🏀 KuBuckets Archive

Here's my (worthless) prediction: I'm afraid we miss on all three.

I just can't see Tyus coming to KU, and unless they surprise everyone and go their separate ways I think Okafor follows him to Duke. The other day Okafor tweeted something to the effect: Do you follow your heart or your head? I really think we are the "heart" part of that - I think he really wants to come to KU but ultimately will follow his buddy to Duke with his "head." The head may be a reference to more playing time at Duke with Embiid's OAD status unclear.

I think Cliff Alexander goes to Illinois. Perhaps I'm reading too much into it, but it just seems curious to me to come to campus to watch your girlfriend play and not bother to check in with your future coach on an unofficial visit or to come just a little earlier to watch your future teammates play the night before. Perhaps he's worried about playing behind Ellis and Embiid? Either way, if he does choose Illinois (or even worse Depaul) I wish him luck - he will need some to see the NCAA tourney at either of those destinations.

So if we do miss on all 3, what does that mean for KU? It means we better turn the heat back up on Myles Turner. We really need a big man in this next class and he will be the next best available. He was ours to lose a few months ago - now he seems to be looking elsewhere. Specifically, several in-state schools are reportedly gaining traction - esp Texas. To me, if we miss on Alexander and Okafor we must get Turner.

Jahlil Okafor, Tyus Jones, and Cliff Alexander all to announce Friday.

This article shows a little insight - and the original online version had a statement by Okafor's dad saying Okafor & Alexander would NOT be at the same school. Now, it says he can't confirm. So maybe an editing error? Not sure.

http://my.chicagotribune.com/#story/chi-basketball-recruiting-jahlil-okafor-cliff-alexander-to-both-announce-college-decisions-friday-20131111/ ↗

Think less than 5 min/mop up time will be par for the course. Just not enough PT to go around and AWIII has won that time.

IMO really should have saved the red-shirt option for him. Although the vibe I'm getting is that he is the most likely guy to consider transferring. Something to watch as the end of semester approaches.

Pretty sure Tyshawn was sent to D League this week.

A few post game thoughts looking towards Duke on Tuesday:

• First thought: that was costly of Naadir to play in that Summer League game. The biggest cost: burning the possibility of a Frankamp redshirt this year - which I think would've been best in the long run. (Granted, with these stupid foul rules it might not have been possible anyway.)

• Second thought: we're gonna get killed if we guard like this vs Duke

• Third thought: Duke's not going to see the rudderless team we seemed to be vs La-Monroe, unless Tharpe gets in foul trouble (real possibility.)

• Fourth thought (Ode to Jaybate): Has Self intentionally not tipped his hand in these 2 exhibitions and 1st game? Meaning, did he exclude significant parts of the "play book" so Duke would have little meaningful film to study?

• Fifth thought: I know the NBA drafts on potential, but I think Embiid will be here for at least two years. He in no way/shape/form has the look of a OAD, esp with how deep the '14 draft is looking.

• Final thought: I want to see more of that Alpha Dog Self talked about re: Andrew. I want to see more aggression. As good as they were, I don't want BRush 2.0 or BMac 2.0. That is, skilled & athletic players who Self had to threaten/plead with to shoot and drive. I know I'm asking a lot, but I want something closer to KD. Someone who fearlessly took over games.

Jayhawkrock78 - that's the breast comment I've seen all day.

Well nuleaf, if you were peeing down your leg I'm pretty sure you'd only see mop up duty.

http://www2.kusports.com/news/2013/nov/07/brannen-greene-ok-after-getting-hit-abdomen-practi/ ↗

The last line of the article:
"Self said the only way Greene wouldn’t play is if he’s still feeling discomfort before the game Friday."

And I would add "...or if we are red-shirting him."

New Keegan article: http://m.kusports.com/news/2013/nov/08/opinion-weis-cover-worse-punt-fake/ ↗

I'm not a huge Keegan fan but I'm beginning to respect him more recently as he's not been a cheerleader/propaganda journalist I'd gotten used to seeing at LJ World. His most recent pointed remarks about Weis are as follows:

"If Weis does reverse the losing ways of a football program that has lost 26 consecutive Big 12 games, he’ll be remembered for having an offense ill-suited for a college team that can’t count on having superior offensive-line play year in and year out and for a remarkably lousy passing game.

Those who realize the importance of issues beyond wins and losses will be grateful for the turn-around he has executed in the area of failed tests ranging from urine to math to English."

Well it's working now. Not sure what the problem was but I bet it was on their end. (see what I did there?)

http://espnmediazone.com/us/press-releases/2013/11/state-farm-champions-classic-mens-hoops-doubleheader-to-continue/ ↗

Highlights:

KU vs UK 11/18/14 in Indianapolis

KU vs Mich St. 11/17/15 in Chicago

KU vs. Duke 11/15/16 in NYC

It worked, but the regular kubuckets.com is still inaccessible on this PC.

