Dole practiced free throws a lot.
Newman lived in the corners shooting threes.
Svi ended his practice by making like 10 threes left handed. Spot ups, step backs, fading in the corner. It was crazy.
Devonte ended the whole thing by making his half court shot on his first attempt.
“I just hope our fan base stays sober enough not fall in the river” - Bill Self
I will put out my opinion that we definitely would not have won Monday’s game without Traylor and Lucas on the roster. I really have trouble finding a way to justify the opposing view.
Bragg looked lost and scared fumbling the ball several times and committing turnovers. Diallo continues to play outside the flow of the rest of the guys on the floor. Hunter was not strong with the ball and didn’t show his usual energy and did not get the deflections he often does.
Traylor had huge momentum shifting blocks plus the rebound and put back in crunch time. Landon played great in overtime, made free throws, and was always in position to both defend shots on the drive then rebound the misses (something none of our other bigs can do!).
This game meant so much more than getting to 2-0 in the big twelve. It was a must win home game against the best challenger in the conference for years. It was a game that gives a nudge to the victor come seeding time. But most importantly (yes more important than playing time for freshman) it was a win that brings a team together. A win that shows just how far each teammate is willing to go for the other. A win that shows even though Traylor almost cracked his head on one block, he would still go even harder for the next. This win built character, built chemistry, and hopefully made champions out of our Jayhawks.
If you can’t appreciate what experienced players like Trayor and Lucas brought to the team that game then you don’t understand the word TEAM at all. Self can tell the Freshman all season long what they need to do to get more playing time but Lucas and Trayor just showed them.
Well by this time last year we had just finished off a win over #24 Baylor, our fourth straight win over a ranked conference opponent, and fifth straight conference win. We had been through a tough non-con with 4 losses all to decent teams. We had a BIG win early over Duke. We were all lamenting our lack luster defense. Jesse was posting steal updates constantly reminding us that we couldn’t guard on the ball, or get in the passing lanes. HEM was complaining about lack of offensive flow as it was mostly throw it in to Joel or Perry or stand around and watch Wiggins. Sometimes, Wayne or Tharpe would get hot from 3 and have some big scoring games.
1: Tharpe v Mason Tharpe had some great scoring games but never could “cut the head off,” a phrase held over from Tyshawn’s time that was repeated many times by self. But Tharpe was inconsistent. On one or two games, off several. Jaybate commented often about his short legs leading to shortcomings on the defensive end. The team is searching for a leader hoping Wiggins will be THE guy.
Mason so far this year has been the opposite. He is the model of consistency. He hasn’t gone for 25-30 or 5-5 from 3 but has been solid. His on the ball D is tough and aggressive making the opposing point guard make difficult passes that have lead to more steals (not necessarily by Frank). The team is a reflection of Franks tenacity. Turnovers are down. Many, including Self, have said that Frank is by far our most valuable player and this seems to be his team.
ADVANTAGE: Mason
Selden v. Selden This is a tough one because not too much has changed. 13-14 Selden, I think, had just had that huge hustle play vs Baylor. He’d had a couple of 20 pt games vs Oklahoma and KSU that had us thinking he could be the key. Turnovers were an occasional problem, and his defense was sometimes questioned.
14-15 Selden has had some good hustle plays but Kelly seems to have taken that role from him. His scoring has been down somewhat. His 3pt% is up and he has become more consistent defensively. ADVANTAGE: None
Wiggins v. Oubre Wiggins was starting to turn it on by this point. He had some big games. He was considered our “lockdown defender” on the perimeter. His athleticism was never questioned but his toughness and heart were still at times up for debate. Jaybate was already beginning to wonder about 1/2Wig or 2/3 Wiggy implying he was saving something for the future and playing not to get hurt. We all had the Duke game in the back of our minds hoping he would shine brightest on the biggest stage and go FULL ANDREW WIGGINS come March. He brought a circus to every game of people heaping unrealistic expectations on him and the team.
Oubre struggled early, but has come on recently. His on the ball defense and quick hands and hustle have lead to more transition play and infectious “pace” with the whole team. His 3pt% is better than Wiggins, he takes better shots, and nobody watches him to see what he’ll do next. He makes better decisions because he is allowed to not be THE GUY we all wanted AW to be.
