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Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Jayhawks busy with finals

By Gary Bedore

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'Super' Mario Chalmers puts up the stats

His Saturday stat line reads like this - 12 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists, and a career high 7 steals. It's the complete game from the Jayhawks complete combo guard Mario Chalmers.

Collins suits up for DePaul game

72 hours before suiting up to play DePaul, Bill Self didn't think Sherron Collins would be able to go. Luckily for coach, he was wrong.

Like the rest of the student body, Kansas University's basketball players are expected to hit the books hard this week - finals week.

"Day One was a success. I certainly hope we have Day Two," KU coach Bill Self said as freezing rain fell Monday night during the recording of his Hawk Talk radio show.

"If we can't have class tomorrow, we'll deal with it like everybody else will," he added of the possibility of a weather-related shutdown on campus. "There were no negative surprises today academically. Hopefully the rest of the week will go as well."

The No. 3-ranked Jayhawks (9-0) have no games scheduled during finals, of course.

Next up is Saturday's nonconference clash against Ohio University, set for a 4 p.m. tipoff at the Sprint Center in Kansas City, Mo.

The Jayhawks were able to practice Monday, working practice around the classroom tests.

"There's time to do both," Self said of practicing and studying. "If the guys study like they are supposed to study, you need a little break, exercise or something to keep your mind fresh or be sharp. We try to provide that an hour and a half a day.

"We got after it today from a conditioning standpoint because I thought we looked tired (at end of Saturday's 84-66 rout of DePaul). We got after them, but not as much as we would at an Oct. 20 practice."

Self said he's looking forward to the period from after finals to the start of second semester, when the Jayhawks can have unlimited practice time in accordance with NCAA rules.

"We can get better in practice. We need to tighten up a lot of things," Self said. "When school is out and there's a month before it starts up again : it's like coach (Larry) Brown used to say to the guys: 'Now you know what it's like to be professionals. We just aren't going to pay you.'

"It's unlimited ball. Guys come in and watch tape, take part in different shooting groups for practice.

"All teams have a chance to get better over Christmas break and get ready for conference season. It's the last chance to really practice. Hopefully we'll get better over break like we did last year."

Self had a batch of speaking responsibilities Monday. First was the Big 12 teleconference with media members, next a Williams Fund luncheon in Topeka and finally his radio show.

Big 12 reporters sought an update on Brandon Rush, who played 29 minutes against DePaul, his second-longest stint of the season outside of a yeoman 36-minute outing in an overtime victory over Arizona.

"Brandon gets better daily physically. He still doesn't have that fire to go in traffic and rise above everybody. He's still a little hesitant to do some things like that," Self said, noting Rush and Sherron Collins should both "be 100 percent by conference play unless there are any setbacks."

Collins, who is recovering from left foot surgery, played 13 minutes against DePaul after missing six straight games.

"They say he is doing really well. He just doesn't quite have his legs under him yet," Self said of Collins. "Hopefully within a week he'll be close to full speed physically. He may not have his rhythm totally back."

¢ Dinner called off: Tonight's Bill Self Roundball Dinner has been canceled because of weather conditions. The event, hosted by the Williams Educational Fund, will be rescheduled in January. Should the new date conflict with schedules, those who have paid for the event will be refunded.

¢ Wright called upon by Hornets: Former KU forward Julian Wright, who had been used sparingly so far his rookie season, started at shooting guard and played 38 minutes in New Orleans' 91-88 victory over Seattle on Sunday at New Orleans Arena. He scored six points off 3-of-7 shooting while taking over for the injured Peja Stojakovic.

"He (Julian) made some great plays for us out there tonight," Hornets guard Chris Paul told the New Orleans Times Picayune. "I told him I'm not going to treat him like a baby because he knows how to play."

Wright had six rebounds despite playing with a sore right foot.

"I was just trying to get into a flow and give the team an edge in terms of defensive intensity and hustle," Wright said.

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Comments

dlshaw74 (anonymous) says...

Julian Wright started as a "shooting guard". Ouch. That is hard for me to say.

December 11, 2007 at 7:35 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

JHawk74 (anonymous) says...

I watched the game he was mostly playing the 3 or 4 position. He might of started at the 2 guard position but didn't play that position on the court.

December 11, 2007 at 7:46 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Lebowski (anonymous) says...

Great to see him find some minutes. But I have to really wonder about New Orleans.... Geez, you don't play a rookie at all... then all of a sudden, you try to throw more at him than he can handle. I also find it funny how out of 38 minutes of playing time, the only thing they mention is his shooting.... zero other indications of how well or poorly he played.

Guess thats the world we live in.... The Allen Iversons will always get more ink than the glue guys who actually make other players better.

December 11, 2007 at 8:35 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Lebowski (anonymous) says...

Short little Q & A with Self

I have no idea what I'm doing with forums and links and stuff, so this probably wont be a working link. (so copy and paste it!)

http://cjonline.com/stories/121107/ha...

December 11, 2007 at 8:53 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Lebowski (anonymous) says...

Oh hell... I guess that was easy enough.

