🏀 KuBuckets Archive

link textThis is pure genius. If you haven't seen it; see it, read it, and enjoy it.

What's more, Turner liked it.

David⚾‏@KCKID116·20h
@honk4tad looks like Turner fav'd the pic..hmmmmm

KU may be Big Man U, but without DMan, that BMU is fading fast. I do agree that bigs seem to favor KU based on past performance. Self loves his biggins. Self still needs smart guards to execute and lead. He still needs guards to pass into the bigs.

Being a guard on Self's squad is bigger than being a big. Guards learn how to make your bigs look good. Also, inside/out is important to drain or drive too. We lack guard leadership, particularly pg leadership. Mason should fill this gap or close it his soph year. Tharpe blew it.

link text ↗@JRyman That is pretty funny.

@RockChalkinTexas What will you put now on your signature?

Pay heed, stay well Embiid?

@Crimsonorblue22 Yea...they've got to get those feet moving. I think Mason has quick feet. We all know CF has some trouble with his feet. They'll be fine. If they can take good shots, get into the lane, and dish to Cliff, Perry, JTray and Turner, they'll do fine. My biggest nightmare is we lost Embiid and Turner committing somewhere else...yikes

I thought JTray was our most improved player.

@truehawk93 I hope that it is Mason's for the taking...and CF's. I know they both looked very much like Freshman this year but why can't they run the show? Is a kid that was supposed to go to Appalachian State who is unranked the answer?

Yea...I think both will be highly improved after this season. I know CF will be and he showed us that Wichita player against Stanford. Gawd I loved how he used the screen and sunk those treys. But, my biggest issue with CF is he can't drive and dish. Mason is a true pg and has the instincts for the pg. CF has a high IQ, but he's a bit too methodical and takes a bit more time with some things. I don't think CF will be able to drive into D1 traffic and Mason's size will give him fits at times too.

@brooksmd This was on the "other" site this morning.

Brewster guard on KU radar: Rivals.com reports that KU coach Self will head to Brewster Academy in Wolfeboro, N.H., on Friday to watch point guard Devonte Graham, a 6-2 senior who is trying to get out of his letter-of-intent with Appalachian State. No coach can speak with Graham until he is released from his letter, but coaches can watch him play. Reports indicate new Appy State coach Jim Fox will make the call on whether the school issues a release to Graham. Currently unranked, Graham will wind up in Rivals.com’s top 150, analyst Eric Bossi reports.

Funny that he's another Brewster Academy recruit. But he's 6-2...better already, haha

Has anyone noticed there are only a couple top 50 2015 point guards -- total?

Yikes.

Unfortunately...oh well...Mr Mason, it's yours for the taking?

Anybody know anything about Devonte Graham (PG) just released from commitment to Appalachion State? ESPN says Self is going to talk to him.

Nice...wonder why Self is going to talk with him?

@joeloveshawks link ↗http://247sports.com/PlayerInstitution/Myles-Turner-at-Trinity-38449/Predictions ↗

I don't know how much you check recruiting. His last official visit was UT, and a lot of those predictions haven't been updated since then. A lot of people are saying Texas now, but I wouldn't be surprised if he chose Kansas.

Texas gained some ground during the waiting period. But like some, I would think that if Turner wanted Texas he would've picked them earlier. I think he had Texas as a close second option in the event that Embiid stayed. Turner has played his recruitment well, either way, he's done a great job with his entire recruitment.

<a href="http://www.rantsports.com/prep-sports/2014/04/07/uncommitted-center-myles-turner-should-make-decision-after-jordan-brand-classic/.

Are there any links anyone has to Turner actually being a KU lean or is that just wishful / hopeful thinking? Legit question, not trying to be a downer.

No direct links. I posted what one KU poster called a "incredible coincidence," but Turner is in Oregon at the Nike Hoop Summit. He said he will announce after the Jordan Classic, Barclays Center on Friday, April 18 . It's all speculation, but Self, JoJo, and Turner have all been incredibly coincidental. It's obvious because Self said after the Stanford game they had some recruiting business to conduct. Turner was obviously waiting on Embiid, and now he did recently announce that he was closer to a decision. Now, here we are today, Embiid is announcing. If Turner, commits, it will be all too obvious. Self is also super loose during this presser. It's almost as if Self knows something. To lose Embiid, a coach would be a bit bummed, but happy.

