@jaybate 1.0
Right on! Well... leave it to a politician to feast on the gravy of free potatoes.
drgnslayr
11251 posts
I'm really primed after seeing these:
Great job, KUSports!
Just wish they would give the photographer credit. Did Nick shoot these? Anyone know?
After I hung up my high tops (after knee surgery), my personality changed.
I went for long hair, all the way down my back, and for a while I went with a Dali mustache! I miss that thing... but it was a heck of a lot of work! I made my own mustache wax. On really hot days it went wild!
The mustache is long gone... many moons ago. But I still have a tail!
Still have one ear pierced from my days at sea.
I may be stuck on land.. but I'm still a dry pirate! Still have a nice motorbike, too! I've had a motorbike continuously for the last 41 years! It used to be my only transport in Northern Europe. I loved riding in snow! Big boots and kicked my legs out.... I could haul a$s in a straight line! People couldn't believe their eyes... a motorbike flying through snow! Naturally, I had enduro tires.
Ha... that's a secret. But it isn't inside an orifice or under hair. It is impossible to find, and I've made bets if anyone can find it and so far no one has. Then I show them, and they realize. The color of the tattoo is that standard blue/green. My wife looked twice, an hour each time, and couldn't find it. Obviously, she knows now!
Funny thing... it actually fits me right. I'm lucky the tattoo artist was cool and helped me with the decision. One of those late nights in Amsterdam...
"trying to remember, Self ok'd his summer commitment and then Wiggins changed his mind and came anyway? Something like that. It was all public knowledge, nothing secretive!"
Might be the case. I just recall Andrew himself making comments about the importance of him being here with his new teammates.
I have a tattoo no one can find on my body. Yes... it is REALLY, REALLY small. But I was in a jam one night with a group of biker friends and we were all wasted and out on the town. They all got huge tattoos at the end of the night (to go with their other tattoos), and I think they were going to hold me down and have it done if I didn't accept one. I have nothing against tattoos, but I have a respect for my body and only will get one if it fits me right. That went down 20+ years ago.
I used to be a merchant marine, and guys would put their ships on their arms, like old sailors did. I always relate tattoos in that way, and so they have very deep meanings to me. I have a hard time understanding most tattoos, but I respect everyone's decision for themselves. For me, if I was to get one it would be the ship I was most fond of working on in the North Sea... Astrid!
He was never trying to get out of his commitment... and I'm doubtful he tried to negotiate out of summer attendance either. He spoke many times about the importance of creating cohesion quickly with the Jayhawks and that being here with the other teammates was vital.
Here is an excellent read from Jesse. Sure glad he is still around...
http://cjonline.com/blog-post/jesse-newell/2014-03-19/andrew-wiggins-has-offensive-weakness-and-its-easily-correctable ↗ ↗
This is some key information to know, especially potentially later on in the tourney, if we get our game with Syracuse.
As many of you know, there are ways to attack the Syracuse zone. And like any other zone, you attack at the seams and edges.
If we are able to draw the Syracuse guards out high, that leaves a sweet spot around the FT line for a quick player, like Andrew, to dart in and get his shot.
After reading Jesse's piece, it is apparent we would want to put in some practice perfecting Andrew in this role. The practice would have to involve making sure Andrew has flowing catch-and-shoots in this seam. Another thing to work on... use Wayne in the same role. Actually, what works best is to have both our wings attack from 3 and in this seam.
I hope we get our shot at Syracuse!
Be really careful here in your responses... really. We don't want to tip off UNM and others about if Joel is really out for the entire weekend. Really.
The real underground gossip was that Andrew worked for the CIA (Canadian Intelligence Agency) and was heading off to teach Latin at Fort McMurray in Alberta.
Part of what I really like about Coach Self is the way he talks. Really. I was born in Kansas, and Oklahoma is like "Kansas South" in many regards. Really. Like the way we express ourselves in really simplified and coded language. Really.
In an interview today, Coach Self was asked on the status of Joel Embiid and he gave a really Midwestern reply. Really. He really did parse his words in Midwestern code. Really. Because here in the Midwest, we really, really love the word "really" and we define it to our own needs.
Because of the real possibility of one of our future competitors scouting our team through this website, which, by the way, is really, really the best source for our opponents to really study, I'm not going to really get into the real definitions us Midwesterners have created for that term. Really.
