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Monday, February 12, 2007

Balanced beasts

Burst from Rush, Wright doesn't worry coach

By Gary Bedore

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A reporter who hadn't followed Kansas University's basketball team closely this season asked Bill Self if he was worried about a lack of balanced scoring in Saturday's 92-74 victory over Missouri in Columbia, Mo.

"Actually, that's the best thing that's happened to our team because the whole year we've had everybody score 10," KU coach Self said after Julian Wright and Brandon Rush combined for 54 points.

"It doesn't bother me if two guys score 54. It'll give them a lot of confidence they can maybe score in bunches in the future."

Self, who has been in search of some breakout individual scoring performances that might help identify a "go-to guy" in the future, shrugged when asked if he could recall Wright (33 points) and Rush (21) having both played so well on the same day.

They also combined for 19 of KU's 40 rebounds.

"That's a good question," he said of the Big 12 Conference co-preseason players of the year. "I know those two allow us to be a pretty good team potentially because we know their ceiling is pretty high when they play."

A check of the box scores show the two have both been "on" offensively more than once this season.

The two combined for 42 points (Wright 23, Rush 19) in an 80-69 home win over Rhode Island; 37 points (Rush 20, Wright 17) in a 76-56 win at Nebraska; 37 points (Rush 21, Wright 16) in a 91-57 home win over Northern Arizona; 34 points (Rush 18, Wright 16) in a 82-56 victory at Baylor.

Self said he knew exactly why Wright shattered his old career-high scoring mark of 23 versus Rhode Island.

"He was on the glass," Self said of the 6-foot-8 Wright, who had 12 rebounds, eight offensive. "He finished strong around the rim, making most of his baskets inside three to four feet. He made some great passes too. One play he made on an offensive rebound, tipped it to himself, somehow got the ball to Darnell (Jackson) for a layup. He made some big-time plays."

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Wright helps KU cure losing streak in Mizzou Arena

Mizzou Arena had not been kind to the Jayhawks during their last two visits to Columbia. However the crimson and blue finally prevailed in the house of the Tigers, winning 92-74 behind a career night from Julian Wright

Wright hit 14 of 21 shots as well as five of seven free throws. Rush hit eight of 10 shots (three of three from beyond the arc) and two of two free throws.

"Any time a guard can go eight of 10, three of three from three and get seven boards ... he was fabulous," Self said of Rush.

Wright said he was pleased to have a big game the same night at Rush.

"I always have confidence in him. We have confidence in each other," Wright said. "He's being aggressive, taking shots when he's open, attacking the basket and being strong. Sometimes he thinks he takes too many shots. We want him to shoot even if he misses one. We tell him to shoot the next one."

The Tigers were impressed with KU's high-scoring duo.

"It was like we were scared to guard them or something, just letting Julian Wright and Brandon Rush just go everywhere, rebound, catch alley-oops, do everything they wanted," guard Keon Lawrence said.

Two other Jayhawks joined Rush and Wright in double-figure scoring on Saturday. Sherron Collins scored 14 points and Darnell Jackson 10. Jackson hit four of four shots, two of two free throws with six boards on a night Sasha Kaun had foul problems and played just eight minutes.

"It worked out well for us. This was a good game for Darnell," Self said of a fast-paced game. "He is our best perimeter catcher and passer. Don't read into that (Jackson playing 20 minutes to Kaun's eight) except guys got in foul trouble."

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KU vs Missouri

¢Yes, Tigers pressed: It wasn't a good day for the media on Saturday. Another reporter asked Self if he was surprised Missouri didn't employ its "40 minutes of hell" game plan in a pair of losses to KU this season.

MU actually pressed a lot Saturday in Mizzou Arena.

"They didn't (press) at our place," Self said of KU's 80-77 victory on Jan. 15 in Allen. "Here I thought they pressed us pretty much the entire game. We were working to get the ball in bounds pretty much the entire night. They came after us the way we thought they would."

¢High praise: Columbia Tribune sports editor Joe Walljasper praised the Jayhawks in his column on the game.