@RockChalkinTexas YEP...any second now. Still not even mentioned on ESPN. They'll post after or during the presser. Players look loose and Lucas looked bummed.

Thanks JoJo...congrats. Turner?

@JRyman Since you asked...it's a very good off season question and fodder for ball.

Hmm...maybe and this is a big maybe, but could Sean Miller be interested? You'd think the zona job would be sufficient enough brand, etc...but the $$ would be bigger. He might consider it to get more money from zona?

This is a big swing...but could they consider Kurtis Townsend? BIG SWING...but possible. I don't think they would risk going after an assistant of another program.

COuld they go with an accomplished coach of a lesser program, Jay Wright? Hoiberg? Hoiberg would be huge for uk and dangerous.

Mike Anderson and Rick Barnes could be possible candidates.

How about any former KU alums? Tad Boyle? Could they go with a lesser coach in the NBA, like a Jacque Vaughn?

They could go after a dookie too, like a Tommy Amaker or even Johnny Dawkins did a hellava job at Stanford.

There's some great candidates and also don't forget Pelphrey and Ford too. Where are some of the uk alums that are either out of the NBA or on their way out?

Bowie

Mashburn

Mercer

Lorenzo Romar would be an ironic candidate after Calipari stole Terrance Jones.

NO info on ESPN.com about JoJo's presser today, not on the front page not on the mens basketball page.

What's up with that crap ESPN??

It's ESPN

@RockChalkinTexas

"Today’s news conference is closed to the public."

Just curious. Are most news conferences announcing player's decisions about staying or leaving for the pros closed to the public?

Excellent point jaybate.

@jaybate 1.0 Excellent point jaybate...my comment exactly.

@JRyman Ah, gotcha... :) I just read your new comment about banjos and paddling faster, awesome.

@JRyman I fav'd your 50/50 comment. It's kinda of funny really. The only other way it could go if he announced he was leaving bball and playing soccer? Just giving you a hard time. You're right, there's a "good" 50% chance. Just having fun today.

I figure Turner will let Embiid announce, play the Jordan, and then announce his intentions shortly either during half-time, after the game, or next day? It's a fun roller coaster ride.

I just have a gut feeling that he's holding a presser to announce he's going. I think if he stays, he simply tweets it. But to hold a presser means it's bigger than saying your staying. It means you're making a significant change in your sports life, career, etc. I could definitely be wrong, but will error on the side of being wrong on this one. If wrong, wouldn't mind being wrong.

Either way, he's a good kid and deserves the best for himself. Will enjoy him either in a KU uni one more year or watching him in the league as he contunues to develop.

I was rooting for UConn (OK, I was rooting against Kentucky) and was relieved at the outcome, but I have to say this.

And I won't win any brownie points with you guys.

I've been a Calipari basher as long as I can remember. I've been a bandwagon basher. But I was pretty impressed with what I saw from Calipari tonight. How he handled himself, how his team played and how he talked with the media. I loved his answer at the end of the half as to why Randle was playing so poorly. He didn't get all defensive or smart alecky - he gave the right answer.

"He's 18 years old. He's nervous. That's what happens when you have talent and energy and aren't playing aggressively" (that last part was kind of paraphrased)

Same with after the game. He was calm, polite, and he gave proper answers to the questions he was asked. He wasn't whining. He wasn't blaming the refs. I thought he handled himself very well.

He was one heck of a lot less slimy than a few other coaches I can think of. YES, I will name names. Billy Tubbs. Jon Cheney (gives me shivers just thinking of him) Bob Huggins. Rat-Face (Duke's coach). Thad Motta (ewwww). The list goes on and on. By the way, these fellows may or may not actually be slimy, but that's my perception of them.

Anyway, I know I won't change any one's perception of him, but I have to say that at least for tonight - he changed my perception of him.

Randle didn't play aggressively? I thought he played really aggressively, but he just didn't produce much from his aggressive play. It did create for others on the court for uk. UConn's age, experience, and maturity won out over uk in some key areas.

@nuleafjhawk Randle didn't play aggressive last night ? I guess there was a different Randle, because the Randle I saw was playing pretty aggressively. I just don't think Randle's aggressive play resulted in much, but he did make things happen.

Someone that obviously takes too many of HEMS blue pills.

@JRyman I've read most of these posts. I'm not real sure about any pills. But I read this piece and agree with some of it, but the poster to this article is really bitter. His assessment of Withey is wrong. I'm not sure about his BMac assessment, but can say with some certainty that he's wrong. But I do get the overall gist of this scathing article. Bill Self is inconsistent and not sure at all what the hell he's doing when it matters most.

