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    Best posts made by benshawks08

    • Open Practice observations

      Dole practiced free throws a lot.

      Newman lived in the corners shooting threes.

      Svi ended his practice by making like 10 threes left handed. Spot ups, step backs, fading in the corner. It was crazy.

      Devonte ended the whole thing by making his half court shot on his first attempt.

      “I just hope our fan base stays sober enough not fall in the river” - Bill Self

      posted in KU Basketball
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      benshawks08
    • RE: The Divide Has Been Drawn

      I will put out my opinion that we definitely would not have won Monday’s game without Traylor and Lucas on the roster. I really have trouble finding a way to justify the opposing view.

      Bragg looked lost and scared fumbling the ball several times and committing turnovers. Diallo continues to play outside the flow of the rest of the guys on the floor. Hunter was not strong with the ball and didn’t show his usual energy and did not get the deflections he often does.

      Traylor had huge momentum shifting blocks plus the rebound and put back in crunch time. Landon played great in overtime, made free throws, and was always in position to both defend shots on the drive then rebound the misses (something none of our other bigs can do!).

      This game meant so much more than getting to 2-0 in the big twelve. It was a must win home game against the best challenger in the conference for years. It was a game that gives a nudge to the victor come seeding time. But most importantly (yes more important than playing time for freshman) it was a win that brings a team together. A win that shows just how far each teammate is willing to go for the other. A win that shows even though Traylor almost cracked his head on one block, he would still go even harder for the next. This win built character, built chemistry, and hopefully made champions out of our Jayhawks.

      If you can’t appreciate what experienced players like Trayor and Lucas brought to the team that game then you don’t understand the word TEAM at all. Self can tell the Freshman all season long what they need to do to get more playing time but Lucas and Trayor just showed them.

      posted in KU Basketball
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      benshawks08
    • RE: January 21 Comparison.... This Team vs Last Year's Team

      Well by this time last year we had just finished off a win over #24 Baylor, our fourth straight win over a ranked conference opponent, and fifth straight conference win. We had been through a tough non-con with 4 losses all to decent teams. We had a BIG win early over Duke. We were all lamenting our lack luster defense. Jesse was posting steal updates constantly reminding us that we couldn’t guard on the ball, or get in the passing lanes. HEM was complaining about lack of offensive flow as it was mostly throw it in to Joel or Perry or stand around and watch Wiggins. Sometimes, Wayne or Tharpe would get hot from 3 and have some big scoring games.

      1: Tharpe v Mason Tharpe had some great scoring games but never could “cut the head off,” a phrase held over from Tyshawn’s time that was repeated many times by self. But Tharpe was inconsistent. On one or two games, off several. Jaybate commented often about his short legs leading to shortcomings on the defensive end. The team is searching for a leader hoping Wiggins will be THE guy.

      Mason so far this year has been the opposite. He is the model of consistency. He hasn’t gone for 25-30 or 5-5 from 3 but has been solid. His on the ball D is tough and aggressive making the opposing point guard make difficult passes that have lead to more steals (not necessarily by Frank). The team is a reflection of Franks tenacity. Turnovers are down. Many, including Self, have said that Frank is by far our most valuable player and this seems to be his team.
      ADVANTAGE: Mason

      Selden v. Selden This is a tough one because not too much has changed. 13-14 Selden, I think, had just had that huge hustle play vs Baylor. He’d had a couple of 20 pt games vs Oklahoma and KSU that had us thinking he could be the key. Turnovers were an occasional problem, and his defense was sometimes questioned.

      14-15 Selden has had some good hustle plays but Kelly seems to have taken that role from him. His scoring has been down somewhat. His 3pt% is up and he has become more consistent defensively. ADVANTAGE: None

      Wiggins v. Oubre Wiggins was starting to turn it on by this point. He had some big games. He was considered our “lockdown defender” on the perimeter. His athleticism was never questioned but his toughness and heart were still at times up for debate. Jaybate was already beginning to wonder about 1/2Wig or 2/3 Wiggy implying he was saving something for the future and playing not to get hurt. We all had the Duke game in the back of our minds hoping he would shine brightest on the biggest stage and go FULL ANDREW WIGGINS come March. He brought a circus to every game of people heaping unrealistic expectations on him and the team.

