Here's a mid-summer Q-and-A session concerning Kansas University men's basketball, what else?

These questions have been submitted by you, the Internet reader, and are being answered by me, myself and I. I reserve the right to change, amend or completely "about-face" my answers in coming days, weeks and months. You do not have the right to disagree with me, for I know it all.

Just kidding. Feel free to send any and all rebuttals to gbedore@ljworld.com.

Q: Gary, do you think it's really a good idea for KU to play four exhibition games in Canada in September? It's a long season. Somebody might get hurt during the four games or the 10 practices leading up to games. Why risk it? Football season should be for football, not basketball. Dennis, Olathe.

A: Don't fret, Dennis: I think the practices and practice games in Vancouver will help this team a lot.

Remember, six newcomers (five scholarship players and one walk-on) are joining the program. The 10 practices will prove valuable to those rookies, who will need to contribute significant minutes for this team to reach its potential.

KU coach Bill Self says he's actually looking forward to the practices more than the games - meaningless exhibitions to be played in small gymnasiums in the great Northwest.

Yes, it's possible, as you suggest, somebody could get hurt during the practices and/or games. But hey ... there are risks involved in everything the Jayhawk players do. On any given day, a Jayhawk could slip on a bar of soap in the shower and tear knee ligaments. They could do the same stepping off curbs while walking on campus or descending the steps at Wescoe Hall.

The Jayhawks can't live in fear of the injury bug.

I mean, who knows? A mosquito might bite Wayne Simien while he's out fishing with his dad. He could come down with dengue fever, but he's gonna go fishing anyway. No need to lose any sleep over what ifs.

Q: Gary, will the exhibition games in Canada be on TV? Randy, Bonner Spgs.

A: The exhibition games will be available on the Jayhawk Radio Network. As of this writing, I've heard no plans for TV coverage.

Looks like it'll be the Jerry Lewis telethon and Seinfeld re-runs dominating the Labor Day airwaves again this year, while the Jayhawks are off scrimmaging in Canada.

It's nothing to obsess about. I can't think of any school in the country that's ever had foreign tour games televised. Remember, Roy Williams took a KU team to France one winter and none of those games, all meaningless defeats, were shown on TV, either.

Q: Gary, can you email me KU's schedule for next season? Don, Salina.

A: KU's schedule hasn't been released yet.

What is known is Vermont, St. Joe's, Georgia Tech, Nevada, South Carolina and TCU will visit Allen Fieldhouse. The Jayhawks' nonconference road trips will be to Kentucky and Villanova.

Look for the schedule to come out in coming weeks. It takes a long time to finalize college hoops schedules in this day and age because of TV. The Big 12 Conference is a hot commodity with the networks and cable stations right now and it's not easy to fill in all the dates and time slots.

Q: Gary what do you think of coach Self's success in recruiting so many faraway areas? Coach Williams seemed to be limited in where he'd go recruit. Kyle, Pittsburg.

A: I think it's great. Bill Self and his assistants have proven they will fly or drive anywhere in search of talent.

In November, KU signed Russell Robinson (New York), Sasha Kaun (Russia by way of Florida) and Darnell Jackson (Oklahoma). This past spring, KU landed C.J. Giles and Micah Downs (state of Washington), Alex Galindo (Puerto Rico by way of Newark, N.J.) and Mario Chalmers (Alaska).

For good measure, KU stayed close to home and corralled 6-10 walk-on Matt Kleinmann of Blue Valley West.

Bill's strategy of recruiting all over the globe is refreshing and exciting for KU basketball. He's certainly not afraid to hit the East Coast, a place Roy was allergic to.

Still, there's no need to bash Roy's recruiting strategy, which was to recruit the West and selected states fairly close to Kansas. That strategy helped him win more than 80 percent of his games and reach four final Fours.

No sane person can argue with any of that. He was a couple of made free throws away from a national title.

Roy's recruiting philosophy was solid; Bill's appears dandy, also. And don't bring up the lame argument that Roy "took off every other year in recruiting."

