My crisis of faith in Bill
-
@approxinfinity You got it cause I’m done on this topic with this individual , not appreciated what was said but sure ain’t nothing but a thing Sorry
As a matter of fact , think it’s time to take a break from here , I know that will make a lot of people rejoice, have a party it’s all good. People don’t like what I have to say- -so be it Thanks approx you have a good board - well for the most part-- -ROCK CHALK
-
@SlimShaddy54 you’re good man. Take a breather.
-
@Texas-Hawk-10 @Kcmatt7 yeah, i fell asleep thinking about how that Syracuse zone might have benefited White. Selden def had the higher ceiling on the defensive end.
So Self recruits White and Greene and then declares that threes are fools gold. Thats their biggest asset as players. I am not going to pin this all on Self. Things change and we are always trying to win. Players become available and you recruit over other players. It happens. And yes, looking back the talent pipeline at that time was strong.
But it was unfortunate for White nonetheless.
I think the biggest moral of the story imo is “if you arent a good defender don’t play for Bill Self”. It just is not going to end well.
-
@approxinfinity Greene was also anticipated to be the better player as well over White. White was the 69th ranked player in 2012 in what was a down recruiting cycle for KU. KU’s 2013 class was an all timer with Self landing four 5 star recruits including Greene and KU’s best player out of that 2013 class wasn’t even one of the 5 stars, it was their lowest ranked player, Frank Mason.
That 2013 class featured Wiggins, Selden, Embiid, and Greene as 5 star players, and Frankamp and Mason as 4 star players with Mason barely outside the top 50 in that class.
It also never helped White’s case for minutes here that he wasn’t a good 3 point shooter at KU. That made it easier to budget him out the door.
-
That year Traylor, Greene, and Frankamp combined to play 957 minutes. All of these minutes came off the bench. I would argue, that giving a substantial part of these 957 bench minutes to Andrew White III would have made him a part of the rotation. There are others who, bafflingly, disagree with this. This is the last statement that I will make about the feasibility of giving Andrew White rotation minutes 11 years ago.
I would have liked to see AW3 get rotation minutes, as he proved at later stops that he was a hell of a player. Oh well. Sometimes things just don’t work out and that is fine.
-
@Jhawk69 no stone unturned!
-
@Jhawk69 said in My crisis of faith in Bill:
That year Traylor, Greene, and Frankamp combined to play 957 minutes. All of these minutes came off the bench. I would argue, that giving a substantial part of these 957 bench minutes to Andrew White III would have made him a part of the rotation. There are others who, bafflingly, disagree with this. This is the last statement that I will make about the feasibility of giving Andrew White rotation minutes 11 years ago.
I would have liked to see AW3 get rotation minutes, as he proved at later stops that he was a hell of a player. Oh well. Sometimes things just don’t work out and that is fine.
Jamari Traylor was never part of the discussion until this post you just made. Traylor was the 8th man and 4th big in that rotation. He also had zero affect and White’s minutes that season because they didn’t play the same position or sub for the same players. Traylor subbed exclusively for the 4 and 5 that season season while White exclusively subbed for one of the perimeter spots.
You’ve also been ignoring the fact that Frankamp dod not play in 8 games that season because Self chose not to sub him in and that Brannen Greene did not play in 7 games because Self chose not to sub him in. Even if White got all of Frankamp and Greene’s minutes, that still leaves about 25% of the games he would not have played in because Self didn’t play more than 8 players in those games.
-
I have agree with @MoonwalkMafia and have alluded to it several times that certain players have such a long leash compared to others. Cliff Alexander should’ve played much more over Jamari after the first semester. Both Udeh and Zuby are better than KJ IMO on that matter.
-
@dylans man Greene definitely on my top 5 what could have been KU players list. Had the stroke and height to be one of the greatest spot up 3pt shooters of all time but couldn’t do anything else even to an average level to stay on the court.
-
@kjayhawks It was generally trending that way starting around mid January after the first couple of Big 12 games. Cliff also played at the 5 spot quite a bit so there were times they were both on the floor together. Overall though, starting around mid-January, Jamari’s minutes were trending downward while Cliff’s were trending upwards.
-
@Jhawk69 said in My crisis of faith in Bill:
That year Traylor, Greene, and Frankamp combined to play 957 minutes. All of these minutes came off the bench. I would argue, that giving a substantial part of these 957 bench minutes to Andrew White III would have made him a part of the rotation. There are others who, bafflingly, disagree with this. This is the last statement that I will make about the feasibility of giving Andrew White rotation minutes 11 years ago.
