@jaybate-1.0 HA! "Career bads" by Bill Self! I have seen Bill allow a few games to slip away merely for the purpose of motivating his minions to listen and learn. But not at that game in Norman. KU really needed that win. Maybe Bill got so caught up in watching that kid that he forgot what Lon was quietly doing to Doke and the scoreboard? Now, as to our future contest with OU at AFH, I think Bill and Co. will be highly motivated to turn the table. Unless that kid gets deadly from 30 ft., or if James plays the kind of game he was supposed to (as heir apparent to Buddy Hield's winning ways), we likely will shut the Sooners down somewhat in the manner we quieted the crowd at the Octagon of Doom recently. That league title is yet ours to lose. Gotta hope that all involved stay awake and alert.
@Jayballer54 Please don't overlook the fact that he compiled 9 assists last night. I was able to watch only the second half, but it became obvious that his teammates could not handle several of his hot passes. If Latin could play like that Konate lad of WVU, Trae would have probably logged a half dozen more assists. And I think maybe OU was playing without James last night. The whiz kid has to carry a weary load in order for his squad to stay ultra competitive. In our league I have seen nothing like him since Kevin Durant's year at Texas. And I have never watched a freshman point guard anywhere with the polish of this kid. He is an absolute gem for the Big 12. If the OU fandom was as rabid as KU's, they would fill a second field house with folks desperate to watch and bless him in clusters before a giant screen.
Skeptical Master jaybate 1.0, this post is for you. The Sooner Phenom racked up some special stats last nigh vs. Mr. Drew's hapless Baylor Bears. He hit a total of 6 threes from beyond 30 ft.
I just heard on Sports Center that no NBA player in the past 20 years has hit more than 4 of those in one game. WOW!
Now several days removed from The Debacle, I have digested the OU loss with less discomfort. Four huge factors for Bill Self in those closing minutes: the clock, the scoreboard, Doke's free throw shooting, and the refs' decisions. Self came up empty on all 4 possibly positive outcomes. That is just the game of basketball. The team, coaching staff and fans all gotta bite the bitter bullet and move forward. And in the meantime, Mitch had best spend extra hours in the gym, preparing to await the call to save a game or two.
@HighEliteMajor Good point, your mentioning that Self instructed Doke to stand in the corner near the Jayhawk bench. Was Bill figuring that if Doke did get fouled, it would definitely be an intentional...which would have twarted Kruger's fairly simple tactics? If so, the refs did not buy into Self's own tactics. Bill is not a simple thinker and spur of the moment planner. There had to be complex though maybe warring thoughts racing thru his mind at the end of that debacle.
The thing is, can BIll's program afford to drop a second game in a row, a non-league contest, in order to forge some meaningful instructional minutes for his new power forward? That upcoming game at the Octagon of Doom looms awesomely. Graham and Co. need more rest.
I think some reporter got that story wrong. The Lawrence police were probably encouraged by the city council to escort that guy onto the KU athletic premises in order that he might help salvage the remainder of the Jayhawk season. Lon Kruger just submitted a comical but effective blueprint for league coaches. I noted that Bill Self offered only a speedy perfunctory handshake to Lon in the post game congeniality line. Looked almost like Scott Drew wriggling a quick retreat to the silent shelter of a visitors' locker room.
Come on, Carlton, get it together while people yet have need of your potential! This sport has much to offer a young man with your size and developing skills. As a Jayhawk fan I am still ruffled at your letting yourself and your KU team down. As a rational and caring human being I wish the very best for you...and can yet envision your making a mark in the hoops world somewhere soon. Your time is racing through the hourglass.
@Gunman Either you are a scary optimist or you sat 5 ft. in front of your tv last night, hugging your seeing-eye dog! Or you have typed a comical post of subtle irony? As a stretch, maybe Self has motivated his entire squad to practice free throws...in order that they might save him from future vociferous rebuke and retribution.
Although I can't really envision him digging his way into such a mire again.
