🏀 KuBuckets Archive

I've always been an Andrea Hudy fan. She has been involved with several strength studies and seems like she is cutting edge in this area.

But this is the time of year where we are opening our minds and looking for ways to improve our team. Everything should be open to scrutiny.

Do we have an advantage over other D1 schools in strength and conditioning? Do we develop our players the best we can? Do we condition them well enough to prevent some injuries?

I know Kansas has some cutting edge technology in this area. Players are assessed for areas where they need to improve, and they follow through a development plan that is monitored to see if they are reaching their goals. Everything really seems top notch!

Back in my day, I would spend at least 10 hours a week (3 to 4 times a week) in the weight room. I definitely built mass and strength. There are different ways to train, some strategies build mass, some not. Some improving speed, some make you slower. Some build fast-twitch, some build slow-twitch muscles. I don't claim to have any expertise in this area, just my own experiences. I was a two-sport athlete; basketball and boxing. My boxing training helped me immensely in basketball. My training focused on speed, strength and coordination. That involved a lot of work on speed and target pads. The heavy bag helped with strength and leverage.

From my experience.... dead weights helped with overall strength, but typically did not offer the best results for the energy spent doing it. Dead lifting helped build overall strength but produced a counter-effect of slowing me down and offered no coordination gains. Work on a target bag not only increased my speed, it also improved my eye-to-hand coordination. That was very helpful in basketball.

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I'm curious if we are keeping up with some of the technology available out there. I've started to research this area to find the best training options for my kid.

This seems pretty popular today:

Vertimax ↗

It seems more in line with what helped me when I trained.

Does anyone have experience with this?

I'm wondering who would make a good replacement for Snacks if Self decides to shuffle the deck this summer.

Here is a guy who loves basketball, and is about to retire from his normal 9-5. He doesn't need money, and would probably work for free.

My guess is he would be great at teaching discipline and toughness.

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@Blown

"How much of a chance the longer season wears them out sooner?"

Interesting question. There is also the chance someone gets hurt, too. International ball can get rough. On the other hand, players sometimes go down in the summer, too, just playing unorganized ball. At least this is monitored, structured basketball.

I think the guys will have a couple months off afterwards, before Kansas ball.... right?

I'm pretty sure most wannabes think the people they want-to-be are arrogant. Especially, when they know they aren't there yet!

Really.... stop everyone!

I wanted a break to work on my garden.

I'm already getting juiced for some International ball!

When is our first game?

@truehawk93

Pretty bad when my typo is the humor...

@VailHawk

I'm pulling for Izzo as a dark horse. I'd like to see his guys manhandle Kentucky.... take the game away from height and make it about strength (and toughness).

@truehawk93

"Ali Farokhmanesh

Where is Ali now?"

On trail in Boston. Oh wait... ooops... wrong guy, sorry.

@joeloveshawks

My goal was just to reach the Sweet 16. That would have meant we beat the Shocks (winning in-state bragging rights) and at least we got to a level that probably equals our level with this team.

I think we just slightly underachieved... but it wasn't fair that WSU was a 7-seed in our bracket. How can they be a 7-seed with a 17 RPI? Friggin' impossible!

It hurt WSU a bit to be underrated but it hurt us worse because they took us out! I think we would have beat a real 7-seed.

But hey... in my books we did win another National Championship this year.... 2003!!!

I heard Cliff just transferred to UK and he's already been cleared to play next year! He qualified for a hardship transfer and doesn't have to sit out!

Ha... just kidding...... JUST KIDDING!!!!!!

:-)

@nuleafjhawk

I'll play 4 years! I never used any of my eligibility. Isn't there an age limit?

Heck... I'll be a walk-on and the discipline coach. I guarantee our guys will be clapping and talking all game... full of upbeat motivation. I promise.

@JhawkAlum

"Can Bragg be an immediate contributer?"

I think he can and will make an immediate contribution (and to be honest, he'll have to).

I'm a huge Devonte fan! That kid not only has the skills... but he also has a big part of the charisma we usually lack.

We would have been totally skrewed without him on Sunday!

@jaybate-1.0

I don't know... but it sure looked like Perry broke his nose. He said it wasn't broken.... though I wonder if he just didn't want to tell people it was. That type of hit usually means a busted nose.

Kudos to Perry for putting up a fight and returning with his busted nose!

@nuleafjhawk

Hahahaha... gee... thanks! :-(

@nuleafjhawk

I think there are several good Jayhawks coaching out there. But... I'm glad we still have Self! I think we all just need to beat on him for a while to open up his mind to change.

