@RockChalkinTexas We need more NC banners to add with that venue.
Let me guess, Dickie V picked Cameron?
I just couldn't vote for a Yum Center...I'd feel a little weird voting for Yum. Is it just me, or does the Yum Center sound like a gentlemen's club or strip club? I dunno.
@JRyman I'd give it to Christian Garrett. He came here during all the DeAndre Daniels fiasco. He's been solid for this team. Those walk-ons are special. They do way more than people will ever give them credit for doing.
I thought we had a juco transfer in the works?
Other than those two options, I'd save the paper.
Does everyone remember how Self recruited Tharpe? KU was between a rock and hard place with pgs. We totally missed on Josiah Turner and Self recruited him hard. He was all but signed to KU. Also, shortly after Turner, Self went after Smart, and then went after the twins. He struck out with pgs. He was really banking on Josiah Turner.
In a nutshell, Taylor was on his way out, EJ wasn't a pg, and Self really needed Josiah Turner. I'll never forget that slippery slide. Self just couldn't stop sliding downward. Now, ironically the pg recruited to fill pg needs is now leaving. Maybe this is a good sign that Self's pg woes are over.
@drgnslayr He does do that this time of year. And just when I think he can't recruit any longer...he goes and totally redeems himself. Yea, that Bill Self must be full of crap... :)
Just a shot in the dark here.... but HCBS told Tharpe it's in Tharpe's best interest if he transfers now because Self knows he's got the next starting point guard for KU suiting up next year.
Now this is funny after a difficult story. The pic is priceless.
Just a shot in the dark here.... but HCBS told Tharpe it's in Tharpe's best interest if he transfers now because Self knows he's got the next starting point guard for KU suiting up next year.
Now this is funny after a difficult story.
I hope all the best for him in his endeavors apart from KU. It's obviously for his best interest. I pray the best for his daughter too.
I knew it. How many of us are surprised? Not me.
http://www.newsobserver.com/2014/04/30/3823959/graham-narrows-list-to-nc-state.html?sp=/99/103/ ↗
After a drawn-out ordeal with Appalachian State and a season at prep school, Graham’s AAU coach Dwayne West just wants the 6-foot-2 point guard from Raleigh to take his time.
“He needs to be diligent in his decision and let the process take its course,” said West, Graham’s coach with Garner Road Basketball Club. “He didn’t do that last time.”
Really coach? KU is not Appalachian State. Graham has an excellent chance to showcase his skills at a powerhouse and you tell him to "take his time"? He can now because KU doesn't have any other recruit to take his paper. Yea, take all the time you want and forget Bill Self of KU needs a PG. Does anyone hear how silly that advice sounds at this point? I get the mature sound of reason, but he doesn't have 4-5 programs considering him. How hard can it be to choose between KU and NCST? Again, like UT the facts are obvious. But take your time young man and don't make an irrational decision. You might regret choosing KU, which is a win win for you. Or like Turner, pick the team of lesser everything. But if you want to stay close to home, pick NCST. Your choice as always. :)
West described Graham as a “true point guard” who has a special ability to score.
Tharpe came in as a "true point guard" too. But not much on the "special ability to score." We need a pg with the special ability to score. I'm sold, sign him now, if he wants to.
@icthawkfan316 Alex held his own many times against the bigger Okafor and in fact, not only held, but won. He plays bigger than he is physically. He's 6-9, but he plays as well or better than Okafor and Turner. He has strength. They may have him on some skill sets, but I think Alex could handle the 5 in most cases.
I just don't know how Oubre and Alex will step in as freshman. I think experience will be the key to winning the B12 this year. It seemed all eyes were on Wiggins. We were relying on talent and saw experience win many times. This year, I think Alex comes off the bench with Lucas. Lucas has been around longer than Mick. Mickelson will see time, but it's going to be difficult to play everyone. But if you have Alex at the 4, then Lucas and Mick will work well at the 5 in most cases.
