@drgnslayr "What I am curious about is how Bill will look at March this year. Will we continue to be one of the most-predictable teams in the tournament?"
Now that's a fascinating question. Now that Self is surprising us by running with four guards, would new wrinkles in March be too much to ask? This seems like a big year of transition and experimentation for Self. I'm guessing this team will be tougher to scheme against in the tourney than any in recent memory.
Wouldn't be surprised if this end score was similar to the UMKC game. 95 to 63.
KU 103 UMKC 71
You may be onto something. Lucas seems like a guy especially motivated by fighting for or earning a spot. As long as KU's post players are equally unproductive, he's not feeling any heat. Bragg could light his competitive fire, as could Udoka by midseason. Gotta say, it is baffling that he's come out so flat when he'd all but locked up a starting spot.
@Crimsonorblue22 That's the one! I've got the DVR set to record, pretty pumped. Hope both JoJo & Wiggs have great games but Embiid gets the best of it.
Bully for you. I noticed there's one coming up here next week, should be fun.
Time for some Sixers games to get nationally televised!
Haters gonna hate. Show us the minutes, Joel!
Could give us an edge with Preston, we weren't going to get both.
Can't help feeling that Coach Self has painted himself into a corner with this one. Can you visualize a scenario where the way he utilizes Diallo becomes a positive this season for KU's national reputation?
Maybe if Diallo comes on like gangbusters and KU makes the final four...seems like anything less is going to bite us in the recruiting butt hard.
@kansas-oats I live in KCK near the MO border and downtown. I may have to look around the West Side.
@drgnslayr @globaljaybird @JRyman You guys are inspiring me. I'm just getting my feet wet in the world of smoking...obviously years of experimenting and learning ahead.
@drgnslayr you've got me wondering where to find a Mexican butcher.
@drgnslayr I got a Pit Barrel Cooker for Christmas and I'm slowly starting to fulfill all my barbecue dreams. Nothing like smoked meat on game day...so far I've tried ribs, pork butt, whole chickens and a turkey. Edge goes to the ribs but I love it all.
Bourbon with a splash of water is my drink of choice, but I usually stick with craft beers during games, since I can't give a good bourbon or cocktail the attention they deserve. Boulevard, Stone, Deschutes, Torn Label, Founders...I drink widely. ;)
No one likes whiners... but I have no doubt that guys that talk up refs are taking one of the steps necessary to get calls. Having a coach argue for it is also a big help. Flopping isn't necessary and hurts the game, but showing a bit of drama during the foul is very helpful. Devonte and Frank both use the head jerk drama sometimes. It seems to work better for Devonte, the less stout of the two.
Finally getting back to this thread,,,since I'm sure Frank reads this forum, I fully expect "Stone Cold Mason" to add a little drama to his arsenal. None of that Marcus Smart *rap, but just what you're saying, @drgnslayr. Enough to force the refs' hands a little!
Here's something I've been puzzling over for awhile.
The OU thriller certainly wasn't the first time "Pitbull" Frank Mason has been hurt by the refs. Against OU, Higgins was the main offender, but the phantom fouls and eye-popping non-calls came early and often. I'd argue Frank was the player most consistently screwed by the reffing in that game.
Furthermore...I don't think this is a rare occurrence with Frank. In the season's early-going, it's been common for him to drive to the rim and take hits under the goal while the refs swallow their whistles and stare like they're watching early-round love taps in a UFC bout.
What does Frank have to do to get a whistle? And why aren't his drives into the trees more frequently rewarded?
My only answers are pure speculation. All the more so because Frank's often the shortest player on the court, and you'd think that help him get to the line more often, but it's clearly not the case.
Is it because he doesn't have a big rep nationally and refs haven't heard of him? Or because he's built like a mini-tank even at his height? Or because he doesn't chat up the refs like a more outgoing player might do?
Frank doesn't get his share of calls and I don't get it. Anyone have a hypothesis?
@kansas-oats was gonna say the same thing. Every UK loss puts us one game closer to that all time W record. Not to mention that after every UK loss, an angel gets its wings.
I know there's still some buzz that UNC is a legit #1 team. Jay Bilas said something to that effect last night. I haven't had the opportunity to watch them play yet. Any thoughts on how they'd match up against KU and/or why some talking heads seem to think they're a better team?
@JayHawkFanToo Thanks, great insight there! sarcasm font
@JayHawkFanToo Ya think? Teams that close out strong typically win but a fast start is fun to watch and can create an insurmountable lead. Just sayin...
@HighEliteMajor I'm really curious what Self has done to free up mental space for this team's offense, trey shooting being the case in point. His hangups with threes in the past are well documented. Quick hooks for quick triggers. Whatever he's done to make his perimeter guys less gun-shy is paying off in spades. I love it!
