get a lead guys...let's get something going...
truehawk93
3128 posts
here we go...
@Crimsonorblue22 Foster and class?
Graham hardly pulls up his dribble
@KUSTEVE Color Purple
We've also aluded to the B12 too. Let's not forget the B12 is far far more difficult than all the other leagues. It's really difficult to see just how B12/KU compares to the #1 and other #2 seeds. I think KU suffers from being a victim of their own league. Think if KU was in the other seeds' leagues? KU would dominate all, but maybe UK. UK is the SEC, along with maybe LSU and possibly Arkansas. But in the end those teams aren't playing in leagues where they are beat up every single game.
Here's where the B12 factor will come into play this year. I believe the B12 will either wreak havoc after being in a really tough league or they will stink up the entire tourney. Hell, even our bottom two teams would be sitting possibly 2-3 in most leagues at this point.
Our coaching remains the x-factor too. I will or would really like to see Tubby, Barnes, Drew, The Mayor, Lil' Jimmy Dickens in Stillwater, and Kruger Co match wits with the rest of the nation. Many will point to earlier match-ups, but we all know that every single B12 is so much better and competitive at this point in the season. I know they are better since beginning of the season as well. However, you can't tell me UK is better now than they were at the beginning? UK was a team in the preseason, playing like they were playing as most are now playing toward the back stretch of the season. No malice against this team, but their wins are really subpar against some soft teams. Even their game against us was a bit soft. We were so green at #5. I can't even believe we were #5 so early. We then plummeted to #10 after losing that game against UK.
I think UK is bound to lose at possibly the round of 32, and definitely the 16 and maybe the Elite 8. If they get past Elite 8, I'm afraid they'll be crowned once again.
Many of you counted KU out early. Why? Some of you have said that you never expected a NC. Yet, they are one of favored teams to play in the NC game. Now whether they win the NC is a different story. UConn went in with a lineup similar to KU and won. They had a tenacious pg that willed them to the NC.
I'm convinced KU can and will go all the way until they lose. I will never bet against them so early. One thing at a time. Let's focus on the B12 title and each game left, then look to B12 tourney. There's plenty of time for the NCAA tourney.
BTW- KU really doesn't have a choice but to win out right either. We can't expect ISU to lose a game going forward. I hope this team and Self are not expecting ISU to lose. I'm expecting them to win the rest of their games, as we too need to win out against our remaining games. ISU isn't expecting us to lose, but they will definitely be waiting for us to lose, so they can step in by default and share or worse win out right. Gawd, please NO sharing. RCJHKU
@HighEliteMajor said:
Regardless, Kansas needs to win national titles. That is greatness. Given our coach's offensive mindset right now, and with Traylor (or Lucas for that matter) being the #2 minutes guy in the post, the hopes for a national title are dead. It is just that simple.
Now, could his offensive mindset change ..... ?
HEM- So what is exactly your point? Other than our season is 'dead' with Lucas and Traylor. Are you saying that Lucas and Traylor are utterly incapable of delivering some winning game performances?and/or are you saying Self needs to change his offensive mindset?
I disagree. I think if Lucas is given some of Cliff's mins, he can/will produce. I think Mari has proven that he's our more experienced man that can play some energy mins. You and I both know that Self is/will not change his offensive game plan. He will live and die by the inside/out game. We have firepower but it's just not consistent enough this late in the season. The team showed some really nice ability to move the ball to the open or cutting man to the basketball in the last 5-8 mins of the game when they ground out the TCU win. A win is a win and at this point, I'll take it. They can win, period. However, you're not satisfied with winning, you're more concerned about who? If Alex doesn't produce and shows his typical undisciplined self, and gets into foul proned trouble, then Mari will have to be our go to big. Lucas give us some great experience against some good teams. Let's just win and let Self decide who might lead us to that win.
@joeloveshawks SEC is trash and the Gonzaga Mountain or whatever league is NO B12. It's a bit of a stretch to even compare the other leagues to the B12. I re-read my post and the point I'm making is KU can't get these fairly good 12-14 pt leads. The TCUs can't be allowed to go on 7,8,9-0 runs and KU will not be able to recover.
