Since this is the Big 12 thread, I’d like to pass on this word about my niece, who lives in Austin and has been battling leukemia: “Think about her when you see Texas in the tournament. The players have visited her many times and really boosted her mood.”
Here’s an article with Self’s comments after the first practice:
Self: KU’s first practice ‘not great’
I thought Self made some revealing comments, so here’s another attempt to translate SelfSpeak into English:
“You know, you can look at teams and say, well, they look really deep, and then as you get into the season, they may only play seven or eight and you’re really not quite as deep as what you thought originally you would be.”
Translation: depth is overrated. True depth is how good are the guys you actually play.
“It’s going to be hard this year figuring out who to play, and that’s what I tried to explain to our players yesterday”
Translation: I don’t want to figure out who to play, I want you to show me. I want 8 guys to stand out.
“if somebody is not doing what they can do to help our team win, it’s not going to be that difficult to try to give somebody else an opportunity to do that.”
Translation: the guys who stand out better keep on standing out. The other “OK” guys better stay ready to play.
(Wishful thinking: it will take more than “energy” to stay in the lineup.)
“it’s OK to put Brannen in. It’s OK to put Svi in. It’s OK to put Hunter in or Jamari in or Landen in. That’s OK to do that. Those are good players that’s proven that they can do good things when they’re in there.”
Translation: we have 4 returning players (Ellis, Selden, Graham, Mason) who are not “OK”: they are the foundation. They are 30+ minute core starters around whom I will build my team. Then we have 5 “OK” returning players who will compete for spots in the rotation.
Interpretation: Graham starts, it’s decided. If Diallo is cleared, he must get good enough to start sooner or later. That leaves 3 rotation spots open for 5 “OK” veterans (not to mention the 2 freshmen).
Self Story: “Depth means never having to leave the bench.”
(apologies to Erich Segal)
In my opinion, there were astonishing optimism and surprisingly high expectations for this team before the season started. Anything but 5-0 and clicking on all cylinders would be considered a disappointment.
I read that Mason and Graham would improve significantly, despite the fact they were already darn good last year.
I read that JJ would impact more than Wiggins.
I read that Lucas, a fifth year senior with limited talent and athleticism, would improve over his unexpected surge late last season.
I read that Bragg would make a big sophomore leap.
I read that Vick and / or Svi would make big leaps and start to contribute mightily.
Leaving aside Coleby and Lightfoot, we have 3 bigs and 5 guards who were all expected to either impact right away or improve by leaps and bounds.
The fact is we don’t have enough bigs to play 3+2, and we don’t really have enough guards to play 4+1 if any one of our 5 guards is in foul trouble, injured or playing poorly.
We are thin and need every wish to come true in order to go all the way.
I am hoping that happens. Hope is not expectation. Hope means encouraging effort and not giving up when things don’t go as well as “expected”.
How about more hope and fewer expectations?
Right now I am just awed and happy for the guards who are killing it, and wondering who this new coach is who plays outside in on offense and zone on defense. Fascinating season!!!
I don’t upvote every post, but these opponent threads with campus shots, etc. are killers! They alone are worth the price of admission to this site!
He brings that he has a loyal head coach.
Other than that, he’s our main recruiter with Bolden so we should be building him up. You know Bolden reads us daily, right? I think his pseudo is red rooster…
“Pittsburgh freshman Damon Wilson has been academically cleared, sources told ESPN. Spent the past two years at Our Savior New American.” Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanESPN)
Everyone is saying that’s good news for Cheick, including Jesse Newell.
I don’t see Josh or Devonte backing down.
Lucas has forgotten what “backing down” means. Frank never knew.
Coleby needs to bring his mean pills.
drgnslayr, let’s not kill the goose that lays the golden eggs. Gary, Jesse and Matt deserve their salaries. LJW is owned by a real tuckus and it’s not easy working for that guy.
@KUSTEVE While I generally respect Gary Bedore as a hard worker, I remember he was a vocal opponent of anonymous posting. Hey, Gary, the posters have become much more civilized now that they are on Facebook, right?
Is Nike the Unidentified Company in the FIFA Bribery Case?
