Team discussion after 10 games
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Agree about Juan, I have expected/wanted more but understand he’s in a tough spot having to play heavy minutes again. He’s still a stud and we’d be in a bad spot at PG without him.
Crazy part for Elmarko is he’s playing out of position and is adjusting to being the 4th scoring option. He’s yet to really show the best parts of his game which is creating off the dribble and using his athleticism around the hoop. Will be interesting to monitor if they start trying to get him more aggressive to the basket. He’s growing up before our eyes otherwise I think. Whatever we can get from him from the perimeter is a bonus, in an ideal world his jump shot gets a bit more consistent given the good looks he’s getting. FT shooting has been strong from him so far, points to a player with ceiling to develop reliable jumper.
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@BeddieKU23 I was going to say “pretty good”, but I think you covered that for me.
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Good stuff.
I’ve been really impressed with how this team shares the ball. Nobody is hunting shots, #1 in the nation in assists. I think part of this is by design but also points to a team that isn’t selfish and is hunting the right shots. Sometimes our turnovers are caused by trying to make that extra pass. Something they can improve on is the balance here.
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Please add any other thoughts you may have. Love hearing what everyone thinks of the team so far.
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@BeddieKU23 One thing I’m pretty stoked about is that we’re shooting over 70% from the free throw line. That’s pretty good for us - and we’re getting them at the right times.
I DON’T like that we continually blow large leads, but I DO like that we persevere and come back from that.
I LOVE that KJ is becoming an inside presence - with that little 8-10’ throw in shot - whatever it’s called. He’s going to be getting a lot of national attention by the end of the season.
I like that we’re not K-State. I like that we beat Mizzou.
** Note - I just checked and we’re number 188 out of 361 in free throw shooting. So we suck. But it doesn’t seem like we suck as much as usual to me…
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Agree with all the observations being made here. I think the team just feels really weird because outside of some of the halves against Tennessee, UCONN and Kentucky I don’t think they’ve really hit their stride much if at all. A lot of mediocre performances against mediocre competition. It does feel like if we get 5 3’s you can probably chalk that game up as a win. I think the poor fit(lack of shooting in the HD/KJ front court and just a lack of shooting in general) leads to some of these slumps but HD has been producing great and so has KJ so it’s been working. McCullar being the alpha of the team from a scoring perspective feels a little strange given that he’s always been a glue guy but I’ve been pleasantly surprised at the confidence at which he’s been isolating from midrange and attacking the rim.
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@BeddieKU23 said in Team discussion after 10 games:
How’s everyone feeling about this team after 10 games?
On target, exceeding expectations, below expectations?
Share your thoughts, we have a long week until Saturday’s game in Assembly Hall.
I’d say we’re on target-ish. To speak the unspoken: Losing Arterio was a huge blow.
Agree with @BeddieKU23 on the scrambling to adjust mode. He was a small with quickness and ability. We really only have young Elmarko to replace that kinda skill. So, there are some growing pains in the works. Timberlake in theory has a different skill set.
With Morris, we would not all be complaining that Harris is exhausted and playing too many minutes. Hoping Elmarko can get more time on the ball. That will help east the load (but will Self do it??). But, that brings either Furphy or Timberlake to the floor, and neither has that kinda quickness to defend smalls. Liability at times. Mismatch at other times in our favor.
Hunter has been da man. Other than his slightly off offensive game vs. Mizzou, stud (as Self would say).
We will win some games with Hunter, we will lose some games because we struggle to hit 3s and don’t have enough ball handling. I have not followed the offseason upgrades to other Big 12 teams, but i would guess another 5 loss conference record is not out of the question.
I have the same feeling about both the Jayhawks and Chiefs this year: title aspirations seem limited.
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@rockchalkjayhawk I think KU will be much closer to achieving that goal
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I think for the team as a whole for this point of the Season I would have to give a grade of a B. – One of my biggest worries is our overall scoring total., The PPG is down , kind of worry later down the line we could be in trouble we go into one of our drought , we struggle to score. Another negative would be our team offensive rebounding if we don’t score on our initial shot lots of time we are one and done, which just adds more pressure to score on the initial shot. --Defensively we are fine.
