Sunday, February 25, 2007

Keegan

Keegan: Blowout no help for seed

By Tom Keegan

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Funny how it can work this time of year, with March four days away. The evaluation process tends to shift toward the strength of the conference as much as the team itself.

In that regard, Kansas University's 89-52 blowout of a rebuilding Iowa State team that somehow took the Jayhawks into overtime in Ames didn't help its chances of moving toward a No. 1 seed for the NCAA Tournament. It likely called attention to just how weak the lower half of the Big 12 Conference is this season.

Kansas finished the Big 12 North portion of its schedule with a 10-0 record, the final eight victories coming by an average margin of 27 points. Yet, just one of those teams, Kansas State, has a shot at an at-large berth in the NCAA Tournament.

Furthermore, Kansas has played just two games against teams now in the Top 25 (Florida and Texas A&M).

Strength of schedule isn't in KU's favor, but the committee might want to consider a few other vantage points, such as:

¢ Kansas defeated Florida on a neutral court. Sherron Collins, who has developed into the Jayhawks' most consistent performer, played seven minutes in that game, committed three fouls and did not register a point, rebound, assist or steal.

¢ With two freshmen and three sophomores in the lineup, Kansas is younger than most teams, so the reality that the Jayhawks are closing with so many blowouts has as much to do with them being on a speedier improvement curve than more experienced teams as it has to do with the frailty of their opponents.

Audio clips

2006-07 Feb. 24 KU-ISU Hoops

Not to be overlooked in the overall improvement is how much better Julian Wright has become at playing with his back to the basket. Whereas he used to have a sort of panicked expression when he received the ball in the post and tended to treat the basketball as a hot potato, he now looks to score.

Wright knew he represented a hard guard for Wesley Johnson, and the only expression he showed was that of disappointment once when he didn't get the ball passed to him. Great sign.

Wright shared a point of emphasis aimed at making him more aggressive in the post he hears daily in practice: "Give them something to guard. Put pressure on them."

In the Ames game, Wright had seven turnovers. He turned it over once Saturday and played a super-efficient, all-around game.

Photo Gallery

KU vs ISU

¢ Regardless of the competition, it's not normal to play the type of defense Kansas consistently plays. It has become a reflex for the players, rather than something they need to remind themselves to do. Years from now, when Dodie Dunson brags to his children that he was his team's leading scorer in a game in Allen Fieldhouse, he won't have to mention he scored eight points. KU pressures without surrendering soundness. Nine different Jayhawks had at least one steal. Mario Chalmers shut down Mike Taylor, and Wright did the same to Johnson.

If Kansas wins out, it could have three victories against Top-25 teams, adding Texas and Texas A&M (if both favorites get to the title game of the conference tourney) to the Florida victory. Winning those could get the attention of the seeding committee, provided the Jayhawks don't trip up in Norman, Okla., on Monday night.

KU vs. Iowa State

Comments

jayhawker_97 (anonymous) says...

----Strength of schedule isn't in KU's favor, but the committee might want to consider a few other vantage points, blah.. blah.. blah..
-----

unfortunately, that's the TRUTH, Keegan.. who's the moron that came up with the weak schedule?? i always wonder why "almost" every season our team was set up to play only a few top ranked teams?? are we not confident enough with our boys or what??
i hope BS has nothing to do with that moron!!

February 25, 2007 at 3:48 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Chicago_JHawk (anonymous) says...

USC and BC are no slouches and will be dancing next month, so that helps us.

I'd like to see another marquee opponent or two each season. The Michigan St road game (whick looks like it'll never happen) and the Pac-10 matchups with Arizona will help for the next few years. When the Big 12 sucks as much as it has, emphasis should be placed on these non-conference schedules. Every year there are rumors about home/home matchups with Kentucky again, Duke, etc, but nothing ever materializes. Probably has to do with TV slots, but I think they should just schedule the games...TV will find a way to get it on the air.

All that said, I STILL don't understand the fascination with seed. 1 or 2...who cares? Still need to go through the top teams to get to Atlanta.

February 25, 2007 at 8:33 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

blk99stang (anonymous) says...

well its not like that every season seeing as how the 2004-2005 season, we had the number 1 Strength of Schedule in the entire NCAA. I think it was that season.