December 11, 2007 at 8:54 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

dnvrhawk (anonymous) says...

I think the Hornets have several starters that are injured. Nice that Julian gets a chance for some PT.

December 11, 2007 at 8:57 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Chicago_JHawk (anonymous) says...

I took a look at Ju-Ju's box score - had 6 rebounds, three assists and a steal to go with only one TO and one foul. Not too bad. It would be nice to see him get some consistent minutes.

Instead of 4.5 per game (which he averaged for the year until 21 and 38 in the last two games), it would be nice to see 10 or 12 per game so he can find a defined role and get comfortable.

December 11, 2007 at 10:25 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

ttoulouse (anonymous) says...

Um, yeah, so how about Rush's legal stuff coach??? If Rush keeps playing games, I'm going to loose a little respect for Self. no matter the severity or circumstances, Rush needs to be reprimanded.

December 11, 2007 at 11:35 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

KUGrad04 (anonymous) says...

TToulouse, Are you kidding me right now. He payed his fine ! his punishment is over ! What are you from Singapore ! Leave the kid alone. Try supporting your players ! it's what real fans do.

December 11, 2007 at 11:48 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

JayCeph (anonymous) says...

So, does that article that Lebowski posted suggest that Self's daughter is dating Rush? Kind of a weird way to announce that... regardless, odd.

December 11, 2007 at 11:58 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

ChicagoJHawk (anonymous) says...

ditto, what you said KUGrad! Seriously, those were traffic violations, he didn't get in trouble for drugs or drunk driving! You want self to suspend him and have us lose games? Then you'll "loose" even more respect for him.

December 11, 2007 at 12:07 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

bmcmich1 (anonymous) says...

Reprimanded how?? Like getting arrested?? Like having your stupid mistake played over and over again for a period of 24 hours on every local and national sports media outlet? Check, and check.

Look, his arrest was not a big deal. Coach and his staff are treating it as such. Who's to say he didn't have to run a few extra gassers or something--to the reasonable person, that would suffice. His arrest and personal affairs were cast into a very public light for a couple days, that's punishment enough. Anyone who is still calling for some sort of public reprimand is 1) slightly demented, and 2) beating a dead horse.

December 11, 2007 at 12:09 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Chicago_JHawk (anonymous) says...

Jayceph - Self was talking about Kaun dating his daughter. Also, it must have been an example of how much he likes Sasha, because his daughter is like 14 - I hope they're not dating!

As for Rush being suspended, I thought last week that maybe he should be for 1 game, as that would help keep the national media from grabbing the "Self is weak on discipline" angle, even though I don't think that what Rush did warrants a suspension at all. Now that several days have passed and the national media has completely ignored the issue, it is a moot point. Now I don't think a suspension is necessary in any way.

December 11, 2007 at 12:19 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

flJayhawkfan (anonymous) says...

JayCeph it was Sasha not Rush that Self mentioned with his daughter. regarding Rush, It's a traffic ticket that's all not that big a deal, some of you people need to get a life if you get all worked up over something so trivial, he didn't assault anyone, he didn't get drunk and do something dangerous he just mixed up a court date and acted like a kid in not fixing it sooner. I am very sure everyone has done something that wasn't the smartest I know I have. He only hurt himself and he did have to pay a fine and get mentioned all over the nation.. what more do you want for something that insignificant??

December 11, 2007 at 12:20 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

robot (Robin Smith) says...

Rush went to the court on his own to pay fines and when they looked at it they realized they were outstanding and "arrested" him. He was trying to do the right the thing and owning up to his mistakes; hardly something an understanding person can hold against him.

It's not like they issued the warrant and went looking for him.

on top of that Self said right away that there would be no disciplinary actions, so you've been wasting you're time if you've been waiting to find out what happens.

December 11, 2007 at 12:54 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

blk99stang (anonymous) says...

ok let me clarify. Self said there would be no "suspension." He said that any punishment would be handled internally. Now, granted, this probably means that he will not be punished. But how can you make that judgment? He said it would be kept private. So how do we know whether he disciplined Rush or not? Just leave it alone. It is over. Lets move on

December 11, 2007 at 1:15 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

JNgohawks (anonymous) says...

Stupid finals! I want to see some basketball... Saturday?! That is forever! Just kidding (kind of), study hard.

December 11, 2007 at 1:21 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

CasperCorps (anonymous) says...

Traffic tickets deserve reprimands? Get real, its not like he stabbed somebody or dragged his girlfriend out of his apartment by her hair..

December 11, 2007 at 2:49 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

flipborder02 (anonymous) says...

Jhawk75 were you watch the game at.

December 11, 2007 at 3:06 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

ChicagoJHawk (anonymous) says...

flipborder, you must have been an english major. Your grammar and punctuation is always on point! I think you meant JHawk74, not 75...

December 11, 2007 at 3:14 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Royaljayhwk (anonymous) says...

Not sure where you saw in that article anything about Rush dating Self's daughter. He was speaking of Kaun and he does not date her. I know the fella that dates her and it's neither of them.

December 11, 2007 at 3:31 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

JayCeph (anonymous) says...