ADVANTAGE: Oubre (in no way am I saying Kelly is now or will be a better basketball player than Andrew who is currently showing he will be just fine, but Oubre is better for the team)
To be continued…
I think we have to temper all of our attitudes toward BG. His biggest fault? He wanted to play more to help the team and handled that situation poorly.
No, he isn’t going to transfer and has said as much. He will get his chances this year and will likely have big time opportunity next year.
He clearly hasn’t figured everything out yet, and yes his actions hurt the team by him not being able to be there for him. But he is a Jayhawk. A pround Jayhawk. Check his social media and he will tell you the same thing.
So has he been the model citizen no and he is paying for that, but neither has he betrayed his teammates or even taken a me first attitude.
He’ll be fine.
Best chant I’ve heard all year
Has there been a bigger offensive rebound? And he followed it with not one but TWO post buckets he basically got all on his own. 40 and 19 in the last two games is legendary.
We have a problem: https://twitter.com/cnn/status/1266315061221613569?s=21
I don’t even know what to say. This is what we get when the “leader of the free world” repeatedly calls the press the “enemy of the people.” (Specifically CNN) This video is one of the many reasons that rhetoric is just not ok. I’m not saying he CANT say it. He’s free to say what he wants, but man is it irresponsible.
Many people are upset or at least annoyed that the Jayhawks were only able to beat TCU, the bottom feeder of the Big 12, by only 3 points in a game that was close for nearly the entire game. After defeating Texas on the road, many thought the team had found their identity and wouldn’t be turning back. Several have zeroed in on one key stat for the Jayhawks this year and have made some very compelling arguments regarding the correlation between the number of three pointers the team takes, and the success of the team offensively. Unlike past years where a high number of long range attempts usually meant settling for jump shots instead of attacking the paint, this year the 3 point shot is our most powerful weapon. Kansas is shooting almost 40% as a team from deep. This leads to the general assumption that as a team they should always shoot a significant amount so as to capitalize on this strength. This is true but it also is not.
Bill Self is a very good coach. He wins lots and lots of games. He is especially good at beating good teams, historically. However, for some reason he seems more likely to be upset (or played close) by not as good teams. This is not coincidence. He is not lucky or unlucky. As Jaybate pointed out several years ago, Self appears to “amp” the team for some games and send them out “flat” others. “Amp” meaning sending them out with energy, wrinkles, and a strategy that will crush the other team, “Flat” referring to low energy, basic game plan, and a strategy that makes the team work. I doubted for a long time the validity of this assertion, but I now see it likely has at least some truth to it.
It may have taken some time this year, but Self has figured out that this team’s biggest strength is their ability to shoot the three. Even though that style of play goes against Self’s traditional basketball values, he has utilized it recently in the games against the best teams. Against “weaker opponents” (though TCU is not necessarily a weak opponent this year) we have seen a dramatic difference in style of play. Where this team struggles is scoring inside. So, Self, a man who loves toughness and balance is demanding his team play inside when he thinks they can win that way, and maximizing their shooting strength when they need it. We have seen this for whole games and half by half. And on the surface this works as a decent explanation.
However, I feel there is some deeper, mad scientist, work going on here. I think Self this year is trying to beat the law of averages. My biggest fear for this team relying on 3 pointers is the inevitable 2 or 3 for 20 game from deep that just happens sometimes. It is very difficult, nearly impossible to win such games as GREAT shooting teams like Utah and Gonzaga have shown. Too many possessions are wasted without points or opportunities for fouls to really have a chance to win such a game where the shots just don’t fall. We barely missed such a game in Austin purely on the shooting of Greene. Everyone else was off from deep. So this year, I think Self is actively trying to encourage bad shooting nights against teams we can beat inside while limiting the actual number of 3 pointers taken. So here is the strategy as I see it. On a night we are playing a team we are supposed to beat, guards and Perry can take a 3 if it comes to them but we aren’t going to work for those shots. Also, if you make your first one, you are done. No player can waste a hot shooting night against a low level team. If you keep missing, keep shooting. That is how we have come to several 3-8, 2-7, and 3-11, shooting nights. Yes Mason shot 5 three pointers but he only made the last one so no harm done to the law of averages.
The key is to keep the 3pt% low in these games. Other strategies Self might employ in these scenarios include: frequent subbing to prevent game flow, focus on feeding the post, sitting Greene, the “quick hook,” harsh/negative timeout talks. On the flip side in games where they need to play their best to win strategies include: minutes for Greene, opportunity to get into the flow, 4 out 1 in, faster tempo, more positive bench interaction, encouragement to take open shots even if they miss.