It is normal, after a tough loss (and some pile on from previous years)... that we hammer down on our coach. After all, he carries the ultimate responsibility. I think it is normal that we focus on all the negative things we don't like about him now. It's a natural process that needs to happen. People need to vent. But also... when under duress people often open up to changes and growth. This is another opportunity for all of us and Self to think differently and look for ways to improve. Struggle should bring growth. If it doesn't, then bigger changes need to happen.

Right now... I think many of us are overlooking all of Self's positives, because right now we are focusing on his negatives! Self is human. He does have some negatives just like all of us have.

What I would really love to see, is Self open up and make some positive changes. He has so much untapped potential in himself that he isn't taking advantage of! He lives a bit too much in the past. He lives a bit too much in his old Oklahoma youth. The game has moved on. Defense remains important, and the most important part of the game. However... you just can't win without offense! In today's game, defense isn't enough by itself. Not in March! Literally... we should consider coaching this team just like it is structured in football. Offensive coordinator, defensive coordinator. We should separate the game and try to build both sides of the ball. We focus too much on defense. We need more balance.

And then we can recruit better, too. Don't you think other teams use it against us because we are stuck with the hi/lo?

@Blown

"I wonder why Roy achieved 2 rings within 6 years of departure. It always stands out to me."

I don't want to reopen a can of worms... but I do think it helps that Roy went home. He attended UNC and played on the JV team. I don't believe a coach has to be alumni at a school to be good... I just think it adds something extra when they are. I think it was the little extra push Roy needed.

Plus... now he recruits nationwide! He refused to go east when at Kansas because he didn't want to battle Dean Smith.

Gosh... remember all that nastiness when he stole Harrison Barnes from us?

@nuleafjhawk

Your post really made me take a look at the disconnect between Kansas fans and players. As Kansas fans, we've been building our chip every since '09. We have been piling up March failures for several years. Most of our guys have only been at Kansas for a year or two. Perry is the only guy on this team that probably connects with how fans feel because he is from Kansas and has always been a Jayhawk.

I think there needs to be better communication with the players to educate them on Jayhawk history and expectations. I bet most of our young guys know almost nothing about the history of Kansas basketball. Of course they have heard of Wilt. But Kansas basketball is a lot more than that. A big part if the diehard fan base that is spread all over this planet!

I feel like this is one area where we could help build a chip in our guys. We need to do something. I'm really friggin' sick of March games where are guys come out all stiff and looking like they just came back from a funeral. We had ZERO enthusiasm Sunday. Devonte was the main guy with enthusiasm. Perry probably would have had a bit more if he wasn't so banged up.

@jayhawk-007

"Let's see how WVU can create havoc with UK...wish they only had a day to prepare instead of a week..."

Yep... the bad thing for WVU is that UK has a week to prepare. If they had been the second game on a weekend, UK wouldn't have time to prepare.

Most people don't see it... but the twins still have plenty of weaknesses. They have improved quite a bit this year, but they can still play sour ball.

@ralster

" Speaking of Tarik Black, originally a top50 recruit, he fit the mold perfectly for a Self bigman...imagine that kid at KU x 4yrs!"

I understand your post. There wasn't anyone out there that could exactly replace JoJo. Myles would have been nice and better than nothing.

But we out-spend all D1 teams in the nation in recruiting! I see several teams with big men that do a good job. Maybe these guys weren't top 10 recruits. But they at least hold down the fort. We still had a scholarship to give last year, actually 2 because we added Svi late. We wasted a slot on this team. We can look at it all like it was a last second loss of Myles... but we should have already scored a backup. There must be at least 50 reasonable big 5s in D1 out there. How do other teams land 5s when they spend a lot less on recruiting and aren't even a blue blood?

Look at our assistant coaches. None of those guys are sitting on the bench because they are known as great developers. All those guys have a job because they are supposed to be big recruiters. So how can we ever be without at least a decent 5? There is no excuse. If this was a business, I'd be firing a lot of people for such failure.

Tar was a great catch... but the only reason we got him was on a fluke. Same with Mickelson.

Think about it. We are one of the best bball programs in America. Great resources. Reputation for putting guys in the league. Previously, had a reputation for developing bigs. Largest recruiting budget in America. One of the best strength and conditioning programs. And we are waiting in late spring to possibly sign our only real 5? That is pathetic.

