Rulers of the road

Brandon Rush says he thrives on "shutting up" opposing team's fans who like to toss insults his way.

Julian Wright simply likes the challenge of maintaining "focus" and "looking straight ahead, not left or right," in enemy gyms.

There may be different motivations for different Kansas University basketball players the past two seasons, but the results have been the same.

KU has been wildly successful out of Allen Fieldhouse, compiling a 13-3 mark in Big 12 Conference road games.

"The secret to winning on the road? It's simple. Having good players who are tough," said KU coach Bill Self.

His Jayhawks (26-4) improved to 7-1 in league road games this season after topping Oklahoma, 67-65, on Monday in Noble Center in Norman, Okla.

"I credit the guys. I don't think we've ever had two teams fare as well on the road back to back," added Self, who also has coached at Oral Roberts, Tulsa and Illinois.

KU's road record, which is the school's best back-to-back mark since 2001-03 when Roy Williams' last two KU squads went 14-2, may be most impressive considering a KU loss on the road normally rates a huge happening, with fans rushing the court.

"Of course being Kansas we get everybody's best shot," Self said. "We've had a Red Out (at Nebraska), Black Out (at Kansas State) and White Out (at Oklahoma). We've had a lot of 'outs' on the road,'" he added, referring to promotions where fans are all dressed in one color for the KU game.

"I'm proud of our guys. What we'd like to do is match that 7-1 record on the road with a home win Saturday."

A win over Texas (11 a.m., Allen Fieldhouse) would give KU a 7-1 home mark and at least a share of the Big 12 regular-season crown.

"Our guys have played well away from home," Self said. "The thing I'm excited about is our five leading scorers are freshmen and sophomores, and for the most part we go on the road and play well. Even though Russell (Robinson), Darnell (Jackson) and Sasha (Kaun, all juniors) are huge parts of the team, we rely heavily on freshmen and sophomores (for scoring)."

Self said the squad's road success tells him his team is "tough."

"It's not as tough as I think we can be, but we are tough," Self said. "That shows in loose balls, rebounding, defensive field goal percentage, in a lot of areas. You can also tell toughness by your road record, going in other people's homes and performing well, hunkering down in a tight huddle. We've done a good job in that area. No coach will tell you his team is as tough as he wants it to be, but we're improving in those areas."

Photo by Nick Krug

Kansas University's Julian Wright (30) puts up a shot over Oklahoma's Longar Longar. Wright scored 18 points in the Jayhawks' 67-65 victory against the Sooners on Monday in Norman, Okla. The Jayhawks improved to 13-3 on the road in the Big 12 Conference during the past two seasons.

¢Forget it, Arkansas: KU coach Self on Tuesday scoffed at reports he might be interested in the Arkansas job amid published reports he'd be a leading candidate if coach Stan Heath is fired.

Harry King of the Arkansas News Bureau wrote "that those who are convinced that Self would be willing to listen cite his desire to be closer to Edmond, Okla. (hometown), and his reported disgust with criticism every time Kansas loses early in the NCAA Tournament."

"I would say obviously he (King) doesn't know my situation very well," Self said, not wanting to further debunk rumors considering Arkansas has a coach in Stan Heath.

Suffice it to say Self has no interest in the Arkansas job.

Other coaches mentioned as possible Arkansas coaches in media reports: Doc Sadler (Nebraska), Billy Gillispie (Texas A&M), Mike Anderson (Missouri) and Mark Turgeon (Wichita State).

¢OU revisited: Self spoke in detail about KU's win over Oklahoma on his Hawk Talk radio show.

"We labored, but played well enough to come out with a win. Maybe it's good it happened that way. It remains to be seen," Self said of pulling out a victory after squandering a 17-point lead.

"Our confidence going into that game was an all-time season high. We didn't play that way. We played tired, to be honest. We looked like a team run-down. I'm not sure it's unusual this time of year playing back to back (Saturday-Monday) with little rest. If you told me before the game we'd win by two, five, 15, whatever, I'd have sold out for that. The fact we had a 14-point lead at halftime and let them tie and still won ... we'll see if it was a good thing for us."

