@jaybate 1.0 The OAD rules didn't cause us to graduate 4 seniors last year, and have 1 available point guard who wasn't a freshman. If you're speaking in broad generalities, then, yes, the OAD system sucks. It's a horrible system that creates bad, sloppy basketball, but it's a moot point when you lose every starter, imo. if we had a team starting no OADS, we would still have sloppy, crappy play at times because we had no experience with the loss of 5 starters. I'm not sure how the OAD made us select Naa"dir in the headlights", but I'm certainly willing to listen. I know you are normally playing 5th dimensional chess, and I am a checker player who agrees with 99% of what you say, so i'd like to see further comment.
KUSTEVE
6008 posts
@jaybate 1.0 The worst play I saw out there came from a junior guard who is the polar opposite of one and done. He's a company man. The Peter principle.
@jaybate 1.0 Sooo... you're recommending we replace 5 starters with what, exactly? EKU'ers?
@Crimsonorblue22 I'll take Stanford...lol.
@drgnslayr LMAO @ "honey boo boo"...
@wissoxfan83 I was trying to think of the last time I thought KU would lose a game, and the best recollection I could find was in 1980, we were playing the 2nd ranked Kentucky Wildcats in AFH, and I was hoping we could keep it close. We lost by 3, 52-49.Of course, that was with Ted Owens as the coach. I can honestly say I thought we would beat Kentucky two years ago. I feel like if we would've played Louie-ville last year, we would've beat them for the national title. What can I say? I think we can beat anybody at anytime.
@HighEliteMajor I mean, the fact they won their 2nd straight national championship was almost secondary to breaking IU's undefeated record. I guess that's why coach Self was voted into the Hall of Fame by unanimous vote.
@JayHawkFanToo Misery runs a rinky dink organization. Their fans watch KU bb because they want to see what a world class organization looks like.
I would vote for the 2015 KU Jayhawks team, which had Embiid at center, and Cliff Alexander at the 4. They were a devastating team that flat annihilated all their opponents.
@wissoxfan83 Ahhhh...what a perfectly good way to blow up an NCAA bracket by not picking KU. it's ok...I would prefer not to share the billion...hehe..
@drgnslayr Michigan St isn't the same team if they can't get runouts. Their offense reminds me of Roy's offense, who were better in transition than the half court game. Their plan of attack worked really well in the Big 10, but if you match them up against a more athletic teams, and make them play a half court game, I think they can be had.
@Crimsonorblue22 I think we get Embiid back in the New Mexico/ Stanford winner game. Of course, I have no proof, it's just a hunch. Worst case: we get him back in the Sweet 16 game.
@MoonwalkMafia Thank you for your kind words. I like the fact our young team could possibly play two teams we've already faced on the 2nd leg of the next two weekends, which gives Coach the full week for both opponents in the Thursday/Friday games that we haven't faced. Big advantage, even if that 4th opponent is Florida. I also have no fear of a slow paced New Mexico team that shouldn't be running past our guards. I love this team, and I think we have a legitimate shot at a national championship, regardless of who we have to play. I don't imagine those other teams in our bracket are real happy about having to potentially play that amazing young team, either. RCJHGKU
@drgnslayr I wish our players could see all of our own fans that doubt them. I think it would motivate them. Our draw isn't as tough as our schedule we just completed. I honestly think we won't be playing Syracuse, as I see Ohio St winning their match up with Cuse. Overall, a very favorable draw until we face Florida. So, we win one very tough game, and we make it to the Final Four. Can't argue with that.
@DinarHawk Since New Mexico's loss to us, they have played one (1) team that made it to the tournament. Let them wring their hands, doubt our team, and fill themselves with woe. I am not participating in the doom and gloom. Furthermore, seems like people are worrying over a potential match up with Syracuse. The same Syracuse team that lost at home to an 8-24 Boston College team, a team that compounded their loss with a 2nd home loss to a Georgia Tech team that had a losing record as well within 2 weeks. Then they got blown out at Virginia, lost to Dook, and laid an egg in their conference tourney. Puhleez.
There is one team in our bracket that gives me pause, and it's Florida. Can we beat them, can we handle their pressure? We lost by 6 on their home court. My hope is our guys have grown up a bit since that game. We'll be at full strength hopefully, ready to show America we're as good as any team in the country.
@konkeyDong The beauty of this bracket are both of the short hop games are against teams we've already scouted, and played. That is vital for a young team. I can't remember any game this year where Cuse has used the press, btw. Maybe when they were losing at the end of the game. My gosh, Cuse collapsed down the stretch. Nothing to fear from them. VCU could only face us if we were in the regional final, and I would prefer to play them over Florida, who does press. Until you beat it. We have played a murderer's row schedule. We lost at 6 to Florida on their home court, so it's not like we can't play against them. That isn't bravado. Yes, it would be nice to have the feeling we're going to blow out every opponent, but I believe in this team, and our coach. We'll be playing for big stakes this year.
