Wednesday, March 21, 2007

California dreamin’

Hectic schedule suits Jayhawks

By Gary Bedore

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San Jose, Calif. — Back from Chicago late Sunday night.

Off to San Jose, Calif., Tuesday afternoon.

Life is a blur these days for Kansas University's basketball players and coaches.

"This is a very exciting time," KU sophomore guard Mario Chalmers said Tuesday before a 10:30 a.m. practice at Allen Fieldhouse, lunch and three-hour flight to the California Bay Area, site of Thursday's 6:10 p.m. Sweet 16 clash against Southern Illinois.

"Going to KU, I always wanted to play in the Final Four and go for a national championship. It's almost here. We've got two games to go. I want to be focused and ready to play," Chalmers added.

Chalmers, who has been on a roll of late with 16 three-pointers in his last 26 attempts over five games - and with 90 steals is just three short of surpassing Darnell Valentine as KU's single-season thefts leader - isn't taking anything for granted.

He realizes No. 4-seeded SIU is capable of putting an end to the top-seeded Jayhawks' 32-4 season.

"I think it's tough to play a team that wants to be a George Mason or a Cinderella. They will come out and play like they have nothing to lose," Chalmers said of the Salukis, who are nine-point underdogs.

"We also have to play like we have nothing to lose and not let the pressure get to us, have fun and try to reach our goals. They've got great players and a great defense. It's a tough test for us."

KU coach Bill Self isn't buying any David-Goliath scenarios for Thursday's game.

"I don't see them as a Cinderella at all," Self said of the 29-6 Salukis. "At Tulsa my last year we were 32-5 and got a 7 seed. Southern Illinois got a 4 seed, which is the same as saying they are a Sweet 16 team. People across America and the (NCAA Tournament) committee understand what kind of team they have."

Technically, Southern Illinois is known as a "mid-major" team - one on the outside of the power conferences looking in.

"Teams in the Missouri Valley Conference ... we don't look at them like mid-majors. We got a taste of what they are like last year (in losing to Bradley). We know we have our hands full Thursday," Self said.

photo

Photo by Nick Krug

KANSAS UNIVERSITY SOPHOMORE GUARD MARIO CHALMERS chases down a loose ball during a game earlier this season at Texas Tech. Chalmers and his teammates are just two victories away from seeing their dream of a trip to the Final Four come to fruition.

The "mid-major" tag bothered Self during his three seasons (1998-2000) as head coach at mid-major Tulsa.

"It kind of sets in your craw a little bit. We thought we were a high major," Self said. "We said, 'We can line up against a majority of power teams and win.' You know what? So can Southern Illinois."

Southern Illinois, it's been well documented of late, is known for its pressure man-to-man defense that allows just 56.1 points a game.

"From what I've seen on ESPN, they like to pressure out, play a hard tempo game, make it hard for you to get open and stuff," Chalmers said.

Self on Tuesday was asked if SIU's pressure compares to defenses in, say, the Big Ten conference, known for its tough 'D.'

"Most of the teams in the Big Ten play more traditional with two big guys. With that you can get pressure release," Self said. "It's not the same with SIU (which starts nobody taller than 6-foot-7). All five of their guys can trap a ball screen.

"They pressure, rotate, help the helper, are very sound. Their staff has done a fabulous job teaching guys the right fundamental way to guard. It's not with gimmicks. It's 'guard our man and trap out of areas, too.' It's as good or better than anything we've seen all year."

Pressed to come up with a comparable defense, Self said: "It really reminds me of my last team at Tulsa - undersized, tough, fast, deny every pass, deny every shot. They take great pride in that. They do that at a very high level."

Self said it'd take some intense preparation time to fully inform his Jayhawks on the Saluki defense.

"It's hard to simulate speed or some of the other things they do in practice," Self said. "We'll do some things to hopefully deal with their pressure better. You can't worry about them only on one end. We have to play a complete game and guard them as well.

¢ Tatum a star: The Salukis have one of the best players in the country in 6-2 Jamaal Tatum, who is the Missouri Valley Conference's Player of the Year.

"He is one of the best slashers, leaders in the country," Self said. "One player who comes to mind (to compare him to) is Acie Law. He can get shots without running plays. He is fast and can get under you defensively. He's really good."