I know these games create a false sense of winning or even coming from behind, and this is good, but KU has got to learn how to get a lead and maintain that lead. They did for the most part. I'd just feel personally better if they were able to keep those double digit leads and not lose them in stretches.
If you remember or review the TCU game, they blew their lead on a 7-0 TCU run and it was right after the big plays by Mason and Ellis too. I sat there and watched them gain a 14 pt lead and then allowed TCU to come back within 5 pts? So, I guess it was good they were able to get/maintain the lead and/or allow an unpredictable team like TCU to come back to within 5 pts and still win?
My bottom line with this individualized and opinionated post is that if they can continue to win in this fashion, great, more power to them, and hopefully this kind of play will take them straight to the NCAA championship game in April? I hope that's the point of your comment. If so, you have either more 'faith' in this teams inability or I have more hope in their abilities.
Just for the record, I'm not expecting this team to blow teams off the court by 20+ pts either. But to win like this at home is a little unsettling.
@KansasComet So, you posted a really nice post regarding Alex. You're basically saying he is selfish, undisciplined, and not quite ready for Self's system. Bingo, in a round about way you have posted what all elite, top picks have to endure. They have a choice: either I enter a program and buy into the system or continue to play MY game. We've seen some players in KU history especially with Bill Self that have chosen to "play their game." Where are they now? Also, Self is being blamed for the failure of said players too. However, when you look at the players that have adjusted into Self's system, how many are well adjusted to the NBA? Most all of them that are in the NBA.
Mari, Lucas, Selden (more so lately), Oubre (a bit late), Ellis (totally all about Self ball), and most of the other players have bought into Self ball. Now, critics still blame Self and are actually criticizing Self for Ellis' inability to play up to his potential. Ellis is pretty much growing in front of the nation's eyes. Sure, he has a few areas to improve, but he's a solid player. He will adjust nicely in the NBA better than most.
My point is simply, no matter what people say, players that play Self's system will succeed and adjust more than people will give credit. The players that fail to play into Self's system, will not only struggle, but have difficulty adjusting into higher levels of play: Dleague, NBA, European league, etc. It's the player's choice, not Self. Self can only offer them the options. We all know his system is not the easiest either. But, if followed and learned well, they will be much better able to adjust in the league.
How many remember Kobe Bryant's comments about how AAU ball was ruining these young players? He blasted at how these young players are failing to learn the basics and therefore enter the NBA totally incompetent to play at the highest level. Bryant and James are exceptions. They were fortunate enough not to learn at the college level. They are rare and many of these young players want to follow their path. Wiggins is the only player that might have followed them, but even he will tell you Self's system was vital to his development. Where are the critics with Wiggins? Why don't they attack Self's development of Wiggins' game? I don't hear them attacking Self for failing Wiggins. Nor do I hear critics attacking Wiggins. I find this interesting and sad all at the same time.
@HighEliteMajor So, no Alex is not our answer to deep post-season play. It appears that Ellis is going to be our answer and we all know that will lead to...double teams.
At least our guard play will provide some challenges to the opposing teams. You never know which guard/s will show up or who exactly to defend. Graham was a nice relief today for Oubre. We've got to have that consistently. Greene and Selden were pretty much MIA today. Oubre was scoreless? Graham answered the call. Without Graham today, KU loses.
My other concern is this: I'm watching other 1-2 seeds and they are taking care of business. They are beating teams. It appears they are getting their second wind. I'm concerned that IF KU continues to struggle like they did against this TCU team, with all due respect, they blew 12-14 pt leads today, why? TCU was allowed to stay in this game. KU can't do this ending the season. Our concerns are extremely valid for the B12 title, tourney, and especially the NCAAs. KU allows teams to stay in the game this late in the season, its going to be a disappointing season. I hope to be wrong.