HEM has suggested that a sound strategy this year would be to give Greene minutes early and if he is on “ride the wave.” This clearly works. However, Self is not the kind of man to leave his game plan up to the mood of a “wild hare” like Greene. No, he wants to be the one to make the wave. Save Greene, and his other sharp shooters, peak performances for when he needs them. Make sure they don’t get the opportunity to breakout against weak competition and the law of averages allows them to crest when he wants them to.
Unfortunately for HEM specifically, this means that during the tournament there will be a game or 2 (or 3 if we are lucky) where Bill Self appears to intentionally throw a game by going away from a strategy he knows works. We will play a team we should handle easily and win (or lose) a close one while only shooting 10 or less three pointers. We will not make more than 5 that game. HEM will be furious.
Self will make this gamble. Because the law of averages is real, and he refuses to let it rule him. Bill Self makes waves, he does not ride them.
I think this whole debate is moo. It’s like a cows opinion. It doesn’t matter.
Combine that with 30 conference openers and you have some solid bookends.
Anyone else notice that there were a few plays in the title game where Self tried to post Braun? That could be fun if he came back next year. Hoping Self is stealing some stuff from Wright after all their clashes in recent history. Would love for our guards/wings to start developing legit post moves and really get comfortable down there. Especially if Zach develops into a stretch big.
Probably the most underrated unnoticed play of the game was Juan chipping flag on that play late as they went back to the two man game with the freshmen. Getting him off balance blew up the play and forced them into something they didn’t want. Rewatch it. It was veteran high iq type stuff.
Don’t think we should discount the defensive dirty work Ochai has done this year. His offense definitely needs to come around but I don’t think that’s really his focus. I think next year his offense starts to flow a little better like Marcus has done this year. I think this team’s strength is their defense and we should play to that strength.
There is a real part of me that is still holding onto hope that Dotson comes back. He as much as any player this year had that chip that @drgnslayr loves to write about. He wanted to prove he was capable of leading a team to the championship. It didn’t sit well with him that his team lost KU “the streak” and his goal was to get a championship to repair his legacy. If you go back and watch games, as much as Doke was starting to dominate, Dotson was really coming into his own as a leader. Whenever KU needed a bucket, he went and got it. Every run by opposing teams in the last month was halted by a Devon Dotson drive or 3 pointer. I really hope he comes back but if he doesn’t I will miss him.
38 straight senior night wins is insane.
Just saw Miami’s previous low in points for a second half was 31 this season. We cut that in HALF!!!
Read an interesting tidbit this morning. Talking about North Carolina in the final four as an AP unranked team. The last team to win it all who was unranked by the AP? Danny and the Miracles. The last one before that? You cannot make this up. Villanova in 85. What a wild Final Four!
Juan taking his defense assignments personally tonight.
Self gave Dotson a championship hat.
https://twitter.com/gifhawk2/status/1511196866020528131?s=21&t=a12GDVhdAkm0vDr0eYQPKQ
@jayballer67 Yeah. I honestly think these kids are smart for staying. It’s been made very clear self values experience. Any experience is good but experience in his system is extra valuable. And a lot of these fringe starters/likely bench players don’t have to be the next ochai to get minutes. They need to be the next Mitch. The next Harris. Self doesn’t decide who plays based on talent. It drives many fans crazy and drove some folks off the message board for good but he values hard work, defense, and reliability. He plays the guys he trusts. They all just watched Dejuan Harris not even really be challenged for his starting spot by the best transfer in the portal. Pre season player of the year sat the bench behind a dude with a mediocre jumper and a can do attitude. So who is self going to feel he can rely on more next year? Isiah Mosley or joe yesefu? A bunch of freshmen or the guys who pushed a team all the way to the championship? We can (and will) predict lineups all summer long but when late night hits, self will be looking for one thing as the season gets started. Who can he TRUST? Who knows the plays, schemes, etc. Who can execute? Who will give that extra effort? Who will rise to the occasion and take a big shot? And yeah, any of these guys could see there way into a role as the next Mitch light foot, landen Lucas, Brady Morningstar, jamari traylor, Christian moody, etc.
