Posts made by rockchalkjayhawk

Poor Tony LaRussa. He’s had some great runs with multiple teams for sure. He’s beloved in the Bay Area for his success (mostly) with the A’s, and for his animal foundation as well. Maybe a string of bad luck being hired by ding-a-ling owners.

@BeddieKU23 said in TV shows:

@rockchalkjayhawk said in TV shows:

So I finished Yellowstone. What an embarrassing end to the show with no Costner. Somebody messed that up big time.

Are you familiar at all with the drama that happened prior to the final episodes being released? That also took over 1 year before the final episodes were released. It is what it is and not an uncommon theme for tv shows that get so big and have such following for the wheels to fall off towards the end.

I was not familiar at all until after i watched the final season. Did some binge watching, and really hadn’t paid attention to the show at all previously. My jaw dropped at the Costner-less nature of the final shows, and i poked around after.

The wheels totally fell off. Just crazy how they let that happen.

Hmmm, is Tony LaRussa the common denominator?

As a guy who lives in the Bay Area, and has been to countless A’s games…

Fans absolutely detest ownership, with a passion. Dude is so cheap. Cheap isn’t even the word. So, they protest by not attending. I mean, they hate John Fisher so much they wear “Sell” T-shirts en masse. Their payroll is consistently near the bottom of the league.

They hold parking lot protests screaming for Fisher to sell.

They grow good players, then sell good players before they have to pay them. Sooo many fan favorites have been sent packing.

Plus their stadium is a giant, urine stained pit in bad area of Oakland, which is a giant, urine stained violent crime waiting to happen. Well, their old stadium. I’m sure you’re aware they now play in Sacramento, in a minor league stadium.

So I finished Yellowstone. What an embarrassing end to the show with no Costner. Somebody messed that up big time.

@bskeet said in KU Roster for 25-26:

@rockchalkjayhawk I don’t know how much it would be, but whatever the amount, it would be etched in stone.

That sounds about right, @approxinfinity

@approxinfinity said in Generic soccer thread:

@BShark i think awful is harsh for Agyemang. Hustle is there, hes just too large. I find myself wishing his bones were shorter so his feet could contact the ball where it needs to be contacted.

Yea, he seems awkward for sure. Maybe has more straight line speed with those legs than the quickness needed in tight space.

I’ll have to read more about him. Saw something briefly about Poch being forced to play him for silly off field reasons.

@dylans said in KU Roster for 25-26:

@rockchalkjayhawk A miracle occurred; Moses parted the waters that Shelby could arrive, but then Noah fled on his boat.

Ha!

What kind of NIL package would Moses ask for?

Sounds like Noah Shelby has entered the portal.

So, he was truly a designated student athlete.

** Roster above updated.

Well damn, lost to El Tri in the Gold Cup final today. Other than the very beautiful set piece goal we scored, it wasn’t exactly pretty today. Mostly dominated by a superior Mexican side. That was expected with the experience on each roster I suppose.

The more I watched some of the young guys over the last few weeks, the more I learned some of their strengths and weaknesses.

Luna: he’s feisty. He’s got some good skills. He seems a bit sloppy with the ball at times. I like him though. A good substitute.

Agyemang: I’ve seen enough of him. Forever. I see no skills at all. He seems slow as well.

Freese (gk): he seems acceptable. He had a few shaky moments, but grew in confidence as the Cup progressed. Made some nice saves.

Outside backs Freeman and Arfsten: Arfsten had a few nice shots on goal. He made some sweet moves on the wing while attacking. I expect a bit more athleticism out of Freeman given his pop’s pedigree. Neither was a defensive standout.

Our defense seemed vulnerable In general.

Credit to Richards for that brilliant free kick header for a goal. Nice.

Not a new guy, but … Tyler Adams: did he even play this tournament? Yes sadly is the answer. Invisible man until his nasty yellow card.

Berhalter: I was skeptical at first, but he truly has great crossing and free kick skills.

Think that’s the first guaranteed deal? All the stories I’m reading so far are vague, but making it sound like it’s a large deal, but not the first fully guaranteed.

The deal is believed to be one of the largest fully guaranteed revenue-share agreements in college football history under the recently approved federal settlement that allows college programs to pay their athletes directly

@BShark said in Generic soccer thread:

Wow, Diego Luna is on some kind of run right now.

Jesus, what a game!

@wissox said in My memorable moments:

I always sat behind the basket in AFH. If we got there 2 hours early the seats were always empty, right on the floor.

Well, we must have run into each other at some point, @wissox . I tried to sit in the last row behind the basket every game. It was remarkably easy in the 80s!