"Round about the fifth Kansas alley-oop, it became clear that for this edition of the Border War basketball game, the Missouri Tigers were simply props. MU's interchangeable characters just as easily could have been orange barrels for the mild inconvenience they were causing Jayhawks accelerating to the basket.

"When KU's long, tall Wrights and Rushes put their minds to winning a basketball game, there's nobody in an MU uniform who is capable of doing much about it," he wrote.

¢Next up: KU will next meet Colorado at 8 p.m. Wednesday in Boulder. The Buffs fell to Kansas State, 78-59, on Saturday in Manhattan and fell to 6-14 overall, 2-8 in the Big 12. Richard Roby, who had 30 points in CU's 97-74 loss to the Jayhawks on Jan. 27 in Allen Fieldhouse, had just five points on 1-of-9 shooting versus the 'Cats.

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Comments

jaybate (anonymous) says...

What do we infer from this story? Self fields a dumb question from an out-of-towner in the media and, after answering, follows it up with Darnell only played 20 minutes against Mizzou, because Kaun had foul trouble?

Ever get the feeling Self gets irritated with the media sometimes and instead of going Bobbie K all over their heads, does a Will Rogers thing instead?

After hearing the vapid question-- was Self worried about KU's lack of balanced scoring against MU--Self shrugs and deadpans, "That's a really good question."

Next, after throwing some "quote" bones, and saying Darnell had a good game, Self warns the reporters in dead pan once again, "He [Darnell] is our best perimeter catcher and passer. Don't read into that (Jackson playing 20 minutes to Kaun's eight) except guys got in foul trouble."

Forget the fractured syntax, just focus on "Best perimeter catcher and passer."

What the heck does that mean, Will, er, Bill?

Why don't you just say, "I never met a new reporter I didn't like...but then I'm kinda fond of fools"?

And Darnell only played, because Sasha had foul trouble?

Sasha only had 3 fouls, Will, er, Bill!

And look at Sasha's line score: goose eggs everywhere. Heck look at Sasha's line score the last 2-3 games: more goose eggs everywhere.

Compare Sasha's line score with Darnell's: Darnell is ramping up--bad back and all. Darnell is becoming the ace up your sleeve.

Now I'm not saying Self IS going to play Darnell more than Kaun next game. Who knows? Self always lets what the other Coach does determine his tactics. What I am saying is that Darnell got to play the big minutes (big for Darnell anyway), because he was flat better than Kaun that day.

Whatever, Self's drollery apparently succeeded in preventing another foolish question from the out-of-town reporter, because Bedore didn't quote another one.

Self and Bedore had to be sitting around afterwards, laughing about this exchange. I can just see Self smiling and winking at Gary, saying, "Let's see what he (she) does with THAT."

And Gary walks away chuckling, but wondering what he's going to do with it, too; then Gary's brow knits slightly.

Sasha is Bill's center no matter what, Gary is asking himself? Maybe, maybe not, but not no matter what, Gary thinks, and then begins to grin again. He realizes Self has been playing him, too--putting him in a bind about how he's going to report it by inviting him into the joke.

Self, he's one wily rascal, Gary whispers to himself.

But Gary being every bit the pro at reporting that Self is at coaching, avoids the trap by reporting things exactly as they happened, except of course the part about Self inviting him into the joke. Gary's no dummy after all.

How refreshing.

We all get to draw our own collusions, er, conclusions.

February 12, 2007 at 9:13 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

jross1972 (Joe Ross) says...

seriously...did anyone besides me have to do a double-take on the title? I thought it was "balanced breasts", you know like...when they're EVEN. I dated a girl once who's left breast was much larger than the right. I affectionately named her "pair" big sister and little sister.

*chuckles*

Shopping for bras was hell, but I got to hang out in Victoria's secret with a bunch of women discussing a boob problem...kinda cool.

Snap back to reality...

If I can get to the body of this story I'll post a relevant comment later!

February 12, 2007 at 10:15 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

fabio (anonymous) says...

War brings out the beast in every man..........

February 12, 2007 at 10:41 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

lalawguy (anonymous) says...

