JayCeph (anonymous) says...

Did anyone watch this clip? Connor looks like he's for real! Toward the end of the video, he does a little 'behind the back' curl for a lay-in and then steals the ensuing pass and drops in an uncontested trey. Wow. I'm really looking forward to seeing him in the proper colors next year!

April 19, 2007 at 10:30 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

ralsterKUMed95 (anonymous) says...

No matter who we add this offseason, KU will be solid with the addition of Aldrich as a 4th bigman. So far in recent years, we have had great production from our McD AAs, except for Downs--wasnt he a McD AA?? I 100% agree with Self who, at the banquet, said if Rush stayed, "we could play anybody". But, as he also said, even if Rush goes we have no shortage of guards who are proven to be able to get the ball where it needs to go--could be a more inside, outside game?? Stewart could be that larger guard in Brandon's defensive shoes, and could possibly add something offensively. With Rush next year, we are THE pick next year or top 2; without Rush, we are top8 again and you will see some adjustments, but we still will be SOLID. The REAL dilemma is what happens in the 08-09 season, with 4-5 seniors graduating, and Im sure the NBA circus will visit us again regarding Arthur, Collins, Chalmers to make it even more interesting...(or stressful!)

April 19, 2007 at 4:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

speedy (anonymous) says...

m. downs was mc all am. he is doing quite well playing for the zags. he would have help ku if coach self had not snubbed him. i did not blame him for leaving. look at all of the good players who have left ku. only 2 were asked to take a hike.
rush can and will be replaced too. hes being smart by not getting an agent. he needs at least one more year.

April 20, 2007 at 10:07 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

ralsterKUMed95 (anonymous) says...

My thought on Micah Downs: yes he didnt get much playing time, but something must have not been going well in practice. Anytime I saw him in live action, I did not see athleticism like the starters, which may mean a defensive liability. What about his penetrating and dribbling ability? Maybe he could hit 3s eventually like Giddens, but we saw what a defensive liability Giddens was, AND his lack of handles or off-dribble penetration.
The current starters, it is clear, simply outplay players like Downs, Case, Morningstar, because the starters are solid in all phases (except FTs to varying degrees). It is why Downs left, and why Morningstar is offerring his scholarship up just to be able to stay on the team as a walk-on. No one doubts the 3ball ability of any of these guys, but role players at best. A top 4 program puts a premium on size AND quickness AND offensive ability AND defense (thank you Bill Self!!--love the intense D). You have got to be a brutally conditioned athelete to be able to play that D and still have any shooting touch left at the end of games. Some guys at age 18 or 19 are just not ready to play at that level yet--NOT a criticism of Downs or anyone else...

April 22, 2007 at 7:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

jhawkdpt (anonymous) says...

It is well documented the downfall of Downs was his lack of defensive quickness and willingness to improve his defense. Additionally, he had some 'personal' issues with girlfriend and family home in Washington. Now that he has matured some he is playing better. Bottom line is that to make it to the Final Four these days you need a team concept, perimeter defense, solid post play, and good free throw shooting...KU hasn't had all four at the same time. Perhpas next year if Rush returns we will have an improved chance to advance.

I feel Coach Self needs to look for another 'athlete' to fill Wright's shoes.

April 24, 2007 at 11:32 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )