🏀 KuBuckets Archive

@BigBad

Neither Svi nor Devonte could walk on any NBA team today and play. I grant you that.

But never say never! So many players hit another gear once they leave college. They aren't bound by homework and practice restrictions. Once they leave college, they have it all riding on signing a deal. Otherwise... they have to go for an alternative career.

Actually... if you get the chance... catch Frank Mason now in the league! He just keeps getting better all the time! Few people gave him a chance to hang in the pros last year, even though he was NPOY!

@justanotherfan

I agree. So why did these two teams post the same numbers when ISU had less talent? They had a chip.

However... I do see a small chip in Lawrence now. I hope it is enough to take us through April!

"I did NOT have sexual relations with that woman!"

Sorry for the politics... but he reminds me of Slick Willy.

@Texas-Hawk-10

I'm with you. Bennett should get it and no one can say Virginia is where they are just because they have a star player or two. They are at the top because they defend.. and they do it better than anyone!

@CRH107

Shaka has been thanking Bill ever since he joined the Big 12! lol

@HawkChamp

Maybe Vick will get motivated to show well for NBA scouts in the tournament.

He could rocket up if we win it all and he is a big part of it!

@SkinnyKansasDude

Hmmmm.... another streak for us to break! lol

@DoubleDD

Shaka has been a big disappointment. He just doesn't seem to be able to translate to the big stage.

He's recruited some talent. Hard to believe Texas is where they are with Mo in the middle.

@JayHawkFanToo

Great pick! Did you catch her?

@BeddieKU23

Yeah... I didn't want to just say that our potential March loss is all on Vick. It wouldn't be.

But if we go down, good chance we have several players having a bad game, and as of right now, it looks like we can expect one of them to be Vick.

I hope that changes.

Ouch... Calipari missed on another one! He was hot on his trail after Shareef reopened his recruitment.

!0_1519845038213_devonte.jpg ↗

Dang! The chatter is back on Kansas!

https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/2018/02/28/wooden-watch-top-10-devonte-graham-shoots-top/376934002/ ↗

@Crimsonorblue22

Yes. He's been doing that for a few months now. No doubt, he will need some time to heal after the season.

Anyone going as hard as him, and for basically 40 mpg surely has some nicks.

@KUSTEVE

True... it is just suspicious since Ayton even told Self he was coming to Kansas and then at the last minute he didn't.

The payment will probably never be proven, one way or the other.

@KUSTEVE

You know what sucks... Ayton was headed to Kansas before Stumpy arranged his paycheck.

@jaybate-1.0

Ha.... you think you're old?!

!0_1519838482944_drgnslayr.jpg ↗

@benshawks08

I'm not saying our guys aren't getting nicked up. Devonte must surely feel the effects of that TTech game where he took over and went down several times.

I saw him limp for a play or two early on in the Texas game, but players do that all the time. They bang knees or whatever. I was watching Devonte when he was hobbling the worst, and then the ball came to him and he made a ballet-style move, trying to open up a driving lane.

I don't know... Devonte had a double-double, with 11 assists. He only had 10 points but do we want to count on him to lead in scoring every game?

We had a clear plan to feed Doke. Doke scored 20!

Devonte is fine.

@BShark

Your last post made me think of a few things.

There are a lot of beat up teams right now in the Big 12, and Kansas isn't one of them.

But we sure have faced that situation for years. I'm not trying to jinx us for the rest of this year or next... mostly, I'm just thankful. However in this year of our lack of depth we were able to focus broader on issues like "wear and tear" while all other teams in the league were busy just trying to win games.

That streak of 14 has so many factors involved. It's a lot more than just Kansas getting the best players. We have the benefit of having sat in the driver's seat for so long that we have been able to advance in other areas that "the field" isn't even aware of yet.

Had we treated this year without our focus on staying healthy and not being worn down, I'm not so sure we would have won #14!

@benshawks08

I heard that! Amazing how even a little chip with a Kansas team increases our production, big time!

2012... we didn't have a single McDs AA and made it to the finals!

I think it is pretty rare that the team who wants it most doesn't win the NC. I think 2012 was that example. I felt we wanted it more but UK had a team full of NBA players and the unibrow was just too much for us to handle. Heck... look at him in the NBA... no one can handle him!