¢Galindo honored: Former KU guard/forward Alex Galindo of Florida International has been named to the second-team All-Sun Belt Conference team. Galindo leads FIU in both scoring (13.9) and rebounding (5.9). He scored a career-high 24 points in a 69-67 win over South Alabama on Feb. 18. Galindo missed the squad's last game with a sprained ankle.

¢No chickens, please: Kansas State's athletic department has written an open letter to fans in response to KSU fans throwing live chickens on the court before the KU game in Manhattan. Here's the letter that appears on the school's official Website:

"Dear K-Staters: Kansas State is known for having the best fans in the nation and the University appreciates the enthusiasm with which K-Staters support their athletics programs. However, at the recent KSU-Kansas basketball game on Feb. 19, there were several instances of the mistreatment of animals. These acts cannot and will not be condoned or tolerated.

"These actions severely tarnish the image of our University, its athletics teams and the majority of our outstanding fans and supporters and while viewed by many as harmless pranks, these acts are likely illegal.

"The University has a long-standing policy that considers live animals (except guide animals) at athletics events to be contraband. Kansas State University forbids fans from throwing any object on the playing surface at athletics contests. Failure to comply with these policies subjects offenders to ejection from the facility and possible prosecution under applicable penalty of law.

"Kansas State has high standards for the behavior of its students, fans and supporters at athletics events and encourages all of our patrons to strive to exceed those expectations and represent the University in a positive manner."

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Jayhawks may make more trips to tourneys January 10, 2006
Galindo puts A&M on ice January 6, 2005

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Jayhawk86 (anonymous) says...

Arkansas. are you kidding me? How funny is that?

Good road wins is generally a sign of good coaching. Keep it up!

February 28, 2007 at 12:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

halvhawk (anonymous) says...

since when does anyone recognize k-state as having the best fans in the nation...isnt that usually teams who sell their arena out every game like idk..kansas, duke, north carolina?

February 28, 2007 at 12:33 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Strikewso (anonymous) says...

Like I said before, those morons are always throwing junk on the court.

February 28, 2007 at 2:06 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

fabio (anonymous) says...

KSU does sell out all there games. Try getting tickets for Saturdays game if you dont believe me. I couldnt go to the game in Manhattan this year because it was sold out way in advance.
I think the chicken throwing was funny during the Ted Owens era and I think its funny this year even if it isnt politically correct to say so.
Good article about the road dogs. The sophomore class already has a lot to be proud of. That would be nice if the football team could win a few road games too.

February 28, 2007 at 3:06 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

jprich (anonymous) says...

That's really interesting that "KSU does sell out all [their] games." Am I imagining reports earlier in the season that Huggins called out the students because they weren't showing up to the games? Must be my imagination, right?

February 28, 2007 at 4:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

fansincewilt (anonymous) says...

I hope everyone understands that we could not replace Bill Self. I hope the administration understands that. He just may well be the best coach Kansas has ever had. I think this will prove true. He would be the leading candidate for any university that needed a coach if he were available.

February 28, 2007 at 6:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

hawkfan20 (anonymous) says...

It may have been sold out, but it was half full until conference season when Huggins told them they could take his name off of Huggieville because of the subpar crowds.

February 28, 2007 at 7:05 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

eastcoasthawk (anonymous) says...

I am glad we are doing well on the road and this season but is there anyone else out there that thinks we would have the record we have right now had we been playing the Big 12 South opponents twice a year? The blowouts vs. Big 12 North competition are no big deal. We need serious competition heading into the March dance and playing the Sooners and Horns is just what the doctor prescribes. Here's to a strong Big 12 tourney and a huge dance card in March! Go Hawks.

February 28, 2007 at 7:06 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

retina (anonymous) says...

My question is, if they don't condone or tolerate these acts then how did the students get into the stadium with the chickens? They were allowed to bring them in, right? Or do they keep live animals in the stadium?

February 28, 2007 at 7:08 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

okjhok (anonymous) says...

