@drgnslayr Solid, just solid.
Lulufulu85
353 posts
@MoonwalkMafia My thoughts exactly. WTF. Im cool with KU being near where they are but some of those "top 10" teams. smh. Their SOS just plain sucks compared to KU's
Man, I don't know Paris. Without Wiggins playing like he did on both ends of the court the last game, we get beat by 20. Wigs can absolutely play good defense and I think he is one of our best on ball defenders but he obviously still has some growing pains which I hope he irons out sooner than later. We only got 3 more non con games til the conference starts. We gonna need all our guys fired up and ready for all the games.
yah, me too. I really hope he sticks around. We'll need him next year.
Thanks HEM. Once again, good stuff. I haven't seen the game yet, I dvr'd it. Gonna watch tmoro, well technically its today but I digress.
This was a much needed game for our young fellas. Just with reading the recaps here and there, they seemed to play much better. I agree with you HEM, Im relieved to see that Coach has finally seemed to pick one. Brannen had a good stat line in 16 min. Good. Im also happy for Lucas picking the slack up too. WIgs' shots weren't falling (3-11) and he had foul probs. I hope he gets whatever it is ironed out before conference starts, cuz we're gonna need him at full strength to win this thing again. We got about 3 weeks left? ish.
One more thing,
Way to go UNC! Beating Kensucky. I kinda thought they would before the game anyways, but Im glad to see it happened. Roy's team this year is starting to remind me of KU in '12. Short handed and tough as nails. I wonder if someone can put up the total wins #'s for all 3 teams? Kinda seems like we are gaining on the stinky cats.
Agreed Drgn. Both those games, it looked like the ball was being held for a half second too long before the next pass, or lack there of.
One question I have to add is this; does C.S. have the coaching chops to bring his youngest team to date up to high elite speed by tourney time? He has had tough challenges so far but this may be his greatest.
Ok, I got this from my Espn.go site that I have paid for. Im not sure if I can post this or not but Im gonna try anyways because I think its very relevant.
But first, I'll say that I agree with TK's assessment that Mason and Collins are very similar players at this stage of their careers with the exception of Mason's trey %, their stats are nearly identical. I myself have thought Mason was basically Sherron jr even before seeing those numbers.
On to Dickie V's article on ESPN.
Florida's 67-61 win over Kansas on Tuesday night showed that Jayhawks coach Bill Self has some work to do to get his young team to play up to its potential.
The last time Kansas lost three games this early in the season was 2006, when they opened 2-3. But coaches like Self and Florida's Billy Donovan are not afraid to schedule a game like this early in the season. Remember, both squads started the season in The Associated Press top 10. Self and Donovan don't worry about the result at this point of the season because they believe a game like this will help in the long run. Both coaches are secure in their position, and each should make it to the Hall of Fame down the line.
It was a great environment in Gainesville as Florida won its 21st consecutive home game. There was a lot of emotion and pride on the line between these teams, as many of the players know each other from travel basketball. But the Rowdy Reptile fans were a factor early against a young Kansas squad, which started four freshmen and a sophomore.
More from ESPN.com
Tuesday's loss at Florida showed Kansas coach Bill Self where his young Jayhawks need to improve, writes Dick Vitale. Story
Some put Florida's national title chances to rest after two early losses, but, as the Gators showed Tuesday by beating Kansas, they're a force to be reckoned with when at full strength, writes Myron Medcalf. Story
• Nation blog
The Gators used a 21-0 run over eight-plus minutes in the first half to build a big lead that Kansas could not overcome. Florida's zone defense was very active and gave Kansas trouble, creating havoc while leading to its tremendous first-half spurt. Turnovers were also a huge factor in the contest, as the Jayhawks had 16 in the first half -- prior to Tuesday's contest, 16 was the most they had in an entire game this season -- and finished with 24 for the game.
There were times when the Jayhawks' offense was simply out of sync. Their transition game veered out of control at inopportune times. Passing was a struggle and very little came easy. They looked unsure of themselves.
These are the signs of a young team trying to get together. Having new players in the backcourt was a factor, and their inexperience was evident. It will take time for the unit to mesh, but experience will lead to better results as they become more cohesive.
Rebounding was another area of concern for the Jayhawks. Kansas allowed too many second and third opportunities to the Gators, especially in the first half.