I love Self and want him around for a very long time. But, who can you get to take his place? I think the responses are correct, KU fans want a bit too much when compared to some other great coaches. I don't question Self's inability or failure to win another NC, but I just question his coaching decisions more and more each game. He's tight lipped and will not say a damn thing about off-court issues. He'll never say a word of anything impacting his players or program, and maybe rightly so, but it would at least give some people pause. If we look at this season's ending performance against Stanford, there's a lot of questions Self will never answer. I wonder what take aways he learned from the Stanford game? Doesn't matter, he's the head coach and doesn't give a damn what anyone thinks. Self may be a bit arrogant at times and seems to forget some things about his coaching. Maybe he's been going through some personal crap, but we'll never know.

@JayHawkFanToo Good clarification...any coach that comes to KU after Self will have some big things to accomplish. For one thing, a NC would linger your entire time at KU. So, the comparison between Self and Roy is that Self did what Roy could not do, simply, win a NC. I still can't believe Roy didn't have at least one NC. I don't think with his record and chances, one was out of the question. I think the year cuse beat KU was Roy's year. Something in my gut says regardless of cuse winning, that was Roy's NC.

@JayHawkFanToo Naw...there are a lot of others deserving of that number than you...just kidding...most are really great board rats. We have our moments, but fairly civil. Besides we wouldn't be a true fanbase if we didn't disagree a bit or even have some heated debate about something.

@nuleafjhawk LOL...I'll hear or read about it in the near future. I just dread all the uk fans that will start hitting everything bball. They shutup when uk's season tanked and now the band is back on the wagon.

@nuleafjhawk Nothing against Townsend, but in all fairness, maybe it's time he finds his own program? He's a great guy, but Snacks is definitely the future of KU bball right now. He'll be leaving soon too. But to stay with a coach 10+ years is a bit silly, not out of the question, but can create a stalemate in your coaching line. I'd say 5-10 tops for an assistant. Time to get off the head coach's coat tails and spread your own wings. I hated to lose DMan, but glad he's creating his own legacy.

@JayHawkFanToo No one is calling for anything. Because to answer your question, many would line up for the job, but you won't find a coach to do as well as Self. He DOES and WILL have some big shoes to fill before his time is over at KU.

But, he is a great coach, and when he has a tourney like this season, I have to ask a few questions.

@JRyman I wouldn't call it hate. Hate is a bit strong, but I'm totally disappointed in his coaching. The Stanford game was a total inexcusable loss. The question I want to ask HCBS is simple...How do you not properly prepare your players with scouting reports? It's a legit question and one that everyone has danced around.

We laugh it off when Selden and Wiggins didn't know their pg. Then Self says, "that's our fault as coaches..." And you still don't give them some scouting report? Not being prepared for a zone that you've faced a number of times and you don't adjust at all? This is not the coaching of a NC and possible HOF coach. I just pull my hair out everytime I think of how good Self is and how he stunk it up with this season's tourney. I think Self has become predictable for too many coaches. They have his number because he does the same tired stuff every year. If I see that weave out front with the guards, I'll scream. Teams are scouting and finding weaknesses. I guarantee you Doc Sadler spilled his guts to Hoiberg. Sadler knew Self's system and did a helluva job scouting KU. Self needs to tweek, twork, or change a few things to update his system.

I don't know how to respond.
? 1. Yes he will be at KU

? 2. No, not fired because as long as the conf titles keep coming, he does know how to win

? 3. No not right now...the ncaa is still burning in his belly

? 4. Definitely don't see him retiring.

This discussion is difficult and many have already and still discuss, and will discuss in the days to come. I think next year will be your litmus for some of these quesitons. I've always said that if you make the big money, your expectations are through the roof. I just don't understand how uk can come out of obscurity to the NC game. It's not the coach either. It's the resolve of his players. Our players are/were just too soft this year. There was no fire to win. They seemed content just to play.