I'm not saying we don't continue to go for the elite 5 players. I'm just saying we should have already signed a backup. Kentucky only has 3 backup 5s (and still signed the elite 5).

There is some monumental recruiting underachieving going on here.

@HighEliteMajor

"This is really very simple. I said this early on -- simply continue with your high/low offense. Embrace the three point shot. Work hard to scheme to get open three point looks from the high/low. That type of attack, premised on outside shooting, would then open up the inside for easier post feed scores. Self's decision to increase our efforts to drive the ball, instead of post feeds, might not have been necessary. But it certainly could have been part of a two pronged attack. Drive and shoot the three point shot. We saw that with WSU. And folks, all it would have required were some tweaks to our current offense. Work in some rule variations in our motion offense that could have been "add ons" in practice. What is amazing is that our normal offense does create three point looks. Using Perry at the high post to drive, but also as a pick and pop four -- not difficult."

I was expecting to see Self unleash this offense in the tournament. I really had my hopes up.

This is very very basic motion offense. To take a post player on one side (near the baseline) and cut him diagonally to the paint and feed him the ball and have him attack around the center of the paint. Perry is very capable of scoring in this area. This always draws in guards and then you have a feeding frenzy with two shooters properly positioned on the trey line for easy feed spot ups. Brannen Greene should be scoring 15 to 18 a game, even in a limited role.

Where we really goof is at the 2. I love Wayne Selden... but we don't really know how to use him or he doesn't know how to drive it with Self ball. He isn't the best ball handler and when he drives, he reminds me of Wigs in his year as a Jayhawk. Has anyone been watching Wigs in the league? He's a different player. Because he isn't asked to take the ball and force a drive through 5 tightly-packed defenders. I think Wayne had the same instructions Wigs was given. I hope Wayne gets a real shot at the next level. He won't be forced into playing bad structured offense any longer.

The 2 position is called the "Shooting Guard." Nothing wrong with a driving guard at the 2... but there is a reason why that position is called "Shooting Guard." One of the basic roles of that position is to be proficient at hitting 3s. We had perhaps the very best 3-pt shooting 2 in the nation collecting splinters in his ass for most of the season. I'm not sure if it was because Brannen played soft defense, or Self just didn't want to emphasize the trey. Maybe it was both.

Had we built offense around feeding Brannen his 3, not only would he have remained proficient at his spot up, I'm pretty sure he would have developed more esteem and capability to score off the dribble. Now you are talking about a volume scorer. Self doesn't seem to support volume scoring unless it is in the low post.

Self's game is defense, not offense. I'm certain he believes that developing too much offense will always end up sacrificing some defense. I used to think that way. I don't think that way now. I think playing proficient ball on either side of the ball should help the other side by offering overall momentum. How many times have we watched teams make a good defensive play and follow it up with aggressive offense? Right.... it's called "going on a run." But momentum is something taught. It wants to come natural... but to maximize momentum coaches have to teach it. We need to teach our guys to clap and talk to each other... bounce up and down and swing arms up and down. If it isn't happening naturally, then you really need to teach your guys to show enthusiasm. Did anyone see Kansas with enthusiasm on Sunday? I thought it looked like our guys just attended a funeral.

I can literally tear through every bit of our team. I don't want to just pile on to Self. But he needs to be held accountable. Our players do, too, but I really didn't see our guys personally underachieving out there. I thought they did the best with the teaching they were given. The problems I see are ALL coaching. I don't know that I just want to blame Self. I'm not in the Athletic Department. I'm just saying there needs to be changes happening somewhere and the results need to be positive and showing up in March!

I hope we see some proactive moves in the off-season. Otherwise... we are back to being reactive in the middle of next season.

@jayhawk-007

I'm thinking WVU can be a big help for WSU. I know Calipari has to spend his week beating the press only. No thoughts about facing WSU again, just trying to get past WVU.

I think both of these teams can give Kentucky problems. Will they? Who knows. I look at it like if UK had to play each of these teams 10 times, how many would they win? 9? Even if it is 9, if both of these teams have a 10% chance of winning, it isn't automatic that UK makes it into the FF.

I know I'm the "chip guy" in here. I'm not going to go off on one of my million-word rants on the value of playing with a chip.

But I would like to know if others in here have ideas on how we should combat that definite disadvantage we have to play against every year in March?

I'm trying to remember the last time I saw a Jayhawk team with more enthusiasm than their opponents in March.... I'm thinking Danny and the Miracles.

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@HighEliteMajor

I am absolutely serious with this... do you coach ball somewhere?