One player who shined for Kansas was Andrew Wiggins. The diaper dandy had 26 points and 11 rebounds, showing why he is going to be a special player at the next level. In the second half, he was more aggressive going to the basket. When he has the ball in transition, he is outstanding. My friends, he is a superstar. That is why people love his skills at the next level.
There are such great expectations tied to Wiggins. There are times when he is too nice a guy. He has a tendency of trying to please his teammates. But when he wants the ball and attacks the glass, he is tough to stop.
There is talent on the Jayhawks' roster. They're going through a learning stage and understanding how to play the game at the collegiate level. And it will not get easier with New Mexico, Georgetown and San Diego State ahead on the nonleague agenda. But I am confident that Self will get his team to right the ship.
Another thought, we may have to temper our expectations for the post season this year, much to my chagrin. I really wanted these guys to win it all this year. But seriously I think that we will see a team take the title that is more experienced and has less 5 star talent. So, not teams like Duke, Kentucky, Arizona. More like Michigan state, Florida, Wisconsin is also playing real good right now and Ohio state. All top heavy senior laden teams. Not a whole lot of McD's talent on any of them but they have experience and toughness. With these new rule changes the experience will trump anything this year. That's just me. I hope Im wrong.
I also hope that Coach Self gets his group of youngsters firing on all cylinders by Conference and win the conference, win the tournament and make a deep run for the national title. If he does, he should get some sort of coaching award.
Im leaving Calipari out of this well because he is Calipari and he sucks. baseballs.
for real Bskeet! KU actually beat them in the second half.
As bad as the first half was for KU, and as bad as I wanted them not to lose, I don't really feel bad about this loss. We all knew they would take more losses this year due to their lack of experience, youth on the court. This tough stretch of games will help them in the crunch time of the conference and the march tournaments. Its a toughening box right now. They have to learn from this and have to get better. I think they will. Do I think they are national title contenders? Hell no. Can they be by March? Very possible but we shouldn't expect a title this year. We should also patient and let them take their lumps without too much bashing from the fanbase. This is the youngest team Coach has ever had. I trust that he will have them playing better soon enough.
Didn't Self even say early in the season they had practiced zone?
Good post HEM.
Personally I tend to agree that coach should use a zone more often for those reasons Jesse outlined. Don't think pure zone all the time is the answer, just enough to limit our fouls and shake up the opponents offensive rhythm.
We are about to see how our favorite young team will do after a tough road loss, going to another tough team on the road. KU is more talented but they are younger. They are better but they need to play like it. Wigs needs two halves of NBA caliber game, Perry needs to watch his perimeter D, Joel needs to not foul on fakes and hedges, and all need to keep their turn overs down. Mostly they have done that but against CU, they turned it over too much, they need to use quick ball movement for better shots and someone needs to make more 3pt shots. If they can do all that, they could win at Florida but that's a pretty tall order.
a thousand times agreed. Just Pick One.
Wow, tough game. KU fouled a lot, turned the ball over a few too many times and had some defensive breakdowns that had they not happened, could have sealed the game for us early. Cant really blame the loss on one three point shot that might have been a travel.
Agreed on Matt's point about Naa also. Think Naadir has more confidence and less injuries to deal with at this point, than EJ did. He'll be fine and Im betting he will start again at some point too.
Im picking Wigs to have a much better all around game this time. He needs it.
I kinda hope we meet them in the final four. Great team, great coach but we seem to have their number in the big dance.
"Sport has the power to change the world." Nelson Mandela
We gotta put this one up.
Im guessing we drop out of the top 5.
Sure there are some major things to fix this season but if his half court offense sucks then why is he amongst the top of the coaching hierarchy and why does KU have more wins in the last 10 years than most if not all of div1?
absolutely Blown, Even my amateur eye can see there is a HUGE discrepancy among the refs right now. Some fouls are called and some are not. It almost seemed like the refs at the Nova game were trying to help Nova win the game. It was crazy.
I have been watching college basketball (KU in particular) pretty closely since '88 and very closely, to the point of learning the terminology, rules etc of the game since the Bill Self Era. There are some questions I have to ask about the game. I'm sure I will think of more later but for now...