      Oubre struggled early, but has come on recently. His on the ball defense and quick hands and hustle have lead to more transition play and infectious “pace” with the whole team. His 3pt% is better than Wiggins, he takes better shots, and nobody watches him to see what he’ll do next. He makes better decisions because he is allowed to not be THE GUY we all wanted AW to be.
      ADVANTAGE: Oubre (in no way am I saying Kelly is now or will be a better basketball player than Andrew who is currently showing he will be just fine, but Oubre is better for the team)

      To be continued…

      posted in KU Basketball
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      benshawks08
    • RE: Speaking of BG

      I think we have to temper all of our attitudes toward BG. His biggest fault? He wanted to play more to help the team and handled that situation poorly.

      No, he isn’t going to transfer and has said as much. He will get his chances this year and will likely have big time opportunity next year.

      He clearly hasn’t figured everything out yet, and yes his actions hurt the team by him not being able to be there for him. But he is a Jayhawk. A pround Jayhawk. Check his social media and he will tell you the same thing.

      So has he been the model citizen no and he is paying for that, but neither has he betrayed his teammates or even taken a me first attitude.

      He’ll be fine.

      posted in KU Basketball
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      benshawks08
    • RE: Miami Hurricanes Game Thread

      Best chant I’ve heard all year

      posted in KU Basketball
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      benshawks08
    • RE: A crazy thought

      Has there been a bigger offensive rebound? And he followed it with not one but TWO post buckets he basically got all on his own. 40 and 19 in the last two games is legendary.

      posted in KU Basketball
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      benshawks08
    • RE: Racial Truths and Untruths and the Search for Justice while Doing Justice (previously titled To Infinity and Beyond)

      We have a problem: https://twitter.com/cnn/status/1266315061221613569?s=21

      I don’t even know what to say. This is what we get when the “leader of the free world” repeatedly calls the press the “enemy of the people.” (Specifically CNN) This video is one of the many reasons that rhetoric is just not ok. I’m not saying he CANT say it. He’s free to say what he wants, but man is it irresponsible.

      posted in Politics and World Affairs
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      benshawks08
    • Bill Self and the Law of Averages: The difference between making waves and riding them

      Many people are upset or at least annoyed that the Jayhawks were only able to beat TCU, the bottom feeder of the Big 12, by only 3 points in a game that was close for nearly the entire game. After defeating Texas on the road, many thought the team had found their identity and wouldn’t be turning back. Several have zeroed in on one key stat for the Jayhawks this year and have made some very compelling arguments regarding the correlation between the number of three pointers the team takes, and the success of the team offensively. Unlike past years where a high number of long range attempts usually meant settling for jump shots instead of attacking the paint, this year the 3 point shot is our most powerful weapon. Kansas is shooting almost 40% as a team from deep. This leads to the general assumption that as a team they should always shoot a significant amount so as to capitalize on this strength. This is true but it also is not.

      Bill Self is a very good coach. He wins lots and lots of games. He is especially good at beating good teams, historically. However, for some reason he seems more likely to be upset (or played close) by not as good teams. This is not coincidence. He is not lucky or unlucky. As Jaybate pointed out several years ago, Self appears to “amp” the team for some games and send them out “flat” others. “Amp” meaning sending them out with energy, wrinkles, and a strategy that will crush the other team, “Flat” referring to low energy, basic game plan, and a strategy that makes the team work. I doubted for a long time the validity of this assertion, but I now see it likely has at least some truth to it.

      It may have taken some time this year, but Self has figured out that this team’s biggest strength is their ability to shoot the three. Even though that style of play goes against Self’s traditional basketball values, he has utilized it recently in the games against the best teams. Against “weaker opponents” (though TCU is not necessarily a weak opponent this year) we have seen a dramatic difference in style of play. Where this team struggles is scoring inside. So, Self, a man who loves toughness and balance is demanding his team play inside when he thinks they can win that way, and maximizing their shooting strength when they need it. We have seen this for whole games and half by half. And on the surface this works as a decent explanation.

      However, I feel there is some deeper, mad scientist, work going on here. I think Self this year is trying to beat the law of averages. My biggest fear for this team relying on 3 pointers is the inevitable 2 or 3 for 20 game from deep that just happens sometimes. It is very difficult, nearly impossible to win such games as GREAT shooting teams like Utah and Gonzaga have shown. Too many possessions are wasted without points or opportunities for fouls to really have a chance to win such a game where the shots just don’t fall. We barely missed such a game in Austin purely on the shooting of Greene. Everyone else was off from deep. So this year, I think Self is actively trying to encourage bad shooting nights against teams we can beat inside while limiting the actual number of 3 pointers taken. So here is the strategy as I see it. On a night we are playing a team we are supposed to beat, guards and Perry can take a 3 if it comes to them but we aren’t going to work for those shots. Also, if you make your first one, you are done. No player can waste a hot shooting night against a low level team. If you keep missing, keep shooting. That is how we have come to several 3-8, 2-7, and 3-11, shooting nights. Yes Mason shot 5 three pointers but he only made the last one so no harm done to the law of averages.

