🏀 KuBuckets Archive

@BShark Yea I think 5 is a stretch. But if you jump down the rabbit hole with me.... (All things said depend on us also not getting f***ed by the FBI probe)

• 7 players currently committed to UT or UA to be poached. Ideally you nab Nnadji and Green. But I'd also take either of the UT bigs. Or any of them at this point...
• Enaruna, Hurt and Achiuwa. At least one of them is a 100% must get.
• Still 10 Top 100 guys that don't seem to be signing anywhere soon and are probably just looking for better offers.
• Transfers keep increasing each season. I'm sure there is at least one grad transfer worth taking out there.
• Transfers from any of these schools where the FBI blows them up. LSU and UT could have defects from this as well. And there are a couple of guys on each team I'd definitely take.

I could see a scenario where we end up pulling in 5 new faces still from any combination of what is posted above. It could be a very crazy March and April.

@BeddieKU23 Ideally, you land Enaruma and one of the other two. I won't be picky.

If we whiff on Hurt and Achiuwa though, I think we really need to find another playable wing. Depth looks like a major issue next season.

Are we actually arguing if Vick got kicked off the team or not?

Because he did. It's clear as day. As clear as any other time Bill sent a player packing.

It is going to be interesting to see how Bill finishes out the 2019-2020 roster.... This is all we have for next season, imo.

• Grimes
• Dotson
• Ochai
• Garrett
• Mitch
• Dave
• Braun (Not ready to get time yet from what I've seen so far)
• McBride - Will probably get some minutes

5 spots left I think.

I... Don't think TY is that good. League average PER is 15 and he's barely above that right now. I know he's a rookie. So he might end up close to 20. He just is extremely inefficient. 15 shots a game for 18 points is no bueno.

I'd say he's having a similar first year as Steph did, but Steph shot 3s over 40% every year he's been in the league. TY doesn't look like he'll ever get there with the way he plays.

Lol at Atlanta.

Wilt, LeBron and MJ all should have won more... Just doesn't make for good journalism.

@wissox I think he meant the departures were Doke and Vick.

This last time they had an army of people protecting it. But something tells me that just won't work if their are more than 100 students in the stands next season.

I mean, part of it is that this team just doesn't have anyone good enough yet to lean on. Dedric is good. But he's not T-Rob good. Dotson isn't Sherron (yet). This team has nobody good enough to be a de facto leader. A closer. Someone who, when we get punched in the mouth, is capable of punching back.

This team is just simply missing that leader. I think they WANT to win. I think they try hard. I didn't once think that the team last night wasn't trying. They were just not good, and everything compounded upon on itself. A missed 3 with a long rebound was basically an outlet pass. And we had like 17 of those. We had a few nice drives, only to not see them go in the basket and that miss turned into a 4 on 3 break routinely. Conversely, they made shots, which forced us in to half court sets. We missed shots. They got the ball. And that was the cycle for the entire game. We couldn't finish a layup, much less hit a jumper. And, no matter how hard you try on defense, if the offense isn't there sometimes it doesn't matter.

But, again, I never thought anything about effort. I just thought "We kind of just plain suck at basketball."

Have to pray we can hold on to the 4 seed. And I think it will take quite a bit of urgency by this bunch to do so.

I still can't believe Adidas let those guys go to trial and air all the dirty laundry to the world.

Isn't it funny how people thought we'd be better without Doke in the lineup at the beginning of the season? lol.

At this point, it may have all worked out for the best. I don't know that we were the best team in the country even with him. Certainly Top 5, imo. But if he comes back next season surrounded by all those Sophomore's (and Hopefully Hurt) we could be preseason #1 all over again.

BShark said:

My guess right now on critical players.

Back: Dotson, Grimes, Doke

Gone: Dedric

I agree with this very much. The staff's recruiting approach has leaned this way.

This team is historically bad on the road considering we are likely to finish undefeated at home this season...

And they’re just daring us to shoot. Because why wouldn’t you?

