@joeloveshawks Bragg's miserable performance left me to wonder if it is worth the coaching staff's time and effort to keep him around for another season. Right now he looks to be on a hopeless track.
REHawk
1583 posts
WOW! Jackson hits winning shot...FROM THE LINE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yee-Haw!
@BeddieKU23 I wonder if he bends his knees when he hits those freebies in practice.
If Townsend speaks true in declaring that Josh hits his FTs in practice, then I predict that occasionally he will shock an opponent or two by successfully hitting the vast majority of those shots in big game situations. If we advance to the Elite 8, and Josh is yet not showing steady success at the line, an opposing coach with a strong bench can be counted upon to target him with fouls. I envision Josh Jackson rising to such a challenge. He might not do so in back to back situations, but he is too competitive not to make someone pay for underestimating his determination. The kid is as exciting to watch as any player in the Bill Self era.
I have been very outspoken about mayhem in the Baylor athletic program. Now am cringing more than somewhat at the disclosure of male-female conflicts with a pair of our current players. Father of girl whom Vick is accused of assaulting refers investigative calls to a lawyer? Whoa! These players are placing their potential future earnings in jeopardy...and are too stupid to understand the consequences?
Not to mention losing support of adoring fans, fodder for opposing recruiters, blemishes to their heralded university program. Kansas Basketball is a much bigger deal than the need to hang onto miscreants, or cover up improprieties or work special deals with arresting or prosecutorial agencies. The decision to retain Howard might be coming back to bite the program in the butt. These issues of imropriety are piling up.
Reality is, we most likely will need that key piece coming off the bench or replacing an injured starter; IF HE CAN GET HIS ACT TOGETHER, gain focus and move forward. If these knockdowns are doing nothing more than rolling off his shoulders, then SAYONARA. Bill Self and staff will be the judge. Bill has dealt with other hard heads, some of whom were ushered out the door or encouraged to leave. I gotta think that playing for this coach in this program amounts to gold coins from heaven. If a twenty year old player can't reasonably handle the opportunity then the squad is better off without him. I kinda think that Carlton will be offered one last chance.
@jaybate-1.0 Sounds sane and good to me. This Bragg fiasco changes the landscape. I hope to see Frank get his 21 points, Josh tally a bundle. I don't envision a KU victory.
@JayHawkFanToo Hard for me to envision Bill Self falling into the wimpy footsteps of Coach K regarding "indefinite suspension." I would say that CB is out for at least two games. Not knowing what this suspension is all about, and not having viewed Carlton's commitment in practices, I still have watched him closely in recent games. The kid has been offered the opportunity to bounce back from his late night goofball involvement in the "girlfriend fracas" several weeks ago. His value on court appears to rank as about a 6 on a 10 pt. scale. He might not return to this squad for the duration...although I suspect that he, like Greene, will get ONE MORE CHANCE. His tenure at KU is in deep jeopardy.
With the minutes of opportunity which Carlton has gotten, I keep trying to reassure myself that he is on the upswing. However, too often I hear myself grumbling, "Damn it, Bill, pull him to the bench!" Maybe the guy is about to earn some of that chest banging treatment once applied to Withey, something to coerce him into high testosterone play. Sometimes Bragg looks like a wimp playing in heavy traffic. His bunnies look weak. Obviously, potential looms huge for this sophomore reserve; but will we ever see it spring forth steadily this season?
@JayHawkFanToo HA! Poor old Drew, he cannot get a break from our crowd. That huge misjudgment several years ago at AFH has cost him dearly in esteem by devoted KU supporters. If he lives to coach another twenty years at Baylor he probably will still suffer harassment by Jayhawk faithful. Most of us now admit that the guy can recruit. Where and how he pops up with kids like this current proficient point guard (LeCompte?) is beyond me. But vs. the gametime coaching of a Bill Self, Drew is bound for maybe 20% success. He had might as well sit quietly on the bench with Tark the Shark's towel clasped tightly in his jaws, allowing his players to run the show freelance!
