@approxinfinity Good article by Dodd from The Wichita Eagle. Made me laugh a bit. Good win for our boys too. Monday is gonna be a rough one and we will need all hands on deck for this one!
Lulufulu85
353 posts
@jaybate 1.0 Here's another thought on Wiggins. If his shot isn't falling he impacts the game in many ways. He is getting better at doing that. He can tell himself Im gonna lead the team in boards, or steals or assists and he can do it. Has he lead us in assists yet this year? I don't think so but I bet he could.
@approxinfinity Yah Ben Mac's got some major hops. Excited to see how he does in the contest and see him representing KU! RockChalk!
@approxinfinity Another question for a thread.
I have looked up the definitions for Shooting Guard and Small Forward. Wikipedia says that basically the spots are interchangeable. My question is, when the game is on and the half court offense is set, looking at the players, how can you tell by position where the 2 and 3 spots are? Is there a definable spot on the court where you say the point guard is looking to pass to the SG or to the SF? I'm sure that depends on the type of offense being run and who your best players are. But, at KU Wigs and Selden are both very good and you can tell that Coach Self likes to interchange their spots from time to time. Just from a position on the floor stand point, how can you tell if either of them is playing the 2 or 3?
@jaybate 1.0 The 40 points also implies that those who believe this will happen, also think he will break Ben's freshmen single game scoring record.
@jaybate 1.0 Wouldn't we all absolutely Love to see him go off for 40 15 & 6-7 in the NCAA's one game? Particularly the big one.
@jaybate 1.0 Ive been wondering the same thing! I really feel like its gonna happen but when will it?
@approxinfinity Im nervous about this game. Think I'll dvr it and watch later. Coach was right last year though, we didn't have a point guard. Not at that time we didn't. Hindsight is always 20/20 and he knows he cant rip his team like that this year. He is a very smart guy, obviously emotionally intelligent too because he senses this years team needs to be approached differently. I just hope he can pull the right strings at the right time with these guys because they wont last a single round in March playing like they did at Texas.
@JayHawkFanToo Im watching UK/Missou right now. WOW MU is coming right back at them. 5 point game, now 4 point game. Hate Mizzou but love to see Kensucky get one more loss. KU is catching up! I think we are down 8 in the all time wins
@jaybate 1.0 That's awesome! That's totally awesome! Every single KU fan out there will eat that stuff up, including myself! That would be so cool. Heck, try and bring Paul into a host type roll after he retires. He could totally do it too.
@ParisHawk Good point Paris
@drgnslayr Im telling you guys, its like this team has morphed into one of 'Ole Roys teams. High powered offense and good but not great defense.
@drgnslayr Its mid season and I really don't want to put too much into this but everyone is feeling what I am at this moment. Our guys have what it takes to reach that final four this year. Every game getting better. Every game decreasing their margin for error.
@drgnslayr For Perry, at the next level, he is going to be a 3, he is going to be a 3 with the muscle of a 4 man in Div 1. He is going to be a 3 man with the skills and finesse of a 3 man with the muscle of an extra couple years ( we hope ) of Hudy training. Julius may have the muscle right now, but the potential of The Designer is higher IMO. Of course, I am biased toward KU.
@jaybate 1.0 Effing big time for The Designer on Broadway!
@drgnslayr Mid read, Id like to say second toughest conference game all year. Okie state will be our toughest.
@wrwlumpy Brilliant! I wish I had kissed Frankamp in 8th grade. LOL
@approxinfinity What would Bill Self do with a Roy Williams team?
What would he have done with the teams in 02 and 03? Those teams were offensive juggernauts. Run and gun type teams that overwhelm their opponents with offense. Im not too versed on how Ole Roy runs his offense but I know they play up tempo and like to shoot lights out.