February 25, 2007 at 8:37 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

CasperCorps (anonymous) says...

This was a perfect schedule for such a young team, our confidence should be sky high knowing we've played some the best teams the other conferences have to offer. Florida, BC, and USC are all in the top half of their conferences and we beat them all. Look for our schedule to get harder as we get older and remember we have A&M, Texas, and OSU all on the road next year. There is definetly a method to their madness when it comes to scheduling. Rockem and Chalkem Hawks!!!

February 25, 2007 at 8:52 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Kuku_Kansas (anonymous) says...

Strength of schedule was lower this year because the BIG XII sucked this year.

C'mon now, Jayhawker_97:
- Oklahoma State (0-6 on the road)
- Oklahoma (waste of a season)
- Texas (barely ranked in top #25)
- A&M (that was actually a surprise, and we lost to them)
- Nebraska, Colorado, Mizzou, Iowa St., (what a joke)

We had no choice buy play some crappy non-conference games because of that Las Vegas Invitational, which thankfully resulted in a win against the then-#1 team.

But 3/4 of our schedule is against conference foes, which blew this year.

February 25, 2007 at 9:18 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

doctorWho (anonymous) says...

There is only a minor benefit to being a #1 seed. Even less this year, since none of the potential #1 seeds appear like they are going to be able to impose their will on all comers. Yes, you are assured a slightly easier first round, but after that, anything can and does happen.

While it is true that as a category, #1 seeds have gathered more tourney championships than any other seed since 1979 (the beginning of the 64-team tourney.) The #1 seeds split with the rest of the field as a whole - 14 #1 seed champs, 14 for all other seeds, including the KU 1988 team (#4 seed) and last years champ, Florida (a #3 seed). 6 #2 seeds have become champs.

I hope this team isn't as concerned about their seed as the people reading this rag are. There is only one way to make it to the Final Four - win, baby, win. The Truth, Pollard, La Frentz, Vaughn, Hasse and Co. proved that point.

February 25, 2007 at 10:46 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

phoenixjayhawk (Rodney Stice) says...

I believe that Bill Self has the team focused on the next game then the last game to assure us at least a tie with A&M for the Big 12 Conference.

Rock Chalk Jayhawk!!

February 25, 2007 at 11:15 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

ryanjasondesch (anonymous) says...

Somebody tell me who Ohio State has beaten? Who has Wisconsin beaten (Ohio State?)? Who's Florida beaten (Kentucky?)? Who has UNC lost to? Who has Florida lost to? I'm getting tired of this scheduling bs. We've played some quality games this year (BC, USC, Florida), what else do ya need? Is it our fault OK State has tanked? That Tech has lost some dumb games? That the north has 4 new coaches? We haven't lost any games in two months that to non-legitmate contenders. And the fact that we play in the 'weak' Big 12 North is reconciled by the fact that we annihilate those teams. No one else in the conferenece is averaging a 30-point margin of victory over the last 6 games!

I don't buy the RPI rankings for one second, when a Duke team with more than twice as many losses is ranked higher than us. All other rankings systems have us within the top five. Kansas has as much a claim to a 1-seed as any other team in the top 6, there is no true No. 1 team right now. We win two games this week and I'll accept no argument that we shouldn't be a 1-seed. But none of that matters anyway, this team is downright frightening for opponents to face, and the sentiment is beginning to spread nationwide: "Regardless of their seed, Kansas is a team I don't wanna see in our bracket."

February 25, 2007 at 11:17 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

jross1972 (Johann Ross) says...

ryan...

settle down, damn!

I understand the frustration but you're gonna rupture your spleen!

February 25, 2007 at 11:27 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

kc_wildfire (anonymous) says...

It doesn't matter if we are ranked #1, #6, or #17. Rankings don't matter one bit. You could be ranked #1 all year and go undefeated until the Final Four where you lose. The only thing that ultimately matters is who wins the final game of the season.

February 25, 2007 at 12:08 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Sparko (anonymous) says...

The Jayhawks have been blowing out some pretty good teams. They are clearly the best team in basketball right now. Defensively, they are peerless. The Jayhawks have ruined a lot of seasons for other teams this year, and yes, blow-outs matter. Look at Florida versus LSU. Road wins in conference are gloden, look at Duke. I would prefer the Jayhawks get a second seed and feel the need to vindicate themselves. I would love to see six blow-outs in March and April authored by this team. And they are a team. Well done, Coach Self!