Jaybate, your comments sound a little to "Conspiracy Theory" for my tastes. I have a feeling that Gary just was not impressed with this reporter's questions, and he happened to like how Self addressed them. He is just reporting the press conference as it happened. I don't know of believe in any secret meeting between Self and Gary. I think Self had to catch a bus back to Lawrence and Gary had to go write his article for Sunday's edition.

February 12, 2007 at 11:22 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

jross1972 (Joe Ross) says...

Ok.

I've recovered and have something substantive to offer on the story hopefully. My take on the Missouri game is this. If you are a mediocre team (or below) abandon the press against Kansas. The Jayhawks can shred a defense because they have excellent ballhandlers and great quickness in Chalmers, Russell Robinson, and Sherron Collins. Furthermore, the "poison" of the press is that if you beat the pressure up front you get a look at some easy baskets because 3/5 of the defense is behind you. If the ball goes to the middle of the floor into capable hands like Rush's or Wright's, you better sprint your arse off directly to your opponent's goal. And even if you stop the press, there's a period of transition that you're still vulnerable in while your defense is setting up. Anderson should look at this game and say to himself a couple of things. First, that a new strategy of pressing the Hawks ended up in a vastly larger deficit for Mizzou at the final buzzer. Secondly, whoever the dumbass was who played that video firing Kansas up should be fired himself! He did nothing but give motivation to a team that didn't need much in the first place.

Let's be honest though. Mizzou's interior defense is like Swiss cheese, and Wright exploited that. Self noted, and is correct in saying, that most of Wright's baskets were chip shots. Part of that is Wright's versatility that allows him to play the post both actively and athletically. The other part of that is Mizzou's post defense sucks bunghole. And I mean the kind of bunghole that doesn't get a good wipe. They're just NASTY in the post!

I do believe the final score masked a problem. We have to get our bigs on track. The backcourt outscored the frontcourt 78 to 14 in the win. Yes, that's right. Kaun, Arthur, and Jackson combined for just 14 points against a team that really had only Grimes to stop them. Ladies and gentlemen, this is an ISSUE! Jackson gave us 10 of those, and so I dont have much of a beef with him. But then you have to look at the fact that Kaun and Arthur combined for four points!!!! Two baskets.

WOW...

wow...

On a positive note now.

I LOVED the quote from the Mizzou journalist:
"Round about the fifth Kansas alley-oop, it became clear that for this edition of the Border War basketball game, the Missouri Tigers were simply props. MU's interchangeable characters just as easily could have been orange barrels for the mild inconvenience they were causing Jayhawks accelerating to the basket...When KU's long, tall Wrights and Rushes put their minds to winning a basketball game, there's nobody in an MU uniform who is capable of doing much about it."

February 12, 2007 at 11:35 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

DerekR25 (anonymous) says...

Jaybate, I have to say your post was quite amusing! Although, the question in which Self was asked if he was worried about a lack of balance was not actually the question he shrugged his shoulders and said "That's a good question." That was his response to the question of if he recalled a game where both Julian and Brandon played so well. Just thought I'd clear that up for ya, since it seemed like you were a little confused as to why he said that. I myself had to re-read those few paragraphs to figure out the questions and responses. They were a little mixed up it the way they were written. I did wonder why Self said not to read anything into Jackson getting more minutes than Kaun. I guess maybe it was because of the recent critisism of him leaving Kaun out on the court late in big games when he's not a consistant scorer nor a good FT shooter.

February 12, 2007 at 11:37 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

beatleboy500 (anonymous) says...

cheese is good, cheese is great, i want more cheese on my plate!! rock chalk cheesehawk!!

February 12, 2007 at 11:47 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Lebowski (anonymous) says...

Lol.. I think that was great post, JRoss. Seriously.

Jaybate... I think Bill's whole philosophy with the media is based on the ability of the media to try to put words into someone's mouth. Please don't take this the wrong way, but people like you and me speculate enough without any stupid quotes from the media.

I can speculate about why Sasha sat and Jackson played. Self has made it abundantly clear since this junior class were freshmen that whoever is playing the best is going to be on the floor. That was not likely to change when CJ got kicked out of town. There's my speculation. :)

February 12, 2007 at 11:52 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

DerekR25 (anonymous) says...