The 21 assists is just mind boggling when you consider that we didn’t even hit many outside shots. Often times a ton of assists is an indicator that the ball is moving and then guys are knocking down shots.
These guys just really share the ball. That may sound strange in a game where one guy took 26 shots but even Jalen had 5 assists and many of his shots were the result of being the only guy on the floor tall enough and tough enough to attack. Several of his three attempts came in the last 10 seconds of the shot clock where to me they were a good decision because it was either he shoot or we risk a turnover. Bilas criticized one of those looks and said he shouldn’t take a deep three like that but should drive but there was one second in the shot clock…
Tough game for bilas to call if we are honest and generous. Dude is a Duke grad. They are replacing a legend. Hard not to pull for your Alma mater in a situation like that. I couldn’t be unbiased, that much I know.
@jayballer67 really Gradey being so much more than just a shooter makes us so good. He’s taking on both Och’s shooter role and Braun’s dunker energy guy role all in one player.
@Kcmatt7 in all honesty I don’t think selfishness is really the problem. It’s that the ball sticks when it gets to him. He’s still catching the ball, then thinking, then making a decision. Bill doesn’t mind if guys shoot open shots but he hates when the ball doesn’t move. The only guy that gets to stand a dribble is Harris and that’s because you know he is setting up the action for everyone else, directing traffic, getting the ball screens, etc. everyone else on the floors job is to move and when the get the ball keep it moving whether that is toward the basket or with a shot or a drive, or swinging the ball to the second and third or even fourth side of the floor. That’s what I’ve noticed is missing when MJ plays.
I think Udeh and zuby have been caught in that blender of ball movement and rotation as well as the other guys move it so fast it’s hard to keep up and be in the right spot.
It’s honestly astounding that Gradey and McCullar have both been able to play that way so far.
Same is true on defense. Bill demands you not only guard your man but react immediately to help and rotate. Help the helper. His best teams help the helpers helper.
The young guys are still in thinking then acting mode instead of reacting or even anticipating. I wouldn’t be surprised to see MJ have a few breakout games in February or March ala Malik Newman.
@drgnslayr I think a ton of credit has to go to this starting five. Dejuan and Jalen have taken up the ochai and Christian leadership roles extremely well. Gradey and Kevin have bought in an figured it out faster than any newcomers I can think of. We all thought Kevin would be a good fit but he has truly been a great fit. Feels like he’s always been a jayhawk. Gradey offers so much more than I think any freshman we’ve had under self. He’s the best shooter on the floor every game. He demands all of the defenses attention. When he can’t get free he still works hard to move the ball, rebound, and play defense. His one on one d leaves something to work on and he gets lost once or twice a game but he also gets his hands on balls and jumps in passing lanes every now and then as well. KJ just continues to grow without losing any of those humble qualities that brought him to this level of playing time to begin with.
There are certainly players on this team who are not bought in. Or even if they are “bought in” still don’t quite get it. You don’t have McDonald’s all Americans not just bench warmers but not even sniffing the floor in double digit wins when there’s foul trouble if EVERYONE is bought in.
But like you said, still plenty of room to grow.
For me the flory minutes are the hardest part of KU to take. He has shown that with a full 25-30 minutes of run he can be a guy that gets close to a double double and will add in a handful of blocks as well.
With KU fans it baffles me how for so long the conversation was about how self only cared about the big 12 and didn’t prepare guys to play their best in March. “Would you trade the streak for a title?” Was the constant question. Well we aren’t winning the conference anymore. Does it feel like you hoped it would? lol.
I think this team lacks toughness. I don’t think that’s a hot take. And so self is going to play the guys that know how to show toughness until the others figure it out. Do I think flory was one of those guys? Yes. But clearly self thinks there is more flory can be giving when he’s out there and until he sees it, he’s gonna play the guys he KNOWS have toughness.
People say Remy saved self and got him a title, but self also had an impact on the way Remy played in March. Remy was a better overall player during that run than he ever was at Arizona state. I like to think it’s because self made him earn it. So that when he was finally ready to let Remy be Remy, Remy knew how to do so without hurting the rest of the team in the process.
The optimist in me still thinks there’s hope for that type of development with this team. Self is letting this team struggle even forcing them to struggle so that they will be better prepared for adversity down the line.
That or he’s completely lost the team and they’ll never come back.
