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Sunday, December 10, 2006

Kemper clunker

Jayhawks uninspired in arena finale

By Gary Bedore

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KU vs. Toledo

Kansas City, Mo. — Kansas University's basketball players did not wave goodbye to Kemper Arena at midday Saturday as the team bus pulled out of the parking lot one final time.

It was more "good riddance" to the Jayhawks' home-away-from-home following an uninspired 68-58 victory over Toledo - KU's final game in the 32-year-old structure to be replaced by the shiny new Sprint Center next season.

"It was kind of a 'dud' win," KU coach Bill Self said, noting the sluggish contest "was exactly like our Oregon win here, the Cal win here, the Wisconsin-Milwaukee win here."

Those victories - in Self's first three seasons at KU - were by scores of 69-56 (Cal), 73-62 (UW-Milwaukee) and 77-67 (Oregon), none close to resembling ESPN Classics.

"No, it's not the building. But we have not played well in this building in our regular-season games since I've been at KU," Self said.

The Jayhawks weren't half-bad the first half.

Brandon Rush snapped out of a shooting slump by hitting four of five threes - good for 12 points - as the Jayhawks blazed to a 44-34 halftime lead. It was a half in which the Jayhawks hit 16 of 22 shots for 72.7 percent while holding Toledo to 42.9 percent marksmanship.

Audio clips

2006-07 Dec. 9 KU-Toledo Hoops

"We made shots, so it looked better, but we didn't guard," Self said. "The second half we guarded better, but didn't make shots."

Rush misfired on eight of 10 attempts, while the Jayhawks as a team made seven of 28 for 25 percent as the two teams played to a yawn-inducing 24-24 deadlock the second 20 minutes.

"The good thing about us hardly scoring : they hardly scored, too," Self said of a second half in which the Rockets hit 29.4 percent of their shots, including three of 10 threes. "I think we played too tentative.

Rush, who had made just 16 of 55 shots over the last five games, hit three three-pointers in the final 11 1/2 minutes of the first half, a stretch in which KU cashed 11 of 12 shots and outscored Toledo, 30-14.

He offered a reason for the slump-busting 20 half.

"Brady (Morningstar, freshman) said I wore my shirt inside out, so maybe I should try that from now on," Rush cracked. "It's my white undershirt, a little sweatshirt. I did it by accident."

Go figure

15

School-record blocks by the Jayhawks

72.7

KU's first-half field-goal shooting percentage

25.0

KU's second-half field-goal shooting percentage

35.5

Toledo's field-goal shooting percentage for the game

6-foot-7

Height of Toledo's tallest player

5

Jayhawks who stand taller than the tallest Rocket (four of whom played; Matt Kleinmann did not)

+2

Toledo's rebounding margin, despite the height disadvantage

15-5

KU's scoring advantage from the free-throw line

80-24

KU's all-time record in Kemper Arena, which will be replaced by the Sprint Center

He had a unique explanation for his chilly second half, in which he hit one of five threes - the one giving him a career-best five for the game.

"I don't know. His halftime speech cooled us down, I guess. It cooled us down a little bit," Rush said.

Self's speech?

"Just how long it took. He kept us in there a little bit longer," Rush said, noting the coach "wasn't screaming. He was really mellow, just talking in that tone."

Rush, who had time to hoist a few shots before the start of the second half, actually had a premonition he'd "come out cold like I did against USC. I started getting stiff when we were in there (locker room)."

Self said he was pleased with Rush's performance, which included some strong second-half defense on Keonta Howell, who scored just five of his 18 points the final 20 minutes.

Rush and Sasha Kaun each had four blocks in a game the Jayhawks had a school-record 15 rejections.

"Brandon was more aggressive," Self said. "He didn't hesitate. I think that he was much better. He will pop out of this. When he does, it'll be in a big way."

Rush credited his teammates.

"They were looking for me," he said. "I had been in a little slump, so my teammates were trying to help me out a lot. They found me, so I started making some threes."

One of his most impressive buckets was a vicious one-handed slam - he drove the baseline after grabbing the carom of a missed dunk by Darrell Arthur - with 3:05 left, a bucket that gave KU a 61-49 lead.

"I hadn't done that in a while," Rush said. "Things started opening up after I started making shots."

