Here we go...
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Ku Fans and college basketball aficionados,
Rock Chalk Jayhawk! Time to get our mind back on our favorite team in our favorite sport for the 2020-21 season. Nothing like college basketball for a KU alumni and avid supporter. Could this be the year?
First, a quick note of reverence for the 1999-20 team who was built for March. I had my money on KU to win it all: Big Man All-American dominate in the paint, Point Guard All American fast and tough in the tradition of Frank, Devonte and all those all KU lead guard superstars over the years; Best Defense All American(POY) in the nation; good enough role players and shooters to make this group upset proof; and finally, Best Coach at crunch time to increase our chances “when the popcorn starts popping”… I liked our chances a lot last year and we had the perfect college fit and chemistry to go all the way. We were on a role, getting better. Dok and Dot and Marcus were not going to let us lose. Only this new season helps turn the page…
Water under the bridge…onward to the new team which will kick off the year against number one Gonzaga this week to the great enjoyment of all.
First the veterans: Marcus – super stud, vocal and physical leader, best defensive player in the country, very high BB IQ, a coach on the floor on both ends who will have to do it on both ends of the court this year; he will, and he will hit his free throws when it matters most Big Dave – high energy, high talent, hustle and clutch, one of the best big men in the conference, smooth stoke from 15 feet and a good free throw shooter; no fear; loves a challenge and loves his team; will be the man in paint with big minutes this year Ochai – future pro who knows how to compete and win; under-rated on D; clutch and cool under pressure; will rebound and pass better this year; more consistent scorer; team player who will continue to improve Mitch – “if you cut his chest open, a Jayhawk would fly out” Snacks; solid, tough, five year senior who is hungry for a championship to crown his KU experience Christian – mandatory Kansas boy who surprises everyone with is very solid and consistent play; clutch shooter (no hesitation, no shaky arm, super smooth stroke); hustle all over both ends of the court; he is good and getting better Tristan – future pro in Europe; four-year player at Kansa who will get a lot better every game he plays (double digit playing time); he will personally win us a game or two this year; still raw but lots of talent
Then the first-year players:
Jalen – maybe the best athlete on the team; loves to mix it up down low with bigger, heavier opponents; a little rust to shake off before conference play starts; good, solid performances off the bench; we need his toughness on the boards and guarding his man Dajuan – back up point guard to spell Marcus from bringing it up the court every time; small but tough, sticky D with quick hands; chomping at the bit to get some action this year; will become a KU fan favorite over the next four years Tyon – hot and cold but capable of a 25-point performance on any given night against any competition; might be slow to adjust o Bill Self’s system which does not favor free-lance play; might be slow to adjust to physical Big 12 play; a factor at the end of the year for sure if he can stay healthy, wild card Brice – our best pro prospect who will be lights out after a month or two; team-player looking to contribute to team success; he will fit into the KU system on O and D perfectly after he learns where to go and what to do and can play to the scouting report; uber-talented who is a little light to mix it up, one more year of muscle as a sophomore to become a team leader and a first round NBA draft pick Latrell – very small Jethro – very big Non-Schollies – good group, maybe Chris Teahan can win us a game this year by knocking down a couple of threes in a game on the road against a zone? Coaching – good job of fending off the NCAA and keeping the student-athletes focused on studies and basketball and staying safe and isolated from COVID; Bill wants a title, Bill needs a title, Bill deserves another title; last year was the perfect team to go and get another one; this year, not so sure, need fast development of the bench players to get excellence by committee (different guy every night, great team D as always; can we score in bunches? Stroke the three with consistency? Can we rebound with the best big, strong, talented teams? … not sure yet)
Anyway, we will have a highly entertaining group of players and the team will gel quickly, great chemistry right out of the gate. Gonzaga has seniors and shooters and guys who really know how to play the game, especially at the start of the season. Good eyeball test for our new team. I think we will lose a close one, after falling behind early, and clawing our way back. Should be fun to watch.
By year end, our team will be better and baring injuries or stoppage, we will make a run at Baylor for the Big 12 and maybe even a run to the Final Four. Rock Chalk!
Happy Thanksgiving!
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Has Gonzaga played an exhibition game? Kentucky? I’m trying to embrace the change, or at least not hate it. No exhibitions for KU, just going to go out and play the preseason number 1 team. Well, I do admire Coach Self’'s courage. I no longer use a DVR, so Thanksgiving dinner will just have to wait. Rock Chalk.
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Honestly just hoping KU doesn’t get completely blown out.
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@BShark said in Here we go...:
Honestly just hoping KU doesn’t get completely blown out.