      The key is to keep the 3pt% low in these games. Other strategies Self might employ in these scenarios include: frequent subbing to prevent game flow, focus on feeding the post, sitting Greene, the “quick hook,” harsh/negative timeout talks. On the flip side in games where they need to play their best to win strategies include: minutes for Greene, opportunity to get into the flow, 4 out 1 in, faster tempo, more positive bench interaction, encouragement to take open shots even if they miss.

      HEM has suggested that a sound strategy this year would be to give Greene minutes early and if he is on “ride the wave.” This clearly works. However, Self is not the kind of man to leave his game plan up to the mood of a “wild hare” like Greene. No, he wants to be the one to make the wave. Save Greene, and his other sharp shooters, peak performances for when he needs them. Make sure they don’t get the opportunity to breakout against weak competition and the law of averages allows them to crest when he wants them to.

      Unfortunately for HEM specifically, this means that during the tournament there will be a game or 2 (or 3 if we are lucky) where Bill Self appears to intentionally throw a game by going away from a strategy he knows works. We will play a team we should handle easily and win (or lose) a close one while only shooting 10 or less three pointers. We will not make more than 5 that game. HEM will be furious.

      Self will make this gamble. Because the law of averages is real, and he refuses to let it rule him. Bill Self makes waves, he does not ride them.

      posted in KU Basketball
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      benshawks08
    • RE: RIP Jalen Wilson

      I think this whole debate is moo. It’s like a cows opinion. It doesn’t matter.

      posted in KU Basketball
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      benshawks08
    • RE: Return of the Red Jersey's Game Chat

      Combine that with 30 conference openers and you have some solid bookends.

      posted in KU Basketball
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      benshawks08
    • RE: Next Year's Team Thread

      Anyone else notice that there were a few plays in the title game where Self tried to post Braun? That could be fun if he came back next year. Hoping Self is stealing some stuff from Wright after all their clashes in recent history. Would love for our guards/wings to start developing legit post moves and really get comfortable down there. Especially if Zach develops into a stretch big.

      posted in KU Basketball
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      benshawks08
    • RE: Pistols Out of Ammo Game Thread

      Don’t think we should discount the defensive dirty work Ochai has done this year. His offense definitely needs to come around but I don’t think that’s really his focus. I think next year his offense starts to flow a little better like Marcus has done this year. I think this team’s strength is their defense and we should play to that strength.

      posted in KU Basketball
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      benshawks08
    • RE: Next season...

      There is a real part of me that is still holding onto hope that Dotson comes back. He as much as any player this year had that chip that @drgnslayr loves to write about. He wanted to prove he was capable of leading a team to the championship. It didn’t sit well with him that his team lost KU “the streak” and his goal was to get a championship to repair his legacy. If you go back and watch games, as much as Doke was starting to dominate, Dotson was really coming into his own as a leader. Whenever KU needed a bucket, he went and got it. Every run by opposing teams in the last month was halted by a Devon Dotson drive or 3 pointer. I really hope he comes back but if he doesn’t I will miss him.

      posted in KU Basketball
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      benshawks08
    • RE: Return of the Red Jersey's Game Chat

      38 straight senior night wins is insane.

      posted in KU Basketball
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      benshawks08
    • RE: Miami Hurricanes Game Thread

      Just saw Miami’s previous low in points for a second half was 31 this season. We cut that in HALF!!!

      posted in KU Basketball
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      benshawks08
    • RE: Let the slobberfest begin

      Read an interesting tidbit this morning. Talking about North Carolina in the final four as an AP unranked team. The last team to win it all who was unranked by the AP? Danny and the Miracles. The last one before that? You cannot make this up. Villanova in 85. What a wild Final Four!

      posted in KU Basketball
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      benshawks08
    • RE: Jay Wrong Game Thread

      Juan taking his defense assignments personally tonight.

      posted in KU Basketball
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      benshawks08
    • RE: Tarheels Game Thread

      Self gave Dotson a championship hat.

      https://twitter.com/gifhawk2/status/1511196866020528131?s=21&t=a12GDVhdAkm0vDr0eYQPKQ

      posted in KU Basketball
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      benshawks08
    • RE: Next Year's Team Thread