So Coach Self let us all know the real status of Joel Embiid, really, and he spoke in code so no non-Midwesterner could decipher it. Brilliant... really brilliant!
"“He’s doing really well, but we’ve told him we were not going to put him on a practice floor until he does really, really well with the rehab,” Self said."
http://cjonline.com/sports/2014-03-19/barring-miraculous-act-joel-embiid-will-not-play-ku-basketball-ncaa-tournament ↗ ↗
I'm glad we all know the difference between "really" and "really, really!" Really!
There has been tons of gossip since Andrew chose Kansas... most of it, no doubt, from our competitors, both schools and certain biased media.
That claim makes no sense at all. First... Andrew carefully made his selection, so he wasn't going to just jump out of it. That may be the case with lots of these recruits that don't tackle their college experience with respect and dedication. I seriously doubt Andrew tried to get out of his commitment. Second... what other option offered him more? Remember, part of his decision was to be close to his brother at WSU.
Oops... I guess you meant not coming to Lawrence for the summer instead of leaving the Jayhawk team all together. Well.. my bad... and now I'll just start another rumor.
Probably a rumor started by Cal. He must have been in tears over losing Andrew.
Andrew is a perfect candidate for false rumors because he always stays quiet.... so unless a false rumor builds into something huge and destructive, he won't be out denying anything. He's too low key to get involved with daily gossip.
True dat!
But most personal development happens away from coaches. Coaches provide direction for personal development, and the rest of their time is spent on team development. If these guys want to better their own game, they have to do it in the gym on their own or with teammates.
But hey... these guys are college kids. They should be having some fun with the college experience! They can't play ball 24/7. That is the part we all forget. I know I do.
Perry just needs more heavy action. His game is a bit too scientific... too theoretical... His moves are polished, but he leaves out parts, like shielding the ball with his body, etc. He misses the techniques that are developed through full on scrimmages... He could use more street ball toughness. He should be playing in pickup games... 1 on 1s... He's had enough of his own time in a gym perfecting his motions.
I'd like to have a summer with Perry... I'd take him to some urban courts where he would have to prove himself. Asphalt and concrete... chain nets... It is the perfect place to get hurt when you aren't toughened down yet. All the guys there play rough and tough, and they've been playing on those courts their whole lives. It's survival basketball... and you quickly learn to protect the ball, even from guys that come in and hammer you on your shot. When you see guys in the NBA that score on their follow through after getting completely whacked, rest assured, they come from those courts.
I totally agree with you. Hair, piercings, tattoos... shouldn't be a factor in judging someone. But in reality it does impact judgments. The judgments aren't going to be always bad or good. The person with full body tattoos may have a hard time getting a good job. But that same person might find a mate easier, especially with similar tastes because they are broadcasting their expression. Tattoos also benefit people financially... what if you are trying to make it in a heavy metal band.... what? no tattoos? Explain yourself! Or contemporary fine artist...
What I do like is everyone finding their own identity. People are more open to express themselves and who they are. That is a positive... and it puts lots of different looks and feels out there. The diversity will surely help our society in the future because people grow more tolerant.
What bugs me is the permanence. I can only view it within myself. I change my mind constantly... I could never be satisfied with seeing the same design on my body. I'd want to change it constantly. Guess I'm more in line for a henna tattoo!
I don't think Tar will have a problem finding a job. I'd hire him in a minute!
It doesn't drive my respect for anyone. I am doubtful that young kids can make good decisions for their skin at that age... but I won't hold that against them. But I will take notice of the kids that decided to wait until they are older for something like that. I think it just shows a sign of maturity... that they weren't swayed by the moment of instant gratification.
Hey... I'm the last guy on earth that is going to pass judgment on anyone for something like that. I may not have gone the way of inking... but I made plenty of instant gratification decisions in my days! And I'm not against quality ink... but hope people make wise decisions. On this... I think kids should wait. Are they at their most cerebral moment in their entire lives at 18? You should be at a pretty high state to make such a permanent commitment. Kind of like marriage... or pregnancy.
In the very least... kids that get tats everywhere have now spent their space on ideas they had as kids. But they will spend most of their lives as adults (unless tragedy occurs). So it seems wise to wait until you are an adult before you paint your canvas complete. Leave blank canvas for later... and then fulfill your desires at the right moment!
