@wissoxfan83 I love the existential question! Good luck getting an answer to that from the Newell Oracle ;-)
bskeet
4171 posts
Here's my big, bold prediction: Frank Mason will finish his career at Kansas as one of the top ten scorers in school history.
Agree. Or disagree?
Maybe.. but will he be efficient? That would be another great question... How do KU's top scorers in history rank in scoring efficiency? Probably hard to do because the necessary stats weren't recorded until more recently.
But would a big man like Manning have a higher scoring efficiency (due to dunks) or a guard like Collins (breakaways and slashing layups)? Because efficiency is statistically all about taking high percentage shots (over the long haul).
Newell: Recap: KU basketball continues dominance in one defensive stat ↗
CJ Online - This KU team has a lot of ways it can beat you offensively. According to StatSheet.com, the Jayhawks managed to put up a healthy 1.21 points per possession even on a night when Iona’s sagging zone defense made it tough to get to the free-throw line...
Self still not a fan of altered anthem ↗
KU Sports - Bill Self, who, in his 11 years at Kansas University has occasionally provided pizza and donuts for students who camp out for seats at basketball games, never takes the Jayhawks’ loudest, most creative supporters for granted.
@RCT > Also a great place to get game highlights for those unable to view these first 6 games.
Good point. I'll start looking for these vids and try to connect them with the games.. The challenge is that I think these take time to produce and are typically delayed by several days.
[KU v Duke](
Picture is worth 1000 words:
!goal posts ↗
We need to have a section prior to each game that is no widely available where links can be posted, so all of us that are blacked out can find a viable option.
I think there were discussions in the KU Buckets Chat last night regarding this topic. That's a good area for that topic as the transcript is not saved.
Jesse's preview of the Iona game was spot on:
Iona more dangerous to KU than name suggests ↗
"Most likely, the Gaels will gun away from three, meaning a good shooting night could keep them in it, while a bad shooting night could result in a blowout. In the end, I think KU prevails, but I'm guessing it'll be closer than most think. KU 78, Iona 68"
KU scored a bit more, but he was 2 points off on Iona. CJ's gain is JW's loss... Glad he's still covering the Jayhawks!
Looking forward to your analysis of Towson.
@Jesse_Newell We will start linking to your articles here regularly! Your analysis is top-notch ;-)
Thought I should share this article which pulls quotes from the post-game conference with Coach Self.
Self keeps Greene out of win over Iona ↗
Kansas University freshman Brannen Greene was the only Jayhawk to not play in Tuesday’s 86-66 victory over Iona in Allen Fieldhouse.
KU coach Bill Self was asked...
I will always be a BIG fan of EJ's love of KU and his sweat and pain in our uniform x 4yrs.
I have to agree. The Michigan game pains me, but my favorite EJ moment was in the tournament about a year earlier against Purdue when TT and EJ connected for an unbelievable fast break/lob/jam that basically determined a game we easily could have lost. After the game, EJ was interviewed and was asked about why he didn't do more of that during the game and he just said, "I'm still learning, man. I'm learning."
Through that interview, you could tell he was marveling about how the game turned out... happy and relieved. And what came through was that he was trying his best on every play, but it didn't always work out.
I agree - and sure hope Greene's behavior doesn't parallel Adams'... He needs to keep working hard and realize that he can get some chances this year, but he will be in a great position next year.
Greene is too talented-- he is nothing like Rio. Rio was athletic but couldn't handle the ball. Greene makes freshmen mistakes. As long as he learns from them, I expect him to have a very good future here.
I think Greene is a bit like Ellis was at this point last year: rough around the edges but evidence of great potential.
Embiid is on track to start before conference play. What an amazing talent for his age, size and experience. I think I can see him learning and getting better every game.
If two wise men agree, then there is no need for one of them.
- Zambian proverb
Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one things of changing himself.
- Leo Tolstoy
People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.
