Why Wiggins Won Me Over
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Well said! He’s one cool cat under the circumstances. We’ve never had such national attention brought to one player. I’m sure Wilt was a big deal at the time but he didn’t have the scrutiny of the instantaneous news cycle not to mention twitter updates on class attendance.
Ever notice how well he reacts to poor officiating? He doesn’t cry or scowl but simply carries on above the fray.
I’m so proud of this kid and know he will represent our university well in the future both in the league and as a citizen of North America!!!
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I’m not real sure what a “mindless” tattoo is. I’ve got a few well thought out tattoos so I’m going to ignore that one.
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Falling on the floor a couple of times doesn’t really constitute getting after it in my book, but hey - a couple of times in 32 games is better than none I guess.
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There was a fellow named Wilt once…
I agree with all your other points - especially #10. He is a defensive beast and that has endeared me to him.
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I think I know what HEM’s point is about the tattoos.
When young kids get them it is one of those “instant gratification” moments. That’s why I made rules with my God kids. Looking at a design for a year made them realize the permanence… and it also took away the instant gratification buzz from having it done without much thought to it. That’s where the “mindless tattoo” comment comes in. Kids should realize their tastes and attitudes will change rapidly as they fight their way through adulthood.
I’m glad I made those rules… 4 of my 5 God kids went ahead without waiting a year. 2 of them kept it a secret for a long time. The 5th kid was afraid of needles. So much for Godfather rules!
I’m considering tattoos now… to cover up some of my scars and wrinkles!
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@drgnslayr so if Wiggins decides at some pt to get them, do we admire him less? Do we have less respect for Releford?
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@HighEliteMajor I’m with slayr, in that I couldn’t like this post enough. It is especially nice seeing it from you, considering I know that you were against the Wiggins experiment (not against Wiggins, but against bringing in any OAD at that position unless it bore the fruit of a national championship). Maybe that hasn’t changed, but it’s nice to see how you can separate that and appreciate the player.
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@HEM Wiggins has won me over as well and your list matches mine. Perhaps a different order (I tend to agree with the Tattoos point, but it’s probably not #1 on my list.)
I would put #6 Class, #7 Humility, #10 Defensive Effort at or near the top.
Also would submit a couple of others:
Eleven – Articulate: For an 18/19-year-old who is getting questions of all sorts and motivations, he’s amazingly poised and thoughtful about his answers and responses. A great ambassador for our team and our university.
Twelve – Sheer Athleticism: See SportsScience: Andrew Wiggins
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It doesn’t drive my respect for anyone. I am doubtful that young kids can make good decisions for their skin at that age… but I won’t hold that against them. But I will take notice of the kids that decided to wait until they are older for something like that. I think it just shows a sign of maturity… that they weren’t swayed by the moment of instant gratification.
Hey… I’m the last guy on earth that is going to pass judgment on anyone for something like that. I may not have gone the way of inking… but I made plenty of instant gratification decisions in my days! And I’m not against quality ink… but hope people make wise decisions. On this… I think kids should wait. Are they at their most cerebral moment in their entire lives at 18? You should be at a pretty high state to make such a permanent commitment. Kind of like marriage… or pregnancy.
In the very least… kids that get tats everywhere have now spent their space on ideas they had as kids. But they will spend most of their lives as adults (unless tragedy occurs). So it seems wise to wait until you are an adult before you paint your canvas complete. Leave blank canvas for later… and then fulfill your desires at the right moment!
Fortunately… I’m done making decisions about it for myself!
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@drgnslayr I’m not a fan of them, but I don’t think it should be a factor of how we judge someone’s character. Look at Tarik, could there be a more Godly man, who also graduated in 3 years? Does anyone really think he’ll have trouble finding a job?
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I totally agree with you. Hair, piercings, tattoos… shouldn’t be a factor in judging someone. But in reality it does impact judgments. The judgments aren’t going to be always bad or good. The person with full body tattoos may have a hard time getting a good job. But that same person might find a mate easier, especially with similar tastes because they are broadcasting their expression. Tattoos also benefit people financially… what if you are trying to make it in a heavy metal band… what? no tattoos? Explain yourself! Or contemporary fine artist…
What I do like is everyone finding their own identity. People are more open to express themselves and who they are. That is a positive… and it puts lots of different looks and feels out there. The diversity will surely help our society in the future because people grow more tolerant.
What bugs me is the permanence. I can only view it within myself. I change my mind constantly… I could never be satisfied with seeing the same design on my body. I’d want to change it constantly. Guess I’m more in line for a henna tattoo!
I don’t think Tar will have a problem finding a job. I’d hire him in a minute!