Alex is not our tourney answer. Mari is experience and he did provide some nice minutes against TCU. Alex looks plain lost and frankly over matched at times. He is a flash in the pan at this point. I'd play Mari at this point because he gives way more than Alex. Did you see Mari's hustle? The guy was literally giving up his body today. YOU don't see Alex giving that same effort. Mari knows he's not lotto material, but he's going to give max effort. I'll give the pt and lose or bow out early over Alex's half ass effort any day.
I'm convinced Self uses Mari to show Alex what he has to do in games. Mari gives Alex examples, but Alex not only gives half effort, but then his discipline on the court is obvious. He picked up too many fouls too soon. Sorry, I'm not convinced that Alex is ready for major minutes.
I just can't seem to do a whole lot on kusports. I glance and then read some of the comments, but that board is really bad. Some on this board still comment. But lately, I've just chosen not to because they've gotten extremely negative. Anyway...I really like this piece on Svi.
“It’s a process,” Mykhailiuk said Thursday...This is mature.
He said, “every day I guard Kelly (Oubre Jr.) or Wayne (Selden Jr.). They are really good.” This will only sharpen his skills.
I’m trying to work every day when it’s possible,” he said. Great European work ethic.
You need to be tougher physically and mentally. Defense is not just physical, it’s mental. This is a statement beyond his years. He understands the game. He's had some good coaching in Europe.
“The guys love him. He’s a stud,” Self said. The makings of a great leader.
It’s the best chance (opportunity) what I have in my life,” he said of playing at KU...He appreciates his opportunity. Doesn't sound like a kid that's going back home to mommy.
Just give him time,” Self said...This is all he needs right now.
These are some great comments and the makings of a player who will be a solid player in the near future. Again, these kids have to recognize their role and be extremely patient. It will payoff. Self is waiting to debut his European gem.
Hang in there Svi. You have all the tools and talent. Just be patient and your time will be guaranteed.
Once again, thanks for choosing KU and RCJHGoKU
@Crimsonorblue22 My point exactly. OSU goes to Ft Worth and loses. They come home and lose to ISU. I think OSU is wearing down. Teams are overlooking TCU and it's a mistake. A dangerous team is a team that plays with nothing to lose. TCU can't do much worse and can create havoc for other teams.
I would expect teams that understand this to be a marathon, rather than a sprint will rise for these last few games and into the B12 tourney. OSU looks like a sprinter that passes a really good runner then slows down to be passed by an even worse runner. They can't keep up the pace with their depth. Teams with depth (KU) should rise to the top. I really don't think OU will be that big of a threat either. KU needs to take each game as if their season depends on it, because it does.
Time for KU to get lean, mean, and stingy.
KU is every B12 team's game of the year. It's funny how they're pumped and psyched against KU. Then, they play other B12 teams and it's business as usual.
I don't understand OSU playing the way they do and then dropping one at home. Yeah, thanks for nothing POKES. But KU shouldn't be depending on other teams to win or lose for the 11 straight title. KU needs to run the table for the rest of the season and make a statement to the B12. The OSU and ISU board rats are gushing about sharing, sharing, and sharing. This KU teams needs to refuse sharing anything.
@BeddieKU23 I'm sorry how do you have any guards at UK doing anything? We all thought the twins were gone last year, but here they are and still nothing on the draft boards.
link text ↗ Booker is #14..
link text ↗ Booker is #30
Booker is the only guard ranked high enough to consider going to the NBA. I see all the UK guards going to the DLeague or Europe. If they're smart, they'll stay and improve. They can only improve.
Alex Poythress is hurt and he's on the draft boards, HURT. He's over all the UK guards.
But, I agree it won't be due to the twins going on any rep. It will be Calipari pushing them out of the nest. He'll screw them to get his next batch. So, you may be right or if he's smart, he'll welcome back experience with his four committed recruits. He wants them all...Newman, Brown, Ingram, Swanigan, Zimmerman, Diallo, Thon...ALL of them. He's a greedy bastard and will sell his soul to get them all. It's better they are in his stable than in the opponents stable. He'll broker a deal to get rid of Booker, Lee, Poythress, Twins, the four bigs in my post, Willis...all gone. This will be 10 possible openings. However, he already has the four committed, so he could potentially have six other spots. So, he could get most of the remaining uncommitted top recruits. Sickening...I see Zimmerman going to UNLV. I see Brown going to Michigan. I don't think he gets both Thon and Diallo. Most see Diallo going to ISU. I think Ingram is a strong KU lean because of Oubre leaving. Newman will go if UK loses any of their guards. You may be right Booker and/or the twins may be enough to commit him.