Meanwhile Visa, Adidas, Coke and other sponsors are calling for Fifa to clean up its act…
This reminds me of the scene in Casablanca when the Prefect of Police explains why he is shutting down Ricks’s Cafe:
'“I’m shocked, shocked to find out gambling is going on here!”
“Your winnings, Sir.”
“Oh yes, thank you very much”.
@Lulufulu Nice post.
Do we have to choose between wanting the streak and wanting a deep run in the NCAAs? Can’t we want both?
I very much want to meet and beat Wooden’s streak. After that, finishing second one year is not the end of the world. I want KU to make history.
As far as the NCAAs being a crapshoot, I don’t buy that for the first weekend. Every time a KU team doesn’t make the Sweet 16, I call that a failure - in the Tournament.
@HighEliteMajor Maybe I’m taking your words out of context, but why belittle our streaks? They are unique currently and are on the verge of being historic.
For you, it’s NC or bust - although recently you seem to accept Final Fours as worthy achievements. I get that.
You think multiple NCs trump our streaks. I get that too.
But can’t you respect people like me who think the regular season is more than just play-in games to the NCAA Tournament? Why compare us to MU fans and talk about lunacy?
On this site, you’re my favorite analyst of the game and I certainly respect your preferences. Please don’t diss mine.
(Aside: If we really want to concentrate on Tournament excellence, we need to tear down Allen Field House! The team is too used to the overwhelming home advantage and doesn’t do as well on neutral courts. Also, no more “away” games or Big 12 Tournaments in the Sprint Center.)
@HighEliteMajor Everybody with tickets to AFH, start making your signs:
@MoonwalkMafia said:
On the one hand you have the fans that stand behind Bill Self no matter the circumstance. … On the other hand is the group that is trying to push our fan base in the direction that the vast majority of sports has gone.
Aren’t you the one being “divisive and polarizing” by exaggerating the position of one camp and extolling the position of the other?
Yes there are some posters who tend to stand behind Bill Self. There are even a few who seem to object to discussion or constructive criticism concerning his choices - or who object to criticism of certain players. I disagree with them.
There are also occasional posts that go too far in their criticisms of certain players. When you speak of “erasing” two players from the roster, you are making a blanket statement that I think is lacking in respect for their efforts - and their occasional contributions.
Which side of the schism am I on?
I would try to bridge the divide,
first by accepting that posters here have slightly different priorities: for example, I join @drgnslayr in giving the Conference title more importance than @HighEliteMajor does.
Then by giving credit where credit is due, as @HighEliteMajor has done: Self has adjusted to the team and so far has done a great coaching job this season.
The discussion points lately have simply revolved around the post players other than Ellis. There is no reason to use big words like “schism”, “divisive”’ and “polarizing” for that.
If I were allowed to discuss these points without being accused of defending Self at all costs, I would start by saying that Mickelson wasn’t given a fair shake before this season and I’m glad he is getting his due now.
Then I would remind you that the NCAA screwed Diallo and made it harder for Self to develop him this year.
Finally, Bragg / Diallo may have higher ceilings, but they also have lower floors. Do you deny that?
@Crimsonorblue22 So let me get my head around this: Smart trained to fall backward on his own, Forte trained to fall forward on his own. Can’t they just stand up and play basketball?
HighEliteMajor said:
But the point is what has she done to outshine her competition? We aren’t “in the know” so we don’t really know. I’m interested.
@HighEliteMajor , you are known for valuing national championships above all else.
From the kuathletics site: “Hudy was part of eight national championship teams while at Connecticut - two men’s basketball, five women’s basketball and one men’s soccer.”
Add 2008 and Hudy has trained 9 national championship teams in two different schools. She has almost as many national championship rings as Self has Big 12 championship rings.
Next.
@BShark Yes and no. See https://kuinfo.ku.edu/what-are-qualifications-jayhawk-basketball-player-must-meet-have-their-jersey-retired-and-hung
According to the Kansas Men’s Basketball Media guide: The original criteria for a retired jersey included KU players named college basketball player of the year, most valuable player of the NCAA Tournament or being named a four-time All-American.