I would have liked to see AW3 get rotation minutes, as he proved at later stops that he was a hell of a player. Oh well. Sometimes things just don’t work out and that is fine.
I thought AW3 should have gotten run over BG. But hard to really complain when BG made 50% of his 3s lol.
-
Sometimes I think we all get caught up too much on a player’s stats. There still exists the “eye test” and we all know Self goes off his eyes. Note that we don’t see what he sees. He’s at practices and is constantly informed by assistant coaches.
I expressed some love for Udeh. That wasn’t just based off his recent stats. He was playing with visible enthusiasm and he helped lift his team. It’s something we often sorely lack. Then I fall asleep at games.
Should be an interesting game tonight. We better come ready or we’ll take another L!
-
@drgnslayr I would love to see the guys and put in a full hard concerted effort of 40 full minutes of solid Basketball tonight.- Haven’t really seen that yet. Solid defense - - -low turnovers - – good rebounding — & a solid night of shooting the three, Would love to see that , give them a little confidence in themselves… - -Let’s not have them looking past tonight towards Saturday & Houston. If we do liable to get our ass beat.
Would love for them to get a solid win tonight THEN look towards Saturday , we got a chance if we win, we have a chance to make up some ground and have more confidence & Momentum going into Saturday. -We know Saturday will be rockin/juiced, Just take care of business tonight , get that Road win- - --ROCK CHALK
-
My faith in Self is not at Zero anymore, meaning it is negative.
-
I would just remind people we won a Natty in 2022 and we’re favorites in 2020.
Fresh blood next season will be welcome, but let’s not act like the guy lost his touch already. You can’t even write off this season yet. A lot of basketball left.
-
@Kcmatt7 Newbie here. Thanks for lifting up Sunday spirit here. After watching the game again, I really like the combo tower HD & FB - hoping coach can make the best use of them from hereon. This could be the best combo centers in the nation. Imagine HD can use his soft touch plus another option to throw high pass just like what we saw yesterday, or seal for FB to finish strong off of a feed from any guards. We will be unstoppable if Harris can keep making 3s, helping others to score. I don’t think Storr is as good as advertised/was in Wisc. Been watching this site for a while and love what y’all have here. Appreciate the info, learning, useful insights for other Hawks fans here.
-
We have a lot to take away from the Houston game.
First, and foremost, we figured out where our offense needs to come from… mostly these 4 players:
Hunter, Flory, Zeke, and Rylan. If AJ gets it together, he can be added to this list.
Knowing what we know now… it’s time to put a lot more focus on getting these players points. Juan already knows this… he only had 12 assists in this game!
I’m coming away from this game with optimism. The loss should help toughen up this bunch, and believe me, besides just gelling as a team, they need toughening! I’m starting to see a path for a nice March run! First time this year I see a path!
Once again… the spotlight is on KJ. When he returns. We will either sink or prosper. If he instantly gets his 30+ minutes back and then craps out on the stat sheet, it will be an early March exit. If he comes back realizing his role will be to bring even more energy to the current mix… we could go far!
-
@jay4ever thanks for speaking up! Glad to have you with us.
@drgnslayr I think you’re right on all counts.The combo of Hunter and Bidunga blends so well on both ends of the court.
There is a path!
-
We all know KJ plays great d, boxes out religiously. and helps move the ball around on O… he is an energizer bunny, but we all know he not a real natural scorer and we all know he will get plenty of minutes… so what does he need to do better? Rebounding?
-
@Bosthawk as @drgnslayr alluded KJ being a voice of support for Bidunga would help the team, though i dont know if anything like that will happen. KJ isnt going to magically get longer and he is not an inside presence against long teams. He just isn’t and wont be.
That said, as for rebounding, on the offensive side he needs to fight for inside position and not try to run in for the board when there is open space.
He needs to see his 5 fouls as an asset and be ultra aggressive. Dial it up a notch. We have depth now at the 4, use it.
-
I feel like we’re all more or less saying the same thing regarding the rotation when KJ comes back. One of the most frustrating things about the way we lost yesterday is that we got some big answers with Griffen and Bidunga, and honestly Storr too…but in a bad way. If you could guarantee me that KJ will not average more than 15 minutes from here on out, I would take it in a heart beat. If Storr is averaging 17 minutes, give 10 of those to Griffen. Obviously adjust situationally–no problem with riding the hot hand. But we saw where our offensive bread is buttered yesterday. Of course, the question is whether or not Self has seen what the rest of us had.