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@drgnslayr maybe a Mohawk. The kid across from me has one. We won state in fb and he was all state. He’s one bad ass looking dude, he’s soooo not like that!!! It’s a work in progress for me to be more tolerant. I could see Tarik teaching kindergarten, like kindergarten cop.
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My greatest concern, at the outset, was that the signing of Andrew Wiggins might eventually, in some shape or form, tilt or upset the balance of our man at the helm of Jayhawk Basketball. At this stage, I feel comfortable in dismissing any vestige of such concerns. If anything, Bill Self has grown and probably broadened his future scope and impact on Division 1 Hoops as it is best administered and played. If my son or grandson were an ubertalented recruit, I would pay heed to the attention of a coach who was selective enough to evaluate and bring the likes of Andrew Wiggins into his esteemed program; a coach who could tutor and develop such talent to steady ascension regardless of unreal pressures from external media hype and fan expectations. It is, indeed, to be respectfully acknowledged that the two human beings involved have handled the situation so comfortably. Two very talented, very special people.
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@REHawk perfectly said!
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@HighEliteMajor -If I had three friggin thumbs they’d all be up! Great thread HEM !! As you raise the bar for those who post their opinions & observations on buckets, Andrew is the OAD that literally sets the bar for each & every kid that plays, not just the OAD’s. The thing I enjoy about him the most is #6. I’m old school in that I don’t believe there is any room for showboating on the court. Butkus once said if you make a play & act as if it’s something special, think again dumbass-that’s what you’re supposed to do. Also many employers will refuse to hire people with any tattoos that cannot be covered by clothing, however I don’t think it’s a problem in the profession he has chosen. In some Asian countries, criminals are still tattooed as a formal permanent public show of disgrace. Shows how unrefined people of this country are IMO. Coachable, likable, humble, subtle, you swished em all HEM. And since he truly is what he is, we may never be satisfied with another OAD again. But this kid is a real jewel, and a damn good athlete & player to boot. Again HEM, damn great post-sorry but I only have 2 thumbs !
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Also for those who read this chatter & are not knowledgeable in some of the cultures & ways of the world, do not offer your left hand in friendship to those of mid eastern nations. LOL. They use their left hand right before they scoot like a dog & they may take it personal !! Just sayin…
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Excellent points HEM. I am not a fan of tattoos; to me they are cry for attention.
Also, Wiggins has dove to the floor a lot more that two times this season.
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@HighEliteMajor I love all these things about Wiggins, and as others have mentioned ANY player OAD or otherwise could learn something about the points you made. More than anything I like the way he carries himself on and off the court. Great young man with some great parenting.
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I will simplify my reasoning for liking Andrew Wiggins over a lot of OADs.
He’s a player. He’s not arrogant or selfish. He just plays the game like he’s been there before.
That’s why he didn’t go to Kentucky
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Definitely agree with all of these points. I am very satisfied with Andrews improvement over the 8 months he’s been here. At times I question his want to, but I also understand that some of us are reserved in our behavior until we become comfortable in a new environment. He has been showing us the last few weeks what many of us knew he could do.
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@HighEliteMajor-There’s little doubt that Wigs could be thought of as an equal to our most prized All American Jayhawks ever, if he were to play 3 or 4 years. They may have broken the mold for Andrew, but what a breath of fresh air he has given our program & the CBB OAD’s everywhere.
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@JRyman you know, you nailed it exactly, he chose Kansas! He knew what that meant as opposed to the razzle dazzle of other schools. Wiggins coming here has a tremendous effect for recruiting, along w/others programs showing their true colors! We have always been about team. Kansas players understand that! I’m hoping to see Wiggins do a little fist pumping in the coming weeks, I love it!
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@drgnslayr ewwww! Thanks so much!
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Word was he was trying to negotiate out of coming to KU during the summer.
Never heard of that one before. Can anyone else confirm that? Thanks.
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There has been tons of gossip since Andrew chose Kansas… most of it, no doubt, from our competitors, both schools and certain biased media.
That claim makes no sense at all. First… Andrew carefully made his selection, so he wasn’t going to just jump out of it. That may be the case with lots of these recruits that don’t tackle their college experience with respect and dedication. I seriously doubt Andrew tried to get out of his commitment. Second… what other option offered him more? Remember, part of his decision was to be close to his brother at WSU.
Oops… I guess you meant not coming to Lawrence for the summer instead of leaving the Jayhawk team all together. Well… my bad… and now I’ll just start another rumor.
Probably a rumor started by Cal. He must have been in tears over losing Andrew.
Andrew is a perfect candidate for false rumors because he always stays quiet… so unless a false rumor builds into something huge and destructive, he won’t be out denying anything. He’s too low key to get involved with daily gossip.