The list was expanded in 1997 to include Ray Evans, who holds the distinction of being an All-American in both football and basketball.
The criteria was expanded prior to the 2002-03 season to include consensus first-team All-Americans, two-time first-team All-America selections and Academic All-American of the Year.
In 2006 legendary KU radio man Max Falkenstien was added to the rafters to recognize his 60 years of brodcasting KU athletics.
Having said all that, here is a Feb 2009 quote from Coach Self: “There is really not a criteria other than the greatest players that play here deserve to be considered for that.”
Mario met the original criteria, as does Frank.
Cole and Sherron both meet the expanded criteria.
This is great stuff: a letter to the Wig from Keith Langford, then comments from other former players, including Danny and Tyshawn. Check it out!
As jaybate posted on the cjonline live blog:
“The pain in Kane is mainly in the brain.”
PHOF!
Starting last season, I shake my head every time I read a comparison to the 2008 team. Folks, my head hurts, this has to stop.
The 2008 team was the 2007 team one year later. OK, Wright left but that’s it.
What I mean is the 2008 team had experience and had played together a long time. Last year and this year we are counting on too many freshmen to allow comparisons with 2008. Even 2007 is a reach.
@drgnslayr I cannot believe the quality and intensity of posts from the “starters” on this site this year. I am singling you out but I include HEM and others in my awe (jaybate is different, he has simply remained his unique, analytical and psychedelic self).
I love analysis and insight. No better place for them than here.
Thanks to the BucketMasters and to you awesome posters for a reason to log on every day.
A few of you out there need to post a leetle more often. You know who you are…
P.S. I think part of the reason for the great posts is this year’s team and coaching. There is a lot going on in the heads and hearts and 'nads of everyone.
@HighEliteMajor I don’t understand why Self’s explanation even exists. To me the explanation is simple: WSU hasn’t asked KU to schedule them. Marshall said “We haven’t called them”.
When I was a teenager, there sure were a lot of arrogant girls who wouldn’t go out with me because I didn’t call them!
I guess I should have done like Marshall and told my classmates how arrogant they were for not going out with me: then they would have had some 'splaining to do…
What’s the big deal about Self’s PR strategy? Who’s going to switch to KSU because Self didn’t give us a heads up on Diallo’s eligibility issue?
I care infinitely more about what Self does than what he says.
Is he doing what it takes to prepare the team, given current uncertainty about when Diallo will be eligible?
As I said earlier, maybe playing Hunter a lot and Traylor very little has to do with who can (sort of) fill Diallo’s shoes in case he is cleared late.
@HighEliteMajor Embiid shouldn’t have any money worries, true.
He was given to hope that he could have an exciting, fulfilling life playing basketball at an extremely high level. Now he can’t go to work for two years in a row, is uncertain about his professional future and is dealing with the death of a younger brother while forcibly idle.
Having great expectations dashed, being stuck idle for two years, losing a loved one: that hurts even when you are financially secure.
Not to mention the selfish wish on our part to see him realize the amazing potential we glimpsed at KU.
I’ll help with the champagne! So all we need is a hula hoop horror and we’ll have all the bases covered.
@jaybate-1.0 Not sure.
Based on the WUG, Hunter plays more like Cheick than our other returning bigs,
If Cheick plays right away, Hunter as a sub lets us play about the same way when Cheick is out.
If Cheick is eligible later, Hunter as a temporary starter lets us play about the same way when Cheick is out.
If Cheick is out the whole year, Cheick-compatibility is no longer an issue and Hunter has fewer arguments for playing time.
Plausible?
@jaybate-1.0 said:
First, you go to church and they tell you wine is the blood of Christ.
They don’t tell you that.
I have received communion thousands of times in 45 years. The total amount of transfigured wine I have been blessed to receive would not fill one wine glass.
I wish you hadn’t written that post.
Jesse Newell’s most recent podcast covers a lot of ground. Here’s what I heard him and the other journalists discuss:
They think Diallo is going to wait at least 3 weeks to get a decision.
Selden hasn’t proved yet he can be consistently good, but playing him at the 3 should make it easier for him to shine.