Oops. My mistake. In any case, if Self wants to let his daughter date the players (even if she is reportedly 14 years old) then that is his choice. *giggle*

Saturday better hurry up...

December 11, 2007 at 3:56 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

LAJayhawk (anonymous) says...

I'm sure Self disciplined Rush in practice in front of the other players. As he said initially, this is a great example for the others to see how you need to take care of your stuff. Disciplining him in practice is what any coach would do.

Regardless, the national media doesn't care because it's ridiculously miniscule. Stupid, but miniscule. In fact, the ESPN analysts during the DePaul game were discussing how unreasonable it was for authorities to take him away in handcuffs. It turned into a "Rush is a good guy and Self loves to coach him" moment instead of anything negative.

It'll be a different story in Columbia though.

Anyway, let it go man. Outside of Misery no one cares because it was so minor.

December 11, 2007 at 5:43 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

cklarock (anonymous) says...

I got arrested once for unpaid traffiic tickets and a failure to appear? Do you know what punishment I got?

I got arrested for unpaid traffiic tickets and a failure to appear.

December 11, 2007 at 6:41 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

LAJayhawk (anonymous) says...

You're absolutely right cklarock. The Lawrence court did what it had to do. People need to lay off them a bit. My point was that the national media (those that have actually noticed it) seem to feel bad for Rush instead of looking at it negatively. The public perception is interesting.

December 11, 2007 at 6:45 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

LAJayhawk (anonymous) says...

Oh, just realized I missed your point, cklarock. Sorry.

I'm guessing you weren't part of an athletic team in the middle of the season? I'm sure Self made him run.

December 11, 2007 at 6:47 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jayhawkjim80 (anonymous) says...

This is a little off the subject, but I am sure many of you remember the story awhile back about Colorado packaging their KU basketball home game in a three pack. I have learned of a similar attempt of keeping KU fans out of Mizzou Arena (aka the paige) when the Hawks play there on January 19th.

The Tigggers ticket office for the time being only has select home games on sale. Conference single game tickets go on sale the 17th, except for the KU game which does not go on sale until January 4th at 6pm. In addition, that game is $48 for any ticket, which is $10 more than any other home game.

Interesting that they have that date in play, as it is the day after the Orange Bowl and perhaps they figure many interested KU fans will be in Miami, and unable to place an order. If you are interested in this game, try and call that evening to get tickets (1-800-cat-paws), or I think their web-site is mutigers.com.

Wave of the future. It appears more and more schools are doing this sort of thing to keep visiting fans out.

December 11, 2007 at 7:21 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

lee3022 (anonymous) says...

The timing of how Coach deals with Brandon is rather obvious. Right now Brandon needs to get through finals. After this week there is a whole month for Coach to lay it on privately. Coach prefers to deal with this one internally and I accept and honor that. This is not a rogue team and it does not get into much trouble. When it does Coach deals with each issue individually and presumably fairly. I could care less what the national mediots think.

As for packaging tickets it makes sense for those teams. They have only a few games when they get sold out and they want to maximize profit from that demand. That is good business sense and likely has nothing to do with keeping KU fans out of the arena. Selling MU tickets close to game time will help limit their purchase by ticket scalpers on-line. It would bother me if I were an AD and my $30 tickets were going for $300 from a scalper three weeks before the game.

December 11, 2007 at 9:10 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

bmcmich1 (anonymous) says...

Great point lee3022.

Other BigXII schools are out to make money too, and I can assure you that there are no agendas or vendettas against KU in mind when they are putting together these packages. Let's be honest, in the end most KU fans will still buy these packages if it means getting to see the 'Hawks. I can see KU alums in Denver buying the package and giving the tix to the two other games to underpriviliged youth or some other charitable organization; it's a win-win for everyone. Other schools are not 'out to get' KU with these packages. They are not trying to keep KU fans out of their arenas--quite the contrary. They are fully counting on KU people still coming, they are just getting smart and adding ticket revenue at the same time.

December 11, 2007 at 10:58 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

bschawk (anonymous) says...

let it go it was a trafic violation i personaly get 9
a year and dont get suspended from my job

December 12, 2007 at 11:18 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

jross1972 (Joe Ross) says...

Lebowski...

Nice find on the article. I dont mean to sound uncouth but if I were a father of a daughter, I certainly wouldnt slip and use the words "...get a sniff" when referring to her. OUCH! I often wonder if interviewees shudder to see their words in black and white, when at the time they made statements nothing ever seemed amiss.

December 12, 2007 at 1:02 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jross1972 (Joe Ross) says...

jhawkjim80...keen eyes you have. Kudos for keeping us posted! I can tell someone would have to get up awfully early in the morning to fool you.

Two lines in this article made it completely worth the reading. First is the quote by former Coach Larry Brown:

"Now you know what it's like to be professionals. We just aren't going to pay you."

I laughed my a$$ off. The second quote came on the heels of the first:

"It's unlimited ball."

...exactly the way it should be at Kansas!

December 12, 2007 at 1:07 p.m. ( | suggest removal )