Now positives: I have love the way KJ has played , the kid is a stud , like has been mentioned positionless, guards very well , handles the ball well, has that floater down pretty good. He mentioned how Hunter and Parker & him practice that floater a lot. --no complaints on KJ for sure.
Parker has surprised me, he has done better then I expected, better rim protector then I imagined, rebounds fairly well - just overall seems quality , nothing fancy but just doesn’t really make us worse, good back up to give Hunter a blow.
El Marko , has looked better these last couple of games, settling in, still ugly shot but quick, needs to work on his defense but it will come , still unsure if he is a fifth starter or not - - but question would be who do you replace him with ?
Furphy -think the kid is gonna be a good ball player in time, has shown he can hit the three, think about it , he is still suppose to be in High School right - -age wise ? - -needs work on his D but just young , still trying to adjust. he started behind the rest because of the late addition.
Timberlake , like others kind of a let down. I think it is so much in his head now/mental type thing his confidence is shot. I still believe he can be a worthy contributor when it’s it’s all said and done. - -Give him one good shooting game and it could be just like night and day. Believe it or not I think his struggles shooting the ball /his offensive game has also effected his defensive game struggles, I still think we can have hope.
Then Hunter -ya has had some monster games, pretty quiet 1st half against Missouri finished pretty well , really solid again if he weren’t here not sure how we would feel that position and yet I can’t pin point it but STILL for me just feels/looks kind of out of place, not the quickest guy in the house, kind of a liability away from the rim Defensively, - -I don’t know. I DO KNOW though he sure is a blessing to have on the defensive boards and score. - I guess I’m just more use to having get out and run including our five like last yr when KJ t the 5 but hey believe me not complaining about Hunter yet there is something that just seems out of place.
Keiv - - -Kevin - -wll what can you say - -just a stud for us for sure that is all
Then we have Jamari, I myself got to say I think he has done well, better then a lot of people thought he would be I believe, I think he will be a solid 4 year player for us- -work some on his shot – work more on his D but overall better then I thought from what I had heard
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I think most of the basketball analysts from around the nation have us pegged pretty well. We need that consistent 3rd scorer. Losing Morris left a huge hole because he was the perfect fit of scorer/athlete and could defend well.
Most pleasant surprise - Kevin! He’s really dialed it up a huge notch. He’s like a big Mason… willing to take it in on anyone and risk his body for a bucket. A+
Hunter - He’s a little too timid. Needs to fight harder for position and we need to set him up better. Our offense is Self’s traditional hi/lo… but that traditional hi/lo was built for 2 post players. We sometimes (not always) need to clear out an entire side of the court except for Hunter so he won’t be double-teamed. He’s such a good passer he can kick it anytime he wants, too. He needs to do a better job of fighting for position and then getting a good shot off. He should be able to get his shot on anyone, including 7’5" guys. We need him to be a constant threat, not on and off!
Juan - He hasn’t had a great season (for the most part, except UK). Too many TOs. I just don’t think he has adjusted yet to this offense. He gets sped up and anxious. I think we will see a huge breakthrough with Juan over the Christmas break.
Elmarko - He is coming on and I like what I see! I’m just not sure if he can maintain his confidence throughout the season and into post-season play.
Furphy - A nice surprise. He’s going to have a monster game within a year or two as his body develops. He’s just not strong enough now to stop many driving guards.
Timberlake - Big question mark. He hasn’t adjusted to playing tougher competition so he is out of his comfort zone. Because of that, he is playing sped up on his shot, hence the poor shooting. I’m not sure there is much more we can expect out of him on the defensive end. He needs a lot of help in placing his feet… otherwise known as “hedging against the drive.” He needs to learn the driving tendencies of all players he will face this year and then hedge against their strengths.
Parker - More than expected! He still has room to develop even more!
KJ - He’s going to work himself onto the NBA draft chart before he’s done… or if not, get some serious tryouts. That mid-range floater is deadly and just what we need! He’s a great compliment to having Hunter.
