🏀 KuBuckets Archive

@jaybate-1.0 25-30 wins? My foot! Thirty one!

Until we see how this squad gels and plays unselfishly together, I will hold off on predictions.
Quite a few big ifs, but certainly a bundle of experienced as well as new talent. In my opinion, the biggest ifs: if Doke can stay healthy and if Doke can quickly learn to steer clear of foul troubles. By league play, we get 28 minutes out of Doke, and this team will soar!

@JayHawkFanToo Ah-ha! I found it. Cunliffe arrived in Lawrence 6'6", 200 pounds.

@JayHawkFanToo What is height and incoming weight of Cunliffe? I would check at the old LJW site, but my computer locks up every time I click on to that url. (Probably a good thing....)

@HighEliteMajor Best not to expect this Texas guy to tune into the term "reasonableness." He might bear the chromonemata of an Eric or Don, Jr.

S-E-C! S-E-C! S-E-C! Muck Fizzou! I reside and pay taxes in this sorry basketball state, but I stand with Bill Self on the issue of not scheduling games with the the Tigers. If KU is forced to play them in a tournament, so be it; parade their bloodied heads on a comedian's stick. But I hope Kansas never again opts to schedule that sorry turncoat program. Fizzou danced merrily away from century-old tradition and match-ups. Let John Cal and cohorts deal with them...and their new league of choice issue sanctions when once again they self destruct.

Very reassuring news, Svi's decision to return. Now if the god of good health should favor the Jayhawks, we should step forth with a full squad, starters and strong interchangeable bench. Wily Bill got the scholarship numbers worked out well in advance of this announcement.

Again, the very best of all possible good fortune to you, Holly. Your tv presence brings smiles to fans everywhere. We need you on our sidelines.

Count me in as a super fan of Svi. No arrests, business-like upward progression, a very likeable player. Here's hoping he comes back home to Lawrence to help lead this current squad to the Final Four. And, of course, another league title!

Of course, there is a flip side to Gooden's staying that one more year in college. If he had blown out a knee, that $60,000,000 career might never have been in the works. Sad reality of NBA thievery of college athletes. For the individual player it is a matter of grabbing the brass ring before it dances away, quite possibly forever.

Regarding the knee surgery I am reminded of B Rush who bounced back amazingly quickly and effectively while at KU. Of course, he might have leaned a bit on neurological enhancements to help him thru the pain!

Dwight either did not recover well from the knee surgery or was not capable of playing through the pain of rehab...or perhaps just did not fit into the schematic of Bill Self Basketball. Evidently a nice guy who was not destined to win major minutes in a Jayhawk uniform. Elsewhere, and more than 2 years removed from the surgery, he might make an estimable statement. He still retains early dreams. I wish him well.

Tough enough for Bill to lure top ten recruits to Lawrence, Kansas. But just imagine the difficulty fetching an Andrew Wiggins or Josh Jackson to Manhattan!

Here is a scenario appropriate to this discussion. Picture the 3 coaches, Bruce Weber, Frank Martin, and Bill Self on the recruiting trail, walking into the home of a top level recruit to speak with player and parent(s), attempting to sell a program. Wily Bill and Eager Frank are bound to out-recruit Unfortunate Bruce at every stop. I do think that the guy is a much better than average (see Shaka Smart) coach; but probably the weakest recruiter from the weakest hoops recruiting site in our league.

Oops, I forgot Coleby. If he stays....

Players like Newman, the Lawsons, Cunliffe, Whitman and Moore are hungry to play for a perennial top-10 D1 program, looking for a breath of new life and a boost toward their postponed NBA dreams. Not likely to produce a string of adjustment problems which we recently saw from one of the very best freshman recruits in the Bill Self Jayhawk era. As brilliant as he was in most games this season, Josh's learning curve involving fouling, technicals and offcourt mayhem had to be quite stressful for the coaching staff. Gotta hope that these older transfers aren't inclined toward, or at least have outgrown, such diversions.

@KUSTEVE These numbers are a real jolt. Thanks for the timely post. Helps to explain Bill Self's reaching out to proven transfers. Wily William might not get, or even want, a bevy of annual top-rated freshmen; but he has found a way to bring in top-100 recruits, most of whom will spend months learning his system and style before they suit up.