Self spent a long time - 30 minutes, actually - talking to his team after the somewhat lethargic victory. Toledo's players and coaches had been out of the interview room a good 10 minutes before Self arrived.

KU vs. Toledo

"He said what everybody out there saw," junior center Kaun said. "He didn't yell or anything. He told us the truth of what we need to do to get where we need to be."

That is ...

"Play with more enthusiasm. Be more excited about it. Have more presence about us instead of just being out there," Kaun said.

KU's coach, who has 10 days to prepare the troops for their next game, against Winston-Salem State on Dec, 19, is anxious for the team to get in the gym.

"The thing that disappoints me," Self said, "is the fact we haven't got that nitty-gritty tough mind-set yet. : This game is such an easy game. What we do is make the game a lot harder than what it is. We're thinking 'great play' instead of just a good basketball play. Those are the things that drive me nuts."

The next two weeks are really important. We are not a team yet. We are not a team that has an identity yet."

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Comments

mitch (anonymous) says...

Better find their identity fast. No more excuses. Yes, they won, but if their conference play is anything like the second half, they're going to make a lot of Big 12 teams very happy. Go 'Hawks!

December 10, 2006 at 5:54 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

jross1972 (Joe Ross) says...

It's time to find the groove...NOW!

December 10, 2006 at 6:55 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

indijayhawk (anonymous) says...

I think the players should recognize and respect playing for Kansas. There should be more pride and enthusiasm then what we saw in the 2nd half yesterday.

December 10, 2006 at 8:30 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

notabandwagonfan (anonymous) says...

its funny how smart people realize that the players play the way they are. Alot of idiots are on here blaming self for their play, but yet Self isn't actually making passes, turning the ball over, etc...............Some needs to put a foot in Julians @$$!!!!! Please!!!!!!!

December 10, 2006 at 9:13 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

dragonhawk (anonymous) says...

I, frankly, can't understand why the entire team can be so down. They just don't have any "fire" and if they don't find it , it will be a very long conference schedule.

December 10, 2006 at 9:50 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

areyouserious (anonymous) says...

This is what happens when all you recruit is a bunch of scoring machines, instead of role players and hustlers.................Too many players that were relied upon in high school to be the go to scorer......we don't need that now, we need someone to do the dirty work!!!

Self said after the game that the players are playing without a killer instinct, and that is their personalities.

Its time HCBS busts some A$$ in practice and stop being Mr. nice guy buddy-buddy with the superstars.

December 10, 2006 at 9:53 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

CasperCorps (anonymous) says...

We'll see how good they look now that they have time to practice a few things... Don't worry bout these guys... I'll put money on them making the big tournament....

December 10, 2006 at 10:10 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Mangino_Maniac (anonymous) says...

I think Bill Self himself needs to start showing some enthusiasm... Brandon's comment about coach keeping them in the locker room alittle too long at half time and making them 'mellow' speaks volumes. Also, hearing players saying coach wasn't yelling or anything like that, well maybe it's time Coach Self does start yelling.

December 10, 2006 at 10:17 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

BABBOY (anonymous) says...

I think the blame goes to the one at the stop. You know the whole "the buck stops here thing." Coach Self wins by recruiting. He has not shown that he can win by coaching. He your basic play hard defense and throw to the big guy coach. I would have thought he could motivate teams better -- but he has not shown that capibility. Many examples of the team not being prepared -- Bucknell, Bradley, and the second half of the K-State game last year all come to mind.

Yeah, I know that Self is not out on the floor playing the game, but he is supposed to be the one that lights a fire under the players and to many times that fires in not there. Also, when is the last time any one said or you felt that we won the game because Coach Self out coached the other team? The only game I can think of in the entire Self term of coaching was the first year when KU played Michigan State.

In hind sight, KU should have went after Turgeon. However, I did not see that at the time. I like Coach Self but he just a nice guy who knows how to recruit.

December 10, 2006 at 10:20 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

trueBlueFan (anonymous) says...

You know babboy, i remember a seemingly crazed fellow yesterday at the game that was harping on Turgeoun as well...that's odd.

Let me start by saying "quit whining" to everyone who's worried about our start to the season. Don't you dare tell me that Bill Self cannot coach. Just look at what happened when he arrived at ORU, Tulsa, and Illinois. All three programs were turned completely around, and are now in great shape because of him. You mean to tell me that winning Big 12 Coach of the Year is not good enough for you? Winning 2 consecutive Big 12 titles, and one tourney title is not good enough for you? Fielding an extremely athletic and highly-touted team is not good enough for you?

