McCullar
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I think the starting five play varying levels of D from elite to decent (Kev, Juan, KJ, Jalen, Grady). The bench does not have a great defender. It might have a decent defender and the rest are fair to inexperienced. When we have 2-3 from the bench in the game, our defense suffers significantly.
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Kev is expected to practice this week
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@drgnslayr said in McCullar:
So evidently our limit for consecutive games in a few days is 2. Luckily we never have to play more than 2 in a weekend moving forward.
Wasn’t this what happened early in the year when we faced Tennessee? Except we didn’t just give up.
And the biggest “no show” was Juan. Our two best defenders were a no show with Texas.
What it really shows is how little real defense we get out of everyone else. Kevin and Juan keep us in games. For us to win moving forward we need the rest of our guys playing real defense.
Why we lose games? When we have no defense. In case there are fans still thinking our loses are based on not hitting shots… in our losses we always count specifically on JWil to carry the load. JWil is our only player who can create his own offense. He doesn’t need us to push pace off of us playing good defense.
When we push the pace off of playing good defense everyone scores because we don’t allow our opponents to set their defense.
Juan expended a lot of energy vs Iowa state staying connected to kausher. Through out the year we saved legs by switching everything. Without that it’s tough to play the type of d Juan doe’s especially without his best defensive buddy.
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I hate saying anything critical about Juan because he’s been unbelievable for us… but I don’t think he has the physique to go 3 hard games in a row.
Same for Gradey.
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@drgnslayr you are correct. A lot of folks are going full on sky-is-falling without looking at this logically. Typical fan overreaction that results in bashing Juan. We won’t have the 3-in-3 problem the rest of the way so hopefully we are good fam.
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@benshawks08 he also did the same on the big wv guard, Stevenson kid. Not many or any can do it one night but he did it 2 nights. Really hurt him not having Kevin to help.
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@Crimsonorblue22 said in McCullar:
@benshawks08 he also did the same on the big wv guard, Stevenson kid. Not many or any can do it one night but he did it 2 nights. Really hurt him not have Kevin to help.
Yeah Dajuan poured his soul into both games. Really did not have much left in the tank for Texas. He is slight of frame and the drop off when he is out is so big.
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@drgnslayr Juan goes a lot harder than one else on the team. Slight or not.
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These are young people in peak physical condition in the prime of their lives. Being tired from three games in three days is a made up reason to justify a reason for them losing. Its just that they had a bad game and/or the other team wanted it more. The bigger problem I see is that it seems like the team lacks heart sometimes. I never see anyone pulling the group together on the court for huddles or encouragement. Don’t see a lot of emotion on their faces or in their actions when the games start slipping away.
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Think it goes beyond theory with how the Tennessee and third Texas games went.
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@RockkChalkk said in McCullar:
These are young people in peak physical condition in the prime of their lives. Being tired from three games in three days is a made up reason to justify a reason for them losing. Its just that they had a bad game and/or the other team wanted it more. The bigger problem I see is that it seems like the team lacks heart sometimes. I never see anyone pulling the group together on the court for huddles or encouragement. Don’t see a lot of emotion on their phases or in their actions when the games start slipping away.
Lol. What games are you watching? Jalen and Juan pull the guys together all of the time. I think it’s much more reasonable to question fatigue than heart. There are multiple NATIONAL CHAMPIONS on this team.
Professional athletes whose entire job is to be in peak physical condition utilize load management strategies to make sure they can PERFORM at that peak level the most often. Fatigue is just a fact of life. For everyone. Oh and how many pro teams play 3 in 3? I’m honestly curious about that one.
The reason I come to this board is to see why people think we win and lose games. So coming up with justifications for why they did or didn’t win is kinda the point. At least for me.
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Texas is a bad matchup for KU. They have size, athleticism and depth & play well as a team.
It was even worse with McCullar out since that’s 20% of our defensive rebounding not out there, among many other things.
I don’t know why Texas has made KU play two of its worst games in one week, but they found the way. Kudos to them.
