🏀 KuBuckets Archive

So CJ essentially got a small consolation prize for holding out and no additional leverage for next year. All that drama for nothing.

What Non-QB has held out and actually gotten the deal they were after?

@AsadZ A sign of who was on the roster. At the same time, showing just how much basketball has grown all over the world.

I really wish there was more incentive for our best players to play in these international events.

@kjayhawks said in Pregaming Illinois:

What is everyone’s opinion on these Friday night games? Attendance last week was just over 41k and up to nearly 46k this week. I feel like if we can beat Nevada we will have a true sell out vs BYU. I like them personally because it gives me Saturday to do whatever I need to. But I also think it’s hurt attendance by a few thousand with highschool football going on, this week you also have nascar running the truck race tonight at the Kansas speedway that may have stole a few people.

If you’re watching at home Friday is nice. But I hate it as a season ticket holder.

That game wasn’t as close as the score

@FarmerJayhawk I know Satterfield struggled at Louisville, but I still think that was a good hire for Cincy. I do think it will be interesting to monitor them as the season goes on.

@nuleafjhawk I thought it actually felt like a football crowd, and I've been to A LOT of KU Football games. The last time I thought the stadium felt that loud and full (I didn't get to go to a game last season so I don't have that to compare to) was Charlie Weiss' first game if that tells you anything...

Unless they can contribute day 1 as a freshman, it is hardly worth trying to land high school guys anymore. The portal offers you so much more, and realistically lets you find role players who are actually comfortable being role players.

What a story Ragans is. Under team control for 4 more seasons too.

Too bad the Royals have no minor league system and those 4 seasons will end up being a waste and we'll trade him his age 29 season for scraps. They should really consider trying to trade him at the deadline next season if he has a 1st half resembling anything like the way he has pitched so far for us.

I hope they actually clean house in the front office in a month.

For one single night game, I don't mind the black uniforms. And I love the way the circus font looks, so I'm not complaining. Overall a B for me.

@BeddieKU23 I would imagine that some hefty NIL dollars were allocated to get the new coach started off okay. But just a hunch on my part.

Lot of winnable games on this schedule after watching football today.

“Fellas, if ‘18’ goes down, we’re fked. And we don’t practice fked.”

• Tom Moore

Don't sweat the backups.

Chiefs WR room is deep when you consider they can get anything for their 8th best guy.

@bskeet The Friday games are total buzzkills. I can't imagine the staff likes them either.

Rumors of Chiefs and Carson Wentz. I'd be pretty happy with that.

Lololol

@AsadZ seems like they are simply taking the extremely cautious route with him. He recently said he expected to play game 1.

Outside of the backup 5, we feel DEEP. I love that we have a guard like Elmarko to bring off the bench too. Sherron Collins '08 type of role.

One of the latest Swain articles was the coaches talking about the changes to the DL. To summarize:

• Phillips was basically fat when he got here. 35% body fat He has reduced his body fat % by 8% and has gotten even more explosive. Most explosive DT they've had since being here based on some fancy tracking metrics.

• DJ as mentioned above put on 30lbs of pure muscle. 315lbs from 285lbs and they say he looks like he would still weigh 285lbs.

• Gage Keys put on a serious amount of weight, 260 to 290. His length, bend and speed is something they haven't had before and it should be noticeable. Basically they used him as an example vs. Eddie Wilson to show the difference in height/strength/speed. They really think this group will be fast and athletic while maintaining a lot of the strength. Also he can run over 20 mph...

• Gildersleeve says Booker may be some of his best work in one offseason. Said the guy was just totally committed.

• Sounds like Gildersleeve is salivating over Dylan Brooks and what they can turn him into over the next few years. But basically they didn't sound like they expected him to play too many snaps.(Not a surprise)

They seem very excited by this group, especially from a long-term perspective. They feel like this is the first year they have the personnel to run the 4-man front.

Probably unpopular opinion - But to me KU should be thankful they got caught in modern times where the NCAA's power dynamic essentially is non-existent. We will get a slap on the wrist for infractions that would have almost certainly ended with an NCAA tournament ban, vacated wins, and a much larger reduction in scholarships. Hell, if this happens 15 years ago I don't know that Bill Self survives the accusations.

We got lucky, and if it cost millions to defend ourselves it will have been money well spent.

@FarmerJayhawk Yea that group just cannot have a major injury.

@FarmerJayhawk Yea I think Armaj getting that spot at guard will hopefully help with this... Feels like this should be his big year.

@bskeet Yea I got season tickets this year! I'm really excited to see KU have a football program that can compete again. I never got to witness it while I was in college so I'm making up for it lol.

We all know that this year's season being special hinges on two things. The team (especially JD) staying healthy, and the Defense taking a step forward. Camp hype is always a bit blown out of proportion, but I do think it is time to talk about the defense and what they can do this year. The area we really need to see improvement on is the run defense specifically. Both the LB room and DL need to take a step forward this year.