      @jayballer67 Yeah. I honestly think these kids are smart for staying. It’s been made very clear self values experience. Any experience is good but experience in his system is extra valuable. And a lot of these fringe starters/likely bench players don’t have to be the next ochai to get minutes. They need to be the next Mitch. The next Harris. Self doesn’t decide who plays based on talent. It drives many fans crazy and drove some folks off the message board for good but he values hard work, defense, and reliability. He plays the guys he trusts. They all just watched Dejuan Harris not even really be challenged for his starting spot by the best transfer in the portal. Pre season player of the year sat the bench behind a dude with a mediocre jumper and a can do attitude. So who is self going to feel he can rely on more next year? Isiah Mosley or joe yesefu? A bunch of freshmen or the guys who pushed a team all the way to the championship? We can (and will) predict lineups all summer long but when late night hits, self will be looking for one thing as the season gets started. Who can he TRUST? Who knows the plays, schemes, etc. Who can execute? Who will give that extra effort? Who will rise to the occasion and take a big shot? And yeah, any of these guys could see there way into a role as the next Mitch light foot, landen Lucas, Brady Morningstar, jamari traylor, Christian moody, etc.

      posted in KU Basketball
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      benshawks08
    • RE: Duke Kills Kansas... Kansas Wins Game!

      The 21 assists is just mind boggling when you consider that we didn’t even hit many outside shots. Often times a ton of assists is an indicator that the ball is moving and then guys are knocking down shots.

      These guys just really share the ball. That may sound strange in a game where one guy took 26 shots but even Jalen had 5 assists and many of his shots were the result of being the only guy on the floor tall enough and tough enough to attack. Several of his three attempts came in the last 10 seconds of the shot clock where to me they were a good decision because it was either he shoot or we risk a turnover. Bilas criticized one of those looks and said he shouldn’t take a deep three like that but should drive but there was one second in the shot clock…

      Tough game for bilas to call if we are honest and generous. Dude is a Duke grad. They are replacing a legend. Hard not to pull for your Alma mater in a situation like that. I couldn’t be unbiased, that much I know.

      posted in KU Basketball
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      benshawks08
    • RE: KU vs. The Indiana Hoosiers Saturday 11AM This is a BIG GAME!!!

      @jayballer67 really Gradey being so much more than just a shooter makes us so good. He’s taking on both Och’s shooter role and Braun’s dunker energy guy role all in one player.

      posted in KU Basketball
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      benshawks08
    • RE: 2022-23 stats-PER, Kenpom etc

      @Kcmatt7 in all honesty I don’t think selfishness is really the problem. It’s that the ball sticks when it gets to him. He’s still catching the ball, then thinking, then making a decision. Bill doesn’t mind if guys shoot open shots but he hates when the ball doesn’t move. The only guy that gets to stand a dribble is Harris and that’s because you know he is setting up the action for everyone else, directing traffic, getting the ball screens, etc. everyone else on the floors job is to move and when the get the ball keep it moving whether that is toward the basket or with a shot or a drive, or swinging the ball to the second and third or even fourth side of the floor. That’s what I’ve noticed is missing when MJ plays.

      I think Udeh and zuby have been caught in that blender of ball movement and rotation as well as the other guys move it so fast it’s hard to keep up and be in the right spot.

      It’s honestly astounding that Gradey and McCullar have both been able to play that way so far.

      Same is true on defense. Bill demands you not only guard your man but react immediately to help and rotate. Help the helper. His best teams help the helpers helper.

      The young guys are still in thinking then acting mode instead of reacting or even anticipating. I wouldn’t be surprised to see MJ have a few breakout games in February or March ala Malik Newman.

      posted in KU Basketball
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      benshawks08
    • RE: Maybe #1

      @drgnslayr I think a ton of credit has to go to this starting five. Dejuan and Jalen have taken up the ochai and Christian leadership roles extremely well. Gradey and Kevin have bought in an figured it out faster than any newcomers I can think of. We all thought Kevin would be a good fit but he has truly been a great fit. Feels like he’s always been a jayhawk. Gradey offers so much more than I think any freshman we’ve had under self. He’s the best shooter on the floor every game. He demands all of the defenses attention. When he can’t get free he still works hard to move the ball, rebound, and play defense. His one on one d leaves something to work on and he gets lost once or twice a game but he also gets his hands on balls and jumps in passing lanes every now and then as well. KJ just continues to grow without losing any of those humble qualities that brought him to this level of playing time to begin with.