Fortunately... I'm done making decisions about it for myself! ;)
I think I know what HEM's point is about the tattoos.
When young kids get them it is one of those "instant gratification" moments. That's why I made rules with my God kids. Looking at a design for a year made them realize the permanence.. and it also took away the instant gratification buzz from having it done without much thought to it. That's where the "mindless tattoo" comment comes in. Kids should realize their tastes and attitudes will change rapidly as they fight their way through adulthood.
I'm glad I made those rules... 4 of my 5 God kids went ahead without waiting a year. 2 of them kept it a secret for a long time. The 5th kid was afraid of needles. So much for Godfather rules!
I'm considering tattoos now.... to cover up some of my scars and wrinkles! ;)
Maybe if we are real nice to him he will donate big bucks to approx so we can add Greek columns to our site!
If I could push the favorite button 10 consecutive times I would!
All valid points!
I like how he talks respectfully about Coach Self and praises him for all his help.
I like the fact that he isn't an online drama queen. No second-by-second account of his day, full of false drama.
He does a great job of lock down defense in a time when refs are wanting to call the slightest touch.
And we can feel assured, Andrew will be a good rep for Kansas as he takes on his next role in the NBA. He's not going to be one of these dudes that gets busted with cocaine, hookers and an unregistered firearm in his car. He'll pick his posse carefully. And I seriously doubt he'll make $500mil and then be broke a few years later!
I see him eventually finishing his degree.
I'm also glad to see a tattoo-free body. Maybe he has hidden one... ha... but I doubt it. I understand peoples' desire to express themselves... but I'm with you that if you want to permanently adjust your skin, you should be an adult. That is more than being 21. You should act like an adult! I told several of my God kids that if they want a tattoo, carefully draw the design out first, and tape it to their bathroom mirror for a year first. Look at it every day. Still not sick of it after a year? Then go ahead and knock yourself out!
Good points.
Perry has a great toolbox. But he could use a big lesson in using his body to create scoring space. Sometimes he gets smoked horribly because he didn't use his body to either put it between the ball and the rim or use his body into the defender to back him down so as not to foul.
It seems like these guys would be going to the gym after team practices and working on these things for themselves. The difference could mean big contract NBA versus playing Baltic ball in Estonia for a lot less. Nothing against Estonia... but I think I would put in the extra time while my game is on display with NBA scouts. The easiest route into the league is through the draft... a one shot opportunity!
It really isn't too late. This isn't pro ball... it's college ball. So few teams know how to hedge. They don't know it and they don't practice it... so when you come at them knowing how to hedge them (especially their biggest scoring threats), they freak out! There is no way they can go into the locker room at half time and adjust their way out of it!
We don't even have to master hedging... just a little bit of it will probably be enough to be completely effective at the college level. Now on the pro level... it is something that has to be mastered!
There is all kinds of hedges... including hedging that helps you steal the ball! Even blocking out for rebounds involves hedging with the averages. On most shots, the ball goes back the direction it came from or the complete opposite. There are statistics on all that. But great rebounders see the ball go up and get an idea of where it will rebound off to and they will try to hedge a block out to give them an advantage on rebounds.
This is all part of x-axis basketball... mastering the horizontal aspects of the game! It is how little, non-athletic teams often beat tall athletic teams. This is the part of basketball I love and it keeps me a huge fan of the game!
If you mention hedges, then first mention proper scouting to know player tendencies, then use hedges against their tendencies.
In the league.. defenses live off hedges. Players' tendencies are learned immediately and then coaches work mostly on match-ups and hedges.
I still haven't seen us hedge on defense... I'm very sensitive to that basic because I got reamed in 9th grade for not hedging properly!
"LAWRENCE — It was the final 10 minutes of practice when Kansas coach Bill Self gave freshman Brannen Greene some quick instruction on “pick-and-pop” offense.
In short, it was this: Go set screens for the ball-handler, then bounce out to the 3-point line and be ready for a pass.
Self first introduced the set two days before last week’s Big 12 Tournament, starting with Greene as an undersized power forward before having Andrew Wiggins practice the same thing.