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@Wishawk I thought he was going to play some summer ball w/his Canadian team.
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And don’t believe anything about Wiggins not coming to UK because he didn’t want to attend summer school. He’s planning to spend a month in the Czech Republic playing with the Canadian national team this summer and that’s why he won’t be in summer school with his future Kansas teammates. “I just know he’s relieved to have this all behind him and had a hard time making this decision,” Price said. “But he really is a great kid and I hope everyone respects the decision he made.”
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The real underground gossip was that Andrew worked for the CIA (Canadian Intelligence Agency) and was heading off to teach Latin at Fort McMurray in Alberta.
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Here is an excellent read from Jesse. Sure glad he is still around…
This is some key information to know, especially potentially later on in the tourney, if we get our game with Syracuse.
As many of you know, there are ways to attack the Syracuse zone. And like any other zone, you attack at the seams and edges.
If we are able to draw the Syracuse guards out high, that leaves a sweet spot around the FT line for a quick player, like Andrew, to dart in and get his shot.
After reading Jesse’s piece, it is apparent we would want to put in some practice perfecting Andrew in this role. The practice would have to involve making sure Andrew has flowing catch-and-shoots in this seam. Another thing to work on… use Wayne in the same role. Actually, what works best is to have both our wings attack from 3 and in this seam.
I hope we get our shot at Syracuse!
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@drgnslayr and @Crimsonorblue22 I remember a lot of chatter of about Wiggins not coming during summer school, but I’d never heard he ever questioned his commitment to KU. So it’s a surprise to learn he was trying to “negotiate out of coming to KU”. Actually I commend his commitment to his country. It’s always the highest honor to play/fight for one’s country. So I’d have supported his desire to play for this national team, even if it was for U19 in the summer.
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He was never trying to get out of his commitment… and I’m doubtful he tried to negotiate out of summer attendance either. He spoke many times about the importance of creating cohesion quickly with the Jayhawks and that being here with the other teammates was vital.
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@HEM. Good points all around. Thanks for doing. Did you copy and paste it to the other forum for all the Debbie Downers over there?
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@drgnslayr trying to remember, Self ok’d his summer commitment and then Wiggins changed his mind and came anyway? Something like that. It was all public knowledge, nothing secretive!
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@RockChalkinTexas - Nah, I didn’t. Didn’t see the point. Some days I do see the point. Most days I don’t.
@wishawk - I perhaps phrased that wrong. Should have said “It had been rumored …” as opposed to “Word was …” I think it was all baloney. And that’s kind of what I meant. There was the discussion that he wanted to play on the Canada team; there was discussion that he wanted to show up late and not take summer classes.
@drgnslayr pretty much summed up my feelings on the tattoo thing. Appreciate that explanation.
@bskeet – my list wasn’t in any particular order, but maybe listing the tattoo thing first was a subconscious “first test” for me. But maybe not. I have nothing but good things to say about Tarik Black, as well (except for the early foul stuff).
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@drgnslayr I waited until I was 53 to get my first one, so I feel like I didn’t just jump right into it! lol
I also talked to (ok, asked) my wife, my pastor and my kids before I did it. I spent a lot of time researching who I wanted to do it and could not be happier with my tattoo artist. I’ve got two very nice, quality tattoos right now and have an appointment for another one in the next few months.
They are located where nobody will see them unless I have my shirt off ( Oh LORD! ) so it’s not like I’m jumping up and down saying " look at me, look at me ! ".
Anyway, I know it’s not for everyone, but I’m very happy with mine. Maybe we should talk about gardening or something??
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Someone earlier mentioned that tattoos are a “cry for attention”, from here forward referred to as CFA.
I didn’t want to call that individual out or reply directly as that might constitute a CFA and besides, after much consideration, I believe this individual is correct.
SO - I spent my day:
Painting my house white with light gray trim.
Traded my maroon Jeep for a less gaudy tan one.
Got my haircut and shaved my mustache. I blend in much more nicely now.
Had my wife get rid of her earrings, jewelry and high heels - VERY ostentatious!
We got rid of all brightly colored clothes - now we only have white, gray and flat black. Shiny black is kind of " looky here!!" ya know.
I told a guy with a red 'vette that he should be ashamed of himself. He apologized and said he would trade it in for a beige 1987 Chysler Cordoba. He seemed like a man of his word.
I had to apologize to a whole restaurant full of people when I pumped my fist in the air and said " whooo hoooooo " at the end of the Ohio State game. One of my worst CFA displays ever…
OK - refer to jaybate 1.0 disclaimer. - no malice, all in fun. If I was serious, that would be a CFA and I simply will not have that.
