Tharpe's Performance Inexplicable
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@drgnslayr I hear you on how impressive it is that WSU has managed to maintain a level of excellence even against lesser teams that might be hard to get ‘up’ for. But I also believe the margin for error is greater for WSU if they don’t get as motivated for a game.
They have not played many teams with individual talent like is seen on teams throughout the power conferences. My enthusiasm is curbed by knowing that if they went up against an unranked team like OSU twice, they would likely lose once. Especially if the previous three games included teams like ISU, Texas and KU. If they were a member of the ACC, Pac12, I think they would not be undefeated.
That’s not to say they wouldn’t be among the best in the country… just to say, there’s context to be considered in assessing their record and it’s not insignificant.
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You are right… WSU has a smaller margin for error.
This is part of why WSU is the perfect example for us.
Because perhaps we use our high talent level as a crutch… we have such a large margin for error… so we have room to slack off.
Otherwise… heck… we have the #1 and #2 recruits in the nation. We are a shoe-in to win another NC!
I shouldn’t worry!
I really hate being in this position. We sit on all the big talent then underachieve come tourney time. I can hear the jabs now… “KU, once again, underachieves at the Big Dance!”
I hate that… and we should all hate that more than hating WSU. If we can understand that… we can swallow a little of our pride and better understand how we can capture some of those qualities that have helped them.
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@drgnslayr Hopefully we got a bad game out of the way before the tournament:)
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@drgnslayr What I said is a lineup of the coach’s sons could give Missouri St. a run for their money. You know, the team WSU played this weekend. I guess you misunderstood what I was saying.
I think comparing KU’s game yesterday versus a team that has 3 NBA players on it to Missouri St. is ignorance. I think it’s very, very ignorant.
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I hope that is all it is.
But why don’t we throw in some extra motivation for Tharpe. We come down on him hard now and he comes out and plays harder. It’s using the bullwhip instead of the carrot!
He seems to respond to the whip.
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@drgnslayr Hopefully that will be the case again and he will be motivated to take his team to Dallas.
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What does talent level have to do with coming prepared and motivated?
WSU plays teams with low talent level… but WSU has a low talent level, too. They beat up on their peers 31 times so far.
If it makes you feel better… I’ll use the UCONN women’s team and make the same argument. They friggin’ rock!
So I guess only the top NBA teams are prepared every game and motivated?
Did you listen to Bobby Knight yesterday?
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@drgnslayr Getting up to play has been a problem since Bill Self got here. Lets hope that this team has a sense of urgency in the tournament.
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Sorry… this is the competitive part of me. And when I go in this mode I can be a jerk.
Marcus Smart… move over!
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@drgnslayr We’re getting far removed from the point now.
You said why does WSU show up pumped and ready to play. I think the point is that they’re playing a team that is .500 in a historically bad conference. WSU is by far the superior team. How pumped do you need to be to beat Missouri St.?
Your comparison of a historically phenomenal women’s team is just proving the point for me (I mean didn’t UConn go undefeated for two seasons??). When you’re playing a team that is significantly inferior to you, how pumped do you need to be?
KU was playing a team that had 3 future NBA players on it (I’m point out how talented OSU is, not that NBA players are prepared and motivated every game…and it doesn’t hurt that they were fighting for the postseason fate). WSU won’t have play a game against a team with that kind of talent until the round of 32, or the Sweet Sixteen.
To put it simply, how pumped does WSU need to be to play Evansville, Loyola, S. Illinois, etc. The comparison doesn’t work. It’s a poor one.
It doesn’t matter though. No need to apologize. And you could never, ever, be as big of jerk as Marcus Smart.
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we can swallow a little of our pride and better understand how we can capture some of those qualities that have helped them.
@drgnslayr My view is that WSU plays exceedingly well as a unit and knows how to maximize their talents. I think this is what comes with a veteran team – understanding of how parts fit together… greater elasticity… ability to avoid mistakes and make up for them better.
That gives them an advantage in many situations. They also have very good talent.
We have exceptional talent at several positions, but not the experience of how to take advantage of each other. WSU is a better team right now than almost any other out there based on who they have played.
I just don’t think they have been tested as much as some other schools… That doesn’t mean they won’t win when tested, it just means there’s a caveat in my mind. We don’t know as much about their weaknesses… and they don’t know as much about about their own weaknesses, either.
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And you could never, ever, be as big of jerk as Marcus Smart.
@MoonwalkMafia SO TRUE:
thanks @CrimsonorBlue22 for the photo… Wowsa.
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@bskeet @drgnslayr ^^^ Now that is something I’ll agree with. If we’re going to go singing WSU praises, how bout their defense (albeit against NAIA teams)? Their offense is average at best, but defense is the kind of thing that travels and can be turned up against anyone.
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“You said why does WSU show up pumped and ready to play. I think the point is that they’re playing a team that is .500 in a historically bad conference. WSU is by far the superior team. How pumped do you need to be to beat Missouri St.?”