My son is 19 months old and all the kid does is play basketball. I haven't pushed it on him but I have provided him with balls and a mini goal. He stuffs the ball like Daryl Dawkins on his goal set at 3-ft. He grows at least one size in shoes every month and is in the 99% on both height and weight. His doctor said his minimum height will be 6'6". If he wants ball, I want to provide everything possible for his development.

@KansasComet

I think there is a little extra turbulence this year because we lost to an in-state rival. But regardless of who we lost to, I think all of us feel like this team realistically should have advanced beyond the round of 32. It didn't help that WSU was completely undervalued by the boys that build the brackets. That was a bit harmful to them and us because they had to fight through a tougher scenario and we had to face a team sooner that clearly was better than seeded. Still... that is no excuse.

Many of us keep mentioning Einstein's definition of "insanity"... and I feel like a lot of the frustration in here relates to the idea that we are spinning our wheels, doing the same things that aren't getting us a different result. I feel that way. I feel like our coaching strategy works great if we have a team full of junior and senior 5-star players. Those days are over. Yes... if we had Wigs and a healthy JoJo this year, we'd still be playing ball.

Is this an issue about recruiting OAD players? Or is it that we are teaching a philosophy that takes a long learning curve but OADs and TADs are not here long enough to make good on it? Or is it that we don't have the right assistant coaches that should be here because they know how to develop instead of just recruit?

I feel like we've lost too many games in March to lesser opponents during the Self era. This is just my opinion. And maybe it doesn't wash when comparing to Roy or Larry. I know part of it is my crimson/blue eyewear.

@HighEliteMajor has made a huge campaign this year for change. I like many of his ideas. I think most of us question if it was a good idea for Self to largely abandon the 3-pt shot. I think we all realize that this relates to more things than a basic offensive strategy... this related to core beliefs that Self struggles with inside. His background is ALL defense. He'll sit a guy that brings insane offensive abilities if the guy won't play tough enough defense.

We have a coach that is the absolute best at winning conference championships. But over time, we see a mixed bag when it comes to March competitiveness. Can that gap be bridged? Can Self find a way to coach conference championships AND March success?

This year I received some education into Kansas fundraising. I had no idea how much time Self had to give towards raising $$$ for the athletic department. I've come to realize that this is becoming too much burden for him to carry just on his shoulders. But the facts are there... Kansas basketball is the money maker at Kansas. I think we all need to realize that we are giving up some basketball success because our football program does not generate enough revenue. Moving forward, this really has to be addressed. I'm starting to feel like Self is the next EJ: the guy who made the ultimate sacrifices and then gets blamed for failures that shouldn't be on his plate. I'm not giving Self a free ride. I believe there is more he can do without adding on extra time and effort to his already-packed schedule. What I am saying is that we need to address the entire picture of Kansas athletics to find the right answers to move forward.

We do need to make changes... and it needs to be more than an Obama campaign slogan! (sorry for throwing in the politics, but I though it might kick up a bigger response!)

@jaybate-1.0

"The thing I am most excited about is that it feels like there are some serious challengers coming on--contributors that have broken through the counter posting phase"

Right on. I don't think any of us "volume posters" could have made it this far without constantly being challenged by new guys coming in. I don't think any of us are here just to boast about our knowledge... we all get educated every day in here. I know I've learned more about the game this year than in any past year playing. I bet I've picked up knowledge from 30 posters in here this year.

But this place is more than basketball knowledge.... it's humor, art, bonding, confrontation, joy, sorrow, creativity, discovery, shock.... and a definite team attitude!

I'm a KU basketball fanatic, but I don't know what I'm going to miss more... a KU game right around the corner or chatting with everyone in here. It has been insanely entertaining and the absolute best reason to gyp work!

@KUinLA

"Will he dress up like a shock of wheat?"

Or wear a "Fear the Wheat" shirt? :-)

I know I'm terrified of wheat... especially the gluten!

I'm going to jump the gun and order me a "Fear the Gluten" shirt!

I'll be checking in from here on out. Many things happen between now and next season... recruiting... news....

Plus, many in here give good garden advice!

I know many of you will be blasting out of here at any moment.

I just want to acknowledge KUBuckets ( @approxinfinity ) and all the awesome Jayhawk posters that made this a great season for talking up basketball!

I've had a great time and learned more about the game this year than any other year of my life!

You guys killed it this year!

Thanks to everyone!

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@wissoxfan83

"I'm not sure why this team bothered me more than other teams that fell short but I'll try."