What is the main difference between Motion and High low and pick and roll offenses? Those teams that I am aware of that use said offenses, I see a lot of similarities. I see ball screens, I see cuts, I see drives to the paint and drives baseline. I see teams use the high weave to create space for drives and possible kick outs for open shots.
But, what is the main difference between all those offenses and what can I look for to identify when teams are using them?
Thanks, you guys are awesome.
I still hold a grudge against Jay Wright for cutting Mario and Russell from his U19 team. And I still love how those two got big time revenge against said coach in the 08 tournament. Stick it Jay!
Seriously, that Tyshawn quote is very funny stuff. Not to mention the "incident" itself. Freekin hilarious!
Wiggins will explode, it is just a matter of time. Who knows why he hasn't done that yet. That said, I do think he has had some good games and clearly he is going to be a high elite nba talent some day too.
Mason is Sherron Collins Jr! That guy is awesome.
I really hope Greene doesn't wash out of the program, doesn't transfer. HOpe the guy can be patient for a while.
yet another game I cant watch. Thanks to our wonderful new tv deal. I think its crap. regardless KU shouldn't have trouble getting a W, with Wake Forest having no wins against kenpom top 200 and KU being in the top 5. Lets be honest here, KU could either get upset or they will win in a blowout. My thinking is toward the latter. I mean Coach B doesn't really impress me with his coaching prowess. We named Colorado AFH West when he was there...
Man that place looks awesome! Much better than the ice age we got here in Kansas.
Nice. Love hearing what Coach Self has to say about KU Basketball. Such a seemingly down to earth and knowledgeable guy.
I was just browsing my twitter feed and there seems to be a ton of concern regarding the new foul calling rules. After this tourney, Id be interested to see what our coach has to say about it. I wonder if there will be the major discrepancy in calling games like I have been hearing. Some games are called very tight and some are called like they were last year. Sort of like the refs are deciding to ignore the rule changes. I also wonder if the NCAA will let the rules stand as they are this year or make some sort of mid season change. If not then, surely they will have to adjust them next season.
you know, I was wondering why J New was writing for CJ online... Now it makes sense.
Anyone ever get an ear on what happened to this guy? We clearly have some good basketball minds here but man, I miss reading his stuff.
I still read articles on the kusports site but I don't post there anymore. Seems the traffic has slowed quite a bit there too. Shame. It was a great place for basketball fans to get all they want during the season and to contribute their own thoughts. Btw, those 10 question survey things really suck, a lot. everytime it asks for a typed answer I always insert a random curse word.
Oh ya, I cant wait to see the Okie state and ISU games. They are going to be Brutal! I don't think we will see any dirty plays from our guys but most definitely hard nosed defense and in your face high octane offense. Wigs is gonna go right at Smart, who has already called him out. Not a good idea btw. Well, its good for us! :)
Good post HEM. Thought provoking.
Mine are thus, we all know Coach is very loyal to his upperclassmen, Tharpe is gonna be his guy all season. Its his team. I do agree with you on Mason being good enough to start, I just don't think it will happen. Tarik on the other hand, I could go either way. I liked what I saw from him the last game. Maybe he is breaking it open a bit and maybe Coach will want his lone Senior rotation guy to start for some team chemistry thing. Joel clearly has a better game so far but Coach has never started a freshmen over a Senior if said Senior was important to team chemistry. Jo-el might be superman like by season's end and I honestly hope he comes back next year but we shouldn't hold our breath.
If I were Coach, Id pick White b4 Greene just based on the above. Maybe what we have been seeing is Coach's attempt to keep everyone happy. But you are right, for this team to make that 6 game run in March/April, Coach has to start solidifying the rotation minutes.
And you can add assist leaders to that
Good one
Yah, thought of that too. Either he is in Coaches dog house or he is just rotating games with Conner and Brannen to give them both minutes, keep them happy and AT KU
Nah, I think its just a matter of when Coach Self gets them to really understand how to play his Defense. When that happens, they will be incredible.
Dang it!! Another game I couldn't watch. I mean, come on! This is stupid. I listened to the game on 105.9 and honestly the commentary from our two local guys is pretty good sometimes. But, how many more games am I going to miss on tv?
aww man! My picture is gone! Ah well, win some lose some.