@DCHawker said in KU Roster for 25-26:

While we should have a very competitive roster, the question is whether it is one that can compete for the B12 title, let along a NC? Championship teams have multiple NBA-level players. Based on ESPN’s (way too early) mock draft, we have only 2 on the board for 2026 - DP at 1 and Flory at 56 (30+ spots below Ejiofor)…Duke has two in the top 10 (including Sarr) and four in the top 16 (of course, they did this year, as well).

Lots of us have been KU basketball fans for many decades. Until recently, it was pretty easy in the preseason to gauge how good or not so good we’d be. We’d have returning four year players, with a few exciting recruits to mix in. So, we’d be dealing in known quantities. Ha, times have changed!

Anyway, most of these players I at least have no clue about. I can’t say I’ve ever watched St. Bonaventure intentionally.

Add to that the two guys coming off injury who we hope are big contributors, and even more question marks.

My big concerns on paper are rebounding and 3 pt shooting.

So we seem to have some experienced guys, but I’ll reserve judgment til the fall when we see em on the court.

@FarmerJayhawk said in The portal.:

@rockchalkjayhawk post-House there is a hard cap we have in terms of RevShare. That money is spent. Now, if there are donors willing to pony up for NIL for a guy (subject to getting through Deloitte’s clearinghouse) that’s a different deal but KUAD is tapped.

Ahh, gotcha. So RevShare is that $20 million cap that schools have for all sports?

@FarmerJayhawk said in The portal.:

Yeah any other additions would be walk on types. Revshare is tapped.

Not sure what’s believable about our cash on hand anymore, Mr Farmer. We heard the same thing before we signed Rosario and the big guy whose name I forget how to spell.

If this is Self’s last run, make it count.

We seem to have a decent mix of older and younger guys. I’d like to get an experienced shooter on the roster. Somebody who could get hot like Coit could once in awhile and win us a few games.

Waddya all think? Adding one or two more guys?

The Noah Shelby redshirt/DSA situation still unclear?

****** With the recent House v NCAA settlement, things are complicated with roster size. It’s hard to say if KU has two more spots to fill, or less. Also, apparently there’s a new fule for “designated student athletes.” These are players who would have been removed given the new roster rules, but now may stick around until they run out of eligibility, but may not count against roster size. This could easily be ALL the KU walkons. ******

May as well look ahead to see what’s in store for next season.

I’ll try to keep track of the offseason drama here. I’ll keep this mostly official, so no portal projections here.

But the portal window is: March 24 to April 22

Roster size: 14 (includes ALL but DSA players. Normally it’s 15, but we lost one to NCAA sanctions)

Roster size at the moment: 12 (a bit sketchy given the DSA rules)

RETURNEES (4)

G Elmarko Jackson

G/F Jamari McDowell

PF Bryson Tiller

C Flory Bidunga

RETURNING WALK ONS? (4 – and potential “designated student athletes”)

G Noah Shelby

G Wilder Evers

G Will Thengvall

F Justin Cross

IMCOMING FRESHMEN (5)

G Darryn Peterson

F Samis Calderon

G Corbin Allen – Oak Park High School

SG Kohl Rosario

C Paul Mbiya — not sure what year he is

PORTAL ADDITIONS (3)

G Jayden Dawson via Loyola Chicago. One year of eligibility left.

G/F Tre White via Illinois – previous stops at Louisville, USC. One year of eligibility left.

G Melvin Council Jr. via St. Bonaventure – previous stop at Wagner. One year of eligibility left.

BIG QUESTION MARK (1)

SF Jaden Nickens – A football player who may play hoops. May have to count against the roster before the season begins.

HAVE ENTERED PORTAL (6 initially – Bidunga entered, but will return)

G/F AJ Storr – signed with Ole Miss

G/F Rylan Griffen — signed with Texas AM

G/F Rakease Passmore — signed with Maryland

PF/C Zach Clemence – signed with Texas A&M

G David Coit – signed with Maryland

Finally, a much needed big man! Gimme a mobile 4 and I’ll feel pretty dang good about the team.

@MR11 said in The portal.:

Tre at 6-7 right? Couldn’t tell you how big he plays though.

Give up some top end size but looks to be an extremely switchable lineup so not all bad.

yea i’m in the dark on Tre’s game as well. I thought i read somewhere that he was really 6-5. Hopefully he can rebound at whatever his size/spot on the floor.

Hopefully if Tiller is serviceable, that will help give us some size.

I still have nightmares from those USC freaks…

@BShark said in The portal.:

@approxinfinity said in The portal.:

@BShark so are we still down a starting wing then?

The starting line-up has been set for months

I hope we can get a starter with size next to Flory. If not, it’ll be everybody at what, 6-5, and Flory at 6-9?

