🏀 KuBuckets Archive

@nuleafjhawk UGH... : (

@HighEliteMajor NO offense to Traylor, Lucas or Mickelson, but they aren't near the talent and inside presence of Embiid or Turner. Lucas was lost in the games he played. We don't know what Mickelson is like and Traylor is becoming a stronger Ellis 2.0. Alex will hold his own, but he'll need some help inside. Alex is a better version and scoring threat than Black. He will be Black and more. Having Embiid or Turner would really free up Alexander and Ellis a bit inside. Traylor was really beginning to step up too. I can only hope that Mickelson learned from Embiid. Turner would be Embiid with a better outside threat. He can pull bigs out of the lane which is what we've needed when these teams sag in zone or man-man.

But once again, I'm looking for better pg play next year. If Tharpe is Self's pick for pg next year...it's going to be another long year.

<a href="http://collegebasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/03/27/report-joel-embiid-to-enter-the-2014-nba-draft/related/.

Either way, it's his decision. Hoped he would return. Maybe the recruiting business that Self was referring to this week was Turner. I hope he made a trip to Texas and we'll hear another announcement soon from Turner. If we get two announcements against KU, plus the way our season ended, it will be a really long Summer and frankly bball season next year. Many of you think we'll be fine without Embiid or Turner, you are in for a really rude awakening. You see what happened with Stanford? Cliff Alexander is huge, but he's not Embiid or Turner. We need a long center to protect the rim. Alexander will do his best but at 6-8,9, he's going to struggle a bit at the D1 level. Alex is a beast and will protect, but I'm seeing some foul trouble much like Black.

Here's hoping that if Embiid is gone and announces his decision to leave, Turner will be right behind him annoucing his decision to play at KU.

Also, Wigs is either doing some heavy consulting with family or he's wrapping up his representation in the NBA or agent. I can't believe we haven't heard an official announcement from Wigs. Is it possible to lose Embiid and maybe Wigs stays? Oh well...it's all good.

@bskeet Kimmel picked KU to win it all too.

@Kip_McSmithers Ellis was a funny player. He's a great kid and a great ball player. He had an odd year. Again, Wigs may have played a little role in Ellis' performance. I just think some of these guys were a little confused of their role with Wigs. I think they all deferred to him and Wigs never quite grasped that idea.

Ellis is strange. He tended to disappear too, a bit like Tharpe at times. Ellis had a really inconsistent year. I expect his junior year to be better. I'm mixed with the 3,4 idea for Ellis. I think he could play the 3, but it's a risk. I don't think he's able at this point. Maybe Ellis could work a flop or two in his game plan like Niang for the quicker 3s and compensate for his "speed." Niang tended to flop when he was beat, and it worked too. Teams flopped against Wigs because they couldn't beat him. Wigs scouting report by coaches were for their teams to front him and draw charges if possible. Stanford flopped all day to stop Wigs. They didn't draw too many charges, but they did hold him to 4 pts with that zone. I don't know exactly how Alexander is going to play with Ellis. Traylor sure came on strong with Ellis.

I waited for Ellis to step up when WIgs was off. He just never quite stepped. Ellis isn't too quick and he's not very physical. He avoided contact and not too aggressive. We struggled when teams were physical, like Stanford. When teams bodied Ellis and contested his bunnies, he missed. We were so soft inside, save Black and Traylor.

@Crimsonorblue22 I know it sounds crazy or passive aggressive. I loved Wiggins being at KU and he was great. He's a great asset to the program. But, the results were strange. Something didn't work right. We didn't click and Tharpe was only part of the problem. Wigs just didn't seem to have the alpha dog mentality and he just didn't quite perform up to his potential at times. I think the team fed off that possibiity. I think the team deferred to Wigs and when he was off, ie. Stanford, we didn't have anyone else to step up. When he was on, he was on, ie. West Virginia, and we still lost.

Don't get me wrong KU wasn't worse off having him, but better off for his being at KU. What if he hadn't been at KU? But, I just think they were a great group of guys that lke to play together. But they never reached their ceiling. They were close. I think it was the Wigs effect. It wasn't his fault, but the team isn't the same with him and they definitely won't be the same without him. Ultimately, they will be better as he goes pro. It will remove those issues I brought out because they looked a little lost when Wigs wasn't performing. They depended too much on him to carry the team. He just wasn't that kind of player. He was great, but not the type to put a team on his shoulders and win games. Maybe we just didn't have any other player that would pick up some slack when it was needed, ie. Ellis, Selden, or Tharpe. I don't know...

