Best posts made by pa_grape

After reading some good insightful posts from members here, I finally decided to join the forum. Here goes my first post: Like some of you, I am dying to see KU play in FF and gets another shot to win it all this year. I agree with some posts here, that we’re not going to go deeper if we count on last year’s team members. I was so thrilled when we signed Diallo & Bragg. They are so talented. But they haven’t really wowed us in their limited minutes this far. Coach thinks they are not ‘ready’. He proved his point vs UC-I. If we see other talented freshmen in the same pool as ours, most of them are starters from the beginning already. I understand coach Self has his own way and agenda with top recruits vs seniors. Now, I’m curious if you were KU MBB head coach, what would you do to help develop these talented players so they get the minutes they’ve been itching for? What kind of plays would you design to expose their strengths and abilities so the team gets the most out of them? vs Zone? vs Man-to-Man? Thanks!

I think the refs had too much fun with the whisthles. 55 calls combined.

@Crimsonorblue22 - nice read.

“”" Twelve games into this 2015-16 season, the return to a smaller backcourt has sparked a return to form. No. 2 Kansas ranks seventh in the nation in scoring (87.2 points per game), fourth in three-point shooting (45 percent) and 16th in assists (18.5 per game). “”"

I wonder if we can keep the stats like that starting tomorrow.

It seems like every game KU plays it’s the best I’ve ever seen in a verrryyy loooong time. It’s great to see these kids have finally get it together! Rock Chalk!

I know I know we won, but it looks like our C5 got outworked by OU - Lattin alone beats C5 crew by 1. C5 needs to work harder. There’s still room for improvement - just sayin’.

@drgnslayr - I’m an alumnus, KU grad - used to live just a couple blocks of the football field. Used to play a lot of bball at Robinson. Still playing with my church mates. I love this sport and it is my escape from pains. I am coaching kids, too.

@drgnslayr - good discussion. It looks as if Perry should just keep shooting open 3s. He’s got that range. NBA can definitely use him if he can consistently knock it down. He’s not as fluid as Wiggs when it comes to moves around the rim, but he can still find ways to score or get fouled.

@wrwlumpy I was impressed how well Lucas performed that night - he was able and looked the best out of the other C5 to handle the giant. Diallo and Bragg look a bit struggle maintaining their stances even against shorter players - I’m concerned about this. I wonder if anyone notice that too. They get pushed around easily.

@HighEliteMajor - Aye, aye - for #6 !!

@Bwag - Hunter deserved it tonite .

@jaybate-1.0 I remember reading that post from @HighEliteMajor, too. It seems as if he (kusports writer)'s trying to score some ‘like’ points from the coach. This forum does have a lot of good discussions. As far as pro journos, you want someone like Newell. I remember reading blogs from him, (used to be kusports writer). His opinions are strong and valid, most of the time. He speaks from his mind. I kind of miss his blogs after a while.

@JRyman - Good reference to '08 team. I remember almost everybody on the court always contributed - no matter who. Jackson got oops, Sasha stuffing on everyone. I think it also depends on the leader on the court - you mentioned Frank already - and court vision of each player. Perry tends to kick the ball back to the top of the key instead of passing it to his open peer just a few feets away inside left alone because his defender double team Perry. '08 team would’ve made a swish and a dunk easily. Chemistry definitely will beat talents in the end.

@wrwlumpy - LOL great post to start a new year.

@KUSTEVE said:

@Bwag I think we look like 2008. The ball just zips around, and gets in the right spot. Maybe I am mistaken, but I don’t ever remember Baylor coming out of their zone to a m2m…ever. Holy cow, remember how we would struggle with zones in the past?

yeap. no more struggling if we keep the light on like this game. Self still owns Drew’s tail. 2008 is more oops and lobs… i’d like this team to utilize our C5 in that play more often.

Who would’ve thought Mickleson can do that? I wouldn’t for one.

Does anyone have a picture of the trophy? I’ve goog’d but failed to find one. I remember it was a heavy bronze Jay. I can’t recall when this happened. Do you know where to buy one (if I have enough $$ someday)…?

OU played with Spangler still not 100% (leg). They surely can throw lobs or dribble drive and shooting treys, pick n roll, NBA style. They play a slightly higher level of bball than KU. No matter how tightly Buddy is guarded, he can still score at will. So can the rest of the team. Looks legit to be #1. I don’t like it, but that’s how I see it.

Good topic. Amazing how comfortable Perry does his shooting from downtown. How’s Svi doing? He’s supposed to chip in more. His accuracy is declining or is it collapsed by limited PT? What would this team be had Conner and AW3 stuck around…?

@drgnslayr - your rib makes me hungry… if you like to taste international food, as part of your adventure, you will like this: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/50347/indian-tandoori-chicken/

yumm…

Great thanks guys. LOL - Inglorious Bastards. I watched that movie. I liked it, too.

@KUSTEVE I don’t mind to see another year of Diallo & Bragg playing for us! I want to see coach Self - as @HighEliteMajor said - draw plays for them, use their strengths.

I’m tight on my budget, I always go to Ross to pick a pair of bball shoes. I still believe brands like Nike, Adidas, Reebok - even older model - which what normally Ross carries; are good enough to play for indoor/outdoor. I’m in my late 40s now but I can still cross 20 something dudes. My Jordan Flight gives me sore ankles the day after playing. I wonder if any of you have a preference what shoes to wear for comfortness and performance within $40-50 budget. Is it online? Thanks.

@justanotherfan - thanks for the advice. I was looking at a web at teamexpress.com, they carried Adidas (Wiggins?) Crazy Light Boost for $60 down from $140. That’s a great deal, I think. But I don’t know how comfortable they are. I have wide feet.