I think you mean… how pumped up does KU needs to be to beat Missouri State. Missouri State is in WSU’s league… aren’t we all saying they don’t have the talent of B12 teams? WSU = MSU WSU needs plenty of motivation to beat MSU, especially at MSU. In fact, MSU game WSU the biggest scare this year by being the only team to take WSU to overtime! Meanwhile… WSU had less trouble at St. Louis, a Top 10 team.
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“And you could never, ever, be as big of jerk as Marcus Smart.”
Well… I know me and I’ve had a good taste of Marcus Smart.
I can match his jerkiness!
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@drgnslayr I think we’re just going to keep repeating ourselves here. Let’s just agree to disagree.
…Now all I can think of is Marcus Smart. Very irritated now.
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@drgnslayr we all hate underachieving ! We’re a group that loves KU bb! Please understand, I don’t hate the WSU team, I love how they play hard! I have a sour taste for “chickenhawk” Marshall! When you suggested Self call him, that hurts, a lot of us! Everyone here respects you, I’m in awe of your knowledge on all things, it’s really hard to cross you! There’s no way I could win an argument w/you. I hope you understand what I mean??? Rock Chalk!
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Talk about a grand slam… yesterday… for me… it was when Mr. Know-it-all Bilas supported one of Marcus Smart’s obvious flops.
He then commented about how if Marcus keeps over emphasizing his falls it might turn against him.
Wow, Bilas… about time. The entire world has discussed this for ages now and you finally pay attention.
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"When you suggested Self call him, that hurts, a lot of us! "
I apologize. That is my competitiveness. I went for the biggest eye-opener to stress that we need help in that area.
Like I said… Marcus Smart has nothing on me!
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@drgnslayr I don’t think you are as bad as Smart! Not yet, anyway!
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@drgnslayr did you all see he flopped on the baseline when Perry was called for the foul, not the tackle he had on Perry. Saw a gif on both of those today.
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Give me time!
What I do well is apologize after I attack peoples’ sensibilities.
My ex used to call me out on that… said it was just part of my competitiveness. Still trying to prove I was right or whatever.
My wife doesn’t play that hard. She just snickers at my competitiveness.
She knows how to defuse and diffuse…
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@drgnslayr smart lady!!!
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Not that smart. She ended up with me!
My ace in the hole is I let her know that pointing out how bad I am also points out how bad of a choice she made!
Just one more competitive angle I’ve used…
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Once again… sorry to everyone in here about some of my over-the-top statements. I have the upmost respect for everyone in here… I’m already feeling the sadness coming after the season is over and we are all busy in our gardens! Gonna miss everyone in here!
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@drgnslayr I like Jay Bilas. Maybe now’s a good time to express how much I can’t stand Brent Musberger. Maybe that’s unfair…
But clearly he doesn’t know the game or the players, and is just all around oblivious to what’s going on. Stick him with Fran Franschilla (who I do like, but doesn’t offer much to counter Brent’s ineptitude) and it’s bad news bears.
I didn’t get to watch the game last night, I listed to it on the radio. Don’t know if anyone likes Bob Davis, but that’s a whole nother deal.
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@DinarHawk-100% accurate, 22 TO’s is just insane. Plenty of blame to go around, including coach for not pushing the PT more towards alternate options.
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@drgnslayr geez, we’re not going anywhere!! I have summers off so I’ll be expecting some hot topics. My 'maters have been bad the last 2 years, expecting some help!
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I used to like Jay. But the last 2 years I’ve started to change my opinion. He knows quite a bit about basketball… and often he is right on… but other times I find him to come up short, but his persona is a bit too arrogant. He seems to project that his comments are pure fact when often they are not. I follow his statements closely and I’ve watched him squirm around after some of his statements later. He seems to be too much like a politician for my liking. A bit too slick sometimes with his words.
That’s just my opinion. At least he isn’t a total airhead or mush-head!
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What’s up with your 'maters? Too much heat?
Two years ago I had a really excellent crop when everyone around me had nothing. ('maters)
First… I had my toms in early, so they were producing before the big heat came. Second… I had two water sources for them on timers. I had soakers to feed the roots… and I had misters spraying the tops during the hot time of day. I am blessed with late day shade. Maters like sun… but in super hot weather they like some late day shade, too.
I think my timed daily soaker watering was key. It was so hot that it only took one day without water and they would go into shock. I also mulch big time to keep the ground from cooking up and drying out.
You can save a lot of water by having your soak hoses BELOW your mulch! I’d go with a solid 3" or more of mulch! I use recycled chipper branches from the city trucks. It is free and it is lighter because it is untreated and not dyed. Lighter means it helps keep the soil cooler in the hot months.
Periodically, give your toms some coffee grinds. The grinds are a slow release source of nitrogen. But even better… crawlers LOVE coffee grinds! So they will surface to go after it. And the caffeine jacks them up (just like us). The more active the worms, the more holes they dig in your dirt, and more castings they leave behind! For a 4 month period, I have a relationship with several starbucks in my area. They save me grinds and I always bring them a few nice organic veggies.