I've argued for Self to leave players at their true positions. Yes, I am aware and this is one of those areas of change. Bill Self needs to keep his basic coaching philosophy, but ask some hard questions to make some changes in order to win.
We could dissect Self's predictable coaching techniques. You've pointed out the 8 man rotation, which has to change. You have to go with the player that matches best or you'll get beat. I'm not sure what Self's obsession is with a limited 8 man rotation.
You also have to make adjustments on both sides of the ball too. He can't keep his same offense, because we all saw teams zero in and predict plays. Dawkins exposed Self again with the zone. Self has got to incorporate something to anticipate a zone and get the guys ready. But, teams will sag and zone if KU doesn't hit 3s to losen up the zones. Or penetrate to confuse zones. You can utilize screens to beat zones.
We can name many other Self coaching pieces that needs to change or we'll see a lot of what we saw last year.
My Texas lineup will be experience v. experience
Tharpe/Taylor - even though Taylor will likely slice and dice Tharpe
Selden/Holland
Green,AW3/Barnett
Ellis, JTray/Holmes- I don't see Turner much
Lucas,Mickelson/Ridley,Ebeh
@Crimsonorblue22 Depends on Ellis. If Ellis doesn't have more consistent games, I could see Traylor and Alex playing some interesting mins at the 4. I don't know, but it will be interesting.
I just saw Keegs' rotation:
Point guard: Likely KU recruit Devonte Graham vs. sophomore Isaiah Taylor.
Shooting guard: Wayne Selden, his explosiveness restored by offeseason knee surgery, vs. Javan Felix or Demarcus Holland.
Small forward: Kelly Oubre vs. Jonathan Holmes.
Power forward: Perry Ellis vs. Turner.
Center: Cliff Alexander vs. Cameron Ridley.
IF Keegs is right about Ellis v Turner, that will be a potential matchup problem. I give Ellis the edge, but he's struggled with length. Ellis will need to pull him out of the lane and use his ball skills. He can handle the ball fairly well from 5-10' out from the rim. I think KU will need to use some medicine against these other bigs. Drive and create contact by using your body, especially Tharpe, Selden and Oubre. Many teams used it against Embiid and it works 100% of the time. I think a player like Turner will be clumsy, a bit lost, and foul prone his first year. I think he'll have a rough year if Barnes plays him. I don't see him thriving much in Barnes' system. I remember Brad Buckman ball very well.
Holmes will likely take Oubre from experience. Oubre like Ellis is a bit timid and doesn't have much of a toughness factor. Holmes is a big kid. Oubre will not win the physical matchup. Again, Barnes gets big physical players. KD and Turner are his thinnest recruited players that I can remember. Most of the others have been brutes. Barnes is old school. He coaches to the advantage of strength and bully bball.
Alex and Ridley will be a wrestling match. I guarantee you Baby Huey will resort to pushing, pulling, and other tactics to gain an edge. Barnes' bigs have always relied on brute strength.
Our 3pt shooting has got to improve. I watched Alex huck up a few threes in the McDs AA and he made one rainbow 3. I hope Ellis will/has developed his 3 to become a consistent factor. Our sharpshooters have got to come through in a big way:
Tharpe/Mason/Graham - this is goig to be a question all year
Selden/CF - way more consistent
Oubre/Green/AW3 - just play and let it fly
Ellis will be a huge advantage to consistently improve and shoot his 3, but not as the norm, only an exception from time to time
PG is completely anyone's guess at this point. This is the thought that makes me crazy about Tharpe. We shouldn't have any issues with our SENIOR PG. I can't believe we are having this conversation about Tharpe. It's unbelieveable and Self going after Graham is a telling sign for Tharpe.
Selden should have the edge on most 2s in the league. I hope Selden doesn't have an EJ knee experience. EJ never recovered completely and was never the same.
The players that seem to be looking from the outside in are CF, AW3, and possibly Tharpe. Our odd big is going to be Mickelson. It seems off to say Mick will be our odd big man. He'll be a bit like Aldrich. But, he will go the distance.