If anyone is looking for one of the nicest thing they can do for someone in their lives going through traumatic/serious medical issues, may I suggest offering to call insurance/hospital/billing etc. on their behalf to argue one of the many things insurance will reject, or even approve but you still get a wrong bill anyway, etc. Sitting on hold for half an hour for someone to get a $8,000 bill just erased can be a pretty good way to show you care! Most places will talk to someone who is not the patient if you just get the patient to agree to let you speak on their behalf.
Food is always great to…
Good luck to you and your bro @BShark.
Good:
KU won a game when shots from Graham and Svi weren’t falling!
KU wins on the road where other teams have struggled.
Vick found his stroke for a half and pushed KU to the lead.
Malik shows effort and contributes all over the floor.
Doke scored almost at will in the post and made a free throw!
KU limited turnovers and got more possessions than the opponent leading to more points.
Bad:
KU only beat the worst team in the league by 6.
KU still shot below average from 3 (mostly thanks to Devonte and Svi).
KU was out-rebounded…again.
5 fouls for Newman (this isn’t actually all that bad in my opinion, shows activity, intensity on defense, bad luck).
Tech handles OU at home and stays a game up on KU in the standings.
Ugly:
Doke ends the game with 3 (count them 1, 2, 3) rebounds.
Lightfoot not to be outdone snags just 2.
The real reason we won might actually be due to ISU going cold.
ISU shot 19% from 3 and we still only won by 6.
ISU turned it over more than KU and we still only won by 6.
@kjayhawks said in All of a Sudden:
@BShark yikes I hate to hear that buddy @benshawks08 id love to do that if I had any money, great way to help. I got to middle class and then they taxed the hell out of us so it’s like lower class now lol
Oh, I wasn’t saying PAY the bills. The “fun” thing about our current healthcare system is that it all revolves around insurance companies making as much money as possible and paying as little as possible for any actual care. So, in my case, I’ve spent about 80 total hours on the phone in the last year either with a healthcare provider or the insurance company making sure the bills we’ve been sent are accurate and have actually had the insurance fully applied, initiating appeals when insurance denies coverage 2 months after the service had been provided, following up when bills that were under appeal went to collections even though the weren’t supposed to, resolving issues where insurance says they’ve paid but we still get a bill, or where the healthcare provider says they’ve sent it through insurance but haven’t, etc. A good hunk of that time is just waiting on hold and telling the same story over and over again until you get bumped up to someone who can actually do something about it.
But we literally got an $8000 bill that I said, uh, shouldn’t insurance pay for that, and the hospital said, yeah probably, we will re-send it to them, insurance said, no we won’t pay for that, I said why not it was necessary care, they said, oh yeah you’re right, we will pay for it, then we got the same bill again, and I did that all over again, then the bill went to collections so a fourth party entered the chat, until finally, last week, this bill from December of 2023 was finally resolved and as it turned out, we never actually were supposed to have had a bill in the first place. That was about 15 phone calls each lasting 30-90 minutes.
What I was trying to say was if you want to help someone going through serious medical stuff is to offer to take one or two of those phone calls for them. Sit on hold and retell the story over and over again until someone can actually fix it. No money necessary, just some time and patience that is often running short for those going through tough times.
My big take away is that KU seemed just flat better than MSU on a night when only Ochai played particularly well. The game looked easy for these hawks which is promising. Even Ochai’s 29 didn’t come off some super hot shooting night. He just took what the defense gave him and was aggressive on both ends of the floor. He will score 30 at least once this year. The question here is can he bring this level of play consistently?
This team is going to be at its best when they get easy baskets in transition off of long rebounds and steals. MSU also wanted to push the pace so that kind of played into KU’s optimum game plan. I’ll be interested to see what they do against a team that slows it down and really takes care of the ball. With that said, these guards have the ability to speed people up with their ball pressure. And one thing I loved from a coaching standpoint was Self going to the double team down low in the second half. That forced the ball to move and provided opportunities for our opportunistic guards to fly around and get their hands into passing lanes.
Dave is still Dave and we get the good and the bad that comes with that. One positive is he looks a little springier this year. The dunks have seemed easy and he’s had a few nice blocks. There were times last year where many on this board wondered if he was capable of jumping and that does not seem to be the case this year. He will have some big nights for KU this year and their will be games that are either lost or close because of him as well.