With Diallo KU has depth in the front court. Ellis, Diallo and Bragg will be the first 3 bigs and Hunter, Traylor and Lucas will fight for the 4 and 5 spots.
KU is thin at the 1 and 2 spots. Mason and Graham are the only real ball handlers on the team. Vick this year is more a developer than a contributor.
KU is crowded at the 3 with Selden, Greene and Svi (for the journalists, Svi is not really a 2).
The biggest question mark is who will spell Mason or Graham, and for how many minutes? If they play a lot, not only will they get worn down but the logjam at the 3 will be worse.
Based on Self’s comments yesterday, Self is not going to change his offense, his players are just going to have to run it better.
I’m worried about this “gotta have both Mason and Graham on the floor” thing.
Think about it: you want them both on the floor most of the time, and at least one of them on the floor all of the time.
If you want them on the floor together 30 minutes, they can only split 10 minutes of rest between them. That’s 35 minutes a game for each of them.
I would prefer them to play about 30 minutes each. That means they are on the floor together only 20 minutes. I fear that will be unacceptable to Self, so they will play until they can’t.
@Statmachine Somebody explain to me how the NCAA can have a “side”?
Does a judge in a trial have a “side”?
Do referees in a game have a “side”?
Kind of a Freudian slip on Self’s part, suggesting that the NCAA is not on KU’s “side”.
@konkeyDong Thank you for your call to prayer. I’m joining you. Let’s pray especially for the victims and for those fighting for their lives in Paris hospitals right now, as well as the medical personnel who are on the front lines.
Right now France is in a state of emergency, and military reinforcements are being brought into Paris and its suburbs. Lots of closings of schools, sporting events, open markets, museums, etc.
All security-related personnel have been working overtime and under stress all year long, since the “Charley Hebdo” attacks in January. Although the physical attacks are rare, the psychological warfare is constant.
We need to make sure it’s ISIS too. Remember, “Charley Hebdo” was an Al Quaida hit. [Edit: ISIS has claimed the attacks.]
Mickelson’s steals are sort of blocks: he blocks passes.
Look at him on defense: when his man is back to the basket, he always reaches around to prepare for a deflection of an incoming pass. More than once he has poked away those passes.
I don’t remember Withey being so disruptive in guarding his man.
On the other hand; Withey’s blocks were sort of steals: the ball stayed in bounds and often wound up in KU’s hands.
Coach Self, please continue to play Mickelson the minutes he deserves! Only thus restore balance to the Force you can!
@BeddieKU23 In honor of the 12 days of Christmas: the Five Golden Fools.
Another thread references a KC Star story that the alleged victim is now in jail on suspicion of battery: not charged as of now.
Hypothetically speaking, if both parties used force of some sort - and depending on who “started it” - it could be complicated to adjudge blame.
In addition to all the other negatives, this could be a mess to figure out.
And he thought Grayson Allen was the pain in his backside…
@BeddieKU23 I’m up for any huge upset that improves KU’s chances down the road!
You say that this team lacks great creators. Isn’t that an argument for the hi-lo? Get the ball in the paint by passing to a big, not by driving.
The only thing is the bigs have to be able to pass out to the open shooters. Udoka?
The other thing about driving, so many drives (or cuts to the basket for alley oops) benefited from Lucas screens! We’re going to be screaming “drive the f*n ball” and the guards are going to be waiting for the nice driving lanes that they had all the time last year.
The “identity” of next year’s team is going to be a very interesting search…
Folks, please tell me why this would not have worked:
Kruger then has to decide: do I poke Doke with a real player or do I stop fouling?
This seems so simple. Instead of playing “your best player” you play the biggest MUA. (By the way @jaybate-1-0 , is MUA the right term? and what does it mean already?)
Comments please…
I don’t see any updates out there on her travel travails. The only Air France flight out of Abuja left very late last night and got into Paris at 8:30 this morning Paris time.
The Air France strike is today, Friday. I imagine her being on the flight to Atlanta leaving at 10:30. That flight is still scheduled. It may even be operated by Delta, in which case the strike is irrelevant. Assuming that flight, she would arrive in San Antonio at 5:30 P.M.
