I'm figuring it out right now.
I think I have it figured out.
Bird used to make defenders look dumb and incapable.
Gradey is starting to do that to defenders.
lol
drgnslayr
11251 posts
It's easy to compare Gradey's game with several pro players. I like the Klay comparison.
Strangely... as a college player... I keep connecting his game to Larry Bird, even though their games so differed. I'm still trying to figure out why my tuition is thinking this way. I caught 10-15 of Larry's college games live and courtside.
Maybe it's when we are seeing Gradey pull off a quick, effortless move on a defender and score. Bird used to do that. He made it look like he wasn't even trying. The ease in which Gradey step-hooks around a defender to get shooting space... or follows his shot for a putback... or comes in on a rebound and tips out to other guys... even some of his drive finishes at the rim where the ball leaves his hands before the defender jumps.
I'm figuring this thought out while I write... maybe the connection to Bird is... the game has slowed down for him and he's seeing moves ahead of defenders.
Your last post is spot on.
I just don't think Gradey fits the typical mold. I've never seen a guy adjust his game like he has in his first year.
Next year should be perfect for him to be counted on for points and to have teams hit him with challenges like double-teams and weakside help.
His next leap will mean he becomes super efficient at hitting shots while being grill guarded. When he makes that step in college it isn't much of a leap in the pros to do the same thing.
He's starting to get it as in almost every game now he shows sweet moves to create scoring space. His moves look almost as slick, effortless, and smooth as his shot. His moves now are strictly finesse... put some strength behind him and WATCH OUT!
It was great to hear Self compliment him on his shot and put him into his own category for a freshman. He can soon extend that compliment to include any past player he has ever coached!
It wouldn't surprise me if Gradey has the toughest decision on whether to go than any player we have ever had.
I feel like he wants "legacy status" but because of his performance, the league will make it really tough to come back.
I'm not sure my batting average on guessing who comes back is .500.
But heck, in the majors, anything over .300 makes you an all-star! lol
Lots of discussion in here about the lack of bench minutes in games. I think @Texas-Hawk-10 believed/believes our bench needs more PT. So do I. But I also understood why Self pushed his main 5 so hard... so they would gel into something special.
Hard to blame bench when they don't get minutes to grow into roles.
I feel like we are peaking at the right time... Still some games to lift up even higher.
Still wish we would get more out of our bench. Not sure about Rice. I know injuries hampered him this year. He shows very short sparks of hope. He definitely has some strength behind him which has been shown when he fights opponents for the ball on rebounds and loose balls. But he still seems out of rhythm out there and I think he just needs more PT to establish his game.
Ernest is becoming a beast! His arms are long and his hands are quick and strong... and his mind sees things and anticipates. It wouldn't surprise me if he saved us from a loss moving forward this year! Love how he changes the game when replacing KJ.
I think our guys now realize the way to change a game positively is to focus hardest on defense and then our defense will help our offense... specifically on run outs. Rebounding is important, too, and I just lump that into our defense because we don't have defensive success without getting stops.
I'm strictly stating some ideas only. Not trying to say "my way or the highway." I usually agree with @Texas-Hawk-10 and do so in most of above.
Happy we are going this deep into something.... it's been tough to go deep when we have such a good team that responds well to coaching, has a great attitude, and for most of the year has good energy on the court. Self nailed it by calling this team overachievers.
Think back on years when we had so much to complain about and discuss deeply!
You are right... and I am projecting my concepts onto his decision. But it is a general issue he has to address... what his college experience is worth to him. Obviously, my concepts are unique to me.
Your comment about basketball being business is spot on. It is definitely a business decision. But it is a life decision, too, which does involve lifestyle. For example... I have an investment adviser. He helps me with investment decisions... but he does it within my lifestyle desires. I picked him because he told me from the beginning he wanted to know me as a person before helping me make business decisions. I know I stepped out on a ledge here with this topic. I did so to emphasize his decisions now are quality of life, too. You were wise to emphasize the business aspect because that is a huge part of this decision, too. Oh and... business/$$$ is obviously piercing into lifestyle, too!
I don't think Christian was in the same boat. First... he was able to get multiple seasons under his belt to get more of the "Jayhawk experience." He tested the waters first and knew what he had to work on and he did. He wasn't near at this level of marketability in the NBA during his freshman year. And... he left after we won a title! He did get the full Jayhawk experience and left while probably peaking his marketability. I definitely think he should have gone when he did!