@JayHawkFanToo said:

A lot less true centers available at the college level and most are now foreigners,.

I noticed UCI has a good center in the Greek guy. He looks like someone that can play true 5 in the NBA. His got size too. Lucas, at first, I thought would be our true 5.

@jaybate-1.0 - in my coaching kids experience, all kids get PT regardless they’re ready or not. Their parents will scream otherwise. I know this is different than D1… I just never thought of the harm part before reading your post.

@Crimsonorblue22 - I have never shopped there. I would email/call them first. But they have lots of great deals on bball shoes… it’s just I don’t know which ones would do good on my ankle… and it’s very challenging to find reviews that i need on those basketball shoes… BTW, spalding has $5 rebate on $29.99 & above basketballs… I just got mine. if anybody needs a coupon I can scan it here.

@drgnslayr - I play indoor mostly, but you’re spot on. Asphalt will finally break my back/joint. @ajvan - I don’t normally buy at ebay; but it’s a good idea. Thanks all.

@jaybate-1.0 - you are so resourceful, whether or not you involve in writing a book or not. Thanks for the guidance.

Great post, @HighEliteMajor - it’s pretty sad that PER is not being considered when choosing which player should be on the floor. Your point #3: “Self is having issues playing post players that make mistakes and who need that trial by fire to develop” is still not obvious to me whether it’s D or O mistakes. Diallo was left alone - he took a J, it’s short. He made the right call, I think. Coach might’ve taught the opposite. But I hope he won’t get benched because of that. Getting comfortable (thus, player’s confidence) in shooting in a game is very important. The only way to improve his confident level is in a real game. Now, I’m not so sure how to improve his D by just watching from the bench. I would think it’s a fundamental and has been repeated through practices. A simulation - as JB suggested - would really prepare him.

@DoubleDD - I’m bumping this threat up. It made my blood thrust all over my body!! I can’t wait!!

@drgnslayr said:

It would be great to give both Carlton and Cheick some minutes against Rico, just for the developmental experience.

But I like what Landen did to Ndiaye/Giant-Ant; I’d say coach will play him and Mick - then Traylor. Based on past experience and insights from others in this forum, I think C & C will have to sub the other 3 on occasion or when they are in foul trouble. Go get 'em, Hawks!

@jaybate-1.0 said:

Assuming you and others are right, and Self, Ryan and Pitino won’t start these guys, which I of course think the facts flatly contradict, why do these adidas-lean players go to these adidas-contracted schools and coaches at all???

I was aware AW had potential adidas-contract at the time. my question is how many others are there? it must be only a handful. just curious, JB at UC-Bears, that’s kind of odd, the fact that it’s not one of Adidas territory.

@HighEliteMajor - #7 might be interrupted by WVU, OU - I believe.

@HighEliteMajor - my tummy still hurts reading #9 :LOL:

@Second-Prize - last I saw, SMU was in top 25 - they’re still rockin’ i hope.

@Crimsonorblue22 - thx for posting. i burned my tongue watching it while sipping my chicken noodle soup…!!

Agreed. Let’s all pray they don’t make mistakes, but seek wisdom before blinded by $$$ and promises from their reps. I’d like to see them succeed in life, which they can achieve by getting more mature in collegiate level.

@drgnslayr - Nice post. I like the idea of having a guy taking over a game. As @DinarHawk said, this guy does not need to carry all the burden. I would love to see an alpha-guy who takes over the game by creating easy shots for others, wreak havoc opponents defense, come up with creative plays; he doesn’t have to score on his own. @Kong - understood; and we have two capable guards - all it takes is to have court vision and making the right call. they can direct others to screen, pick n roll (@HighEliteMajor - reminded me), a bunch of other plays that we saw with OU, MSU, as other posters mentioned… I have yet seen KU guards or coach Self play this team to their strengths fully; i’m referring to NC '08 team again. how many times current players failed to finish fastbreaks? A lot. To be able to take over a game, especially with amp’d up D, they can’t miss bunnies. Those misses could’ve been highlight reels had our guys have a bit of sense of where the other players are, and with a bit of creativity.

the first thing i google after reading kubuckets is “wiggins highlight” - past week -

@HighEliteMajor - I enjoy reading your & kubuckets fellows. I’m no expert, but a fan who dreams of watching my team play good if not great basketball games. Yes, I also mean '07-'08 team, and Pierce’s era. It’s interesting how you observe the same points mentioned above.

#4 - If you watch again, Mason did not even look interested in passing to Bragg. It was very obvious there were 2 TTU players around him. The bounce pass was not the first time he missed. It’s mostly close range plays. That, and Bragg/Diallo was surprised to catch a sudden pass. They need to watch NBA games. Especially the Clippers. Watch how Paul throws anywhere in the air, and Jordan finishes it with authority. Yes, I believe we can achieve this high level play with only Bragg & Diallo.

Yes, we are winning games. But not for long. I’m sorry but our C5 is not a real threat when it comes to Feb. Sure we will win, but will we see development in our C5? Or are they just a part of coach strategy to win games (more likely will be contributed by G3 + Ellis, anyway). I’m really interested with how well our C5 fares compared to other teams. By the end of seasons, these kids will look back…"they have learned the system, defended well, altered shots, grabbed a bunch of rebounds, but… the sad thing is the league. will not draft them. Our C5 needs to watch this video:

- even 5’9’’ can dunk (yea, i took credit from a previous poster - about a 5’9’’ white boy ). So far we can count how many dunks C5 have had - I don’t have stats, but hope @Bwag comes up with one, but I don’t believe they are more than 10. I hope I don’t offend some of you fans.