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The Greene Room

Final thoughts from Kansas City

By Ryan Greene
March 16, 2008 | 14 comments

Everything left in my noggin heading back from Day Four in the Sprint Center...

-A couple of things jump out from Sunday's box score. First, Darrell Arthur played 36 minutes. That in itself is very impressive for the sophomore, especially in a game involving so many future pros given his NBA aspirations. Even more eye-popping is that he only picked up one foul in those minutes. He deserves a solid pat on the back after the way Friday and Saturday went down...

-Speaking of minutes, want to know what won out the ultimate battle between two of the nation's top backcourts? Depth. Fact is, KU has four quality bodies, while Texas has just three. Brandon Rush played 39 minutes for KU, and Mario Chalmers played 35. For Texas, D.J. Augustin played the full 40, A.J. Abrams 36 and Justin Mason 38. In the third slot for KU, Bill Self was able to practically split 47 minutes of run right down the middle between Sherron Collins (24 minutes) and Russell Robinson (23). Or in other words, the Jayhawks had one more full pair of fresh legs at all times between Russ and Sherron. Augustin showed off the most visible sign of fatigue, scoring just two points after halftime following a stellar offensive opening stanza...

-Brandon Rush was very deserving of M.O.P. honors in the Tourney, but Mario Chalmers could have been right there with him. Yeah, I know, offensively he wasn't outstanding until Sunday, but across the stat sheet, he was KU's most solid performer throughout the weekend, in my opinion. Aside from his 46 points in three games (30 on Sunday), he combined for 16 assists, 12 rebounds and eight steals. In other words, his averages for the weekend were: 15.3 ppg, 5.3 apg, 4.0 rpg, 2.7 spg. I know that the media isn't supposed to play favorites, but I can openly admit that, when his game is completely on, there's no one on the team I enjoy watching play more than Chalmers...

-The postseason means open locker room access for the media, which is great because you're able to build better rapport in an interview setting with players when it's impromptu like that. The only bad thing? You leave every postgame locker room session smelling like a foot. Oh well, there's gotta be some trade-off somewhere I guess. I can live with it...

-I've noticed Brandon Rush is at his best when he's vocal. I'm sure he's been vocal on more occasions than these, but the ones that I specifically remember from this year are: 1) Saturday and Sunday in the Big 12 Tournament (combined 47 points, 11-of-17 from three), 2) The second half at Oklahoma State (12 points, 5-of-11 shooting, nearly hit game-winning three), 3) Against Arizona (17 points, big defensively late on Chase Budinger), 4) His first game back from injury (seven points in 12 minutes against Washburn). After being so successful when showing vocal leadership in back-to-back days/games, especially given the atmosphere from here on out, I bet he'll stay that way for a few more weeks...

-A.J. Abrams is still one of the purest shooters I've ever seen. His release is the quickest in the Big 12, and demeanor-wise, he's a lot like Mike Beasley - very quietly confident, never too high, never too low...

-Final thought on the Big 12 Tournament: I think the Jayhawks definitely had a home court advantage. Of course that's expected when the games are in Kansas City. If the coaches want as neutral a site as possible, I'd say the best bet is probably Dallas. Since Texas basketball fans have proven in recent history that they don't travel very well, it'd be a pretty central location with all things considered. Kansas would still get tons of fans down there, I'd think. It would at least set the table towards evening the playing field, though...

-As for a first glance at the bracket, I thought Arizona definitely didn't deserve to get in, and I still think Baylor shouldn't have made it (Though I'm fine with Texas A&M). In their place, I would have put New Mexico and Illinois State. But how about Baylor's entry getting announced last? Isn't that just the right style for a team which has been an underdog for a few years now that almost everyone secretly pulls for? That was a neat moment, I thought...

-There's no more feel-good story than Georgia. Winning three games in two days. Lots of people still forget that Mike Mercer and Takais Brown, two returning starters from 2006-07 (Mercer being a one-time highly-touted recruit) were booted before the season started for disciplinary reasons. Good for the Bulldogs...

-Almost hard to believe that the two teams which played for last year's National Championship, Florida and Ohio State, are both probably NIT-bound. But that's just the nature of college basketball these days, with all the one-and-dones involved now. Not that Florida had any, but Ohio State certainly did. Thinking of that Buckeye squad from last year just makes me a bigger fan of guys like Tyler Hansbrough - players who enjoy great college careers, not one great season...