Which gets to.... let's say Gradey wants to have the full Jayhawk experience. I think we can all agree if we win it again this year, that will be accomplished. But what if we only make it to the Elite 8? What if we fizzle out after the Sweet 16? Does he leave with a stale taste in his mouth? So the guy that grew up wearing crimson/blue now leaves on a sad note and leaves no real legacy at KU? Someone mentioned JoJo... JoJo really didn't leave a legacy at KU. But he was an African man we stole out of Florida who also probably had more financial needs and possibly immigration needs. Even though he left KU banged up and with a failed March, I didn't lose a blink of sleep with him leaving because he didn't have crimson/blue in his blood.
Guess the question with Gradey is... how much does he value his KU legacy?
Second question... what is the anticipated difference in his bottom financial line if he leaves this year versus next year? I think that can only be properly assessed by a good agent who puts players' interests above their own.
Is it possible he comes out better financially by waiting another year? I agree the draft will be more competitive next year. Does that mean Gradey doesn't keep up by improving enough to match the higher competition in next year's draft? This is an area I feel very strongly about. From what I have seen him do this year and improve I see him making monster leaps next year. I'm not concerned with him keeping up with a better draft.
Concerning injury risks... I see it being higher if he goes early. He will be thrown into long seasons against tougher players playing more aggressively. I don't see it being so different from the NFL and college players leaving early. Gradey's body is developing... not only from working out. His core strength is also determined by his age. I'd like to see stats on how many rookies get hurt during their first year in the league.
BTW: I appreciate developing depth in this discussion. Thank you for keeping it challenging!
Exactly.
I have a big question mark besides Houston. They haven't played a strong schedule. And playing in the AAC... how many refs for the AAC will be referees in March? Any? Seems like the officiating might be different from what they are used to and the referees aren't used to AAC-style basketball. I have no knowledge how the referee selection works and also how referees shift around in the year with conferences.
So many factors, including injuries, who is peaking... Watching this year a team like UNC with their core back from the NC game last year and look unlikely to make it into the tourney. They prove the concept of peaking last year!
I don't see how Alabama survives long in March regardless if Miller is allowed to play. Might even be worse if he does considering the level of distraction caused.
What the Big 12 has is numbers going into the tourney. I can't imagine a collapse where we get no one into the Elite 8. I think it is likely at least one makes it to the FF. But who knows? It will reflect poorly on our league if no one makes it to the FF... so the league will get media-smacked until next year and all will be forgotten.
The odd-ball team in this field is Purdue. I see the threat but then think the right kind of team will create a mismatch in their favor and crush them. Could that be us with the small, slippery-fast 5 and a guy like Kevin available for doubling down on? I know if I was coaching a team playing Purdue, I would plan everything around forcing Edey to foul. I can't believe they can compete without him on the floor. Get the game in the open court with Edey running then take the ball directly to him. Big guys always get called for fouls in motion.
I would be surprised if at least one Big12 team doesn't make the FF. Beyond that... it's anyone's game.
Foolish to come back? Come on... all about the $$$ only? So it sucks to have the college experience and more important to buy a house next year in a city somewhere you've never been and blend into a pro team on the bench?
All because you may (or may not) enrich your bank account a bit more in the long run? You'll bank $320 mil over your life instead of only $310 mil?
It's such a childish, frightening way to consider your life choices.
I see that resemblance to Klay. I think Gradey has even more speed and flow with his shot. Klay maybe a bit more elevation.
Even without my selfish thoughts about getting him back...
Maybe I'm just really KU and most of the players just see it as an opportunity to go pro.
When I was at KU I had access to the floor at AFH most mornings and I took it. There wasn't enough NBA money worth what I would have experienced wearing the uniform and having that experience.
It's all about the $$$ now. That is all you can say. An extra year to possibly make more. Puke!
I don't see Gradey as some kind of marginal NBA prospect like many seem to.
I see him as a future NBA star once he rounds out his game and he's taken big steps already this year.
It is wrong for him to think desperate thoughts like he's only a marginal NBA player. He is the real deal. IMO... his best development is to not jump too fast in basketball worlds. Master this level then jump. Play with players still near your level while you strengthen your body and develop your skills.