And UK didn't blow us out... we actually had a chance to make a run late and pull off the miracle!

@BeddieKU23

I don't see us going too far in March without Vick bringing a lot more game. His play is vital because he is a starter and has been all year. Being a starter all year makes him a key. And if he starts playing aggressive our entire team will skip up an entire gear!

@Texas-Hawk-10

Yes.... I know I am not always happy with KU's ranking. If anything, I think we usually get too much love in that area.

I don't feel it is healthy for any team to be ranked improperly. Fans and players often put too much value on these polls. So for teams getting too much love, they often end up underachieving on the expectations of themselves and fans.

When teams are underappreciated they don't receive the right placement in March brackets. That creates lots of issues, not only a tougher road for them, but also the teams in their bracket, having to deal with a team that should be placed somewhere else, more relative to their level of play.

But if I had to choose one over the other, I think I'd rather be underappreciated. You know.... I'm "Dr. Chip!" lol

Right now, Vick is sticking out like a sore thumb. His energy level is different from the rest. His body language is different from the rest. His level of execution is different from the rest.

We have all shared many things over this season trying to figure it out and I'm not sure we are the better for it. It just doesn't seem like we are ever going to know exactly what is going on with Vick, but just have to accept that there is something going on. Obviously, that is the case. It can't be hidden.

All I can do is remain hopeful. This team has dealt with a lot of issues this year and seems to be on the rise at the right time! #14 is behind us! So... what is this team's goal moving forward? I'm hopeful we will see this answer through our animated team captain, Devonte!

Let's try to remain positive on Vick and hope he is able to resolve whatever it is that is separating him negatively from the pack. And let's remember we have HOF'r Coach Self to continue to work on this. We all know Bill knows Vick is having something going on.

@Kcmatt7

That is how it appears.

But subtle comments are made... like... "our lack of depth, blah blah blah..."

Even reminding our guys we don't have depth sort of implies they should play more cautious to prevent both injuries and foul trouble.

Ha... I'm just being a hyper fan! lol

@Kcmatt7

If I've had a criticism it isn't towards Andrea. It's been towards whoever addresses their nutrition.

Nutrition is the new-wave science in sports that is having a very big impact on strength, stamina, wellness and mental alertness.

I wonder if they have improved this area. I've been screaming about it for years. Remember in past years when Devonte was cramping up constantly? And now he is probably putting in more minutes, but we haven't lost him to cramps.

The thing about cramps.. sometimes players are struggling but the fans don't know it. The first symptoms involve muscular fatigue and tightness. Once the problem arises in a game it is pretty tough to reverse the effects.

Nutrition is a great tool for preventing issues like cramps.

And we have had minimal injuries this year. I do believe that also relates to our style of play. We probably don't go as hard for some of that low-fruit 50/50 balls with the aggression we could have.

I wonder if our guys have been conditioned to be smarter this year. Be aggressive, but don't be aggressive at high-risk.

I say that, but I'm seeing Devonte get smacked around every single game. He's on everyone's radar, and they know to bring physicality to him.

In the second half of our Big 12 season I watched Devonte shift to bearing down harder... taking more contact... taking contact into defenders. His style isn't that of Frank Mason, but of recent times he has similarities!

@BShark

But what do you really think? lol

Hey... Stumpy lost a recruit already. Calipari is there trying to stick a fork in him - Shareef O’Neal

He could become our next elite swing 3. He'd need a year to strengthen up first... but 6'8" (still growing) with the genes from daddy Shaq!

@jaybate-1.0

Yuck.... POLITICS! lol

It's just hard to say how useful our "experienced players" will be next year compared to our experienced players today who have gained their experience in actual games.

This game is so complicated. Always difficult to guess how players will mesh. We can't assess that on paper.

We don't know how new players will react to things like shooting slumps, etc. Just look at Vick. He was looking like a first round NBA draft player before conference play started. It looks like his confidence level moves quickly along with whether he drops a shot or two... or doesn't.

I remain hopeful for next year for #15. My ultimate trust is in Bill Self and our staff!

We've been short on depth all year.

Devonte plays almost 40 minutes per game.