-Speaking of those freshman sensations, I think Kansas State and USC is by far the most intriguing first-round game in the field. Try and convince me the NCAA didn't have a nice Dr. Evil moment when laying this one out. But I'm glad they did. Especially since KU and Portland State play at 11:25 a.m., giving me plenty of time to kick back, relax and enjoy that game, played in the 6 o'clock hour in Omaha...

-The biggest storyline there, of course, is Bill Walker vs. O.J. Mayo. Given the problems Walker has had lately keeping his cool, too, I bet no one knows how to get in his head easier than Mayo. This could be the true litmus test for K-State's 'other' freshman.

-As for Omaha, UNLV is my pick to face KU on Saturday. I enjoyed watching Lonnie Kruger's club last year in Chicago, as they ousted both Georgia Tech and Wisconsin to advance to the Sweet Sixteen. Remember the name Wink Adams. He might be the most electrifying guard at a major Division-I program you've never heard of...

-I'm picking Kansas, though, to advance to the Final Four, something I haven't done in a few years now. I'm also picking Gonzaga to be the Jayhawks' Elite Eight foe in Detroit. I like their team, and if Wink Adams is No. 1 on the aforementioned imaginary 'unheard of guys' list, Jeremy Pargo is No. 1a...

-How about upset picks? Like almost everyone, I annually try to sound smarter than I actually am in picking first round upsets. Honestly, I didn't select that many today, though. The notable ones were: St. Joe's (11) over Oklahoma (6), Villanova (12) over Clemson (5), Kansas State (11) over Southern Cal (6), St. Mary's (10) over Miami-Fl. (7), Baylor (11) over Purdue (6) and, the grandaddy, San Diego (13) over UConn (4). I also like Pitt at near-full strength to make a run to the Elite Eight (past Memphis) and Gonzaga to take out Georgetown in round two. What are some of your upsets?...

-And when filling out a bracket, I've found that the best way to do it is go through it quickly in what I call the 'Five Minute Fill-out', not trying to think or overanalyze too much. It's given me pretty decent results over the past few years. And don't deter from what you originally pick...

-As for a national champion, this might sound a little odd after KU beat them Saturday, but I told myself on Feb. 11 after Texas knocked off the Jayhawks in Austin with D.J. Augustin hitting just one field goal attempt that I was picking them to win it all unless the bracket was ultra-wiggy. I just think they offer more matchup problems than anyone, still, and if the 'Horns can keep their lack of depth from being an issue, I still like them (Then again, it didn't bother Florida last year). The rest of my Final Four is: UCLA, Tennessee and KU. I took the Vols over the Jayhawks in the other semi. What's your Final Four?...

-Now, just because I said that, Texas has no shot...

-Finally, if anyone has some good ideas of what to do in Omaha,send me an e-mail or leave a comment below offering some suggestions. I'm looking forward to a possible Detroit trip, too, as I had a chance to see Ford Field back in November for a Lions game when visiting my family...

Talk to you from Omaha in a couple of days after my much-anticipated Fantasy Baseball draft Tuesday morning. Final request: Give me your thoughts on who to take at No. 12 in said draft. I'm stumped.

Comments

You'll need a free KUsports.com user account (your LJWorld.com or lawrence.com account will also work).

Posted by BannerforKirk (anonymous) on March 17, 2008 at 2:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Well Ryan, what do you like to do when you travel? There are lots of options in Omaha, depends what you're looking for?

Most people will head to the Old Market and one of the multiple bars down there, grab a beer, sit outside if it's nice, and enjoy the atmosphere. Obviously it's a good town to get a good steak.

Gorats is a really good place for steak, Zios has great NY-style pizza, La Casa/Big Fred's for more good pizza, Trini's for good Mexican, Dixie Quicks for great breakfast and brunch, Louie M's for a great burger, La Sole Mio for great Italian. Now that I mention it, one of the best things to do in Omaha is to eat. There is a lot of really, really good food.

If you gamble, their are casinos just across the river. There is the Zoo - if you're into that, it's one of the best in the country, 2nd only to San Diego really. Ultimately, Omaha has a pretty community feel to it and people like to spend time where other people are. There is a good museum, but doubt that's what you guys are looking for....