I think KU has a good shot at Thon and Ingram. We could lose Selden on the same premise you see the twins leaving. If Selden decides to jump, I think we get Newman, Ingram, and Thon. So, we could potentially get maybe three or even more strongly two. I think Bragg, Ingram, Thon, and possibly Newman would be a fair realization. Newman is 50/50 between KU and UK...I do agree he's a slight UK lean at this point. Again, pending the guards leaving.
Anybody up for a Thon?
Look at these clips, smile, drool, dream, and pray the good lord gives us a Thon Maker.
@jaybate-1.0 I say he takes a chapter out of Water Boy and tells the USA team what Mama say... I think he a lock.
[link text](
No malice at all...Tyler is a cool dude. Hell, Self would get a kick out of this.
I've got my eye on Newman. We keep making his cuts. I think he's definitely down to KU and UK. I like Thon, but the eligibility thing is disturbing. I'm leaning toward Harry Giles (2016) at this point. UK can't get them all.
I'm just not sure about Jaylen Brown and Brandon Ingram. I know Bragg is recruiting them, but he doesn't really understand KU's needs right now. I wouldn't count out Cheick Diallo either.
UK has Four committed. They have three on the board plus the Australian kid. It really depends on which of their bigs leave. I think Lyles, Towns, Johnson, and likely Cauley-Stein are gone. I don't think they lose any guards. Their guards are not high either, Andrew Harrison is at 48. The NBA just doesn't like the UK twins.
4
http://www.nbadraft.net/nba_draft_trades/2015' ↗\ title='Suns receive the Lakers 2015 first-round pick. (top 5 protected in 2015, top 3 in 2016 and 2017, unprotected 2018.' class='mock_team_link'>LA Lakers LA Lakers
Karl-Anthony Towns
7-0
250
C
Kentucky
Fr.
11
Detroit Detroit
Willie Cauley-St...
7-0
240
C
Kentucky
Jr.
12
http://www.nbadraft.net/nba_draft_trades/2015' ↗\ title='Hawks have right to swap 2015 first round picks with Nets.' class='mock_team_link'>Atlanta Atlanta
Trey Lyles
6-10
250
PF
Kentucky
Fr.
5
http://www.nbadraft.net/nba_draft_trades/2015' ↗\ title='Sixers receive the Magic 2015 second round pick.' class='mock_team_link'>Philadelphia Philadelphia
Dakari Johnson
7-0
255
C
Kentucky
So.
I just don't see these bigs going any higher. These four are all that's gone. You have four coming. He's done and he'll do some slick maneuvering to make room if necessary. Watch who he screws to make room.
I see 3-4 leaving and they gain four. This means unless Calipari forces a few out, there's no way he gets any of the remaining top recruits. I think he'll likely force Willis, Lee, and maybe the twins out too. This would open up 2-3 more slots to net 2-3 of the top 10: Swanigan, Diallo, and Calipari has a hard-on for Newman too. I think he would like to land Brown and Ingram too. But statistically he simply can't land every recruit. He's simply harvesting based on reloading, not need.
I think KU needs to be extremely strategic for 2-3 years. Self has got to sell these recruits on patience, championship, and the NBA. I don't think pt is always the buzz word. I think a smart recruit will appreciate recruiting content, not recruiting bullsh*t. Calipari's is all about the numbers. His basic strategy is reload, buy in, and go to the NBA. He doesn't care about degrees. I think our long-term guys like Ellis, Svi, Traylor, and Lucas are going to be our biggest marketeers for guys staying 2-3, maybe four years.
I think you all are way over analyzing Self's USA team. He's all about experience and fun. If the guys can gain experience and win, that's even better. Don't over analyze Self. It doesn't hurt, but I guarantee Self will tell you this is not a recruiting piece at all. I personally don't think the USA thing makes much difference either.
