Something very interesting has happened. Maryland coach Kevin Willard has accepted the Villanova job right before Maryland plays in a Sweet 16 game. That is absolute trash behavior. It may have been announced publicly as of yet, but there's already stories from both sides confirming this. Maryland has advised their search firm to add a basketball HC on top of their AD search and Villanova people are reporting Willard is already recruiting the transfer portal for players to bring to Villanova.
Texas Hawk 10
9941 posts
@wissox said in Other games 2024-2025:
Anyone remember this name? Ali Farokmanesh hired as coach of Colorado St.
Never had anything against CSU before, now hope they go 0-30 every year.
Anybody know if KJ will be around the program next season while he's rehabbing? Seems like he'd make a great GA for a year while he's rehabbing and getting back into basketball shape.
@BeddieKU23 said in The portal.:
Perhaps a big one for us to follow. New Mexico guard Donovan Dent in the portal, Mountain West POY averaged 20ppg, 6.4 assists & 41% from 3. He's really good and will have a Christmas list of suitors.
I love his game, but I'd be concerned about fit because he doesn't shoot very many 3 pointers. He shot fewer 3's than Dejuan did last season. If Peterson ends up not being a good 3 point shooter next season, I'd be concerned about the offense next year because it would be more of teams packing the paint to take away KU's ability to drive.
@wissox Fran was also a chronic underachiever and we had success with a previous Fran transfer in Isaiah Moss. I'm not opposed to an Iowa player, especially since the one KU is getting involved in addresses a dire need for shooting and scoring next season.
With Jackson, Peterson, and Flory, I think KU is going to be pretty salty defensively next season.
@dylans Where do those players come from? Players like that don't enter the portal, they enter the draft. Players in the portal are flawed players that have holes in their games. Top transfers might have 2 out of those 3 things you want, but there's a tradeoff somewhere in their skill sets.
The women's tournament took a big blow last night as USC star JuJu Watkins tore her ACL in USC's win over Miss. St.
Her and Paige Bueckers have been the two biggest reasons to watch the women's tournament this year.
@rockchalkjayhawk said in The portal.:
@BeddieKU23 said in The portal.:
Christopher Tilly- mutual interest
I may not be exaggerating by saying that dude has like a 1 inch vertical. glued to the ground.
I'd prefer more mobile, springy bigs. Remember when USC kicked our ass with the tall, athletic, mobile Mobley brothers? Like that, please.
Those kind of players don't enter the portal. Evan Mobley was the #3 pick in the draft after his freshman year and his brother was drafted the next season after playing 3 years.
@approxinfinity Zuby has been there for 2 years, his transformation wasn't overnight. KU essentially returned 3 guys from 2 year ago that played this season. And to answer that question, KJ had a similar body transformation over the same time as Zuby.
Let me return some questions. Dr. Nijem has been KU's S&C director since 2019. Did he hurt the 2020 team? Were there questions about the 2022 team's S&C development? Did Dr. Nijem suddenly forget how to be a S&C coach because people are looking to blame someone for KU's lack of on court success the past two years while ignoring the obvious decline in overall talent within the program because of the NCAA investigation that was hanging over the program for the past 5 years
The most important time of year for physical development for these kids is the summer time when they are unsupervised by anyone on staff. This is why I mentioned players that hire personal trainers over the summer versus players who couldn't control themselves.
There's also plenty of examples under Hudy as well of players not developing to their full potential because they didn't have the self discipline during the summer months to do the work needed. Sherron Collins is the prime example of that. Jeff Withey never bulked up the way many though he would.
@SlickRockJayhawk said in Off-season Conditioning:
Hello Jayhawk fans,
One thing that bugged me this year is the lack of bulk on anyone other than KJ (excluding anyone that just transferred in last year). Specifically DeJuan and Hunter, but also Zeke.
What the heck is Ramsey Nijem doing with these guys?!? It didn't look like DeJuan put on an ounce of muscle in his 5 years in Lawrence. Hunter totally lacked an athletic build.
How does a player spend 5 years in the program and still be skinny and lack bulk/muscle? No way that should be allowed.
Ramsey is doing our players and team a complete disservice.
Maybe in the day of NIL and getting guys for 1 year, you don't mess with their physique, much like you wouldn't try and change their shooting motion for just one year. But guys that have been around for 2-5 years?
Do we need a new strength and conditioning coach?
No we don't. Genetics also plays a big role in player development. Some people simply don't have frames that can handle/support a lot of muscle mass and Dejuan has one those body types. Even as long as KD has been in the league, he's still only 240 lbs. despite being a 7 footer.