I don't have a problem personally with Tharpe, but he's terrible and most would agree not much of a factor at the most important position on the court. I think Mason would be much better at this point. He's vocal and has attitude this team needs. Everytime I hear the word "energy," or "spark," off the bench, I think a player simply comes in to provide a boost to play. But, we need that energy and spark every game. Mason needs to be the sparkplug. Heck, I'm willing to see what Tharpe will do now that Wiggins is gone. I felt Tharpe played to Wiggins and yielded to Wiggins as the apparent leader. Or, Tharpe is over, done, and reached his ceiling. To impress me, Tharpe will need to come out swinging and continue to swing for the fences. He will have to improve his attitude, ball handling, decision making, every single game to win me back over (doubt he cares). Afraid he's done and all this off-court crap is a manifestation of his reality on the court.

Again, HCBS gets the big bucks to make all these assessments and doesn't give a flying rip what some lowly fan thinks, but he's got to show what he's capable of doing after this season. It will be interesting to see how some of your quesitons are answered in the coming years.

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Anywho...on to a brighter note: I love what Cliff is doing with Turner. I just don't want Cliff to burn Turner away, off, out of KU. I hope he's using discretion. I just wish Embiid would make his decision. I would absolutely hate it if Turner commits elsewhere and Embiid declares...Everyone says,"we'll be ok..." I don't think so. We need Embiid or Turner. I wish there was a way to get both Embiid and Turner.

BTW- Big Cliff is kinda like the big bully from A Christmas Story, Scott Farkus. "Listen jerk, when I say come, you better come."

Gotta give uk props. I didn't think they could do it again on a trey, but they did. Once again, it's not Calipari, it's his OAD talent. You can argue all you want and I will say Calipari is a good coach. I think any good coach that gets the top recruits can win big games. Again, the players make Calipari, not the other way around.

I don't have a problem with the players, it's the coach. I never believe him to be a great coach unitl he coaches less talent than OADs. I've said it before and I'll say it again...Let him coach the average team and see what he can do. If he can take lesser talent than OAD talent and win, then he's a great coach. He's never coached lesser talent up to greatness.

Go UConn...the lesser of two evils. At least UConn aren't a bunch of OADs and I love what Ollie has done with this team after so much crap. I also like Daniels too. Napier is phenomenal. I wish we could've gotten Daniels when the getting was good, but we missed.

Just when all the uk fans were hushed by their lousy season. Now queue the stupid uk fanbase to talk up their hillbilly smack...gawd, I won't be listenning to bball much for the next few weeks, unless it's KU of course.

@icthawkfan316 Likely to be combo guards that's being pursued. We really need a true pg, that's all I'm saying. I can hope there's a reasonable explanation. I'm just tired of being without a pg at this point watching the F4 teams with great pgs. Yes, thanks for the last name correction.

Trier sounds even better at 6-4. Hope it works out for HCBS and Co.

I don't see KU on 2015 recruit Jalen Brunson's list, um...why?

6-2, 180 | Class of 2015
HometownLincolnshire, Ill.
SchoolAdlai E. Stevenson High School
PositionPoint Guard
Status Undeclared

Strengths:
Brunson is a lefty point guard that can run the team and keep the defense honest with his ability to shoot the ball from 3 on a consistent basis. He pushes the ball under control and makes pretty good decisions at high speeds and is an excellent open court passer

Someone please correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't this sound like what we need going forward? Anyone? Bueller? HCBS? I guess KU is good at the pg position right now. We barely have Tharpe and Mason to back up...ok...I'm good with our current pg play right now.
The 2, 3, 4, and 5 are/will be solid, but the pg is the glaring problem. Fix the pg issue and our chances for a NC increase exponentially. Or will Self do the honorable thing and keep Tharpe at the pg for some odd reason? We'll have a repeat of EJ with Tharpe. I can only hope that Mason is Collins 2.0 going forward, because we'll need it at this point. Mason will hopefully take over completely his junior and senior years.

@justanotherfan Yep...say what you want, they are playing. But they can't win on last second shots at this point.

I've already barfed several times since watching Harrison sink that trey. But, take heart, they won't win it. They can't win on last second shots against UConn, Florida, or even Wisconsin at this point. I'll tell you the difference. Calipari told his guys to "play loose and have fun." They have nothing to lose. They weren't expected to be this far. They are the hunter, not the hunted. KU is always the hunted every year no matter their seed or rank. UK is playing way above themselves compared to their season. It won't surprise me if we have an all SEC NC game. But Florida has to get passed UConn and uk passed Wisconsin.