What bothered me most was the feeling I had that this team would develop top-notch chemistry. All the guys like each other and seem to be well-bonded. I had a feeling in my gut that would help carry them over the lows. In some ways it did, but there were other areas it didn't seem to help.

@RockChalkinTexas

"One good thing - I now have lots of time to tend to my garden (have 60 tomato plants already in the ground) and be outside to enjoy this wonderful time of year. "

I'm with you on that! I haven't even started my seeds! I'm late!

@BeddieKU23

I'm not sure... that is a question for others in here. Anyone know?

@reader22

If they back away from all basketball sponsorship, aren't they just folding tent in their basketball-related products?

I'm lost in the world of shoes, but really appreciate all of you who follow that world and post on it. It has become a fascinating read, even though I'm more interested in Xs and Os instead of $s.

Memo to the Shoe King, Sir Jaybate:

"According to this count by Chris Littmann of The Sporting News, 43 of the 64 schools in the field were sponsored by Nike, meaning Nike had twice as many teams in the tournament as other shoe companies combined. But the non-Nike schools came to play. Under Armour saw two of its six teams make the Sweet 16. Adidas has four in the regional semis despite starting with just 11 overall. And one of the two Jordan brand teams is still alive. Having so many teams playing, Nike was bound to eat itself alive, but the sneaker giant started with 67% of the field and now has 56%."

While on the subject of stink... I recall back in my later days of basketball and it seemed like Nike shoes always stunk more than Adidas. I always had to leave my Nike shoes outside the house, and would have to shake them out in the morning because spiders would nest inside. Anyone else have that experience?

Our season may be over, but that doesn't mean we have to turn off the TV.

I'm pulling for Huggy and Lon!

The Big 12 would get a lot of sudden validation if Huggy could pull off the miracle against UK. I realize it is unlikely... but unlikely events seem to be the norm in March. I appreciated how they played their guts out yesterday and beat a tough Maryland team. Hats off to Turg for bring good basketball back to Maryland and to Huggy for keeping our conference alive in March!

Meanwhile, Lon continues quietly bringing success to his resume in March, beating a tough Dayton team. The real test will come next against the hardened bunch of Izzo troops, ready to bring mug ball to OU. Fortunately, OU has already experienced WVU this year and knows what to do.

Thanks Huggy and Lon for salvaging the Big 12 reputation! Without these guys bringing game, the Big 12 would be 0 - 7 making it through the first weekend!

@jaybate-1.0

FYI: Mrs. Drgn never used the "P" word yesterday. I'm not sure why. We weren't alone watching the game, and so I'm pretty sure she didn't want to throw out that kind of vocabulary. She used to say it a lot about Perry, but Perry played with a lot of guts yesterday. It sure looked like a broken nose to me. I was proud that Perry returned as fast as he could.

We had my dad over for the game, and one of my old team mates from a team where we had several undefeated seasons. During the game, I was texted by a couple of other players from that team. And right after the game, I was called from our old coach from that team. They all said the same thing... Kansas was out-hustled, out-played and out-coached. I couldn't argue with them, and didn't. My coach said he had to call me because the hustle of WSU brought back old sentiment of how we played all those years. He really crushed me with that one.

Everything in me points to heart more than talent... and what the answer is for Kansas. All the guys were for WSU because they know these guys play 100% of the time with hustle and heart. One guy stated, "with Kansas, you never know if they are going to show up."

I'm just glad that all these guys were respectful. None trashed me or KU. So today I"m feeling a bit better that I won't have to uproot my family immediately to an undisclosed foreign nation to avoid the harassment!

Good game, Shockers, good game!

We can contemplate mechanics on this team until the end of time. We will never solve why we lost because of mechanics... injuries... or players ineligible. The FACT from the game was WSU wanted it more. That is what it all boiled down to.

And it wasn't just because they carried a chip since we won't play them. March comes along and we usually get upset by a team carrying a chip either they had it already or formed it because they had something to prove to beat a blue blood.

This is THE problem moving forward for Kansas and Self. Nothing else. We can choose not to address the real problem and keep going the way we are going... spending more money on recruiting than any other D1 school in America. Maybe we can reach the pinnacle 10 McDs AAs necessary to overcome the desire of teams full of juco players. Maybe. We are following in the footsteps of Calipari. Can we recruit our way out of having to really address the issue, which is motivation?

I'm not going to blast our players. They had a great season for what they were. They had to do it with their own personal motivation and they didn't have enough help to lift them further. I know they are feeling the pain today, just like all of us.