      There are certainly players on this team who are not bought in. Or even if they are “bought in” still don’t quite get it. You don’t have McDonald’s all Americans not just bench warmers but not even sniffing the floor in double digit wins when there’s foul trouble if EVERYONE is bought in.

      But like you said, still plenty of room to grow.

      posted in KU Basketball
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      benshawks08
    • KU Wins on a Mediocre Shooting Night!!!

      Good:

      KU won a game when shots from Graham and Svi weren’t falling!

      KU wins on the road where other teams have struggled.

      Vick found his stroke for a half and pushed KU to the lead.

      Malik shows effort and contributes all over the floor.

      Doke scored almost at will in the post and made a free throw!

      KU limited turnovers and got more possessions than the opponent leading to more points.

      Bad:

      KU only beat the worst team in the league by 6.

      KU still shot below average from 3 (mostly thanks to Devonte and Svi).

      KU was out-rebounded…again.

      5 fouls for Newman (this isn’t actually all that bad in my opinion, shows activity, intensity on defense, bad luck).

      Tech handles OU at home and stays a game up on KU in the standings.

      Ugly:

      Doke ends the game with 3 (count them 1, 2, 3) rebounds.

      Lightfoot not to be outdone snags just 2.

      The real reason we won might actually be due to ISU going cold.

      ISU shot 19% from 3 and we still only won by 6.

      ISU turned it over more than KU and we still only won by 6.

      posted in KU Basketball
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      benshawks08
    • RE: Takeaways from Game #1

      My big take away is that KU seemed just flat better than MSU on a night when only Ochai played particularly well. The game looked easy for these hawks which is promising. Even Ochai’s 29 didn’t come off some super hot shooting night. He just took what the defense gave him and was aggressive on both ends of the floor. He will score 30 at least once this year. The question here is can he bring this level of play consistently?

      This team is going to be at its best when they get easy baskets in transition off of long rebounds and steals. MSU also wanted to push the pace so that kind of played into KU’s optimum game plan. I’ll be interested to see what they do against a team that slows it down and really takes care of the ball. With that said, these guards have the ability to speed people up with their ball pressure. And one thing I loved from a coaching standpoint was Self going to the double team down low in the second half. That forced the ball to move and provided opportunities for our opportunistic guards to fly around and get their hands into passing lanes.

      Dave is still Dave and we get the good and the bad that comes with that. One positive is he looks a little springier this year. The dunks have seemed easy and he’s had a few nice blocks. There were times last year where many on this board wondered if he was capable of jumping and that does not seem to be the case this year. He will have some big nights for KU this year and their will be games that are either lost or close because of him as well.

      Also, want to echo everything I’ve seen here about Bobby Pettiford. What a luxury to have that guy coming off the bench HUNGRY for minutes. Really the entire bench (aside from Mitch) know already that they have to make a positive impact when they come into the game or someone else’s number will be called. This, along with the consistency of Och, will be the main story of the year. How does Bill Self manage the depth? How does he keep everyone hungry and fed at the same time?

      Anyone else worry about how Jalen will fit in with this product we’ve now seen twice? It’s a little scary for me because as some have already mentioned, this team already looks like a fairly well oiled machine. Am I making something out of nothing here? Probably…

      posted in KU Basketball
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      benshawks08
    • RE: Tejas Game Thread

      Anyone see Wilson take that elbow to the chest after that make?

      posted in KU Basketball
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      benshawks08
    • RE: Tejas Game Thread

      15,000 unmasked idiots going to keep me at home.

      posted in KU Basketball
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      benshawks08
    • RE: KU Twitter/Memes

      https://twitter.com/gifhawk2/status/1496346610229555200?s=21

      posted in KU Basketball
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      benshawks08
    • RE: Texas Southern Game Thread

      Self calling Remy the sixth starter is very high praise. It’s what he called sherron his freshman year. Here’s hoping this whole thing is getting figured out at the exact right time!

      posted in KU Basketball
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      benshawks08
    • RE: Monday Morning Madness Thoughts

      I’m glad we get the first game in Chicago so that we don’t have to wait on any more potential overtime games! It will be nice to play a game on schedule and for the players to be able to count on a pregame routine. But really it will help MY anxiety as I await the tip off! Would have liked to play Thursday just so we don’t have to wait as long. I’m cautiously optimistic because I’ve felt all year like this teams floor is very high even if their ceiling isn’t. The big 12 has shown even in it’s losses that every game in conference was indeed an absolute battle. That loss to TCU doesn’t look so bad watching how they handled Arizona.