I honestly think Self got too much blame for how things transpired yesterday. He had a game plan yesterday, and it worked! KU led for 90 percent of the game. We were the better the team. Regarding free throws, it’s not like they don’t practice them. Your veteran leaders have to make those. They know that. Same thing with inbounding the ball. These are guys who have been playing at this level for 5-6 years. That stuff cannot happen.
HOWEVER, in the press conference after the debacle when Self said we were hurt by KJ not being out there I almost threw my computer. I’m worried that is a sign of what he plans on doing: bring KJ back and pretend his absence has been the problem.
-
@Bosthawk I like KJ’s energy, especially on defense. But I also see potent in him scoring as well especially last several games, end of season. He’s sort of disappearing again this season in offense. I kind of comparing him with Jwan Roberts - the guy started with 1 ppg but he’s found his signature through drills, drills and drills. I’m pretty sure KJ can provide extra offense with his 7’-8’ short jumpers or floaters effectively. I see him as a strong player who can help team score, regardless whether they need points or not. It’s a win-win. Scouts will value his offensive skill and of course, we’ll be more dangerous comes conference.
-
I’d prefer KJ off the bench, but just getting Flory consistent minutes should pay dividends.
-
I went back and looked at Embiids minutes. He ramped up very quickly.
I would argue that Flory may be even more important to this roster than Embiid was to that one (also critical).
Every kid is different, obviously, and every team different. I just wonder why Bill ramped up Flory seemingly much slower than Embiid other than devotion to KJ. I mean, maybe he was caught up in thinking Hunter and Flory couldnt play together. Maybe he underestimated Flory. But thats curious because Embiid was much more under the radar than Flory. Signs still point to KJ bias.
-
@approxinfinity I’d like to hear from journalists (Newell?) asking coach, too (…maybe he was caught up in thinking Hunter and Flory couldnt play together) - lol… KJ’s on sideline has brought some light to the darkness in KUMBB, IMHO. Let’s hope coach will find the right formula going forward, we’re pretty darned close. Hopefully, FB’s 19pts against top dog Cougars gave enough testament to coach that he’s grown up, he’s ready to bring this team to the next level.
-
@jay4ever maybe you mean Matt Tait. Jesse Newell is w/the Star.
-
I think there was quotes from Self about the Flory/Hunter combo being not good in pre-season. Obviously, that’s evolved into a situation that is good. Not sure they knew Flory could impact the game at the 4 like he is but he’s feeding off Hunter’s attention and making a huge impact as of late. Houston was a good matchup for Flory as they play athletic guys that don’t shoot from the perimeter. Having KJ for teams that have 4 men that can shoot is probably the best way to tackle those kind of matchups for 40 minutes. As long as Flory’s minutes stay around 25 we are good.
-
I think Flory could defend a stretch 4 as well but might get more fatigued and foul prone.
@BeddieKU23 i agree with everything but want closer to 28 for Flory
-
@BeddieKU23 also, KJ guarding a stretch 4 only works well if the opposing 5 isnt a glass eating beast that takes advantage of Hunter’s feinting goat defense.
That might be an appropriate matchup for KJ and Bidunga provided we dont get anemic on offense without Hunter.
Hence, ideally Flory’s minutes might be higher than KJ and Hunter.
-
@approxinfinity Sounds like coach should consider playing HD, FB, KJ plus Harris & Zeke/Shak. At anytime 2 or all of those 3 must stay throughout the game. Yep, FB should play 75% out of the 3’s PT (I doubt though, knowing coach Self). I believe we’ll be able to compete in FF comes March.
-
Feel like with a Jaun/Shak/KJ/FB/HD lineup no one scores on either end
-
Yeah. I would swap Rylan for Shak if you want to run all three of KJ / FB / HD. But i dont think KJ should play the three.
(Juan or Shak) / Mayo / (Rylan or Storr) / (Flory or KJ) / (HD or Flory) makes sense to me
-
@MR11 Hot dog!
-
@approxinfinity Fainting goat defense. That’s funny.
-
@Crimsonorblue22 I think Newell even gets column space in the Wichita paper.
-
@Zabudda he’s a funny guy!
-
I think KJ eases back in, hopefully for his own sake.
-
@Crimsonorblue22 along those lines, I think the mindset of KJ running back from the locker room with a jacked up shoulder in Ames and Self rewarding that act, which was in the best interest of no one save the Cyclones, needs to be adjusted.