If your soil is clay… treat it with gypsum. Over several years, gypsum treatments help break down clay into dirt. Gypsum also is a great source of calcium… something often lacking in soil and helpful for preventing rot end. Of course… turning your soil every year with some compost or composted manure, also helps break down clay. You should condition your soil every year to help revitalize it for another crop year. It helps if you move your veggies around so toms don’t always grow in the same spot… but if you can’t, soil conditioning will help guarantee another successful year!
BTW: I shouldn’t ever get down too hard on the purple kitties. I’ve always received plenty of help from some of their ag students!
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@drgnslayr LOL. Did they teach all these during your KU days or did you get it from sneaking into the Octagon of whatever?
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Hahahahaheee… I’ve never actual been to the Sherronagon. But it looks like it would make an awesome greenhouse! Pluck holes in the roof and bring in some irrigation!
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@drgnslayr We plant 70 per year in the heat here in Texas and each plant has its own mister at the base set with timers. Afternoon shade is essential. Raked leaves piled down each row and around each plant help keep the soil from drying out. Haul them to town in coke flats by the ton and sell them at work. Nothing better than vine ripened sun kissed 'maters.
As far as the game goes, the outcome from last night has to be something they all learn from. I did not think the cards were aligned on our side because OSU had to get the win to even get in the tourney. But our TOs gave OSU the ability to stay within striking distance and they did not squander that chance.
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@drgnslayr I’m saving this for later. Late April talk!
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We can all take some pointers from you! Over-heating has been an issue in Kansas for the past years… so someone successful in Texas must have resolved these issues!
Yep… sure you are right about OSU having more to gain from that victory. I just want to stir the pot as much as possible from here on out. Don’t want anyone falling asleep come tournament time!
I said a couple of days ago the best outcome for us now would be to drop a couple more games… get beat up by the media and have a lower seed than in previous years. Anything to build a chip on these guys. We know what they can do when they have a chip on their shoulders… they showed us against Texas!
So how do we get the team that mutilated Texas to show up for 6 games in the tourney?
Ultimately… that is what I want to see happen, and I can’t think of anything except getting out the bullwhip and crackin’ it a few times!
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@drgnslayr Exactly! I have been saying for weeks that they need some more losses to help them get that chip on their shoulder. I felt like they didnt have enough losses in '10 and '11 and felt like they could just show up and win. I am fine if that would be the case. That is why I do not want them to get a 1 seed, because they might get a sense of entitlement as a result of it.
They need to stay a little under the radar and get motivated to play like what they did against Texas.
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@DinarHawk I soooo hope you guys are right! That’s tough for me.
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@DinarHawk Do you think the Big 12 tournament will be a motivator?
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@drgnslayr We have the seeds already sprouting in the greenhouse. Usually plant the 3rd week of March. We are at 32 degrees today and supposed to get down in the 20s tonight. Our beans and cucumbers came up in the garden last week and we’ve had to cover them. Was 82 yesterday. Know you have it worse so hang in there.
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@RockChalkinTexas you are killing me!!
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“Our beans and cucumbers came up in the garden last week and we’ve had to cover them. Was 82 yesterday. Know you have it worse so hang in there.”
I hope you meant to say it was 82 degrees yesterday and that you aren’t 82 yrs old!
I’m jealous! Looking out my window now at the frozen arctic tundra!
I’m another year away from building my greenhouse. So I spread lots of seeds in the house for now! We don’t have any pets… just one wife who gnashes her teeth like a pit bull every time I set up more seeds!
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@drgnslayr 82 funny
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@drgnslayr your wife puts up w/a lot! Jk
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@drgnslayr If I was 82 and still planting a garden I think I must have been a pioneer woman in a past life! Yes 82 degrees and in shorts.
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@Crimsonorblue22 NOT!
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I needed to break from my funk from yesterday’s game… so I went searching the net for a good time and ran across this fella:
I can be a bit of a geek… but this guy… this guy shows just how overboard someone can go trying to grow.
I’m smiling again!
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@drgnslayr I can’t show that to my husband. He could build it! Did you see how high the corn was? Must be an engineer.
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I’m guessing this engineer had a brother who was an investment banker:
“Investment banker”… does that qualify as an oxymoron?
This guy is a scream! Comparing his gadget for growing peppers to Bernie Madoff!
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@drgnslayr drgn… I like the teams you indicated, but I’d put Virginia in the hot hot hot group. Their passing game yesterday shredded the Syracuse zone and was a beautiful thing to see. They’ve got the senior leadership, athleticism and depth to go really far. They’ll wear you down, and then pop off a 10-0 run, not give it back, and the game is over. Maybe the silver lining here on us faltering is that if we retain a 2 seed, we probably won’t have to face Virginia in our region. They are scary good.
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@approxinfinity love the pride they have in playing D! I like that coach. Watched that coach and then Cal. No doubt who I’d prefer to coach and teach young men! I was impressed.