Jamari - Has great potential. Hope he sticks with us after this year but I understand he has to go where he can play. He needs minutes to develop. He’s a guy we might recruit over and then he’s gone. For now, he can be a good spark off the bench.
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I think we are right about where I thought we would be record wise. Best surprise - Kevin, looks more athletic and could be playing his way to a draft pick.
Biggest disappointment is Timberlake, dude just seems to be completely lost. I hate being this hard on him but my god. He is quickly becoming one of the worst scholarship players in memory.
I made the comparison the other day to a Tony Bennett Virginia team. They value the ball well most the time and are efficient offensively. Leading the nation in FG% and Assists. They also play pretty good defense when the starting 5 is on the floor.
The downside to being a Bennett type team, if a team gets hot from 3, pressures hard and they push the ball like Marquette. We are in trouble in those types of contests. We play at a much slower pace than we are used to here at Kansas.
My honest opinion is I don’t see this team winning the big 12 this season but I’ve said that before and been wrong. I honestly think the B12 is far and away the best conference this season.
Defense always travels and this team could develop into one of BS best teams in that category. I can see this team losing in the first round of the NCAAs or making the final four.
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Since I’m still trying to figure out who’s on the floor half the time I may not be qualified to answer. So here’s my observations
KJ, I do know who he is and he’s a blast to watch. Hilarious that misery decided not to guard him and so he poured in 10 foot little flip type shots all night long.
DaJuan is a joy, the glow from the NC game has carried over and in my book he’s a hero because of that championship season, although I’m still a little pissed at him for stepping out of bounds in that game. But his story is so great, another kid that was saved by college basketball and will graduate much better prepared because of it.
Kevin has been awesome. He’s a fierce competitor and that drive just inspires everyone on the floor. He is the heart and soul of this team right now. His performance against UCONN was legend type of stuff.
The only newcomer I know is Hunter and I still dislike him as a person, but am thrilled he came to Lawrence. Bill would have had a tough time without him.
All the other newcomers I barely recognize still. I’m always looking up numbers and realizing oh, that guy that just bricked a 3 is Timberlake, or the kid who looks lost at times is Jamari, and the kid who’s best known for being Christian Braun’s brother just did a bit of dirty work for the team. Funphee is a fun name and he, I think it was him, recently actually who made a 3 or something that helped.
I wish we could have played Kentucky when they had their bigs. It’d be interesting to see how HCBS would have game planned that one. Marquette loss was a bit concerning but they are a solid squad.
And they better not screw this one up after spending a nice bit of cash the other day to see them in Bloomington!
Nice post @BeddieKU23
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We are slightly better than I expected at this point given all the new pieces. We may fall short of expectations by season’s end (I expect somewhere between S16 and E8). with obvious weaknesses and a pretty unnuanced identity, we could run into a match up problem early that we can find no answers for.
Namely, Hunter can look mobile against another footer but his help D is always going to be a step slow. We still have too few 3balls. These could be alleviated if Kev keeps shooting out of his mind and Furphy is not a defensive liability and can keep raining 3s.
As for Nick, i am convinced he cannot shoot a 3 from the corner and thats all Self wants him to do. Need to put him at the elbow extended or on ball if we want to get any production from him. I dont think we will.
Elmarko cant shoot 3s and its going to take an offseason to fix, at least. So that limits his identity. Thats tough to pair with Juan unless Juan truly unblocks his shooting Chakra the second half and looks for his shot consistently.
I am not surprised at all by Kev. I knew he had it in him and glad we got to see it at KU.
Freethrows are a problem and another reason our identity isnt nuanced enough at this point.
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Love all the posts @rockchalkjayhawk @nuleafjhawk @rcjhdraft @drgnslayr @approxinfinity @kjayhawks @wissox. Some awesome discussion going on.