I thought we lost the game defensively and it was evident early the mistakes and miscommunication going on. So many wide-open layups, Texas found what was working and kept going to it on those mid paint drives, they would stop, analyze, get the defense shifting then have a guard cut to the hoop and it was consistently there. I think Self would have made an adjustment here, perhaps Norm did and it didn’t work. Defense is what failed us and led to a lot of bad offense. They didn’t rebound situationally at all either. Texas had a few possessions where they got 3-4 offensive rebounds. That’s where Kevin becomes so valuable besides his defensive versatility and ability to get steals is just how bigtime of a rebounder he is.
Our options after Kevin are Joe & Bobby who can’t play the position and Rice that’s so far behind. It’s easy to see the drop off instantly when you don’t have a body that can steal you minutes. The cohesiveness of those lineups when the bench comes in look like 2 completely different teams.
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@BeddieKU23 yeah, Bobby and joe are never going to be Kevin no matter how good they play. They just don’t have the same size and skill set. I wonder if anyone on the bench mentioned to Gradey that it was actually HIM that needed to be filling in for Kevin’s role defensively. He’s the one with the length and athleticism to rebound and take up space defensively. He just didn’t have a good game either. Joe actually did some decent rebounding for his size but there’s only so much a guy his size can do in that area.
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Also, Texas is just a really good team. They had a ton of preseason hype because of all the returning talent and additions they made. You’d expect a team to fall apart after all the turmoil around beard but they’ve clearly come together and are playing for each other and their current coach whom they clearly love. I was cranky watching them celebrate because we lost but honestly that level of joy is telling about a team. Last years KU team had that joy. Texas has a clear chip on their shoulder and can use their adversity as motivation. I usually don’t pick Texas to go very far but think they might be my pick for the final four from their region this year.
It’s also easy to look pretty good when all you are doing is shooting uncontested layups and three pointers. Seems familiar honestly.
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@benshawks08 said in McCullar:
@BeddieKU23 yeah, Bobby and joe are never going to be Kevin no matter how good they play. They just don’t have the same size and skill set. I wonder if anyone on the bench mentioned to Gradey that it was actually HIM that needed to be filling in for Kevin’s role defensively. He’s the one with the length and athleticism to rebound and take up space defensively. He just didn’t have a good game either. Joe actually did some decent rebounding for his size but there’s only so much a guy his size can do in that area.
Gradey has been feast or famine lately. Agree Joe was active on boards, effort isn’t an issue with him. He’s just wildly inconsistent.
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@benshawks08 said in McCullar:
Also, Texas is just a really good team. They had a ton of preseason hype because of all the returning talent and additions they made. You’d expect a team to fall apart after all the turmoil around beard but they’ve clearly come together and are playing for each other and their current coach whom they clearly love. I was cranky watching them celebrate because we lost but honestly that level of joy is telling about a team. Last years KU team had that joy. Texas has a clear chip on their shoulder and can use their adversity as motivation. I usually don’t pick Texas to go very far but think they might be my pick for the final four from their region this year.
It’s also easy to look pretty good when all you are doing is shooting uncontested layups and three pointers. Seems familiar honestly.
Hmm. Sounds like you’re saying Texas wanted it more than KU.
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@benshawks08 Gradey doesn’t move well without the ball or on defense. He has a lot to learn (and will get paid while learning) but also has an elite shot. I’d like to see more plays designed to get him open. However, as I recall (maybe incorrectly) Bill stated that this team doesn’t do as well with set plays so it’s a bunch of improvisation off the base offense. So set plays for Gradey probably aren’t coming en masse.
Gradey is long and can be disruptive by reaching in and swatting the ball, but he can’t wall up his defender due to poor footwork it seems. He’s got tons of potential, but it will be fulfilled elsewhere. For KU he gives a needed scoring presence and great enthusiasm. My only real complaint is he’s gone too soon!