I think the answer is we don't give these guys enough identity as Jayhawks. These guys aren't going out and visiting the grave stone of Naismith... or delving deep into Kansas history. It isn't the focus with Self, to help these guys get their own chip developed because they are Jayhawks. We aren't supposed to lose... ever!

We all think these guys some how get anointed into the Jayhawk wisdom by just showing up on campus. It isn't happening.

The game I saw yesterday was Kansas playing tight. Feeling pressure and not executing. That isn't play from the heart, but from the mind. Until we teach these guys to invest more of their hearts, then we will continue to fall to low seeds in March, because we will always face teams that play with their hearts.

Go ahead and blast me for my opinion. And good luck with the thoughts we can recruit our way into another trophy.

It ain't gonna happen.

@Crimsonorblue22

Ooops. Sorry.

The thing with the Shockers is.. they hustle and they never quit. If we bring the hustle on defense and shut down their offense... we will still need to score points at a basic efficiency rate.

The Shockers like to play bad ball, too.

Now you have two teams that prefer a low scoring game.

It really will be about who figures out enough offense to pull away (if the game is not strictly a nail biter).

If it is tight all game, then which team knows how to close the game out.

Possessions will be king. Which team hustles more for 50/50 balls and rebounds? Which team turns the ball over more?

I like our chances at bad ball. I like our chances if we play it right... low TOs, rebound well, and play tough defense. I like our chances that we will figure out more offense than the Shockers. All we have to do is limit VanVliet.

The key today is to not think about shots... just work hard and take what the defense gives. If they come out high guarding, then punch it in to Perry or Kelly drive the ball.

The Shockers are going to hustle... using their feet to make up for their size issue. Know that and be patient, work hard and we'll find our shots.

@jaybate-1.0

"Why So Many First Round Upsets?"

I don't agree with him all the time... but I thought Chab (Sir Charles) called it right... there is the upper tier of teams and then there is everyone else.

We are almost always in the upper tier... this year, we are not considered in that group. We are with the "everyone else" bunch. I hope we play that to our advantage. We did in '12!

@BeddieKU23

I think Perry is going to be relentless. If the ball doesn't drop early on, he'll just keep pushing it until it does drop. He's going to have a monster game!

@BeddieKU23

"We have a chance to shut up an entire fanbase full of whining little brats."

Amen!

And also TV commentators. I didn't really like all the chatter yesterday about Self being afraid to play WSU. I mentioned this before... in November I was in NYC and heard whining chatter from a couple of ball fans that saw my Jayhawk and rattled on about us being afraid of the Shockers. I hate that crapola! I wanted to put my wife in a cab and take those guys outside.

When people push my buttons I become Frank Martin times 10!

@BeddieKU23

I totally agree.

Baker is okay. He can get hot (or not).... but WSU is all about VanVliet.

To beat a monster, cut off the head!

We control VanVliet, we win.... simple as that (and difficult to do).

Everyone playing WSU knows they need to stop VanVliet. But WSU has still had a successful year. Their schedule wasn't that good, but they can still ball with the big boys... and they will be playing with a big chip on their shoulders... that is always dangerous.

What I like about this game is I think WE SHOULD BE PLAYING WITH A CHIP, TOO! Our guys will have to eat inner-state crow for a long, long time if they blow this. Perry Ellis goes back to Wichita sometimes. He doesn't want to listen to all that crapola.

I'm expecting a monster game from Ellis... M O N S T E R !

"Would you have wanted another nail biter?? If that was the case we would probably be signing a different tune going into this game. It's a good thing we finally had a breather of a game and now with proper rest, we can really bring it on Sunday."

Like I said... it seems to make sense that it helped us to have a cakewalk. But real life doesn't always work that way. If I had my choice I would have picked a cakewalk if for no other reason than not put pressure on our banged up guys.

@Crimsonorblue22

Worlds above the Aggies. Not great... but they brought flashes of intensity and had the long ball to keep them close.

I thought the Aggies might have been the worst team we played all year. Surely they are a better team then what the came with.

My concern is they left us with a false sense of security. They played so badly that we don't really know what to take from that game. I'd like to give our team credit for them playing bad.... but really can't do that. I still think we brought toughness and played a consistent 40 minutes.

It takes discipline and toughness to beat tough teams. It also takes discipline and toughness to beat bad teams. It is easy to sink to the level of your competition. I've seen Kansas do it many times in past years. But we didn't do that. We hung in there and maintained pretty good poise. That is what I take from this game.. that we remained poised even when the Aggies sucked.