Defense is nonexistent tonight. They’re turning misses into layups

A win tonight might have pushed us up a couple of spots. UK struggling and Purdue about to lose.

@Crimsonorblue22 http://www.big12sports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=10410&ATCLID=1520897 ↗

I think if we tied, we would end up the 2 seed, Tech the 1 and KSU the 3. It would come down to overall winning percentage I believe, since we all split.

@BeddieKU23 In my head this is how it would work:

• 5 games of any choosing. You can play tournaments or 5 tune ups. Whatever, doesn't matter.

• Then, start Conference play Dec. 1. Two- ish games a week for 8 weeks. Which would shake out to be late January.

• That's when the regionals start based off of the NET ranking from the first 18-19 Games. 6 weeks, two games a week.

• Then the Conference Tournament (if we still want to do this) and it would start at basically the exact the same time it always does.

@BeddieKU23 I think that the entirety of basketball needs a schedule overhaul that attempts to at least balance out schedules for comparisons sake and as much as logistics will allow...

In theory, you could have a shorter conference schedule, say 14 games max, 4-5 games of your choice (For the tournaments and Champions Classic types), and 12 "regional games" as competitive balance measure.

Off the top of my head, all teams not in the NET Top 130 are put in one pool to fill their schedule, while the Top 130 teams are split into ten 13-team groups and play 12 games against each other.

This would allow us to get 12 good looks at some of the smaller schools in a direct comparison against the big boys. At least this way, we could say that everyone got a fair shake...

Thoughts?

I think Bill knows how important it still is to win every game in front of us and has them ready to go. Slipping to a 5 seed would be a minor disaster.

It's a tough nut to crack. And it isn't that Gonzaga isn't good. They're very good.

It's that I think rewarding soft schedules is bullshit. It may be more accurate because of that. But you don't KNOW that. Gonzaga could have easily been a 6 loss team in another major conference and far from a guaranteed 1 seed. As it stands now, all they have to do is play a semi- tough Non-con, not completely suck, and then coast through their league to an easy one or two seed. They don't have to fight all season long like the rest of the country. They are allowed an off night without it hurting them because they played Portland State.

To me, that needs to be taken into account. They shouldn't be rewarded with the easiest path to a Championship possible just because they won a crappy league with ease. Even if they might be one of the top 4 teams in the country.

The WVU game chaps my ass still.

I just hope the new ranking system doesn't screw up the fun early non-con schedules. But it seems like it might.

kjayhawks said:

@BeddieKU23 Right and I like that idea, teams like Oklahoma from last year had no business being in IMO but I wish it would reward SOS a little more. I think Houston's a solid team but a 106th SOS shouldn't get rewarded with a great seed. At this point we would better off smoking crappy team than risking losses to good teams.

Yep the NCAA just played itself. KU played 22 Q1 and Q2 games this season. Gonzaga has only played 14.

Why on Earth would you not just schedule a bunch of mediocre teams every season and try to rack up as many blowout wins as possible? That's apparently the criteria. Gonzaga is 2-2 against ranked teams this season and are somehow guaranteed a #1 seed.

Absurd.

KUSTEVE said:

@Kcmatt7 i don't think we'll be in the Midwest bracket unless the miraculous happens, and we end up as a 1 seed. They aren't going to put us in KC...40 miles away... as a 3 or 4 seed. The higher seeds would scream bloody murder.

We could still get Tulsa or Des Moines (less likely) though for the first two games which would at least get us to a respectable point in the tourney even if we don't get in the Midwest.

The Midwest part of it, I don't agree with though. Very possible Tennessee or UK end up at Louisville as a 2 seed. Just the way it is... Competitive advantage I believe only takes action starting at the 5 seed. So I'd think we still have a shot at the Midwest region.

Am I wrong on this?

@HighEliteMajor Let me preface this with saying that Salvy is my favorite Royal and I have his signed jersey hanging in my office as we speak.