¢ Slate: The Jayhawks, who arrived safe and sound in California at about 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, will hold an open shootaround practice from 2:10 to 3 p.m. today at HP Pavilion. Southern Illinois' open practice will be from 12 to 12:50 p.m. All of the Jayhawks practiced Tuesday at Allen.

¢ Aldrich honored: KU signee Cole Aldrich, a 6-11 center from Bloomington (Minn.) Jefferson High, has been named Minneapolis Star-Tribune Metro Player of the Year.

¢ Rest up: This is spring-break week on KU's campus.

"With no class this week it gives us more time to watch film, get rest, more time to just relax and think about the game and get focused," Chalmers said.

Comments

palewhale (anonymous) says...

Now that they are in Calif. wouldn't the Calif. dreaming actually be reality and therefore not a dream at all?

Sorry, I must have fallen asleep on a philosophy book last night.

March 21, 2007 at 8:18 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

couranna1 (anonymous) says...

rock chalk jayhawks go ku!!!!!!!!!!!!

We are really playing well and I think the only way SIU can win is if we hand it to them. We will have size and I believe we can match their speed but they do it with 2 guys we do it with 9. This game will be close early but KU will run away with it in the second half. Just too much talent for them to handle, then we will go on to play Pitt yes I said Pitt as they will beat UCLA in a close game.
This is the best Jayhawk team I have seen in awhile they got the players and the coach This is gonna be fun

March 21, 2007 at 9:45 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

frompekka2sasha (anonymous) says...

One thing that is very impressive about Tatum is how much he elevates while taking a shot. It's like he is "shot" out of a cannon or coming off a trampoline. Tough matchup for KU and I really believe Brandon (and his size) would be the best guy to put on him.

Unbelievable! I was hoping Self would put Brandon on Durant and now I'm asking him to defend a totally different-type player. Man... he is versatile and we are lucky to have him. Roooock Chaaaaalk!

March 21, 2007 at 10:14 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

bmurtha (anonymous) says...

The Bay Area loves the Jayhawks....we will come out in force.

March 21, 2007 at 10:50 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

JayCeph (anonymous) says...

I wonder why no one is talking about what kind of challenge the SIU team is going to face on their offensive end of the court in the face of KU's vaunted 'D'...

I think if our offense stalls at times (due to SIU's 'D') our defense will keep us in it. The Saluki offense isn't nearly as proficient as KU's.

March 21, 2007 at 10:55 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

tis4tim (anonymous) says...

KU: 145
SIU: 126

This is in metric points, of course.

March 21, 2007 at 11:33 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

BigTamale (anonymous) says...

JayCeph...

Right On! We know that this game can be ugly, but are the Salukis going to be able to score on OUR defense?

I think it will be much harder for them to score on us and NOT so much us on them...

Yes, the hawks will probably NOT score 90 +, but by the same token the Salukis won't score 65+

Jayhawks 71
Salukis 59

March 21, 2007 at 11:57 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

DocBean (anonymous) says...

Everybody over on ESPN is talking about SIUs defense, but people should realize KU is ranked 8th in the country in steals and the Salukis are tied with 7 other teams in 87th place.

KU might just have the best defense in the country combined with the 6th ranked scoring offense.

Rock Chalk.

March 21, 2007 at 12:05 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

KU (anonymous) says...

RW

March 21, 2007 at 12:34 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jross1972 (Johann Ross) says...

It's spring break week. That means the players aren't worried about studies right now, and they can focus on basketball. Some of you probably saw the piece by ESPN where Wisconsin had to do studies while on the road for the tournament. Many of them complained that their mind just wasn't in the books, but being FORCED to have it there you gotta think that it kept them, and other teams like them, from really focusing on basketball. The Hawks can face this weekend without such "distractions".

Also being spring break, hopefully some students will travel to California!

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

keagan (anonymous) says...

Good call jross 1972. If I was still in school, I'd definitely be traveling to California for my spring break. Go Hawks!

March 21, 2007 at 1:38 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

actorman (anonymous) says...

The buildup for this game reminds me a little bit of the buildup for the '85 Super Bowl. The entire nation kept talking about how great the Dolphins' offense was and that Marino had broken all the passing records. No one talked about the fact that the Niners had a pretty damn good offense themselves and also had one of the best defenses in the NFL. This is the same kind of thing: everyone is focusing on the SIU defense, and no one is talking about how great the KU defense is or that KU also has one of the best offenses. The Niners crushed the Dolphins and KU will crush the Salukis.