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I do wonder when Self is gonna call it on the Timberlake minutes. I understand why his leash is so long because this team desperately needs shooting but at some point you may need to cut your losses. He’s an absolute turnstile on the defensive end
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@rcjhdraft said in Team discussion after 10 games:
I do wonder when Self is gonna call it on the Timberlake minutes. I understand why his leash is so long because this team desperately needs shooting but at some point you may need to cut your losses. He’s an absolute turnstile on the defensive end
The problem is really that Self cannot call it on Timberlake minutes. We need him.
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Anyone have news on an inside track for us picking up another player at mid-semester? I guess pulling Clemence off of RS status isn’t the answer. Hope he is busy sucking down pea protein shakes every day and sweating out strengthening workouts.
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There’s been no recent news there. Not sure it’s going to happen anymore after they explored a reclass kid from 24 but the logistics etc just didn’t work out. We certainly don’t need a big and at this point getting someone acclimated to impact the backcourt seems rather improbable with conference play around the corner. Obviously, something could change but I’m not expecting we hear differently at this point.
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So obviously it’s early and guys like Elmarko/Furph especially can still make strides. However if you want to be alarmed… Our offense if you remove the first two games is 87th in the country on torvik. Of course the schedule has been absolutely insane. 4 top 10 level opponents and another P5 in Missouri. In general that EIU game where the team was coasting hurts this stuff as well.
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@BShark Offense doesn’t pass the the test. But the sample size is small. A half dozen games into conference the modeling should get better and the team closer to the finished product.
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@dylans said in Team discussion after 10 games:
@BShark Offense doesn’t pass the the test. But the sample size is small. A half dozen games into conference the modeling should get better and the team closer to the finished product.
I agree which brings up the fact that college basketball might just be very stinky. Given this team is winning at a high level.
I think we need to see Elmarko and Furph hunt for offense more to reach the potential this team has.
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Bossi’s comments about waiting for these old dudes to move on is accurate. The covid guys are going to finally dry up soon.
I agree that we could benefit from more offense from the 2 talented freshman. Elmarko is doing the right thing since he’s the 4th or 5th scoring option right now. Fitting in, starting to adapt to his role. I would just like to see a better perimeter shot from him, seem to remember him a bit more consistent there in HS. I know he would need some work, but not to the extent it looks. Furphy doesn’t lack confidence in his shot. Once he puts on some good muscle here he’s going to be a problem
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@BShark I think L is getting better at both, O and D. Furphy needs to hunt D! Johnny on the spot is hitting some 3’s and not afraid to get on the boards and getting some put backs. His angle on D is too tight and he doesn’t move his feet. He’s very capable too! When he gets it along w/his length, he’ll be a great defender. I think Mari showed why he’s not playing more in the Mizzou game. He brought the ball up dribbled around, never passed and then shot it. Jmo. Don’t think Coach was happy about that.
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Bottom 5 offense in Self era so far via Kenpom, for whatever that is worth. They can get better and hopefully they do as you said, the sample size needs to be bigger. The early portion of conference play is a lot easier then the bottom part so we might have a chance to get into a groove and keep improving which would perhaps even out the numbers a bit. No doubt they have played a tough schedule and that’s played a part in some of it.
Perhaps the one advantage to new teams joining the conference is that KU doesn’t have to face every team twice. I did love that format but the last several years certainly made it difficult to have any element of surprise against teams when you face some of them up to 3 times in a season. Perhaps an advantage Self will gain against some league opponents when he doesn’t have to face them twice.
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Just a few things. I like all of our first year Jayhawks because they may look scattered sometimes but every one plays hard. Parker I’m impressed with your skill and court awareness and you are already proving you are what we needed. Timberlake just keep playing fearless and hard and your shot will start falling when the offense finds you in the flow of things. Johnny your shot is sweet thank you and your defense may not be there yet but the last couple of games you recognize that and in the Mizzou game you got picked by a screen but astonished me when you did a sideways 15’ broad jump trying to get back in front your man and swiping at the ball as you landed scaring the heck out of the ball handler. Hell yeah. Elmarko I see you as a computer that is still booting up and your sly little passes during your lane incursions would get more credit if Hunter and KJ were more aware as your passes were bouncing off of them. Jamari you keep on focusing on your defense because you are already good at it and a kamikaze drive or two will do more damage to the defender than yourself. All of you should keep chucking it up because that’s what we need when you are on the floor. Our fab four are doing their part but still need your help to survive.