@approxinfinity Totally agree...but that's just it. Self is not Ford. Smart would have been a different player. Ford is trash and he did Smart no favors. If Smart were in a KU uni, he would not have to flop. Self would've sit his candy azz on the bench to remind Smart who is/was the head coach. I blame Ford for most of Smart's stupid behavior. A good coach would've taught him and disciplined him.

You would be speaking differently if Smart were playing and KU won another NC.

@Hawk8086 I love Mason. But he's just a little bit of Tharpe and a bit of CF. I wish Mason had CF's IQ and Tharpe's overall experience, he'd be dangerous. Mason tends to get a little overwhelmed, but he does have a better IQ than Tharpe.

I can't help to think something is going on with Tharpe. It's got to be something causing him to be so irradic and mental. Either he's having off court issues or Self had a talk that has gotten into his head. Either way, Tharpe seems to have lost his edge and ability to lead this team.

That pg is a special position. You don't just give the ball to anyone. They have to almost be like the head coach or have the coach's complete confidence. Donovan and Wilbekin have some kind of coach/pg relationship and it shows. That team is playing some kind of ball. But I like MSU at this point. Donovan and Izzo have got to be two of the best tourney coaches in D1 bball. Izzo and Harris are really on the same page too. I think our pg was Smart. Self and Smart would've been nasty.

@Hawk8086 Yes we did beat this idea to pieces. But with a year under his belt, it's just a possibility. I actually think CF earned the pg spot after the Stanford game. I just question his ability to get in the lane and dish.

@ajvan I think if Self was going to grab a pg, it would've been Lyle. I don't think he wants a pg because he has the personnel, but not Tharpe. I see a possible AW3 and maybe Lucas transfer. That would give us two extra openings. Lucas may ride the rest of his time regardless of pt. He's already RS, so not sure what he'd do.

A juco is a possibility but bringing in a pg at this point is too risky. The chemistry may be too volatile. A D1 transfer would have to sit out a year too at any D1 program. So, that would be counter productive. The juco would have to be some kind of special too. I can't help to remember Appleton. He didn't work out too well. I think Self and Co need to start working on a 3-4 star pg recruit NOW to lead after Tharpe, Mason and CF graduate.

I would like to ponder the possibility of Selden working the pg. Also, what are the chances of a possible Lucas transfer? Could AW3 and Lucas both look to transfer? If Mickelson gets the backup 5, Lucas may decide to take his services to another program...maybe Tulsa or SMU? That would be interesting.

Selden

Oubre

Green

Ellis/Alexander/Traylor

Embiid/Turner/Mickelson

@Hawk8086 Yes...wonderful news. Embiid needs to speak with Luc Mbah Mute(sp)...I predicted Selden would be back. I am predicting that Embiid is back too. This teams is going to be special without Wiggins. Nothing but all due respect for Wiggins, but I really think he was a bit of a distraction, albatross, and ironically achilles heel. Don't get me wrong, he was great and everything many thought, but kind of a cog in the team's wheel. I think we'll see an even better chemistry with him gone. Wiggins will always be loved and appreciated, but going to the NBA is the best for him right now, not KU.

The longer Embiid waits, the less chance he is coming back. I think if he comes back, he'll make the decision between now and the F4. Either way, KU will be in a great position with Turner or Embiid. I think we'd be strong with Embiid, but afraid his back is going to be an ongoing issue.

@Crimsonorblue22 LOL...It will change as Zenger gains confidence and learns. Self has been here long enough to learn things Zenger has to learn. But Zenger is a truehawk too. He was born, reared, and educated in Kansas (minus ksu)...anywho...he'll be fine. I like Zenger. He's not Lou Perkins.

@JayHawkFanToo I think all coaches will address the rule change. I think you'll see the better coaches and teams find a way to beat the rule.

@Crimsonorblue22 Fraid so. But he doesn't shy away from contact. I was a little shocked at Selden shying away from contact when he went away from the Stanford defender and was blocked, instead of going into him. Selden is big and strong. He needs to play to his body like Smart did so many times.

As much as Smart goofed this year, I still think he should've been a Jayhawk. He was our missing piece of the puzzle folks.

Dang it...everytime I watched Smart, I saw him in a KU uni. It hurt too. He was meant to be KU's next pg. What we would've done with him last year and maybe this year is scary. Oh well...moving a long...dang it...I can't...

@Crimsonorblue22 They were learning D late. I'd say as late as the B12 tourney. They were just not very intensive on D. The most intensity they showed was the press against Stanford. That press was outstanding. I was really impressed. Heck, I think it even impressed Self. I think Self was surprised they actually got the ball. They looked much like the '08 team.