Okay, as we wait on Graham, let's start looking to Late Night. I want to start looking at the rotation. I know many of you aren't looking to Tharpe, but I really think, want, and hope he has a breakout. I don't know if Graham will be ready his freshman year to be THE PG that overcomes our woes. I'm sorry but Tharpe has no choice. It's put up or shut up and sit.
Tharpe/Mason/Graham - Tharpe will be a senior and unless Mason takes over, Tharpe will have to be the pg. No way to go, but up for Tharpe.
Selden/CF
Green/Oubre - This is going to be interesting. It's going to be difficult for Oubre to beat out Green and AW3 is a Junior.
Ellis/Alex
Lucas/Mickelson
Ok...Let's see if Self gets Graham. I don't think you'll have a hat ceremony. It will simply be announced on twitter or some really low key way. Most of us will probably be reading in a few wks and learn that Graham committed without any real attention. It will be a quiet announcement and not one anlayst will say a single word.
I would love to hear Self's pitch to Graham.
@joeloveshawks Yep...he will milk it too. He'll choose NCST. Just like Turner.
UT - wow once again, Barnes will under achieve and he can thank KD for that gift
KU will be fine with who we have...I'll take Lucas and Mickelson at this point.
Not surprised, just disappointed in his decision. It's not because he chose UT, but UT is not the best choice. I'd rather him choose SMU and LB, because LB would develop him. Rick Barnes is the most underachieving coach in college bball history. He's failed to win B12 championships and he's failed to win a NC.
Enjoy Myles and good luck you're going to need it.
"University of Texas baby" You knew all long. Did you hear why he drug out his decision? He wanted his teammates to get exposure. Screw the teams that wanted him. He knew all along that UT was his choice. My guess is Rick Barnes knew at some point too. While getting your team exposure may sound like being a team player, you really disrespected the programs that recruited you. Well, lost just a little respect for the kid. His choice, and respect that, but now I want KU to pound UT this year and make Turner regret choosing UT. I want this conference championship more than any other year.
Lucas and Mickelson need to get ready. It's go time and your chance. Let's see what you've got.
@drgnslayr LOL :)
I will read or hear the very very last Myles Turner comments shortly.
YES...it will all be over shortly.
I hate hat ceremonies. Even Big Cliff gave me a scare. Now Turner will use the old hat trick. Well, my heart and head says KU, but the hats say UT.
Crap Crap Crap...I hate hat ceremonies, why?
It really bothers me that he invited his school to the THS upper gymnasium, "stoked." This isn't a good sign either. It's got UT written all over it folks. Oh well, I will be pleasantly surprised if he chooses KU and not surprised if he chooses UT.
Jayhawk Jokes@JayhawkJokes·4h
Number 1 reason why Myles Turner shouldn't go to Texas pic.twitter.com/q0FcBskOnU
This is funny.
Number 1 reason why Myles Turner shouldn't go to Texas pic.twitter.com/q0FcBskOnU
@JRyman That's exactly what I was thinking. Maybe now Magic can buy the Clippers. Or at least be part owner.
Now, let's see how far this goes to end racism, at least in the NBA. They are one owner and $2m closer to ending it. I'd really like to know how they "donate" the $2m. I'd like to see a list of charities that $2m will assist. Funny how they fined him $2m. I don't get that part. I guess we can take some money and throw it at a problem.
Again, like Cuban said, this is just the beginning and all the other owners better take heed. You may not be a sick racist, but now where does it end? What a sad day for bball.
BTW all: I love the color red.
@nuleafjhawk You're all right...LOL
This is out of control and it's boiled down to a lynch mob mentality. I agree with Cuban. Let's not set a stupid precedent and punish all owners. Sterling obviously has issues. I blame the NBA for allowing this to happen. My understanding is there's a long list of issues by Sterling the NBA should've addressed. Yet the NAACP was prepared to honor this guy once again with this history? Hello...Seriously? He must not be too bad. Yet he discriminated against minorities? I'm confused.