Testing to see if this reply on my work PC goes through...

I'm replying on my mobile, but I can now see the site and your post on my work PC. It's still weirdly blocking just some of the icons though

I've been able to get on at work no problems until this morning. This AM access is being denied as they have ID'ed content on the site to contain "Gambling."

I'm wagering they're full of it, but thought you should know in case others were having similar problems.

Just saw that Cliff Alexander is visiting KU this weekend. Think that ups our chances with him. Although maybe its just a booty call...

Myles Turner said " If a school gets a player at my position, I don't know, that'd weigh heavy."

Turner's not coming if Okafor comes.

Sounds like recently Turner, once thought to be KU's to lose, has eyes for Texas. Although I can't understand why anyone would consider TX with Rick "Dead Man Walking" Barnes still at the helm (new AD = even shorter leash than before), there's enough smoke there that there might be fire.

My worthless prediction:
Jones/Okafor split up. Jones stays home at Minnesota or goes Duke and we get Okafor. Alexander picks KU or Illinois (think its 50/50 right now) and Turner goes somewhere else (Ohio St?)

Hope you're right Lulu - if anyone can do it its Self. Just think this might be the year the amazing run ends.

The truth is, none of us knows what's really going on. It's all speculation. In light of that, I would suggest against using terms like "Petty" and "spoiled" and "selfish" to describe an 18 y/o trying to make the most important decision of his life to date.

DanR -

Not pessimistic, I just think this young team is going to have some significant growing pains early on. I am doubtful that we will win conf championship number 10, but I am expecting growth and predicting a successful season ultimately with a run to the championship game.

Losses could look something like:
Duke, (possibly one Bahamas team: UT?), Florida, @OU, @ISU, @OKST, @Baylor, plus a loss in the Big 12 tourney final and one unexpected home loss

Lulu and Dan are right - thought I excluded all the exhibition games but counted one anyway. It is 31 regular season games (13 non-conf + 18 Conf) plus 9 possible tourney games = 40

Lulu and Dan are right - thought I excluded all the exhibition games but counted one anyway. It is 31 regular season games (13 non-conf + 18 Conf) plus 9 possible tourney games = 40

For comparison, last years AP preseason top 10:

1. Indiana
2. Louisville
3. Kentucky
4. Ohio State
5. Michigan
6. NC State
7. Kansas
8. Duke
9. Syracuse
10. Florida

I don't see Robert Morris on this year or last year's list. The Kentucky hype-train rolls on.

My opinion: The 9/12 free throws is part of the answer. The kid was able to take advantage of our inability to guard without fouling under the new rules. Result was 9 points from the FT line and several buckets where defenders were out of position and trying to avoid the foul.

Maybe I'm wrong, but looks like there's 32 regular season games (excluding exhibitions) then 3 possible Big 12 tourney games (4 if you're a bottom seed) and 6 possible NCAA tourney games. 41 total games are possible - less obviously if you lose in either tourney.

I wanted to bring up the subject of archiving again. I think this will be important going forward to be able to gain new members.

For those of us who have been around since this was started, we've sort of grown with the site and understand how it works a little better. For somebody just coming on board, I'm sure it's overwhelming seeing the number of posts and not knowing where to begin. They certainly can't catch up with all the threads that are there presently.

I think we need to archive anything over one week old. Have it still be accessible but not really part of the front page. Just my opinion -but I think that's going to be important as we try to grow the site.

I'm wondering if the PC/ chrome issue has something to do with the page's refresh feature. It looks like that page/thread is failing to update/refresh to the most recent articles - but what do I know. This certainly is not my area of expertise.

Yes, using mobile and PC both. Not having the unread post problem with mobile, just PC using Chrome (both at work and home.) Even when I click on the actual unread article link (left/middle or right) it always sends me to the correct thread but usually (not always) does not have the most recent posts (including the one I clicked on as unread) available to see. Not having that problem on mobile.
I am having a problem seeing the first line of my post as I type on mobile, as it is blocked by the page header. I've been able to manipulate it to get it to work but it is inconvenient.

31 - 9

Concussions are truly unforgiving and unfortunately the only treatment is rest - and sometimes extended rest (like months.) It will also be something that he will be more prone to in the future. The unpopular answer for the best long term mental/neurologic health: anyone with lingering/recurrent concussion symptoms should not play again. Period.

Such is the big picture problem with this game that we love and why I will steer my son towards another sport.

Mentioned this in an earlier post but hadn't received any feedback. I am clicking on "unread" posts and its taking me to the correct thread but not always showing me the most recent post(s) that I can see listed as unread. Also true of some of my own posts that I submit and can see listed on my account but won't be on the thread. Seems to mostly be a problem on my work PC (using Google Chrome.) Any ideas?