February 25, 2007 at 12:41 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

actorman (anonymous) says...

While it is true that as a category, #1 seeds have gathered more tourney championships than any other seed since 1979 (the beginning of the 64-team tourney.)
______________________________________________________________

The tournament had 40 teams in 1979. It didn't go to 64 until 1985.

All this talk about who gets the # 1 seed and schedule strength is just that: talk. The only ones who make the ultimate decision are those on the committee. And I believe that if KU gets to the Big XII tournament final without another loss, they will be a 1 seed. But I also agree that it might be better to be a 2 seed so KU can play the "lack of respect" card. Either way, this team looks awfully hard to beat!

February 25, 2007 at 12:52 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

dagger108 (anonymous) says...

And the Pac 10 is the bully of D1 BB. It is a on year aberition. Fortunately, the tourney isn't created by computers and the people in charge take into consideration all the factors (and more) that are mentioned in the article (though the other factors don't make for nearly as sensational a headline.

The 'hawks have grown into such a mature team. It looks like they are finally starting to believe all the things the coaches have been teaching - valuing each posseson on both sides of the ball, playing intense the whole game, every game, playing together as a team, rotating on defense, making the good pass to the open man, taking the open shot, ..., and this by the entire team. It is fun to hear about many indidviduaul players stepping forward at the appropriate moment to be a leader, whether it be RR's T, or talking to Sherron, or the Chi-town connection, and the respect back as well. All those wonderful suttle team qualities.

And did you notice Julian starting the second half? He so thoroughly humiliated Wesley Johnson on about 5 straight possesions. It will be so fun to see him matched up against Durrant. But first comes the Sooners.

February 25, 2007 at 1:14 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

nddhawk (anonymous) says...

USC was ranked as high as:
AP - 19th
CP - 21st

BC was ranked as high as:
AP - 21st
CP - 21st

Don't forget OSU was 10th in both polls when we throttled them!

We have plenty to put on our resume, and if we run the table, then we have most likely beat 2 more Top-25 teams, not to mention the game in which all others have been judged this season vs. Florida.

February 25, 2007 at 1:40 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

lalawguy (anonymous) says...

I disagree that the Big 12 is soft. Even those in the middle and bottom have pulled some big upsets outside of conference (i.e. Mizzou v. Miss. State, KSU v. USC), and KU's non-conference schedule has included many top-25 teams, even if they aren't ranked now. Just because these Big 12 teams are beating each other up in conference play doesn't mean that they aren't good.

I also thought that the last 10 games played have a greater effect on the selection committee than the other games of the season. Doesn't that meant that the committee WILL place a lot of emphasis on KU's recent blowouts (including yesterday's) and the recent losses by Fla. and Wisc.?

In regards to all of this, I just want KU to play as if the seeds are already set and focus on 1) finishing the Big 12 regular season on top (either tied or ahead of A & M) and 2) winning the Big 12 conference tourney. If the team accomplishes both of these things, then perhaps the stars will align (meaning UNC, Fla., Wisc., UCLA and OSU will all have one or more late-seasons losses) and KU will find itself with a one seed.

February 25, 2007 at 2:13 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

didjabuti (anonymous) says...

Jay Bilas quotes selection committee Chairman-

On a conference call with the media recently, selection committee Chairman Gary Walters was asked, "Does margin of defeat matter?" and he responded, "As it relates to the RPI and our overall process, the margin of defeat does not matter."

-The question is, do we believe him?

February 25, 2007 at 2:44 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jkilgore (anonymous) says...

I agree w/most posters about seeding, big deal.
More important than seeds or anything else is confidence. When you look at S. Collins during a game, you don't see any lack of confidence whatsoever. That's this year's team signature.
Personally, I don't care where we're seeded. This team is tough, it defends well, and even though our schedule hasn't been the toughest, we've been competitive in every contest. KU is among a handful of teams that NO ONE wants to see across from them. Another great year for Coach Self and KU!!!! Will we get to 30?

February 25, 2007 at 2:56 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jkilgore (anonymous) says...