In his last 10.5 season with KU, Coach Self is teams at their peak playing some of the best defense in the country. Our beloved 08 N.C. team had the best of both. Ranking top 2 and 1 in offense and defense per Kenpom. This year, it seems to me that this team has morphed into one of Roy's high octane offense teams. They literally overwhelmed ISU last night. And TCU the game previous.
This year KU is ranked #4 in offense per Kenpom and #30 in defense. Which team has won an N.C. in the past 11 years without a top 10 or 15 rated Defensive Efficiency?
UNC 2009. #1 offense, #21 defense.
KU looks eerily similar this year. I repeat the question. What
@wissoxfan83 I don't think Wiggs 29 was quiet. For one thing, he was 4-6 from trey. That's almost double his average.
@wissoxfan83 I mean I think across the board scoring is up. The rule changes point directly to that. More free throws = more points.
What I don't get is why our defense keeps declining in the Kenpom rankings? Sure, there were a few times we didn't even cover the 3pt line and they made us pay for that. And, a couple of times ISU drove to the hoop unchecked, also made us pay. But for the most part, I thought they did pretty well.
Man, those guys. Offense is killer. Defense is maddening! Makes me pull my hair out.
@drgnslayr Thanks Drgn
@jaybate 1.0 THx Jaybate for the definitive description there. It makes sense.
@wissoxfan83 Nice! Always glad to hear our boys doing good in the NBA.
On another note. KU is -8 wins down from Kentucky now. We're catching up!
@jaybate 1.0 Another question, If zone was so tough, why isn't it more often used? For example, the top winning programs; UK, KU, UNC, Duke all play m2m most of the time. If it was so unbeatable, it should just be The Way. Instead, from what I can tell, most teams play m2m and throw in the occasional zone to mess with the other team.
@jaybate 1.0 Question, is the triangle and 2 similar to the 1 2 1 1? I hope Coach goes to zone more often this year, gotta start using his L&A's to mess with the other team, force more TOs.
@approxinfinity Just a quick question. If I wanted to post a couple of photos, how does that work?
@icthawkfan316 Perry is a very smart guy, doesn't seem to be a big ego type personality to me. While it may be a bit deflating at first, I really think Perry will be ok with being the best 6th man in the Big 12 next year. After all, its what is best for the team yah?
@approxinfinity TCU, trap game? In light of last years shocker loss there last year, I cant say for sure that it is. Will the freshmen and newcomers be mindful of the potential for another upset loss today?
Have not read JNew's pregame bit but I'll take a shot at what our 3 keys to the game might be. First and foremost, the turnover monkey. This would be a great game to work on ball handling, crisp passes and NOT turning the ball over carelessly. Second, how about working on getting a couple more steals. Not something KU has been particularly adept at this year. Quite frankly, I thought they would be good at it considering all of our L&A's. Third, keeping the fouling to a minimum while being more aggressive at drawing fouls.
If KU can win these three areas, look for a win by a wide margin. Im still picking a close game though, KU by 10.
@drgnslayr Yah, last year Wichita State was an underdog. This year, how will they handle being the "Target"?
@jaybate 1.0 A "switching zone?" That's next level stuff. Is it legal? Is it possible? If so it seems that it would be a decoy of a fixed fortification defense. One that would seem to have its defense on a fixed track but then it jumps the track and mutates into something else on another track. Any offense would instantly be caught off guard and go on the defensive during their offensive possession just to protect the ball and move it to the right MUA, if they can find one.
@drgnslayr I cringe in fear everytime I see a cross court pass. Wonder if they go 5 on 7 in practice? Or some such # mismatch, create more pressure for the starting 5. Literally Force them to take care of the ball better.
@MoonwalkMafia You may be onto something here.
@globaljaybird Interesting take. Very interesting.
@approxinfinity I hope that Brannen sticks around. Met him and the rest of the team briefly after a preseason game in AFH and he seems like a good kid. From what he says here, it looks like he has taken notice of players like Releford and how they have stayed 4-5 years on one of the best teams in college ball and ended up making a big impact. Now that I say it, I bet that Releford even talked to some of our freshmen and sophs wanting more playing time this year when he was in town. They might have even read his book, which I would also like to do btw.