I was worried about it this season, but I think we have already seen the best of Salvy. We are 6 years removed from his best season at the plate, and will be 7 now... Without a monumental shift in his plate approach, the signs point to him being a 20ish HR guy who hits in the low .200s, that doesn't walk, strikes out a lot, and is a huge rally killer for the rest of his career. Compared to other catchers, that's fine. It's expected. Hell, it's kind of good depending on the season. But that from your 1B or DH, you're looking to replace them at that production. Even a minor dip compared to what he did at the plate last season makes him a near unplayable hitter. His advanced stats show that, as a hitter and baserunner he was 10 runs worse than an average player.

A great example of this scenario is Victor Martinez while he was in Detroit. Once he made the switch to DH, his value changed completely. He has only had a positive RAA (Runs Above Average) twice since he was switched to DH/1B in 7 seasons and he was a significantly better hitter than Salvy has ever been in 4 of those 7 seasons.

I think, if Salvy moved to DH, we would see a similar story. Only, Salvy isn't ever gong to put up OPS over .800 ever again so it would be worse. We are talking close to 50 runs below an average player and thus, a below average player.

Those teams in Yellow look to me like they will have drastic impacts on our situation. Either location or seeding.

Ideally, we pass up Tech or Purdue and get to play in Tulsa. But It'll take us closing out the season and a loss by either team.

Purdue's remaining schedule is : @ Minnesota and @ Northwestern

Tech's remaining schedule is: vs. Texas and @ Iowa State

!0_1551717895387_bracketology 3.4.19.JPG ↗

justanotherfan said:

The bigger concern is how this affects him going forward. His defense is a big part of his value. Without that, he's a pretty average player.

*below average

This is just that 1% fluke game where they play out of their damn minds.

It is unreal how bad we are in stillwater and Morgantown every season. Doesn’t matter how bad either team is.

BeddieKU23 said:

@Kcmatt7

I agree I don't see the benefit to transferring unless he felt he wasn't playing the position he'd play at the next level and wanted to find somewhere that would promise him that role. The fact he's still in the Top 100 at all is a credit to his prior reputation, not his College rep or production as it stands. He's not getting drafted on 38% FG, 32% 3's and 54% FT.

I hope him and Devon come back.

I think it has to be at least a 75% chance that they're both back.

It does feel as though it's a Bill Self smear campaign. I mean, in the comments he brings up Newman and how it worked so well for him to transfer. Except that it didn't really...

I don't see what Q would get out of transferring at this point other than a year out of the spotlight to work on his game. But to me, if his goal is to get to the NBA ASAP, he needs to stay here for another year and commit to Hudy and be putting up 1000 shots a day.

I hate the hook and hold being flagrant. I can agree with that. When you're battling and get tangled up, it's just something that happens. Common foul only.

I'd get rid of all replays. Officials miss calls all game long. If you think about it, replay actually alters the game the same amount as missed calls. Theoretically, calls will get missed all game long. Over time they should pretty much even out. Well, instead of evening out, the replay could turn what would have been a 'Make up" call into an advantage for the replay benefiting team.

I'm ok with carrying. They already have a rule that says they have to dribble the ball every certain number of steps. If you're able to have the ball on a string, more props to you.

The ONLY thing I might be ok with a replay for is the time.

And, I had money on that UW game. And they lost because they missed 4 free throws in a row at the end of that game!!! It was the last of a 6 game parlay I needed.

I'd also make the restricted arc about a foot smaller. We've seen several times this season that a charge call was reversed for having a heel on the line. It should have been a charge. I thought it was a charge live. I like the spirit of the rule, but I think they overestimated the athleticism of college players. It is just barely too far out.

How about Mitch also confidently taking two threes.... This team could turn into a "5 out," bombs away, stretch the floor team out of friggen nowhere. Imagine what that does for Dedric if Mitch can keep his man from being able to double down.

