Until KU won this gig it was way below my radar. Now I see that is the case for just about everyone.
I am happy we are there and have been watching the games, but coverage is nil unless you know to check KU Athletics or search ESPNU's schedule.
I don't know how much noise we can make going forward, but at least it's been a great KU bball fix in July!!!
@Texas-Hawk-10
In all fairness those two final fours (2010 & 2015) resulted in two NCAA championships. That puts them a notch above our 2008 title.
"Dude, NOT the crack"
@nuleafjhawk
Reminds me of the old Bill Cosby routine that talked about people at work -they worked all week looking forward to a weekend to relax-and then TOTALLY destroy themselves on the weekend. And it would take them days to recover while they worked.
@Crimsonorblue22
Some of it was great-sometimes we dealt with logistical problems that everyone dislikes.
We came home tired instead of refreshed.
@Lulufulu
The stats only say 1" in height but for my money Wiggs flies over Oubre.
@Crimsonorblue22
You are right. I am like Rosanne Rozannadana.
My head hurts, I can't see well, my feet are swollen, I am allergic to something and keep sneezing, my ears are ringing, I have gas, my calves are cramping, my stomach makes noises, my nose keeps running, I have hiccups, etc. etc.
Yo ADRIAN!!!
@drgnslayr
If I were still active it would be a pain. I don't do more than walk now but breathing is tough during allergy season-and of course I am sure my wife is way tired of the snoring. It can even wake me up so normally sleeping on my side takes care of it.
@drgnslayr
Yep Slayer. In my late 20"s broke mine too in a pickup game while blocking out below the boards-the rebounder came down with the ball aggressively and his elbow nailed me. Like an idiot I went to the bathroom and tried to straighten it out myself. Didn't know pushing in would squeeze the breathing passageway. Didn't want to go to the hospital as a good friend was getting married that night and I was in party mode.
Didn't take me long to notice breathing through my nose was reduced, let alone the new bend in my nose and it was big to start with-not a good feature. But I ignored it and breathed through my mouth after that. I never fixed it but know I should have. Unfortunately my son got my big nose-Injured his twice but this time I was smart enough to get him to see a doc and make sure his passageways were still good.
Just back from vacation so I've been off the grid for the better part of two weeks-I did see we did fine against Canada at Sprint thanks to some posts here and a link or two-many thanks.
As for Bo, this caught me by surprise too. He will be missed-loved what he did at Wisconsin.
@Statmachine
Loved Masons behind the back move on that steal and runout.
@oldhwkfan
Yes I did get my wire crossed on some of the specifics thanks to a few cocktails. My point was there is less and less accountability and morals and ethics are going down hill faster and faster. Corruption is everywhere and nobody's feet is held to the fire, much less get fined, fired, or locked up.
Well said,
Never thought I'd see such corruption in full view of the public given a free pass. The Nixon tapes (missing tapes) got him impeached yet Clinton can have an intern performing sex acts in the Oval Office and gets a free pass?
So now-power house NCAA teams get the kid glove treatment on violations or wink/nod refs assists to advance in March Madness games to favor viewership markets?
I am sick of this cr*p. I would love to see it burned down if it meant pure blind justice as the blindfolded lady holds the scales-but it seems to me that time left us-and it makes me sad.
@ralster
I have a hard time watching NBA games. My father told me 25 years ago-don't bother watching a whole NBA game-just watch the last 5 minutes. SOUND ADVISE.
As for six fouls-interestingly enough I was scorekeeper for our AAU team in. Houston Tourney (women) recently and six fouls were allowed.
Only one gal had 4 fouls-the most on both teams. The refs swallow whistles to keep the tourney on schedule. It makes for ugly games and I am surprIsed there are not more injuries.
@drgnslayr
That graduate transfer sure worked out for Tarik Black and KU. I especially appreciated the maturity he brought to the team.
I thought the same thing a while back, and someone posted this had been going on for years. They put up some surprising stats to make the point. Perhaps it is just being r reported more these days than it used to be.
@jayhawkbychoice said:
@jaybate-1.0 I agree with the logic in your post but I'm not sure Svi, physically matured or not, is the missing link to this team reaching our expectations of them playing at a high level of basketball The last two seasons certainly didn't reach my expectations for a Bill Self team. I've been wanting to post about this for a while now but really didn't know how to say what I see with this group of guys the last couple years. I'll probably get blasted for some of this by members of this site but here it goes.
I've been watching games from the 06-08 seasons to get an idea of how a group of guys should progress through a few years. It seems to me that physical maturity has little to do with it when compared to the mental maturity.