@Hawk8086 Nothing untowards intended. I am certain that Frank must spend whirlpool time after every game, the way he so often bounces off the hardwood. On this particular outing Josh looked to be in need of the same cure. Our guys are really throwing their bodies into some brutal action. Not a sport for the meek and mild!
Well, in a low fouling game tonight, Josh was hit with a bundle. Can't remember now, but either the 3rd or 4th of his infractions looked controversial. So, perhaps once again he gets tagged with an unearned penalty. Does seem to be an ongoing situation for Josh. But his determination always to be in the thick of the action might be explanation enough for the steady assault of whistles. He is a very active competitor who might be moving too fast for officials to judge accurately. Was good to see him handle the adversity without earning another Technical. That 5th foul in the closing two minutes might have come at an opportune moment, as it could have saved Josh from being cast in role of the goat if he had been fouled down the stretch...and had come up short at the line. This was certainly one of his worst scoring games, but his assists were marvelous, and he was our leading rebounder. So, on the offensive end he earned his keep. The one sorry 3 pt. shot was a distraction; however, Mason passed injudiciously to him with 2 Cyclones closing in for a trap in the corner, leaving the ball in jeopardy. It appeared that Bill Self reamed Mason as much as he did Josh for that misjudgment.
Josh handled the yank by that Waters kid quite well yesterday. I think he probably was as surprised as all of us that he got levered so rudely and noticeably to the hardwood. Of course, there was little question that Waters would be assessed a flagrant. If Waters actually had any size to him we might have experienced a reactionary donnybrook. As it went down, the incident was somewhat comical. Fortunate, though, that Josh did not get hurt. He hit the hardwood hard more than once yesterday. Probably spent this morning in a whirlpool...with Frank!
At some point in his playing career Josh will probably benefit from work with a sports therapist who will assist him in improving his FT and 3 pt. shooting. I would imagine that much of his current problem involves mental/physical dissonance. Eventually, he will discover a means to launch more productive shots while holding his sped up muscle twitch at bay. Would be terrific if he could benefit from some of that help before this season's tournament play. However, I'd say that our coaching staff is wise, psychologically, in determining not to mess much with his current shooting form. He will be off and away before much of that re-calibration could take effect.
At season's end someone needs to do a video documentary of Josh's involvement with controversial whistles, esp. those resulting in technicals or instances of his racing away to avoid such. Obviously, the kid is too wired competitively to absorb perceived injustice from the second tier of gametime opposition, the striped shirts. Is comforting to coach, teammates and fans to see him taking steps to avoid the extra foul count. He will glean more favorable treatment by keeping his mouth shut and distancing himself from the whistles. That said, I've a feeling that his reasons for outrage are probably right on target.
@jaybate-1.0 "Who wants Josh as our designated FT shooter?" HA! That kid is so wired that his neurons fire too rapidly for FTs. Actually, his percentage from the line will probably continue to rise if he gets fouled in closing minutes of games when his muscle twitch begins to slow.
At one point late yesterday he hit an amazing 4 in a row.
Mizzou is my home state university, and when they bolted our league I washed my hands of them...completely. Not that I was ever proud to be connected. Their current state of hoops hopelessness thrills me to no end. I stand with Bill Self and am inclined to view the break in the manner of Kim Mulkey. A dirty divorce, plain and simple. No crawling back on bloodied knees.
@Texas-Hawk-10 Aw, shucks, I know quite a bit about Texas history and attitudes. For over twenty years I have spent more than 1/4 of each year down there. My wife taught history and social studies for a few years in a South TX high school. She was teaching the year that TX legislature instituted a law that all public schools would establish and honor a policy that students would begin their school day by standing and pledging allegiance to the grand state in which they were schooled. A state always on the cutting edge of threats to break away from the union. Hell, Agent Orange ought to just build his wall somewhere up along the Red River!
