One final comment from me on this thread. TCU showed lots of character to persevere and charge through the NIT with determination to show their stuff. A good sign for our league. Very different from John Calipari and his heralded youngsters giving up in their first round NIT contest vs. Robert Morris a few short years ago. Any conference title is a win for the entire Big 12!
REHawk
1583 posts
Here's another positive outcome of TCU's NIT win. The conference shares in TCU's proceeds, just as all league schools do in the progress of our conf. teams moving along in the NCAA Tourney. Money in the bank for KU and the other league schools. (at least, I think this is true)
@Crimsonorblue22 Thanks anyway. I would never have seen the pic, otherwise. I do not tweet or fart or facebook. Well, that is not completely true. I merely dump lines into BUCKETS...almost daily.
@dylans What? Whoa! This is a league participant, a team that sent us reeling when our young star shot himself in the proverbial foot.
Kudos to Jamie Dixon and his athletes, a long awaited up and coming program. Their enthusiastic win, matching the largest point margin in the history of the National Inv. Tourney, will definitely carry over into next season when Bill Self and Co. strive for a 14th consecutive title. Now if Tech can keep a'comin', and if Shaka Smart can get off his fanny to invigorate a slumping Longhorn program, why, heck, we might face new challenges down below the River Red. There is even talk of Dasterdly Drew slithering off to some other program. So Baylor might once again face the prospect of finishing a season with the ranking it frequently earns early on.
If someone could please print a copy of Wikipedia's "Associated Press College Basketball Player of the Year" it would make for a dandy addition to this thread. Started in 1960-61; and the names on that annual listing will knock off yer socks! Our man Frank sits among heralded athletes, many of the best ever to play the game. One of only 6 pt. guards in nearly six decades of that record keeping. The lone Jayhawk on the list. (as a side note, Kentucky has just one name on that esteemed list; Duke, 6; UCLA 5)
@Crimsonorblue22 O MY! Fantastic photoshopping, Crimson. I do appreciate your many fine contributions almost daily to this site. Please maintain your health and keep the postings coming.
I became seriously immersed in Jayhawk fandom way back in 1988, the Larry Brown/Danny Manning Championship season. Have watched many fine players filter through the capable hands of Roy Williams and Bill Self in subsequent years. And I do hope to live at least another decade or so to stay aboard the Jayhawk Hoops Express. I look forward to viewing and cheering on a host of credible talent in oncoming seasons. But the point guard work of departing senior Frank Mason? Improbable that I shall see his like again. This season was snuffed out in a whimper. Frank Mason's ascension yet lives on.
What a joy to see Frank Mason rewarded for his tremendous season and serious body of work! The progression of Frank would appear to capture Bill Self at his very best. Developing a serious minded athlete who comes onto the Div. 1 scene with distant promise but without the credentials of a McD's superstar. Frank stays 4 years (would like to stay and play 4 more), walks off with one of the top trophies in the game. A kid who played the game right, down to his very last collegiate opportunity, and just kept a'comin'.
WOW!
In my not so humble opinion, any suggestion regarding the firing of Bill Self is absolutely ridiculous. As are the comparisons to Roy. We are fortunate beyond measure that our athletic dept. chanced upon BIll Self after Roy's abrupt departure. One of my brighter much younger friends just sent an email suggesting that our coaching staff might be minus a key tactician sitting beside our head coach, esp. at NCAA TourneyTime. Probably, we dearly miss Joe Dooley.
@Eric-san You have dredged and come up with a string of definite facts. We have really missed those big guys who did not return. And Doke's injury likely made for a huge difference this season.
A very disappointing loss, but, hey, what a spectacular season! And the near future looks just as promising, maybe more so, esp. if Graham and/or Svi returns.
We must keep upbeat, esp. for Frank and his charge toward national POY. What a gold nugget he has been for this program. Bill Self is fond of proclaiming: Live by the 3, die by the 3. Even so, I think we would have won this contest but for the work of that big kid Bell. We had little answer for his ability to rebound, block shots and stay out of foul trouble. Bill and Co. ran offense his direction again and again, but could not surpass his dominance. It is what it is. Now, on to 2017-18. Hope springs eternal said a dead poet. (Or maybe he was very much alive when he said that....)