      Little worried what might happen if every team from here on out takes Creighton’s “don’t guard the point guard” strategy but hoping Remy put that to bed at least when he is in the game. Harris will NEED a counter, whether it’s making a couple 3s or exploiting the space they give him with a drive and kick or floater or something.

      Glad to see my thoughts on officiating are NOT only related to my crimson and blue glasses as I saw so much TERRIBLE officiating in four days. I’d say the Baylor/NC game was probably the worst but I’d be hard pressed to tell you the best… Maybe KU games honestly??? Here’s hoping KU gets a little Big 12 Karma for some of the crap calls/no-calls in the TCU, Iowa State, and Texas games.

      I find it very difficult to like the TCU big man but he did play great against Arizona. With that said, Arizona’s post game celebrations made me hope they lose as soon as possible.

      posted in KU Basketball
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      benshawks08
    • RE: Gonzaga Apologists: Bugger Off and Accept Defeat, Whiners!

      This line is telling, “With the way the games are being called, toughness is winning in March. By the time Few and Lloyd figured it out, it was too late.” Um… You think those coaches didn’t care about toughness until last night? Does make me feel fortunate Kansas is in the big 12 and had teams like Texas, Iowa State, and Tech grabbing, slapping, hacking and clogging, in order to toughen up this team and prepare them for March. The big 12 I feel represented itself well this tournament with no team getting blown out, having a few upsets and really pushing some of the top seeds and favorites to the limit (TCU, Texas, Tech).

      The thing is I don’t disagree with the big picture argument being made in that article about officiating and freedom of movement, etc, but the way it singles out Zona and the Zags as the victims to Arkansas, Houston, and the refs is -four letter word incoming- SOFT. And you KNOW Duke would have been included had Tech pulled off that win. Whew! The entitlement is infuriating.

      If you are at the top, you don’t get to be a victim. You can be the bully and in competitive sports should strive to do so, but you are never the victim. We all watch games with our crimson and blue glasses and see every foul that doesn’t get called our way but in the end most Kansas fans I know seem to recognize WE are the bullies of the big 12. WE get everyone’s best shot because we are the team to beat and wouldn’t want it any other way. Kansas hasn’t won a title since 2008 because COVID ruined our best teams chance in 2020 and every other year we’ve run into a team who for that game played tougher and executed better than we did that night. Kansas has been the more talented team on several occasions but fortunately for EVERYONE that’s not how the winner is determined. How boring a sport to watch would that be?

      Also, could anyone have predicted the 7’2 string bean freshman from Gonzaga would struggle with players who were older, stronger, faster, and clearly wanted it more?

      posted in KU Basketball
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      benshawks08
    • RE: Miami Hurricanes Game Thread

      Kj coming up with that stop to end the half was pretty huge.

      posted in KU Basketball
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      benshawks08
    • RE: Mitch

      @BShark was thinking about starting this thread. About as much as you can hope for from an injured back up. His jump hook has become a weapon and he has shown some ability to protect the rim.

      posted in KU Basketball
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      benshawks08
    • RE: Chip and Pace...

      @Kcmatt7 Sure would be nice if we could jump them from the get go and coast to a quiet double digit win while the circus that will be the second game overshadows it all. Keep us fresh and hungry for the title!

      posted in KU Basketball
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      benshawks08
    • RE: Jay Wrong Game Thread

      @Kcmatt7 if he gets 20 and 10 again not sure how you keep him out. Could still come back next year… I’d take that Dave all year…

      posted in KU Basketball
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      benshawks08
    • RE: A crazy thought

      @BeddieKU23 If I remember right, the academics banner is really where his mom wanted his name to hang.

      posted in KU Basketball
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      benshawks08
    • RE: WE ARE NATIONAL CHAMPIONS

      @BeddieKU23 For sure. Every major contributor did something along the way to get us the Championship. I also love that in the post game press conference, these guys couldn’t praise their teammates fast enough with every question asked. They all just kept looking around the table to make sure everyone got their due. I feel like that is Och’s true legacy as a leader. You know he heard people talking about how he needed to take over the game, but he knew THIS team was better together. His individual game would never match that of what they could do as a team.

      posted in KU Basketball
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      benshawks08
    • RE: Where art thou, Jaybate?