Weird for a team that may not be strong from 3 pt land.

****** Update: With the recent House v NCAA settlement, things are complicated with roster size. It’s hard to say if KU has three more spots to fill, or less. Also, apparently there’s a new fule for “designated student athletes.” These are players who would have been removed given the new roster rules, but now may stick around until they run out of eligibility, but may not count against roster size. This could easily be ALL the KU walkons. ******

---

May as well look ahead to see what’s in store for next season.

I’ll try to keep track of the offseason drama here. I’ll keep this mostly official, so no portal projections here.

But the portal window is: March 24 to April 22

Roster size: 14 (includes ALL but DSA players. Normally it’s 15, but we lost one to NCAA sanctions)

Roster size at the moment: 11 (a bit sketchy given the DSA rules)

RETURNEES (4)

G Elmarko Jackson

G/F Jamari McDowell

PF Bryson Tiller

C Flory Bidunga

RETURNING WALK ONS? (4 – and potential “designated student athletes”)

G Noah Shelby

G Wilder Evers

G Will Thengvall

F Justin Cross

IMCOMING FRESHMEN (4)

G Darryn Peterson

F Samis Calderon

G Corbin Allen – Oak Park High School

SG Kohl Rosario

PORTAL ADDITIONS (3)

G Jayden Dawson via Loyola Chicago. One year of eligibility left.

G/F Tre White via Illinois – previous stops at Louisville, USC. One year of eligibility left.

G Melvin Council Jr. via St. Bonaventure – previous stop at Wagner. One year of eligibility left.

BIG QUESTION MARK (1)

SF Jaden Nickens – A football player who may play hoops. May have to count against the roster before the season begins.

HAVE ENTERED PORTAL (6 initially – Bidunga entered, but will return)

G/F AJ Storr – signed with Ole Miss

G/F Rylan Griffen — signed with Texas AM

G/F Rakease Passmore — signed with Maryland

PF/C Zach Clemence – signed with Texas A&M

G David Coit – signed with Maryland

Alrighty then, bring on that big fella from overseas and we’re getting somewhere.

So, do we have a team yet?

…as we wait impatiently

@approxinfinity said in The portal.:

Are we getting closer to imposing harder transfer rules now that universities can pay athletes directly and there is a clearer contractual legal path? I dont think NIL destroyed college sports, it just pulled the curtain back. Now we have to align what the schools and fans want with what the athletes want. Time to make the fans happy and lock kids into multiyear contracts.

I haven’t read anything about contracts. But, seems like they’ll be forging new paths as they go. you can obviously see that all these new freedoms benefit the athletes. Taking a step back and restricting the athletes just seems like more lawsuits waiting to happen.

Hey, all. I updated the original post, adding some House v NCAA chaos. There’s still lots to sort as far as who counts on the roster, etc. crazy!

@TYOHawk said in Recruiting Notes:

I need Cam McDowell and Ege Demir on this team Coach Self…

Who’s Ege Demir?

Our latest Euro adventure?

Oops, sleepy time posting…

I’m gonna guess Luna makes the WC roster as the energy sub…

@rockchalkjayhawk said in Generic soccer thread:

@approxinfinity said in Generic soccer thread:

Jack McGlynn looking like he may be something special.

Hs growing on me. His first few appearances he seemed limited. He has a nice cross for sure.

I’m gonna guess Luna makes the WC roster as the energizer bunny sub.

@approxinfinity said in Generic soccer thread:

Jack McGlynn looking like he may be something special.

Hs growing on me. His first few appearances he seemed limited. He has a nice cross for sure.

Struggling to find any info on the proper McDowell.

Yea, I think Poch is discovering that the talent pool drops off considerably for the US once the first 18 or so players aren’t on the roster.

This ain’t European football.

You can play em, but they have to perform and put some effort in. The defense was just standing around watching guys run by em.

Not looking forward to the Gold Cup.

Well, if you like fast and furious goals, be sure to catch the US vs Switzerland.

A complete and total bitch slapping of a first half!

The junior high aged US squad was comically inept.

At some point it would be nice if we could actually try to win a game.

Poch is 5-5. That’s no bueno.

Anybody calling for his head yet? WTF is he doing?

Sure seems doom and gloom at the moment. But, i’m sure we’ll come up with a few more quality players.

We have four good starters at the moment. DP / Dawson / White / ? / Flory

Council is probably the sixth man?

The big questions are Tiller and Elmarko. Can those two be counted on to contribute? From what we’ve seen from Elmarko pre-injury, i’m sure we’re all wondering the same thing.

Jeez, now that i look at what i wrote, we need some depth!

ugh.

