Sunday, March 25, 2007

(B)ruined!

KU devastated after season-ending loss

By Gary Bedore

Advertisement

San Jose, Calif. — Bill Self unfastened the top button on his shirt, loosened his tie and, with an ashen face, paced ahead of his Kansas University basketball players out a tunnel toward the locker room Saturday night.

"He was sad. He wanted more than this. We all did," KU sophomore Mario Chalmers said after the No. 1-seeded Jayhawks' 68-55 loss to No. 2-seed UCLA in the NCAA Tournament West Regional championship game.

It wasn't the fact the Jayhawks (33-5) had their 14-game winning streak snapped that had Self's shoulders slumped. It was the way they unraveled against the Bruins (30-5) and saw their season come to an end while dropping Self to 0-4 in Elite Eight games.

"Coach was pretty disappointed. He said we pretty much gave the game away," sophomore Brandon Rush said after scoring 18 points off 7-of-16 shooting with five rebounds and four turnovers.

"I'm disappointed. We're all disappointed. We had big expectations for Jayhawk fans, but we went out and beat ourselves. We blew a lot of opportunities."

The Jayhawks, who looked good in building a 29-23 lead with 4:30 left in the first half, scored just 26 points the rest of the game.

KU committed 21 turnovers while forcing UCLA's season high of 25 and missed an unfathomable amount of inside buckets - 19 gimmes, to be exact.

Go figure

53.3

UCLA's field-goal shooting percentage

41.1

KU's field-goal shooting percentage

7

Points by which UCLA outscored KU from the free-throw line

12

Points by which UCLA outscored KU from beyond the 3-point line

25, 21

Turnovers by UCLA, KU

17, 18

Points off turnovers for UCLA, KU

24

Points for UCLA's Arron Afflalo, on 10-for-15 shooting

18

Points for KU's Brandon Rush, on 7-for-16 shooting

By game's end, the Jayhawks had registered their lowest point total of the season and had been blistered for 53.3 percent shooting - the first time since last year's game at Texas the Jayhawk defense had allowed 50 percent or better marksmanship.

"I thought our guards were a little careless. We overpenetrated, overbounced. But the kids were trying so hard," Self lamented.

"Sometimes you can try too hard. I feel we rushed some shots or maybe we didn't go as strong as we could with some particular shots. They've got a good backline that alters shots. Give them credit on a lot of 'em."

But not on all of them.

KU as a team hit 41.1 percent of its shots.

Rush missed nine of 16, while Chalmers, who had seven turnovers, was 1-of-8 shooting, Darrell Arthur 2-of-6 and Sherron Collins 0-for-4.

"I don't think uncontested layups were (credited to) UCLA's defense," Self said, forcing a smile.

The Jayhawks, who made just five of 11 free throws, led 29-23 on a Darnell Jackson dunk with 4:30 left in the first half.

However, he missed a free-throw try, which signaled the start of KU's woes.

Arron Afflalo (24 points, 10-of-15 shooting, 3-of-7 threes) scored four points in a 12-2 half-closing run that gave the Bruins a 35-31 lead at the break.

Russell Robinson missed a layup on one end, and Josh Shipp iced a three on the other at the halftime buzzer.

Quite a turnaround heading into the locker room.

Photo Gallery

NCAA Tourney: KU vs UCLA

"If we get one stop, we go in down one. Probably a little different feeling," Self said.

"We had a key letdown at the end of the half," Chalmers indicated.

Led by Afflalo's seven points, UCLA rolled, 11-4, to start the second half and led, 46-35, with 13:29 remaining.

"The big thing is, we missed a lot of easy layups, ones we normally make," said Robinson, who hit four of eight shots and finished with 11 points and five steals in 32 minutes. "That killed our spirits. When we did score, they answered back."

One big answer came from Afflalo, who drilled a three with 10:11 left just as KU had sliced its 11-point deficit to 46-40.

Afflalo then hit a two to follow a Robinson three, and UCLA maintained a 51-43 lead at 9:36.

Robinson hit his second three at 5:22, cutting the gap to a manageable 55-50. However, Darren Collison launched in a 25-footer to beat the shot clock with 4:42 to play as UCLA led, 58-50.