The more I hear about Oubre, the more I'm convinced he's so gone. I thought it the minute he started making his transition. I think Self is showcasing him. If Oubre drafts, we'll get Brown or Ingram...COUNT IT.
Oubre can't do much better...
10
Denver Denver
Kelly Oubre
6-7
200
SF
Kansas
Fr.
I have one name for Brown and Ingram: Wiggins, now commit to KU behind a long list of NBA players: Rush, Henry, BMac, Wiggins, and now Oubre. The list sells itself. What you do at KU is your choice. OAD, TAD or stay all four years and earn a degree...you can't go wrong.
As for the Jayhawks, Ingram feels that his role as a wing can be developed very well if he decides to go to Lawrence.
“They develop players very well, especially wings,” Ingram said. “With Andrew Wiggins last year, and Kelly (Oubre) this year. I think that would be a good place for me as well.” link text ↗
@JayHawkFanToo No debate, but are you supporting him in the HOF? The HOF under these circumstances? Just because he's not implacated doesn't make it right my Crimson and Blue friend.
How many wins has he lost between UMass and Memphis? Oh yeah, HOF makes perfect sense. The HOF will be a joke for rewarding this type of coaching trend. He denies any wrong doing and is a victim of a player's choice...Camby and Rose, but the wins were still removed. The loser was UMass and Memphis. Ask them if Calipari deserves HOF.
For you proof folks...
Calipari has been to 5 Final Fours, 3 with Kentucky (2011, 2012, 2014) and had previously led UMass in 1996 and Memphis in 2008 to the Final Four, but those appearances were later vacated. Calipari is the only head coach to have Final Four appearances vacated at more than one school,[3] although Calipari himself was not personally implicated by the NCAA in either case.[4]
Either he's a great coach and the victim of bad players or he's a poor judge of recruiting talent ... those players are a reflection of him as their head coach. He's got to take some responsibility, if it's simply saying bad recruiting on his part for choosing players that caused you and the program to vacate their hard earned wins. The players are laughing all the way to the bank. Calipari has no responsibility at all. The programs are left holding the bag. But should also take some responsibility for choosing him. Memphis was especially dooped for taking him after UMass. Then he hurt all the players on the those teams who worked so hard and bought into his strategy to win. Then he simply says, "It's not my fault..." Now, all UK can say is, "...Calipari himself was not personally implicated by the NCAA in either case." This is a dead horse and I'm beating it again. I'm so sick of Calipari's influence and grandstanding in college bball. John Chaney with Temple had Calipari's number a long time ago...[text](
Altough not Chaney's finest moment but his point was made about Calipari. You also know that Bobby Knight has no respect for the guy either.[link text](
Let's put him in the HOF.
@Crimsonorblue22 I would love to see Collison do some NBA coaching with Lucas and all our bigs this off season. I think we could have another bigs coach to replace DMan in the near future. I don't know what Collison's plans are, but he'd be great on the staff with Self.
I think Ellis will school Bragg...Alex is the odd man out. I'm not sure exactly what he'll do if he doesn't go pro. I'd almost think Self will encourage him if he's anywhere near a good draft status...say first round top 10? Not sure where Alex is trending right now. Bragg would have two very good teachers in Ellis and Alex.
I guess you work Alex at the 5. His play is more of a 5 right now than a 4, even though his size is a 4.
Bleacher ReportFirst-Round Mock for 2015 NBA Draft
17 Phoenix Suns Cliff Alexander, PF, Kansas
20
http://www.nbadraft.net/nba_draft_trades/2015' ↗\ title='Bulls have right to swap 2015 first round picks with Cavs. Lottery protected.' class='mock_team_link'>Cleveland Cleveland
Cliff Alexander
6-8
250
PF/C
Kansas
Fr. WOW- NBA mock draft has him at 20...I'd stay!