One troubling spot. . . free throw shooting. YIKES!!!!

February 25, 2007 at 2:57 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Jacobpaul81 (anonymous) says...

Ignoring most of what was said, I just want to make one quick comment.

KU was not a #4 seed in 1988 as doctorWho stated. KU was a #6 seed.

I personally would prefer we get a #2 seed. If we do, we will be either 5th or 6th in seeding, meaning we will get one of the weaker #1's (IE: a weaker bracket) to play through.

February 25, 2007 at 3:28 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

didjabuti (anonymous) says...

Don't the better #1 seeds get a weaker bracket? Or do you mean we would have a weaker #1 to play against?

February 25, 2007 at 4:07 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Clint_Normore (anonymous) says...

I have an idea of how to secure a #1 seed with this season's schedule. Don't lose to 20-10 Oral Roberts on your home floor. Don't blow a 10 point lead to a 17-12 Depaul team on their floor (under their proudly hung NIT banners). Then youre 27-2 and an undisputed #1 seed. So, lets not beg for a tougher non-conference schedule until we can handle our business.

I feel good about the tournament this year - and I feel great about the way we are playing. That is saying a lot coming off the most embarassing tournament losses of my lifetime. It doesn't matter if we get a 1 or 2 seed, I'm looking for 4 wins to cleanse my memory of the last 2 tourneys.....and I'll take 6 wins to wipe my memory of 12 for 30 free throw shooting and Gerry McNamara's 6 for 6 first half 3-point shooting....

February 25, 2007 at 5:12 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jross1972 (Johann Ross) says...

didjabuti

I think it depends. If you beat Ohio State by 30, that's different than beating Oklahoma State by the same margin. Jay Bilas is actually a big Jayhawk supporter right now. Dont upset the Karma.

February 25, 2007 at 6:04 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

klineisanazi (anonymous) says...

This conference IS weak. The free-fall of Oklahoma State didn't help. I thought there was a good chance of three teams being in the top 10 or top 15 at this point.
That being said, I think Keegan is wrong to suggest the blowout hurts. The committee will know how bad these teams are. What would hurt KU is NOT blowing them out at home.
A #1 seed would be nice. Take any advantage you can get. If they don't get it, they can blame themselves. Even after ORU and DePaul, a win over a Top10 A&M might have done the trick.
By the way....please don't bring up 1988 as an example of anything. That was a once-in-a lifetime event. A great player, lots of luck and one great run. Remember it, cherish it, but don't look for it again anytime soon. There is a reason they call them the "Miracles".

February 25, 2007 at 7:01 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

didjabuti (anonymous) says...

jross-

I wasn't questioning Jay Bilas, I usually like what he has to say and have noticed he has been a Jayhawk supporter. In fact in his blog he doubted what the chairman said.
All I was saying is does anybody really believe that the selection committee doesn't look at the scoring margin when determining seeding and who makes the tournament.
I also agree, it depends. But did aTm or Texas blow those teams out like that? I'm just saying, everybody's biggest critisism of KU this year was playing down to their competition. They learned their lesson finally against aTm and have played solid for all 40 minutes against less talented teams that they were expected to beat.

klineisanazi is right, not blowing them out would make people say wow, KU struggled with Nebraska and ISU. Big wins against OU and UT plus a conference tourney finals run should give the boys a shot at a 1seed, depending on what the top five do. That said, I don't see anybody we can't beat.

Go Hawks!!!

February 25, 2007 at 8:31 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

tsweat (anonymous) says...

with UNC and florida losing and wisconsin losing twice i think KU just needs to win out to get a 1 seed. If we win out then most likely Wisconsin will have another lose and UNC, florida and UCLA could all have another lose. hopefully we can take care of our own business and everything will work out

February 25, 2007 at 8:55 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jimjhawk1 (anonymous) says...

Possible Rankings could be:

1. Ohio State
2. UCLA
3. Wisconsin
4. kansas
5. Florida
6. Memphis
7. UNC

Kansas needs to win their next 4 games and They will be a #1 seed! Win the next 5 and they might go to #2 depending on how Wisconsin and UCLA play. OR we can just win the Next 9 and not worry about our seed!
Hey are there any teams that begin with the letter "B" that we would have to play as a #1 seed????? Hope Not!

