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Saturday, March 24, 2007

Brink of history

Self eyes first Final Four

By Gary Bedore

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San Jose, Calif. — Bill Self today tries to join an elite group of college basketball coaches: those who have made it to a Final Four.

"I don't want to say it'd mean everything. It's not life or death, but it'd mean a ton," Self, Kansas University's fourth-year leader, said Friday.

He takes an 0-3 record in Elite Eight games into today's 6:05 p.m. contest against UCLA in HP Pavilion.

"Not just because, 'Bill got to a Final Four.' My dream is to take us there collectively," Self added of his No. 1-seeded Jayhawks, who have won 33 games in 37 tries. "It'd be special because of what our players have been through, how hard they've worked. We have a big roadblock in front of us in UCLA (29-5), but I do think we're capable."

Self, who has been in the business 14 years, has made nine NCAA Tournament appearances.

All three of Self's Elite Eight appearances resulted in heartbreak. His first KU team dropped a 79-71 overtime decision to Georgia Tech in 2004 in St. Louis.

His first Illinois team fell to Arizona, 87-81, in 2001 in San Antonio. His last Tulsa team went down to North Carolina, 59-55, in 2000 in Austin, Texas.

"We've been close and haven't got it done," Self said. "This is the best team we've had.

"I'm jealous of the guys that get there. I mean, not jealous to the point I wished everybody lost and nobody got there, but I'm jealous to the point I want to be in that same arena.

"But it's not about me. It's about the team. To have an opportunity to take these guys would be an unbelievably special thing, especially when it's something you dreamed of a long time."

Trip to Final Four would be first for Coach Self

After 16 appearances, KU is no stranger to the Final Four. However, for current KU coach Bill Self, it would be a first for his coaching career.

Suffice it to say all the Jayhawks share the same dream as their coach: winning today and playing next week on college basketball's greatest stage in Atlanta.

"I've thought about it every day since I've been at KU," junior guard Russell Robinson said. "We have the opportunity to do something big. I want to be part of history. If we do things right, it'd be a great part of Kansas history."

KU has reached the Final Four 12 times. UCLA, which reached the national title game a year ago only to fall to Florida, has advanced 16 times.

"Anytime you've got an opportunity to do something big, you want to do it," Robinson said. "I just think about it every time I look at Danny (Manning, staff member) ... I just think how everybody, Lawrence, our fans love him. I think we've got a chance to be somewhere close to that."

To clip the nets today, KU must defeat a team that, like itself, starts two juniors and three sophomores.

The difference is the Bruins were in the Final Four a year ago and have that experience, as well as a California crowd, on their side.

"I don't think they have an edge. They've been there; we're trying to get there. We're hungry, too," freshman Sherron Collins said.

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KU prepares for UCLA

UCLA, like KU's Sweet 16 foe Southern Illinois, is known for its tough defense. The Bruins have allowed just 59.6 points a game, 18th stingiest mark in the country. UCLA ranks 117th in field-goal-percentage defense (42.8).

KU, meanwhile, ranks 29th in scoring defense (61.6 ppg) and second in field-goal-percentage defense (37.3).

"They have as quick a point guard (sophomore Darren Collison) as there is anywhere. I don't anticipate it being a slowed-down game," said Self, whose Jayhawks survived SIU on Thursday, 61-58. "I can see a low-scoring game where both teams are trying to play pretty fast, but defense on both ends will be good."

The scary thing is, after watching film, the Jayhawks think UCLA can cause the Jayhawks as many problems as the Salukis did Thursday.

"I think they get out and pressure. I think they've got a more athletic backline than SIU had," Robinson said of Arron Afflalo, Collison and Josh Shipp, the Bruins' only double-digit scorers.

"I think they have more talented guys. It's going to be scary. I think we're prepared to leave it all on the court."

KU sophomore Brandon Rush thinks the Bruins, who average 71.8 points a game - the 112th best mark in the U.S. compared to KU's 79.5 mark (No. 12 ranking) - might struggle in a running contest with KU.

"I think we are a great running team. It's to our advantage," Rush said. "I am of the opinion nobody in the country can run with us with the exception of North Carolina."

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2006-07 March 23 KU-UCLA hoops prev

The Bruins beg to differ.

"They'll allow us to push it, that'll be great," UCLA coach Ben Howland said. "We played Arizona in the 80s (81-66 win). The great thing about our team is we can play any style you want to play. We can play knock-down, drag it out. We can go up and down."