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@RockkChalkk said in McCullar:
These are young people in peak physical condition in the prime of their lives. Being tired from three games in three days is a made up reason to justify a reason for them losing. Its just that they had a bad game and/or the other team wanted it more. The bigger problem I see is that it seems like the team lacks heart sometimes. I never see anyone pulling the group together on the court for huddles or encouragement. Don’t see a lot of emotion on their faces or in their actions when the games start slipping away.
I always used to believe this.
I played competitive ball not nearly at this level and I went hard every day.
Then I was blessed with an opportunity to play basketball in Europe at a higher level.
I thought I knew what being in shape was about. Then I was at puke level in my first practice on this team.
No way I could go 3 games in consecutive days playing 30+ minutes… and though the speed was so fast, I seriously doubt it was the speed of a Big 12 game.
Granted… Texas was in the same boat but played with much higher energy. They also played more bench minutes. But anyways… Juan isn’t physically built up like many other players. Was it Self that said he looks like the kid hanging out at the mall?
I give Juan a huge amount of credit here for being tired first because he’s built frail… second… he hustles more than anyone else and spends energy.
The guys I give less credit is Gradey and KJ. These guys will have to lift their defense considerably in March our we are going home early! JWil needs help, too, but he also carries more of the scoring responsibility and that drains more energy, too.
Gradey takes half the game off… standing on the side awaiting passes that don’t come. KJ needs to lift his basketball IQ. His hedging is often out of position and he just makes a lot of mistakes typical of a freshman. Basically… he is a freshman! And Gradey is showing some signs of hustling more. He’s starting to rebound more and get loose balls.
I’m complaining a bit… but we need to be honest here.
I’m hopeful that the last Texas ass-kicking will be like the UK ass-kicking last year… do your thing, Bill! Teach these kids now before it’s too late!
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I’ve noticed Gradey’s reaction time on defense is slow. He’s probably overthinking his game because that will create a lag like he is showing.
As Self said… he’s not weak but he isn’t strong.
It seems ridiculous to throw him in the league already. He has star potential but other guys have had that, too, and didn’t jump. Everything is conjecture off that sweet stroke he possesses. That’s a lot of risk. That will never carry him into a leading role in the NBA without other aspects of his game coming along.
A year of body strengthening and coaching and that guy would surely bump up on the draft charts, I don’t care how much better the draft is next year. The difference would be night/day.
He impacts games now when he’s hot. Otherwise… he’s mostly invisible. Just what the pros want!
I know… I know… he will get guaranteed money!
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@drgnslayr If I were a GM I’d draft Gradey in the lottery and stash him for development. All he needs to do is train and grow and he can do both while making millions of guaranteed dollars and not waste time on school nonsense- basketball is his profession and he has graduated with honors. Hire a full time trainer and get after it.
Selfishly I hope he tweaks his knee going in for the game winning layup as time expires in the national championship game and has no choice but to go back to KU while he heals up and ends up with 2 rings.
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I would feel the same… except it isn’t realistic. There is so much pressure in the league. Recruits are supposed to be either earning minutes or playing developmental ball and showing promise. Even though it sounds so right to sit on him and develop him, outside of risking injury, it would carry it’s own risk.
Players have notoriety and fans… it’s a big part of what draws fans to games. Gradey leaves this year he will have instant NBA fans. I’m afraid they will be disappointed next year. I also fear a higher chance of injury. It happens often. Newbie players get hurt. So lets give a realistic projection that Gradey is two years away before becoming a lethal NBA player. He’ll have to restart the optimism. It can be done… but what did he gain over just staying in college another year where he remains a star? Then going to the league a much better player and getting real minutes in year 1?
I don’t see risk the same as others… I think he will sign for a higher amount next year and it will be worth it to wait a year. Then… if he gets hurt in his first year he will be sitting on a higher pile of cash. I think his risk of injury is higher in the NBA, hence sign the bigger contract in year 1.
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This Gradey meritrust ad is new since the big 12 tourney, right? He is making some bucks.
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I believe McCullar needs to be almost 100%. Gradey needs to play hard and hit his shots, as he hasn’t been doing much of either. It’s almost as if he’s just marking time until the draft.