Aw man, I can understand why those two posting "geniouses" are staying off this thread. However, if one of them in particular rises from a deep sleep, he's liable to post a diatribe longer than the first six chapters of the King James Bible, concerning military/hoops issues!
Never expect the independent nation of Texas to act with an eye or ear to what transpires in northern states. Set foot in Texas, and you will soon understand that you have crossed into ANOTHER COUNTRY.
@JayHawkFanToo Man O Man, I wouldn't drop OSU that low quite yet. Not with a healthy Juwan Evans. Matter of fact, if KU is to win or tie for the league title, my feeling is that we had best get the job done before playing that last conference game in Stillwater. Self's history is not too salty in away games at his home school. If the title is hanging on the line at that trip, it is bound to be a crunch situation.
@Texas-Hawk-10 Okay, I watched that TCU game again, with an eye to the Lucas/Bragg combos. First half they joined on the court at 8:37 mark, stayed in game together until 3:15 (5 minutes, 22 seconds). Second half they both were on floor at 11:02, and I am not certain when they broke apart (I went to sleep).
@ralster Among current Division 1 announcers, I will opt for Jay B. any time.
@Texas-Hawk-10 Was brief, but they were on the floor together for at least one spell. Soon I will watch the game again and try to post the time period(s).
In retrospect, it might appear that Vegas oddsmakers predicted that our star OADer would shoot craps?
@Fightsongwriter That is mighty good stuff, "March Rig a thon!"
@Lulufulu HA! I will never watch another Jayhawk game without focusing on that jb chop/weave analysis. I have watched lots of KU ball the past two decades, and never once focused directly on the difference. My humble and very raw hoops mind has just now expanded exponentially!
@jayballer54 Probably originated with that Wichita State guy who aspires to be a bigtime Div. 1 coach....
@jaybate-1.0 Give em a kiss, then grab em by the groin, Father!
Not to whip a sad old blue devil chapter into the weary dust bin, but I've one more thought about this latest Duke mess. Has Grayson Allen behaved this way all through his earlier school years, or is this untowards behavior a thing he has learned since committing to Mike's storied program? Aspiring to the Christian Laettner school of in your face impropriety which seems to have accompanied Coach K's mentorship since leaving the Bob Knight influence at Army?
Exciting hires. New coaches energize a conference, throw a different array of styles into play.
@REHawk ...and similar story about Udoka. Any family here in the States? Months of Hudyization, already or in near future? When will surgery probably occur? When back on a bb court? Siblings?
@HawkInMizery Human interest story on Josh Jackson and his mother, reflecting on the huge decision for him to leave his home in Michigan a few years ago to develop his teen game out on the West Coast. Is Mom now in Lawrence? Will Josh's NBA signing uproot the current family and its home site? Brothers and sisters?
I'd say at crunch time our freethrow shooting is more of a potential danger than Lucas/Bragg offense. If those two players can just continue to post 18 rebounds between them, we should be able to stay in the game with just about anyone. Our five perimeter players are a marvel.
Of course, there is always the threat of sudden setbacks to injury, esp. to Frank, the way he attacks the paint. Those 34 minute exertions are bound to exact a toll.
From the getgo I predicted and still predict 3 games without Grayson. Duke is in for a real test vs. V Tech, but then can probably float through the following 2 contests. So, essentially, he hurts his squad for one game only. If it has not been done, I think the league should mandate a thorough blood testing as a first step. Then insist that Duke initiates psychological assistance. Very bizarre behavior for a college junior. And there was something disturbingly "preachy" about his coach's initial comments and attitude after this third incident. Paragon of USA hoops mentor that he is, Coach K's grip would appear to be slipping. Sanctimonious bull hockey, the "teachable moment" talk. This kid is not a seventh grader.
@MoonwalkMafia On twitter? Surely he ain't that guy with the orange hair?