I'm convinced that this group won't meet any expectation until they have a true "coach on the floor" leader. Someone with knowledge of how to play the game, how to run the system Someone who knows, not only their job in the system, but everyone else's too. Someone who can direct the other players into proper position. Someone who can read the other teams offense and defense and call the right play without having to look over to the bench, and can keep coaching and keep the other players in the loop during the game. The 08 team had 3 of those guys, this team has none. I do think the jury is still out on Graham and Svi. But our upper classmen, while I'm hopeful, I don't see it. Go back and watch the old games, every stoppage of play RussRub, Mario, Sherron would be talking and dissecting something going on in the game. Then one would go tell the others what was going on and the other would go tell coaching staff what was going on. Many times you can see one of them call for the ball, take it back up top, and call another play after seeing something wasn't working or after seeing something to take advantage of. They would hold the ball communicate to the other the play and what to do, even pointing and motioning them into position. Among the three of them, they could just look at each other know what to do. Our guys now do none of that. Our senior leader, Perry, seems to have taken a vow of silence or something. Most of our guys look like they don't know what they are supposed to do, never mind everyone else.
I recall somewhere I read (might have been here or some of you from the other site) that the 08 team had like 93 plays at their disposal and that RussRob, Mario, and Sherron had the freedom to call any play they needed to for a given situation! Now that's a soph, 2 jr's (if you count BRush) and a senior. Do any of you really think that our team now knows 93 plays? 45? 30? Frank, Wayne, Devonte, and Greene(?), that's 3 Jr's and Soph.
You mentioned having productive bigs, I contend that if the 08 guards had Lucas and Mickleson, that those guards would make them productive bigs because of their passing ability, play making, on floor coaching and positioning, and great defensive work. Probably not to the extent Shady was at taking over games from time to time, but then again...:)
On the do everything 3, no doubt BRush was a special player. But in one of the 08 tournament games, there was about 5 possessions where BRush took the outlet pass and pushed the ball up the floor. Crossing the half court line, he was at the top of the key, RussRob went one side and Sherron went the other. So BRush was playing the "1" and Sherron was playing the "3" on that possession, and Sherron looked more like a "6'-7" 3" than Oubre did most of last season! :) But it didn't matter anyway, after the ball reversed to the second and third side everyone had rotated through all three guard spots anyway. There has been a lot of talk about who should play the 1,2,3,4,5 and who backs up who. The 08 team had only 2 positions, guard and big! The only difference was which side of the ball you're on. When the ball is on one side of the floor the 5 is low and the 4 is high, then on the other side the 5 goes high and 4 goes low, so it doesn't matter. Now of course, different players could bring different skills to each spot on the floor. For example, Shady would take the 15 footer, but Sasha might be looking to pass from that spot because there are better shots for the team to take than that one. But Sasha still rotated into and out of that spot to make the defense have to move, so he had to know how and what to do at each position. Same thing with the guards! I saw BRush draining 3's off the "elevator play" and he was a so called "3", and we saw the same thing with BMac and he was a "2". It just don't matter, you could run the play for both of them in the same game. They either switch sides for that possession or just run the play the other direction. I'm sure some guys like one side of the floor better than the other and they can go to their "spot" when walking the ball up. But when they pushed the tempo they just went to the closest wing or brought the ball up. They either get a good quick shot, or rotate in and out of their spot as the ball is reversed. This idea that Selden just can't handle switching from a "2" to a "3" is ridiculous. What's the difference? What, one goes for a rebound and one gets back on defense? That's a tough one to figure out! He don't even have to change sides of the floor, just change the number next to his name from a "2" to a "3", it doesn't matter. Someone mentioned that if we go small, then we lose the rebounding from the "3" spot. Wasn't Frank our leading rebounder for much of last season? Just pencil a "3" next to his name when the ball goes up and the other can get back on defense since he can rebound better anyway. :) Another thing, not every position has it's own backup, right? Self usually plays 5 guards and in crunch time only 4. That means someone has to learn to play more than one numbered position, right? I see these projected lineups for next year, and if Mason and Graham can both play the "1" or "2", then why in the world can't Selden play the "2" or "3"? There just isn't that much difference. Self needs four guys who can at least half a$$ handle the ball enough to rotate through the entire play. Oh, on a side note, the 08 guys actually ran the weave effectively...well sometimes. It was cool to see them do though. They would change tempo, hesitate, cut it off short, and really pinch the perimeter defenders together at the top of the key. When they got them all bunched up, one wouldn't come to meet the ball and instead get a pass out to the wing and have a free lane to the paint. Cool to see work. That was probably the last time, lol.