He should be enjoying this time in his life. You only do college once! Comparing that to going OAD... yes, he can work on his development with personal trainers, etc., but it isn't exactly a fun time. It's living half your life on runway tarmacs and checking in and out of hotels while dealing with all kinds of PR events and non-basketball things. Outside of having classes and homework, he can focus on basketball while in Lawrence. Completely more chilled environment for development. Not even close.
He's not a kid coming from a tough background where money really means survival. No way to compare him with some other players. He should start thinking of himself as valuable, and as someone so valuable wouldn't his preference be to enjoy his college experience now!
Sure worked for Och and CB!
@wissox said in Other games:
Gradey never won a ring like his teammates. He might want one himself and next year could bring back the same team with another chance if they don’t win it this year.
Next year will be insane if some of our newbies really contribute:
I don't think he jeopardizes his stock by coming back... except for the small chance he has an injury that really gimps him up.
I think he takes a bigger risk of injury jumping to the league when he isn't physical enough yet. He'll get bounced around by men, even in G-league.
I do agree that the stigma isn't there with G-league now.
I see his stock climbing considerably if he stays here another year, unless he's a Top 5 pick this year.
He is a kid who grew up loving KU basketball. In the future, his memory of his "college days" is basically a memory of a "college day" if he goes OAD. In the long run, what exactly does he gain by leaving one year early? I see more potential of him to receive big-time hype next year, like Och did, regardless of our title win last year.
Maybe it helps to go this year if we reach the Final Four... and for Gradey, he can say he truly had the KU experience.
I agree it's a weak draft but whether weak or not, it's the quality of the player and how they fit into the team that determines their first contract.
I don't buy that at all... that he isn't a lock for a lottery pick next year. Aren't you seeing how much improvement he is making in his complete game since January?
He'll come back next fall and will have added considerable strength. A stronger Gradey is outright frightening. And his skills level will jump in leaps and bounds.
I think you have misjudged his potential for improvement... and the reason he would go lottery this year isn't based on his current playing status. He's still nowhere near playing on a NBA court today. If he goes as a lottery pick it will be based on his potential... which is clearly there.
I've watched Houston all year. They leveled off their quality of play in January. It has really hurt them to play such a weak schedule. Had they already started in the Big 12, they would contend for a conference title but with many extra losses... but they would be much improved. I'm guessing they would finish 3rd or 4th in the Big 12.
As of right now, I don't see them as our biggest threat in March.
Remembrance of our very special Marcus Smart... who pulled this but could push off backward a lot harder without contact!
With Gradey coming on like he is, I am seeing potential as a lottery pick now... I just hope he doesn't go and values his experience in Lawrence enough to stay.
Does he necessarily make more money by leaving early? I know it means another year at NBA pay and I'm sure he won't go unless he's sure of a guaranteed contract.
As fast as he is improving... he could be a for sure Top 5 pick next year. So he's a year later but his $$$ starts much higher.
I am praying Gradey comes back... maybe we talk "3-peat!"
@KirkIsMyHinrich said in Other games:
23 offensive rebounds for UNC saving the day
Winning a close one against ND should work against them. It was like watching high school ball.
Yes.... Baylor D is pretty bad, even with Everyday Jon back in the lineup. Those guards many are claiming to be the best in D1 give up way too easy on D. I think I prefer our guards moving forward into March. Let's see what happens!
We have to add laugh emojis in here somewhere... spit my chai on the screen this morning!
The burden of proof completely changes for a civil lawsuit. I expect he will be named eventually....
Right on.
Yes.... we have some tough guys. It was hard to find tweaks for them! Mostly FT practice.
I won't be surprised if Gradey turns out every bit as tough as the veterans. He sure is finding multiple ways to help the team and he is scrapping after the ball at every chance. His rebounds and rebound tip-outs will definitely help us down the stretch. He has a ways to go before he can guard 1-on-1 but he's coming along. Imagine this team next year if he comes back! I still think he should come back. Build on that body and become more durable going into the league. Could save an injury. It's almost impossible to stay healthy the first year or two in the league. Plus... it would definitely lift his stock and increase his contract. Not sure he really loses anything financially staying back. The NIL should keep him dressing fine in college.
I think JWil has hit a little slump. I don't think it will last long and it actually helps us to develop more offense around him. We can't just rely on him in March, or we get stung big time!
Somebody pinch me. Fran Fraschilla suddenly talking all positive about KU and Self for COY... promoting Self on our game and also the KSU game this evening. What is up with that?