March 21, 2007 at 2:06 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

cap10d (anonymous) says...

I hope we have a turnout like the FU game in Vegas.go hawks!!!!!!!!!!!

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http://drivethelane.com/bask/default.htm

March 21, 2007 at 2:21 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

notabandwagonfan (anonymous) says...

yea jross, but I dont think there is another team in the country that is way overrated than Wisconsin. Everyone talks up the big 10, pac 10, acc, and sec. Yes the sec and pac 10 deserve their props, as they each have 3 teams in the sweet 16. However, im tired of hearing all this and that about the big 10 and the acc. Both with 1 team remaining in the tourney, and both got a few too many teams in. Then the Big 12 gets 4 in, and half of our teams remain. Im tired of the east coast bias and all the pub that goes to the acc, and big 10. It disgusts me.

p.s. If there is any team in america close to being as overrated as wisconsin, it is definately Ohio St.

March 21, 2007 at 3:26 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

CasperCorps (anonymous) says...

The Solukis will score the least amount of points ever in a tournament game.. I wonder if that'll get anyone on the east and west coasts attention. Rockem Hawks!!!

March 21, 2007 at 3:36 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

mtjayhawk (anonymous) says...

Anybody got some extra tickets for San Jose Saturday???
I'm headed for the San Fran area later tonight (Wed) and would love to hit the game on Saturday (am I being over-confident? You bet!)
I'd be interested in taking tickets off your hands as long as it doesn't break the bank!

March 21, 2007 at 4 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

JayCeph (anonymous) says...

KU's gettin props from Saluki Land...

http://www.thesouthern.com/articles/2...

March 21, 2007 at 4:06 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

JayCeph (anonymous) says...

A scouting report on KU... hope the Salukis don't read this.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007...

March 21, 2007 at 4:16 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jaybate (anonymous) says...

JayCeph,

This SI analysis distills to:

Problem--KU is fast and applies strong defensive pressure with guards.

Solution--control the paint on defense and penetrate on offense.

I'm not sure I would worry about SIU seeing this analysis.

It seems generic...what you would want to do to any opponent.

March 21, 2007 at 4:49 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

JayCeph (anonymous) says...

Yeah, jaybate, my *warning* was more or less in jest but I like your assessment of the article nonetheless. :)

Good to hear from you. I've been scouring these pages looking for an analysis of the Salukis from you... but nothing. What gives?!? You got a job or something? LOL

Rawk Chawk tomorrow!!

March 21, 2007 at 5:02 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Roysoldboy (anonymous) says...

I think we can all relax since I just read Vitale's selection of the Jayhawks to win Thursday. I ain't really serious about this but it does make me think that he may have finally opened his eyes.

March 21, 2007 at 5:05 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

93jayhawk (anonymous) says...

Yeah, jaybate, but boy does the article's ending, "it will be interesting if they run into a team whose guards can cause problems," send shivers down my spine to thoughts of Cuttino Mobley driving on us all day back in '98. Even that little dude for Niagara had some success early on getting into the lane.

But no, I don't think SIU or UCLA or Pitt have those types of players, so that shouldn't be an issue until the F4...maybe...T-26 hours and counting....

Rock Chalk Jayhawk!

Michael
Class of '93

March 21, 2007 at 5:07 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jaybate (anonymous) says...

Another JayCeph,

I hugely agree with your wondering why no one is talking about the challenge SIU faces in KU? Let's lay out the challenge SIU faces.

They aren't as deep as KU.
They aren't as fast as KU.
They aren't as tall as KU.
They don't strip as well as KU.
They have no one that matches up with Wright.
Their strength--guards--is our strength, so they hvae no advantage there.
They haven't had to overcome as much adversity as KU.
They didn't play in as tough of a conference as KU did.
They don't have as many good three point shooters as KU.
They don't have a true center.
They aren't four deep at the bigs.
They don't have defensive stopper as good as Rush.
And SIU didn't lose to a Mid Major the last two years, so their coach doesn't have the same motivational prod that Self has.