We dont always need KJ on the court healthy to win, we almost certainly did not need him on the floor injured that game, and sometimes we need healthy KJ on the bench to win.
I am concerned that by “rewarding” him in that circumstance for something detrimental to the team but could be construed as “toughness” or “sacrifice” is sending a lot of wrong messages.
Lets get real, keep KJ healthy and ready for those moments when we do need him.
-
Since we’re kind of wishcasting potential lineups when KJ returns, I would start Juan, Zeke, Griffen, Flory, and HD. Shak is my first guard off the bench, Coit plays in emergencies. KJ only plays situationally. If he’s doing his thing, stick with him. If he is who he’s always been, 10 mpg.
-
@MoonwalkMafia yep, exactly. I cant get a read on what is out of date and what isnt in Evan Ms site, but he has Flory and Dajuan as our most effective duo.
-
@approxinfinity I’m glad you bring this up because it’s something I was thinking about this morning.
On this page we were having a debate about Cliff and Jamari in the 2014-15 season. People said Cliff was a defensive liability and that’s why Jamari played over him. When you look at the stats that’s not true, and the offensive stats tell you that Cliff was a much more effective offensive player, even if Jamari was marginally better on defense.
Looking at this year’s team, we’re watching this happen all over again (i.e., we need KJ because he’s so good on defense). Flory has the best defensive rating on the team (86.0), KJ is middle of the pack (97.7). On offense it’s even more stark, though KJ isn’t as bad as you’d think. Flory’s offensive rating is 135.2, KJ’s is 121.1. AJ Storr’s is 95.3 for reference (yikes).
There really is no justification to play KJ over Flory other than the explanation you suggested, which I think is right, to reward KJ’s toughness. But that’s abstract BS. KJ cares a lot, sure. But he’s having to play the 3-4 and he’s undersized. Watching him guard guys in the post is like watching a little brother try to guard their big brother. It just doesn’t work.
-
@approxinfinity said in My crisis of faith in Bill:
@Crimsonorblue22 along those lines, I think the mindset of KJ running back from the locker room with a jacked up shoulder in Ames and Self rewarding that act, which was in the best interest of no one save the Cyclones, needs to be adjusted.
We dont always need KJ on the court healthy to win, we almost certainly did not need him on the floor injured that game, and sometimes we need healthy KJ on the bench to win.
I am concerned that by “rewarding” him in that circumstance for something detrimental to the team but could be construed as “toughness” or “sacrifice” is sending a lot of wrong messages.
Let’s get real, keep KJ healthy and ready for those moments when we do need him.
Quit preaching - Bill doesn’t have blind spots or play favorites he always plays the best players that give us the best chance to win!!!
-
@MoonwalkMafia He’s the height of a 2/3 guard
He has the skills of a bad 5 man (can’t even shoot, doesn’t have a post move)
All he is - is strong and can jump yet
His reach and just awful rebounding iq/hustle hurts his defensive rebounding
But let me tell you - don’t let all that go by the wayside because he effects a game like Ochai - Kj is uh uh that good guys
-
@kuballin10 I remain a fan of Bill Self, and hope he can be the hero we need this year. The tarot cards have been revealed to him and to all. There is little mystery at this present juncture, but even the wise cannot foresee all ends.
Let it breathe and lets be fans.
-
He literally just needs to play Dajuan/Zeke/Rylan/Flory and Hunter.
Stop with the preferential treatment to the core 3
-
@TYOHawk said in My crisis of faith in Bill:
He literally just needs to play Dajuan/Zeke/Rylan/Flory and Hunter.
Stop with the preferential treatment to the core 3
Kj and Shak together in pnr with both attacking mentalities and energy off the bench would be great.
We have a clear 7 and AJ isn’t in it because he doesn’t play like the tcu game very often.
The continual play of diggy is befuddling
-
@approxinfinity When fans with years of watching can structure minutes better than the $10m man……I’m not sure I can just sit back and “be a fan and enjoy it” lol
-
@kuballin10 love it. AJ should continue to get opportunities. Heroes are made in March as you know
-
@approxinfinity said in My crisis of faith in Bill:
@kuballin10 love it. AJ should continue to get opportunities. Heroes are made in March as you know
Oh man, I completely disagree. I think AJ is largely why we lost to Houston. I’d love for him to just get DNPs when KJ returns…
Core 7 for me is Juan/Zeke/Shak/Rylan/KJ/Flory/Hunt
-
Dajuan has took a fair amount of blame. But AJ was truly terrible that game against TCU.
Kadarius Toney vs Lions level of bad.