I also believe Yesufu is a problem on the floor. He shoots (and misses) 3’s early in the shot clock and his defense is “not good”. I’d rather see almost any other guard.
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I share your concerns about Joe taking early shots and missing most.
Surely, he is being instructed to do that or he would get pulled. I’m just not sure WHY he is being told to do that?
Under the right circumstances, he should take the shot.
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@Gorilla72 said in McCullar:
I believe McCullar needs to be almost 100%. Gradey needs to play hard and hit his shots, as he hasn’t been doing much of either. It’s almost as if he’s just marking time until the draft.
I also believe Yesufu is a problem on the floor. He shoots (and misses) 3’s early in the shot clock and his defense is “not good”. I’d rather see almost any other guard.
What other options are there in regards to Yesufu? Play Harris 40 minutes and wear him down? Play Pettiford who doesn’t shoot and turns the ball over almost 40% of the time? Kyle Cuffe who’s redshirting and likely moving down after this season,
I’ve never been a big Yesufu fan, largely for the reasons mentioned, but the reality is Kansas doesn’t have a better option for that of a guard off the bench than Yesufu. Self knows this is a problem which is why KU’s 2023 recruiting looks like it does with nothing but guards right now.
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@drgnslayr KJ was TERRIBLE on hedges vs Texas and the last few games. Might be yet another reason we were just switching everything for so long.
As for joe I think some of the thought process on the early shots is a marginal to bad shot is still better than a turnover. And if Juan Is out, this team doesn’t always get good shots. Also, if you don’t shoot when you are wide open as a small guard there’s not really much else you can do and it makes life harder on the rest of the team. He believes he is a 35% shooter from three. Let’s hope he gets there with a hot tournament. He’s had one before.
The margin for error for this team is small but it was last year too. Dave had to play great after struggling for a good portion of the year. Remy had to come out of nowhere and make massive contributions. We will see if anyone steps up this year.
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@drgnslayr said in McCullar:
I would feel the same… except it isn’t realistic. There is so much pressure in the league. Recruits are supposed to be either earning minutes or playing developmental ball and showing promise. Even though it sounds so right to sit on him and develop him, outside of risking injury, it would carry it’s own risk.
Players have notoriety and fans… it’s a big part of what draws fans to games. Gradey leaves this year he will have instant NBA fans. I’m afraid they will be disappointed next year. I also fear a higher chance of injury. It happens often. Newbie players get hurt. So lets give a realistic projection that Gradey is two years away before becoming a lethal NBA player. He’ll have to restart the optimism. It can be done… but what did he gain over just staying in college another year where he remains a star? Then going to the league a much better player and getting real minutes in year 1?
I don’t see risk the same as others… I think he will sign for a higher amount next year and it will be worth it to wait a year. Then… if he gets hurt in his first year he will be sitting on a higher pile of cash. I think his risk of injury is higher in the NBA, hence sign the bigger contract in year 1.
Ehh even if he flames out 1st round contracts are fully guaranteed. He’s 99.9% gone. He could get hurt playing for KU next season as well - only up to a $5 million insurance policy the last I knew (and that’s only for special players). I’d say don’t get your hopes up no matter how much it offends our sensibilities. I’m still cheesed that Pierce left early because I didn’t expect it. This is 100% expected and the norm right or wrong.
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@Texas-Hawk-10 said in McCullar:
@Gorilla72 said in McCullar:
I believe McCullar needs to be almost 100%. Gradey needs to play hard and hit his shots, as he hasn’t been doing much of either. It’s almost as if he’s just marking time until the draft.
I also believe Yesufu is a problem on the floor. He shoots (and misses) 3’s early in the shot clock and his defense is “not good”. I’d rather see almost any other guard.
What other options are there in regards to Yesufu? Play Harris 40 minutes and wear him down? Play Pettiford who doesn’t shoot and turns the ball over almost 40% of the time? Kyle Cuffe who’s redshirting and likely moving down after this season,
I’ve never been a big Yesufu fan, largely for the reasons mentioned, but the reality is Kansas doesn’t have a better option for that of a guard off the bench than Yesufu. Self knows this is a problem which is why KU’s 2023 recruiting looks like it does with nothing but guards right now.