I'll break down the "loss" that we had yesterday. Oh wait, it wasn't a loss at all, but another win. I guess the W is worth more if it's pretty, right? I was always told "a win is a win."

The responsibility to "light the fire" as I have heard it put, is (somewhat) the coach's. I've played the game all my life, and there is nothing that fired me up more before the game than...get this...my own desire to win the game. There is only so much a coach can say or do, the rest falls on the players. Self is not out there shooting those free throws. He's not the one double-teaming a player and accidentally getting too far away from the open shooter. These are things that I guarantee you Self is teaching this team, and whether or not they actually do it is not under his control.

All that said, just remember these: Bill Self knows more about coaching than any of us on here. Brandon Rush is playing his heart out no matter what any of us say. Kansas is in no danger of not making the tournament, the numbers don't lie. And finally, Bill Self knows more about coaching than any of us on here.

December 10, 2006 at 10:55 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

tomike (anonymous) says...

Is Rush the only player on KU team? Self has recruited all those McDonnalds here and you (the media) are driving them away!!!!!!!!

December 10, 2006 at 10:56 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

b1afide (anonymous) says...

Agreed...very disappoining not seeing the fire there. These guys shouldn't need a coach to "fire" them up. Sign of the times. Already a business to elite college athletes. Just a stop on the journey for many of these guys. Too bad they can't go to the future and realize what an awesome and special opportunity they have right now. Could say that about all of us though! I will still take the talent but wish we had a intense - not quite good enough for the NBA glue guy. Sometimes I get the feeling that Darnell plays like that when he is out there.

Watch the piece on Dwyane Wade on the HBO Costas Now program and how not being considered a "top" player motivated him. Good stuff.

December 10, 2006 at 11:09 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

moveforward (anonymous) says...

A notice for those Jayhawk faithful that live outside of the area. When the game is not broadcast on TV - kuAthletics allows you to listen to the audio on the net, but for a fee.

I have found that in nearly every single situation, the opposing team's broadcast is, in fact available, for FREE. You're welcome Lou!

December 10, 2006 at 11:16 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

jcsmith (anonymous) says...

amen tomike!!!!!!

December 10, 2006 at 1:10 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Sparko (anonymous) says...

Moveforward: I am alumnus and am incensed that they would charge a fee for broadcasts. Perkins needs to look at taking care of the fans for once. The coaches are getting paid, but frankly the Kansas football meltdowns and the under-performing basketball team need more fan support not less. Perkins charges for everything. I am tired of it. I paid my dues already, and frankly would like a non-commercial team again.

December 10, 2006 at 1:33 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

sfb3 (anonymous) says...

sign of the times indeed. Most of these guys have been pampered since grade school. Some guys just don't have that "fire". It's just the "luck" of the draw for Self. I agree with Self's system: Play tough defense, share the ball, recruit the best recruits. It's fundamentally sound. Self will put us atop college basketball again when our guys find that elusive "fire"

December 10, 2006 at 2:27 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

bsktbl894 (anonymous) says...

these next 10 days need to be like the preseason boot camp. Don't ware them out, but break them down and build them back up with a chip on their shoulder.

December 10, 2006 at 4:35 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

ophawks (anonymous) says...

i dont get why all of our players keep saying what needs to happen and how they need more energy and etc. if they did what they say needs to happen we wouldn't have to worry about these disappointing wins and losses. although it is still early and we have a lot more left to play. not to mention, it is promising to remember that collision, hinrich, and company didnt make it big until their junior years, not to say this seasons over.

December 10, 2006 at 4:44 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

kufan1986 (anonymous) says...

It's only a matter of time before Turgeon comes home.

December 10, 2006 at 6:57 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

olmsted78 (anonymous) says...

maybe a tougher non-conf schedule would help light a fire.

I mean, Winston-Salem State....... there was one? They're 1-12.....better get fired up for that one! We'd get more out of a light practice than playing this poor team. Got to give WSSU credit for at least challenging themselves by landing games with accomplished programs...good for them, waste of time for us-- Not the only problem, but, no wonder we're sleepwalking.