I understand 29-year-old Eddie Lampkin Jr. is available…

Oh, and sooner than later the hundreds or more guys who are still available will realize that NIL money is about dried up across the country (i assume).

Maybe Burrito King can step up their game!

Pretty exciting Nation’s league final today. Neighbors Spain v Portugal.

Lots of back forth, old guys with 40-year-old Ronaldo, young guys with 17-year-old Yamal, yellow cards, hard fouls, blistering goals, PKs and the works.

Well worth the watch.

@dylans said in Chiefs offseason:

@BShark https://www.arrowheadpride.com/2025/6/5/24443563/chiefs-news-matt-araiza-eddie-czaplicki-punter-battle-real

Maybe, but if history is any indicator the incumbent will win out - I am not an Ariza fan. His control sucks, but he has a huge leg. The Mahomes led Chiefs don’t usually need to flip the field, but rather pin them back when a drive stalls. So maybe Eddie wins out. ‍️ I don’t want to see Tommy Townsend-esc hold issues ever again so the best hold might win out too. ‍️

Yea, good points.

@approxinfinity said in Generic soccer thread:

I have faith that Pochettino is building something but our building out of the backfield was mentally sluggish. First goal was a pass with the outside of the right foot as he ranged left by Johnny Cardoza that bounced off the pressing player for a goal. The simple play was to pass back to keep or wingback and at least carry that with his left so he can shield with his body.

Hope its a learning moment.

Our back 4 wasnt good enough when it was veteran retreads every game under Berhalter so i like working with the youth. I am a little concerned that Miles Robinson isnt good enough.

Yea, that “own goal” was beyond reasonable explanation. A Mental breakdown. How he could come to that decision with the ball right in front of the goal I dunno.

I really haven’t decided on Miles Robinson yet. He’s supposed to be good, but I’m not sure we’ve seen that yet. He does not stand out.

The sad part is that Poch was supposed to breath some new life into the squad. Have we seen that happen? even with our star players? I’m not sure he has set us up with his style of play yet. Clock’s ticking. One year til the World Cup.

@dylans said in Chiefs offseason:

@rockchalkjayhawk Agreed. He’s not built thick like Tyreek, just fast. Good ball tracking and hands, but probably not a good idea.

I mean, if the WR room were stacked, sure why not. Speed kills. Hit the hole and go. But I think he’s going to be important to keep healthy.

Looks like the Chiefs may be considering WR Worthy as punt returner this year. I’d be worried about him breaking in half!

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2024 first-rounder Xavier Worthy established himself as a dynamic offensive playmaker as a rookie, and the Chiefs are hoping he can translate that into success on special teams this season.

“He’s the best punt returner nobody knows about right now in the league,” said special teams coordinator Dave Toub (via Ed Easton Jr. of Chiefs Wire).

The good ole US of A played Turkey today in a men’s friendly.

This was supposed to be a lead up to the Gold Cup. The roster is super sketchy!

There were a few guys starting that even an ardent supporter like me hadn’t heard of.

We had some chances, but blew others few for sure. Turkey was feisty!

I’m starting to enjoy Diego Luna’s game and energy. I hope his future is bright on the roster.

@BeddieKU23 said in The portal.:

@BeddieKU23 said in The portal.:

@BeddieKU23 said in The portal.:

One to monitor

Things are heating up and could hear news in the next few days

Sounds like logistics are being worked here, eligibility etc. Promising that it sounds like he’s gonna be a Hawk

Does he have a Darnell Jackson vibe to him? Not super springy, but hustles and works hard lower to the ground?

@dylans said in Chiefs offseason:

Dang!!! New England is so bad they couldn’t give away contracts!

Oddly the 49ers are second in cap space. They did a great job cleaning contracts.

It’s confusing as hell, but it doesn’t sound like collectives will necessarily go away, but will be regulated as you suggest. Both in house and outside collectives can exist I’ve been reading. Hell, it’s chaos and the language is still being drafted. Who the hell knows. Wild, Wild West.

The new cap numbers came out. KC is down near the bottom.

1 New England Patriots: $67.34MM

29 Kansas City Chiefs: $10.75MM

32 Buffalo Bills: $1.69MM

@approxinfinity said in KU Roster for 25-26:

@rockchalkjayhawk Landen Lucas! Conner Frankamp! Naadir Tharpe! Brady Morningstar! Christian Moody!

Just renewing our leases on old disputes.

So far you’re leading the pack in the wager!

We may have to have a board-wide wager as to when the last time somebody will mention KJ or Dajuan.

@BShark said in KU Roster for 25-26:

@rockchalkjayhawk Not KJ. Presumably Tre White can dribble a basketball, rebound, and is a threat to shoot.

So it was mostly a joke about KJ being terrible.

Now that makes sense!