Also, want to echo everything I’ve seen here about Bobby Pettiford. What a luxury to have that guy coming off the bench HUNGRY for minutes. Really the entire bench (aside from Mitch) know already that they have to make a positive impact when they come into the game or someone else’s number will be called. This, along with the consistency of Och, will be the main story of the year. How does Bill Self manage the depth? How does he keep everyone hungry and fed at the same time?
Anyone else worry about how Jalen will fit in with this product we’ve now seen twice? It’s a little scary for me because as some have already mentioned, this team already looks like a fairly well oiled machine. Am I making something out of nothing here? Probably…
@BeddieKU23 While I doubt he will average in the 15-2o ppg range because so few do under Self, there is no reason KJ can’t go out ANY night and put up 20 points no matter where he is on the floor. Could be the 4, 5, hell even the 3 (#KJatthe3). Based on what I saw in the summer ball he KNOWS he needs to work on his shot and so is doing just that. If he can take 2-3 a game and make 25-30 percent, that will be enough to keep the D honest and give HD just that much more space.
But his real value is right around the paint area. He is quick, has good bounce, makes good decisions, and has shown he can score in close even against bigger defenders. I’m excited to watch him grow even more this year!
Anyone see Wilson take that elbow to the chest after that make?
In other news a new jayhawk will be joining the club in 48-72 hours! My partner and my first. Wish us luck.
15,000 unmasked idiots going to keep me at home.
@BShark I really liked listening to him talk on the lightfoot, tehan podcast. He seems like he is really motivated to come in and make a difference yet, humble enough to take on whatever role the team needs. Thought it was funny he said he didn’t even really consider NIL when choosing Kansas. I actually believe him. He was like, yeah I’ll take the money, but that’s not WHY I’m coming to KU.
Self calling Remy the sixth starter is very high praise. It’s what he called sherron his freshman year. Here’s hoping this whole thing is getting figured out at the exact right time!
I’m glad we get the first game in Chicago so that we don’t have to wait on any more potential overtime games! It will be nice to play a game on schedule and for the players to be able to count on a pregame routine. But really it will help MY anxiety as I await the tip off! Would have liked to play Thursday just so we don’t have to wait as long. I’m cautiously optimistic because I’ve felt all year like this teams floor is very high even if their ceiling isn’t. The big 12 has shown even in it’s losses that every game in conference was indeed an absolute battle. That loss to TCU doesn’t look so bad watching how they handled Arizona.
Little worried what might happen if every team from here on out takes Creighton’s “don’t guard the point guard” strategy but hoping Remy put that to bed at least when he is in the game. Harris will NEED a counter, whether it’s making a couple 3s or exploiting the space they give him with a drive and kick or floater or something.
Glad to see my thoughts on officiating are NOT only related to my crimson and blue glasses as I saw so much TERRIBLE officiating in four days. I’d say the Baylor/NC game was probably the worst but I’d be hard pressed to tell you the best… Maybe KU games honestly??? Here’s hoping KU gets a little Big 12 Karma for some of the crap calls/no-calls in the TCU, Iowa State, and Texas games.
I find it very difficult to like the TCU big man but he did play great against Arizona. With that said, Arizona’s post game celebrations made me hope they lose as soon as possible.
This line is telling, “With the way the games are being called, toughness is winning in March. By the time Few and Lloyd figured it out, it was too late.” Um… You think those coaches didn’t care about toughness until last night? Does make me feel fortunate Kansas is in the big 12 and had teams like Texas, Iowa State, and Tech grabbing, slapping, hacking and clogging, in order to toughen up this team and prepare them for March. The big 12 I feel represented itself well this tournament with no team getting blown out, having a few upsets and really pushing some of the top seeds and favorites to the limit (TCU, Texas, Tech).
The thing is I don’t disagree with the big picture argument being made in that article about officiating and freedom of movement, etc, but the way it singles out Zona and the Zags as the victims to Arkansas, Houston, and the refs is -four letter word incoming- SOFT. And you KNOW Duke would have been included had Tech pulled off that win. Whew! The entitlement is infuriating.
If you are at the top, you don’t get to be a victim. You can be the bully and in competitive sports should strive to do so, but you are never the victim. We all watch games with our crimson and blue glasses and see every foul that doesn’t get called our way but in the end most Kansas fans I know seem to recognize WE are the bullies of the big 12. WE get everyone’s best shot because we are the team to beat and wouldn’t want it any other way. Kansas hasn’t won a title since 2008 because COVID ruined our best teams chance in 2020 and every other year we’ve run into a team who for that game played tougher and executed better than we did that night. Kansas has been the more talented team on several occasions but fortunately for EVERYONE that’s not how the winner is determined. How boring a sport to watch would that be?