After just two days — and about 30 minutes total — going over the new wrinkle, KU utilized it in both of its games in the Big 12 Tournament last week.
“I definitely could see it as a weapon,” Greene said."
This is my reference about the pick and pop. One small basic they utilized a few times in the B12 tourney and it only took an entire 30-minutes to learn. Unfriggin' real!
"Maybe you and I should ask Self if we could spend an afternoon in the gym with the guys and teach them how to have an effective ball and shot fake! They probably leave about 10 points a game on the floor by not using simple fakes."
Maybe we could call in on one of those shows! I'd do it! And I wouldn't ask the question in an easy fashion... I would point out the lack of all these basics all year and make him account for those facts first. Then... pursue having him put it in place from here on out.
I know they work on JoJo and perhaps a bit with Tar on not leaving their feet too quickly. That is a start... but clearly we should be taking advantage of these basics on both sides of the ball.
I don't follow all the talk shows.. but if you know one and when... I'll try to get in for a question, or please feel free to do it yourself!
It was just written in one of the articles about Greene starting to practice the pick and pop.
The thing is... these guys are like clay. And some of them had these things taught to them in HS. But once they become a Jayhawk they follow Self's teachings... even too much... by disregarding basics they learned before coming to Kansas. That is my guess....
I just don't get why our coaches don't keep on the basics with these guys. It makes no sense whatsoever!
Within days we could be one of the best defensive teams in the country by learning how to hedge properly. Also needs low post hedging knowledge, too. Most low post players can't go to both sides. You play them against their favored side.
If we quickly went after the basics, then got JoJo back after this week... we would be impossible to beat! I really believe that!
"But in order to beat Syracuse, and really anyone in the tournament, Perry HAS to be aggressive and take open jumpers and use a SHOT FAKE. Why does he never use it when he's in the post?"
You nailed that right on the head!
I don't know why none of our guys use head/shoulder/ball fakes. It is a skill you can learn in a weekend (to some level).
I guess it is the for the same reason Greene has suddenly learned the pick and pop, something he should have learned in HS... and if not there he should have learned as a Jayhawk in November!
I'd like to take one day and go over the basics of the game with these guys. Something as simple as using fakes can win games. Winning games tends to lead to winning Championships.
I'm at a loss why our guys don't have much of a grip on the basics. Too busy learning team defense?
And imagine if Wiggins used fakes? You think he is on the line a lot now? He would double his FT attempts because the only way anyone in D1 can stay with him is to react 100% off of the first thing he does. Wiggins would get his man in foul trouble within a couple of minutes. Teams just wouldn't know what to do with him. All from him learning to use simple fakes... the basics I was taught in 7th grade basketball!
And if our guys learned to use fakes, they are more likely to not fall for fakes on the defensive end. We are vulnerable to fakes and it is fakes that typically put us in foul trouble.
And how about drives? How about we scout teams and find out who their drivers are and their tendencies for picking a side to drive on? Then... how about we spend a day teaching people like Tharpe (and really everyone on the team) how to hedge on defense? We would suddenly be a vastly improved defensive team that wouldn't be susceptible to foul trouble! Maybe we would even win a National Championship!
Few, and I mean very few, college players have even a decent crossover. Wiggins has no crossover going forwards, but he uses his reverse spin to create directional change. All of that you can easily scout on teams (players). What you find is so few can do it effectively, so most won't even try. That means... when you hedge against their driving side you end their driving threat for the entire game! Yes... by the simple hedge you just shut down your man! And if he gets frustrated and forces the action, you can actually draw a charge... even with the rules we have now!
After our first game with Eastern Kentucky it will be time for Self to put on his fancy riverboat hat and long poker face and mumble these words, "I believe JoJo will be ready for our next game!"
He needs to say that from here on out, even if JoJo never plays another second of Jayhawk basketball this year.
This is a big part of coaching... playing poker with other coaches. Make them prepare to play JoJo even if he doesn't play.
We should get a lift from JoJo in this tournament, regardless if he plays or not!
True... and then when we win by the 3, they'll act all surprised and will go on and on about how they discovered Kansas can shoot the 3. It all spins within their own little world.
"Misery runs a rinky dink organization. Their fans watch KU bb because they want to see what a world class organization looks like."