Too many people, and I think you're doing this here also put too much focus and emphasis on how toned a person looks as the final say on strength. Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic will never win a physique contest, but that hasn't stopped them from being top 3 players in the NBA today.
Also, players are unsupervised during the summer. Not everyone has the self discipline to carry out the nutrition and S&C plan laid out for them before the summer. Players that don't put in that work to hire a personal trainer over the summer usually don't see the same results as those who do.
@BShark The chatter I've seen on it isn't comimg from Kentucky sources. Did is going to be one of the most sought after players in the portal so I would expect all the bog name programs with a need to be in on Dix.
@BShark said in The portal.:
Josh Dix situation is ramping up. All the KU writers saying he is a major target.
There's apparently a lot of chatter about him to Kentucky as well.
@BShark said in The portal.:
https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/christoph-tilly-1.html ↗ Another to monitor for the back-up 5 spot
Solid option, concerned about his rebounding though.
@rockchalkjayhawk said in KU Roster for 25-26:
May as well look ahead to see what's in store for next season.
I'll try to keep track of the offseason drama here. I'll keep this mostly official, so no portal projections here.
Scholarships available: 12 (lost one to NCAA sanctions)
Roster size at the moment: 7 (some assumptions in here to start off)
RETURNEES (5) -- some assumptions in here to start off
G Elmarko Jackson
G/F Rakease Passmore
G/F Jamari McDowell
C Flory Bidunga
PF Bryson Tiller
POSSIBLE RETURNEES (5)
PF/C Zach Clemence
G David Coit
G/F Rylan Griffen
G/F AJ Storr (gotta assume he's out the door)
G Noah Shelby
IMCOMING FRESHMEN (2)
G Darryn Peterson
F Samis Calderon
@rockchalkjayhawk said in KU Roster for 25-26:
May as well look ahead to see what's in store for next season.
I'll try to keep track of the offseason drama here. I'll keep this mostly official, so no portal projections here.
Scholarships available: 12 (lost one to NCAA sanctions)
Roster size at the moment: 7 (some assumptions in here to start off)
RETURNEES (5) -- some assumptions in here to start off
G Elmarko Jackson
G/F Rakease Passmore
G/F Jamari McDowell
C Flory Bidunga
PF Bryson Tiller
POSSIBLE RETURNEES (5)
PF/C Zach Clemence
G David Coit
G/F Rylan Griffen
G/F AJ Storr (gotta assume he's out the door)
G Noah Shelby
IMCOMING FRESHMEN (2)
G Darryn Peterson
F Samis Calderon
Scholarship and roster limit is 15 beginning next season. I would also put Noah Shelby in the returnee category since he also took a redshirt this season like McDowell. There's no point in his situation to come in redshirt for a year and transfer out.
Dan Hurley's quote to Baylor after losing to Florida.
"I hope they don't f--- you like they f---ed us. I hope they don't do that to you Baylor."
Hurley is whiny bitch to the point even Geno Auriemma is sick of Hurley's antics.
https://www.ctinsider.com/sports/uconn-mens-basketball/article/dan-hurley-60-minutes-interview-transfer-portal-20212357.php ↗
A couple of excerpts: ""If the only outcome that makes you a successful coach or a successful season is whether you hang up a national championship banner, then you should get out immediately," Auriemma told Hurley."
This excerpt is why Geno Auriemma is a legend and so beloved amd respected in the industry, "Then Auriemma came to one of the men's basketball practices and did what he does best, coach. But he was not helping the players, he was coaching Hurley.
"He kept coaching me from the sideline, like barking at me a little bit," Hurley said." 'Hey, hey, Dan, you know, the joy of relationships with your players, the joy of getting the most out of your team, if you're only in it for the championship pursuit, and none of that other stuff means anything to you anymore, and it's just banners and rings, then you should get out, because it ain't gonna happen every year, buddy.' "
Some people here need to heed Geno's words of wisdom as well in regards to their opinions on Self.
@Crimsonorblue22 said in The portal.:
@Texas-Hawk-10 diggy would get 2, didn’t he stay 2? I know he had to wait an appeal
Just 1 year, he was at NIU for 2 years, and 1 year at KU. Probably why he's looking at places he could get guaranteed playing time since he only has 1 season left.
@Crimsonorblue22 said in The portal.:
If a player spent 1 year in JuCo, they would get 1 extra year, 2 years if they spend 2 years at JuCo.
@Jhawk69 said in The portal.:
@Texas-Hawk-10 Flory has the ability to be special but he is very raw right now.
He's only raw on offense and even then, he'll be fine next year on offense while he bulks up this offseason which should be his primary focus. On defense, don't be shocked if he's B12 Defensive Player of the Year next season.