And another thing: this business of being awed by SIU's defensive prowess is way overblown. There are two ways to hold down an opponents scoring. The first way, the way KU does it, is by being human glue and forcing opponents into low shooting percentages and lots of TOs. The second way is to use up the 45 second clock every trip; that is guarrantied to hold the opponent's scoring down. This second way is the way SIU does it. Princeton under Pete whatever his name was used to do this for years.

Now, I'm not saying SIU can't beat us. They could beat us if KU has an off shooting night and some foul trouble, the latter of which KU is due for after two fiery hot games.

But the media, especially the part of it that likes to underplay KU, needs to grip and face reality. KU is the heavy favorite. KU has played against slow down teams already. It is SIU that has not faced the kind of pressure defense it is about to face.

March 21, 2007 at 5:08 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Jayhawk86 (anonymous) says...

I thought I would throw out a couple of stats for all to mull over.Take from them what you will.

Kansas plays a faster tempo than SIU: Kansas averages 69.9 possesions per game, SIU 60.5

Per 100 possesions on offense, Kansas scores 112.8 points(ranks as 17th in the nation). SIU scores 104.4(135th)

Per 100 possesions on defense Kansas gives up 87.0 points per game(1st in nation). SIU gives up 93.5(ranks 18th).

Kansas is more efficient on both ends of the floor, and if they play their game they will win going away.

March 21, 2007 at 6:12 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jaybate (anonymous) says...

Excellent comparison, Jayhawk86.

March 21, 2007 at 6:20 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jross1972 (Johann Ross) says...

jaybate and jayhawk86...

excellent analysis and stats! I think we could almost give away a few advantages, not play our best game, and still grind out the win. Id rather just blow em out though and keep the momentum and the confidence high.

March 21, 2007 at 6:48 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

NavyHawk (anonymous) says...

One thing about this year's team vs last year's... this team doesn't get rattled. SIU will not be able to score on KU the way Texas did in the first few minutes of their two meetings, and, unless SIU is able to completely stop KU from scoring for long minutes, KU's guards should be able to wear down SIU's.

Look for a possibly close, likely low-scoring, first half until the last five minutes, then, with their tanks running on empty, SIU will see what kind of a run Kansas can make on them.

As usual, KU should start quickly out of the gate in the second half, and, using their extended bench, run the Salukis off the floor by the 15 min mark. Even if the score is close at that point, look for SIU's shots to start falling short because of fatigue, while KU just keeps pounding the ball inside after Falker fouls out. KU by 15.

Rock Chalk!

March 21, 2007 at 7:12 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

benz78 (anonymous) says...

Four more games, One possession at a time.

If we play good, solid D like we've played all year and we continue to hit a few from outside we will be alright. We were up 10+ on Texas A&M (till the last four minutes) and their D is a hell of a lot better than siu.

rock chalk jayhawk, go ku!

March 21, 2007 at 7:55 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Beakmfan1 (anonymous) says...

Ok so I go to SIU and work with one of the trainers for the basketball team and ESPN is wrong....Matt Shaw is going to play. SIU is just trying to keep it quiet. He poses a little problem because he is a 4 that can nail the 3.

March 21, 2007 at 8:03 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

bethnbob (anonymous) says...

Read the posts from Espn. They don't know what their up against. go jayhawks!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://myespn.go.com/conversation/sto...

March 21, 2007 at 8:18 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

seattlehawk_78 (anonymous) says...

I thought we were the number 1 seed. UCLA is a 2 and they don't even have to leave the state. Atleast they're playing in the Bay Area where there is a lot of anti SoCal sentiment.

March 21, 2007 at 9:28 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

pilot100 (anonymous) says...

Eastern Sports Promotional Network Ace Andy K seems to not have much to talk about when KU keeps winning,but when we
lose he can't shut the Hell up. Check out
his dumb comments on ESPNU..

March 21, 2007 at 9:57 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

hawkshock (anonymous) says...

They spend all their time yapping about the SIU defense because we're favored. When you're the favored one, you're taken for granted.

It'll be a lower score, but a Jayhawk-friendly one when SIU's season ends at about 8:15 PM Thursday!

March 21, 2007 at 10:12 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

CasperCorps (anonymous) says...

Good stuff people.. Good stuff

March 21, 2007 at 10:43 p.m. ( | suggest removal )