I'm not sure they have time to watch KU basketball... they have a pretty full TV schedule between "Moonshiners" and "Honey Boo Boo." They think we are all stuck up and watching "Keeping Down with the Kardashians." They think we have our noses high in the air because we like to show off our fancy teeth!
Amazing how easy it is to keep your teeth when you visit a dentist regularly (licensed dentist) and don't smoke meth!
Tharpe better be zoning in on Eastern Kentucky right now! This team can hit the long ball and their defense is centered around swarming guards. We've been down this road before... and we better be ready for that game, especially Tharpe!
If Tharpe can get his touch back from 3, he should prove to be a lethal weapon against Syracuse... if he has some patience and protects the ball, and looks to build his assist total in that game... then, when they sag away from him he nails the 3!
That game is built for Tharpe, as long as he knows how to execute the plan!
The '08 team gets over-looked because it is Kansas. I recently watched a program about great finishes in the big dance and they didn't even show our '08 team and Chalmers shot heard around the world! I couldn't believe it! But it must have had an hour long look at Laettner's buzzer beater that beat Kentucky. And how relevant is that? 1992? None of those guys are left in basketball, whereas the players from 2008 are reaching their prime in the league!
Seth is a ding-dong. I'd much rather have short guards that can execute x-axis basketball and are good shooters against that zone. It is more about popping shots up in the seams than shooting over their guards. Any shots contested from 3 are a good bet for the defense, regardless of the size of the guards. How many shots per game get blocked from 3? Right... few if any.
@JayHawkFanToo - Missed it (intentionally). As I recall back when we had to play the tigers, any year they were down in basketball they would throw out that they were a football school, and started comparing their football program to ours.
They always had an excuse. That's what losers do... put half of their productive time down on already conjuring up excuses...
Perfect!
Can someone print this out and go put it on our guys' locker room door?
That's the kind of stuff we need to get these guys motivated.
And over in Columbia, Misery... they are sad they didn't make the tourney, but glad Kansas won't be winning it this year! They think they, at least, have a shot at winning the NIT!
Chip, anyone?
BTW: Kyle Ringo is an old Colorado Golden Buffalo nut with an axe to grind!
@wissoxfan83 - You won't hear me criticize your Badgers! Excellent team that has as good as shot as anyone!
@jaybate 1.0
Wouldn't think so. First, I think that would kill a big chunk of their endowments. Most of that top tier like to keep quiet concerning their personal affairs. I believe some are asked to "become public" on gifts for certain projects with the hopes it will be some kind of incentive for others.
For example, when David Booth is active in a project, people know it is legit!
Can't wait for Friday! It is a new season!
"Actually KU, which is 24-9 this season, won 30 games in six of the past seven seasons heading into 2013-14."
We can still win 30!
@jaybate 1.0
"The Kansas athletic department collected $33 million in such donations."
I'd say we are holding our own when it comes to donations!
So all you KU med students and entrepreneurs... don't forget your alma mater (bountiful mother)!
And who knows? Maybe Kentucky looks past the purple kitties and gets spanked!
We can't be too critical on Kentucky... we are in a similar boat. We are counting on our freshmen continuing to develop and to remain poised throughout the tournament. Pretty big expectations we have!
Oklahoma State can be scary... so can Iowa State. But I hold them to the golden rule; "Offense wins games, defense wins Championships!" Both of these teams lack defensive post presence. Either of these teams could get red hot now and go on a big run and end up in the Final Four... but they will have to be red hot from the field!
Then what about teams like Texas and Baylor? Those are two hot and cold teams that have better post presence, especially on defense.
At this time of year I look at two things that can drive up my "scary meter" about the competition: proven defensive proficiency (developed over the season)... and current hotness on offense! Either one of those areas can win a game or games (against anyone). And if you put the two areas together, you have a team that is almost impossible to beat! Their margin for victory increases to the point where it almost takes a lightning strike to beat them.
Using this as my standard, it is hard for me to pick KU to go all the way. We are capable of beating anyone on any given night. But what are our chances of bringing at least one of those aspects to all 6 games? Not saying it couldn't happen... but our margin for victory is tiny. And why? Because we haven't played solid defense consistently throughout the year. To count on our offense being hot every night is a sucker's bet.