Audio clips

2006-07 March 24 KU-UCLA Hoops

"Collison hit a step-back three. It sealed the deal there," Rush said.

KU would not come closer than seven points again.

"Collison almost fell down," Self said. "To me, it seemed like they were making harder shots than they were missing."

While crediting UCLA - "They've got a good team, I'm happy for them," Rush said - the Jayhawks bemoaned what might have been.

Missing layups and free throws while throwing the ball out of bounds is no way to end a season.

"It's tough to swallow," Robinson said. "You are always thinking, 'We'll be back. We'll get back in the game and win like we always do.' To not come back and win, it's really disappointing."

"It's really disappointing," said Jackson, who had eight points with four boards in 14 minutes. He hit all three of his shots, but just two of five free throws.

"In Chicago (in winning two tourney games), I said we'd make it all the way to the Final Four. You can't wish it. You've got to go get it. It just wasn't our night. You can't make bad decisions like we did when the game is on the line."

Self, who figures to return every player except possibly Rush next season, tried to stay positive after the contest.

Fan reactions

Dan Skolink, Cristalle Jones, Corey Sargent and Emily Carkhuff react to the KU loss.

"I told the guys I was proud of them and that they were great ambassadors for Kansas," Self said. "One thing we have to do is be stronger as a team and become more consistent perimeter shooters. You do that by getting in the gym and working.

"We had a good season and accomplished a lot of things we set out to accomplish. A lot of talented kids sacrificed for the program. We're disappointed now, but I told them to hold their heads up high."

NCAA Tournament

Comments

austin5string (anonymous) says...

Man, I love my Hawks to death, and can't wait until next year, but I'll tell you what. That was one of the worst displays I've seen by KU in a lonnnnng time.

I'm sad, but I'm already looking forward to next year.

Thanks for a good season, guys.

~John

March 25, 2007 at 4:14 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

CP (anonymous) says...

Outcoached and outclassed.

March 25, 2007 at 5:42 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

mojayhawk (anonymous) says...

NOT outcoached, NOT outclassed! The only thing our guys are guilty of is that they were trying sooo hard, they tightened up with the ball, got a case of fumblitis, and missed some gimme's. That's not coaching, still shows we are still young. Winning in the tourney was a new experience for all of our guys. Also, lots of pressure on a home court situation for the bruins.

I, for one am proud of our coach, and of our team's effort. This season was one to be proud of and one to build on. This is Coach Self's program now, and HIS players are building tourney experience. Get some well deserved rest guys. We'll look forward to another fun year next year!

March 25, 2007 at 6:25 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

jayhawkinatl (anonymous) says...

"Worst lay-up team in America" came back to bite us in the ass!!!!!

March 25, 2007 at 6:44 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

jayhawkinatl (anonymous) says...

The real baffling question is why in the hell were we still driving and penetrating when it was clear that we needed 3s at the end?!?!?!

March 25, 2007 at 6:45 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

jayhawkinatl (anonymous) says...

Fourteen of 33 dunks and lay-ups says it all!!!!!!

March 25, 2007 at 6:46 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

jayhawkinatl (anonymous) says...

...and not to mention the FT woes.

March 25, 2007 at 6:46 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

jayhawkinatl (anonymous) says...

Still love you though, Hawks.

March 25, 2007 at 6:47 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

kucourtsider (anonymous) says...

Some KU fans are darn near as bad as Kentucky fans. Yes, it's basketball and as Kansas fans, we love it. But for cryin out loud, these are kids. KIDS. They tried and it just didn't work out this time. If everyone returns next year, think of how solid we will be?

Great year Jayhawks, thanks for beating Texas TWICE and bringing in a conference championship.

Rock Chalk!

March 25, 2007 at 7:37 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

ku98 (anonymous) says...

CP, you're a moron.

March 25, 2007 at 7:46 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

SDJhawk (anonymous) says...

I am not a Self-basher, but I do have a problem with the coaching in last night's game. It seems to me Self failed to adjust to the defense UCLA was throwing at us. The Bruins were doubling every ball screen, hard. In other words, they weren't switching on the screens. Our guards were driving around the second defender way out past the three point line, and by the time they got back into the lane, it was clogged. Thus, we missed inside shots that were contested (yes, I know we missed some uncontested gimmes too), or turned the ball over driving into the crowd.