So can the Jayhawks, who proved they can survive a slugfest most recently against Southern Illinois. Whatever the style of play, KU will settle for a win of any kind and Self's first Final Four berth.

To do that, KU will have to claim its first-ever win versus the Bruins in the postseason. KU is 0-4 in NCAA play versus UCLA and 4-9 overall.

"We're overdue," Self said of the Jayhawks against the Bruins, not of his quest to become a Final Four coach.

"I don't think it makes you a better coach. I don't think Norm Stewart (Missouri) winning one more game would have made him a better coach. Or John Chaney (Temple) winning one more game would have made him a better coach. In the perception of the public, maybe there's something to that, but winning one game tomorrow will not make a guy a better coach."

NCAA Tournament

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Comments

justinryman (anonymous) says...

History is not on our side tonight...Ofer all time vs UCLA in the NCAA tourny. Self is 0-3 in the Elite 8...Please Please PLEASE snap the streaks and break history's strong hold.

March 24, 2007 at 6:11 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

JBurtin (anonymous) says...

History has no hold.

Remember when KU used to be afraid to play Kentucky.

Three years in a row against them is enough to prove that the name on the jersey isn't what wins the game, it's the players inside the jersey that make it happen.

As for this UCLA matchup, we have better guys inside our jerseys and it will show on the court.

March 24, 2007 at 6:40 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

hawk61 (anonymous) says...

go get 'em bill!!

March 24, 2007 at 6:48 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

klineisanazi (anonymous) says...

I would say KU is due. Some day some KU team will beat UCLA in the tournament. Why not now?

March 24, 2007 at 6:52 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

leikness (anonymous) says...

Another milestone possible for bill. I believe he would get his winning percentage at KU over .800 if Kansas pulls this one out. Wish I was in Larry. Go Hawks.

March 24, 2007 at 8:07 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

notabandwagonfan (anonymous) says...

did anyone see the comments that Ben Howland had to say about KU last night on 13news? What a stupid moron. "Obviously, James Naismith was a very special man, but it comes down to national championships." Forget that crap Ben, as you have never won any of them. John Wooden has definately got to be the best coach ever, but if there wouldn't be anywhere to coach if James Naismith wouldn't have invented the game to coach! Come on hawks, put the bruins, and Ben Howland, in their places! Kick some ass!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

March 24, 2007 at 8:15 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

DCSven (anonymous) says...

History doesn't suit up and take the court today ... Rush, Robinson, Chalmers, Wright, Kaun, Collins, Stewart, Jackson Arthur and company do. History, in the person's of Wooden and Naismith or Allen aren't there today ... Bill Self is.

I'll take our current Jayhawk team and coach any day against anybody, past or present.

Today is not about history, but destiny.

History is what gets made when talent, skil and discipline shows up to meet destiny. go jayhawks!

March 24, 2007 at 8:33 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

jenaj21 (anonymous) says...

Rightly stated DCSven

March 24, 2007 at 9:17 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

phoenixjayhawk (Rodney Stice) says...

Rock Chalk, Jayhawk.
Go KU!

Beat ucla

March 24, 2007 at 9:36 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

KUMatt2001 (anonymous) says...

Lots of locker room material here.

"They'll allow us to push it, that'll be great," UCLA coach Ben Howland said.

If we're down, or need to go on a run in the 2nd half, I'd love to see us go to an aggressive full-court press. Catch them off-gaurd, force a couple of turnovers...

Here's to hearing just as much noise from the KU fans in the HP Pavilion today!

rock chalk!!!

March 24, 2007 at 9:47 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

jhwkfan162515 (anonymous) says...

I would feel a little more confident about winning this game if it weren't for the woeful game we played against SIU. Did KU get its issues straightened out in less than 48 hours?

March 24, 2007 at 9:49 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

93jayhawk (anonymous) says...

Hey there jhwkfan1625 - take that frown and turn it upside down! No Negative Nancys here! Let's tear those Bruins a new one and march on to Atlanta!

Rock Chalk Jayhawk!

Michael
Class of '93

March 24, 2007 at 10 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

justanotherfan (anonymous) says...

In the tournament, its about making plays and winning. For three games now KU has made plays and won. There should be no complaints from anyone. Right now they have to make plays and beat UCLA, then get ready for a tough weekend next week when they draw two of the best teams they will see all year. The motto of March Madness is simple - Survive and advance. Style points don't count jhwkfan1625. Just winning.

March 24, 2007 at 10:10 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

aledell (anonymous) says...

Has anyone else been hearing all the ESPN idiots saying, "defense wins championships; I favor the defensive team (UCLA) in a game like this; Kansas wants to turn this game into a track meet; blah, blah, blah?"