That, folks, did not happen. You win some and lose some in recruiting. I hope Bill continues to enjoy success on the recruiting trail. He works hard enough, that is for sure.

Q: Gary, how does KU's incoming class of recruits rank with past classes in KU history. Robert, Salina.

A: Well, only time will tell of course, but I think the class of Sasha Kaun, Russell Robinson, Darnell Jackson, C.J. Giles and Alex Galindo on paper is one of KU's best classes in the past 10 years or so.

Kaun, Robinson and Giles would have made a McDonald's All America game for kids not heading straight to the NBA.

On paper, this is a phenomenal class. It was ranked No. 2 in the country by rivals.com. However, like Self says, the game is played on the court, not played on paper.

Hype aside, we'll not find out how good these players are until they hit the court the next several years.

Remember, Kansas State had what was deemed the No. 1 or 2 recruiting class in the country a year ago and I didn't see the 'Cats doing much of anything last season.

Q: Gary, will any of KU's recruits be able to help improve the team's three-point attack next year and in years to come? Tammy, St. Louis.

A: I think so. Russell Robinson and Alex Galindo are known as deep scoring threats and should be able to provide some offensive punch immediately.

Then in '05-'06, KU adds Micah Downs and Mario Chalmers, both known as accurate three-point marksmen.

Don't forget, J.R. Giddens proved he can hit the three last year and Mike Lee is ready for a big final season. Also, nobody is giving up on Jeremy Case, who shoots lights out at practice.

And just ask Neil Dougherty if Jeff Hawkins is capable of hitting a three. Hawkins single handedly croaked Dougherty's TCU Frogs from three-point land last year, though Jeff slumped from the bonus line in almost every other game.

As you know, Miles and Langford also have the ability to knock in the three-ball.

Q: Football this year? Better; same; worse? Dean, Louisville, Ky.

A: I'm not known as a football expert, but I think I'm capable of tackling this question (sick pun intended).

I think KU's football team will be better than last year, but the Jayhawks' overall record will likely be worse, if that makes any sense.

That's because the schedule is tougher. It's not easy to win in football in the Big 12 Conference when the schedule includes games at Oklahoma, Nebraska and Missouri, plus home games against Kansas State and Texas.

Yikes!

If KU hopes to return to a bowl and/or draw some big crowds for conference games at Memorial Stadium, the Jayhawks better sweep nonconference foes Tulsa, Toledo and Northwestern.

That, folks, is easier said than done. Those teams are not pushovers by any means.

KU will need to find a replacement for Bill Whittemore quickly and the guys up front need to do a good job of preventing sacks. You better believe some of the foes - heck most of the foes on the schedule - have defenders capable of knocking out a quarterback on any given blitz.

Q: Gary, what do you think of the points system for basketball tickets? Diane, OP.

A: I'm trying to shorten my answers (in the past I've been known to write mini-essays), which will challenge me in answering this piercing, probing question.

I feel the pain of those fans who've had good seats and supported the Jayhawks the past 30 or so years, who will be moved to the rafters because of the points system.

At the same time, most schools are using points systems in either football or basketball, or both. KU, like those schools, desperately needs the extra millions of dollars the points system will generate. As you know, the Jayhawks' budget is low compared to schools like Texas, Michigan and Tennessee.

In a perfect world, there would be no points system, but in a perfect world, there also would be no college basketball games starting after 7:30 p.m. and no games on Sunday.

There also would be no timeouts over a minute and a half and there'd be no advertisements on jerseys and sweaters and all over arenas.

This is not a perfect world, and colleges, which are paying huge dollars to hire and retain coaches and ADs these days and even pay for scholarships amid rising tuition costs, need to generate dollars somewhere.

At KU, many of the millions will come from this points system, to the chagrin of some longtime ticket holders who don't have the money to pony up.

This answer to this question would have been shorter if I had uttered the somewhat cynical cliche: "Life isn't fair." But I try to avoid cynicism and cliches at all cost.

Q: Gary, do you think C.J. Giles is a Danny Manning clone? A big guy who can run the floor, pass and score? Kyle, Newton.