NICE! I totally dig the new format. Thank you for using my photo of AFH! Glad I can contribute. I'll post a few more photos soon
agreed. Would be way awesome if we got one this year, then repeated next year. Id be happy with a final four this season and a title the next.
Im trying to temper my expectations here :)
thanks
Ive got the game DVR'd as most everyone does I think. Ive watched it twice in its entirety and found some spots Ive seen more than that.
First, I think KU's offense hasn't been this potent and balanced in at least 5 years. Their defense is clearly still a work in progress but they are getting good, getting it down fast. They'll have to. Im a bit surprised Tarik hasn't had as much of an impact as I thought, him being a very big Senior PF. Embiid getting more minutes against Duke speaks volumes. I still think we will get a solid performance from Black, he maybe just having some knee problems, Insert knee quilt comments ala Jaybate. After the Ft Hays St game he had his knees wrapped in ice, lots of ice. Its all speculation but I still think he can help us in the paint. I haven't given up on the big guy.
KU missed some defensive assignments against Duke that last years team woulda caught before it happened but again, last years team did not have the offensive chops, not close. Coach Self WILL have them playing top notch Div 1 defense by conference play.
One last thing, Perry couldn't guard Parker, he dropped ohhh 16-18 points on him the first quarter. Conversely, Parker couldn't guard Perry. The Designer didn't score as many points in the first quarter but he did it more efficiently and had his way with Parker in the paint. I also loved it when Wigs just took Parker on in the second quarter and shut him down. At least that's how it looked to me.
I just want to reiterate that I am sharing these photos with the website and all who visit here. Feel free to do as you wish with what I put down. Caveat, I'm no pro. This is purely amateurism at work here. I've enjoyed this hobby for nearly all of my adult life. I hope I can bring some enjoyment and inspiration to others too.
I didn't bring my telephoto lens into the game. 1. its a bit weighty, 2, they might not have let me in with it. 3. there was just barely enough light for my stock lens.
Sorry people. My computer is in the shop and I was having problems drag/dropping pics onto here anyways. I tried to email Approx but the file size was too big. SO, Im not sure what to do. I will try again this weekend when I get my laptop back
Yeah, I cant figure it out at the moment. I'll try again tomorrow or sometime soon. I took at least 100 shots and I think about 10 maybe 15 could be poster worthy.
Ok so after the Ft Hays State game on the 5th of Nov. I bought an official KU Basketball for autographs. I was able to get the whole team to sign it, except for JWes. Apparently he snuck out the backdoor and didn't do any signing. LoL, I wondered if Coach Self approved the escape or if J.Wes had to run stairs for it.
Anyhow, after Joel Embiid got up to me. I was awed by how freekin tall that guy is! TO me he seems taller than 7 ft. When he came up to me, I handed him my ball to sign and at the same time I asked him if he really did kill a lion when he was younger in Africa. In reference to a tweet he said about doing the same thing. Hehehe, He laughed and dropped my ball on the floor. It was pretty funny. Then after I got the ball back I told him he was the best rapper in the NCAA, which was another twitter reference to something he tweeted about rapping in French. He laughed again and said something to me in his very thick accent. I didn't quite understand what he said but it was a pretty cool interaction. He is now my favorite Jayhawk.
Frank Mason clearly had something on his mind during the autograph session, he looked upset. Hope he is ok. Wayne Selden was very gracious and kind. I thanked everyone who signed my ball and told them "good game" Wiggins was as quiet as advertised. He was also skipping a lot of fans. Didn't sign everyones stuff. Cant say I blame the guy, there were probly 400 people just waiting for him. I wasn't gonna get skipped though and I was very direct yet friendly when I asked him to sign my ball. Naadir is also a very nice guy. He was limping around, I asked if he was ok and he just said his knees were wrapped in ice and he was fine. Tarik said the same thing. Anyone know if either Tarik or Naa are nursing knee injuries or bruises of any kind? Is that a common practice after games for the players? I just hope our two most senior guys don't have to sit big games cuz their knees aren't cooperating.
I ended up waiting two hours after the game to get everyone's Sig. It was well worth it too. I looked on Ebay recently and found a Jayhawk 2013-14 team signed ball for $300. I paid about 50 for the ball and waited two hours, Id say that's a fair trade off, more than fair. There is no way in any circle of purgatory that I am selling either of my KU autographed basketballs ever. I also have one from last year.