@icthawkfan316 Watch their vids. Oubre especially can take a hit and finish. This is what hurt Wigs from time to time. He couldn't take too much contact and finish. He missed several layups because of contact or sometimes no contact. Wiggins was pampered in high school. All these kids have to make an adjustment to D1, especially B12 style of play. I think that's what they learn. You read the quotes from Wigs and Embiid, and they constantly commented on how physical the game was at the college level. The B12 was especially physical this year.

@justanotherfan We were too soft.

@icthawkfan316 I hear you :)

LOL Self isn't going anywhere folks.

It's all speculation but there's some writing on the wall for a few players. I think AW3's sit down with Self will be really up front and honest. I think Tharpe is going to get an ultimatum the pg is once again up for hire and right now Tharpe's not a huge candidate going into his senior season. I think CF may have the pg. I think the Stanford game brought out the real CF. Tharpe is not a leader on the court.

@icthawkfan316 Sure they have a sit down. It all rolls down hill. AD wants a report. Self wants his team to decide what they want to do. The team has to make a decision as to what they want based on what the AD and Self discusses. It's all normal and nothing out of the ordinary. Nothing to alarm anyone over. Let's all sit and enjoy the post season. We have a lot to anticipate.

@globaljaybird Don't look now, but Stillwater is getting really impatient and Uncle Boon just may have the coconuts to sit down with Bill and write a check. But many think OSU is way off of Self's radar right now. Self has too much invested in this team to even think of leaving due to "pressure." I think Self loves a challenge and he definitely has a challenge as the head coach of KU.

I wonder if the Booths could match the Pickens' dollar for dollar? Some don't think Pickens cares for bball as he does football.

@JayHawkFanToo Turner took an official visit to UT. I think Turner is KU's to lose. Embiid better not wait for Turner to commit against KU and then pull a kind of twin to enter the NBA. Remember when we lost both twins? Self was only expecting to lose McMorris, not MkMorris. They both declared and it left us in a lurch. I don't think Turner will announce untill Embiid makes his announcement.

I think Turner's options in this order are:

KU

UT

SMU - he said SMU is a dark horse

UK

TAM- too, not sure except Texas

OSU - cowboys

zona is in here too

OSU

I think he wants KU, but would like to stay in Texas if possible.

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No seriously, Oubre is pretty physical and I like these players that can play physical. This team is too soft. These two guys are going to bring it.

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We really could've used him this last season. He's very physical. I LOVE his attitude and fire on the court.

Oubre is a bit obscure at this point.

link text ↗@Crimsonorblue22

<a href="http://daincarter.wordpress.com/2014/03/24/the-price-of-hoop-dreams-keeping-wiggins-in-perspective-and-closing-thoughts-2/>

@ParisHawk I especially loved the chicken wing the Stanford big threw on Tarik right before Tarik fouled out. I could see Tarik's thinking that maybe the refs would let them play through. The calls were really inconsistent down low against KU.

KU beat KU, not the refs. But, they sure didn't call it consistently down low. I thought we got hacked and the refs failed to call it. They gave Stanford every advantage down low. Once again, a great example of a team playing up to KU and KU playing down to a lesser team. This Stanford team played to win and made a few more plays in the end.

Yes. We will be better. I see CF going to the pg, Selden is back, Ellis is back, Embiid is back, add Oubre and Alexander, and KU will be stronger. We could've used Alexander in many games. I think Green makes some contributions, but his junior year will be even better.

I'm looking ahead and for some reason caught myself doing that a lot this year.

If Self starts Tharpe next year, it will be another long year at the pg position. The pg was our biggest problem and everyone knew it too. Embiid's injury added yet another handicap to the team.

It all sucks and we'll all second guess this season. We have to look forward.

@approxinfinity I don't think any one coach would make that much difference.

@KU I'm not going to argue Self v. Hoiberg. I don't think there's much to compare. Hoiberg doesn't have Self's ncaa record. I respect Hoiberg, but doubt Sadler had much to offer Self. In fact, Self supported Sadler going to ISU. He knew it was a step in the right direction for Sadler. What did you expect Self to do? Drop Roberts, Snacks, or Townsend simply to make Sadler an "offensive" minded coach? I disagree about Sadler. He was a poor coach at Nebraska or he would still be there "winning." He was fired as a head coach. Self's record speaks volumes. I agree with you to a point, but the rest of your argument is a little off. If Self thought Sadler was so great, he would've made room for him on his staff. Sadler is a great guy and he may play a small role with ISU this year. However, we swept them in the conference.