Suddenly, national media is starting to notice Kansas again!
KUSports website has an upgrade... do you like or dislike it? Why? I noticed they continually downgrade stored data. I tried to go back and pull individual game stat sheets. Couldn't find them.
*I advise we keep a stat section on our site so we can go to it as needed.
As we zoom in to the end of another great season... it is time for all of us to post our tweaks. What should our team, coach, and individual players do to help tweak us to becoming a more formidable team in March. Keep this post around from here on out and keep adding ideas.
Juan - Just do your thing but STAY AGGRESSIVE! You don't have to score a ton of points, but you do need to charge the paint many times a game! You are always free to throw the ball out for someone open on the trey line. Keep hustling on D and when playing away from the ball, stay more in the passing lanes unless you are playing ball denial.
Gradey - Just keep doing what you are doing. Sometimes you force a few shots but usually it is when we aren't running good offense so of anyone to force shots, you give us the best chance. Following your shot, tipping out rebounds, making easy separation moves with the ball... what planet are you from? Freshmen don't do that! You may change my mind believing you should go NBA this year, but why not experience college ball for one more year? You'll never have this opportunity again!
Kevin - Maybe it's about his sprained ankle... but he continually got manhandled under the basket in the TCU game. I know he was outweighed.... so he needs to bend his knees and lower his center of gravity. Definitely needs to work on his FTs.
JWil - Sometimes forces bad shots. It's better he forces moves but if the shot isn't there, feed it to someone else for an assist. He should work it out with other players for them to make aggressive cuts while he has the ball so he can score more assists. Practice FTs because he'll be shooting a bunch in March!
KJ - I could easily tell you to focus more in games and not make bad fouls and bad passes... this needs to be stated. But what could be worse if you focus too hard on this and lose your ability to play quick because you are overthinking. Stay loose and stay positive... you are outperforming your expectations already! Practice FTs.
Joe - Some games you are on, some off... just stay aggressive and try to figure out why your game fluctuates. Is it based on starting with a made basket or two? You'll always get minutes if you play sticky defense. Remember that.
Bobby - Stay focused on your strengths and let the game come to you... that means plenty of drive-and-feeds! Do what you can to play at a fast pace while slowing the game down in your head.
Ernest - Just keep bringing big energy to the game and those fast hands! You are already making a big positive impact on games. Don't focus on fouling except not making the really wrong fouls. Your size, aggression, and lack of experience mean you will keep getting into foul trouble. So what! We aren't counting on you for 30+ minutes a game. Stay aggressive! Please, please, practice your FTs! You will be going to the line often!
PS: I'm mailing a belated Valentine Days Card to Fran! lol
Bravo on thread title! A+
Kentucky looking better and should be in unless they totally collapse.
Duke is in.
UNC... I can't believe their year. If I was a UNC fan I would want an investigation. Something stinking... worse than dead fish. How do you take a roster like that and puke the year out?
I think WVU has to win 2 of their remaining games.
Wisconsin... I'm now avoiding their games because I can't afford to pull out more hair!
I vote for Self. Coming off a national championship in a rebuild year and very possible we could be the #1 seed in March... all without a legit 5? Are you kidding? Give Self any team in our league for a year and he'd have them playing at the top by the end of the season.
I do give credit to many coaches, especially in the Big 12 since I watch most of it. Tang, Dixon, Terry, Huggins, Otzelberger... we are so fortunate to have a league this tough and it starts with coaching!
When Fran even promotes Self... that should say enough! lol He even promoted Self tonight in the KSU/Baylor game.
@Texas-Hawk-10 said in Alabama's Brandon Miller:
This is a real bad look for someone who’s projected as a potential top 5 pick in the draft. If I was an NBA team, this would be enough for me to take him off the draft board completely. From a legal standpoint, thus sounds like he’s an accessory to murder at minimum.
This isn’t quite to a level of Dave Bliss, but this to me is arguably worse than Chris Beard as Oates sounds very tone deaf to to the severity of the situation and Alabama’s administration is approaching Baylor levels of incompetence in handling this matter. At minimum, Miller should’ve been suspended in January pending the outcome of an investigation into his in involvement as soon as his name was brought up.
Ditto... ditto!