Yet... we look a lot fresher than most of the teams we play.

How come?

!0_1519663885695_andrea.jpg ↗

A huge part of that surely must come from the efforts of Andrea Hudy. She is the training mom of all our guys and even travels with our team on the road.

Coach Self has mentioned a new strategy of carefully controlling our players' legs both on the court (practice) and off the court.

I'm willing to place a bet that Andrea has teamed up with Bill to coordinate this strategy of saving our guys' legs.

Can we really state that our Big 12 Conference Title #14 shouldn't be credited largely to the efforts of Andrea?

I don't think so!

So... here is a shout out to Andrea for everything she brings to our program! She deserves a ton of recognition (had to describe it in weight).

@HighEliteMajor

I understand everyone in here wanting the feds out.

I'm not a conspiracy theorist when it comes to the FBI and DOJ. Some of my family works within federal law enforcement and I just don't buy into the current politics.

I'm not saying the FBI is some kind of perfect organization. But I doubt many in here understand how well-regulated federal law enforcement is and how well they get exposed in federal court.

If the FBI brings charges against someone, it is based on at least one federal law. Fact. Everyone has their day in court... but the idea that the FBI goes on witch hunts is not only ridiculous, but harmful to our way of life.

@JayHawkFanToo

The DOJ gets involved when crimes occur. Is this a conspiracy?

"Bu... bu... bu... but.. the field?" says Seth Greenberg.

@StLJhawk

Before the season I actually heard it from the horse's mouth... that this year we would be focused on preventing wear down as the season progressed. This wasn't all about being low on depth. But Self knew he would have to count on DG all season for big minutes. He knew DG would have to learn his new leadership role and then once he did, we would become completely reliant on him being on the floor.

Self is constantly looking for areas to up his coaching abilities. It looks like he has made another leap by limiting full-speed practices and even finding ways to reduce wear on his players off-the-court, too.

@JayHawkFanToo

Bingo!

@CRH107

I've had a nice bowel movement today.... so no puckering with me!

LMAO

@JayHawkFanToo

If the DOJ is involved, chances are that crimes are committed.

This situation can't be compared to "business." It's amateur athleticism. And it involves alleged illegalities committed within the NCAA. Even though the NCAA isn't governmental and hence their laws are not from our government, that doesn't mean breaking laws within their structure doesn't weigh into law enforcement. The NCAA is only quasi-private. Their structure is in place governing state-funded universities. When an individual athlete (or family) receives a benefit, it can be argued to damage other athletes and schools, and probably others.

And then there exists the real possibility of other crimes committed, including tax evasion, etc.

Like I said earlier... as far as Kansas is concerned... unless representatives of Kansas (non-athletes) are involved in anyway, including just having knowledge but not reporting, I don't see where we are in trouble.

Now imagine the Billy Preston situation. Aren't we all glad we didn't play him after his red-flag incident?

I just don't see how we get slammed with this. Our compliance department is a model program that has been highly-praised by the NCAA and is being used to help other schools meet the obligation of compliance.

I'm glad this is coming out in large clumps. This will surely change the leverage of this situation between schools and the NCAA. If this was just us, we'd get shackled on anything.

@Crimsonorblue22

Haven't got that far. Not sure I will until tonight, when I free up more time.

@Buster-1926

I welcome the DOJ's participation in this and have encouraged it for years!

The system is broken and the NCAA appears powerless to fix much of this. The final resolution has to come from participation of the NCAA with federal law enforcement.

There are different levels of crime involved, and though it may seem small on individual cases... it is widespread, which opens the door for the feds to get involved.

I'm actually breathing a sigh of relief from what I have read so far about Kansas. That could change... but so far.

Forget the sums of money.

Where did Kansas officials participate in this? We are comparing apples and oranges compared to the first round of busts, where coaching assistants participated in the crimes.

I've only read a little today... but from what I read, Kansas isn't guilty of anything and is as much a victim as anything else.

We've all been worried about Billy's situation this year. From what I know so far, Billy's situation shows just how responsible Kansas is when a problem comes up.

Perhaps the Billy situation will become a huge PLUS for us as this progresses.

@justanotherfan

I appreciate your post on that, and it makes sense to me.