@approxinfinity It is good to see Coach Self publicly acknowledge his teams major weakness. I hope it means that he can do something to move that particular issue in the right direction. Our guys don't need to be turning the ball over 16 times a game when March Madness comes 'round. I mean this is almost a beating the dead horse moment. We've been saying this on here for days and days and it keeps being not dead. Here's hoping also that Coach identifies the higher turnover rates during zones and traps; and that something can be done to fix that as well.
@Hawk8086 Bummer! I didn't know Dawson was out too. That changes things a bit doesn't it? Picking Mizzou...HAHA! Good one Hawk.
@drgnslayr Thanks Drgn
@RockChalkinTexas I forgot that Wilt was a Globetrotter! Man, I remember watching Scooby Doo cartoons when I was a kid and I know Curly was on the cartoon, Not sure about Wilt though. Maybe he was too.
ROck CHalk!
@approxinfinity I want to add a thread for today. Would anyone care to venture a very premature guess at this years elite 8 teams? I say that because IMO the field is still too wide open to pick just 4 teams out of the 20 or so teams that could possibly make it to the Final 4. But, there are some really good teams out there that have started to separate themselves from the pack. Back in November during the time KU played in the Champions classic with Dookie, Michigan St and Kenstinky, I made a guess that that line up could be the '14 Final Four. shakes head Nope, not gonna happen. And without further ado, but a lot of rambling because I work the night shift and I have been up since 6pm yesterday, I will start with my 8 teams whom I think at this point in the season will make it to Elite status.
I have to pick Arizona though I don't want to. I'm definitely not a Sean Miller fan and I think that Arizona is a bit overrated. Strength of Schedule #'s don't look too bad as per KenPom But, they are in the Pac 12 and its annually one of the weakest of the BSC conferences. That's the right acronym right, BSC? Zona has just a hand full of good wins. Their 3rd game they beat Sandiego State (boy do I want a rematch of those dirty rats), and they beat Duke & Michigan in the non conference. I personally think/hope that Zona will overlook a very good and experienced mid major team who will spank them good and hard before Elite 8. BUT, for now they are my first pick.
Second is Michigan State, They are undefeated in their conference so far and if they win or share the league title then surely they can make it to Elite 8. There is an elephant in their locker room though...getting beat by the bipolar UNC? wtf to that.
Third pick is Syracuse. Their S.o.S. is a bit weaker than Zona's but the ACC is a tougher conference I feel. and also they haven't lost yet either. Im not a fan of the bigger conferences though because Cuse wont play a home and home with Duke or UNC and whoever else. So, IMO it doesn't give a real feel for how they would do on the road against those teams. Sure, Duke and UNC are down this year but you know what I mean.
4th pick is our beloved KU. #1 S.o.S and #1 RPI have to be good for something right? There's just got to be some dividends from such a hard schedule for our team this year. They just have to figure out how to NOT turn the ball over against zone and against traps. Shouldn't be too hard to tighten that up right!? Im hoping for some positive reinforcement here people.
5th pick is Wichita State. The Shockers definitely wont surprise anyone this year but they have a seemingly tough and definitely experienced team. Everyone playing them in the tourney will not want to play them... except us right? ;) Only thing is, no losses for a team that has a middle of the road S.o.S means a loss is coming at some point. With no early losses to expose weaknesses the chances that they will get exposed by a bad match up in the dance becomes more likely. It would be pretty funny to see Creighton smoke them like they did 'Nova. Btw, Jay Wright is a sucker. Seriously haven't let go of that grudge against him for dissing Chalmers and RussRob.
6th pick is Florida, As much as I dislike Scotty Wilbeken (sp?) the guy is a baller and UF looks like a tough team this year too. But since 08, UF has had a bad habit of getting bounced early in the tourney. Although I don't sense that will happen this year. They are experienced, talented. Good combos for a deep run if they can make it.