I fully expect him to be KU's 3rd leading scorer next season.
@Crimsonorblue22 said in The portal.:
Do juco guys get 2 yrs?
Depends on how many years they were in JuCo.
@Jhawk69 said in The portal.:
I hope so. But either way, I would rather have a few elite guys than a lot of average guys.
Flory is not an average guy.
@Jhawk69 said in The portal.:
@BeddieKU23 Yes, if you assume Flory comes back and improves enough to be elite next year.
Flory will be back and will average a double-double next season.
@BeddieKU23 said in The portal.:
Some early "interest" targets if you can believe where it's coming from..
Treysen Eaglestaff, Cooper Schweiger, Deuce Jones.
I've said my piece on Eaglestaff already. I could get on board with Schweiger, but what's the appeal for Deuce Jones? A starting PG that averages under 3 assists per game?
@BeddieKU23 said in The portal.:
I haven't seen his film and my only data point is today's game. He was good today and statistically made a jump from year 1 to 2. I'm not sure what our plan is for the backcourt, if they plan to get another scorer next to Peterson or look for a backup type. He wouldn't be the former
Even as a back up, his overall resume doesn't impress me. In theory at PG, KU already has Jackson, Coit, and Shelby. Peterson can play on ball as well, but I think would be much better off the ball so I really don't see Self in the market for a PG next season unless a top tier PG is begging to come to KU on a cheap NIL deal.
I could see Self going after a back up 2 if the staff doesn't feel like McDowell is ready for that role this upcoming season or if he sees Passmore as a 3 more than a 2
A back up 5 is a must with Tiller's setback.
We'll see what happens with Griffen and Storr, but assuming they move on at this point which leaves Rakease Passmore on the wing right now. If Calderon does make it to KU, doubtful he's ready to be an impact player from day 1, but possibly a back up.
To me, that means Self and staff will likely be focusing the vast majority of their portal recruit efforts at the 3 and 4 spots.
If the staff feels like they need a starting PG, Quimari Peterson from ETSU would be my choice, but it sounds like he's might be Florida bound.
At the 3 and 4 as starters, names I would be interested in are Bryce Hopkins from Providence amd Nick Davidson from Nevada. There's just not a lot of starting caliber 3's and 4's in the portal yet to me.
As a back up, Tyrell Ward from LSU wod be a solid addition at the 3, Cooper Koch from Iowa could be a nice back up 3
@BeddieKU23 said in The portal.:
Look at all the PER'S of guys who came here last year and it didn't matter how good they were they all regressed. Just saying it's a localish kid that's got 2 more years and had a big game in a tournament win.
That regression is why I wouldn't want Evans. The group this season all started with above average PER's and Evans regressing from a below average PER is a recipe for a horrible season where he's major detriment to the team. Evans PER from this season was similar Harris so if Evans duplicated that performance, that's the bar and we all know how those conversations around Dejuan went.
Just saw that Bob Davis passed away today at the age of 80.
@BeddieKU23 His PER is 14.7 which is below average. For comparison, Zeke's PER his last season at SDSU was 20.8 and Diggy was 19.2 at NIU and each of their PER's dropped this season. There's something in Evans offensive that isn't good and I would say pass if the expectation would be for him to be a rotation level player.
KU should have 6-8 players on the roster next season that have never been apart of another college program depending on eligibility and if they stay.
Elmarko, McDowell, Flory, Passmore, Peterson, Tiller and possibly Calderon if he makes it and Clemence if he stays.
Coit and Shelby are also good locker room guys even if they aren't originally Jayhawks. Coit is a natural leader and should be the person running things in the summer when coaches can't be involved and Shelby is a high IQ practice player so really KU already has at least 8 and possibly 10 players for next season that should be able to hold newcomers accountable and up to KU standards.
I think a nucleus of Jackson, Peterson, Flory, with Diggy and Passmore rotation level back ups is a good starting point for next season.
I do think a lot of people are sleeping on what Elmarko will bring to the table next season. Every scouting report on him praised his leadership which now that he should be running the show, will come through.
I'm not saying Elmarko leads the team in scoring next season, but I could easily see him as the second leading scorer behind Peterson.
Drake 75 Slavers 65 final
@approxinfinity said in Lets Dance - Arkansas vs KU:
I think AJ can be successful next year. Not sure about here. I dont get the feeling he wants to be here.
AJ wouldn't have chosen KU on his own. He was pushed here by family because KU made the biggest offer.
Small consolation is the dirty slavers are about lose as well to Drake.
Hope KJ's injury isn't as bad as it looked. All I'm going to say right now.
Minnesota forward Frank Mitchell has entered the portal. This is who I would personally love to see KU bring in as a back up for Flory.