Omaha is a pretty good town to visit for a few days and experience a variety of things. You should have fun - and eat very, very well.

Posted by KUglow (anonymous) on March 17, 2008 at 10:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I made a promise to myself that I would not pick KU this year but the way the Midwest bracket lays out, how can you not?

Posted by rgreene (Ryan Greene) on March 17, 2008 at 1:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Dang, thanks Kirk. You just filled up a page in my notebook on stuff to do. Much appreciated.

And I agree, Glow. Especially when the 'Hawks just played their best offensive game of the year going into the tournament.

Posted by fabolous_bg (anonymous) on March 17, 2008 at 1:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I didn't think Arizona should have made it in at all. Arizona St. should have taken their spot. ASU beat 'Zona twice and Stanford. Arizona got in solely by the name on their jersey.

Posted by rgreene (Ryan Greene) on March 17, 2008 at 1:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I completely agree (as written above), but don't worry, their stay will be short. West Virginia's hot and should snipe them out.

Posted by plasticJHawk (anonymous) on March 17, 2008 at 1:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I have a couple of first round upsets that you disagree with. After watching Gonzaga lose the WCC championship I picked Davidson to take them out in the first round. Davidson looks like a team with good guard play and strong 3pt shooting and freethrow shooting. I also like Kentucky's chances against Marquette. Kentucky has been strong toward the end of the season. Despite losing their best player I think Kentucky will win the game based on toughness.

My bracket is really boring. My elite 8 consists of 3 - one seeds, 4 - two seeds, and Pitt as a four seed.

I have OU, K-State, and A&M all losing in round two (really wanted to pick K-State into the sweet 16 but Wisconsin is too fundamentally solid). Baylor doesn't get out of the first round, though I really wanted to pick them over Purdue (my boss is a boilermaker).

Posted by plasticJHawk (anonymous) on March 17, 2008 at 1:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Oh yeah, and I have Texas losing to UCLA in the final four

Posted by rgreene (Ryan Greene) on March 17, 2008 at 2:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Plastic,

You know, while I picked Gonzaga to go deep, I wouldn't be shocked at all if Davidson pulls that off. I picked Davidson to beat Maryland as a 13-seed last year and was heartbroken when the Terps made it happen late. For anyone who hasn't watched Davidson play yet, you've got to see Stephen Curry. He's right on-par with A.J. Abrams in terms of great shooters from deep, only taller.

Kentucky's got a shot at beating Marquette for sure. Last year, watching UK I fell in love with watching Ramel Bradley play because of his toughness, and he could match up well with McNeal, Matthews, James, etc. You should e-mail Keegan and tell him your pick on that one, see what he says :)

As for the Elite Eight being boring, Wood mentioned yesterday in the Spodcasters that his consists of several high seeds, too, and I see nothing wrong with that. There's such a defined cream of the crop this year in college hoops. An all one-and-two-seed Final Four wouldn't surprise me.

Who's in your Final Four and who's your Natty Champ?

Posted by KU (anonymous) on March 17, 2008 at 2:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The final played out the way I predicted a week ago. Barnes is notorious for playing his starters too many minutes. He played his starters WAY too many minutes in the semi-final in a blowout win. They wore down late in the final and KU closed on a run.

Posted by KU (anonymous) on March 17, 2008 at 2:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Oh....and one other thing Greene: NEVER suggest that Dallas gets to be a part of the tournament rotation. They don't want it and they don't appreciate it. It belongs primarily in KC and OKC.

Posted by plasticJHawk (anonymous) on March 17, 2008 at 4:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I have KU, UNC, Texas, UCLA in the semi's

KU over UCLA 72-67 in the finals

Posted by plasticJHawk (anonymous) on March 17, 2008 at 4:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

As much as I'd love to see us UNC lose early, I'd also love to be the ones to take them down in the final four

Posted by plasticJHawk (anonymous) on March 17, 2008 at 4:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I completely forgot that Keegan is from Marquette... maybe I will ask him how he feels about that... thanks Ryan! I'm sure he's been fairly dissappointed with them a few times this year

Posted by lance1jhawk (anonymous) on March 17, 2008 at 7:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ryan- Im suprised you failed to mention that hot blonde that was delivering stats to the tv media people during timeouts. Even my wife commented on that black dress on saturday she was wearing.

The power and light district was awesome and the whole experience was unbelivable.