A: I wouldn't go that far. Remember, Danny is perhaps THE greatest college basketball player of all time who attended school for four years. He's certainly in the top five of all time.

I tend to reserve judgment on C.J. until I actually see him play in a real game. The recruiting gurus say C.J. is very athletic and versatile and should be a huge asset to the program. It's always a plus landing somebody with Jayhawk blood surging through the veins. Remember C.J.'s dad and mom both played ball at KU.

I think he'll be a good to great player, but I don't think it's wise to compare anybody to Danny Manning, do you?

Q: Gary, since KU is opening with 10 practices in August and plays four exhibition games in Canada, will Late Night In the Phog be moved to August? Brian, Chicago.

A: Late Night will definitely NOT be moved to August.

Late Night will be held on the night of Friday, Oct. 15.

If KU held a Late Night in August in Allen Fieldhouse, it'd be so hot in there some fans might actually die.

I'm being serious about that. That place would be a sauna.

However, you've given me an idea that you are free to pass on to KU athletic director Lew Perkins. Now that KU has decided to embark on a foreign tour, the Jayhawks should consider holding a pre-tour intrasquad scrimmage at Memorial Stadium with a $10 admission fee.

A crowd of 40,000 to watch an August practice and selected highlight videos on the JumboTron would raise $400,000 for KU's athletic coffers if I'm doing my simple math calculations correctly.

Charge $2 bucks for parking and sell concessions ... and KU could raise close to half a million bucks on a balmy August evening.

I would think the Jayhawks would scrimmage at least once during their 10 days of practice heading up to the tour. Hold that intrasquad scrimmage at Memorial Stadium under the lights and voila ... the money comes pouring in.

KU's football team could attend for a halftime pep rally - perfect as a way to kick off the grid season - and a good time would be had by all.

Maybe they could play a video of Roy's "I'm Staying" press conference on the video board for good measure (JUST KIDDING FOLKS, RELAX).

The only problem would be building a suitable portable court for Memorial Stadium. One wouldn't want a Jayhawk hoopster slipping on a humid, wet floor and getting hurt at such an event.

Also, one wouldn't want it to rain or be too windy. Can you imagine a Kansas wind gust catching a Mike Lee corner shot and carrying it over the goal?

Q: As usual, I appreciate you insight and comments. Am I correct about the following: As a SF, I assume Galindo would more likely sub for a third guard, like Giddens or Langford, than the big boys, like Simien or Jackson. Galindo's only an inch taller than Giddens and two inches taller than Langford. And his main talent is outside shooting, which is something KU could use more of. He's closer in height and role to Giddens and Langford than he is to Simien, Jackson, or Giles. Giles is actually listed as a center.

Assuming the guys play true to their positions, would Simien be primary PF with Jackson supporting him off the bench? Would Kaun and Giles would rotate as centers? With Moody, Niang, and perhaps Galindo helping out when needed? No matter how you slice it, there's a lot of good depth there.

How would you rate the big men in likely playing time after Simien? I assume Kaun's 2nd? Then who? THANKS and Rock Chalk!!! Alan

A: I think you are right. I think Galindo will sub on the perimeter.

I think the starting lineup will be Aaron Miles, Keith Langford, J.R. Giddens, Wayne Simien and either Sasha Kaun or C.J. Giles. If Kaun and/or Giles aren't ready, I expect Mike Lee would start. Bill said he's willing to go with four perimeter players if need be.

Otherwise, Lee will be first man off the bench on the perimeter. After that, Robinson and Galindo with Case/Hawkins still a possibility to be in the mix depending how they play in the preseason.

Kaun or Giles, whomever doesn't start, probably would be first big man sub in the game, followed by Jackson, Moody and Moulaye, not necessarily in that order.

If I'm forgetting anybody, forgive me; it's still July for goshsakes.

Q: After Simien, which, if any, of KU's other three seniors has the best chance to make it in the NBA? George

A: It's hard to say what type of player the NBA values nowadays.

It appears to me the perfect NBA player is a high school senior who has yet to show ANY flaws because all he's done is play against fellow high schoolers. Or some guy far overseas who is a mystery more than a reality.