17 Phoenix 29 25 .537 18.5 3-7 Lost 2 57 wins, pick #27 Cliff Alexander $1,440,000
From DraftExpress.com http://www.draftexpress.com#ixzz3Rscna0sI ↗
http://www.draftexpress.com ↗
This can only get better for Alex. He could sneak into top 10 by seasons end. It's up to Alex. Many don't think he's ready, but the NBA says different. He's got the tools. We all know how this works.
@JhawkAlum I know and was impressed with those blocks. It just goes to show the transition these guys experience from HS to D1. I think his was timing. But the plan for him to redshirt is interesting. Self always rewards his redshirts, always. If Landen doesn't break out, he'll either fade away with Bragg coming or he'll emerge to tutor the young man.
His hops vanished due to Embiid. Embiid just swallowed Lucas completely. But, as I said, they scrimmaged together and would like to see Lucas cash in on some Embiid deposits.
He can still run the floor well and finish as a big.[link text](
He's got the timing...[link text](
@Lulufulu It's really difficult to compare them because Withey's volleyball experience was huge for bball. Embiid's soccer gave him some really good feet and he was so quick for a footer. Landen brings you mind skills and he's going to produce mentally for you.
In all seriousness, Lucas has had a difficult playing time experience. Although the redshirt really helped because it gave Embiid the much needed time to play.
Lucas scrimmaged with Embiid. Lucas and Withey are two different players. I hope Lucas simply plays like Lucas. I think Lucas brings an intelligence like Self mentioned. Lucas is smart. He does things that won't show up on the stat line. Let's hope he comes into his own as conference play turns toward the tourney. I hope he has a breakout game or two that will allow him to show his talent, skills, and capabilities. We just havent' seen the real Landen Lucas. Will the real Landen Lucas please stand up?
I was really big on him at the beginning of the season and he just faded a bit, but it seems Self is beginning to see more from him than since the beginning of the season. It might be some much needed experience and length.!lucas and self 1.jpg ↗ !lucas and self 2.jpg ↗
I think we'll play fairly small and should handle WV well.
Bill Self talks about KU's victory over BU
Kansas basketball coach Bill Self answers questions from the media, following the Jayhawks' 74-64 home win against Baylor. Self credits backup big man Landen Lucas for knowing how to play versus a zone.
Here's my point with our incoming recruits. I want you to watch Lucas and you'll see some of Bragg, Maker, and Giles. Keep in mind Lucas is a redshirt junior(?) Let's hope we can pace our incoming recruits.[link text](
But can Lucas stank face?!withey.jpg ↗
@Crimsonorblue22 said:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=2zk5rRDJAas ↗
I couldn't agree more. I even watch his vids and he even seems more talented and further along than TRob too. I just hope Self can utilize this kid's talent to the maximum. If he can do in college as he is doing in high school, he will be an instant phenom.
I really wasn't comparing him to Cliff, because you're right, there's no comparison. They are two totally different players. They do destroy the rim TRob style.
Bragg is definitely all that he's advertised to be at the high school level. I always allow for that high school to D1 transition. You all know it happens. I watch Bragg, Maker, and Giles. They are all about offense. They play against players that are average to below average. I want to see them go up against some real D1 talent. It's different when they play guys that are as good or better.
Even Alexander experienced and is experiencing a transition. It happens. I'm not getting too giddy just yet until he hits campus and starts working at the level. I'm sure he'll work just fine, but I'm optimistically hopeful. I even read above how Alex may turn out to be the big Selby 2.0. Ideally, you want Cliff to stay. Bragg learns from Cliff and then leaves after his soph year. I give Ellis credit and he's giving new meaning to student athlete.
I knew this would happen. It wasn't a matter of 'if' but when. Danny is going to get some major big men with his rep he built at KU. I have no problem with Giles or Maker committing to Wake. I've been following Manning and his Wake squad. I really wish Danny all the best as head coach. This is the beginning of his recruiting dynasty. The bigs are starting to take note and Manning is an NBA all-star. It's a no brainer and wouldn't blame bigs for going with DMan and Wake at all. Go Danny Go!
If he gets some bigs, he'll get some great guards too.