I think the guy has problems. This one phone call isn't the way to bring him down. How would anyone like it if they were unknowingly being recorded? Worse, how would you like it if the recoring was blasted all over the media? People need to calm down and at least give the man his freedom of speech. I hate a lot of words, ideas, comments, or life-styles, but I don't think it's grounds to crucify a person.
Lastly, it doesn't justify Sterling's obvious problem, but how many people yelling have said something as nasty? My guess every single person that has offered an opinion, regardless of color, myself included. Sterling just said it while being recorded. This is between Sterling and Magic Johnson. Sterling didn't hurt or mention anyone on the call except Magic.
I don't like the color red, am I racist. I don't want red in/on my car or in my home. Am I racist? I don't want certain people who wear red in my car or in my home. Racist? I don't like certain people or their views, nor do I want them in my home because I simply don't like them or approve of their lifestyle. Am I racist? It's my right and my 'opinion,' but people are threatened by everything.
Who has stood up and defended the fact that he trusted the person on the phone and that he was being recorded without his knowledge? They were talking about a private issue that was being worked through together. But it was blasted all over to achieve exactly what it did in a radically race sick society.
I'm going to bait every caller I speak to going forward. I'm going to record their calls and then blast all they say over the media, especially if they hold an important position. This is where our society is headed. This whole charade is sick and it is all about MONEY now.
@Crimsonorblue22 It did to me...It shows how much I followed them through the season. :) Believe me, I could care less about uk, but lately...
This certainly should make all recruits pause when they think of Calipari getting players "ready" for the NBA. In this context he failed. All recruits go to uk for one reason: "Get Ready for the NBA." But not lately. But, that doesn't diminish what they've done as a team.
He failed to get them into the NBA, but they still had a great season. I actually thought one was ready and the other not quite. But like most twins, they don't separate. Aren't Mk and Mc together with the Suns?
@Crimsonorblue22 LOLOLOLOL...WOW...The headline here is not “Harrison twins return to Kentucky.” The headline is “[Rejected by the NBA], Harrison twins [begrudgingly] return to Kentucky.”
It's amazing how that little tid bit just popped up after they "returned." It's interesting and this whole OAD thing is insane. They will still be great players, because returning will only strengthen their roster.
PLEASE DON'T GET ME WRONG...I'M NOT AT ALL ANYTHING UK, but you have to stop denying what the man is doing. I hated him and puked everytime I saw him. But, now I just sit and close my mouth with nothing to say. Again, all the anti-Calipari haters can talk (me included), but until they find something and "get" him, he's doing a great job. I've been waiting for something to blow up in Lexington and most are "waiting for it" too, but until then, they are good. I didn't think they would go to the NC game at all, but they got the last laugh on me.
This is great and all these recruits need to read, hear, and live this...
*The Harrison twins are a cautionary tale of overinflated expectations, an inefficient pro development system and the NBA’s efficiently ruthless talent market.
That was in my list of details.
HEM... it is just part of the process. We both know it is the wrong thing to do... but in the beginning of bringing in that top shelf, you do what you have to do, and then before long your reputation with these players precedes you so you can start being more selective and enforce rules stricter.
Calipari did the same thing a few years back. I remember some of his statements... "I'm sort of the water boy for these guys. I just make sure they have everything they need." He has slowly moved away from being the indentured servant to being a coach.
Self hasn't had to go quite that low... but he did have to bend a bit to get into that top shelf. So it will be a shorter return to some of his old rules before long. I'd say just a couple more years of signing the top tier should do it.
HEM and slayr- I really like what Calipari has done with this group of recruits. He has totally revamped/reinvented his OAD approach and just retained who he wanted to return. I have to give him credit and he hasn't lost a recruit yet or a returner that considered going pro. He knew Randle and Young were gone. But how he kept the others is incredible.