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@nuleafjhawk If you do all those things, you’d fit in in Johnson County wonderfully.
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I have a tattoo no one can find on my body. Yes… it is REALLY, REALLY small. But I was in a jam one night with a group of biker friends and we were all wasted and out on the town. They all got huge tattoos at the end of the night (to go with their other tattoos), and I think they were going to hold me down and have it done if I didn’t accept one. I have nothing against tattoos, but I have a respect for my body and only will get one if it fits me right. That went down 20+ years ago.
I used to be a merchant marine, and guys would put their ships on their arms, like old sailors did. I always relate tattoos in that way, and so they have very deep meanings to me. I have a hard time understanding most tattoos, but I respect everyone’s decision for themselves. For me, if I was to get one it would be the ship I was most fond of working on in the North Sea… Astrid!
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@nuleafjhawk I like the old nuleafjhawk better! Anyone can be beige! I’m so glad you are not! Are you going to share what tats you have? After what you said about your shirt off, I’ll pass on pics! Jk
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“trying to remember, Self ok’d his summer commitment and then Wiggins changed his mind and came anyway? Something like that. It was all public knowledge, nothing secretive!”
Might be the case. I just recall Andrew himself making comments about the importance of him being here with his new teammates.
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@drgnslayr really? What and where is it?
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Ha… that’s a secret. But it isn’t inside an orifice or under hair. It is impossible to find, and I’ve made bets if anyone can find it and so far no one has. Then I show them, and they realize. The color of the tattoo is that standard blue/green. My wife looked twice, an hour each time, and couldn’t find it. Obviously, she knows now!
Funny thing… it actually fits me right. I’m lucky the tattoo artist was cool and helped me with the decision. One of those late nights in Amsterdam…
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@drgnslayr hhmmmm, really? Have me wondering? Maybe on your deathbed you will tell us???
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After I hung up my high tops (after knee surgery), my personality changed.
I went for long hair, all the way down my back, and for a while I went with a Dali mustache! I miss that thing… but it was a heck of a lot of work! I made my own mustache wax. On really hot days it went wild!
The mustache is long gone… many moons ago. But I still have a tail!
Still have one ear pierced from my days at sea.
I may be stuck on land… but I’m still a dry pirate! Still have a nice motorbike, too! I’ve had a motorbike continuously for the last 41 years! It used to be my only transport in Northern Europe. I loved riding in snow! Big boots and kicked my legs out… I could haul a$s in a straight line! People couldn’t believe their eyes… a motorbike flying through snow! Naturally, I had enduro tires.
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I agree with all of the above. Though a short timer, he has shown the qualities we hope for in all of our players after his ups and downs.
But these issues still kind of jump out at me:
–35% from trey;
–34% from 15 feet to trey;
–shaky right hand dribble;
–almost no left hand dribble.
–not many assists;
–turnovers.
But to close on a high note, what I notice about Wigs is that he has a demeanor reminiscent of Joe Dimaggio, who I used to see in a restaurant in San Francisco from time to time years ago, when he was in his Mr. Coffee years. Like Joe, Wigs exudes a deep, unaffected confidence. He is very graceful. He has a kind of charisma rooted in his calmness. He doesn’t smile a lot but when he does it casts a lot of light.
If he ever is allowed to practice his jump shot, work on his dribble, especially his left hand, then I think his TOs will fall and he may then be able to broaden his court focus enough that he can make assists. A player with his athleticism, confidence, quiet grace, that also had the fundamentals of perimeter basketball knocked would become the Yankee Clipper of professional basketball. The NBA needs that after the long dose of in your face personalities.
Go, Wigs, go!
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@Crimsonorblue22 I have one on each shoulder. I’ll dig up a picture of them one of these days, because trying to describe them never really does them justice. There are long winded stories to go with them too…
I’ll do some shameless advertising though - the tatoo artist is named Jessie Hopeless and in my book - she’s the best!! She works at Exile Tattoo in Kansas City - just a couple of blocks from the KU Med Center. If anyone decides they want a tattoo - call now - she’s booked about 12 months out. It’s worth the wait.
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@nuleafjhawk that would be cool to see. If I ever decide to get one, thanks for the info. Pretty sure Jaybate might take you up on that info and get a wiggins tat on his left bicep, or wigs shooting per cents.
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I doubt wiggins is worried about a future job interview (and someone who would base a hire on ink better be getting ready to retire anyway!), but I agree that his bare skin says a lot more about his own self confidence than those dumb 3s Marcus Smart has on the backs of his fat arms.
Of all the OAD’s this year, I’m pretty happy with the ones Self landed.