So, jross, I'm curious. Do you consider Julian part of our backcourt or front court? Because most of the time I see Julian & Sasha, or Julian & Darrell, or Julian & Darnell. Usually he's been playing as a four this year. I did miss the game Saturday, so if Julian was playing a three, than I can see where you'd be majorly concerned. But, in my opinion, I would have to consider Julian part of our frontcourt, and with Kaun having very few minutes and Jackson shouldering Kaun's load, our front court I would say faired pretty well with 47 of our 92 points. Don't get me wrong, I am very frustrated with the fact that Kaun and Arthur haven't been very productive. Moreso Kaun than Arthur, but with the way Arthur started the season, especially against Fla. you have to wonder what's going on.

February 12, 2007 at 11:56 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

jross1972 (Joe Ross) says...

Good point Derek. Julian probably DID play the 4 most of the game. Still, you gotta raise your eyebrows about the Kaun and Arthur situation...regardless!

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

brahl (anonymous) says...

The good thing about Kaun is that he goes 100% by the book, which is probably why Bill likes him so much. The downside to that is that he has no ability to improvise whatsoever. He's a catch, dribble, spin, shoot type of player. He has no ability to feel the defender or juke or do anything that has any adaptability to it, which is where Julian, Darnell and Darrell come in. That's why Kaun is a good starting fit.

Eventually, he'll come up against a center that is trying to get too flashy with his defending and Kaun will rip him a new one, go 6 for 6 from the field and yank 10 boards and we'll all praise him for being awesome.

Kaun's a great bruiser and does change shots on the defensive end, but he's definitely not a necessary cog in our works to get us through the NCAA tourney. I think it's great that we can spell him with the double D's off the bench who come in and provide great offensive sparks. It throws the opposing team for a serious loop having to defend such contrasting players on the low blocks, and is one of our hidden talents.

I think bringing the D's in off the bench is great much like bringing Sherron in. It just gives our team such a different feel and swagger, I just hope that Bill doesn't get too sub-happy this postseason again like he has and destroy any rhythm that we might be rolling with.

February 12, 2007 at 12:33 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jaybate (anonymous) says...

jross1972,

At the risk of raising the hackles of notaknowledgeablefan, I have to agree with you 100 percent. And yes sirreee, Arthur and Kaun sucked air again and have to get on track for this team to be dangerous against a Top 10 team. I really like Darnell, but I don't see him going 30-36 minutes against Noah and Horford.

Sasha! Get untracked for your mom, for Mother Russia and for James Naismith's wife, the mother of all basketball!

Darrell, I am holding up a gold watch on a chain. It is swinging back and forth. You are getting sleepy...very sleepy...your eyelids are heavy, very heavy...you are in a deep sleep...you are having a dream...you are a defensive beast, you have perfect anticipation on defensive rebounding, you know how to body your man without hands...you are having a dream about cutting down the nets for the national championship...when I finish counting down from five you will awake and remember only what I have told you...5, 4, 3, 2, 1!

Okay, look out CU, we may score 150 on you!

February 12, 2007 at 12:59 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jaybate (anonymous) says...

jross1972,
You need to start a band called Mammarian Asymmetries. It would rock!

February 12, 2007 at 1:03 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

DerekR25 (anonymous) says...

That was awesome jaybate! I loved the whole hypnotist act for Darrell. He definitely needs something.

And jross, I'm totally with you on Kaun and Arthur. I can understand Arthur supposedly hitting the "freshman wall" but it just seems odd because he started the season so sensationally.
As for Kaun, over his stay in Lawrence, I've seen him try to get more aggressive, and he seems to be playing a lot bigger this year, but it's like he's never been able to hit the turn around shots on a consistant basis. It's almost like he's kind of hit his "ceiling" even though he's only been playing a short while.

February 12, 2007 at 1:52 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Lebowski (anonymous) says...

I agree re: Kaun and Arthur to a small degree. They do both need some more production. But I must say I'm not as concerned as the rest of you. The deal is, KU was successful as a team, shot a high percentage, and scored 90+ points... again. There's only so many shots to go around, and they only went 2 for 7. If they were FORCED to be on the floor and to take shots more because we lacked depth, then yeah, performances like thiswill cost us. But they combined for a total of 20 minutes. That's hardly the time to get into a rhythm.

