Next Year's Team Thread
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@Kcmatt7 I feel like unless Udeh is a stiff he should end up getting some run. Probably as the primary back-up big. I can see some concerns about having him and Juan out there. It would be somewhat alleviated by the fact that well, the opponent has to score on that line-up too.
I think ultimately for the deep tournament/serious games rotation you are generally looking at 7 guys. So you need one back-up big, and a back-up guard. After that it’s basically spot minute duty depending on injuries, foul situations, match-ups etc… Having the primary back-up guard be a small guard does make a lot of sense as it offers some flexibility.
Winning the title was great for so many reasons. I think going forward we can attract a lot of “one last rodeo” guys as needed. Guys like Remy, JCL that have been on nothing but bad teams and want to experience winning, use Self and the staff for connections (JCL) etc… Even if it’s in a bench role, some guys will want that experience once in college.
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KJ is really best suited for Wilson’s role. He came out of high school with a loose handle and a jumper that needed to develop, so he played where his athleticism was most useful - as a 5 in small lineups. Go back and watch his HS plays. He was a perimeter player as much as an interior one. He just wasn’t far enough along in his development to play full time on the wing. But he’s a 3/4, not a 4/5. He’s the guy that could make a real leap in development. He played less than 200 minutes all season. His athleticism and defense were evident this year. If his offense comes along, he could be a real problem.
Clemence is the one that is a mystery to me. His skill level is obvious. But how does he fit in without a true 5? He would be best suited to play as a stretch 4, rather than having to bang on the interior. Think of him as a less polished Brady Manek - a guy that can step out and shoot, but is best utilized with a bruiser inside to rebound and protect the rim. Udeh probably is not that guy next year, but if the right option shows up in the transfer portal, that could solve that problem while Udeh develops.
If Braun and Wilson are not back, we could see both Dick and Rice starting. Rice is much further along (it appears) with his ball handling and shooting, so he will likely be ready to contribute on Day 1. Obviously, if both Braun and Wilson come back, Rice is probably coming off the bench, but if not, I imagine he starts quickly, if not immediately. Dick is ready out of the box as a shooter, and probably is more prepared to contribute early than Christian Braun was coming out of HS. Figuring out roles of these two will depend on if Braun and Wilson are back, but they will both have some sort of role.
Self probably won’t target a guard unless it is a known sniper at the 2 that is over 6-4. With Harris, Yesufu and Pettiford already in house, there’s no need to bring in another guard unless it is someone that has already demonstrated they can shoot 40% or so from three and gives you a bigger wing player (someone in the mold of JCL).
KU may look to the portal for a bigger interior player, though. Because that isn’t Clemence’s style, getting someone to fill that void would be a serious upgrade for next year.
Nijel Pack or Terrence Shannon would be great additions for KU on the wing, though I doubt KU gets either. Manny Bates might be the best fit inside, as he is a top notch shot blocker at 6-11, 230 from NC State. The downside for him is that he missed the season with a shoulder problem, but if he is fully healthy, he would have two years of eligibility.
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@justanotherfan I think we are gonna play Zach at the 5 but I agree it’s not his style.
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@BShark I could see Zach and KJ playing together in a weird high low type of game. Zach being able to pop and shoot it, KJ maybe driving ala Wilson. We know KJ can switch on D basically 1-5 and I just don’t see Self letting that skill ride the bench. KJ is the next Marcus Garret. Super defender, gonna need to learn how to score.
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I do wonder if KJ has more offensive skills than we are aware of simply because this team never needed his type of skills on that side of the floor. There was no room for him to drive because we had plenty of other guys to do that. Maybe I’m dreaming but with his quickness, strength, and bounce he just HAS to develop into a guy who can take it to the hoop and finish above and around the rim.
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I know some are high on Clemence, but even late in the season against the 16 seed he looked way out of his element. I don’t think you can for sure count on major production from him.
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KJ is going to get an NFL tryout for TE once he’s done at KU…LOL.
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@HawkChamp said in Next Year's Team Thread:
I know some are high on Clemence, but even late in the season against the 16 seed he looked way out of his element. I don’t think you can for sure count on major production from him.
Some includes the coaching staff. Bobby as well, who really just needs to stay healthy.
I feel like he was coming along then he had the foot injury. Good stretch against the Oklahoma schools after that then right back to deep bench. Another offseason will help. I think he starts but total minutes will depend on the match-up. Probably ends up around 15 minutes a game while starting. Bigs by committee unless we bring in an absolute stud.
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Anyone worried about Juan? He looked least enthused of the guys on the stage at the press conference post game. Not used to the spotlight? Sad about his boys leaving him behind? Still mad he stepped out? Wondering why he didn’t close out the game? I don’t know. Just got a weird vibe from him in that press conference. I love the kid and want him to start at PG until he graduates to be clear. Did I imagine something or did anyone else notice anything?
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@benshawks08 He’s fine.
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Self and Och both called Juan out for turning the game around right at the start of the second half by his D. Inspired the rest of them to get after it too.