....looking forward to conf play. Then we'll get to see what this TEAM is actually made up of. But that's not how it should be-- especially since records really aren't that important for big-time NCAA hoops programs.

Poor prep = Poor play in the clutch
i.e. March

December 10, 2006 at 7:04 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

olmsted78 (anonymous) says...

...not to mention the ridiculous amount of home games...sure, come play us at Allen Fieldhouse....real tough.

It may not be logical (or as lucrative!), but how 'bout we go on the road a few more times....let's go play a gritty Gonzaga club up in Spokane....let's go to Bloomington and take on the Hoosiers-- who cares if we lose, we'll be WAY better for it

this philoshophy can be detrimental too-- you don't wanna wear anyone down too much, but c'mon, the last thing we wanna be is soft.....and guys, we are as soft as some vanilla ice cream right now

December 10, 2006 at 7:55 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Jayhawk86 (anonymous) says...

I think the scheduleing is actually pretty smart. If i am not mistaken KU has gone int the tourney the last 2 years with the no. 1 sos. I think it may be pretty hard to get some of the major teams to schedule us because they assume it may be a loss, and a lot of them wont do a home and home. Wichita state has to schedule these teams because they come from a conference that has generally had teams left out of the tourney because their conference is fairly weak, therefore the strength of schedule looks weak at selection time. The big names assume they can win these and when WSU is not asking for a return game, its a no brainer for them.

It seems to me that we have trouble with the mid major teams that want to slow it down and run a half court game. I think that scheduling those types of teams now, will prepare us for the tournament. We seem to do well, against the athletic teams that want to run the floor.

btw I believe Turgeons record is 111-76 at WSU. not exactly tearing it up. 1 good year does not a coaching career make.I am glad to see him doing well, but lets not kid ourselves here.

December 11, 2006 at 12:51 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

DerekR25 (anonymous) says...

I agree with you Jayhawk86. I think our schedule is fine. And what you said about playing teams that know they can't match our athleticism so they try to slow it down and play a lot of zone is so true. I can't understand how someone would think that a non-con. schedule that includes Florida, ORU (who is actually picked to win their conference), USC (picked 3rd in the pac10), DePaul (who is a very fiesty and "dangerous" team in the Big East), South Carolina who is always tough, and Boston College, could think that the schedule is too weak. I don't know how you get that. I mean look at Duke for cryin' out loud, the biggest team they've played so far is Marquette who ran circles around them. I don't think scheduling is the problem fellas.

December 11, 2006 at 1:14 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

FlaHawk (anonymous) says...

We have way more difficult prob lems than schedule. Playing as a team with consistenacy against anyone is a struggle. If we played a more difficult schedule (most top teams do not), we would not be able to build chemistry and get beated to often. An occasional lossis good, but too many and the team will lack confidence.

December 11, 2006 at 9:55 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

lalawguy (anonymous) says...

I will not support the recruitment of Turgeon so long as the best team on his resume is WSU. Turgeon is a mid-major coach, and he does not belong at KU until he can prove that he can coach solidly at a power-conference school. So far, I haven't heard of any major school interested in recruiting him (and we know there is an opening in Colorado). I agree with Jayhawk86; one year does not a coaching career.

December 11, 2006 at 10:23 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

olmsted78 (anonymous) says...

Just would like to see us play in some more hostile non-conf environments-- I think it would be a good character builder for our team that lacks just that-- character.

However, playing the mid-majors and less athletic teams that slow things down in the non-conf may be good education for a Jayhawk team that notouriously has had trouble getting out of the first round in March the last 2 years. I wonder if it has been stressed enough to the players that some of these mid-major teams are the exact prototypes of those types of teams that we'll see in the early rounds-- that would fire me up.

I'm sure they are aware of this, so maybe its more technical than mental. Either way, we look half asleep out there much of the time.

December 11, 2006 at 1:09 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

BABBOY (anonymous) says...

Hey truebluefan, I may often be described as crazed -- but sadly I could not make it to Kemper last week -- I work most of the time.

I do not think KU is in danger of not making the tourneyment. I do not think KU's goal should be to "just" make the tourneyment. I mean when is the last time they haven't. The problem is they should be much higher than that and should be trying to win the championship.

I used to defend Self in a crazed manner, but I am getting tired of defending the crap I am seeing on the Court.

December 12, 2006 at 7:25 a.m. ( | suggest removal )