It's also about NEED.

If we did not have Sherron, Julian and Brandon playing at such a high level, then we're forced to go through our big guys more. The fact is, we were still getting points in the paint, which is what is important. We're getting GOOD looks and as a result shooting a very high percentage as a team. What do we want? Brandon and Julian passing up their good looks to get the ball to Sasha and Darrell more?

Mainly, I'm not as concerned because I don't see their lack of production coming from a lack of skill OR assertiveness. I still see them being aggressive when they DO get the ball down low in good position. I see it as a plus that Sasha isn't forcing shots outside his range of 3-4 feet. It's not like he's getting ignored because he's not a factor. He still commands the attention of the opponents biggest, strongest defender.

I am only concerned that they will step up and produce when it is more prudent... that is when Rush, Wright and Collins aren't scorching the nets and Julian isn't hogging all the offensive boards in sight! Not having enough shots to go around is a good problem to have. It means you have plenty of capable weapons.

Another way of putting it... their numbers are down more because of the success of their teammates, less because of the opposition.

Personally, I'm more concerned about Mario's recent shooting woes. 1 for 8 from one of the best shooters around is concerning. If we can keep Rush, Wright and Collins hot, then all we need is the big guys to be efficient and Chalmers to get his stroke back. As a whole, our big guys HAVE been efficient. Sasha still has a high FG%. I dont' see how that's a bad thing.

February 12, 2007 at 2:27 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

CasperCorps (anonymous) says...

Thats fricken classic "Ive never met a reporter I didn't like, but then I'm kinda fond of fools" . I don't care who you are but thats funny.. I think I'll use that but instead of reporters I'm gonna say liberals. And Jross I think all breasts are uneven... Well at least the two girls I've ever dated were but I'm only thirty so I haven't had that much experience..... I think the only reason Jackson isn't playing more is due to his bad back... Rockem Hawks!!

February 12, 2007 at 2:38 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Eroy (anonymous) says...

This is exactly what we need to see more of. There is no doubt that we have tons of talent and guys who can score. However, Rush and Wright need to lead the way. They are our two best players. Their passiveness is what has made this season so inconsistent. They hurt is when they do not play aggressively. Yes, Chalmers, Arthur, and Collins will explode for big time scoring games however, if we are to go deep in the tourney Wright and Rush must lead the way.

Also, it was nice to see Jackson get a large amount of playing time. Every time he plays significant minutes he contributes solidly. Sasha is a solid defender, however as of now his play doesn't contrinute much more than that. If Arthur learns to play defense, then his playing time would or should increase significantly as well as Jackson's.

What about the 4 guard rotation (Rush, Robinson, Chalmers, Collins) that was in the end of the Missouri game (with Wright). Of course Self would never start that group, but that may be our best five. It would be great (and successful, I think) to see more of that group. Can one imagine what it would be like for a team to match up with those five.

February 12, 2007 at 3:51 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

actorman (anonymous) says...

A lot of good points made, and jross, I agree with you about the Columbia journalist's comment: that "orange barrels" line is a classic!

I think someone said Sasha is still shooting a good percentage. He's at 52.7%, which is not horrible but is also not particularly good for a big man, especially one who never takes an outside shot. Throw in the fact that he had a nice run for a little while and has not been shooting well for several weeks now, and I think it's a pretty big concern. What's frustrating is that he had started to look like he was becoming a force, but now he seems to have reverted back to how he was before. Obviously it's not such a problem when others are shooting well, but there will be the inevitable game where the outside shots are not falling and where there's no matador defense to drive through, and that's when it will be vital to have more of an inside presence from the big men. The other thing that concerns me is that KU is not great at shooting free throws. When the close games come along, it very well might come down to that.

February 12, 2007 at 4:07 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

srhendricks (anonymous) says...