- Maya Angelou
I feel bad for many fans in and around Lawrence that can't watch the game through traditional means.
It's a conundrum for the University because there are many more people outside of the zip codes of 66XXX and 64XXX, etc. than within those areas.
The density of fans is greatest there, but the potential is outside of there. And the university has to grow it's audience.
You can't grow in a market that you saturate, so they have to get exposure outside of the core.
It's painful, but necessary. And it's not without risk.
However, I do respect the courage of the administrators to make a tough decision.
I don't like the result, and neither do many other fans. It may have some collateral damage, but hopefully it's short-term and limited. Perhaps, the administrators can find a way to mitigate the risk.
No lyin’: Lion-killer Embiid to lead Kansas against Iona tonight ↗
Legend has it Joel Embiid once killed a lion back in his homeland of Cameroon.
“He did it with his bare hands. He had to do it for his tribe,” Kansas University junior point guard Naadir Tharpe said of his 7-foot freshman teammate, a slight smile creasing his face...
Keegan: Zenger explains that TV deal good for KU ↗
KU athletic director Sheahon Zenger wishes he could tell the disconnected-for-six-games customers something they want to hear, but he can’t, so he is left to answer a simple question: Why did he do it?
MSU No. 1 in poll; Jayhawks vault to No. 2 ↗
Iona President is a KU graduate ↗
Nyre received his Ed.S from Kansas University (1993-96) and his Ph.D. in 1999. During his stay in Lawrence, he watched the Jayhawks play on TV and in person. One of the players he enjoyed watching, Greg Gurley of the Williams Fund, gave him a tour Monday of Allen Fieldhouse so that he could see the renovations.
Kick A$s!
I've never been a fan of the 'picking a hat' approach. I'm not a huge fan of the televised 'event' of an announcement.
Those videos speak volumes and confirm all my opinions.
It's torturous enough when fans are invested deeply -- and magnified with the 'bait and switch' trickery.
We'd better hope we don't meet Illinois in the tournament in the next several years.
And if there's one good thing that could come out of this event, maybe it's that the backlash would be enough to end that practice of 'pick a hat' for all time.
ESPN: Michigan State, Kansas top poll ↗
Associated Press Poll
The top five teams in the AP Top 25 men's college basketball poll:
1 Michigan State
2 Kansas
3 Louisville
4 Kentucky
5 Arizona
KU Sports: Wiggins, Ellis earn Big 12 honors ↗
The Kansas duo of sophomore forward Perry Ellis and freshman guard Andrew Wiggins have been named the Big 12 Player and Newcomer of the Week in a vote by a media panel which covers the league, the conference announced Monday.
Bill Self talks about where his team stands 2 games into the season ↗ - mp3
@Wishawk thanks for posting this info. It helps provide perspective on our team this year.
One question - Jeff Withey isn't listed. Where was he ranked?
@farsidehawk if you hit the quote button on the left side ofthe reply button it does this quoting of the original. Is this meeting the need you're indicating?
Interesting feature that I hadn't noticed yet. Thanks for pointing out the workings of this evolving site to keep us in the loop aprox!
(Had to try it out.)
Ok, that is cool!
@parishawk I think your summary is spot on for managing expectations. I would add that a conference title might require a 'great' year because the Big12 looks better at the top than in the past (OSU & ISU)
:-). Anything Jayhawk is a labor of love. Or, on this platform, it is a labour of love.
The feedback is helpful. And i'm glad everyone is patient through the experimentation.
I agree simpler is usually better and that dark tex on a light background is more legible.
The background image is fun and I think it's nice to use some of the members' contributions. But it's. Also too busy to run text across without sacrificing legibility. So I think we should try to find another way to use that image.
Anyway... don't leave the site... This platform is pretty rich in features and actively being developed. I think it can be a great place for us for years to come, thanks to Approx.
The background image is trippy.. but a bit hard to read.