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Good idea that shows leadership. TY.
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@BeddieKU23 said in Team discussion after 10 games:
Bottom 5 offense in Self era so far via Kenpom, for whatever that is worth. They can get better and hopefully they do as you said, the sample size needs to be bigger. The early portion of conference play is a lot easier then the bottom part so we might have a chance to get into a groove and keep improving which would perhaps even out the numbers a bit. No doubt they have played a tough schedule and that’s played a part in some of it.
Perhaps the one advantage to new teams joining the conference is that KU doesn’t have to face every team twice. I did love that format but the last several years certainly made it difficult to have any element of surprise against teams when you face some of them up to 3 times in a season. Perhaps an advantage Self will gain against some league opponents when he doesn’t have to face them twice.
The funny thing is we have shot pretty well, it’s the damn turnovers mostly.
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@BShark looking at the stats from the title team vs this years, our offense looks slightly better in a majority of stats. 3p% is actually up but attempts is down 3. TOs is only up .6
Although that title team had weaknesses this changes my perspective a bit.
https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/schools/kansas/men/2022.html
https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/schools/kansas/men/2024.html
(Scroll down on each)
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I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the fact that we’re ranked #2 in the nation and we’re tearing our hair out over how terrible we are. Terrible defense, terrible free-throw shooting, terrible this, terrible that.
Man, it’s GOOD to be a Jayhawk fan!
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It’s not out of the question we could be 20-1 and end up 22-9 after our brutal closing stretch. Just looking in from outer space. Indiana fans are ranked as 13th for obnoxious home court fans and loud about it. Profanity and nasty chants. Hunter rhymes with ******, Furphy has herpes, Hairass Hairass Hairass, really not too much work with for them.
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@nuleafjhawk said in Team discussion after 10 games:
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the fact that we’re ranked #2 in the nation and we’re tearing our hair out over how terrible we are. Terrible defense, terrible free-throw shooting, terrible this, terrible that.
Man, it’s GOOD to be a Jayhawk fan!
AHH YES PERFECTION - is such a great thing
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@Zabudda Punter? Bunter?
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@BShark said in Team discussion after 10 games:
@BeddieKU23 said in Team discussion after 10 games:
Bottom 5 offense in Self era so far via Kenpom, for whatever that is worth. They can get better and hopefully they do as you said, the sample size needs to be bigger. The early portion of conference play is a lot easier then the bottom part so we might have a chance to get into a groove and keep improving which would perhaps even out the numbers a bit. No doubt they have played a tough schedule and that’s played a part in some of it.
Perhaps the one advantage to new teams joining the conference is that KU doesn’t have to face every team twice. I did love that format but the last several years certainly made it difficult to have any element of surprise against teams when you face some of them up to 3 times in a season. Perhaps an advantage Self will gain against some league opponents when he doesn’t have to face them twice.
The funny thing is we have shot pretty well, it’s the damn turnovers mostly.
The turnovers are just a part of having a dominant big who is a clear option one. Everyone knows that’s where the ball is trying to go.
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@patoh3 REALLY? It’s pretty obvious that it’s Grunter…
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Offensive woes point to two areas: poor perimeter shooting and not enough low-post scoring.
Hunter needs to put on his big boy pants and fight harder for inside position and then when he gets the ball, stop holding it and go right into a scoring motion.
Perimeter shooting… hope we improve over the holidays by developing better spacing and passing. I know our assist to points is very high but it doesn’t tell the whole story or we would be leading the country in offensive efficiency.
I think a lot of this rests on Juan’s shoulders. He is our PG and playmaker. It isn’t fair to blame him… it is just a case of our offense settling in better. Christmas break should be the time when our guys can stop focusing so much on the next game and start focusing on running better offense.
I’ll know we are in good shape when Hunter has the ball around the FT line and he feeds Juan under the basket for an easy 2! That means we’ve worked hard all the way around on offensive efficiency!