@Crimsonorblue22 Let's hope they jack up quick shots tonight! At least for the all important, momentum-controlling opening minutes. Would be nice to have a big lead after 5 minutes ala Baylor.
@DoubleDD @DinarHawk Its been interesting to hear Self describe Lon Kruger as a guy who excels at "getting his players to play with free minds offensively." Reveals this is a topic he's been thinking about...and apparently embracing!
@pa_grape I usually buy basic Adidas models online - sometimes on eBay - for $50 or less. I have wide feet and kicks like these are good enough to keep me winning pickup games.
Great post with lots to chew on. Happy new year!
@DoubleDD There were moments in the first half against NM State that were reminiscent of Golden State with great spacing, pace and threes splashing home. Love it, hope the "new era" offense continues.
@drgnslayr So true, I've played on teams like that...one whole in the dam turns the whole team into a fishnet.
I miss TRob's physicality, and that brief glimpse we got from Embiid, so I'm voting for a paint monster as well: Udoka.
@HawkInMizery I'm always perplexed to see LL on the court when Diallo or Bragg could be out there. He can seal the post, we get it...but...
@HighEliteMajor Damn, all the way to the end of the article, I was hoping he had some answers. Instead, he's just kicking around the same questions this board does. (Now I know he's a regular on here.)
@HighEliteMajor Sounds like he's been reading this message board.
I'd like to see:
1) Hunter start and get a minimum 15 minutes.
2) Diallo get a minimum 20 and stuff the stat sheet again in a good learning game.
3) Selden put another monster game together and get his mojo back.
Could go on, but why be greedy?
I'm going to wish upon a dream and pencil in Hunter as tonight's surprise starter. He'll play ten consecutive minutes before he gets yanked for Traylor, but that will be long enough for him to stuff the stat sheet to the tune of a half dozen points, rebounds, and two blocks. All of his defenders will feel exonerated even in the event he never sees the court again all season.
That said, I'll have a slug of bourbon ready in case Lucas ambles onto the court for the opening tip.
Love it. I'll have to catch a few Brooklyn games to cheer TRob on.
Another workaround is to use a free VPN (virtual private network) app that will move your IP address somewhere like CA or Canada. Then you can watch ESPN3 online, blackout be damned.
@DoubleDD I find myself in disbelief that Self has let the guys gun treys like this in back to back games, even against inferior opponents. Can it be that change is a'comin..?
Fascinating that after one significant game this season, writers are already picking up on KU's struggles on offense. Maybe they hang out on this forum. Or maybe Self's hang ups with creativity on offense and the three ball are just that painfully obvious?
Man...I'd love to see the old dog learn a new trick, but like most of you have said, not holding my breath. (But shaking my head.)
@REHawk Sure thing, put your grandson to work!
@dylans Free Unlimited VPN by Betternet.
@REHawk My workaround is to run a free VPN app on my phone or computer which allows me to access ESPN3 live. I picked up an adaptor cable so I can tie to the tv and watch in big screen hi-def.
Inconvenient but it works.
@wrwlumpy Nice write-up...kind of confusing to see a 100-something prospect get that kind of media love. What gives?
@Statmachine Way to infiltrate the Jayhawks machine! Intriguing stuff you're coming up with.
Gotta love back to back Blue Octobers. I thought they were done for yesterday...their miracle 8th inning was inspiring.
@JayHawkFanToo Because it's Cal.
Disgusting. He never stops looking for a recruiting advantage though... Wonder if ESPN approached Cal or visa versa.
IT WORKS. If you have an iPhone, grab a free vpn app. I'm using VPN In Touch (iPhone). Get it running, then grab the WatchESPN app & enter your provider data. Voila...just in time for the scrimmage.
I'm going to try watching on espn3 in kc using a free private vpn. Fingers crossed.
@jaybate-1.0 Fascinating take. I tend to agree with you about the coasts funneling off a majority of top recruits. KU coaches have always had to fight geography but the battle seems more obvious these days. Do you think if KU played ACC teams (for example) in the conference season as part of a new mega conference, more recruits would find their way to Lawrence? Part of me thinks the coastal teams would still have the edge, further amplified by regular games with the Jayhawks.
Wonder if chancellors are having this discussion.
@BeddieKU23 Well, in-home visits speak louder than words, as they say. I hope you're right! Seems like a guy who could tip an entire recruiting class in Self's favor.
Yeah, Azubuike's handler sure wasn't gushing about the visit. Maybe he was playing his cards close to the chest...we don't seem to be killing it the recruiting trail right now. Agreed, the B12 isn't helping.
@drgnslayr Sounds like the voice of experience.