@BeddieKU23

I hope it built our confidence... but the Aggies really sucked. Their defense was atrocious.

I just hope we are able to put it in perspective... take the confidence out of the game while realizing that we'll be in for a real dog fight on Sunday.

We win this game and we should have plenty of confidence, swagger, and also relief. This should relieve us from all the inner-state chatter.

@KUSTEVE

A+! Always like your confidence!

Here is another factor for tomorrow's game:

Kansas had a cakewalk game against the Aggies. They flat out stunk!

WSU had a real battle against the Hoosiers.

On first thought, I'm drawn to the idea that we will have the fresher legs.

On second thought, we got a twisted view of March Madness. We won't have any easy outs from now on. Are our guys perhaps too confident because they didn't really take any hits to the face on Friday?

The Shockers often play cold or hot, but they always bring intensity. They may be a bit winded from the frenetic pace brought by Indiana... but their guys have been there before and know what to do.

I don't know if any of this matters. Just brought it up as a possible factor.

Thoughts?

@jaybate-1.0

"@drgnslayr's wife is NOT, I repeat, NOT going to be using the P word to describe the guys playing this asphalt dance of Thunderdome Death."

She'll do it if they don't come ready for 40 tough minutes.

This is my nightmare scenario!

So I'm focusing on positive thoughts now. A Jayhawk team that brings it all for 40 minutes and a big time win!

If we do that.... this could be the game that is the starting platform of a big March run!

That's where my head is!!!

@DoubleDD

The winning formula in all sports:

INSPIRATION leads to MOTIVATION leads to PERSPIRATION!

@KUSTEVE

"Hey, do they still have Cake-tv?"

Cake TV? Is it so boring there people watch TV of other people eating cake all day?

I thought I would break the game down into match ups. I've watched every KU game this year, and probably half of the Shocker games. If anyone feels they have a better angle on this, please post it.

MATCH UPS:

Head coaches:

KU Bill Self: He's been around the block before, especially in March. He's made it to the pinnacle in 2008 and returned knocking on the door in 2012. He always maintains poise and projects that onto his players. He always tries to run his stuff on both sides of the ball, long into the game, and if things don't go his way he (perhaps) waits too long to make drastic changes (play zone or junk defense). His weakness is motivating players for just one game, or a half, or for even a short spurt.

WSU Gregg Marshall: He is a relative newcomer to March. His March resume is recent, but aggressive and on the upward tick. A big part of his coaching tactics are based around attitude. He brings "scrappy" to his teams and a sense of always playing with an underdog chip on their shoulders. His biggest weakness is March inexperience.

Advantage: Bill Self, based mostly on his vast March experience.

PG Frank Mason (5'11" ): Has come one to be a solid PG. Strengths include his ability to drive to the hole and finish, and his overall toughness and willingness to take over games in the closing minutes. Weaknesses include his ability to see the floor and attack with a high level of basketball IQ. His background was as a volume-scoring SG, so he still has a lot to learn. Also, needs to be more vocal and take on the role of leading his team.

PG Fred VanVliet (6' ): One of the premiere PGs in America. His only weakness is his height. He has a very high basketball IQ and is very capable of either driving and scoring himself, or setting up someone else to score.

Advantage: Fred VanVliet

SG Wayne Selden (6'5" ): Is a very capable player on both sides of the ball. Strengths include his ability to hit the 3 or use his body strength and drive the ball. Can play good defense. Is on a recent uptick. Weaknesses include he sometimes plays out of control and can turn the ball over. If his head isn't in the game, he will lose his man on defense.

SG Ron Baker (6'3" ): Is a natural scorer, both from the perimeter and driving in the paint. Strengths include his overall toughness and his poise. Plays under control. Very capable of getting hot and taking over a game. Weaknesses include his size. He often has to play against bigger guards. This year he has often fallen into minor slumps. He didn't play exceptionally well against Indiana so he may still be on the downward slide.

Advantage: Draw

SF Kelly Oubre (6'7" ): Is currently playing his best ball. Strengths include he is very capable from 3 and very capable of driving the ball and either scoring, getting fouled, or both. He brings in very good energy and has a knack for stealing balls and generating extra possessions. Very capable rebounder. Weaknesses include his youth and inexperience. Sometimes he misses a defensive assignment. Sometimes he disappears in games where he should push harder.