In his years at KU Bill Self, I think, has grown more comfortable with experimentation. He has adjusted to the talent available, remarkably so the past two seasons. His tribulations with freshmen is leading him to venture into heavy line-ups of transfer athletes who have already proved their value. Even his 3 best talented freshmen in recent years, kids with probable NBA All-Star futures, have let him down occasionally and not risen to the key moment production of a Carmelo Anthony who, as a freshman, sent the Jayhawks home with a momentous loss in The Big Dance. And then there was highly touted Alexander and Bragg. Obviously, Coach is ready and intent on trying something new...stretching his parameters. A very intriguing situation right now, watching his near future line-up solidify and gel. I do anticipate that he will squeeze lots of wins from this somewhat rag-tag new group. Whether he can haul home another league trophy then advance to the Final 4 will tell us the success of his change-up.

As I recall, Wilt was highly accomplished in off-court pursuits too. Might have had Lois Lane dancing on her toes!

@JayHawkFanToo Oops! There it is, jaybate. Self's likely wearing camo, preparing to raid conferences everywhere!

@wrwlumpy If I were a much younger man yet involved with distance running, I'd give my body an orthopedic break 2 days per week by switching to 20 mile bicycling rides. And probably some weekly swimming. Andrea Hudy did us all a huge favor by keeping Sherron Collins fit and highly capable, but for his eating breaks when he returned home to Chicago. I still chuckle about his running steps with Andrea clinging to his back!

Upside for Lawsons and KU: Franchise family with hoops knowledgeable dad/uncle, talented players quite capable of playing top level Div. 1 ball for one of premier coaches in the nation. Downside: Possible mayhem if dad interferes with coaching, or if one or more of the offspring should become an uncoachable hard head or social misfit. That recent "F..k Tubby" stuff broadcast on social media by Son #2 was disconcerting, esp. coming to light in conjunction with transfer commitment to Kansas. Evidently, apologies were quickly forthcoming and that issue died down; but it left a questionable odor. Last season at Memphis must have been a real trial for the Lawson family, as incoming Coach Smith opted to bring his own son aboard as an assistant, demoting Keelon Lawson to a non-coaching position after he had spent two years as an assistant to former Coach Pastner. I'm hoping it all works out in optimal fashion. These recruits could become a real coup for Bill Self and the program.

Man O Man, wouldn't I like to spend a hot day on a golf course with Bill Self, then sit down with him in the club house, the two of us well into a 12 pack of cold beer. Loosen him up enough to pry from him his current thoughts about team make-up and promising schematic for play this season. I know, I know, daffy imaginings! He probably hasn't even shared with his wife the plans for another league title push. Maybe he talks with Tyler?

I'm thinking that under the optimum situation Carlton can resurrect a promising career, end up in the professional ranks. Change of setting, different teammates and coaches. He left Lawrence w/o a messy exit, nor a whimper. I am pulling for him.

@Kcmatt7 You pose some intriguing scenarios regarding the Lawsons. I'm wondering if Dad Lawson will reside in Lawrence for 2 or 3 years. That might resolve the housing situation for the younger of his two sons...who might demand close supervision.

Seems to have worked out well, those twins being separated. Now they can each grow up and develop independently rather than clinging, each for half maturity.

Here is another 2 cents I will pitch into the pot regarding Frank Mason's future. Along with Aaron Miles I think Frank is the type of future assistant coach whom a Joe Dooley or Bill Self would love to bring aboard on a staff if an opening should pop up at an opportune time.

Barring serious injury, Frank is going to prove his worth, wherever he should be hired to play. If sent initially to the Gatorade League he will soon work his way back to the NBA. And if all two dozen or so NBA general managers take a pass on him, he will star in some European or Asian League, most likely. The kid is too steady and determined not to play effectively wherever he should be hired or assigned. I predict good things for our graduating point guard. Hope he banks and wisely husbands several million dollars before departing professional play. I see him becoming just as prominent as highly successful Keith Langford; perhaps much more so.

That old man keeps braying, his talented son might drop out of top 3 draftees. Lookin' good for our guy JJ!

Looks to be a quality addition to the squad, a kid whose mind and determination have always been in the right place concerning KU Basketball and playing for Bill Self. Another fine addition to our practice squad for next season, what with Moore and the Lawsons sitting out all year. As someone pointed out, our non-eligible practice squad and a few quality others will compose a team which could probably win most games before league play. Starters will be challenged daily in practices. Bill Self and staff are on a fine roll!

@jayballer54 Ah, heck, and here I had begun to view Juiston as a very competitive recruit. Well, so be it. The Lawsons have impacted our program before ever playing in the Phog.

@jayballer54 Recruiting not over til it is over. Juiston immediately eligible. Lawsons a year away.