I’ve tried looking a that and I just can’t see that happening - -IF we lose which we very easily could, I don’t see a blow out - -I would be looking more in reality of a 8-9 point loss. I just really can’t see double digits - -could be my Crimson showing through. I just think it will be close. If KU wins i can’t see it being more then a 4-5 point win, i just hope they get to play.
Might feel different AFTER the game but wanna see how it plays out. - - ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY
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Nice optimistic view of things.
While I’m excited about this team and how they will come together i have a lot of concerns about the overall talent level and the lack of a normal offseason. I wouldn’t be surprised if some guys made some real improvement individually but as a team they have basically had zero time together to mesh. I’m expecting some sloppy chemistry early.
The good thing is having a Sr point guard, experienced starters at the wing and post and a bunch of talented pieces to mold together. This isn’t a rebuild but it definitely feels like a changing of the guard and that’s what I’m worried about.
As for Gonzaga, KU must play their game and score because Gonzaga has no issue putting up points. I think this is a game that is difficult to predict because both teams are replacing a lot of key players and banking on newcomers and backups to step up.
Schematically I think Gonzaga is a good matchup because historically they are not good defensively and that’s something they struggled with last season while KU had one of the best defenses ever. I give the zags the edge on offense without knowing how KU is getting its points. Big edge to KU defensively which if both advantages play out then we probably have a close game. Regardless of if it’s game 1 or not I’m expecting our veterans to play as such and will be looking to see how Marcus, Ochai and Dave step up into leaders and main scorers. Should be fun to root for our hawks finally
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I will admit I don’t understand some of the takes in the OP. Jalen is an average athlete at best for the P5 level. I could very well see one of Jalen and Tristan transferring out after the season. Basically, whichever one ends up not playing much. Hopefully the more optimistic takes are correct. I am hopeful for Braun and Ochai to take a step forward.
@jayballer67 Gonzaga is a bad match-up I feel. We also have a watch alert for the “kid that KU didn’t recruit hard enough having a career game” in Drew Timme.
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Andrew Nembhard got his waiver. Zags are stupid deep.
As an aside, man he’d look good in crimson and blue.
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A match up 21154 days in the making? Has Bill Self ever beaten Mark Few before? Who is the greatest Dec 27th 1962 Coach? There can be only one!
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http://www2.kusports.com/weblogs/tale-tait/2020/nov/23/kansas-redshirt-freshman-jalen-wilsons-o/
Hope this proves to be correct.
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@BShark said in Here we go...:
http://www2.kusports.com/weblogs/tale-tait/2020/nov/23/kansas-redshirt-freshman-jalen-wilsons-o/
Hope this proves to be correct.
Would be terrific. I still think (or hope, anyhow) TGF steps up and seizes the job because he has the highest ceiling and can be terrific off script. But Wilson’s shooting (which apparently is better now) is intriguing.
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@approxinfinity said in Here we go...:
A match up 21154 days in the making? Has Bill Self ever beaten Mark Few before? Who is the greatest Dec 27th 1962 Coach? There can be only one!
I believe they’ve only squared off once and that was to open the 2001-02 season when Self was still at Illinois and Self won that game by 18. Self also ended that season by losing to KU in the Sweet 16.
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@FarmerJayhawk said in Here we go...:
@BShark said in Here we go...:
http://www2.kusports.com/weblogs/tale-tait/2020/nov/23/kansas-redshirt-freshman-jalen-wilsons-o/
Hope this proves to be correct.
Would be terrific. I still think (or hope, anyhow) TGF steps up and seizes the job because he has the highest ceiling and can be terrific off script. But Wilson’s shooting (which apparently is better now) is intriguing.
Biggest issue I keep reading about TGF from both players and coaches is that his defense is well below average still at this point. That 5th starting spot is going to end up being whichever of the 3 is the best defender right now since that’s what KU is going to have to depend on to make a run this season.
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@stoptheflop said in Here we go...:
Has Gonzaga played an exhibition game? Kentucky? I’m trying to embrace the change, or at least not hate it. No exhibitions for KU, just going to go out and play the preseason number 1 team. Well, I do admire Coach Self’'s courage. I no longer use a DVR, so Thanksgiving dinner will just have to wait. Rock Chalk.
No exhibitions for Gonzaga and UK…they’ve only played their versions of our Late Night In The Phog intrasquad game: “Kraziness In The Kennel” and “Big Blue Madness.”
I lucked out on the timing of the KU game against the Zags. It’s neatly tucked between Thanksgiving church services and dinner at my friends’ place.
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I concur. We have a lot of defensive firepower on the court and that advantage can largely disappear if we have a weakness out there. We will get a good test against the Zags and all their quality experience running Few’s offense.