Also, could anyone have predicted the 7’2 string bean freshman from Gonzaga would struggle with players who were older, stronger, faster, and clearly wanted it more?
Kj coming up with that stop to end the half was pretty huge.
@BShark was thinking about starting this thread. About as much as you can hope for from an injured back up. His jump hook has become a weapon and he has shown some ability to protect the rim.
@Kcmatt7 Sure would be nice if we could jump them from the get go and coast to a quiet double digit win while the circus that will be the second game overshadows it all. Keep us fresh and hungry for the title!
@Kcmatt7 if he gets 20 and 10 again not sure how you keep him out. Could still come back next year… I’d take that Dave all year…
@BeddieKU23 If I remember right, the academics banner is really where his mom wanted his name to hang.
@BeddieKU23 For sure. Every major contributor did something along the way to get us the Championship. I also love that in the post game press conference, these guys couldn’t praise their teammates fast enough with every question asked. They all just kept looking around the table to make sure everyone got their due. I feel like that is Och’s true legacy as a leader. You know he heard people talking about how he needed to take over the game, but he knew THIS team was better together. His individual game would never match that of what they could do as a team.
To @drgnslayr 's point, that all does make me miss Jaybate all the more. For all the knowledge, snark and wit, for the most part he never worked to tear others down unless they were truly trolls asking for it.
@drgnslayr I’ve been of the opinion that he simply hasn’t LOOKED to score at KU yet. Not that he CAN’T score. His jumper is not great but not terrible, his floater game is ok, and he has the ability to convert some tough takes at the rim. He’s seemed to be able to get into the paint when he wants to. I don’t think it’s out of the realm of possibility for him to take a significant step forward in the scoring department next year.
As far as team cohesion goes, I give a ton of credit to Och. He was a mostly quiet leader who led by example and was careful that every time he spoke to make sure his words reflected his values. That note to whoever took his room just solidified in my mind that 22 championship belongs to Och. His teammates saw his dedication, knew why he came back, and played for him. I can’t count how many post game interviews with players other than och focused on HIS work ethic and how “he’s our guy.” He will be missed and losing his leadership more than his skills will be the most likely reason we don’t repeat. It will be up to Juan and Wilson to pick up that torch. We will see if they can do it. I also have some wild hope that Yes takes a big step forward in this regard but I think I’m a bit out on a limb there.
As far as the NIL vs love of the program stuff, it definitely is both. Hard to feel appreciated when you know you are undervalued. Hard to build trust and love for a program if you are feeling exploited. People leave jobs when they are underpaid, undervalued, underutilized. Most people are looking for balance and will take less money for a job they really want, or put up with a job they hate for more money but there are limits on both those extremes.
Numbers don’t lie. Sit Harris. Start Jank.
Was that Harris kid any good?
@approxinfinity said in Land Thieves Shooty Hoops:
Wild take: Juan is the focus of the offense next year and on Wooden Watch!
I will laugh so hard when he averages 19 and 7 a game. lol.
I think @BShark is right about the slow release. He tried to shoot vs UCF and got swatted.
I also find it contradictory that @kuballin10 says he doesn’t create for others but follows it up with an example of him moving the ball to get someone else an open shot, describes him completing a difficult post entry pass for an easy bucket, and then explains how he creates for others in the pick and roll. Those are all creating for others AND show an attacking mentality.
I didn’t watch all of the OSU game but do feel in the last few INCLUDING the loss to UCF Juan has been hunting his shot with a few floaters and drives trying to score.
And like it or not, Juan is a gamer. He rises to the occasion when he’s most needed. He single handedly flipped the script in several games on the way to and including the National Championship so he will forever have my respect as a baller. Is he a perfect point guard? No. But no one is.
This team has the tools to win 6 games in March and Juan is one of those tools. He’s not a swiss army knife, but he generally does what he’s needed to do pretty well.
These Hawks also have the potential to lose in the first or second round. While this is always true, this year especially, this team has some vaulted ceilings. They can look really pretty but are really far from the floor and can be a struggle heat in cool in extreme weather.