KSU may sell out all of their games, but that doesn't mean people are actually in the seats. Like jprich stated, many of those tickets are sitting in dorm rooms. And yes, the thought of Self going to Arkansas is laughable.

February 28, 2007 at 7:09 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

jhawker137 (anonymous) says...

Why is it that every year we have a chance at going far in the NCAA tourny, some article about our coach leaving surfaces, Coach Self needs to squash this one quick, and out loud. I am not in the mood to see this team, that is loaded with talent, come up short this year.
We have the best coach in the BIG XII, and arguable one of the top coaches in the NCAA.
I do not buy into K-state selling out every game, I have flipped to games, and the place is half full most of the time. And, any idiot can realize that if Kansas is scheduled to play, the place is sold out long before the doors open.
Let's talk about the fact that Kansas is being snubbed for a top seed in March, Ohio St., UCLA if they finish the season without losing are definite Top Seeds. Florida lost to unranked Tennesse, North Carolina lost to unranked Maryland, and we are third in the nation with a 20 point win margin even after a 2 point win in Oklahoma. And, yet here we are sitting on top of the two seeds.
The last two years do not help, but this year is different. And saying that we have only won one game against top rank opponent, is not our fault. We have a RPI of 14, and the teams that were suppose to be there all fell short quickly. Kansas doesn't score big, but the other team is lucky to break 50.
This is what is bothering me this morning.

February 28, 2007 at 7:20 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

okjhok (anonymous) says...

jhawker137,
Here's what I think about the seeding situation. First, I disagree with you that Ohio St deserves a 1-seed. The only reason their RPI is higher than ours is because they played at UNC and a few tougher conference games. Aside from the Wisconsin game, which they luckily won, they lost all of their premier matchup games. So in my mind, they don't deserve a 1. To me, UCLA is the best team in America right now, and I've been saying that for weeks. I'm not sure we deserve a 1-seed just yet. If we win our last four games, then I think we'll be right there at the top. If not, we probably deserve a 2. Keep in mind that a 2-seed in the STL region is probably better than a 1-seed anywhere else.

February 28, 2007 at 7:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

okjhok (anonymous) says...

IMO, the worst possible scenario at this point would be a 2-seed out west or back east.

February 28, 2007 at 7:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

BigTamale (anonymous) says...

Okjhok...

I agree 100% about with your analysis of our No. 1 seeding...I think that us being the No. 2 in the St. Louis bracket is better than being shipped East or West.

I think Ohio St. is pretty talented...but I can definately see them losing by or before the Sweet 16 Round. With that said, I would love to be in their Bracket as the 2 Seed.

Or, I would love to be in Wisconsin's bracket if they grab a one...especially with their big man Butch being out with an injury.

I with all that said, I am content with a 2.

February 28, 2007 at 7:43 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

jackhawk (anonymous) says...

I may be the only one in the country who feels this way, but when I'm watching a game on the tube, I get tired of hearing the constant jabber about "who's in, who's out, who's on the bubble", etc. The announcers don't know anyway. Just tell me about the game I'm watching--please.

February 28, 2007 at 7:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

kushaw (anonymous) says...

Woooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo, Pig Sooooooooooooooiiiiiieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! What a joke! Since when does an SEC team like Arkansas think they can get someone from Kansas. There is no comparison. Arkansas does have a pretty good following though. I scoff at the idea of that notion.

February 28, 2007 at 7:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

jackhawk (anonymous) says...

Dear Fran, I am a Jayhawk fan, and I have totally "embraced this team". I am not at all worried about the first round losses of the two previous years. That's very old news. Move on, Fran. Let it die.

February 28, 2007 at 7:50 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Royaljayhwk (anonymous) says...

Hey,
What does it matter what seed they get? They haven't gotten respect all year and that's fine. It's just going to make it that much sweeter for all of us when we laugh and say told you so. And for all I care, give them a 16 seed. Reguardless, you will have to play the same teams at some point and I think they could win it from anywhere. Arkansas? Ha! He is at a top tier program. I've never seen a coach go from a great program down to a lesser one. Doesn't make since.