It's also funny how quickly things turned around from Saturday to Monday. And also, Saturday for Wednesday for Tech... OT at home against a bad OSU team. Proof that Saturday was their Superbowl. I think they drop a game.

Overall though, I'm just happy that we are seeing guys gain confidence as the season progresses. And that Mitch's hard work is really starting to pay off for him and us.

@FarmerJayhawk Who handles the ball for them next season then? I think Jones is gone. Boogie doesn't seem like anymore a PG than RJ.

Probably something that got overlooked, I wasn't on the game thread so I don't know, was Garrett also shooting the ball confidently. Sure, he banked one in. But the other one he made was taken with confidence and was pure.

If he can just force you to guard him from three, the entire offense changes.

BShark said:

Kcmatt7 said:

Woodrow said:

Woodrow said:

Duke is now recruiting Trendon Watford. Pretty sure they haven’t been on him until now. I know there is some Hurt and Duke smoke but wonder if this is a back up plan.

( I know Duke can take multiple 5* kids at the same position)

https://n.rivals.com/content/prospects/2019/trendon-watford-3084 ↗

Duke isn’t even listed on his schools of interest so certainly this is new .

I misread this. That’s seemingly good news... although they need all the bodies they can get it looks like

Yeah, as things stand Duke honestly wouldn't be that good next year. I expect they will get that taken care of though.

I still fully expect RJ to end up there next season.

Add in Hurt, and all of a sudden that starting 5 is 5 Top 50 freshman.

Woodrow said:

Woodrow said:

Duke is now recruiting Trendon Watford. Pretty sure they haven’t been on him until now. I know there is some Hurt and Duke smoke but wonder if this is a back up plan.

( I know Duke can take multiple 5* kids at the same position)

https://n.rivals.com/content/prospects/2019/trendon-watford-3084 ↗

Duke isn’t even listed on his schools of interest so certainly this is new .

I misread this. That’s seemingly good news... although they need all the bodies they can get it looks like

A lot left that could change. Tennessee, Houston, Marquette and Michigan all look like they could falter down the stretch.

But most importantly, if we just take care of our own business we will no doubt move up.

@truehawk93 that’s what Lunardi has

Seems like $1M is worth eating if this opens us up to more liability with the NCAA. I’d think more could come out in a civil case than the criminal trial.

Tyrell Reed went through a similar stretch one time I believe.

Vick had a horrible stretch at one point and then couldn’t miss for awhile after.

Sometimes it has nothing to do with practice or muscle memory. It is just a fluky thing.

Why do good hitters go on 0 for 30 stretches?

If White all of a sudden starts hitting again, Duke becomes that much better. I’m sure K is telling him to keep shooting.

I think Houston has a let down as well as Marquette to free up that 3 seed. But we still have to tcob and I’m not sure we can

Woodrow said:

There is such a huge difference between a 3 & 4 seed due to the fact of having to face the #1 seed in S16. Hopefully this team can win 3 more to close out the season and move back up to the 3 line.

Sort of. I still think being in KC as a 4 seed is better than being in DC or Louisville as a 3 seed. I'd be ok with Anaheim.

I think there is a legitimate possibility that KU leaps over Marquette and Houston. Leaving Tech and Purdue above them if we win out the regular season.

Then, it would come down to Tech and KU in the conference tournament I'd think... A fight for who gets to go to play in KC.

!0_1551204589744_3 seed and 4 seed.JPG ↗

@JAYHAWKFAN214 I think we have a good shot at one, but we have to win out the regular season. Honestly, we have as good of a shot at the top 3 seed as we do being the top 4 seed.

@BeddieKU23 Just everything about him yesterday was more aggressive. He seemed to use his 6'5 200lb frame a little bit yesterday too, which was nice to see.

Prison Mitch isn't the hero we deserve, but the hero we need.

His shot didn't look so rushed yesterday. He made better passes (and got lucky a few found friendly hands). He had a couple of nice hustle plays. And he played 36 minutes in an ass whooping. He was a good player yesterday.