MJ maybe. Udeh in a weird lineup. Yesufu in more limited minutes. Bobby…well…he did win us that one game in the islands.
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I have zero hope of Gradey returning. I’m not attempting to change his mind… he doesn’t read these boards. I’m challenging the idea that all players need to leave if they are considered a lottery pick. In most circumstances, I would agree. Gradey has so much potential he can make up any loss from going a year early. Few players are hurt these days where their career is over.
More than anything… I think his fanbase grows if he stays here another year. Fan popularity matters. It draws crowds at games and sells more everything. He would leave here next year hyped up big time. That only happens this year if he has a big tournament and we repeat. If that were to happen… hell yes he should go now!
This kid isn’t coming from a poor family in a tough neighborhood. He’s a lifelong Jayhawk. Unless we make the FF again this year his one year of ball will be forgotten in a year or so. So much for being a legacy player.
I know it’s all about money and nothing else matters… like the pure joy of going to KU and playing as a Jayhawk. Getting another year closer to graduating college. F it! Cash in as soon as you can draw a check and move on!
Makes me want to turn off college basketball.
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@drgnslayr I’d contend it would take 3 years in Lawrence to leave a KU legacy. It’s hard for me to come up with Darrell Arthur and he was a huge reason we won in ‘08. I also don’t think it really matters to most people as much as it does to us FANaticS.
Could you imagine if Gradey came back and had a career ending injury just chasing a college legacy? That would be so pathetic and sad. If that happened kids would probably thank that’s where the phrase that’s Dicked up came from. Lol
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I think he earns legacy status when he more or less carries a team for a year. JWil is now a legacy player. I think Gradey gets there on his second year. I’d probably push him into the NBA next year because he can reach that status of out-growing college ball. He hasn’t even grown into college ball yet. But he’s pro material now? I bet most people who comment on him do not watch much pro ball to know the difference in steps from college to pro. It is every bit the jump of high school to college.
Wiggins was close to legacy status in one year, but not quite. Another year and he would have been a legacy. He would have a pronounced game beyond 99% of college players and leave a memorable trail.
I consider “legacy” to be someone leaving a memorable trail. I think Gradey would do that in his second year.
Of course… it helps when the player helps propel us into a Final Four. As I said earlier… Gradey becomes a legacy this year if he becomes a huge part of taking us into a Final Four this year. He’d have to start contributing more than he is now because his shot is standing out but his total contribution isn’t.
These are just my views. But I do believe my perspective is how a player ages through history.
My typical examples of legacies… Frank Mason, Mario Chalmers, Marcus Garrett, Sherron Collins, Och, CB, of course, guys like Manning…
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Doke and Dave need to be in that convo
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Graham too
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Definitely not down on Gradey but not sure what legacy you’re looking at. Because he is a freshman, his immaturity at this level has certainly shown this year through his inconsistency. Those that have been mentioned stuck with it through 2,3,4 or 5 years and continually improved. Several went on to successful. pro careers after risking injury while playing. I see the risk of playing another year as advantageous to his future because it will allow him the opportunity to become a stronger player in a variety of ways. Right. now he is a streaky shooter, kind of how Remy was last year.
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When we have lost in the tourney and we’re getting whipped without being able to overcome the deficit there are two or three ways I have observed player reactions during the games. One - those who hesitate or back away, Two - those who just go through the motions and Three - those who show no fear and attack. Some of the recent players in the number three group I noticed were Josh Jackson, Frank Mason and Svi who showed no fear. Looking at this year’s team who would you include from the season so far? I’m saying JWill, Kevin and Gradey with KJ and Juan showing frustration and appearing negative. My watching habits would put me in the frustration and negative category Lol.
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When thinking of the entire season my list of fearless players is JWil, Kevin, and Juan. Juan sputtered in the Texas games because he was exhausted and had nothing left to give.