• Defensive Line: We lost Phelps to the NFL (that one really stings). But we added some transfers to the line that could potentially help. Devin Phillips the NT from Colorado State has seemingly been what he's billed thus far. What we have heard though, is that Austin Booker and DJ Withers (who is up to 315 lbs now) have really had strong camps. Hearing Gage Keys will be playable and in the rotation as well. Add in some depth from Joyner (Utah State Transfer) and Dylan Brooks, there may be a somewhat decent 2-deep across the front-line and I think we may even have a decent 3rd down pass rush with the ability to kick Robinson/Hatcher/Booker all inside. That let's you bring on Joyner and Brooks. Overall - I'd say look for improvement here vs. last season.

• LBs: Last season we felt paper-thin here. There was drama with Potter. It took several games before Craig Young looked comfortable out there. Our UCF transfer Gilyard really didn't end up providing us the depth we wanted. It was disappointing to say the least. I'm not saying that we will be better at LB even necessarily, but the word out of camp on the depth is HIGH. Cornell Wheeler and JB Brown have gotten a ton of praise in camp to the point that JB Brown may steal Berryhill's spot at the WLB (Berryhill has been out with Hamstring issues). Craig Young has added even more speed and it sounds like he will be a force. Rich Miller is a pretty solid MLB, but it would be nice to see him improve. Overall - I'd say expect similar results from this group... Which kind of sucks but I do think they have some guys with upside to make plays.

• CBs - Maybe the most talented position group outside of QB, at least on paper? Just a really solid group of Corners with Bryant, Dotson, McGhee and Gervin. This could end up being a really special ball-hawking group. I would expect this group to maybe be even better than last season...

• S - Steady as she goes. Kenny Logan back for that Super-Senior season. The other safety is TBD probably, but you've got options with Grant, Burroughs, and JUCO product Jalen Dye. I would expect this group to be about the same, however in a perfect world communication won't just completely break down anytime Kenny Logan isn't on the field. Hoping that the staff worked on that this offseason.

I think in a perfect world the defense can get down to a conference PPG allowed of ~32 PPG. That is about a TD improvement over last season. I'm not sure I have a high-level of confidence that happens, but I would give it a 30% chance. More likely they get closer to 35ppg in conference. But even that would have ended in a couple more wins last season imo.

Overall, I think the staff did as good of a job as they could addressing the team's needs. They added a ton of playable transfers on the line. They added some LBs. They added some pass rushers. Hopefully, another year with Sleeve allows us to take that next step forward.

Some notes from his press conference 3 days ago (link at the bottom if you want to watch yourself):

• January - Conversation with team about nutrition focus this season. Emphasis was to drop body fat and increase team speed. Emphasis last season was to add weight and size. Now that we added weight, it is taking the next step. 1st season with new regime they had 22 players who could run 20+ MPH. As of this August, there are 69 guys on the roster who can run 20+ mph. Jared Casey lost 7% body fat this offseason and added 2 MPH as an example.

• DJ Withers came in at 256 lbs and is now 315 lbs of MUSCLE. (Also was on Tait's recent article of guys who is having a great camp). And it sounds like he will just keep getting better.

• Talking about his injury prevention philosophy. Finding "strong enough" for certain guys vs. just always trying to add strength. How the human body can only produce so much force before it becomes an injury risk. JB Brown (transfer LB having a good camp) for example squatted 600 lbs. like it was nothing, and Sleeve was like "yea that's good done for the day."

• Dealing with Freshman - biggest thing is developing culture. Not focused on anything else with them. Expectations and helping them meet them.

• New weight room - Sleeve's "Dream house" as he put it. Good momentum boost for camp, guys so excited to try it all out.

• Team speed - "they don't have squat racks at the 50 yard line" was a great line. They have a lot more technology now measuring guys and their speeds and how their max velo in the offseason being reached on the field. Skinner and Craig Young used as examples of guys who have hit their max velo on the field several times. Getting guys to play at speed vs. just having it.

• Damarius McGhee (CB - LSU Transfer) from 152lbs to 175lbs. Bought in day 1.

• Cornell Wheeler (LB - Michgan Transfer) - Sleeve really gave big props to him.

A kcmatt7 note - Gildersleeve could be a Head Coach. Unbelievably well-spoken and intentional and smart. We are incredibly lucky to have him.

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The 247 Swain depth chart posted yesterday is different than what you posted here.

• LT: Puni - Clements
• LG: Reed-Adams - Lovell
• C: Novitsky - Doiron
• RG: Ford - Baynes
• RT - Cabeldue - Brown

But really, really, really strong depth across the line.

FWIW, these are the rules for "The Grove" tailgating.

• 7PM setup on Friday's - claim your spot by opening your tent up fully. It is a dead sprint to get your spot in a 10-acre area
• Booze must be in red solo cups
• Tailgate are must be cleaned up within 3 hours of the game finishing.