Ah Jeff, Jeff, Jeff. We know you grew up on the West Coast volleyball courts, all California Cool. But, hey, don't forget the saner 4 years in Lawrence. A LOOK AT ME Playboy Bunny? Get real!

What I like especially about this kid: He did not fold during the National JC Championship. Produced like a Frank Mason right to the very end of his eligibility.

Tarik was a marvelous graduate transfer to our program. What a fine job he did, contributing to another league title season and helping Joel progress. Bill Self and assistants unearth some really productive transfers. I hope the Lawsons work out well and that they become a Jayhawk franchise family, what with younger brothers and relatives in the pipeline. More Memphis connections.

@Lulufulu I suppose that I am splitting those hairs, and I haven't actually looked up Danny's freshman stats. BUT...it would surprise me if his numbers were better than Josh's.

@JayHawkFanToo That is a giant sized IF. Gonna take about 17 games of real patience from Doke, Preston, coaching staff and all concerned. That said, if sound limb and general good health holds, by mid-league season Bill Self should have the pieces to make a terrific stretch run. Right now, he is maybe one amazing ball handler shy of filling a dynamic roster.

Best of all possible good fortune to you, Josh. Kick with solid people, keep your nose clean, and make KU folk proud. I predict that by year 4 you will be an annual pro all-star. On court you gave to this Jayhawk program more than we ever could have expected. In a personal sense you walk away a champion.

@mayjay That happened to Bragg, coupla weeks before Easter. But not coming back.

@Crimsonorblue22 et tu!

Wiggins, McLemore, Aldrich, Rush, Henry, Marcus Morris, Chalmers, Embiid, Robinson,,,and a host of solid or record setting former Jayhawks who could not even maintain a spot on a League team: Langford, Miles, Collins, Selby, Ellis, et al. A young kid's dream of playing in the NBA is a distant chance thing; and even those who do arrive face the ultimate hoops challenge of helping their squad to a playoff opportunity. Lots of recent Kentucky greats sitting this one out, too.

But why the hell do we need that wheel? Looks like Chinese heiroglyphics! Can't the programmers just offer a simple written EDIT or DELETE? I am programmed to read WORDS, not CHICKEN TRACKS!

@Crimsonorblue22 WOW! Thank you kindly. My problem is that I am reluctant to experiment and click around randomly. Heck, my grandkids still program and reset my digital wrist watches!

Here is a prime FOR INSTANCE. Often I feel the need to edit or alter a post. For months that has been quite simple. Now I see no avenue to do so.

At my age any small computer change is very difficult to deal with. I do not speak or comprehend e-language. These recent "upgrades" to this site probably invigorate those in the know. For me, laboriously complex. I cherish time spent here at kubuckets...and hope that things won't grow so entangled that I must abandon one of my daily obsessions.

@HighEliteMajor I entertain the same regrets. Bragg could have made such a difference as we headed down the final stretch this season. Perplexing no show. Whatever it was, Bill Self obviously had run out of patience. Off court carelessness is one thing, but determination for empowerment on the hardwood is another. Carlton either couldn't or wouldn't arrive.

Josh WILL be coming back, perhaps for one more hearing before a judge at the court house. If he should return to play another year of college basketball it would indeed be a freak move for a lad who stands to pocket $20,000,000.00+ in the next 3 years of pro play. He has pulled off some mighty ditzy actions since November, but reporting back to Jayhawk play for a second season would top even the newsworthy knife stuff involving J R Giddens back in the day. I like the kid immensely, even identify with some of his boyhood misdeeds. But, hey, he has never appeared to be stupid in terms of his upwardly mobile progression while suited up. Well, at least since our coaching staff insisted that he learn more quickly how to deal with questionable calls from officials. Unless we are overburdened with fantasy melodrama, we wave a pleasant goodbye to one of the most prolific OAD players ever to grace a college court.

@mayjay HA! The Skidmore Bully! Fortunately there were no cellphones then available to capture snapshots of that final chapter in the lives of terrorized denizens of that NE MO community. Is indeed surprising that no one took photos of Josh and associates attacking that car. If, indeed, that is the case.

@Crimsonorblue22 Mr. Calvert's wife probably thinks, "Well, if my old man can't squeeze a million or two from this Josh Jackson kicking frenzy, then I had better convince him to book non-stop flights on United. Surely he will eventually be force removed from his ticketed seating, and can fling his head wildly in hopes that he draws bruises and blood. Could be worth much more than a piddly couple of million."

@hawkmoon2020 Thanks. My wife recently reprimanded me for speaking too loudly and inappropriately in public settings. Thinks I am a curmudgeon!