We are now engaged in LEAGUE PLAY. This is WAR. Specifically, the program stands at the threshold of historic statistical accomplishment. This is not a time for a HOF coach to be experimenting and gambling with wins and losses. I am 20 hours removed from this fiasco...and not one bit less disgruntled. Does Doke deserve this beatdown? If he has been ignoring instruction or failing to spend time practicing this essential weakness in his game, then perhaps so. I mentioned several days ago that Doke has made so much improvement to other aspects of his game that, at this stage, the focus on free throw shooting might amount to overload. In early developmental stages the neural impulses can probably just handle so much. Lightfoot either is a gifted shooter of free throws, or is a player who practices shooting them regularly; maybe both. Did Mitch have 4 fouls going into the final 3 minutes? I haven't checked that stat. But it seemed so obvious that Mitch should have entered the game at that stage. We reference the psychological effect, yanking Doke. I hope Mitch is not psychologically slammed by his coach's not counting on him to make a difference. He is a quick and earnest competitor who has occasionally made a difference. Also, I notice that Lon Kruger is being roasted over hot coals for his decision to foul Doke. Give it a break! What competitive opposing coach would not have done the same thing? Weber? Ratzo? That little bully at Wichita State?
Man O Man, I am usually 98% in favor of Bill Self's coaching strategy and tactics. But his late gamble in leaving Doke in the game, embarrassing his big man and harnessing the other 4 Jayhawks on the floor...gee whiz, what a miscalculation from a HOF coach! If he pulls another bonehead move like this he is bound to lose the full determination of his squad. Heck, I'm an old retired track coach who knows very little about collegiate basketball; but I saw this debacle unfolding as clear as noontime sunshine. At best, the psychology will push Doke to work on his free throws; at worst, Bill placed the league crown in serious jeopardy. How's the guy gonna get 4 nights of decent sleep before the next jump ball on Saturday?
@HighEliteMajor It appears that Norm Roberts has spent many hours working with Doke on his footwork; and that Bill Self has demanded that he trace a path straight to the rim when he shoots near the basket. Also, Doke is becoming increasingly efficient in passing the ball back out with speed. Perhaps at this stage those are the only 3 things the kid can handle? You have posted some terrific suggestions, fodder for his offseason attempts to escape embarrassment and to improve at the line. I picture him as a player who is making slow but steady progress. But maybe his neural impulses cannot yet find that extra space for more input.
@REHawk Oops, I meant to type "swallow and DIGEST."
@Crimsonorblue22 Crimson, I think some of his chatter with officials is merely an attempt to swallow and adjust their whistles and viewpoints. Recently, I have noticed a bit of Young's chesty shoulder shaking after his spectacular shot making, something which detracts from his normal steady serious demeanor. Curry does that kind of stuff, too. Maybe the kid is spending a bit too much time studying not only the play but the ugly glitter of NBA moneymakers.
T. Young is a very rare talent; at this moment, the only Big 12 player I am inclined to watch, other than our Jayhawks. In my opinion, he is much more enjoyable to watch than was collegiate frosh Andrew Wiggins. In recent Jayhawk seasons, the only two players who could match him in eye-catching astonishment might have been Joel Embiid and Josh Jackson. I think it is a shame that his OK teammates cannot deliver on his sometimes amazing passes. If the Sooners possessed a topflight forward or center, Trae would probably average 12 or 13 assists rather than his current 10; and opponents would not be so bent on double and triple teaming him right from the opening jump. I fully expect Bill Self and Co. to figure out a way to defeat Oklahoma, at least one of the two league games. But that kid is bound to give us fits...and to post some scary stats. I look forward to watching him play professional ball, surrounded by teammates whose skills are commensurate with his. By Year 3 in the NBA he will most likely be recognized as a top 6 NBA pt. guard. Just my not so humble opinion, freely shared!
@wrwlumpy Oh, I think he is calling her, no doubt about it. Calling her "too old." JoJo might best come back home to Lawrence, take up with a pretty collegiate upperclasswoman. Maintain the tradition of one of our former foreign born Jayhawk centers.
@Jayballer54 Maybe you could set that clock to chime ONCE A WEEK!
That most improved player thing seems to change from game to game. I am still hoping to see Vick rise to the title which was forecast for him, back in October. As yet, he is not exactly nursing hind teet, but he has a long way to go to prove himself as most improved.
Hey, even if Silvio just stands near that little circle beneath the hoop and attempts to level any testy guard who races the ball into his space, he will have earned his few minutes. Just think what impact he might have laid on that Arizona State trio of speedy guards. Our defense leaked like a sieve in that loss.
...but that wizz kid Young is bound to get his.
@jaybate-1.0 I won't argue with your prediction. Bill the Merlin of Lawrence will undoubtedly set loose some Jayhawk Magic.
