, Grimes, K.J., Dedric, and Doke. Though it would be zero surprise to see Vick starting at the 3. I’m like 90% sure Devon has shown the staff enough to claim the PG spot over Charlie. He’s probably better suited as a canned offense guy off the bench.

@BShark yeah if we whiff on JRE I fully expect to land Zeke. This is totally going to sound like “I didn’t want JRE anyway I’m a Kentucky fan” but Zeke is the better long term prospect. Personally I’d rather have JRE for next year but Zeke may be the better player long term.

BShark said:

FarmerJayhawk said:

I do find the Venn diagram of people who simultaneously are mad at Self for maybe playing fast and loose with NCAA rules and not recruiting well enough humorous.

:thinking:

Self is a good recruiter and has good guys on the staff. The turmoil and uncertainty could cause problems though, like it did temporarily for Arizona and Louisville but I also fully expect Self and co to bounce back strong in recruiting once the crap is done.

Talking retrospectively. Like the early 2010’s classes were garbage but OH NO SELF HAS TO BE A SAINT

Worst (realistic) scenario: a lineup of Moore, Garrett, K.J., Zeke, McCormack is a top 10 team that’ll win the conference.

I do find the Venn diagram of people who simultaneously are mad at Self for maybe playing fast and loose with NCAA rules and not recruiting well enough humorous.

Zeke