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Has there been an announcement by Coach Self on the 5 starters? I always hear coaches say that starting is of little consequence, but it’s always interesting to me. Any word or will it be like KU starting QB at the beginning of each year?
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@stoptheflop yes, saw the fifth was Bryce
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@stoptheflop said in Here we go...:
Has there been an announcement by Coach Self on the 5 starters? I always hear coaches say that starting is of little consequence, but it’s always interesting to me. Any word or will it be like KU starting QB at the beginning of each year?
Garrett, Braun, Agbaji and McCormack for sure. 5th not official but I’m expecting it to be Thompson.
I think Self will trust Braun to play the 4 allowing Thompson to be the other ball handler and shooter from the perimeter. Honestly due to Gonzaga’s size wouldn’t be surprised if Enaruna Wilson and TGF rotate a bunch. It may not matter so much who starts but by who stays in the game and who’s playing well
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It is going be an odd game. I expect a lot of miscues on offense from both teams. Defense and someone getting hot and making their own plays is likely to decide this one.
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So the Zag starters should be:
(1) Suggs, PG Fr. 6’4" (11)Ayayi SG Jr. 6’5", last yr. 10pts/6rbs (24)Kispert Wing, Sr. 6’7" 14 pts/4rbs (22)Watson, F So 6’8"; 5pts/3rbs in 15 games (2) Timme, C So 6’10" 10pts/5 rbs in 20 min
I see the Zags have a couple of footers on the bench. How much are we going to miss the luxury of Dok in the paint?
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A lot @stoptheflop
Could get ugly down low.
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The key is we put pressure on the ball to deny the post feeds. I’m not that familiar with the Zags, but guessing Suggs is their big play maker. If he has to contend with Marcus breathing down his neck, it could be a tough offensive night for the Zags. Marcus can disrupt a lot of offense.
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It will be very interesting for sure. - The one thing is Gonzaga lost 4 out of their top 5 scorers, as talented as they are they to have a lot of un known answers at this point, They have plenty of talent there is no doubt , they have Size and i think that’s going to be a huge issue - lots of fouls to give.
Yet that’s why we play the game , it’s not like KU doesn’t have talent maybe not the quality but it’s not like we are a bunch of bums - -that’s why they play the game. Teams may look crazy on paper - -how does that play out on the floor ? I just don’t se us getting blown out by any means. - -1st game of the Season for both teams , neither teams had any exhibition , looking for a messy game - -turnovers , fouls and such. - -this mean I’m saying we get a W , maybe - -maybe not - -just glad College Basketball is back. – ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY
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@BeddieKU23 said in Here we go...:
@stoptheflop said in Here we go...:
Has there been an announcement by Coach Self on the 5 starters? I always hear coaches say that starting is of little consequence, but it’s always interesting to me. Any word or will it be like KU starting QB at the beginning of each year?
Garrett, Braun, Agbaji and McCormack for sure. 5th not official but I’m expecting it to be Thompson.
I think Self will trust Braun to play the 4 allowing Thompson to be the other ball handler and shooter from the perimeter. Honestly due to Gonzaga’s size wouldn’t be surprised if Enaruna Wilson and TGF rotate a bunch. It may not matter so much who starts but by who stays in the game and who’s playing well
Ochai is the 4 in that line up. Garrett is the lead guard, Bryce would be the off-ball guard, Braun the 3 and Ochai will do what the 4 normally does which was basically what Ochai did last season once Self switched over to the 4 guard look.
Ochai’s handles are subpart for a wing player and him playing the 4 role on offense better suits his strengths of setting screens and picks and rolling to the basket for lobs or setting up in the corner for a kick out 3 or back door lob.
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@drgnslayr said in Here we go...:
The key is we put pressure on the ball to deny the post feeds. I’m not that familiar with the Zags, but guessing Suggs is their big play maker. If he has to contend with Marcus breathing down his neck, it could be a tough offensive night for the Zags. Marcus can disrupt a lot of offense.
Gonzaga runs a very similar system to KU where they like to play through their bigs. Jalen Suggs will be playing in his first game and with Andrew Nembhard being ruled eligible, I’m expecting Nembhard to be running point for Gonzaga most of the game over Suggs. Nembhard had the best A/TO ratio in the SEC last season at Florida so I’m fully expecting Few to trust Nembhard over Suggs tomorrow at PG. I also don’t expect Nembhard to be rattled by having Garrett on him, but the chemistry and timing with his new teammates probably won’t be there yet so I think that’s where the mistakes are going to come from with Gonzaga more so than Garrett’s defense.
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It should also be noted that Mark Few has two former Bill Self players on his staff at Gonzaga. Assistant coach Roger Powell played for Self at Illinois and one of Gonzaga’s GAs is former KU walk-on Evan Manning.