Well, Monday night's matchup is what it is...a nightmare outing. But one thing is for certain this very morning. Bill Self had best amp his minions to 95% effort vs. the 80% we witnessed vs. Iowa State. This in-state rivalry wreaks of desperation preparation by Mr. Weber and Co. Per usual, will probably be a nail biter, at least through 37 minutes.
@jaybate-1.0 You are digging your #11s so deep into Oklahoma red dirt that it will take a backhoe to extricate your tired bones. I said that I would never warn you again, but here goes: TRAE YOUNG IS THE REAL DEAL! Get a grip.
If Billy is not cleared, I'm kinda wondering what he will do after this no-play season. He won't become a lottery selection, quite possibly not a first round pick with a guaranteed contract. If "cleared" to play next season will he return?
Missus Self declares that her man actually sleeps better after losses. Considering the daily no-win situation with DeSousa and Preston, Coach most likely is hibernating like a grizzly.
Our man Bill and cohorts have infrequently appeared so powerless. I hope to heck none of them bash an AFH wash basin with a ball bat!
This No Decision silence of the governing body most likely is a slap in the face to KU's spending the $100,000 toward the Diallo eligibility ruling last season. Essentially, if our program cared to take these new things to the mattresses, the NCAA would again back down. But when is enough ENOUGH? And what other options might exist? So...we just wait, patiently sublimating fire and fury.
@jaybate-1.0 My friend, I don't know how many barbitchyouates you might have indulged in, but you have gone on a really productive posting tear these past 24 hours. You are bound to sleep for a week.
Or at least until tip off at AFH tomorrow eve.
@jaybate-1.0 For dead certain, something is troubling Malik Newman. 3 years ago he was a top 5 recruit, a McD's All American coming out of high school. Even playing out of position in Ben Howland's Miss. State program, Malik averaged 14 pts. per game as a freshman. Two years later he is really struggling. I am not giving up on him yet. But while he gets his body and/or mind together it is important that Garrett and Cunliffe grab the brass ring and continue to develop. We've some really fine guards eligible to play on this squad; and they represent, ironically, the meat and potatoes of Self's current system. As those two newbies continue to get minutes and develop, maybe Malik can gain relief to allow for a cure. He still has potential running out his ears, so to speak.
@AsadZ In no way do I intend to denigrate the contributions, hopes or desires of Mitch Lightfoot. But I really wish for him the opportunity to red shirt. The chance to grow physically, allowing his body to catch up with his superior basketball IQ and intense desire.
Mitch is a rare Bill Self recruit; something of a gamble who is paying huge dividends at an early developmental stage. I would love to see him in the program for 5 seasons.
@HighEliteMajor Good post, HEM. I had begun to think that you were more than somewhat down on Mitch. I am more inclined to judge by the warmth of feeling rather than statistical fact; and I have felt very positive toward the role of Mitch on this current squad. It is very reassuring to read that he is providing strong statistical positives. If his play stays on such a steady bell curve upswing he might never get a chance for the breather of a red shirt. His value looks to be immeasurable. Now opposing coaches will have to reckon with his specific contributions. That might free Udoka from such focus as was evident by Jamie Dixon's game plan. Dixon appeared to have employed a super game plan, but his squad failed to execute it for a win. And Mitch threw a giant wrench into TCU planning. As did Devonte's determination and grit. That kid really absorbed a beating, but could not be deterred. Frank Mason must be smiling.
@cragarhawk You have brought up a very good point, and I hope someone in the statistical know might follow up on the numbers.
Sooner or later, this thing was bound to blow like a long dormant geyser. A durn shame that the eligible players, the coaching staff and fans have had to spend so many games without a recruited power forward. With 3 ineligible transfers already on the sidelines, this 4th ineligible scholarship recruit adds up to an ugly situation for this year's squad and Jayhawk Basketball. Difficult for our players to hang tough when forced to play so many minutes. 4-1 lineups are esp. taxing.
@REHawk So, REHawk, I think you are declaring that we won't see 20 minutes of 3-2 ball unless our 4-1 Jayhawks blast to impressive scoring leads?
It is a very delicate option, juggling new members into a lineup at this stage of a hoops season. Preston has been around the program long enough to have learned lots, if he is a fairly quick learner. He might surprise all of us with a fast adjustment which won't throw sand into the existing fairly smooth works. As for DeSousa, even if he is a quick learner, it is bound to take 7 weeks or so for him to integrate; and several dozen minutes of game time.