"If he decides to be a member of the 2016 recruiting class, however, then Wake Forest can absolutely be a contender for Maker if they can first bring in Giles. That duo would be one of the scariest duos in college basketball, and would instantly make any team a national title contender. One would think other elite players like a Jayson Tatum would want to join that duo as well."
WOW
Self is fine. I think he has a fair balance of inside/out play. I watched several passes inside against TT. They looked a lot like the Bill Self KU inside game that we're used to. I believe we are all used to Withey, the twins, Robinson, and Embiid playing inside. They made that piece of the game look really easy. So much, the outside shooting of Reed, EJ, Rel, BMac's shooting paled a bit. Although Releford and BMac held their own. I don't think Wigs ever got on track quite like Greene and Selden. He relied more on attacking the rim and was able to hit the long ball, but again, he had a lot of inside help. Wigs was more hesitant to pull the trigger and tended to forced a lot inside, when he should've pulled up for short jumpers. He was a bit intimidated at times when he found himself defended at the rim, by missing many bunnies. Ellis is doing a lot of this too.
Last night was what we need for the rest of the season. If they can balance the inside game with the outside game, we'll be fine. I think Self is simply saying not to rely on outside shooting. He wants to supplement the long ball with just enough deep, inside pins to keep teams honest. They moved the ball inside/out and outside in fairly well. TT defended inside fairly well too.
I don't think Self is choking Greene or anyone else. He's said many times that Greene needs to take more and in fact, he even said they need to create some plays that will open his shooting frequency. I don't know where you think Self is preventing this team from shooting 3s. It's clear he's way more open to 3s then any other team.
He recognizes the teams potential. He knows they can go inside and then pull up outside. We're not as long either, so he realizes a few more 3s are needed to pull defenses out. Remember, in the past, teams would pack it in and allow KU to shoot 3s because they weren't quite as accurate. They are fine and peaking about right leading into the back half of the season. They should be ready for B12 tourney and beyond.
The D is coming along really well. They need to keep up the pressure and intensity on the ball to create those much needed TOs and transition points too.
They took a big crap and now move on...Let's not repeat against TT.
@jaybate-1.0 Physically he may be built a lot like Aldrich. However, he seems a bit more athletic, agile, and has good feet. His offense is better too.
@Shanghai_RCJH I like your thinking. I'd take Thon if this crazy "qualifying" crap wasn't such an issue. I'd rather have Zim at this point. But, if we can get Thon qualified, sure, take him.
@drgnslayr I think my Zimmerman post was for you, not @konkeyDong...sorry, wrong reply.
@wrwlumpy Nice lookin' KU superstar, stud, beast, and all around magnificent athlete.
thanks for posting
@konkeyDong There you are...
3) HUDY
Illinois had constant access to Alexander too.
I don't think Calipari develops bigs at all. In fact, Calipari has too many talented players he can't begin to develop them.
I respectfully disagree with the competition between Alex, Bragg and Zim. Yes, I think Alex and Bragg will compete. In fact, Bragg is all in Alex's 4 spot. If I were Zim (and I'm not), I would look at the 5. We don't have a true 5. We don't have anyone that even comes close to what Zim offers. Alex is not a 5. He is a PF, solid 4. Perry is arguably turning more into a big 3. Perry's individual game has blossomed right in front of our eyes. He has turned the corner on his perimeter game and his ability to break his man down. He's proven to be a true post player.
In short, I don't think Alexander or Bragg should have any bearing on Zimmerman at all. They are two totally different players. We don't need anymore guards. We need a real inside footer presence, and his name is Stephen Zimmerman.
I agree with you concerning Mickelson. The team chemistry has changed drastically since his arrival. Great guy, but he's not quite able to secure any real mins. If Zimmerman comes, Mickelson is history.
I would like to get Newman and if not Newman, Zimmerman. We have Bragg. I'd be content with Bragg and all others returning. We need Zimmerman he'd be a huge piece to our run in the tourney. He would be the inside rim presence we so desperately need.
Did you read what Niang said about KU this year? When asked what was different about KU this year...he said..."they don't have that monster Embiid..." Niang went on to say it was impossible to shoot over him. Now, tell me we don't need Zimmerman.