Do you think Calipari told his recruits what Self told Oubre or Turner? These are great thoughts. Also, we all know Self's expectations with all recruits: earn, earn, and earn pt. It would've been silly for Self to tell Wiggins, "earn your pt." Oubre and/or Green will earn their pt. I'd like to see Green play and have a chance to unleash his uber talent. I'd like Self to do exactly what Calipari managed to do in Lexington, and return Oubre, maybe Alex, possibly Turner (if), and heck bring Selden back another year after going to the NC game. Bringing the twins back was phenomenal. Recruits should see that and understand what brought them back. They're NBA good, but realize another year won't hurt. But, Calipari will be feeling it next year when all these returnees leave next year. He will have to retain his new OADs and pursuade them to stay. He has begun a new process at uk and people don't even realize what he's done. Dang he's sly.
Self doesn't have the OAD crop as Calipari, so he can't be too selective. Alex says he may stay a few years, but when the NBA starts calling he will likely change his tune. Alex will be a bit like Randle. Oubre reminds me a lot of Young. Lucas and Cauley-Stein are a bit alike. The twins and Selden are also similar. Ellis and Poythress are somewhat alike in their style of play. We should match really well against uk in November. Turner just may be the ace that gives KU the edge. Dakari Johnson and Cauley-Stein will be a good litmus for Turner. He'll learn exactly what he brings to D1 bball when he faces these big monsters.
@Crimsonorblue22 He really is a very intelligent kid. I'm impressed with his maturity. I like him either way, Jayhawk or not. He's a good kid.
http://www.rantsports.com/prep-sports/2014/04/28/uncommitted-center-myles-turner-will-most-likely-end-up-in-big-12/ ↗ ↗
I'm still mixed, but do think he's a KU lean. I've been up and down. I'm going out on a limb and say KU.
Dang link...Just plug into your URL if you're interested. Tried every which way but loose to embed it. I'm sure it's operator error...sorry
LOL- Rick Barnes and his frowny face :( . Barnes has a priceless look when he's losing or lost. He looks so lost, rejected, and displays so much disbelief. I would think the coaches may already know or will know pretty soon on Wednesday.
Mizzou will always be them and KU will always be KU.
@Statmachine Oh how I hope you're right. Let's have Bill Self call off the recruiting of Turner and Graham. Heck, according to you we're good. We don't need them. We've got Mickelson ranked 55, sat out a year, and couldn't handle Anderson's program. Yea, Self loves his shot blockers, let's forget about Turner. Oh yea, Ellis, so much potential and was a flash in the pan at times, soft, and so inconsistent. Yea, let's forget about Turner.
Oh, Lucas? I love Lucas' vids and he came in highly touted, but all he had was one good defensive play down the court in one game. Yea, let's forget Turner. Oubre and Alexander are going to experience the high school transition to D1 B12 bball . Remember, they will be facing sophs, juniors, and seniors that know how to play. I can't wait to see them against some competition ie. uk, ISU, UT, Baylor, and maybe reach the tourney. Let's play Stanford again. You are right, we don't need Turner.
Overall stat, I get your point. I even agree for the most part. But your idea is a little bit silly. You can't forget Turner. I really don't want him going to Texas or even SMU to simply face us and beat us. I'd rather have him and lose to Texas than be without him and win. I just think he's that special and likely to stay 2 years.
Let's just say all that you say makes sense, but let's not end there. Let's go ahead and pickup Turner if we can. I'd rather have Turner at this point than Graham. I am going to give Tharpe some slack after having a crappy year and expect him to have a breakout year his senior year. I think Tharpe might have a chance to be one of the best pgs, but he's got to decide now. If not, Self needs to quickly switch to Mason. My starting five:
Tharpe/Mason
Selden/CF- I was giddy when CF hit those treys aginst Stanford, but that was one game and he sure missed some looks that should've been hit by his shooting skill in other games. We've got to have a dead eye, knock down, make a team pay, dagger type player when it counts most. I want a Ali FarokManesh :). CF and Green are those shooters. Wiggins showed some of it late at times. But when teams sag, we've got to have that sharp shooter on the floor that can pull them out to open the lane for our bigs.