@benshawks08 said in Dajuan Harris Cooks Lizards In Fort Worth Game Thread:
Curious if you equate any of the above pettiness with the development of a chip? I don’t think it’s exactly the same but seems at least chip adjacent. What do you think?
I have no clue.
Thinking about the Chiefs and Kelce... seems like everything bothered them and gave them chip. I think they went looking for drama to help them build a chip. Hey... it worked!
Tough win!
I qualify this game as BAD BALL... really only because we missed out on so much offense. Missed bunnies... our balls stolen and scored on... some poor defensive rebounding.
This definitely wasn't like the second half of the Baylor game, but in the end... we won! We couldn't put them away late, so we just shut them down!
We are fortunate that TCU is not a good half-court offensive team, and poor from trey, but we did play with good energy and it was wise for Self to keep Juan on Miles.
This was a game I circled to tell us if we are ready to win out. We are! Not saying we will... but we could and we should!
Nice to hear media talking like KU is capable of repeating. I've said it all year.
RCJH!
These stats are crazy.... when considering his 2 national titles, conference winning streak, recruiting class rankings, and overall winning percentage against the strength of schedule...
Don't we have to consider Coach Self the best D1 men's coach of all time? GOAT!
John Wooden? Are we comparing apples to apples?
So.... this is VITAL for us to obtain victories....
We NEVER want to be down +10 at halftime! Even though we won 7 of those... we dropped 32! We've only lost 42 games in this period... 32 by being down +10 at halftime.
Amazing stats... you can almost set your watch by seeing the halftime score.
Let's look at this in percentages... you may need to correct me:
KU Winning %
KU down +10 at half: 21%
KU down 1-9 at half: 100%
KU tied at half: 80%
KU leading at half: 91%
So overall, we win at about a 90% clip whenever we are not down by more than 9 at halftime! Probably not nearly this good while on the road.
Outstanding work! This says so much!
"Here’s a crazy, crazy one. KU has trailed at half (1-9 points) in 24 games. KU has won ALL 24. They have been tied at half in only 10 games, 8/10 win record."
So we kick butt when being down under 10 at half. Undefeated! Even better than if we are tied.
All that being said... having a 92% win rate when being up at half is overwhelming when you consider the sample size of 141 games. I think I would rather rely on the 92% of 141 games over the 100% of 24 games. Still...
Looking at tonight's game... I highly suggest we get out and take a halftime lead in this one. TCU has some catching up to do in our league and also heading into March so they will be pumped up. Miles is back and we didn't know how to handle him or the TCU offense in AFH.
Even though we have a disadvantage of venue (over playing in AFH), I think we have improved considerably since our last meeting while TCU is struggling to catch back up after losing Miles for several games. Let's hope this is the difference and we keep piling up the "Ws" as March approaches and a 1-seed is in sight!
Key match-up: Miles vs Harris. Miles owned us last time and Harris only shot 4 times. Everyone now is focused on Harris scoring... Can he do it on the road against Miles? Going to be tough and less likely in the half-court offense. We better rebound and defend well so we can push the ball in the open court. Open-court offense also creates many scoring opportunities for Juan.
Strategy: Defend, rebound, push open-court offense. Defense leads the charge... something we can do as well on the road or at home. Guard from half-court and trap. Do this right from the beginning so TCU can never feel comfortable in this game!
Big key is to NOT be down by double-digits at half!
Those changes in the second half would have crushed us if we didn't come out with a lot more energy!
Now... what are we going to do on Monday? How are we going to stop Miles? Push the action to halfcourt and double-team?
@mayjay said in What was that? "MOJO TRANSFER!":
Like jaybate but I didn’t have to consult a dictionary or encyclopedia!
Ha.... me, too! I felt like dealing with Jaybate was a learning experience in many areas!
No.... did now! What stuck out was his comment about TCU playing 40 minutes of what Baylor did in 20. My fear exactly about Monday!
What I want to know.... did Self instruct his guys to pick up their guards at halfcourt going into the second half? Or did they just do that with their mojo? When you add that with our extra energy, we completely took Baylor out of their offense. Finally.
Hard to believe we played UNC in the National Championship less than a year ago. UNC largely has the same team and they are a bust this year.
Where is their mojo?
Surely they understand if they have the mojo they can play with anyone... yet... they can't find it.
!ku_bkc_baylor20-1200x742.jpg ↗
Okay.... how do we get our butts kicked in the first half, then come out and make a 25-point gain in 10 minutes? Are we taking our cues from Mahomes and the Chiefs? Maybe...