Do these guys have any clue that we play spectacular defense as well? Or that our field goal percentage D is WAY better than theirs? Not to mention their opponents PPG is only about 2 points better than ours?

IMO, it seems these morons would rather ignore the facts (that our defense kicks butt and is actually BETTER than theirs in some ways; and that maybe it's not as obvious because we actually SCORE too!) just so that they can prematurely crown a team that they consider sexier just because they play in California, as opposed to Kansas.

Here's my take: KU's D is as good or better than UCLA's AND we score points to back it up. They rely on extra defensive stops, turnovers, etc. and hope to win games with their own low point totals.

I'm not sure if this will happen, but I think it's possible: KU wins by 15+ and shuts everyone up. (I think we at least win this game as a bare minimum) rock chalk!!

March 24, 2007 at 10:24 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

aledell (anonymous) says...

Here's a link to back up my previous comments that we're pretty much better in every way (despite what the ignorant national media may think). It's the head to head stats, KU vs. UCLA on foxsports.com's game preview (may have to copy and paste; not sure)

http://msn.foxsports.com/cbk/headToHe...

All of those green check marks for the Jayhawks have to mean something, right?

March 24, 2007 at 10:41 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

CaramelMacchMan (anonymous) says...

Hey I agree with you aledell

KU might end up winning by 15+. I think KU's D is ganna be huge factor in this game. I think Rush is ganna shut down that kid.....A. Afflac...cough cough...i mean A.Afflalo. haha..

March 24, 2007 at 10:41 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

CaramelMacchMan (anonymous) says...

wow Untill aledell showed me those stats from foxsports! i thought UCLA had 0.5% chance of winning this game!

But after those stats i think UCLA has 0% chance of winning!

March 24, 2007 at 10:44 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

easyfive (anonymous) says...

Just if Jew, could have a break out game and quit turning the ball over. We should win by 10!
siu was a very good team and old men. KU got lot of EP with that win :o)
Just remember to breath.

March 24, 2007 at 10:46 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

JayhawkRuss (anonymous) says...

A Movie Reference: Rocky IV - Rocky goes to Russia (San Jose) and defeats the unbeatable (UCLA) by showing more power (defense) and heart. Hawks-rip the picture of UCLA off the mirror and kick butt all the way to Atlanta.

March 24, 2007 at 10:50 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

KU (anonymous) says...

Defensively, this game will be like the SIU game, only dialed down intensity-wise a couple notches.

I don't think either team will have the stomach to play the game in the 50s or 60s after the last games they played against SIU and Pitt. I see more plays being made in the open court tonight.

Much like the SIU game, I think the perimeter game will be a wash and we win a close game on the strength of our Bigs. Don't expect to see Sasha play much tonight, but certainly more than the SIU game.

This is the kind of game where Ju should shine. His athleticism should take over if he keeps his head and plays in the paint. Mata and Mbah can't hang with Ju if he brings it. Add Arthur and Jackson and we've got just a little too much inside for UCLA to handle.

I can't wait to watch Rush/Afflalo! THAT will be worth the price of admission. Rush will definitely need to be more agressive on the offensive end if he wants to score 12 points tonight.

Prediction: KU wins 78-71.

March 24, 2007 at 11:47 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

stujayhawk (anonymous) says...

Most of you already know it...the Jayhawk prayer:

Our Father, who art in Lawrence,

Hallowed be thy game.

Thy tourney come,

Thy championship will be done, in Atlanta as it is in Allen Field House.

Give us this day our deserved victories,

And forgive us our turnovers,

As we forgive Roy who double-crossed against us.

And lead us not into defeat,

But deliver us from East Coast bias,

For Kansas is the basketball kingdom,

And the tradition,

And the glory,

For ever and ever,

Amen.

March 24, 2007 at 11:49 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

notabandwagonfan (anonymous) says...

amen to that brother!

March 24, 2007 at noon ( | suggest removal )

bdewitt (anonymous) says...

we need to just keep doing what we've been doing this whole tournament and hit our free throws better and we'll be in the final four so keep the faith!!

rock chalk jayhawk 4 life!!!

March 24, 2007 at 12:15 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jross1972 (Joe Ross) says...

let's go hawks!

March 24, 2007 at 12:17 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

mcoan (anonymous) says...

Well, my expectation for KU, North Carolina, Duke, and Kentucky is Sweet 16 every year, Great 8 every two years, Final Four every every three years, National Championship every 10.