      To @drgnslayr 's point, that all does make me miss Jaybate all the more. For all the knowledge, snark and wit, for the most part he never worked to tear others down unless they were truly trolls asking for it.

      posted in KU Basketball
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      benshawks08
    • RE: Reasons to believe in next year’s team

      @drgnslayr I’ve been of the opinion that he simply hasn’t LOOKED to score at KU yet. Not that he CAN’T score. His jumper is not great but not terrible, his floater game is ok, and he has the ability to convert some tough takes at the rim. He’s seemed to be able to get into the paint when he wants to. I don’t think it’s out of the realm of possibility for him to take a significant step forward in the scoring department next year.

      posted in KU Basketball
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      benshawks08
    • RE: Team Cohesion

      As far as team cohesion goes, I give a ton of credit to Och. He was a mostly quiet leader who led by example and was careful that every time he spoke to make sure his words reflected his values. That note to whoever took his room just solidified in my mind that 22 championship belongs to Och. His teammates saw his dedication, knew why he came back, and played for him. I can’t count how many post game interviews with players other than och focused on HIS work ethic and how “he’s our guy.” He will be missed and losing his leadership more than his skills will be the most likely reason we don’t repeat. It will be up to Juan and Wilson to pick up that torch. We will see if they can do it. I also have some wild hope that Yes takes a big step forward in this regard but I think I’m a bit out on a limb there.

      As far as the NIL vs love of the program stuff, it definitely is both. Hard to feel appreciated when you know you are undervalued. Hard to build trust and love for a program if you are feeling exploited. People leave jobs when they are underpaid, undervalued, underutilized. Most people are looking for balance and will take less money for a job they really want, or put up with a job they hate for more money but there are limits on both those extremes.

      posted in KU Basketball
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      benshawks08
    • RE: 2022-23 stats-PER, Kenpom etc

      Numbers don’t lie. Sit Harris. Start Jank.

      posted in KU Basketball
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      benshawks08
    • RE: 2022 Recruiting Thread

      4 Top 50 is such a solid class.

      posted in KU Basketball Recruiting
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      benshawks08
    • RE: Privilage nonsense part 1

      @kjayhawks Kill em with kindness and assume good intent. Those two things have gotten me a long way even with people who do NOT have good intent. I don’t know much about Pre K systems especially in small towns. I do know that many systems build in loop holes or simply ignore their own rules in “special circumstances” and those special circumstances are always reserved for people of privilege. If you have enough money or know the right people you can usually get your way and that is often the sad truth. But that is more about the system and the people in power than other parents trying to do what’s best for their kids. I also know if people look for disrespect and slights against them they can always find them. But the same can be said if they look for good. I’m not going to tell you you are being treated fairly or unfairly because I just don’t know.

      So much research is being done around autism right now that I truly believe your child has a bright future. Have you seen the movie Temple Grandin? HBO made it several years ago and it’s based on a true story. It’s certainly not representative of what ALL families with autism go through but it’s a beautiful story about rethinking the way we look at things and treat people. I wish you all the luck and positivity in doing all you can for your kid.

      posted in Politics and World Affairs
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      benshawks08
    • RE: Mid range shooting

      I agree. After rewatching the game I noticed a lot of Frank’s shots, especially early were really good looks and they just didn’t fall. I remember particularly a couple of nice, under control, floaters that bounced all over the rim before falling out. His stats also weren’t helped by the fact that nobody could make a shot. A point guard has zero assists because there were only 11 shots made the whole game. That is not all his fault.

      This game was a combination of having an awful shooting night against a great defensive team. It certainly wasn’t all them or all us that led to 13% in the second half. A lot of that was just bad luck.

      I felt before the game we were probably 10 points worse than Kentucky, meaning at their place it would be a blow out, at ours it could go either way and at a neutral cite it would be close. The first half that proved to be true. We had some bad luck early, played good defense, but couldn’t score and went into the half down 10 but with some positive momentum.

      I don’t have anything to say about the second half as it was a complete mess and I don’t like to think about it anymore. Why did I force myself to rewatch it. I have a problem.

      posted in KU Basketball
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      benshawks08
    • RE: Just Beat Duke, OK!

      @stoptheflop said in Just Beat Duke, OK!:

      Duke was much better than I thought they would be. KU definitely had to play its best game to win this. Jalon was great; next level passing and in the first half his rushes gave us a great start to the game. Duke’s defense was there on all our big passing plays and mostly stopped the run in the second half. Glad to get this win and move on to Iowa St.

      I’d argue the big takeaway is that KU didn’t have to play its best game to win. Lot of mistakes. Penalties. (Some earned. Some not so much) and at least two scores left out there with the early no score on 4 and goal and then the fumble on what was surely a scoring drive.