7th is Michigan. If they can share or win their conference, then they should make it at least this far.
8th is Iowa State. We all know they are good, and personally I just want to see another Big 12 team make it this far.
Im going to add a sleeper team also. Im going to put SMU in here. Their Kenpom Offense and Defense #'s look good and plus it would be nice to see Ol' Larry Brown back in the big dance again. I hope they make it.
Yep, that's it. Im sure this will change in a week or two. Im off work for the next 10 days so I plan on watching a lot of college ball, and hopefully learn a thing or two.
@jaybate 1.0 This is now post game and you guys called it just right. Wigs had a good game overall I thought. He was aggressive driving to the hoop, made 10-12 FT's. His shot wasn't quite as Umm potent as it could have been 1-4 treys. But he scored 17pts with 7 boards. Wigs was playing solid Defense too. In the second half he totally shut down Heslip when guarding him. Perry had a good game too. Got past his man a couple times for easy lay ins, had that brilliant steal and run out slam for an &1. Used his Designer skills to put in 18pts and 5 boards,2 steals. And, what about that hustle play by Selden!? That was so sick the refs didn't even see his foot out of bounds. Don't think anyone did til post game. When his shots weren't falling, Im glad he could find other ways to contribute on the other end with his defense and hustle. Mason was a killer, fearless, 9 pts, 6asst and 1 TO. Saw him hounding his man on D. The combo of Jamarick Trayblack played hard nosed and with energy as usual. Embiid had a quiet game it seemed. 12 pts is just above his ave but 4 boards and 1 block? Maybe he was bothered by Austin's height and length. Saw him sit on the bench looking irritated. I know he can defend out to the trey strip but Austin went 4-8 from 3. Wtf? Naadir also had a quiet game, 6pts 3 boards, no assists but didn't have a TO either. Brannen played with solid effort for 4 min and got the hook after one turnover
On thing I absolutely don't understand is why we have such a rampant turn over problem!? I mean its everyone, not just our point guards, and it comes in waves. Sometimes they handle it well, like that 5 TO half against Okie state. I don't know. Atleast they tied with Baylor on TOs 16 all. But seriously, they need to get a grip on the ball if they want to keep a hope of a deep tourney run in March. Pun absolutely intended! Here is my ever present question. How does Coach Self help our boys learn to break a trap with out turning it over? Slayr and HEM I am taking a page from your lengthy discussion on the previous thread. I think you have to put the turnover battle and the trap break into the same focus. Neither are mutually exclusive. The TO battle and the zone break can be tied together too. How does Coach fix this by the end of the conference? Because that's how much time we have left. KU is 5-0 right now, with a pretty comfortable lead on everyone. It is time to look at our glaring weaknesses and freeking fix them! We have the potent offense, we have the stifling defense, we just have to quit turning the ball over and at the same time maybe force a few more turn overs per game. But that's easier said that done. How many of Baylors TO's were forced? Beyond the 7 steals I mean.