Things that surprised me last night and what it means going forward

• Landon Lucas looked pretty good last night. Granted it was against Pitt St. in an exhibition game, but he made the most of his minutes.

So what? With the new foul rules likely testing everyone's depth this year, he may turn out to be a valuable 5th big coming in. Who knows, maybe he'll play his way into that 4th spot?

• Speaking of fouls... did I just hear another whistle blow?

So what? Holy cow this is gonna be rough. Add an extra 30 minutes to your DVR for each game as these new foul rules (specifically the hand check rule) are major speed bumps. Self's comments that it had more to do with bad defending are only 10% true. The truth is, he's preparing his team for the new reality by not letting them mentally blame the new rules or refs. But even though there was some lazy defending, the lack of flow to the game sits solidly on the shoulders of the new rules.

• Wiggins is human, and he's just a kid.

So what? Well I'm talking a little tongue-in-cheek here, but I was mildly surprised he showed as many nerves as he did. Selden too. What does this mean going forward? Probably nothing - especially of we see no hint of it in the next exhibition game. But if Wiggins truly is that "alpha dog" Self said we've been missing, then we'll see none of that vs. Duke and definitely by conference season.

Yesterday and today I have been clicking on some of the posts listed as "unread" and when it sends me to that thread, sometime I see it but most times I'm not seeing that post - it seems to be the correct thread it just doesn't have any of the recent posts that were showing up under unread. (This is on my PC via Chrome)

Just like old times...

ok - see it now. thx

I hear you @dragonslayr - I'll definitely give it more time.

What about archiving inactive threads to clean it up just a bit?

Just noticed you can't see who is perusing a particular thread like we could at first. Was this intentionally dropped? I kinda liked that feature.

Still enjoying the reunion on this board and wanted to give thanks again Approx for all your work!

One thing I've noticed on here that's different compared to our old stomping grounds: so many more active threads. Maybe this is a good thing. I'm not sure. Right now I'm finding it a little, I don't know...schizophrenic? Finding it hard to keep up with the multiple different threads going on.

Maybe it's just me and the aging process (get off my lawn!) but I think I liked it better when there was one b-ball and one f-ball thread per day.

Just me? If so I'll shut it.

Here's my semi-serious answer to your legit question: Ban trolls

Now hear me out - to do this we have to agree on the definition of a "troll."

A troll IS: someone who's sole purpose is to degrade, denigrate, curse at or call names without the intent of adding any meaningful info to the conversation.

A troll is NOT: a fan of another team who is engaging in "civil discourse" (where have I heard that before?) or someone that represents an unpopular view.

Rule #1 - Rock Chalk

Rule #2 - (see rule number one)

I was bummed to miss out on Smart 2 years ago - turns out he was quite possibly the missing ingredient for a KU National Championship last year.

I respect his game (except for the flopping.) That said, he's one of those guys you really only love if he's on your team. The dude just doesn't quit talking, and the rest of us can't wait to shut him up.

I'm trying to think of a similar KU player that another team may feel the same way about. Possibly a little how Iowa St. fans feel about EJ?

I'll second that - I do appreciate the work it took to get this up and running and enjoy seeing more and more familiar names sign on. Now that I'm getting used to the site, I enjoy the format and some of the new features (like the ability to see who is actively browsing.) Thanks approx!

Well, looking under the users list someone signed up as "jaybate" about one hour ago. The real deal? An imposter? We shall see...

"I know the fans will be there whether I play well or not. The fans are loyal. They’ll be there.”

I like this quote. Perhaps a glimpse into one if the reasons he chose KU?

I think his laid back personality will serve him well with all these sky high expectations. He will have highs and lows from a performance standpoint, but his ability to stay even keel will serve him well in the long run, especially if fans listen to him and remain patient on those days where he looks like a freshman.

I think by the end of the season we will all be rewarded - hopefully as witnesses to a special ride.

Are you using a mobile device? If so, you may need to use a desktop version as I had the same problem editing my profile from my iPhone.

I agree with both Blown and DjChea re: Coach's comments about rewatching games-

It is mildly annoying when Coach Self says he won't watch tape, and he hasn't only said that about the last game of the year. I believe he said that about the TCU debacle last year. (Although not sure I really believe him.) When the team is in the middle of a season, there's still something to be gained from rewatching each outing.

But when the year is over, from a team standpoint, I partially agree with Self. What's done is done and even if individuals return, the dynamic is different for next year.

Now here's where I agree with Blown again: there is still much to be learned from a coaching standpoint. Did I substitute correctly? Should I have implemented a different defense here or another in-bounds play there. For that reason, I gotta think watching every game would add value.