February 25, 2007 at 9:33 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jross1972 (Johann Ross) says...

"B"utler...

February 25, 2007 at 10:07 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

CasperCorps (anonymous) says...

You already know thats in the works.. We will get a B team. They tried to avoid it by playing BC but we will see Butler in the tourney.. The commitee is sick like that..

February 25, 2007 at 10:48 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

ORjayhawk (anonymous) says...

I remember earlier this year, after a tough and big KU win, many posts of TRUE fans streaming in about the win, savoring it, then in the middle of it all was some negative post by JRoss, warning of some doom and gloom, and I'm thinking "glass half full idiot." Reading this thread tonight, I see the same ole' JRoss. What more negativity do you see JRoss? Okay, they might lose again, but why can you not ever be happy for a nice win? This is college sports for god's sake.

February 26, 2007 at 12:44 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

RCJKU25 (anonymous) says...

Every sports show I watch seems to give Kansas no chance at a #1... on occasion they will say Kansas has an outside chance, but why just an outside chance? Why is this discussion only between UCLA, Ohio State, Florida, Wisky, and UNC??? Ohio State has pretty much locked up a 1 seed with a win against Wisky today, UCLA is def a 1 if they win out, but Florida lost @LSU and Kansas already beat Florida on a neutral court. Wisky lost two very tough road games @ Michigan State and @Ohio State, but 2 losses is 2 losses and it is not what you want to do coming down the stretch. UNC may be 12 deep but they have slipped against Virginia Tech twice this season and lost @NC State and @Maryland. Face of the matter is, if Kansas wins out they have a very good chance at a 1 seed. Then again, I would rather see Jayhawks as a 2 in the Midwest rather than a 1 in the east or south. Kansas fans travel very well, and to be able to play a couple games in St.Louis would be a great advantage for Kansas. Kansas deserves a 1 seed at this point, but I would rather see them get a 2 in the Midwest because it is to their advantage.

February 26, 2007 at 1:44 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

cap10d (anonymous) says...

Wisconsin loses to Ohio State,N. Carolina loses to Maryland,and Florida loses to LSU over the weekend.Kansas should atleast move up 2 spots and be in the drivers seat now.New rankings will more than likely be:

1.Ohio State
2.UCLA
3.Kansas
4.Florida
5.N. Carolina
6.Wisconsin

February 26, 2007 at 3:57 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Lebowski (anonymous) says...

I agree with Ryan's post way up at the top. I don't see anyone who impresses me any more than Kansas. After watching the Ohio State/ Wisconsin game, you cannot convince me that either of those teams are as good as Kansas is right now.

When it comes to RPI, the selection process, and all that mumbo jumbo, THAT is the problem. I think way too much emphasis is put on how teams were performing in December. When you have to consider the entire season as a whole, it's going to screw over those teams that have had vast improvement. So what if KU never played ORU and DePaul this season, and instead played Ohio St. and Wisconsin? Even if they lose both of those games, their record is the same it is now, and all this "weak schedule" nonsense is out the window. Another thing that is not being looked at is, how was Florida and Boston Co playing when Kansas played them? Florida had been blowing everyone out, and Bo College was better off from a personnel standpoint, because that Williams guy (or whoever it was blocking all those shots) had not been suspended, yet.

All that said, I think this is all just unnecessary concern about something that doesn't matter. There's a correllation between a high success % for 1 seeds because thats what all the truly dominant forces have been. In a season like this where there is no clear-cut leader among the national powers, there's very little difference between 1 and 3 seeds. The only difference is that the worst of the 16 seeds are usually very, very bad teams whose conference shouldn't even get an automatic bid. Being a top 1 seed makes the 1st round game easier. After that, it's all a big even playing field, imo.

February 26, 2007 at 11:50 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

RCJKU25 (anonymous) says...

Kansas #3 in the Coaches rankings which is great and I , like most college basketball fans should, feel Kansas is playing the best basketball right now, UNC may be deep and Florida may have the best starting 5 in the nation but Kansas has the best top 8 guys on the depth chart than any other team in the nation and that is what is needed come tourney time. rock chalk jayhawk... ku!!!!

February 26, 2007 at 1:14 p.m. ( | suggest removal )