One last issue, the non-business like culture of this team. ralster mentioned in a post above the two 3's that Mario and Sherron hit in the title game. Go watch that and look at the reactions on their faces, and look at the bench's reaction. Mario and Sherron just looked like that's what they're supposed to do, that's all. Got back on defense and kept playing. The bench, the players stood up and pumped a fist in the air or clapped, and then sat down. The coaches, they clapped and then went back to business. Self stood up to start barking out orders for the defense. But that's it. Same reactions on several Shady and Sasha lob dunks. Now of course they celebrated and chest bumped with their teammates at time outs or the locker room but not on the floor. But you watch this year, the first 3 Greene hits against Fort Hayes State, he will be jogging back down the floor making gestures like he did something special. Or the first ally oop someone will flex and scream and pretend they are tearing off their shirt. And on the bench, all the players will be falling out of their chairs, acting like they are going to run out on the floor. And there will be Snacks acting like a kids with them. That nonsense is just as bad as Adams eating a fake bowl of cereal...(I do have to admit, that's the goofiest thing I've ever seen :)) But seriously, act like you've been here before. Did they practice those shots and plays? Aren't they suppose to go in? And Snacks doing it...ridiculous.
To finish up, I want to say, that I love our players. Great characters, fun to watch them learn and go through the ups and downs of each season. I just don't expect to see them execute the way the 06-08 teams did. I hope I'm wrong, but I don't think so. Does this mean they can't win a championship? Of course not! A lot of it depends on match ups and having things fall the right way. It's just the basketball playing won't be a thing of beauty like it was in 08. Everybody go back and watch those games. It's amazing the difference.
Rock Chalk!
Dude.
This post length puts you in rare company. ( this company I don't come close to btw.)
And great thanks to my best T&F pal at KU buckets CB22.
Thanks for the reminder about the NCAA's.
The 400 meter hurdle race is" arguably" the toughest event in T&F and perhaps an event most athletes can't even finish without falling down. And when I say most athletes I mean the best of all sports including bBall players and skill position football players.
Just ask how tough Nolan Cromwell thought it was. He stumbled in a race when he had one of the worlds best times-that cost him the Olympics if not an Olympic medal.
So sweet. Runner up last two years with best time going into this event and last year as well the way I remember it.
He went out hard early against the wind and owned the race from beginning to the finish to win it. Good luck at world championships Michael.
And thank you for all you did to make KU proud. I hope to meet you some day.
RCJH
@Texas-Hawk-10
I agree with you on the 15 pounds of muscle-at 17 his body is just maturing and he was thin to start with. I am happy about it-that was the plan. I'd venture to say if he had a twin brother who wasn't a jock the kid would naturally gain some weight (not 15 #) and muscle purely from increased testosterone kids experience at that age.
Guys & Gals-was off the grid for a while- Biz meetings but I did get to see Royals win game 1 at Target-Gorgeous night-great seats (FREE) If you ever go to target sit in 139 just above the fence-right field. The section is all high chairs and tables with plenty of room to walk around and chat.
I saw a ton of KC Royals fans at the game.
@DoubleDD
Been there.
@DoubleDD
Loved that. Thanks for posting.
A special day indeed. I get to visit Normandy later this month.
And my son graduates HS today. On to Texas A&M in the fall.
Old Glory was hanging high at 7am.
@drgnslayr
Great graphic, but get Barbara Eden's okay to use her face-she was at AFH the last time I was there-2014 I think.
The good.new is every athlete is held to the same standard to be eligible. Walk-on freshman girl volleyball player or senior male scholarship basketball player has the same minimum GPA and minimum hours required. Of course "on line" credits or "special majors" did not exist in my day and that can be a can of worms as UNC is finding out.
@drgnslayr
Back in my day, any athlete regardless of walk on or scholarship status had a minimum 2.0 GPA of 12 hours per semester.
To my knowledge it has moved up to 2.5 GPA, and maybe 15 hours per semester.
A few threads this week, three I think got my attention. Maybe it is feared bBall withdrawal as the NBA finals are upon us. Anyway it seemed to me some folks were getting on each other's nerves.
But I'm just an old fart with two teenagers living under my roof. It may be my imagination.
RCJH
@drgnslayr
I hope you are right about Shaka-I'd love to see him stumble.
Instead of taking the humble route when asked about KU's dominance in the conference he chose to fire a shot across our bow and bring up his VCU win.. That just put me off.