      How many 4ths down conversions did the defense give up after seemingly getting a stop for three downs?

      Definitely not a clean game but Kansas was still the better team.

      posted in KU Football
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      benshawks08
    • RE: I am curious as to your opinions - life back to normal or stay shutdown

      @mayjay I think I type the word shit so much that now anything close autocorrects to it!

      posted in General Discussion
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      benshawks08
    • RE: The democratic nominee

      @jayballer73 Right on. We may not agree all the time, but the “my guy/gal didn’t win the nomination so now I won’t vote for president” is a stance I just can’t agree with. I know your stance on Biden but for me he is no savior but will at least “lead” and represent the country better than Trump. Just my opinion (which of course I think is definitely the right one).

      posted in Politics and World Affairs
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      benshawks08
    • RE: Can You Handle The Truth? Self's Traylor Comment A Targeted Farce

      @drgnslayr I picture Vick and Graham hounding opposing guards in the future and get giddy!

      posted in KU Basketball
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      benshawks08
    • RE: The democratic nominee

      @FarmerJayhawk said in The democratic nominee:

      @DoubleDD said in The democratic nominee:

      @approxinfinity said in The democratic nominee:

      @DoubleDD said in The democratic nominee:

      @kjayhawks said in The democratic nominee:

      @DoubleDD @approxinfinity @DanR We have to be able to see it from the other side without insulting and fighting each other. There is truth to both sides. Have the Dems labeled virtually everything Trump has done including his initial China travel ban racist? Yes, without question. Has Trump back tracked and gave circular reasoning? Yes, without question.

      I’m not the one calling names. I’m just posting a different point of view. I guess it’s like how a conservative speaker can’t speak on on a college campus anymore for fear of their life. And conservatives are nazi’s?

      Some extreme trolling right here. I didn’t call it dumbass trolling. Just extreme trolling.

      Yet is it not true? Are not conservatives refrained on college campuses? For the colleges can’t give them the protection needed. What are these kids being taught? Doesn’t the media treat and even says the rep party is Nazism? Just saying

      As an instructor at a college campus I can say a couple things on this. 1) liberals are much more resistant to hearing opposing ideas than conservatives 2) this doesn’t necessarily mean conservatives are oppressed 3) I’ve had conservatives come up to me and say thank you for trying to include all sides of a conversation since they’re obviously a distinct minority.

      Reading this board would convince me conservatives are more resistant to hearing opposing ideas with @DoubleDD as the prime example. Conservatives right now, led by trump are looking for every opportunity to play the victim and it’s as sincere as those procedural arguments you brought up earlier. It’s trumps playbook over and over. Take the position of the attacked so that it looks like punching up even though he has the highest office in the land and the only direction he can punch (or would ever have the courage to) is down. Notice how in most of the clips of him berating reporters, they are women and often women of color. He is the typical bully who is afraid of everyone even though he’s the biggest kid on the playground. So tired of the conservatives who accuse others of being snowflakes and the PC police having absolutely no spine to handle legitimate criticism.

      If we think back to the one thing Jaybate was consistent on in his posts it was that the world is rarely one way or the other, it is always both. Are there people who criticize trumps every move without regard for whether they even might agree with it? Yes. Does that mean other critiques are automatically null and void?

      I’ve seen @approxinfinity admit he was wrong, ask questions, and appreciate opposing views that he doesn’t share. I’ve seen most other folks on the board do the same thing. But when it comes to Trump there are some who simply refuse to see the plain facts for what they are and I don’t think this post or any other will change that but it’s disappointing as hell and makes me afraid for the future of our country, honestly. A country I love, despite what others may tell you I believe or feel.

      posted in Politics and World Affairs
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      benshawks08
    • RE: The truth about Paralysis by analysis

      Only KU fans have so much doom and gloom after a win! Predicting a 2nd round loss in December for a team whose only loss is to the soon to be number one team in the country on a neutral court after controlling the majority of the game is silly.

      It’s still very early. This team has shown so far they can win easily against decent teams when the play and shoot well. The can hang around with good to great teams even if they play poorly. And they can win at home against a bad team when their best scoring guard gets into foul trouble and the best scoring big is in la la land.

      We still have a LOT to learn about this team. Especially as C5 starts to become CD. Truth is, it is December and we still know very little. And every other team with hopes and dreams is in about the same boat.

      posted in KU Basketball
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      benshawks08