Sherron was a natural leader (except when “follow me” turned into “watch me” ).
Remember the time an Alcorn State assistant yelled at his player not to help Sherron up? Sherron got mad and said “Don’t let’em score!”. They didn’t for about 15 minutes.
Sherron had to change roles just about every year he was on the team: helper, 6th man, team leader. He reinvented himself while fighting his own body, injured his first two years and heavy his last two.
Sherron was at the heart of Self’s two great accomplishments: the title and the streak.
@jaybate 1.0 “I am against guys playing with these injuries, but I am in awe of them being able to.”
My first reaction was to favorite this remark. I’ve decided to respectfully contest it.
If it’s bad to play through these injuries, we should abstain from praising anyone who goes along with such a bad idea.
Remember Dizzy Dean? Came back too early from a little toe injury, messed up his delivery and hurt his arm. Remember Joel Embiid? Maybe hurt his back compensating for his knee injury. The “you can’t make it worse” line is fecal matter; you can certainly make something else worse, it happens all the time.
If we want to see Selden at 100% next year, why didn’t we want to see him at 100% this year!?!?! The injury apparently occurred in October!
If I could change one thing in Coach Self, I would exorcise his inner football coach and stop him thinking that “playing hurt” = manhood.
Repair Selden’s knee, avoid Embiid’s back injury, then replay the recent NCAA Tournament. Now tell me we wouldn’t get past Stanford.
P.S. Rest or repair hurt players and your bench gets more development minutes…
@drgnslayr We need to start by spelling his last name right:
Sviatoslav MykhailiKU!
@drgnslayr That article explains again why Wiggins’ signing is not a reprieve. As long as he didn’t sign, the Cavs could never trade him for Love because they only had his rights, and the contract value of his rights in a trade would be 0$.
By signing, Wiggins starts the clock on the 30 day waiting period. If he had waited to sign, he could have started the clock at the last minute and forced the Cavs to watch him be on the same floor with Lebron, at least for awhile. Anyway, too late now.
To me, this means his handlers are OK with him leaving. Can’t figure out why, unless as jaybate surmises their brains stop below their ankles.
@drgnslayr said:
“sperm blanks”?!?!?
Not much danger from jaybate’s DNA there!
THOF (Typo Hall of Fame)!
Jesse Newell recognized for coverage of University of Kansas sports
Congratulations, Jesse! Well deserved. I don’t see you staying in our small market very long, but I’m enjoying it while it lasts.
Matt Tait was a finalist in Jesse’s category: we are digitally spoiled, people…
So which posters are robots already? Instinctively, my thoughts turn to those with version numbers in their handles…
@drgnslayr said:
It seems like we have lots of depth on the perimeter, but really we don’t.
Bingo! At the beginning of the season, Self always talks about wanting “separation”. He knows that it’s better to have 7 really good players than any number of OK players.
Where is our separation now? Cliff, Perry, Jamari and Frank, Kelly, Devonte, Wayne. Others can contribute but not really replace.
Name the last guy you want to see injured and you name our MVP.
Now name the guy of those 7 who could most easily be replaced: now that Devonte is back, isn’t it Wayne??
@Kip_McSmithers said:
Was she referencing the conference SOS only? Or the entire schedule?
Excellent point.
The fact is the non-conference schedule is, to some extent, about money. KU schedules mostly home games, and top teams will only do home and away or tournaments. Every year we have several sacrificial lambs who come to get beat for the money while we fill Allen and shore up our budget.
Our non-conf schedule has been tougher recently for several reasons: the Champions Classic; a few more home and away deals with significant teams; and non-conference “tournaments” that let us play a few more games. What helps is playing better teams and playing away from Allen.
As you say, all of that is beside the point! The streak is exclusively about the conference season. The rebuttal would be to look at the SOS of the Big 12, not KU’s SOS.
We won despite Durant, Griffin and Beasley playing for rival teams in our conference.
Who were the best players against UCLA during their streak? Who were the best players against Gonzaga?
I’m going to go cool off now…