@bskeet The beauty of this is both 2nd games we play would conceivably against teams we've already played, if seeding holds up.
@konkeyDong LOL. Thank you for the laugh. I got a kick out of the hand wringing. Oh ye of little faith! The committee did us a great favor with this bracket, imo. New Mexico might be the slowest team we've played this year. Their point guard couldn't get by Naadir if they installed jets on his legs. Kirk is a load, well so is Tarik Black. They aren't a great scoring team, and they have no one that can stop Wigs. They are scrappy, but we've already played them once this year, and we'll win. Then, if Syracuse doesn't circle the drain completely( they have been terrible down the stretch), then we have an entire week, with Embiid, to get ready for their zone. Beautiful set up. Give Coach a week, and he'll throttle that zone. THEN, we take on a Florida team that we've already played once this year, so we know what they're going to throw at us on the short hop game ( 2 days later). Couldn't set up a better scenario for us. How utterly lucky we are to have 2 teams we've played this season. I think we have one of the least difficult paths in the whole tournament. I don't fear Florida. Have some faith - we're going to make the Final Four!
@jaybate 1.0 KABOOM...now, we're talking... I've felt like taking a shower after reading so many negative, whiney, bitch boy posts. It is nice to read a post from someone with common sense who obviously looked outside this am, and realized the world wasn't ending. Jaybate, love your posts more than anyone on here. Thank you for hitting a grand slam on this one. Much needed..much appreciated...
5 new starters. Toughest schedule in college basketball in 20 years. Losing the potential number 1 pick in the NBA draft (if he jumps) to injury...I think we've done very damn well, thank you very much. I'm proud of our team, and not the least bit concerned about a meaningless conference tourney game. I think our guys could use the rest. The NCAA tournament will be a step down in competition for us, at least in our first two games, then Mr. Embiid returns. Have faith, fellow fans..all is not lost.
@Hawk8086 Well, I ran into one of the most negative posts I have ever seen on this site the other day. I was shocked. It pissed me off. These aren't fans...they have went way beyond that. I'm not sure what to label them, because the word "critic" just doesn't seem to encapsulate it. If watching your team not playing well sends you off into such fury that you have to spew nasty, horrible accusations, then maybe you shouldn't watch basketball, and should seek professional help.
@Crimsonorblue22 " Rodney Crain, anyone know him?"
LOLOLOL...I just spewed my coffee on that one... I looked up lousy fan in my dictionary, and staring back at me was lil butthurt Rodney... guys like that aren't fans, they are critics. We have them on here as well, unfortunately.
@Blown How can you feel better after that tidal wave of negativity? Made me want to go wash my hands. I go on boards with fans from teams all over the country, and I've never read a nastier analysis of our program and coach. How dare our coach play a kid that his trainers and medical staff told him could play? How dare the fans all put pressure on Naadir, and make him ...mentally tired!?! Why, our fan base cheering at sold out AFH is actually hurting the poor little cherubs, and it's making poor little Naadir watch his man fly by him. Are you serious? When did you go from being a fan to whatever you are now? Because I wouldn't call you a fan on any level. The fact that tripe makes you "feel better" says it all. Get a grip - this isn't World War 3 - this is college basketball.
@RockChalkinTexas What is TCU's record at the half when they're trailing by 30 points?
@HighEliteMajor I have to say one of my highlights today was reading your alter ego obliterate a certain hysterical lefty on the kusports boards. I know it's not hard to do considering the toaster level of IQ you were dealing with. I thought about hopping on and getting in a few shots myself, but reasoned that your words were more than adequate to vanquish the mental midget. I enjoyed every word.
@Hawk8086 When I was growing up, I used to go to baseball games with my grandpa. There were dozens and dozens of old men that would ride the umps and the opposing players the entire game. Heck, they used to make it an art form. There was more than one time where a hitter for the other team would give a nasty stare with bat in hand at these hecklers. And that's as far as it went. As long as there are public sporting events, there will be hecklers. The Tech guy is a loser, no doubt. But almost every arena across America has guys just like him. The problem was in the reaction - you simply don't strike anyone at anytime. If he had done the same thing to an opposing player, he would've been called for a flagrant 2 foul, been thrown out of the game, and suspended automatically. This event will hopefully allow Marcus to calm down enough to where he can get control of his emotions again. He has been on a three week emotional outburst binge where his behavior has been progressively deteriorating, from chairs getting kicked, to storming off the court in complete frustration before the game is over. He has worked himself up into a level of anger and frustration in this 4 game losing streak that's not good for him, not good for his team, and not good for his draft stock. He needs a couple games off.