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Hmmm , got me wondering - -saw this just now. - -Dick Vitale and Shulman doing the KU/UK , Tuesday and Vitale saying 1st game be doing it from his Home Studio.
Got me to wondering how ARE they doing this with Announcers ? - are the announcers going to be doing these games Courtside o rare all games going to be done remote somehow ? - I don’t know guys - -hadn’t really thought about the announcers. - -What about media ? - -different reporters and such ? - - - Anyone know ?
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@jayballer67 said in Here we go...:
Hmmm , got me wondering - -saw this just now. - -Dick Vitale and Shulman doing the KU/UK , Tuesday and Vitale saying 1st game be doing it from his Home Studio.
Got me to wondering how ARE they doing this with Announcers ? - are the announcers going to be doing these games Courtside o rare all games going to be done remote somehow ? - I don’t know guys - -hadn’t really thought about the announcers. - -What about media ? - -different reporters and such ? - - - Anyone know ?
Same way they’ve been doing football games all year. Some crews will be in person, some will be remote.
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Getting ready to watch see a little of that team down the road. - - K State /Drake
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lol KState
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Welllllllll - - Brucie.- -I do have to say tough I think Pack the point guard will be a decent player for them. - - McGurl - -is McGurl - not impressed. - - ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY
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Worst team in the conference but that’s still a bad L.
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@Texas-Hawk-10 said in Here we go...:
I wonder how long Nembhard has practiced with the starting group? Yes… he’s got the overall experience needed but not with this squad. Since this is game 1 of the season, I’m doubtful Few will have his squad anywhere up to speed with their high-powered offense. I think Nembhard and Suggs will be challenged by Garrett to the point of having it hard to run offense at their tempo. Having Marcus at point is new for us and having him settle down in that position, with his defensive prowess creates an unknown result. It could be as positive as making KU an almost impossible team to beat (if everyone behind Marcus locks down). I’m thinking teams that count heavily on their PG creating offense and setting tempo will have a harder time than teams that run a lot of offense outside of the hands of their PG.
Of course… lots of question marks on the KU squad, too.
I’m hoping for a very hard-fought, close game going back and forth and down to the wire. It could go the other way and one team just come out flat and be smashed like a pancake. Hope that team isn’t us!
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Grimes with a rough opening game for Houston.
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Pretty much every other top program opened their seasons with a bunny game… sigh. Not us.
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@drgnslayr said in Here we go...:
@Texas-Hawk-10 said in Here we go...:
I wonder how long Nembhard has practiced with the starting group? Yes… he’s got the overall experience needed but not with this squad. Since this is game 1 of the season, I’m doubtful Few will have his squad anywhere up to speed with their high-powered offense. I think Nembhard and Suggs will be challenged by Garrett to the point of having it hard to run offense at their tempo. Having Marcus at point is new for us and having him settle down in that position, with his defensive prowess creates an unknown result. It could be as positive as making KU an almost impossible team to beat (if everyone behind Marcus locks down). I’m thinking teams that count heavily on their PG creating offense and setting tempo will have a harder time than teams that run a lot of offense outside of the hands of their PG.
Of course… lots of question marks on the KU squad, too.
I’m hoping for a very hard-fought, close game going back and forth and down to the wire. It could go the other way and one team just come out flat and be smashed like a pancake. Hope that team isn’t us!
no matter how stacked they are /Gonzaga STILL their 1st game too. I think there is a lot of people writing Ku off before they ever step on the floor. - -This is why they play the game just not giving teams a W on paper right ? - Now I’m a realist too I would have to say that true the percentages probably favor the Zags for sure - -but that’s not to say we have no Chance - -ya know ? - -Hell there is a percentage that I might be the next Pope too lol.
I will say that I don’t see any way that we get blown out of this game like some seems that that could happen , again I could be the Pope - if we lose I’m looking more like 7-8 points, ya they have more talent - doesn’t mean we are the YMCA with talent,
The one BIG thing that worries me they do have a lot of depth in the Big’s and I’m afraid that’s where we very easily got get beat up pretty bad. - they have 3 Big’s- -& we have Dave - -then Mitch , and only Lord knows I like me some Mitch but bulk wise frame wise he just can’t match up inside with these guys, and Dave has had a tendency to get in foul trouble - -that can not just happen for us to have any chance.
Having said all that I’m ready for College Basketball roll the ball out and let’s see what happens - -win or lose I’m ready to ROCK & Roll
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Basketball is here!!
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@Bosthawk said in Here we go...:
Pretty much every other top program opened their seasons with a bunny game… sigh. Not us.
Yep that’s Self!