There will definitely be some dumbing down instituted for either of these guys to fill vital roles this second semester. I think that either of them could occasionally fill enough of a role to assist the program in pursuit of #14 title. But if we forge to the Final 4 I would not expect them to be major difference makers. Just tangential helpers.
If we don't get Preston, I see DeSousa, by early February, playing 10-15 minutes per game. More minutes if Doke or Mitch suffer injury. If Silvio is a quick learner who stays free of injury, perhaps 15-20 minutes by mid March. Jay Bilas seems to think we will get the services of Preston. Has Jay merely bought in to Self-speak?
@jaybate-1.0 Some really spectacular and unusual statistics.
@KUSTEVE I suggest switching to the John Sandford books, the PREY series or, better yet, the VIRGIL FLOWERS set. Wife and I have read and reread those books. I'm wishing away future months, just so, after a bit of time has passed, I can get back at them again...for a 3rd read. Characters Lucas Davenport and Virgil are real treats. Virgil should have been a shooting guard for Bill Self. Lucas a power forward. ELIGIBLE too!
@KUSTEVE I have thought that Newman's scoring game might improve if or when we work a second big into the lineup. Not that I know beans about X's and O's, but it appears that Malik hasn't yet found his niche in the 4:1. When he is inclined to drive to the hoop defenses have folded in to thwart or stuff him. Preston or DeSousa could help Doke clear space. Newman might not be designed as a spread offense player. Or his neurons have been reluctant to recalibrate?
@Bwag Probably will depend on the match-up.
@Bwag I hope not. Self's new approach to winning offense has been a joy to watch. That said, I well know that the 3:2 constantly tugs at his heart strings.
Red Rooster, I note that you are very active this sunny but frigid Midwest New Years Day a.m. Here's hoping all is well at your residence, and the best of health and happiness to you and yours, 2018.
@Bwag If that 20/20 split eventually should develop, our Jayhawks could finally become a nightmare match-up for all comers. Mix in some occasional shocking zone defenses, and our HOF coach might reach the absolute pinnacle. But then we probably would lose two assistant coaches to upward attrition, and Doke would wave goodbye as a lottery selectee come June. Vick, too, as a first rounder.
A big question: Can we rabid fans maintain enthusiasm throughout winter contests if, indeed, we lose 4 or 5 league games while the 2-headed offense develops? Looks to be not much choice, one way or the other. Gotta watch it as a fun metamorphosis, with 2 huge objectives in mind: win the league and forge a path to the Final 4. (Huh. I've never before applied 2 colons to a 3-sentence paragraph. Makes me wonder how Keegan might grade me on such writing.)
@wissox Wasn't that the same gal who durn near leveled both Vick and Josh Jackson their freshman campaigns? If so, she cut a very wide swath thru Jayhawk Hoops.
@wissox Goofy Soofi!
@BShark With that throwing arm, if he is crazy enough he should become very successful at this brutal sport. He certainly spent enough time on his back today to get a feel for what his future will be all about.
@jaybate-1.0 There you go, thinking outside the box...again. I would imagine that Bill Self might undergo a coughing fit at your suggestion. In reality, maybe the only saving force for Carlton's returning to meaningful play at any level is for a retired pro mentor or retired college or pro coach to take him in hand and lead him back on the road to development. Maybe after bottoming out in terms of social distractions he could yet buckle down to life as a wage earning basketball player. If, indeed, he should deem such a sports life worthy of his application to turn his life around.
Lots of us aging hoops fans would like to view a simple process among our talented recruits. Enroll in college with a clean slate, attend classes, practice, practice, practice; win, win, win. HA! If only it were that simple, eh? Reality is evidenced by many stark exceptions. Carlton appears to have become victim of distractions. Perhaps his late growth spurt at a key junction played a role in disrupting his progress. Whatever the factors, it truly is a sad thing. He seemed to be a happier Jayhawk than was, for comparison, C J Giles. I hope he can manage to make a turn toward more success and peace of mind. Some of his predecessors who have departed early from pressures of the KU program seem to have developed positively.
I still have not gotten it straight, just what was Shaka clamoring about to earn that technical? Man, I thought Higgins was at verge of sending him to the locker room.