@jaybate 1.0 Cool stuff as usual Jaybate,Slayr. This is now post game and you guys called it just right. Wigs had a good game overall I thought. He was aggressive driving to the hoop, made 10-12 FT's. His shot wasn't quite as Umm potent as it could have been 1-4 treys. But he scored 17 with 7 boards. Wigs was playing solid Defense too. In the second half he totally shut down Heslip. Perry had a good game too. Got past his man a couple times for easy lay ins, had that brilliant steal and run out slam for an &1. Used his Designer skills to put in 18pts and 5 boards,2 steals. And, what about that hustle play by Selden!? That was so sick the refs didn't even see his foot out of bounds. When his shots weren't falling, Im glad he could find other ways to contribute on the other end with his defense and hustle. Mason was a killer, fearless, 9 pts, 6asst and 1 TO. Saw him hounding his man on D. The combo of Jamrick Trayblack played hard nosed and with energy as usual. Embiid had a quiet game it seemed. 12 pts is just above his ave but 4 boards and 1 block? Maybe he was bothered by Austin's height and length. Saw him sit on the bench looking irritated. I know he can defend out to the trey strip but Austin went 4-8 from 3. Wtf? Naadir also had a quiet game, 6pts 3 boards, no assists but didn't have a TO either. Brannen played with solid effort for 4 min and got the hook after one turnover
On thing I absolutely don't understand is why we have such a rampant turn over problem!? I mean its everyone, not just our point guards, and it comes in waves. Sometimes they handle it well, like that 5 TO half against Okie state. I don't know. Atleast they tied with Baylor on TOs 16 all. But seriously, they need to get a grip on the ball if they want to keep a hope of a deep tourney run in March! Pun absolutely intended! Here is my ever present question. How does Coach Self help our boys learn to break a trap with out turning it over? Slayr and HEM I am taking a page from your lengthy discussion on the previous page. I think you have to put the turnover battle and the trap break into the same focus. Neither are mutually exclusive. The TO battle and the zone break can be tied together too. How does Coach fix this by the end of the conference? Because that's how much time we have left. KU is 5-0 right now, with a pretty comfortable lead on everyone. It is time to look at our glaring weaknesses and freeking fix them! We have the potent offense, we have the stifling defense, we just have to quit turning the ball over and at the same time maybe force a few more turn overs per game. But that's easier said that done. How many of Baylors TO's were forced? Beyond the 7 steals I mean.
@bskeet Re: Jesse's article on KU's horrid TO% this year. How on earth will or should Coach Self start to correct the horrid turnover percentages this season?
@bskeet Way to go Jayhawks!
If you ask me, its a glaring indictment of Elijah's horrible plays to end our season last year, and similarly of Coach Self for not benching him. He makes a good point but Oh my wow. Ouch.
@HighEliteMajor @Konkeydong, You guys waxing basketball philosophic and discussing rules and strategy is very informative for us mere learners of the game. I love it, even though I don't quite understand half of it yet. But, I'm slowly starting to pick up more and more between you guys and Jaybate.
I would like to make a point of my own here, just a simple observation.
As similar as that game was to the infamous Michigan game last year, We Won.
We won with a young and still a bit green inside team. Granted it was on our home court and not a neutral Tourney site. Last years mega experienced yet not quite so talented and athletic team would have lost this game also, I think. EJ would have turned it over a dozen times instead of the 6 that Tharpe had. Which so far this year has been a rarity for him. We haven't had a PG with this good of asst/to ratio since Russ, Chalmers, Collins.
I absolutely trust our boys to learn from this and improve upon it. If they don't, we might as well call for Bill's resignation. Remember, this is a marathon. We don't have to win out from here, Id prefer not to in fact. I hope during the rest of our conference, we see the2 2 1 press a few more times so our guys can get comfortable with breaking it down, and also so that I can get to know what I am looking at when it happens. Id bet money that Okie state runs it again when we play them on March 1. I hope we can go there and stuff it down their throats by then.
@eleehehe oh man that was priceless!
@jaybate 1.0 You know, I was looking at KU's kenpom stats and I noticed something. For all of KU's turnover problems the past couple of years, on average they aren't any more prone to TO's than any of the past teams as per Kenpom. Each TO stat per 100 possessions of each team since 04 ranges from 18-20. So if KU can actually trend down on TO's and fouls given for the rest of the season, they will absolutely be a Final Four caliber team. They got the Offensive power that hasn't been seen since 08. They got long and athletic bigs and guards that are starting to learn how to play Self ball, together. Here's to hoping they continue the improving trend all the way through March Madness!
@JayHawkFanToo Yep, I'll agree with the Shark jumping Dougie. Though, Id like to see him fall in the water and get eaten after his jump.