Great game for the 'hawks. We won with ease but are still left with things to work on. Turnovers were awful against the press. Free throws were much better, in part to Sasha not playing as much. And i'm just fine with that. We beat Florida with Kaun having limited minutes. He can't shoot over his right shoulder or make free throws, and he just fouls. I would rather just start Arthur. Arthur can shoot if BS let him get in a rhythm, he makes free throws, and fouls. So why isn't he starting? I'm loving how we have responded to the A&M game. I think the jayhawks are going to peak at just the right time. I'm getting really excited about the tournament. I don't think the Jayhawks will lose a game if they score over 80. Great job Bill Self. Rock Chalk!

February 12, 2007 at 4:35 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jaybate (anonymous) says...

Lebowski,

Weighing in with serious meat! Props. The reason we need the offensive production out of Kaun/Arthur/Jackson, IMHO, is that it keeps them honest about Wright and forces the perimeter defenders to lay off a little to help out in the paint; that yields a few more open looks for our wings. On defense, we need the defensive reebs to hold down the opponent's put backs and free an extra guard for releasing on breaks a bit more often. Know I'm mastering the obvious for you here, but there it is. Regardless, you may be right, desipite what I'm wishing for.

February 12, 2007 at 4:43 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jaybate (anonymous) says...

Lebowski follow,
I forgot the most important part of you take...re Mario. It is concerning, but as we've learned (or should I say been reminded) from Rush's season, shooting slumps can last several games. As long as only one guy is in an extended slump, we can survive Mario having another couple off games; then he will then he will be hotter than thermite come March. The guy I really don't want to see cool off on his trifectations right now is Collins. A couple games back his hot hand from outside gave this team a real lift.

February 12, 2007 at 4:50 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jaybate (anonymous) says...

CasperCorps,

I coined it. I'm a liberal. Its yours. There's never enough good material to go around. The L word doesn't scare me, if the C word doesn't scare you. :-) Liberals and conservatives have sooooooooooo much to agree on these days. Read Paul Craig Roberts at V-Dare.com. He was one of the great Reagan conservatives and he's absolutely on a tear. God bless America!

February 12, 2007 at 4:55 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

CasperCorps (anonymous) says...

Your right... Lets hug...

February 12, 2007 at 5:32 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

CasperCorps (anonymous) says...

Oh and I just went to that site... Not one mention of the Jayhawks.. Whats wrong with that guy?.. Rockem Hawks!

February 12, 2007 at 5:50 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jaybate (anonymous) says...

CasperCorps,

I didn't say the pencil necked geek was a baller. :-) He's an economist by trade. He's from the Hoover Institute (or was, not sure now)...probably a Stanford fan, if he knows what a basket is!

I'll hug if you'll hunt duck with me. :-)

Remember Bogie and the French cop at the end of Cassablanca?

"I think this could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship."

February 12, 2007 at 6:19 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

kushaw (anonymous) says...

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/index

Vote For Julian Wright for this week's Big Man on Campus

February 12, 2007 at 6:38 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

kushaw (anonymous) says...

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/index

Vote for Julian Wright for ESPN's Big Man on Campus

February 12, 2007 at 6:39 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

kufankam (anonymous) says...

Lebowski...

That was the most accurate comment that could be made about the whole Kaun/Arthur panic attack delimna. This team is so jeckyl and hyde that we just need a collective effort from any two or three on a given night. Much like many have pointed out, it is about staying in the groove leading toward the postseason. Very well said... The Dude abides...

We need to make sure that we are just hitting our stride right now and then peak in late March... I hope that we dont peak too early. I know that some might call me crazy, but I think that Florida is playing well at the wrong time. While they are playing incredible ball right now, I think they are doomed. They look a lot like some late 90's Jayhawk teams that were invincible in conference but never could sustain it past the middle of March. I know it seems ridiculous, but I think an upset early in their conference tourney might make them a better team in The Big Dance.

Finally, Mario is a great player... I think we all know he will come up HUGE for this team before it is all said and done!! I admit that I am bias because he is my favorite player, but I love his drive as a competitor... in spite of his shooting woes, he still gives you positive minutes in other ways. Not a lot of guys do that for you... Mario will deliver.

RockChalk!!

February 13, 2007 at 12:35 a.m. ( | suggest removal )