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@Zabudda I’m wondering what it will be like for me there Saturday. Actually thinking of not wearing KU stuff.
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@wissox good idea. And show up at a nudist colony wearing coveralls, cowboy boots and a balaclava. You won’t stand out at all.
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@nuleafjhawk Geez, that is what I get for thinking!!
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@wissox said in Team discussion after 10 games:
@Zabudda I’m wondering what it will be like for me there Saturday. Actually thinking of not wearing KU stuff.
IDK. Nothing like going stealth.
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@wissox no way!
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@Crimsonorblue22 You think I should wear it proudly? I probably will but I hear IU fans are kind of nuts.
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@wissox well, you are too!
wave it proudly!
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@Crimsonorblue22 If I was nuts I’d go all rock chalk a jayhawkin into the place and probably get beat! Not that nuts!
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@wissox I hope you have some fun.
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@Crimsonorblue22 Oh it will be! I’ve always wanted to go to the Assembly Hall but wouldn’t make the 3 hour drive to just see any game, so the chance to see us play there is just amazing.
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@wissox hope we can find you! Remember when I saw you running?
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I’m WAY more excited about this team than I expected. I was not happy about bringing Morris to KU, so I’m still disappointed and disgusted about the way that played out. Hunter was a bit suspect to me too, but I’ve been wrong before. (Tarik Black, you’re a good dude)
In order of my happiness:
KJ–the kind of misfit guy I love (Jamari Traylor, Kevin Young etc.) Gives 100%. So, apparently he’s been hiding some handles bringing the ball up the court. Who knew that?
HD–so good popping off that 4-8 foot throw in. Gets rebounds the easy way, in position and doesn’t even jump. Kept his cool mostly so far better than I would have despite being mauled constantly. Seems to be a decent dude.
Kev–great so far, as expected. Best player for post game interviews too.
Juando–Just barely cruising. Needs to amp it up on offense. We have to have that ugly mode guy who can drive and draw a foul. Looks like he’s conserving energy at this point.
5th spot:
ElMarko–hate to think where we’d be if he was running the point, but he is definitely starting to show flashes. Looks better than average hot shot freshman on D. He’s still confident on O despite shooting like crap, so I think it’s going to click in January/February.
Furphy–play him more. I think he’s going to be a freak. Quicker than people realize. Doesn’t hesitate a bit jacking threes. One of those guys who just has a nose for rebounding and is fearless. My second favorite player to watch at this point behind KJ.
Jamari–he’s been big in big games, and that’s along the KJ track of getting coach’s trust
Braun–he’s a man. I don’t sweat a bit when he’s in for HD.
This is a pretty dang good team, folks!
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Thanks for humbling us there. It’s true, we are spoiled. It’s all Self’s fault for being so damn good at his job.
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I wonder if Juando is playing through aches and pains already. Rewatched the Missouri game and put on a game from last year and the speed/energy is different from him this year. Felt like he finally impacted a game defensively when guarding East the other day which was encouraging. Most of that guys junk came when someone else was switched on him. He’s playing a lot of minutes again and Self has consistently said he’s not built for it. I’d like to see if Elmarko can run the offense more, they did some of that in the Missouri game because Juan was spent at times. Hopefully we’ll see an uptick in from Juando with limited games for the next 3 weeks. Chance to get healthier if he is nursing something
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@drgnslayr to go along with the low post scoring, feels like out offensive rebounding is down. Hunter is good at what he does so it is hard to complain, but it is a lot harder to get your own miss with his 4 ft jumpers than when you are shooting from under the basket.
Easiest thing for me that the team can improve is to lower their turnovers. I know a high TO rate is a symptom of high assists since we are passing the ball more, and I am fine with the TOs when trying to make a play, but we seem to still have a high number of sloppy ones. Juan even seems to be ending drives every so often with a prayer of a pass and I can’t ever remember him doing that in the past. Know that is pedantic but this team’s offensive strength is ball movement and being the best passing team is country is what they should hang their hat on.