I mean I think Wayne, Aaron and Keith all could play in that league.

But what I think doesn't mean squat. NBA execs probably figure Aaron can't shoot well enough from the outside, Keith is too short or something and Wayne too small to play bang inside.

I say Aaron is as good a shooter as Jacque Vaughn, who has made a lot of money in the league. Wayne is as good as Marcus Fizer, who also has made a lot of cash; and Keith could be the next Jalen Rose.

I am down on that league big time.

Why? The NBA once had it made.

It had a minor league system in college basketball that filtered players to the pros, a minor league system the NBA paid zero dollars for. But NBA execs couldn't control themselves and decided they could not pass on prep seniors, lest they miss out on the next Michael Jordan.

No matter that guys like DeShawn Stevenson can't play a lick thanks in large part they never went to college. The NBA product is getting worse every year and the NBA has itself to blame.

So yes, I think all three Jayhawks can make it in the league. The reality is that one of them will make it, maybe not even one.

Q: I notice KU never plays in any of those November/December tournaments in Las Vegas in hoops. However, I think Illinois played there under Bill Self recently. Do you think he will take the Jayhawks out to Glitter City for a tournament, and if so, when?? I'm hoping, cause we live here. Thanks, Jalen "Schlep" Finnco, Las Vegas, Nevada.

A: I love Las Vegas, Las Vegas books and Las Vegas movies starring Don Rickles. Hopefully KU will get into one of those tourneys you mention. I know a lot of KU fans loved attending the games in Reno, Nev., last year.

Iowa State a few years ago wanted to play in a tourney in Las Vegas. If I remember right, those games actually would have been contested in a gym in a casino (was it Ballys, Casino Royale or the Barbary Coast?) but if I remember right, the NCAA deemed casino complexes off limits for games.

I wouldn't discount a future series with UNLV and Lon Kruger. Kruger is a class act and former Illinois coach, just like Bill. Also, Lon is a K-State grad and probably wouldn't mind bringing his Rebels to Allen Fieldhouse.

Q: Gary, Why would, in your opinion, someone like our recently departed post man choose to leave? It seems as if his reasoning is counterintuitive. Playing the four in the NBA is not the reason he left, is it? Respectfully.

A: Dunno.

David Padgett said the reason he left KU is he wanted to play the 4 position instead of the post-up 5. Later, after committing to Louisville, he admitted he signed with KU because of the former coach and that coach is gone, so he decided to look elsewhere.

I think, had he stayed, David would have been allowed to shoot the 15- to 17-footer extensively during his KU career. One of David's most effective shots last season was from the free throw line extended. KU's coaches encouraged Padgett to pop that shot.

If David wants to shoot threes, I guess he did make the right decision to leave. But I don't know if Louisville's Rick Pitino is gonna let a 6-11 guy fire up trifectas all the time.

I think David is a very, very, very nice kid who in no way deserved the treatment he received from some fans who criticized him viciously in the school paper, on talk shows and on the Internet.

I do think people sometimes expect way too much from college freshmen. There was the perception (by some) that David had a rotten season.

Give me a break. The guy had reasonable numbers for a freshman. He beat Missouri at Missouri with a last-second jumper. You'd think that in itself would have endeared him to Jayhawk fans forever. I personally wish David the best of luck at L-ville and thank him for all the interviews during his one season at Kansas.

Q: Gary do you think KU will win the national title next year? Frank, Topeka.

A: Maybe. The team's seniors desperately want to win the title.

Wayne, Aaron, Keith and Mike Lee have tasted sweet success in the Final Four and want to cut down the nets on the last day of the season.

The Jayhawks are going to need some help from the incoming freshmen to win the crown (see the question about Canada trip, above). Somebody's going to have to provide some punch from the outside off the bench and Wayne is going to need some support inside.

Just one team can win the title, so I feel uncomfortable saying the Jayhawks are a lock to win the crown. I'd say the Jayhawks will be a top 10 team all year if they can avoid the injury bug.