@JayHawkFanToo You are absolutely correct, if Lutz had dementia he would not be working as a journalist. He would be closely attached to Trump's Secretary of Education.
I've gotta wait until Monday before I can join the crowing on this particular thread. That said, what a relief to see Villanova go down; and a joy to watch the Dookies pack their bags. This upcoming UCLA/Kentucky outcome should call forth a few more smiles. In the meantime, ROCK CHALK, JAYHAWK! And best of all good announcements for Frank Mason in the balloting for NPOY!
I continue to be concerned about the sexual mess (rape) of the teen girl in the men's hoops dorm; also the concurrent drug issue involving a runaway teen girl who spent time in the dorm that same night. Seems ominous that no details of those incidents have come to light throughout the remainder of this basketball season. Our players might not be directly involved...hopefully, are not. Although one of them did face problems for possession of drug paraphernalia uncovered during that investigation. I would imagine that the lodgings have been subjected to much tighter security since these calamitous events...and that the player charged with the goods received a shock the caliber of which might lead to his immediate ascension towards more introspection and maturity. That would appear to be a slow painful process. Painful, at least, for his hopeful fans and followers.
@jayballer54 Hang in there. All of us catch hell from fellow posters occasionally. Gotta maintain a thick skin to post on any of these sports sites. This one in particular is noted for much rational insight, customarily friendly though contradictory banter, excellent postings. My knowledge of this game of collegiate hoops is fairly meager, though I have learned much from years of televised viewing and reading daily articles and postings. What I do know well is people, the mindwork of coaches and the interactions of players. I freely express opinions on such, and often stir rebuttals or outright indignation. I try to take it all in stride, knowing full well that my opinions are not expert; actually, I learn much from opposing views. What I have quickly and best learned is not to get too much in the face of contrary opinions. Criticisms draw mighty fast reactions. And there are a few thin skins on this site, as there are on most such popular postings. Two of our very best posters (in my humble opinion), jaybate and HEM, frequently stir the wrath of fellow posters. Over time, they still contribute, one more often than the other, recently; both seeming not to be too bothered by their critics. I don't always agree with them, but cherish their input. Several years ago I found my skin thinning in communicating with HEM. I soon settled down, grew a thicker epidermis, and inspected myself with deeper introspection...after which HEM seemed to grow into a much better guy! Again, my advice: hang in there. I have noted that you sometimes introduce some very pertinent stuff.
@justanotherfan Well, here's input from perhaps the weakest Xs and Os contributor on this thread. First ten minutes, roar down the throat of the Boilermakers. Then hope to back off with Colby, praying that Swanigan and the trees are shackled with fouls. Open the second period with another 8 minute push, then try to hang on for the win, playing whatever bench available and effective as much as possible. Attempt to rest the starters whenever. Labor to get 4 fouls on Swanigan before the final 4 minutes.
@JayHawkFanToo Heck, compared to national news, KC Sports is novice apprentice. Ya gotta be consummate master of all apprentices in order to dominate in the world of fake news.
@JayHawkFanToo HA! You betcha! Although Frank's demeanor is more forceful to me than threatening. Vick racks up another 15 or 20 pounds and he could back a doberman off his doorstep.
@JayHawkFanToo Yeah, I was incensed by some of those overlooked incidents, too. But Vick? Fact is, he drew a call. Might have more than something to do with his occasional facial demeanor. Looks like a guy, who when so moved, could make me nervous in his vicinity on a lonely midnight street! Hudy intensifies his strength training this summer, next season he'll be the guy in the news captions staring opponents down. Refs might focus even more on his looks or snarls.
Me, I am approaching the point in which I wonder if Vick is just eat up with dumb or if he is just studying to be a master of bad judgments.
Evidently, last year he kicked a girl; this year taunted a former girlfriend who retaliated by tossing a drink at him, acts which stirred the beast lying dormant in our hero Josh Jackson; then this controversial technical foul at a key moment on the national stage. What is with this kid? He is very much lurking in the wings, awaiting the call for starting minutes next season. Time for him to grow into respectable and reliable status. I would hope to be able to cheer him to future glory.