Next year, it will have been 20 years since you know what. If ever it was time, it's now.

March 24, 2007 at 12:32 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

wtarush (anonymous) says...

I want to see Pounding Chests in "Beast Mode"! I want to see Dunks and D! Threes and Knifing the Lane... I want it all, I want it all. And I want it tonight against ucla.
bring it hawks!
rock chalk jayhawk!
go ku!!!

March 24, 2007 at 12:49 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

ArtimusPyle (anonymous) says...

I'm with everyone that said history won't be suiting up this afternoon. It's all about the guys on the court, specifically Run RRC controlling the tempo and not letting Collison and the Bruins frustrate them. I think the USI game was great preparation for UCLA. Go get 'em, guys. rock chalk!

March 24, 2007 at 1:58 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

cap10d (anonymous) says...

Why is it that all they talked about was SIU's defense and now UCLA's defense when KU's defense is better than both.These analysts are idiots.

March 24, 2007 at 2:01 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

leikness (anonymous) says...

Anybody watching the Road? UCLA should do an ACTIV commercial.

March 24, 2007 at 2:47 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

actorman (anonymous) says...

Thank you, Stu, that's inspiring. It actually got me misty-eyed. I'll have it with me in San Jose and will invoke it throughout the game.

FYI, cap, there was a nice column in the S.F. Chronicle this morning about KU's defense and how it hasn't gotten enough credit. It talks about how KU is the only team out of the four in the regional who hasn't allowed a single opponent to shoot 50% or better this year. So at least some one is noticing the KU defense. (Of course, the guy who wrote it is the same idiot who referred the other day to KU having been in FIVE Final Fours. Needless to say, I sent him a strongly worded email correcting him.)

March 24, 2007 at 2:52 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Sigmund (anonymous) says...

This should be a great game. KU is the "underdog" according to the experts, who cares? Experts have the the same problem the rest of us have, prediction is hard, especially of the future. I will predict that KU will go out tonight and will leave it all on the court.

rawkchalkjayhawkgoku!

March 24, 2007 at 3:12 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

leikness (anonymous) says...

Question: when other fan asks you how many national championships KU has, what do you say?

March 24, 2007 at 3:13 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

leikness (anonymous) says...

Experts. We 2.5 point favs.

March 24, 2007 at 3:16 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

leikness (anonymous) says...

yous gots the wrong experts

March 24, 2007 at 3:17 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jhawkdan42 (anonymous) says...

If Rush hits his first 3 we win going away(77-65) if he misses his first attempt it will be a dog fight with KU prevailing by a couple(67-65) go hawks!!!!

March 24, 2007 at 3:58 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

ibell (Isaac Bell) says...

Hawks 76

UCLA 70

March 24, 2007 at 4:20 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

NavyHawk (anonymous) says...

leikness,

If you're referring to UCLA's 12 in a row, that was a different time. Freshmen didn't play. The NBA didn't allow someone in straight out of high school. Only 32 teams got into the tournament (often leaving the best teams outside looking in, due to lack of at-large bids).

Sure, Coach Wooden is a great coach (top 3 or 4), but he also had Lew Alcindor (Kareem) and Bill Walton for several of those wins. These days those two guys would have gone straight to the NBA or, under the new rule, after their freshman season.

This is not the same UCLA. Nor is this the same KU that won the championship in '88. (maybe some of Danny's miracles will rub off!)

March 24, 2007 at 4:26 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jhawkdan42 (anonymous) says...

Only 2 hours to go! Man I need to go take some rolaids! go hawks!!

March 24, 2007 at 4:35 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

tis4tim (anonymous) says...

I promise not to post on this board during the game; I won't complain about the refs...

I promise not to post on this board during the game; I won't complain about the refs...

I promise not to post on this board during the game; I won't complain about the refs...

Rock Chalk!

March 24, 2007 at 5:13 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jhawkdan42 (anonymous) says...

damn can you believe they called a charge on Chalmers! Oh the game hasn't started

March 24, 2007 at 5:19 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

scootja32 (anonymous) says...

I think Kansas will win in 9 overtimes by 52 points

213 - 161

March 24, 2007 at 5:19 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

scootja32 (anonymous) says...

so you'll give me infinite to one odds Caramel?

March 24, 2007 at 5:25 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

goldlighting (anonymous) says...

Jeezzzz, has somebody paid off Wright to throw this game? Im an old man and could make half the point blank shots he has missed, not to mention the numerous times he literally handed the ball to a UCLA player.

March 24, 2007 at 8:03 p.m. ( | suggest removal )