Let's get this straight immediately... HOFr coaches like Bill Self and Andy Reid (Eagles HOFr) prefer winning the 2nd half of games over winning the 1st halfs. That makes sense... having our comeback be the last comeback in the game. Surely there is more to all of this... can't we just beat down top teams from the beginning to the end? Well....
Let's state some hypotheticals. In the middle of games, is it easier for the team behind to raise their level of play, or is it easier for the team ahead to raise their level of play even higher? Seems to be the first. Another hypothetical, which situation is lesser of a bummer; being outplayed from the beginning of the game, or being outplayed later in the game after you won the early part of the game? I think it is easier for a coach to convince his players they started slow instead of convincing them to regain their motivation after already having it in a game.
So should we just concede the first half of games? I don't think Self wants this either... but how about if we go down by just a few points before half? Would that be enough to really get our guys turned up the second half?
I think we need Jesse Newell. He's always been our source for statistics when we need them. I bet he could run the stats on the Self era. What are our point totals in the second half of games where we trail in the first half? And when we lead in the first half? Is it different numbers for some teams and some coaches that really stick out? Win/loss record based on where we were after the first half?
Many of us have challenged Coach Self on not bringing teams ready to play. Is this by design? Or is it possible he is a better motivator when his players are playing from behind?
Jaybate... where are you?
Are we really 25 points better than Baylor in 10 minutes? I guess so since it happened, but we shouldn't make a statement like this is apples playing apples. If it was then Baylor is also 13 points better than us in a half.
How do games change this drastically?
I believe not every team can easily run up a 25-point advantage on other teams like we can. When we own the mojo, we turn TOs into quick points, often treys. When we own mojo our half-court offense moves the ball better than any NBA team.
I should define "mojo" before going further. To me, mojo starts with self-confidence and ends with hustle, high-energy, moving feet, having mental focus and awareness, and attacking on both sides of the court which creates effectiveness on both sides of the court. Typically, the basket gets big because energy, focus, and clarity help bring up shooting percentages.
Does that explain why we outscored Baylor by 25 in 10 minutes? No. In most situations, there is only so much mojo in a game! If mojo grows for one team, it usually comes from the other team. All that energy, clarity, and effectiveness Baylor brought to the first half, we owned in the second half, and they didn't! This is so important to understand in competitive sports. Knowing that for everything you may have lost in part of the game can flip the other way, too. Most teams can't keep their mojo for 40 minutes.
This Self team doesn't give up. They are capable of flipping the tide in games, even by scoring +25 on a Top 10 team like Baylor. Self mentions how tough this team is. This is why. Right here.
This does not represent the entire spectrum for proving toughness. How do we respond to playing a team that doesn't dip for 40 minutes? This is the perfect question to ask going into March. Can we go head-to-head with a team that doesn't give away their mojo? I'm saying this at the right time because didn't we suffer a complete beatdown from TCU at home?
I heavily advise we come out strong against TCU and not count on a second-half comeback. This tactic did not work the first time with TCU!
@BeddieKU23 said in Thoughts on the Baylor Game:
Feeling confident, this could be an electric game. The crowd will likely be the loudest it’s been all season & for good reason. Revenge game & obviously we need to win to stay in first place in the Conference race.
I’m just hoping I sleep tonight, I’m pumped for this one.
We need to find a way to take away one of their 3 guards from making 3’s in bunches. Last game it was Cryer (5-11). He’s 12-17 from 3 in his last 2 games & has avg 25 ppg.
Baylor is 35th in the country in attempts from 3 per game at 44% & because of that they are Top 15 in offensive rebounding rate so it’s a two-prong battle. KU must limit 3’s and board the long misses.
This time they have Every-Day John, Jonathan Tchamwa-Tchatchoua & he’s given them a lift off the bench filing a role they had been missing. Baylor is full strength.
KU must attack this team in the paint, Baylor’s block % is 269th in the country. Keep doing what they been doing, paint touch after paint touch and wear this team out.
Great post!
We will need good bench performances... especially from Joe.. playing D! I think he could be our key player in this one because he is capable of gluing on to shooters and we need bench relief so our guards can go full tilt in this one for 40 minutes.