CONWAYS were certainly designed to "distort thinking."
@jaybate-1.0 Those microwaves have become tagged by international security teams as CONWAYS.
@dylans Ha! That frat talk tugs me backwards some 55 years or so. I had chosen to be a frat man; then found myself engaged in a bloody fistfight on campus. Fraternity heirarchy invited me to sit for a chat, after which I volunteered to de-pledge and cart my belongings back to an independent dorm. Mutual sighs of relief...
We have been witness to the fact that Josh exhibited anger management problems early in his games in a Jayhawk uniform. Obviously, he has learned from the consequences, responded positively to counsel of the coaching staff, and gotten control of the way in which he responds to perceived injustices by officials. As to his multiple offcourt infractions, especially bringing to light his seemingly violent reaction to a female fellow student and athlete, more extensive guidance appears to be necessary. Josh is very much in the limelight during his brief tenure in Lawrence. Among a handful of the very best recruits ever to don a Kansas jersey, the kid continuously shoots himself in the foot while casting blemishes on the program which nourishes him. That said, I like the kid. Overall, his public disposition has always appeared to be very pleasant, at least when he is suited up for games...and since he has grown away from conflicts with officials. I view him as probably the best basketball talent to play for Bill Self at KU. But I suspect that his troubles are not over, esp. off the court, and that we will read more news of legal troubles for him as time goes on. In a 3 or 4 month span he has hauled plenty of grief upon his young shoulders. Hopefully, the key word is "young," and he will have learned enough from untoward actions and subsequent consequences while a college freshman that he will be able to survive the life of an NBA millionaire without further harm to himself or those around him. His adoring fans will wait, with more than a little concern. After all, forever he will represent Jayhawk Basketball.
Personally, I hope that OSU finds a solid coaching replacement. Underwood was/is one hell of a good coach.
Absolutely a no brainer. He leaves $1,000,000+ contract at a school where recruiting is difficult for a 6 or 7 year contract in neighborhood of $3,000,000 in a robust recruiting region. Heck, who wouldn't make the leap? This guy is on the path of upward mobility. A done deal, prestigious move for an upwardly intent head coach. Now the fun and conjectures begin. Who will OSU hire to replace him...and at what salary?
For a spell I was reimbursed a piddly coupla thousand dollars to embrace the annual coaching turmoil which I see Bill Self and many other topflight highly paid coaches endure year in and out. I hold no ill feelings about one penny of their lofty recompense. I just watched Bill on national tv facing the media onslaught re the latest Josh Jackson revelations. Brutal labors!
@ParisHawk I have never been a huge Alford fan, but man-o-man, he deserves some support in the face of the Ball family brouhaha. Gotta be many times worse than the agony laid on Bill Self's shoulders by X Henry's dad and brother.
@mayjay I've an old high school buddy who takes in that Vegas betting scene annually at this time of year. Says it is unbelievably topnotch excitement. Sadly, a Mizzou grad....
Unless UCLA empties coffers to retain Steve Alford, he will come home to Indiana. Secondary impetus: his having to cope with Lonzo Ball's dad thru two more sibling recruits.
Somebody said that Indiana was on its knees, offering big money to bring back Bob Knight to resurrect the program. And that Knight was holding out for even bigger money, also the free pass to bring along Dick Vitalis as Hair Apparent.
If there is any hope at all for Bragg to make good on his current scholarship, Friday eve is his golden chance to step up to the plate.
Come on, Carlton, bite us hecklers in the bum!
@Evidently, Mizzou already hired fired coach Cuonzo Martin. Probably should have waited for Crean who might have given the Tigers a better chance at running a clean program. Of course, Tom might have given MU a giant hopping....
My perspective: This is gonna turn into a Title IX settlement, costing the university much more than the reported $100K invested to get Diallo off the NCAA meat hook. Ongoing saga of Div. 1 dealings with McD All-Americans and university OADers.