Gonzaga taking Georgia behind the woodshed early up 27-3.
My favorite match up in the AI animal fight bracket was Akron and Baylor. Akron uses a kangaroo as their mascot so asking Gemini who would win a fight between a kangaroo and bear was fun.
Alabama did end up winning overall in that bracket because it's an elephant. Also, an elephant vs. a grizzly was a good one too.
I got 4 in, two legit brackets, a homer bracket, and an AI generated one based on if the mascots fought in real life.
@BShark said in The portal.:
Malik Reneau
Don't see the fit here. Can't shoot 3's so if he's a 4, it's the same issues in offense as the last 2 years and doubt he'd be willing to back up Flory.
@approxinfinity Ralph, played for KU pre WWII and coached Wichita St., Iowa, and Oregon St.
@BeddieKU23 said in Bracketology:
@dylans said in Bracketology:
I can’t recall a KU team going 7-8 down the stretch before. My confidence is at an all time low for the tournament. Usually when KU doesn’t have a good team they hustle and give it their all. This squad has never come together and the effort is uneven. Last chance to figure it out. LFG
I'm encouraged there are no injury concerns to the rotation, so we have a full team for once. No excuses for this bunch on Thursday. We'll probably know early in the game if they play with a sense of urgency or the same will repeat.
Sounds like we could even have Shak Moore available for limited minutes. He also didn't play in the October meeting and could provide a big boost if he's able to play 10-12 minutes.
@Jhawk69 said in Bracketology:
@Texas-Hawk-10 I mean, it can be both. The head of the selection committee was never going to let them miss the tourney but even if not for him they probably still make it as a blue blood
UNC was among the first four out two years ago so being a blue blood didn't save them then.
@kjayhawks said in Bracketology:
@Jhawk69 @Texas-Hawk-10 like I said earlier in the week about viewership on the bubble more so than anything else. I guess the NET ratings aren’t shit after all
Viewership isn't the conspiracy theory with UNC, their AD was the head of the selection committee this year. Even if he wasn't in the room for discussion about UNC, a lot of people believe still believe that's why UNC got in.
@wissox said in Bracketology:
I would almost think some Tar Heel fans are a little bit embarrassed to be included in this thing. I haven't read much on the tourney, but is WVU getting written about as the biggest snub?
WVU was the first team out, followed by Indiana, Ohio St., and Boise St. Personally, I would've had WVU and Boise in over UNC and Texas, but wouldn't have had an issue with Indiana getting in either.
19-15 Texas and 1-12 in Quad 1 games North Carolina each made the tournament. Surely there will be rational conversations around those two teams. Think I would've put West Virginia and Boise St. in over those two.
Also, 17-15 Ohio St. was the third team out.
@SlimShaddy54 said in Bracketology:
@Texas-Hawk-10 Are you talking possibly about us missing two starters in our exhibition against Arkansas ?= = =Serious question sa I can't remember, who were they ? - -not trying to be a smart ass, I seriously don't remember that if that is what you were talking about.
Hunter and Rylan did not play in that exhibition game in October.
I do want to say that everyone here should be cheering for a Border War in the Sweet 16.
@approxinfinity said in Bracketology:
Btw, bracket group is here. /topic/13687
I will have at least 1 bracket with KU in the Elite 8 just because I want to see KU send those dirty slavers home in the Sweet 16.
@BeddieKU23 said in Bracketology:
It's not like this team is any better then october
We were missing 2 starters that night and they're missing 2 starters now.
@kjayhawks said in Bracketology:
Arkansas really scares me with how much more athletic they weee when we played them in October. It looked like men playing boys tho we had much more experience. I’m hearing they could be without leading scorer and rebounder Theiro
We didn't have much more experience in that game. No Hunter and no Griffen in that game and we had 5 players playing in their first game in a KU uniform that night. KU was also running basically no offense that night as Dejuan carried KU in that game with 26 points on 17 shots. Passmore was the only other KU player in double figures that night with 11. This is auch different group than the one that went to Fayetteville
On paper, it looks like we should be able to beat Arkansas since they're down Thiero and Fland with Thiero unlikely to play Thursday, but Arkansas has played well since losing Thiero going 5-2 beating 3 other tournament teams.
They basically only have 7 players and we didn't have Hunter or Griffen in that exhibition game so it's hard to pull too much from that game at this point because we are both very different teams from that game.
The advanced numbers for the Iowa players isn't as bad as you would think. Both are better than Griffen, Storr, Mayo, or Coit's advanced numbers before coming to KU.
It's definitely a possibility. Pretty much everyone's projections has KU as a 6 or 7 seed.