@stoptheflop I have thought about your thesis on several occasions this season. Our coaching staff surely must speak tongue in cheek about our "small" lineups. We know that Bill Self, historically, has relied strongly on three smaller perimeter players, 2 "bigs" to man the paint. But he now has recruited himself perhaps into a corner with that playing philosophy...although he keeps working to re-establish that style. What we are seeing is the development of a team which, by seasons end, can play the game to advantage either way, 4/1 or 3/2. Josh Jackson is a tremendous difference maker, and Svi is coming along marvelously. Vick is a player who provides instant replacement talent if one of our other 4 perimeter players gets hurt (or locked up several hours before a game). By traditional standards, six foot eight inches sure as hell ain't small! Wouldn't crafty Fred Hoiberg have salivated over the speed and talent of small players Jackson, Svi, Vick!
@globaljaybird Absolutely phenomenal, how Joel has advanced so quickly with such limited playing time in his few years at this sport. Heck, he not only will pull down NBA ROY but also will be one of a dozen names cast into ballot for MVP if he keeps on the uptick and stays healthy. The guy is almost superhuman. Makes many other players on the floor look like boys pitted against a Goliath.
@nuleafjhawk That puzzled the wife and I, also. Was explained that KU was the designated "home" squad, although on neutral site. If a Big 12 Tourney game or NCAA Regional game at Sprint Center, we would not officially be designated as the "home" team, as I understand the delineation. Anyway, gave cause for halftime concern, as we traipsed to the locker room not in the lead.
@mayjay Sounds as tho she might be working up a head start in generating FAKE NEWS. Might become a winner on that program.
Heck, this girl is now likely to lock down her very own reality tv show. Compete with the Kardashians.
Aw shucks, this could be the making of our future star power forward. I would bet dollars that young Mr. Bragg will keep his activities in order, and his nose to the proverbial grindstone throughout the remainder of this season. Tight grip on his zipper!
@REHawk If you folks haven't ever read BEYOND THE PHOG, you must find a copy of that fine book. Especially, read Chapter 33, the Sherron Collins section. His commentary about Rush, Self, Hudy: O MY!
@Lulufulu HA! I just got another good laugh. I can never focus on that guy B Rush without erupting into mirth. In that book BEYOND THE PHOG Sherron Collins really waxed eloquent about Brandon, claiming, "B Rush is one of the goofiest guys I know." Of Rush's tendency to avoid open jumpers in lieu of putting the ball on the floor and driving left, Collins said, "Coach Self used to tell him he had a magnet in his left nut that pulled his hand down toward the floor and forced him to dribble."
I have long been under the impression, perhaps misguided, but likely not, that our Jayhawk players probably had so many eager young women swooning around them that they had to be proverbially BEATEN OFF WITH A CLUB. Heck, I haven't even yet read that Carlton was wielding such a tool of defense! Could be, those Theta girls are relentless.
@wissox Bill and staff are very unique in constant tendencies to unearth potentially terrific players who either started playing the game late in physical development or who gained experience in smaller or far away venues.
@jaybate-1.0 Our man Mason is putting those numbers to shame. All 5 of our perimeter players should end up with better figures than Frankamp unless Conner goes on a torrid run.
@BeddieKU23 Hungry Bears from Waco must be drooling in anticipation. O Boy, this league race looks to be on the annual upswing!
@wissox I had figured that a few years down the way Cheick was likely to make his mark. But to glean a double double THIS YEAR? WOW!
A crime that his year at Kansas was scotched by shaky NCAA sanctions. We might have been offered the chance to see some explosive stuff from that 7'4" wingspan and Kevin Young type zeal. In the final analysis, the governing body did much to detract from excitement of the college hoops game, esp. for diehard Kansas fans. Cheick bore some thrilling promise right from the getgo.
@brooksmd Ooh, this is terrific. Academia vs. popular trend!