Of course, he didn't say anything that wasn't the truth, he just decided to be cocky. I hope he pays for that dearly, because if he delivers out of the gate he may quickly become obnoxious overnight, and the Big12"doesn't need a big ego spouting off all the time. Think how well Self, Kruger, Fred, etc handle themselves.
@JayHawkFanToo
Lunacy indeed.
@HighEliteMajor
Obviously I don't know all the details. But they way I remember it Tharpe had been in the dog house before. Then he created a scandal with a partial perhaps full nude photo of a married woman licking him as he took the shot. What amature program is cool with that? I've seen guys kicked off ku athletic teams for less than that albiet 40 years ago.
With AW3 I don't remember anything-just as I said. I don't know if he left on his own or Self showed him the door.
I don't remember specific problems White had off court but Tharpe self destructed with that selfie that went viral. Once gone he did have two chances to land somewhere-one college and one pro team if memory serves, but I don't know where that ended. IMHO Tharpe is responsible for his dismissal, not Self. As I said earlier, I can't remember what was going on with White.
@wrwlumpy
"Hold that bucket steady Doc, I'm going for a two hand slam this time."
Fred was my second favorite B12 coach behind HCBS. I have mixed feelings about him leaving. I am happy for him-I've posted here I thought he'd stay for his health-but I guess he is stronger now. I thought he helped the conference (and KU) get stronger even though it cost us here or there. The uptick at ISU helped us as a conference but I didn't care for the Johnny come lately fans. (no offense to Johnny Orr)
I've met more than my share of big 8 or big 12 bBall fans who hang their hat on one year or even a 3 year stint of success.
On the other hand I have tremendous respect for Jack Hartman's years at KSU. Just not teams here and there who had a run. They simply don't and can't measure up to KU. The way I remember it KU had more bBall conference championships in the Big 8 than everyone else COMBINED!!!
The Big 12 recordis flat out phenomenal, and close to knocking off UCLA. WOW.
Anyway, best of luck to Fred. I've heard Hornecek (sp) is a possible replacement. He could make things very interesting in Ames, but in general, I think ISU nation must be very bummed.
@Statmachine
Maybe everyone in your office can pitch in for a one way ticket so he can fight to the death again.
@DoubleDD
Maybe this guy is Daniel Boone reincarnated?
@nuleafjhawk
I laughed out loud-thanks I needed that.
My daughter's AAU team is playing in a Houston Tourney this weekend.
A boys and girls China Natl. Team are here-not in our initial pool but we advance tomorrow so maybe we play them-looks like two of them are 6' 5" so quite a challenge. Part of me hopes we play them just to say it happened even though they will probably stomp us.
Most likely Yao Ming had something to do with it.
I will just say what I've said before. Fred has always been a class act and he is/was a huge asset to the Big 12. I posted months ago he wasn't leaving NCAA ball because he left the NBA after heart issues.
I guess I was wrong as it looks like Fred is going back to the NBA now.
Anyway, Fred IS a class act and I will be a fan of his wherever he lands.
If I am an ISU fan I am bummed out about him leaving.
There is another shirt-check that one out.
@brooksmd
Sorry to hear that-go back and watch them again-the odds are very much in your favor for a win.
@Hawk8086
That was one of KU's many great game ending moments. Glad to hear you were there to see it first hand. My wish for every Jayhawk fan is that they get to see a game in AFH, and they get to see the hawks win a big one like that.
I will never forget how worried I was that Curry would make the last shot, but with brilliant defense we denied him the ball and he had to pass it to a team mate who missed at the buzzer.
The other thing I will never forget is the replay showing HCBS crouching on the sidelines-when the shot missed and the buzzer went off he dropped his head and slapped the floor. The monkey was off his back and we were in the final four.
MIZZOU In KC? Who in the SEC would care? Maybe Arkansas since they don't have a big town?
The Brazos is now flooding a bit south of here-one of my buddies nearby got lucky and was a few miles upstream it leaving its banks.
The Colorado (TEXAS Colorado) not to be confused with the REAL COLORADO also flooding but that is well West of us in Western Houston.
I was still at KU when that happened but I remember that summer I saw a plaque in Fred P Otts about 5 feet above the floor marking the high water mark. Back in the day they had roads running right across the Brush Creek bed so I think of the 19 deaths, some were from cars trying to drive across it.
I guess the San Marcos / Wimberlie was similar as in 12" rain in a short time and unprecedented high water with little if any warning.
As for Houston, it is so flat here the water tends to move slowly unless you get caught in a bayou during high water/flood stage.
@ParisHawk
Nice call Paris, This development didn't surprise me at all.