February 28, 2007 at 7:50 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Jaminrawk (anonymous) says...

Arkansas? That would be like leaving a Victorian mansion to go live in a brand new trailer. Doesn't make sense. Plus, Arkansas fans would be just as tough on him as some KU fans are. Ask Tubby Smith if winning a championship gets fans off your back. Self hasn't let the criticism bother him and he shouldn't. I'm a proud jayhawk fan, I hate the first round losses, but some KU "fans" need to see how good we have it with a historical progam like this to root for. Duke, UCLA, North Carolina and Louisville (all considered great jobs in college hoops), represent programs that have missed the tournament since KU last did. Misfortune happens to every team but one at this level.

February 28, 2007 at 8:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

speedy (anonymous) says...

arkansaw ran off their only good coach! they are a second rate bb school anyway. they are wishing.
if rush wants to shut someone up he should score 30 next sat. hes that far behind anyway.
arkansaw get back in your wallow.

February 28, 2007 at 8:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Studogg (anonymous) says...

"KSU is recognized as having the best fans in the nation..."

I'm still laughing...no, wait a minute...yep, still laughing...Whoooo, thanks guys. I needed that. I haven't laughed that hard since I was a little girl. Thank you!

February 28, 2007 at 9:12 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Lebowski (anonymous) says...

Bedore should have titled this "People are idiots"

K-State tooting their own horns as having the greatest fans... please spare me. And the guy at Arkansas is clearly on crack. Self's "disgust" with losing early in the NCAA tourney lies solely with the fact that it has happened twice, not with what fans or critics say about it. Self basically said KU is his career finishing job... if they'll have him. He understands the scrutiny that goes along with it, and when we win a championship, there isn't going to be as much of it.

He's going to win a championship at KU. There's absolutely no doubt in my mind. And I firmly believe that most people who are overly critical of him are going to have an entirely different perception 5 years from now.

February 28, 2007 at 9:16 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

jhawker137 (anonymous) says...

I cannot see this team as a two seed, it doesn't make since to give an averge team or teams on the down hill slide the top spots, okjhok, I agree that UCLA is the real deal, but North Carolina, Florida, Wisconsin, are all on the slide.
A two seed would be in our favor. It is tough to say this, but a lose in the BIG XII tourney would not hurt our chances either. Give them something to get fired up about, give them time to focus, lose the butterlfies, and go out and destroy opponents.
Don't kill me for this, idea of losing, but it just might work!!

February 28, 2007 at 9:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

JayCeph (anonymous) says...

I'd really hate to have a worse conference record at home than on the road. ku needs to win on Saturday. I don't care if it is by 1 point or 100 points. They absolutely need that 'W' to wrap up things nice and tidy.

Besides, we can't let two BigXII South teams come into Allen this year and beat us. One was bad enough (and shouldn't have happened anyway) but two? Intolerable...

February 28, 2007 at 9:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

jhawk14 (anonymous) says...

...as for leaving KU for arkanwhatever... lets see, leaving a school that arguably has the best college basketball history, easily the most dedicated fans (even those who criticize constantly), the best arena, all american recruits (EVERY year), a huge salary, etc etc etc for a pig palace?... thats good comedy!

... as for where we'll be seeded going into the tournament, really when it comes down to it, you must win 6 games against tough competition regardless of what city you're playing in. therefore seeding serves little purpose other than hype and bragging rights.

... as for kswhatever, idiots will be idiots.

rock chalk!!!!

February 28, 2007 at 9:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

LAJayhawk5 (anonymous) says...

1. Hawks will win on Saturday.
2. Arkansas should put Coack K, Roy Williams, Dean Smith, Larry Brown and Phog Allen/Phil Jackson on their list too! Shut up, Hogs. What a joke.
3. KU's record on the road, overall record and record since HCBS has been here prompts me to remind all of the Self haters to ...

SUCK IT.

February 28, 2007 at 10:02 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )