@bskeet I definitely agree with this idea. I'd even say we could be 16 or 15. We are better than Texas. We are probably better than Iowa. Obviously, they are still playing and we aren't. They beat good teams when it mattered and we didn't. This was always a flawed team (every team is tbh). But they were fun. I believe they played hard, cared about each other, and most importantly, didn't give up at the end. This round of 32 loss doesn't feel great. The way it ended makes it hurt more than the last two in my opinion. But that says more about the positives of this team than the negatives to me. I WANTED to watch this team play more games. I was happy the two before were done... I love these players. They gave me an entertaining season that ended in heartbreak. If it doesn't end in a celebration I'd rather it end in heartbreak anyway.

To me the issue is it isn't just one thing Self is struggling with in the last 4 years. Roster construction with NIL and transfers playing right away has been an issue. Team culture and chemistry have been an issue. Health has been an issue for both players and the coach. Offensive scheme has been an issue for a LONG time. Defensive scheme has also started to pop up as a problem (though I do blame Hunter for most of that tbh). Player development has been an issue. Conference success, tournament success, double digit loss seasons. These are the outcomes. In the "year of the freshmen" we had the most highly touted and sought after one of the bunch. And while he had his moments, his production was nothing compared to about 5-10 of the other top freshmen. I'm sad to say I'm now on the side of I think it might be time.

Put Paul back in.

lol. The weakest make up call of all time

Refs think a comeback sounds fun.

Needing a close game for the evening crowd or what?

It’s nice to have our own gunner in the tourney.

I think we will be fine this game but the amount of fouls not being called does not bode well for game number 2…

So I’ve been thinking… the refs really did swing this k state game for us. And not in a bad or nefarious way. But the fact that they were willing to call those 3 fouls in 8 seconds determined how the rest of the game was played. All of the sudden Darryn could move. He’s a great player but no one plays great in a bear hug for 80% of their time on offense.

Will be really interesting to see how the big 12 tournament and then the big dance is officiated. If refs are willing to call fouls off ball and for the various mugging DP takes, our offense could see a significant improvement.

Alright yall. The bracket is out. How are we feeling? Any teams you definitely want another crack at or are hoping to avoid?

For me I think Houston is a decent match up for us and would be the best resume builder. But another shot at West Virginia would t hurt my feelings.

Obviously have to get by TCU which isn’t a guarantee with this squad. If we get to the final I’d kind of like to face ISU again. Both blowouts on the home floor, could be close to 50/50 split as far as fan support in KC. Could be fun.

Leaving DP in with the scrubs to make a statement and get his MPG up. Lol

@BeddieKU23 his best game in my opinion.

Ok that dribble kick out is what we’ve needed all year.

Missed a push off but refs have actually been ok this game tbh.

@DanR he’s been getting some more minutes lately. Hopefully that’s part of the goal. If he can get his shot to start falling look out.

But I’d be good with 5-10 Marko minutes at most at this point. Give me Mari and even kohl over him whenever Melvin is in.

@JoJoAndMe someone has to dribble besides Melvin.

Tiller worst outlet passer since…?

@approxinfinity meh. He’s been decent. And engaged which is good. Hasn’t done anything special.

Mari often looks like the worst player on the floor but the team tends to play well with him out there.