@joeloveshawks Love, love, love Greene. I was never a critic. I followed him from day one from Georgia to KU. Then many KU fans started bashing his defense. I stayed with him. He is the total package. Don't forget either, he's an "A" student too. He's a great rep in the classroom.
He just described KU's system: Pick and pop, pass, and physical inside presence. I don't think Zona or UK has much of an inside game. I'm not sure what Alford has at UCLA. I'm not too familiar with UNLV either. I think he fits perfectly at KU with his game. He's much like Withey.
Steve is going to the NBA regardless of the school he picks. The question is which coach and program will showcase his talents. He'll just be another big at UK. Calipari won't develop him. I have no idea what Tarc is doing in Zona. I haven't heard a word from him since he's been there. I would think the only other teams that might help him are UNC and L'ville.
Once again, I wish he could speak with Withey. I think Withey could really give him some great input. Interestingly enough, remember that Withey transferred from Zona when Olsen retired and Miller took over, why?
!UT redhead.jpg ↗ There she is...Need I say more?
@KUSTEVE I noticed that too. He tried way too hard against KU, even late in the game. He is selfish and sad that his coach doesn't know how to channel the talent.
Thank you Lon Kruger for the game plan. KU can break the press and find Greene and Selden. No reason we can't do the same to WVU. Hield made WVU pay for that crazy press. Huggy Bear will pull that crap against us and the team needs to take this page right from OU's game plan. OU executed really well.
@jayballer54 There is nothing but unrest in the Ukraine region. If nothing else, Svi is fairly safe. No...I think his parents will influence his decision. European players and kids have a different mindset. They have a totally different work ethic.
I would say to remember Sasha Kaun? He loves Sasha and one of the reasons he chose KU. It doesn't make sense to come a year and then go back. If he didn't want to come, he wouldn't be here. I think he's here for the long haul. Also, he wants to play in the NBA.
@drgnslayr I do think Ellis has set a standard for McDs players. I think he's sent a message at least to McDs KU recuits that it's ok to stay 3-4 years. I really think Ellis staying is huge for KU basketball.
I think you might be onto something with this comment. I hope so.
@JayHawkFanToo I DO NOT understand why the big money boosters, Lexington, and the businesses in the Lexington area has yet to build a stadium for the team. This is their bread and butter, yet no Phog Allen or arena to call their own home. They need to build a real Rupp Arena. My guess is many of the boosters and business owners have a huge interest in the current arrangement.
Or maybe they are investing their money in other basketball interests? ; - )
Sad to have an elite program but no arena for your team.
@DoubleDD He is a monster playing against other average to slightly above average high school players. He will not do this in D1 against equal or greater talent with some muscle.
I hope for his sake he qualifies. It's pretty obvious when his guardian doubts his qualifications for the clearinghouse. It seems most agree that it's not his grades or academics, but the number of schools. If he's attended 3 or more schools, there's going to be issues. I guarantee you if they investigate his records, they will find something that will disqualify him. Some class won't qualify him. He'll be short a class or two. These kids need some direction. They need a normal high school and then go to a prep school. Two schools should be the max. Why all the school hopping?
Don't get me wrong, the kid is good. But is he worth the hassle? Maybe? If UK gets the bigs they want, this will pretty much leave KU as the remaining possibility for Maker. They will have a number of bigs once again. I would love for Embiid to talk with this kid for many reasons.
I have no idea about Mickelson, Svi, or Lucas. I do think Mickelson is in a zone to prove himself. I don't think he leaves. Svi's parents want him to get an education. Lucas is actually doing little things you don't see too often on a stat sheet. I see him sneaking into the NBA and playing a roll somehow. He reminds me of DBlock.
@Lulufulu I want to be wrong about Oubre, but this kid is so competitive and eager to fulfill his dream that he's gone. If he goes in top 10, he's gone.
@nuleafjhawk We've seen it before. Many guys leave and we all think they need another year. Until they commit another year, I assume they are gone. I don't buy all that rhetoric when they sign. Alex is only getting better and stronger.