Q: I am still trying to find out statistic assist leaders for Big 12 or Big 8/12. I have KU's assist leaders but I would like to find out where Jacque Vaughn and Aaron Miles place in that category.

A: A tip of the cap to Chris Theisen formerly of the Big 12 office, now headed to KU media relations, who emailed me the answer to this question for you:

Q: Has there ever been a bat boy or ball boy who has gone on to become a major league star? If so who? Karen.

A: That is a brilliant question. I don't know the answer. How about some help, KU fans? You've never let me down in the past. I am guessing, though, that the answer to your question is yes. The odds are decent some former bat boy made it big in the game.

Q: Where did Jeff Boschee get his hair cut?

A: Well, when he had the bald look, he cut it himself. His junior and senior years, I confess I have no idea.

Jeff gimme a call and provide me the answer to this question, please.

Q: The jury is out on this points system. If the basketball program ever falls from grace, this will tumble like a house of cards. To, apply this to football? Give me a break. Fill the stadium first.

A: The point system is painful, but is systematic of modern college sports. College sports are a big business now, in fact it's getting worse every year, hence the emergence of points systems. It's coming to football, so get ready for it.

Q: My dad played for KU in the '50s and I would like to know how to locate team archives so I can find out more about that. He played in the Chamberlin days and has since passed away. Thank you.

A: You could go visit the university archives on the KU campus. I think they have all the old game programs.

Or you could purchase a KU media guide next season from the media relations office. There's a lot of historical stuff in the guide. Hope that helps you a little bit.

Q: Hi Gary. Well, like it or not KU has just cut off the supporters from the western half of the state. I live 400 miles from KU. Been a Williams Fund and KU suporter for years. But, no more. Lew has cut the ties. Being so far out, we cannot compete, even if, "money were no object." I cannot help but feel this thing will come back to haunt KU. Thanks for letting me vent. Bob.

A: I feel your pain.

Q: Hi, I, as most Jayhawks, can NOT stand MU team, fans, school... We had what I think to be the best recruiting class in the nation. Although, MU had a good recruiting class also. Do you think we will beat MU 3-0 like last season (or 2-0) ? Bob. Thank You!

A: I wouldn't expect a sweep again.

It's not easy to win in Columbia. But it's possible. KU has a great team coming back. Another 2-0 or 3-0 sweep is certainly possible, but I'd always deem it unlikely.

Winning at MU is a tough task. The Jayhawks deserve credit for beating the Tigers last year in the final game played at Hearnes.

That was a monumental accomplishment, when you think about it.

Q: Gary, I have a rather simple question that you may or may not have the answer to. We know that some mascots have names such as the Ohio St. Buckeyes (Brutus the buckeye) and the Carolina Panthers' (Sir Purr). Well, I was wondering that if the Jayhawk has or has ever had a name? Thanks a lot for your time and take care.

A: I'm not for certain, but I think the answer to your question is no. I've never heard of the Jayhawk having a name like "Johnny Jayhawk" etc.

Q: I know that we have one of the deepest and most talented backcourts in America, but only Simien down low. With the loss of Padgett, how do you think the frontcourt rotation will work? Do you think an incoming freshman will start (Kaun) or someone like Niang or Moody? Also, Simien is good but hes only 6-8. How do you think Kansas will fare rebounding-wise against teams like kentucky with multiple 7 footers? Matt

A: Well, I think Sasha, Darnell Jackson and Giles will be effective helping Wayne out down low. Nobody's yet given up on Moulaye and Christian Moody has been a big surprise. So KU does have the bodies to bang.

Q: How many KU players are in the NBA?

A: Last year there were eight: Raef LaFrentz (Celtics), Jacque Vaughn (Hawks), Paul Pierce (Celtics), Scot Pollard (Pacers), Greg Ostertag (Jazz), Drew Gooden (Magic), Kirk Hinrich (Bulls) and Nick Collison (Sonics). Ostertag and Vaughn are free agents.

That's it for now. Feel free to send me a grade for this Q-and-A session (A, B, C, D or F) and reasons why you liked it or did not enjoy reading it. Good bye, good luck and dunk you very much.