This will all be tested soon. No more 3 quick games and it is single-elimination, so no one can claim the game wasn’t important.
I have no idea where my confidence level is on our status for a good tournament. I was feeling confident until we were hammered twice by Texas.
Our margin for error is outrageously tight. Foul trouble, injuries, bad nights… anything could sink us.
The key to winning consistently is playing tough defense. We don’t have to be having a hot shooting night to win games. And this team is very capable of playing great team defense. It will be about keeping JWil, Gradey, and KJ focused on defense. These are the guys that will let us down (most likely) if we lose.
I’m not going to blame anyone if they are having cold shooting. But blame will come if we don’t hustle for possessions (rebound, 50/50 balls, pressure TOs)… then it all comes down to defense and I will point fingers.
Self now has to make his case to his team and I can 100% guarantee he is talking about defense 99% of the time. He’s mostly having to convince JWil, Gradey, and KJ to step up. He’s also putting that same force on Bobby, Joe, Ernest, and the rest of the bench. Who knows how deep we will have to go on our bench! (scary)
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It is all that.
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Dajuan could replace Frank as my favorite Jayhawk ever. No pressure.
My top 5 right now is probably:
Frank Dave Dajuan Devonte Mario
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@approxinfinity said in McCullar:
Dajuan could replace Frank as my favorite Jayhawk ever. No pressure.
My top 5 right now is probably:
Frank Dave Dajuan Devonte Mario
My top five:
Danny Manning
Richard Scott
Sherron Collins
Paul Pierce
Kirk Hinrich
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I don’t know where to start when picking favs. I hate to leave off anyone I care about on my favs list.
I know a guy I have to mention that no one else will… Elijah Johnson. He made career sacrifices to win games at KU when he was forced into PG duties.
EJ went beyond the game of basketball. He stood up for all people of color when attacked at ISU. He put his life on the line! No Jayhawk ever gave more than EJ! I love this guy!
https://kckingdom.com/2013/03/01/iowa-state-student-government-apologizes-to-elijah-johnson/
Few know how bad that game was. EJ was attacked with racial slurs and threats at the game! Our stupid league should have sanctioned ISU for that and made an example.
F ISU! I never was so happy as when EJ stuffed it at the end of OT in that game!
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ooh, not sure about that EJ choice. Any KU player who punches somebody in the nuts during a game is instantly downgraded!
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Loved the slam at the end.
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@rockchalkjayhawk said in McCullar:
ooh, not sure about that EJ choice. Any KU player who punches somebody in the nuts during a game is instantly downgraded!
Exactly. I hate singling out any player but the Michigan game really soured my opinion of EJ, in spite of the overall good career he had at KU. The nut punch, missed free throws and turnovers the last minute of game cost us another shot at a championship - that team was really rolling at the end of the year.
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Favorite players (not best)
Mario
DeVonte
Langford
Vaughn
Dok
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If EJ nut punched anyone they deserved it. I don’t promote that type of thing in games… but I bet I don’t promote what happened to make him do that. EJ was not typically a dirty player. He was provoked.
EJ took the racial attack from ISU and kept calm. He made his statement on the court then later was very soft with ISU. He’s a bigger man than me.
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@drgnslayr I disagree entirely. You get back at them by beating them on the score board, not by trying to do some sneaky shit back at McGary for whatever it is supposedly provoked it. It was just poor decision after poor decision for him in that game and is a large part of how many remember him unfortunately.
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I’m not saying it was the right thing to do. But don’t portray EJ like he was a redneck. His emotions got the best of him. He’s human. He had no track record of being violent. If he did, I’d probably take your position.
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I’m not portraying him as anything other than a good guy by all accounts who made bad decisions in a game. I know he had no history of it, which makes that whole game so baffling to me and many others. Regardless of whatever was said, as a senior leader on the team in the biggest game of thr season, you’ve got to hold it together and let whatever was done go.
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Mitch Mcgary def had some punchable nuts