Marcus Smart simply took the next step in his public meltdown. In the last two weeks, he has kicked a chair, stormed off the court, been busted for flopping, and now, for the first time in college bb history, attacks, and assaults a fan at an arena. Then he refused to leave the court, having to be practically dragged off the court. Travis Ford has lost control of his team. The pressure to unseat the Jayhawks, along with the injury to Cobbins, the Stevie Clark suspension, and simply not playing well has led Smart to totally implode. Smart needs a suspension, so he can gain some self control, and hopefully, some perspective. That was really, really ugly.
@jaybate 1.0 The 2nd half against Baylor was telling. I think he learned to relax, and just play, instead of worrying about being 1 for 9. The half court shot ... was a message from God that said, "you are oozing with talent. Simply relax, and you will do great things." He looked mentally strong the 2nd half. It showed in his face. This wasn't a scared guy worrying about what everybody would say. this was a guy ready to prove something. His game had an extra step, and he made some amazing plays. This guy's story is just beginning. How about he drops 40 on West Virginia?
@drgnslayr this is really becoming my favorite thread of anywhere, so hats off you, kind sir. Naadir flat smoked them, and maybe I saw a different player I had never seen before. I wasn't quite sure that I was actually watching Naadir. And Jimmy Dykes is going on about Naadir being the best shooting point guard KU has ever had. I keep thinking - this is Naadir. He was so amazingly smooth, poetry in motion. I am watching a star being born, one that I never saw coming. He wasn't just busting the zone, he was creating his own shots, and burying it. So, I get to looking back at Naadir's stats, and he is like 15 for his last 23 from the 3. And I'm thinking... it's time to give that kid the green light. We've all been waiting for Coach to get Greene, Francamp, and/or White more minutes to develop our 3 point game, and it was there all the time.
I think that Wiggins had the biggest breakthrough, and will never be the same after the Baylor game. You could tell he was a little uptight the whole first half, until he launches the 3/4 quarter heave that found its way in. In the 2nd half, he gets a steal, goes on a runout,gets a lob, and finally nails a jumpshot or two. What was amazing was watching him not look distressed whatsoever coming out 2nd half after going 1 for 9. Mentally, he didn't look down at all. I think his mental game is coming around, which will highly accelerate what we see on the court. The best is yet to come...
@drgnslayr "Prickly and arrogant"is the pull quote. I don't think I could've said it any better.
@HighEliteMajor I am just amazed that I was hoping Naadir would shoot the ball again. Talk about an about face on him. That kid is a pure shooter.
@drgnslayr The outcome was so apparent from the beginning, I didn't have my usual temper tantrum. This wasn't a TCU loss. I think Embiid's injury played a factor in our ineptitude in the paint. I would like to see him sit, even if it means we potentially lose another one, so he can get back to 100%. Clearly, he was not the same guy.
No excuses, though. We were going through the motions- they played with fire. We lost. We're 7-1 in conference. Parrish at CBS dropped us down in his 25 and 1 poll from 7th all the way down to ... 8th.
@JRyman I despise Snotleib, the Okie St homer. The great news is I have a remote control that allows me to change the channel, or even turn down the sound. I don't need any help from Big Brother to fight my sports announcer battles. I have a Hall of Fame coach, with an exceptional group of players who are more than capable to make Snotleib look ridiculous. Plus, the president's staff has far more pressing matters to deal with, such as issuing their statement concerning Justin Bieber.
I love all the comments, and agree with every single word. We would be remiss in not mentioning that Wayne Selden is playing some great basketball as well. The guy saves us 3 , 4, even 5 possessions a games through hustle, and smart play. Whether it's a steal, a great assist, diving for a loose ball, a 3 pointer, or a drive to the basket, this guy simply does it all- even if it doesn't always show up in the box score.
@wissoxfan83 Whatever you said, it worked. Kentucky Mildcats- soft as a baby's butt.
@HighEliteMajor I was listening earlier to somebody try to run the tired old" you'll lose in the first round again" smack talk. In the past 7 years, we have:
1 National Championship
1 National runnerup
4 Elite 8's
6 Sweet 16s
7 1st round victories
My point is: Before the last 7 years, we were simply begging to get to the 2nd round. I personally feel we are a number #1 seed. We are already listed on Lunardi's Bracketology as a number 1. If we don't end a number #1 seed, then we'll be the 3rd number #2 seed in the past 25 years that wins the national championship.
@wrwlumpy Our offense is about 3 or 4 runs outs short a game of being spectacular. I think it will come. We're real close now. I'm hoping they round into shape on the defensive end as well. They aren't a bad defensive team now, but they're not a KU caliber lockdown defense yet. I'm hoping that's the next step.