SF Tekele Cotton (6'3" ): Very experienced March player. Strengths include his athleticism and playing very tough defense. Has a reasonable ability to hit the long ball, and can drive and finish at the rim. Weaknesses include sometimes he disappears in games for long stretches. He should be playing with a chip on his shoulder because this is his last March dance.

Advantage: Slight for Tekele Cotton

PF Perry Ellis (6'8" ): Has played extremely aggressive ever since his missed layup in Morgantown. Strengths include his deep toolbox for scoring anywhere from the perimeter to the rim. His recent aggressiveness has lifted his game considerably. Weaknesses include that he is still playing injured. Can he bring enough game to be the dominant player he will need to be? Perry will carry a chip on his shoulders because he is from Wichita.

PF Evan Wessel (6'4" ): He is the "glue man" for the Shockers. Strengths include he plays scrappy basketball and brings inspiration to his team. He is a very capable defender even though he lacks athleticism. On offense, he can score from 3 and mid range, but tends to not emphasize scoring. Weakness is his athleticism. Very vulnerable defending post players with capable footwork (Perry).

Advantage: Huge for Perry Ellis

C Landen Lucas (6'10" ): He has had to come on recently in a step in roll. Strengths include his height and fundamentals in the low post. Seems to be playing better every game now. Weaknesses include his lack of strength and sometimes lack of aggressive play. Propensity to foul. Very little March experience. Capable of scoring in the post under the right conditions, like playing against a smaller foe.

C Darius Carter (6'7" ): He's a PF who plays C. Strengths include his ability to score from the low post. He is often given an isolation to score in the post. Weaknesses include his size and ability to defend the post. He also has a propensity to foul.

Advantage: Slight for Darius Carter

Jayhawk Bench: Very deep but inexperienced in March, except for Jamari Traylor. Brannen Greene and Devonte Graham have the potential to come in and make an immediate positive impact. To some degree, so does Jamari Traylor with his hustle. Further depth includes Hunter Mickelson and Svee. Hunter is a very capable defender and has an offensive toolbox but also a propensity to foul.

Shocker Bench: Very deep but inexperienced in March. Zach Brown is the Shocker's lesser version of Brannen Greene, capable of getting hot from 3. Shaq Morris is their answer to Jamari Traylor. He has more size and more offensive weapons, but also can play out of control like Jamari can. Rashard Kelly is an energy guy that might see some minutes. He is capable of making either a negative or positive impact. Bush Wamukota is their one big 5. He is a capable shot blocker, but more a guy who can impact post shots. Not a very capable scorer, hence the reason why he sees few minutes.

Advantage: Slight for Kansas

All the match ups in this game look interesting. It is sort of amazing how well these teams match up to each other. Two areas stick out the most. For WSU it is Fred VanVliet. Can he take control of the game? Can he score at will? Can he break down the tough Kansas M2M with his penetration? For KU it is all about Perry Ellis. Will he bring a big chip into this game and play with great intensity? We already know we will play our offense through Perry. Can he impact our offense enough positively to help us break down the sticky Shocker defense?

And how about the coaches.... Will Bill Self bring a more proactive attitude to try and prevent Shocker runs? Will Gregg Marshall be able to motivate his troops to play at the higher level of ball typically played by Kansas?

And how about the teams.... Will Kansas bring high-energy basketball for 40 minutes? Will they take care of the ball when playing against a scrappy Shocker defense that extends into the passing lanes? Will the Shocker's lack of size and athleticism be exposed in this game by the bigger, more athletic Jayhawks?

I look at a game so evenly matched and think the difference in this game will center around possessions. Who owns the most possessions? WSU, typically, does not turn the ball over. Kansas... you never know! Kansas will be tested because the Shockers like to extend their defense into the passing lanes. One nice counter move for Kansas will be the back door. They already showed that often in their cakewalk victory against the Aggies. Rebounds are crucial, especially if one team gives up offensive rebounds. On paper, neither team owns an advantage in this area and it will come down to who wants it more and who follows rebounding fundamentals the most. 50/50 balls... very important in this game. Who wants the ball most?

Comparing starting teams, Kansas has 12" more height on the floor. This gets into my previous thoughts on X and Y axis basketball. Kansas should own the Y. But it will only be possible if they play equal (or better) on the X. The team that plays the best horizontal basketball will win this game.

With both teams having so much at stake in this one, it is hard to imagine anything except a hard-fought close game going down to the wire.

RPI 17... and a 7th seed.

Friggin' NCAA!

They did this not only to punish the Shockers, but also KU!