The thing is.... we are capable of playing good defense! Question is... will we? Even if we get JoJo back... will we play tough defense every game? I'm not counting on much from our offense. Throwing a bunch of freshmen under the bright lights of March Madness, playing in unique venues before huge crowds and national TV audiences.... this will be the ultimate test for our freshmen. And then... what about our junior PG? I think he's more of a puzzle than our freshmen!
I know, I know.... I'm being Negative Ned.
I still remain hopeful. I'm hopeful for the improbable.... and make no mistake about it, it is highly improbable. But then... even if we were 34-0 and played great all year, it would still be tough to win the tournament. There is always some luck involved, too. It is hard to go 6 games with decent luck. Somewhere along the ways you meet up against a team where a guard, who has a season 3-pt average of 24.7%, goes on a hot streak and shoots 89% from 3! Then we have to figure out how to stop him while keeping composure with a bunch of freshmen! That is the real challenge in March!
If you follow what I'm saying you should realize we should have won a National Championship last year! We had the right pieces... except at point. It wasn't EJ's fault... he wasn't a great PG.
I know I keep harping on the qualities of WSU. Sorry about that... but stories like the one below explain in detail what a great PG brings to the table. Something we never go out and get to lead the team. It is more about what they do off the court than on.
http://www.kansas.com/2014/03/15/3347357/vanvleet-has-his-shocker-teammates.html ↗
I'm not implying WSU is going to win the tournament... but this is how you get a bunch of average D1 players to play over their heads. We need this kind of leader to lead a bunch of McD's All-Americans wearing Jayhawk uniforms!
Then we can start thinking about being a real dynasty in March! This idea of just signing big time talent is over-rated. Then we think more like a Kentucky... and we just try to overpower the field with raw talent. More than anything, that is why I hate Callipari. He brings the notion that it isn't about the details, hard work and sacrifice to win a championship.. it is just about signing big talent.
I hope we don't go down that avenue. I hope Self continues to recruit players that will be here for 3 or 4 years, too. Enough for us to have players around long enough to build chemistry, team unity, leadership, and the ability to play great team defense! But this year was a strange year... losing our entire starting lineup from last year and only one of those guys was close to being a OAD.... (technically, BMac was more like a 1 1/2-and-done).
If the season was a month longer, Kentucky would crush everyone.
They are slowly getting things figured out being the youngest team in college basketball. With Cal only going after OADs every year and filling the team with freshmen, it is always a race for them to start playing better basketball by the end. Of course, it is the same thing for everyone, but they have the potential to leap up quickly. We are the same. We keep waiting for Andrew, Wayne and JoJo to figure out the game and completely dominate it. Like... what if Andrew gets hot and starts pumping in 30-40 every night? And JoJo stops leaving his feet completely on the shot fakes? And Wayne realizes how effective he can be if he just pushes every night to drive the ball a bit more to help create spacing for his 3 shot? And all of them figure out how to play team defense? Imagine if we had another month to prepare for March?
Did you guys see Kentucky play Florida in the SEC Championship (loss by 1)? UNM would have been smoked like an oscar meyer on the grill if they play Florida.
Just look at the match ups.... look how we match up with Kentucky... then UNM. Polls don't tell everything. We all know at any moment Kentucky might figure out how to dominate. UNM has reached their ceiling.
Being my own devil's advocate on this one... Kentucky is capable of falling down quickly. We have similarities... which team will show up?
Seems like that is the situation... but we've all been wrong before!
I have a hard time thinking we will be without a superstar 5! That doesn't even compute. Self can sell our program to bigs all day long. And think about... who was Self's last 5 that didn't go to the league? Maybe Sasha? (who has made millions in his home country)
Every big man knows the conference that will best get you ready for the league is the B12, and the best team with bigs and best reputation is Kansas.
One game I'm psyched to see (if it works out) is Iowa State vs Villanova. That promises to be one very scrappy game!
I agree... the Midwest is toughest because all those teams are very capable of winning it all, and a team like WSU has a murderous path to a National Championship.
Let's face facts... if that was us sitting in WSU's spot we would all be crying foul! And we didn't nail a 1 seed... we are a 2 and it would still be a crime. Come on... compare UNM to UK... it isn't even a comparison.