@jaybate-1.0

Whew! You winded me on that long post! But it was a great read.

Just look at Doke in the last two games.... WVU and OU. These are the first two games where I really saw him start to connect the dots of "flowing" offense.

His shot releases are smoother. Less jerky... less hesitation... better follow-through.

As mentioned by @benshawks08 Doke hasn't even worked on a jump shot yet. I'm glad he waited. As you stated, he has very little background in basketball. He's a late starter. It would be easy for him to begin mastering fundamentals in the wrong way. By starting at the FT line... it really is a matter of shot form. So his sole purpose at the line is to work on form, how he focuses on the basket, etc. There are other elements that add in for jump shots.

Back to soft touch... even when Doke tangles up his arms and elbows at the line, he has still been able to push up a soft touch shot. I've never seen anything like that. Those crazy looking shots should have bricked off the rim or backboard. He does have potential as a shooter. Anyone who can do that has a gift. I'm not saying he will become some kind of shooting savant... but the possibility is there.

Even in the low post.. on his odd hook shot (or whatever you want to call it), he still has a softness to his shot.

I can almost imagine Doke is shooting a newborn baby and not a basketball. His softness is so unique.

@REHawk

Doke is a freak of nature. I do think any big man can improve at the line to the point of at least shooting 60%. That's just a personal belief. But Doke has advanced at an amazing speed. Just look at his body. He has advanced in one year what most bigs would take several years.

I always believed he could do better at the FT line... but after hearing others, I was almost convinced he might end up like many past bigs in the NBA... like Shaq and Wilt... who just couldn't get it done.

The difference in Doke is he has an amazingly soft touch. With a touch like that... he just had to develop a delivery system to get the ball up close to the hole. Keeping his elbow underneath the ball and aligned with the goal is all he needs to shoot 60%.

Given some time... he may even develop into a decent FT shooter. If he develops his muscle memory along with his form, I could see him shooting in the 70s or so!

@BeddieKU23

One more thought on this... Trier is an athlete. He's pushing his body to the max. He's running at metabolism rates few people ever reach.

23 months in Trier's life is like 60 months of the average person.

And as far as the drug being nested in tissue... because of his range of motion and constantly being in motion, and having full contact, wouldn't you think anything nested in his tissue would have been destabilized and released long ago because of his activity?

I'm having a hard time buying into Trier's defense... but I'm also unaware of this substance and what is possible.

Seems like the burden of proof is on him and his argument better be well-substantiated!

@wrwlumpy

I'd hate to have to go to Morgantown right now. Huggy is fit to be tied. He hasn't stopped screaming at his guys since Lawrence.

Guess we will see what TTech is made of!

I think we need to win out, including one game in April!

Why should we lose? ALL our guys are improving every game now!

This is exactly what we have been missing for many years. Normally our guys are wearing down now, just trying to hold on. Heck.. we are fresh and getting better every day!

I'm curious... but couldn't they verify if Trier took the drug again by testing a hair sample? Hair samples are like documented time clocks. I'm sure it would be more expensive... but how important is this?

It's so exciting... Kansas and Devonte... the "sleepers!"

Ha. We've pulled it off! So many people took "the field" over Kansas. All we have to do is win on Saturday to wrap up at least a tie for #14! It's down to 40 minutes of basketball... and our guys are psyched! We are playing our best basketball all year! Spiking up and still looking for our maximum peak! Devonte and our guys are fresh! And this team plays best on the road!

I smell a run!

RCJH!

@BShark

He is like all the non-believers... He saw a shiny box and took the bait. He didn't pay attention to the past 13 seasons... just like the rest of the skeptics.

Hey... we still have to stay focused to get this done. No time to celebrate. But he is already making different sounds and looking like an arse.

I've loved Jay Williams through this. He not only stood up for us, he jabbed a knife into Greenberg every single time he has had the opportunity.

And he is going to really enjoy jamming that knife in one more time!

According to Greenberg it is everyone in the field but Kansas.

Watching Greenberg defend himself with nonsense when Kansas takes #14 is priceless! He's the "cherry on top" for me this season!

http://www.espn.com/video/clip?id=22477660 ↗

Let him speak his stuff... but did he really have to bring that skepticism on our home court? In AFH?