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@Crimsonorblue22 I might have already mentioned this but Case drew up the play to open the 2nd half.
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@BShark that was a banger! Loved how it used Harris in that screen action. Almost wish we’d run it a few more times to see if they could figure out how to stop it.
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@benshawks08 said in Next Year's Team Thread:
Anyone worried about Juan? He looked least enthused of the guys on the stage at the press conference post game. Not used to the spotlight? Sad about his boys leaving him behind? Still mad he stepped out? Wondering why he didn’t close out the game? I don’t know. Just got a weird vibe from him in that press conference. I love the kid and want him to start at PG until he graduates to be clear. Did I imagine something or did anyone else notice anything?
No, he’s just a naturally reserved and shy dude.
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@HawkChamp It seems to me like Zach will be more of a stretch 4 option, and as he develops, play the 3 in the League. I realize a stretch 4 is not really Coach Self’s style, but if he can knock down shots reliably, then hey. Darrell Arthur was the last to play that style, unless I’m forgetting about someone.
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@SlickRockJayhawk everyone always wanted perry to shoot the three more…
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@SlickRockJayhawk marcus morris
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@SlickRockJayhawk Dedrick Lawson before Doke’s injury.
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@rockchalkwyo said in Next Year's Team Thread:
@SlickRockJayhawk Dedrick Lawson before Doke’s injury.
Dedric was never a stretch 4.
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With Clemence at the 5, especially if Wilson returns, could we see the high-low make a come back next season, at least as a part of the offense?
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@BeddieKU23 - in my gut, I think Jalen & Christian return. Jalen knows he needs further prep and can obtain a higher pick in the draft. Otherwise, he’s back and forth to the G League? Christian is true blue KU. They both can be next years stars, propelling the team deep into the NCAAT. IMHO.
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@BShark I’m now sold on having a real pure shooter. Clearly is need come tourney time. Obviously a shooter who can be coached to play good D, otherwise he won’t see the floor under Self.
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@Bosthawk said in Next Year's Team Thread:
@BShark I’m now sold on having a real pure shooter. Clearly is need come tourney time. Obviously a shooter who can be coached to play good D, otherwise he won’t see the floor under Self.
https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/isiaih-mosley-1.html
This is the guy. Very very tight with CB and Dajuan. Not in the portal yet. Declared for the draft to test the waters, has not hired an agent.
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Hopefully they both return like your predicting. It’s the difference between reloading vs a transition type season
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Da boys
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@BShark said in Next Year's Team Thread:
@Bosthawk said in Next Year's Team Thread:
@BShark I’m now sold on having a real pure shooter. Clearly is need come tourney time. Obviously a shooter who can be coached to play good D, otherwise he won’t see the floor under Self.
https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/isiaih-mosley-1.html
This is the guy. Very very tight with CB and Dajuan. Not in the portal yet. Declared for the draft to test the waters, has not hired an agent.
Mosley went to HS with Harris. They were in the same HS class, and would have gone to college together if Harris hadn’t switched to KU. I would not be surprised if Mosley ended up in Lawrence if his draft feedback isn’t to his liking.
Mosley would be a perfect replacement for Agbaji while Rice and Dick transition to college, then you have a five headed perimeter monster with Harris, Mosley, Braun, Rice and Dick. Even if KU doesn’t fully solve their interior depth issues, I wouldn’t be afraid of going to battle with that group plus KJ, Wilson, Clemence, Yesufu and Pettiford. You’re a bit light inside, but can absolutely punish people on the perimeter and in transition.
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@BShark What is great about that picture is it shows how kids all grow at different times. Braun ends up the tallest!
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@justanotherfan said in Next Year's Team Thread:
@BShark said in Next Year's Team Thread:
@Bosthawk said in Next Year's Team Thread:
@BShark I’m now sold on having a real pure shooter. Clearly is need come tourney time. Obviously a shooter who can be coached to play good D, otherwise he won’t see the floor under Self.
https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/isiaih-mosley-1.html
This is the guy. Very very tight with CB and Dajuan. Not in the portal yet. Declared for the draft to test the waters, has not hired an agent.
Mosley went to HS with Harris. They were in the same HS class, and would have gone to college together if Harris hadn’t switched to KU. I would not be surprised if Mosley ended up in Lawrence if his draft feedback isn’t to his liking.
Mosley would be a perfect replacement for Agbaji while Rice and Dick transition to college, then you have a five headed perimeter monster with Harris, Mosley, Braun, Rice and Dick. Even if KU doesn’t fully solve their interior depth issues, I wouldn’t be afraid of going to battle with that group plus KJ, Wilson, Clemence, Yesufu and Pettiford. You’re a bit light inside, but can absolutely punish people on the perimeter and in transition.
Only concern with Mosley is athleticism (which is probably what keeps him out of the draft). I think the big thing is he will add shooting that is sorely needed. If CB does come back, that is some more shooting as well.