I'm not sure exactly what you are trying to argue about Self. except he's not a great offensive coach. I'd be curious to hear your input for how Self won with the '08 team winning the NC. How he outcoached Calipari, who many think is a great Xs and Os. I don't think one bad loss defines a coach, but he didn't do a good job this game.

@KU Stop it. Self has one of the most complex offenses in D1 bball. His high low motion offense isn't exactly easy for guys to execute either. I just think he's too conservative. He doesn't try anything new. Today was the first time he's ever pressed with any effectiveness. They actually got results, but too little too late.

@jayhawkeyes I don't want to see Tharpe start another KU game. CF came into his own this game and Self just didn't capitalize on it. I saw Self give CF a little hand behind the head gesture after CFs last three. I'll never understand Self's thought processes at times.

Oh well, any word on Embiid? I'm really concerned for him. I'm betting he's back after this miserable experience. Hell, after this experience Selden is back too. Wiggins needs to come back, but we all know he's gone. Black of course is gone too. In some strange way, Self may have sacrificed this season to show these guys just how "ready" they were for the NBA. I think he even made a statement to Wiggins, even though he's more likely gone.

@HighEliteMajor Bill Self does not seem to know how to attack the zone, plain and simple. He's been zoned so many times through the years, but still fails to adjust or attack. He doesn't seem to know how to attack the zone. Or, his players aren't responding to his direction for a zone defense.

Time to make the change?

Tharpe? This should be Tharpe's last start in KU uniform. CF should've been starting way more often. But, Self did the same thing with EJ because he had no choice. But, Self had a choice with Tharpe and CF. Why didn't Self play Lucas regardless of Lucas' play? He is long. Wigs was completely off. Was he in the NBA this game?
Worst enemy of KU is the zone. When will Self learn? How many zones will he face before he teaches his team to attack the zone. They've failed the zone every time it's been used.

I'm pissed they lost this game. Stanford is not the better team, but was this game.

Have fun in the NBA Wigs.
Media got their wish with Stanford and Dayton. It's a media dream.
KU looked terrible and the refs failed to make calls down low.

Ok..Shox have my attention. Let's see if they can do it for Kansas.

Any word on Embiid? I think he's out for a long healing process.

Stanford getting away with a lot inside and KU getting called with Tarik fouling out. Tarik got chicken winged. Rim not too nice today for KU. Stanford getting a lot of good breaks.

We need to go at their players with foul trouble and go into them for contact.
Stanford a lot of hands and arms. NO FOULS
KU can't buy a bucket...Crap

Terrible game and KU can't find the rim. Stanford is too active around the rim and in the lane. We are not strong enough around the rim.

Refs are terrible. KU beat KU. No perimeter at all. Wiggins has 4 points? WOW...that pretty much sums up this game.

CRAP CRAP CRAP

Night all...Rock Chalk Jayhawk

@bskeet He's cleaned the program too. Calhoun had it in shambles. I'm not talking just floor performance, but just overall program performance. Ollie and Kruger have done great jobs cleaning their respective programs.

@drgnslayr Ollie is doing a great job as Calhoun's replacement. They are clean too.

How did we lose to Nova?

@VailHawk Sorry it's not the most PC vid clip, but dang it, it reminds me of Tharpe. He can play, but he commits some of those "retard mistakes" at times that make me so angry. If we go deeper, we can't afford Tharpe's retard mistakes.

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@Crimsonorblue22 Don't get me started on Tharpe. I discussed him with my brother today. I had to shut up. I guess it makes me so frustrated because he is capable but his head is in the wrong place too many times.

Tharpe is overdue. Selden is in cruise control. Wigs was a little off against EKY. It's really hard to say who will show. Ellis had a really quiet and efficient game too. I think the EKY game was a game for everyone to get the cobwebs out. It will be interesting to see who steps up this Stanford game.

" target="_blank" rel="noopener">http://cjonline.com/sports/2014-03-22/ku-point-guard-tharpe-good-spirits-following-struggles-against-eku) ↗@Crimsonorblue22

@VailHawk I have Wisconsin in 3/4 brackets.

I have Nova in all 4 brackets. I still can't believe KU lost to Nova in Atlantis.

@Crimsonorblue22 Good times and one of the most dominate teams. They suffered a lot too before getting to the '08 NC.

@Wishawk Yep...I get them mixed up, but they are viewable. Those imbedded vids bring this huge pic with the arrow to click. I prefer to use that share link to keep things simple. Thanks :)

@Crimsonorblue22 Yep...I just have to trust his talent.