@icthawkfan316 Craft is great if you need someone to play great defense and score 5 points a game. If you need him to score 15, he's not nearly as good. He doesn't have the quickness to get to the rim, and his jumper is woeful. He is shooting 30% from the 3. He is a great complimentary player. Your comparison to RussRob is perfect.
@approxinfinity Nice subject. I will give you my Elite 8 as of this minute:
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AZ - Stubby Miller has them playing good, although they haven't been challenged yet by a team that matches up with them.
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KU - We've only just begun. The focus on the turnovers led to more manageable numbers. We're refining our product.
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Florida - They defend. They have size. I think we'll see them in the Final Four.
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Syracuse -They might have one of the most annoying fanbases ever. Like AZ, they haven't played a team with a large front line, and won't until the tournament. Except Baylor. 1-5 Big 12 Baylor. And they struggled with Baylor's size, finally winning by 7.
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Michigan St - It depends on their health. Payne has missed numerous games this year. W/O Payne, their offense sticks. I know, you saw Harris go wild against Michigan. Michigan doesn't defend.
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Kensucky Mildcats - I'm hoping they get stuck in the AZ, or the Syracuse bracket. They are a huge team, with some talented one on one players.
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Wisky - I think Bo Ryan will get his team serious about their defense. They are already a better offensive team than in year's past.
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SDSU- I think their overall record gets them a nice draw in the tourney. I don't think they have the offensive firepower to advance further than this, but the Elite 8 is pretty good for the likes of SDSU, right?
@icthawkfan316 I'll let you and jaybate fight it out whether Perry could play the 3. I would think with Embiid and Alexander sitting in the paint, Perry's deficiencies could be reduced.
@wissoxfan83 I have great news ... we have a chance to avenge that loss. I got a chuckle out of Tarik Black's assessment of "underrated" TCU. The fact we laid an egg last year is great motivation to play well against the "underrated" ( they ARE 3rd in the Big 12 in free throw %) TCU Frogs.
@icthawkfan316 Our recruiting is off the chain. It's remarkably better than before. We are getting our foot in the door with practically every player we want. Next year, we bring in 2 top ten recruits to replace the top 2 recruits that went to the NBA ( Wigs, Selden).
@MoonwalkMafia The AW 3 story makes zero sense. I have been baffled wondering what the real story is. I keep hearing he is not in the doghouse, but from what was said about him early season, I just can't buy a hip pointer has kept him out for two months.
@wrwlumpy Oh wow...I remember those teams. The Kansas City Kings.
@globaljaybird I was too young to remember that. I started getting interested in KU when I saw them play Villanova in the NCAA tournament back in 1971, or 1972...maybe? I remember Dave Robish was KU's big man. I was hooked from the first game. I remember I went up on the roof at halftime, and swung the tv antenna around so the picture would come in better. Those were the days...
@jaybate 1.0 My father was a Wichita St grad, and all his kids went to KU. He always had a chip on his shoulder about KU- he always thought KU basketball fans were uppity...lololol.
@jaybate 1.0 My dad used to visit the El Paso haunts in his younger days, and met Haskins at a bar one night. They proceeded to become best friends in the world for that one night, at least that's the way Dad used to tell the story. I'll never forget that tournament game where UTEP took us down that one year. Dad was from Kansas, but was never a huge KU fan, so I heard about UTEP beating us for years. I didn't like it at the time, but I sure wish he were still around to give me a hard time about that game.
@justanotherfan I think WSU is really onto something. I'm thinking KU should drop out of the Big 12, and join the Horizon or the Mo Valley . We could play patsies the entire non-conference, and be undefeated every year in conference, and sail into a number 1 seed. If anyone questioned us about our weak schedule, we could simply say "everyone is afraid to play us". It's a brilliant way to a number 1 seed. Why play all these games against tough teams, when you can get rewarded for playing nobody?
Ok, I have to get this off my chest: if I hear one more Shocker whine that no one will play them, I'm going to puke. NO ONE MAKES YOU PLAY IN THAT RINKY DINK LEAGUE, WSU. Creighton got the message - they went to the Big East. They played the 4th ranked team in the nation in a conference game this week. What was WSU doing? Playing Indiana State, while their coach whined to anybody that would listen that everyone was "afraid to play them". It's real easy - join the Big East, Shockers.
@JayHawkFanToo He was already having heart palpitations over Creighton, ranking them 13th overall before last night's game. The reason he loves them so much is they are ranked first in offense, which covers up their 81st ranked defense. He also had a huge crush on Florida last year, consistently over ranking them all year. BTW, I loved that Creighton game last night. It was an astonishing display of offense that reigned down on Villanova at home. It's not everyday you see the number 4 team in the land get beat by 28 at home.