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Scouting report on Mosley
STRENGTHS Big guard that scores in bunches with efficiency Shot creator and shot maker; Professional scorer
Shifty handle with offensive creativity Makes defenders dance on his island Great combination of hesi’s, lift fakes, jab series and reverse pivots High level isolation scorer Does most of his damage off the dribble Strong frame can score in low or mid post Excellent soft touch finish package Finishes floaters with both hands Good rebounder Efficient shooter from deep Defenders can’t stop him from getting to his spots Terrific free throw shooter AREAS TO IMPROVE | CONCERNS Can be too isolation focused NBA role? Can he be a complimentary player? Passing Ball stopper? A lot of no pass possessions Funny looking release on shot but it goes in AST/TO ratio
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Agree on the athleticism part. He is not a bouncy athlete.
I have to give him credit though. He knows how to create exactly enough space with his body, his dribble, and his footwork to get his shots off. And when he gets his shots off, they go in.
He reminds me a bit of Khris Middleton in that he isn’t an eye popping athlete, but he can get buckets.
After watching his highlights, I’m not sure he comes back to college. He is going to DESTROY people in workouts. He may not do well against the tape measure, but when he gets on the floor, people are going to have nightmares guarding him. He’s an exceptional shooter. His handle is great. He understands pace and spacing on a pro level (underrated skill).
He’s hard to guard because he’s strong enough that you can’t bully him, he shoots 90% from the line, so if you get your hands on him he will make you pay. You can’t play off him because he shoots 45% from three. He has an “old man” game in the paint with fakes, shakes, scoops and other deception to score at that level. He will cook people in individual workouts.
If he’s in Lawrence next year, this team will be crazy good. But I’m not sure he will be in Lawrence. He looks ready for the next level.
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He is EXTREMELY crafty. Because well, he had to be to get to this level. He would be an amazing addition and well, the rumors are very positive right now that’s for sure.
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Man a 50/40/90 guy. Even in college that’s impressive!
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I think there is a key variable that could drive CB and/or Jalen to return that is easy to overlook/mis-estimate and that’s NIL. NIL is new and we haven’t seen its effect in the off season yet.
First, let me state that I’m not an expert on NIL… I just have a perfunctory understanding of how this could work.
With that caveat, I posit that the NC is THE PERFECT opportunity for KU to help guys get sponsors and take advantage of their NIL. Branding/marketing is a follow the leader industry. If we can get these guys some success, it will lead to more success. That means it becomes an engine keeping the marginal NBA guys at KU just a bit longer as they develop to lottery picks and draws in talent that wants success in the sport and their NIL business.
KU should be working to get Remy connected to some brands right now to show transfers what is possible. And they should be working to get some brands interested in Jalen and CB and maybe even Dave. Imagine if all three had deals that let them earn some significant $$ while they played their final season and moved themselves into a lottery position. It could pioneer a new way of operating and allow college basketball to actually be a viable farm league for the NBA.
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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.
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@benshawks08 yes!
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@benshawks08 said in Next Year's Team Thread:
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.
https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/isiaih-mosley-1.html
He’s gonna post up for us so much if it happens. TRICKY player. Also would do work as a ft line zone killer.
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@BShark I’ve been trying to avoid your posts about this guy so I do t get excited for someone who never comes to Kansas!
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@BShark https://twitter.com/kuhoops/status/1512600502390951942?s=21&t=tYTi5qjSrMf-EvVSWVEBmg
A recruiting pitch?
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@BShark the natty trophy waits for no half eaten sandwich in your lap
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Jalen
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@benshawks08 I thought that was interesting too, especially because Jay Wright uses the guard post up. After getting past Villanova, perhaps Coach Self decided to try it since KU was wary of Villanova using the guard post up.
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I think it’s used more than just by nova.
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Och showed how to do it last year. Throw early hat in the ring and learn from the experience… what to work on… and return.
Both CB and JWil should do the same thing. If either lands a legitimate shot for guarantee NBA money, they should take it. Do I find it likely? No… but I’m not a pro scout.
My other question mark is on Big Dave. Isn’t he scheduled for surgery now on his bad wheel?
Actually… if he can become 100% next year I think he should return. What are his NBA chances now, with a bad wheel and footwork troubles? If you look at Big Dave’s progress as a Jayhawk, he could possibly return and raise his game considerably if he can finally be 100%. Do I see this as realistic? Probably not returning… but… should.
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I’m licking my chops on the possibility next year of having a dream team!
If… CB, JWil, and a fixed DMac returned…
CB and JWil both lift their game another 20% (as they did last year from the year before), and DMac playing his best ball… and I DEFINITELY expect Juan to make at least that much improvement, too!
Rice and Dick will surely find valuable minutes and contributions. KJ and our newbie bigs will surely compensate more than the loss of Lightfoot.
My only question would be… can these guys develop enough of a chip to where they absolutely HAVE TO win the title (like they did this year)?
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Will Pettiford qualify for a medical redshirt? Was his injury in the first half of the season and did he play in less than 30% of the season, if these are still the rules? I should have paid more attention during the season.
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@stoptheflop can’t play at all.
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@drgnslayr I just don’t want these new guys have to sit. I think we’ll lose them.
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Expect CB to leave.