I forgot...they all have really good or even great pg play. And, dare I say, cough, cough...coaching? I've got to say, this is the worst coaching loss I've seen from Self. It might even be worse than the other miserable tourney loses. He was out coached by Johnny Dawkins. Dawkins had a brilliant game plan. Self waits too long to try new sets. His press was working, but too little too late. What's even more sickening is that more and more teams are going to the 2-3 zone too. Self has proven the zone D to work. I'll never understand how you can go into a tourney, knowing a team will likely use something different or at least zone you due to scouting reports, and you still insist on man-man when the other team is picking you apart. I'm baffled. In fact if all is true, what was the problem with the scouting report? The guys didn't even know their key players. Self said it was his fault the guys didn't know, because no scouting report was given. What? Ugh, Ugh

Oh gawd the nightmare just got worse with uk making it to the F4. Are you freaking kidding me? This season just got even worse, wow, what else could go against anything I planned.

BTW- My bracket is totally busted. I had KU and MSU as my possible F4 and NC. That changed today, but my worse bracket still has Wisconsin as my sole surviving team. Congrats to those who picked Florida because now I think they'll be the NC.

I have to admit that UF and uk are playing possibly the best bball right now. UConn is beginning to slip a bit. But if UConn get's passed UF, they could win it all. I just don't think uk's youth and inexperience will win out. They have the talent, but WE all know talent isn't quite enough. It could be, but odds are won't be enough with the remaining teams. Lastly, what is a kick in the pants is that each of these teams have the key position: A FREAKIN' PG...ugh, ugh, ugh

They looked good against UCLA. I am so bummed. We would've matched up well against Florida. IF we beat Stanford and Dayton. Dayton is looking really good too. Dayton's confidence is too high right now and are very dangerous.

Let me preface just one major position. Every team had us beat at the pg.

@bskeet He is so fun to watch. He's been enjoyable at KU and wish him all the best. He's a great kid.

@wrwlumpy 2010-11: Red-shirted season due to a back ?

@KUSTEVE Funny how ESPN hasn't broken the Embiid mess. They are probably breaking their necks to verify.

@Crimsonorblue22 I would love to have 5 players for 4 yrs like Black. Imagine what you could do...WOW

It's interesting that Embiid doesn't just announce like Selden and remove the speculation. But, Embiid hasn't done that. Short of making corrections, he isn't exactly denying that he's leaving either.

Help me if I'm wrong and this may sound silly, but Embiid and Wigs can talk to an agent? They just can't sign? Or are they violating their amateur status by simply "talking" to an agent?

You ncaa rule freaks need to enlighten us ignorant folk.

If you twitter, does that make you a TWIT? Or a twitterer?

@truehawk93 If you twitter, does that make you a TWIT?

@nuleafjhawk Now that's funny stuff...

 @wissoxfan83 I tweeted once, but I got something from my doctor to take care of it.

@Crimsonorblue22 I doubt Wigs will hold a presser. Embiid might hold one or just twitter it.

@wissoxfan83 You can actually google Joel Embiid and read a little of his twitter. You just can't respond without an account.

Cliff Alexander‏@humblekid11·1h
Good luck to you big fella @jojo_embiid


Joel-Hans Embiid‏@jojo_embiid·1 hr
@humblekid11 haven't made a decision yet
 6:04 AM - 27 Mar 2014


@MoonwalkMafia I'm thinking this may be a writer's attempt at getting the most anticipated news of a top recruit. Like I said, I'll wait to hear it from Embiid. These writers will say anything for a story. At this point, I'm not too convinced it's completely true.

Possible and very likely, but just not completely verified.

@HighEliteMajor I'm one of the biggest realist there is on this board. I've tried to be objective. I try to call it like I see it. I always watch these guys in HS and then add the D1 effect with each recruit. We have to realize these guys are playing with average to below average HS talent. So, when they come into college, their play will meet some stiff competition or talent.

I do expect Alex to adjust really well. I see him struggling a bit like TRob, but will impact inside really well. I fought really hard not to fall for the hype around Wigs and was still just a tad disappointed. I'm not falling for media hype. I'm going on my own observations. I don't get into the Olajuwan or LeBron crap, it's stupid. I just watch the player and watch their basic skill sets. Turner will struggle too. None will come in and make an immediate impact. There is always the D1 adjustment period. CF, Green, White, Wigs, Mason, Lucas; They all have to go through that adjustment. It depends on how much pt they get and how much confidence they gain, and lastly how they adjust mentally with themselves.

I don't bite much at all my friend. I simply call it like I see it. Sometimes I'm right and sometimes I'm wrong. But thanks for the reminder of reality.