The Definition of Schadenfreude: **
I like the embedded approach as you did it on the home page.. If only we could do that in our posts.. :-)
While i'm dreaming -- I'd like to embed video and audio (clap)
@Statmachine Great thread!
Got me thinking.... What if--
What if Self left and we needed to replace him?
Would we try to find our next coach from the KU tree?
Which former KU coach would likely spawn the next coach?
I tend to think Roy Williams generated more potential coaching material than Ted Owens, Larry Brown and Bill Self... But who would you take as the coach to succeed Coach Self?
Does anyone know exactly when the Banner started? I attended games in the Ted Owens era and I don't think that banner existed.
If my memory serves, the banner was created by some students in about 1985-86. That's the first memory I have of it -- around Danny's Sophomore season.
During that time, the banner was held up by students, IIRC. Then it was put on a railing during games and then found its way up to the upper wall of the fieldhouse, where it has resided ever since.
But I would swear that it has been replaced with replicas through the years.
Can anyone confirm or deny these memories?
.
I know this will sound like a homer talking, but I would not be surprised if we see 2 or even more Titles in the next 5 years.
I'm happily updating the links on this thread folks.. ;-)
Welcome Cliff!
@approxinfinity Thanks!
No. 4 recruit Cliff Alexander picks Kansas ↗
Chicago power forward compared by some to Thomas Robinson
Cliff Alexander, the No. 4-rated player in the recruiting class of 2014 by Rivals.com, today announced on ESPNU he would be attending Kansas University on a basketball scholarship.
Tait - A closer look at KU's latest basketball commitment, Cliff Alexander ↗
Moments ago, Cliff Alexander, the No. 4-ranked recruit in the Class of 2014, announced that he would play his college ball at Kansas University, giving the Jayhawks the fourth and 12th-ranked (Kelly Oubre) prospects in the class.
Keegan - New KU assistant coach Jerrance Howard hidden hero in Cliff Alexander commitment ↗
When handing out the kudos to those responsible for influencing power forward Cliff Alexander’s decision to come to Kansas, head coach Bill Self, a terrific closer, will be at the top of most lists...
Top KU basketball recruits to announce college choices today ↗
KU Sports - No. 1-ranked high school basketball prospect Jahlil Okafor, No. 4 Cliff Alexander and No. 5 Tyus Jones — all Kansas University recruits — will announce their college choices this afternoon.
Keegan - Take it from Traylor: KU’s ‘definitely stacked’ ↗
KU Sports - When 11th-year Kansas University basketball coach Bill Self evaluates young talent, he ranks “hard-to-guard” as among the most important qualities he seeks. He struck gold with this team in that regard.
Sadly, I puzzled over it for a long time and the light never dawned ;-)
Thanks much for decrypting this!
Such a great post.
If only JoJo could grow his blocking skill to be where Withey was at the start of his senior year...
The headline says it all..
Illuminate me, Jayhawk brethren!
and just one more angle.
@jayhawkfantoo You're probably right.. but the pictures help clear my conscience a bit ;-) !slowmo1.jpg ↗ !slowmo2.jpg ↗ !slowmo3.jpg ↗
Shorn Wiggins shines vs. Duke ↗
KU Sports - Kansas University freshman guard Andrew Wiggins had his shaggy Afro clipped before Tuesday’s Champions Classic battle against Duke.
It’s made inquiring minds wonder about the 6-foot-8 freshman’s motivation...
KU basketball receives letter of intent from Kelly Oubre Jr. ↗
KU Sports - Kelly Oubre Jr., a versatile 6-foot-7, 200-pound shooting guard/small forward from Findlay Prep High in Henderson, Nev., on Wednesday signed a letter of intent with Kansas University on the first day of the week-long early signing period.
Oubre, who is ranked No. 12 overall in the Class of 2014 by Rivals.com, committed to KU on Oct. 8.
