Figured a thread on this possibility was worth starting as we hit the mid-point of the season.

Melvin Council imo has been my favorite transfer in the wild-west portal/NIL craze era. His leadership and charisma on the court, his exciting style of play and non-stop effort is everything we want to see in a Jayhawk player. His road to KU is a tale of rags to riches in a way. Even playing at Kansas this year was only possible by the Diego Pavia lawsuit in Football regarding Juco eligibility. Maybe all of us fans owe him some homage for making it possible for others to benefit like Council has.

Anyway, technically Council's eligibility was over last year but he got the 1-year waiver granted from the NCAA. February 10th is an important date to follow as the same judge that granted Pavia and others the 1-year waiver will hear new arguments from others that joined the Pavia lawsuit on their challenges to the JUCO eligibility rules. Council is currently not a plaintiff in this case I don't believe. He may not want to return to College another year although he'd likely make far more in NIL then a professional career next year. If the plaintiffs win their case, it doesn't give Council another year automatically as that exemption would have to come from the NCAA like it did for this year. There's precedent for it happening but it's wait and see.

As a big fan, I hope he gets another year, wants another year and stays at KU. Wouldn't that be grand for next year's plans?

Took a few days off since last Saturday really put me in a certain mood and needed to unwind from that without saying stuff in the moment.

Glad they pulled out the Win Tuesday.

I went to bed when they were down 15 midway 2nd half, partly for my sanity purposes at that point staring down the reality of being 0-2 in conference play for the first time in 30+ years. The other half is my work schedule makes it difficult to stay up to 11+ during the week. Given the OT and how the game went to the bitter end I can't imagine I would have slept much which would have made it worse.

Is this Karma for the Houston debacle last year or shades of the West Virginia game in 17. Those two certainly come to mind watching the last 15 minutes of this game. Very improbable win. I'd like to believe this will fuel. Some thoughts so far.

• Peterson played a season high 32 minutes and looked noticeably more athletic than we've seen. While he's still clearly managing the issue, he did look good. I hope he can get to 100% but we'll only know when we really see that extra gear/speed/athletic ability that is there.

• On Offense, it certainly feels like this team is starting over with DP in the lineup. Flory and Council have struggled so far to make an impact with him. DP needs to do a better job figuring out how to make plays for them too (only 2 assists in 2 games).

• What has happened to the defense? Either UCF/TCU have really scouted us well with the switching D or something needs to change. Knowing Self he'll buckle down further with the switching. So far in conference play we are making it very easy for teams to T up from 3 and the rebounding efforts have been very poor. Part of the rebounding issues are caused by the switching D.

• Self literally needs to light a fire under the bench right now. In 107 minutes here is the combined stat line of the bench so far: 12 pts, 6 rbs, 6 asts, 6 steals (5 from 1 player in 1 game) from 5 guys. This is where the main issue with this team lies currently. I don't know if it's become a coaching issue, but it's been very inconsistent all year and so far in conference play, well below average. The lack of production from the bench makes it so all 5 starters have no room for error. Maybe Peterson can go for 25+ every night and give us a chance but it's crazy how unproductive our bench is.

• I really hope this win was a wakeup call for the team on the type of effort and execution needed to win in conference play. I expected better and we've seen discouraging things in both games. Self needs to figure this out, it starts with him having them prepared.

A few things to highlight.

Absolute dog crap officiating job by Kissinger and company. You could create a conspiracy video on the replay of this one alone. And yet they still couldn't get Tech the W.

Flory Bidunga has been an absolute animal on defense as of late. He's making himself money for next year right now. Averaging less then 2 fouls a game in conference play, he's come a long way in realizing his importance on the floor and playing at the highest of levels. The ability to switch on/off to the perimeter is special. He's also shooting 78% from the field in conference play. For reference Doke shot 71% in conference play his Sr year. That's incredible shooting % so far.

Council- Still a dawg and an absolute joy to watch

White- Quiet game and two almost costly plays at the end. He's had a quiet week +. Wouldn't be surprised if Saturday we see the real Tre.

Kohl Siting! Had a big rebound, still can't shoot but thought he defended well for not playing in the last few weeks. Good to see him still engaged.

Barely any sleep last night but I'll have a smile all day!

Zuby did the right thing, he was recruited over and found the right fit for himself.

Im happy, how bout y'all??

@rcjhdraft said in K State Give Me a Break … Game Chat 7 PM CT:

12 dimes and 1 turnover from Melvin. Fucking ridiculous. No reason this guy can't get a cup of coffee in the nba

Hopefully he can get another year here then make a living in the NBA. So underrated and has traits made for the league

https://x.com/i/status/2019123795399963135

This is awesome. Council is something else

Fran was tame but did lose it on the ref over the Flory travel. Was a captain obvious play but somehow missed, guess they thought the ball was hit by someone on his gather. But hey Awaka got away with tackle football and elbows to the face and countless other moments of physical play. They let them play, KU also benefitted by matching the physicality. For once I thought Kissinger and his goons stayed out of an old fashioned brawl

Seeing the joy this team is playing with so far really makes you look back at the last two years and ask what the heck happened in that locker room. So far this group seems to enjoy playing with each other and that's a good thing as we get into the meat of the season where that chemistry and comradery will matter most.

There have been sustained coaching issues since 22.

Recruiting, Roster Building, Development, identity/scheme weaknesses on both sides. The first two might be trending for the better going forward but they are a part of the cog of issues.

I've certainly been humbled the past few years. This year looks like we'll be humbled even further fighting just to make the tournament if the level of play doesn't take a 180 real quick.

Im beyond happy with this team

KU up to #12 overall on Kenpom. What a rise the last 3 weeks. Offense keeps going up and down between the 30's, mid 20's back to 33 currently. Defense has consistently been in the Top 15 all season long (trending back up to #8) as of today. If the same level of play continues those numbers will continue to improve based on where they rank in games since conference play started.

Good end to the regular season. THANK YOU SENIORS. Melvin is an all timer in my book

Flory has won Big-12 Defensive Player of the Year

Council has won Newcomer of the Year

CONGRATS to these two awesome players!

Jaden Bradley is POY. a bit surprised by that one.

Lloyd won COY. Awaka won 6th Man of the Year. Dybansta won Freshman of the Year.

In important news, Duke’s starting PG and unheralded part of their success Caleb Foster is out with a fractured foot. Can’t imagine he will play this season but who knows.

Patrick Ngongba, their starting center is also out for the Acc tournament with foot soreness.

Whatever helps them lose in the tournament is good in my book

Merry Christmas bucket fam

Mbiya. You earned more minutes son

@wissox83

Nice stat drop on the 3pt defense. Some of it is pure luck but I do think the switching defense and the length/athleticism of the team has created fewer good shots for opponents from 3. I see improvements when contesting shots, close outs. This is a good defensive team when they play together.

Upcoming games against NC State & Davidson will test this 3pt defense as both are shooting near 40% as a team. NC St has 4 guys with more made 3's then anyone on KU (35% of their offense this season from 3). 4 guys are individually shooting over 47% from 3 so they look like they will be a difficult assignment on the road next weekend.