Oubre/Green
Ellis/Alexander- and if Ellis goes soft his junior year, he's sitting some pine. I will love to see Ellis/Poythress or Alex/Poythress.
Lucas/Turner- just like Black/Embiid, Turner could have a chance the second half of the season to start or play a huge role inside against a long team. I think Turner woud've been great to have against Stanford. We could go small and move Alex to the 5 and Traylor to the 4 for some muscle. But, to your point, I hope Ellis turns on his AA ability and dominates the B12. I hope he haunts Calipari and makes Calipari wish he would've gotten him during his recruiting period. I want to beat uk so badly with Eliis. Calipari really wanted Ellis. We are due to spank Calipari again. I think Mickelson is good, but think he'll have problems with an athletic big inside. I shudder to see Mickelson against Willy Cauley-Stein or even Dakari Johnson.
No malice my friend, just think your post is a bit naive. Again, don't look talent in the face when you have a chance to have it. Take as much as possible. My case in point is uk. You don't see Calipari passing on talent and look where he was this year and will likely have another great season. :)
@HighEliteMajor This sounds like seven points taken from a certain coach that just played in the NC game...cough, cough...Dang it
@truehawk93 can't get that article.
http://vaughtsviews.com/calipari-two-guys-we-cant-lose-are-marcus-lee-and-derek-willis/ ↗
@truehawk93 can't get that article.
http://vaughtsviews.com/calipari-two-guys-we-cant-lose-are-marcus-lee-and-derek-willis/ ↗
@JayHawkFanToo Yea, that site is confusing. But, according to that site Thaddeous did not commit. The UT webpage doesn't show him as 'signed.'
If you read the column :
HS2014
Commits: 1 Jordan Barnett
Spots left: 1 PF spot open
Open offers: 1 Myles Turner is in the open spot
I understand now.
Let's look at uk's paper trail:
Let's remove Young and Randle to draft, +2
Remove Polson and Hood as seniors, +2
We can account for 4 slots and they have 4 coming into the program.
No one has to leave at all. But pt is going to be scarce. The two mentioned in the article above will likely ask for a transfer, Lee and WIllis. The very two Calipari says, "We can't lose..." will be the two that will likely transfer. He can't get pt to all these top recruits because they all want to play more than Cal is going to allow.
@Crimsonorblue22 Who?
@Crimsonorblue22 What are you implying?
@JayHawkFanToo If you read my post from another thread, I reviewed all UT's walk-ons and scholarships. The have nine total right now.
The are signing 3, which gives them, 12.
They have room for one more, for 13.
@JayHawkFanToo Barnes is not Self ; )
@Crimsonorblue22 This is his challenge. The answer to your question is NO. They will not be happy, but he will figure a way to make it work. They will worship the ground he walks. It's kinda sick.
@Hawk8086 Oh yea, he's cheesy, but I've tried to disrespect him, but what he's done so far is brilliant. His recruiting is brilliant and strategic. Also, he gets the players to trust him and they do exactly what he wants. This could be good and this could be bad. Love him or hate him, the results are still clear.
Believe me, I hate admitting the obvious too. I can't keep hating facts. The man is proven until all the NASTY we all THINK has occured comes out. But for now, I can't keep screaming foul if the foul isn't revealed.
Things just got interesting in Lexington. I don't care at all. I just want to know how Calipari will work this now. He's got too many staying and too many coming...We should see some exiting soon. WOW! If you're the incoming recruits, I'd feel odd. But, again, give Calipari credit. I see exactly what he's doing in light of the age change for the NBA. He's backing completely away from the OAD because he knows 1-3 year players are better able to win NC. Your OADs have to be like his 2012 team, which was rare. He is so sly, that sly fox. He was waiting for that NBA age thing. Get ready folks because uk may make another run with this stacked team and all the returners. But we had a great team with returners in 2013 with seniors and a dynamic OAD RS Soph in BMac.
I'm sure the 40-0 Bluegrass folks are talking now. Gawd, I think I'm actually learning to respect this coach...I hate it too.