Keegan: Opinion: Young Jayhawks handle big stage like vets ↗
KU Sports - I expected the word tentative to pop into my brain during the nightcap to Tuesday night’s fascinating doubleheader in United Center, but it never did...
Keys to victory: Kansas beats Duke ↗
ESPN.com - What were the biggest keys to Kansas' 94-83 win over Duke on Tuesday night?
Andrew Wiggins got some help...
@JayHawkFanToo I went back to my high-def recording and I see the contact at two angles.. I will try to grab a clear image and post.
@Case I agree that we learned a lot last night... and it seems like we have a lot of what we need. I also noticed Wiggins' defense. Certainly it has been less appreciated by the pundits.. as much as Wiggins' offensive efficiency (22 points in 25 min), not to mention the fact that he earned the nickname "Ender" by hitting the daggers of the game - the jumper and the dunk.
An interesting question: What do we still need?
I would posit consistent intensity is the key. This team is going to be great if they play with the intensity we saw last night. It will help them learn and grow faster. Plus, few teams will have the talent and depth to handle this team when they are cranked up to 11.
They could get beat by an ordinary team if they don't play with the passion.
@drgnslayr I agree, agree, agree.
And Selden is under the radar. He's quick and diversely talented.. Great assists, solid defense, solid offense.. hit FTs. Didn't make mistakes.
Selden's 37 minutes were the most by a Jayhawk. Second only to Hood who was on the floor 38 min.
ESPN article indicates that Kansas impresses:
@JRyman KU Sports has a photo that appears to prove you are right:
@RockChalkinTexas If you think Dickie V screwed up, imagine my dismay when the sports anchor for our local tv station opened his report saying something like this: "tonights game features two of the top freshmen in basketball, Andrew Wiggins of Duke and Jabari Parker of Kansas."
But hey, it's a small market. Just the SF Bay Area.
I'm struck by how quickly the media can change it's tune.
Wiggins was anointed as the top player for months. Completely over-hyped, but it was a bandwagon and it seemed like every analyst, scout and media member was all-in.
Last night, after these two games, one of the analysts (not Bilas) cast doubt about whether Wiggins was the top Freshmen now, based on the performance (i.e. how many points he scored). There was an article yesterday about Jeff Goodman changing his tune and now the ESPN article above also takes polish off Wiggins.
Too many in the media see these individual performances as a win/lose proposition.. In other words, someone has to win, someone has to lose. Instead, they should look at the nuances of Wiggins, Parker and Randle (and others). They should question why they have to rank players. It's pretty clear ranking is not directly correlated to draft selection, so it's essentially a meaningless, self-indulgent exercise by sports media.
Of course, if they were rigorous in their criteria and built a statistical model that explained how the ranking was determined, I would be open to that. It would seem more objective and less susceptible to whimsy.
Whatever the criteria, you would think it would be consistent from year to year. For instance-- maybe it's based on Points and Rebounds.. Ok. Parker has scored more than Wiggins.. But Randle has scored more than Parker.. Whatever.
But sports media fail in this department too.
When Anthony Davis didn't have the most points, he was still considered the top player, because his team won.
In my book, both Wiggins and Parker did great. That was a heavyweight battle on the floor and from the bench.
If I had to pick a difference maker, I'd say depth gave us the win. And yes, Frank Mason may have been the leader of that part of the game.
Classic win: Ellis, Wiggins lift KU past Duke ↗
Chicago — Kansas University’s first victory in three tries at the Champions Classic proved to be one worth waiting for. The Jayhawks rode a career high 24 points from sophomore Perry Ellis and 22 from freshman Andrew Wiggins...
MP3 Podcast: Bill Self postgame interview vs. Duke ↗
MP3 Podcast: Perry Ellis and Andrew Wiggins postgame interviews vs. Duke ↗
Coach K: It’s not about freshmen ↗
ESPN: College basketball needed this night ↗
In its greatest fantasies perhaps the best the Final Four can hope for is to be a passable sequel...