They also have a whole list of vendors who they partner with for catering, tent setup, games, and beverages.

UCF's Memorial Hall
- Open container policy is waived during games
- Essentially tailgating starts at 8AM, if an evening game, later.
- Reserve your tailgating spot online Sunday before the game.
- Road nearest the area is blocked off for drop-off of tailgate equipment
- Cleanup has to be done before you go into the game (from experience this happens. They have a million trashcans and the area is "spotless" before kickoff).

Just a couple of examples out there. I think a blend of these two models would work really well in Lawrence. Hoping Goff has the same big picture to create a great gameday atmosphere in Lawrence.

@bskeet There are so many other models to follow for the tailgating. We don't need to be KSU where we just have a big ass parking lot. I know it is like some sort of Kansas/Missouri cultural thing where you must be within 10 steps of where you parked or else it is too far of a walk. But assuming they let you setup the night before, and essentially do a "drive-up" pickup, they have a lot of opportunity.

I should also note that a lot of schools have a tailgating "service" where you hire a 3rd party to do your setup and teardown so that all you have to do is show up. KU has a similar thing already for the Hill, it just hasn't been utilized.

There are ways to get this right and create an awesome environment.

I am in the camp that thinks the renderings are ugly as sin… have to end up looking better in person I think

They have a chance to turn the tailgating scene into something special on the hill, imo. But it will take some effort on part of the athletic department. "The Hill" could become "The Grove" or any of the other famous tailgating spots.

Offer to reserve the same spot for $50 for the entire season and base the select a spot off of the same select-a-seat. Allow setup the night before. Allow drive-up cleanup at the top of the hill. To get people interested in doing it, offer up cool giveaways and experiences. Put in a student section that is free hot dogs, hamburgers, chips and soda. Bring in some food trucks. UCF has concerts pre-game at almost all of their games, that could be a way to liven up the hill.

Of course it only matters if the product on the field can sustain some level of success.

@bskeet They will have people park over by the fieldhouse (and are already doing that this year). There are the lots on the hill, and they can ask students to move their cars across the bridge on game days.

I'd also imagine a parking garage or two are in these plans somewhere. Finally - just like for BBall games there will be lawn and driveway parking. To be honest, having so many fans show up that parking is an issue would be a blessing.

Just happy Adidas didn't let us down here. Reading tea leaves here, it either means Dickinson is gone or Flory and his team seem comfortable letting him get seasoning at KU multiple years...

Either way, I'm just glad and Adidas made a point to get their top guy to their top school. As it should be.

I would be very happy to add Jacobs to the rotation of backs. Imagine facing 30 carries a game from Pacheco and Jacobs. What a punishing duo.

Also Bill having a footer who can score the ball at the 5 for end of game play calls is awesome.

Just now able to finish the game. I think maybe the coolest thing to me so far is how well KJ and Hunter play next to each other already. They are passing to each other as if they have been playing ball together for 10 years. There is a connection there.

@benshawks08 said in Puerto Rico!:

I’m a little scared that I’m going to really like Terio. 🐦 View Tweet?s=46&t=PfvO214bW1XkHtm9eUlx9A

The team is shaping up to be really fun to watch too... Lots of steals, lots of dunks, lots of 3s. And they have a lot of guys who share the ball really well.

Timberlake has looked pretty solid. Going to be a lot of guys playing under 30mpg this year I think.

@rockchalkjayhawk It isn't the smoothest stream ever. Not just you.

Hunter and KJ seem to be clicking early.

McDowell not shy

Starting to settle for bad shots. A lot of quick trigger 3s

I really like Gurley's polo lol

lol I know the competition we're playing. But we look so incredibly deep at guard.

Tbh Parker looks not bad

McDowell is smaller than I expected. I knew he'd be skinny but he looks shorter.

This 3-guard lineup plus KJ is going to be a PROBLEM for the B12

lol oh lawd. The internet did not need video evidence of KJ hitting a 3

I'm legitimately laughing about this. It's incredibly funny. All of the things about it are funny.

• Bill cannot help but fill scholarships
• Furphy on tape looks so much better than MAJ
• Furph was a hot commodity literally everyone wanted and Bill big-boy'd everyone.
• Our 2024 starting lineup now looks incredibly good again. I'm just saying that we could be on the watch list for a potential B2B championship out of Billy boy.

Also fun fact Johnny has the same B-Day as yours truly.

@BeddieKU23 I definitely get the argument that winning without experience is difficult. To some extent that is what makes the Adidas sponsorship a blessing in disguise. The 2013-2014 team is sort of an example of what a OAD turnstyle team would do under Bill for sure. And Wiggs and Embiid were TALENTS.

Still, I will always wonder what could have been for Bill if he got to handpick kids from each class essentially.

At this point getting to 16 makes sense. Strength in numbers.