Not because of faulty practices and preparation. Not because of the valiant efforts led by seniors Frank Mason and Landon Lucas. This TCU loss was set up weeks ago by young Misters Carlton Bragg and Josh Jackson. Carlton's season long lack of persistent determination and focus, mixed with some immature offcourt behavior. Josh's penchant for illegal actions outside the gym. The absence of potential GAME from those two players cost the program big time in this loss to TCU. Perhaps the NBA can survive and thrive alongside this kind of crap, but it is a sorry mess for the storied program of Kansas Basketball. If locked in the gym or guarded carefully in the outside real world, Jackson can still contribute mightily to statistical advantages for Jayhawk hoops. Bragg: who knows?
@BShark I have forgotten or lost track of the details regarding Marcus. Where is he playing?
@jaybate-1.0 HA! Right on, jb. I have been there. Have experienced full impact of wayward athletes who forfeited opportunity via poor decision making. Nothing can turn a coach more sour, teammates more dejected. Thirty years after the fact I yet can barely stomach the situation.
@dylans Not a chance that he will avoid future problems off the court. If I am an NBA evaluator I'm beginning to feel reservations about staking a #1 or #2 draft status on this kid. Terrific player with major upside on the court, but a problem child awaiting legal issues outside the gym. For him to have boxed himself and the coaching staff into a post season suspension, even for one weak opponent, he has placed the program in jeopardy. Piss ant misbehaviors!
USA TODAY National POY! And SI All American first team.
@dylans ...and maybe the driver he hires is fast and slick enough to avoid legal consequences for accidents the likes of which Josh was too inexperienced to escape?
Bragg? I would imagine that the athletic dept. is fully engaged in researching CB's psychological profile, attitude, and off-court activities and inclinations. I think he yet could be a contributor if he can get his head together and in the game. If his behavior is iffy I would send him packing.
The Graham and Svi decisions loom huge in terms of our talent for next season, another in a string of very optimistic Bill Self coaching years.
But what looms even bigger is the state of experienced returning talent for the 2018/19 season. The coaching staff has to be shuffling its cards weekly in a determination for serious recruiting offers and signees. If Graham should return, next season's mix of experience and talented newbies looks terrific. Considering the upward pace in Vick's development, we could lose Svi and continue to excel. Does Graham entertain the challenge of becoming next season's Frank Mason?
@RockChalkinTexas WOW! Some of the very best pics and personal interest material I have ever seen on this site! Please keep up the good work. Sorry to read of your loss.
I live in a community, several denizens of whom are active or former dope heads. Bill Walton might have fit right in with his surly brazen goofiness Saturday. What amazes me, ESPN telecaster reverting to the half screen so frequently to highlight the bizarre behavior. Walton obviously knows nothing essential about Big 12 Hoops. Did I not hear him mutter that he was surprised to learn that TCU was a member of our league? He brayed that he was not surprised at the Jayhawk string of titles. No big deal. Our league coaches should demand that he never return for a Big 12 broadcast. The guy belongs back on the West Coast; and ESPN needs to clean up its presentation. I am willing to wager that Bill Self will never again ask him to speak to his squad a few minutes before tipoff.
Scott drew has now announced new goals, saying that he and team would really prefer a Final Four or National Championship to a league title.
New and revised goals on the Bear horizons.
LONG on HORNS; SHORT on WINS!
Another huge challenge, for certain. Especially after a week in which major attention has continually reverted to the W. VA game. Gotta hope that Baylor co-eds remain close to their dorms this week, so that no more front page negative news reports regarding the Bear athletic program detracts from the significance of this contest.
@Lulufulu Shucks, if we play with those ingredients which you just listed then we should win any game any where. National Champs in 50 days!
At this moment I feel a bit more positive about the game at Baylor than I do about our end of season contest at OSU. If we hope to lock up this 13th consecutive league title a win at Waco should make a reassuring difference.
Regarding Bragg and his recent misconduct and weak play, if he does not shape up by season's end I would be inclined to send him packing. That said, Bill Self obviously is a more patient mentor who sees and seeks ingredients in Carlton, ingredients which many of us, at this stage, can't perceive. Coach might yet save the kid. In the meantime some of us shriek futilely at the tv monitors, "Yank him to the bench!" It is almost unbelievable to me the way in which Carlton has forfeited prime opportunity, to this point in his Jayhawk life. However, in the final analysis I gotta believe in Bill Self and bow to his expertise in the matter. (Though I reserve the option to shriek.)