I know the focus is on guard play in this game... as it should be... but we have to look at what supports guard play. TEMPO! Rebounding! Steals! The same formula that worked on OSU except it's a much harder situation to get high TOs against a team like Baylor and their guards. But we have to keep the pressure high... high energy defense... and if we do that we will prevent them from a comfortable flow. Baylor is a great team... when their flow is there. But they can look horrible when playing out of sync.
So if we rebound well and force some TOs, we can get out and run and we are looking like one of the better teams in America in the open court!
We have to force OUR TEMPO in this game! Period!
Louisville? They seem desperate enough...
I wonder if Beard's ability to recruit will be hampered.
I think... most of the time, Self would rather challenge his players to step up and guard instead of flipping to gimmicks. And that makes sense... don't bail out the players who aren't doing what they should be doing by enabling them to never clean up their act.
"Refuse to lose!"
Also complaining about how hot their opposition shoots FTs. Injuries? He should try playing in the Big12 with injuries.
"Planet earth to John Calipari... your pizza is ready!" :squinting_face_with_tongue:
NMSU is now confirmed:
Does anyone realize that Louisville has won 3 NCs?! It's hard to imagine because they always seem to be desperate and looking for redemption... the gimmick hire of Payne is a perfect example. It's easy to see why Denny Crum is responsible for 2 of their NCs... and I bet he rolls his eyes at UL basketball today. Gosh... I miss watching him execute that 2-2-1 full-court press with all those gifted speedsters with long arms. Every opponent was terrified to play UL back then.
Oooops... my bad. UL only has 2 NCs now because Pitino's was vacated. lol
I've always felt like Louisville, as a town and school, has always suffered from low esteem... kind of like Memphis. Hardaway might be breathing a little easier today with his contract extension but the pressure always follows him, just like it does for anyone coaching at UL.
It's a complicated mess at UL. Always had too many prominent forces near the program that attempts to micromanage within the program. Kentucky is a weird state and when I say I worry about the health of Calipari, I have reasons for this. I feel like there is a reason why Pitino left for Greece and it wasn't because of sex scandals. If I was a head coach I would never take a job at UK or UL. Too much hate in that state!
When we play team defense.... it works for many reasons. First off, we play to our strengths and we force our opponent to play out of their comfort zone. Prevent them from getting into a rhythm and the game is ours.
Also.... it's very hard for teams to prepare for a game with us when our defense is playing like a team. Very hard to reenact in practice!
One last thing... we need to put complete focus on our scoring off of defense. It's what will create the separation for us moving forward.
I almost don't even realize those runouts and treys off those breaks as separate from the defensive TO that created them. It's so fluid... just seems like one play!
yep... that was sick. Game was completely out of control. Just glad Barnes got the win!
Good stuff!
John Stockton and Steph Curry are two great examples of guys who know how to steal. They both talk about running deception and also hiding.
They run deception by appearing to be going in one direction away from the passing lane then go towards the passing lane. It's a combination of deception and anticipation.
Also, they know how to hide behind other players from the passer. This gets into many things... fast-twitch reflexes are a big deal. They pull the same trick that football defensive backs use. They watch the face of the receiver and can tell when the ball has been thrown!
I don't know what I would do with my life if I didn't have sports!
I'm rambling now... someone should stop me! lol
Remember preseason? What the heck? KJ Adams is our starting center? Can't last... right? How many of us thought he would continue to earn so many minutes?
Self innovated around KJ's speed, good hands, and soft touch. Center corridor pick and rolls have made KJ a consistent double-figure scorer. Now we can apply that to some degree with Udeh, but mostly lob slams.
If I want to forecast ahead and how I see Self innovating moving forward it is with his approach to an offensive attack on the center corridor. This started a few years ago with players like CB and Och, and no one has been better at it than JWil. It's the "curl drive" to the rim as these players cut perpendicular to the rim from around the FT line then curl to the rim as they attempt to get their shoulders past the defense. Notice how often Self talks about getting shoulders past the defense (on both sides of the ball).
I think he is helping with Gradey's development to become a multi-threat scorer. Because of his quick shot and elevation (and effectiveness), that means he has to be guarded tightly on his treys. That means defenders are vulnerable to head/body/ball fakes to draw fouls on the trey line, quick moves to create wide-open scoring space, and a host of possible drivebys to the rim. It's great when Gradey fights hard away from the ball to get open, but it's not his only option. He should be able to be a major threat even when a guy is in his grill.