But I would rather be anywhere than in Izzo's top east bracket, just because I see them as the team to beat, period. MSU only has to clear teams like UVA and Vill to make it to the Final Four. That is the easiest bracket for MSU, and the toughest for anyone else. Barring injuries and horrible luck, MSU is almost a shoe-in to make the Final Four!
You mean.. if he knew he WAS coming back?
I don't think coaches put much effort into selling other programs. I could see him just saying a nice comment or two about one of his mentors... But coaches only care about directing players to their own program and don't want to get too deep into referrals... that can backfire!
I'm just thinking optimistic thoughts that we will end up with one of them!
If we can nail down solid, consistent, aggressive PG play next year.... watch it world! Maybe Tharpe figures it all out, or we land Lyle, or Conner or Frank steal the job. We just need someone who will fight hard every single time we go on the floor, and not disappear in tough games!
JoJo - I just don't sense him not playing in the tourney. I think he'll be back and he'll be back with something to prove!
Myles - I think he likes Larry, it is close to home, and Mudlay will be there. Three good reasons for an 18 yr old.
But I think SMU is second behind a KU without JoJo.
There are a lot of talented kids around and not all of them go to UK, KU, Duke and the other blue bloods.
I think everyone thinks JoJo is staying... but young guys tend to be unpredictable.. and also change their minds half a million times before dinner.
My gut says he is staying. My mind says he is leaving. My heart is stuck in the middle with indigestion and a migraine!
@jaybate 1.0
"In KU's bracket, because of the lesser teams in the bracket, KU almost certainly has to play beat Syracuse and Florida, the two best teams in the tournament outside of Arizona and Virginia, which are in separate brackets; this means KU is in the toughest bracket to get out of. It would have been way better off in the Midwest. WSU is the weakest of the good teams in the tournament. And the other teams are going to upset each other up so that which ever team survives it will likely only have had to beat 1 of the top 5, and maybe none of the top five teams in the country."
First... I think you are forgetting someone. Starts with an "I" and ends with an "O." His favorite color is green. He's short. And he knows how to get to the Final Four. He has finally got his team healthy.
I-Z-Z-O-!
Syracuse is good, Florida is very good, but a healthy Michigan State is great!
If we play like we are capable of playing... and we get JoJo back... we may be the only team capable of beating MSU... and it has to be on the right night.
That is my opinion... you can take it to the market and see if they give you 10 cents off on a watermelon.
I believe he will pick soon... after Embiid makes up his mind. That is only relevant if he has KU at the top of his list. I think he does... as long as JoJo leaves for the league.
I'm thinking his second pick is SMU. Larry has him hooked on old Danny Manning tapes!
Heck... he should just go to Tulsa!
"Upsets, Cinderella's, fanatic finishes, 68 teams one goal."
Since the rule changes I'm afraid you'll have to add... "totally rigged officiating" in there somewhere.
I can see this getting so bad that refs will face death threats. Fans take their basketball serious and because of the huge potential for variation in the calls this year, it will appear that games are rigged (even more so than in the past).
I hope it doesn't get this bad, but this is what I fear about the tourney this year.
@JayHawkFanToo - depending on the resolution of certain court cases in the coming years, the NCAA will either go back to a completely fascist rule, or they will be forced to act with the decorum of most standard non-profits. In the end... we all plant our feet in America, and certain kinds of group behavior are meeting their threshold of social tolerance.
You are right... different times and different people... add in "different agendas" , too.
If things don't go right for the NCAA in some of these pending cases, the NCAA may not exist any longer, and a new system will be put in place. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that will be an improvement, especially if it gets sucked into governmental bureaucracy!
"...the day I have to wonder if I'm really a K-State fan."
The day you start to wonder if you're really a K-State fan will be the day I wear a MIzzou Tiger t-shirt with "Orangemen" sweat bottoms.
"Louisville has been among college basketball’s three most valuable teams ever since we started ranking the teams in 2008, but that financial success turned to dominance when Louisville began playing home games in the KFC Yum! Center. The new waterfront arena, which opened in 2010, has the third-highest capacity among college basketball arenas."
Well... there goes the argument that we won't play WSU because of money. If money was king, we would have taken Louisville instead of WVU into our league. Surely Kansas had a say in that.
In retrospect, this will end up being one of the biggest blunders in conference decision-making of all times. Could even mean the difference if this conference makes it.