The hallmark of a good coach is an ability to make necessary adjustments. Self needed to use less of the ineffective ball screens, and instead go to the high low offense (according to Rick Majerus on College Gamenight). Or, spread the floor for one on one penetration by the guards, or try some off the ball screens to free the shooters. Regardless, the point is that simply trying the same ineffective tactic over and over is a recipe for disaster. Self proved that last night.

That said, the team played hard, which is the hallmark of a well-coached squad. And maybe different tactics wouldn't have mattered against a hot shooting team with the home court advantage, as well as an advantage in post season experience. But repeatedly failing in the same approach also undoubtedly cost the kids some much needed confidence, which could have translated into a few more made shots, and then who knows.....

March 25, 2007 at 8:08 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

caddie733 (anonymous) says...

It wasn't a bad coaching job, but Self was definitely outcoached for the simple fact that he only resorted to a full court press when we were down 8 with 3 minutes to go. We have been credited with one of the deepest teams, we hadn't had the lead in the second half, we were playing at their tempo...wouldn't a press around the 8 minute mark (to speed the game up and force more turnovers, since that's the only thing we did well) make sense? Maybe I'm crazy, but it seemed logical to me.

Anyways, of course fans can be critical of the coach and these KIDS...they knew what to expect coming to a place like KU, if they don't like the pressure, the shouldn't be here.

I guess there is always next year, but when can we stop saying that (gave away the game to Maryland, then Syracuse, then GTech, Bucknell, Bradley, now UCLA). None of our last 6 tourney losses came to a team that was just better than us. It's just a sad sight when a team doesn't realize its full potential.

March 25, 2007 at 8:11 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

jryan (anonymous) says...

"While crediting UCLA - "They've got a good team, I'm happy for them," Rush said - the Jayhawks bemoaned what might have been.

Missing layups and free throws while throwing the ball out of bounds is no way to end a season."

I thought Seth Davis said it best after th game:

"Isn't it quite a coincidence that Bruin opponents seem to have bad shooting games when they play them."

March 25, 2007 at 8:51 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

admills (anonymous) says...

SDJhawk-
All coaches on All teams double that out front ball screen. They've been doing it for as many years as I remember. It's a simple way to keep the guard from penetrating to the lane.

You guys need to let Bill Self do his job. You don't have someone you've never met peering over your should on Monday morning at 9am questioning your abilities.

If you're a better coach, I'm sure the Athletic Director would be very interested in talking to you. After all, if you can guarantee a Final Four appearance, it seems you would have skill that would be very marketable.

March 25, 2007 at 8:54 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

jayhawkstacey (anonymous) says...

i love how everyone on this comment board after every game apparently knows what it takes to coach a world-class college basketball team. if YOU were on the bench, we'd be in final four, right?

i feel just as bad as everyone else right now, and i have a million ideas for why we lost, but what it comes down to is that our guys played one hell of a season.

rock chalk, boys, i hope so much that you all want this bad enough to return next year.

March 25, 2007 at 9:14 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

jayhawkstacey (anonymous) says...

ha, admills, i didn't read your post before i added mine. well said!

March 25, 2007 at 9:15 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

chell (anonymous) says...

Ugh. This is so very depressing simply because of those 19 missed gimmes...that's 38 points. We could have won in a rout. even if we'd hit half of those missed buckets we would have won. Other than that, KU outplayed UCLA every which way. They just got jitters.

March 25, 2007 at 9:32 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

drummerboy67 (anonymous) says...

enough people have already responded to the inane "outcoached" and "outclassed" comment that another one might not be necessary, but i'm responding anyways because it makes me so furious. first of all, it's such a stupid comment to make that i have to wonder whether the person writing it was serious, or just trying to stir controversy. since there is a disturbingly vocal (i question how large it really is) anti-self contingency however, i will say first that you can't make some bs comment like this one without a lengthy explanation of how and why we were outcoached. our coaching staff is one of the best in the country. i can think of no reasonable way to make sense of this "outclassed" accusation. the ku team did nothing last night to make me think they lack "class," whatever that word even means. though it broke my heart to see them making so many silly mistakes last night, it was obvious that they were putting everything they had into the game.

i just don't understand people whose reaction to last night's loss is to criticize the coaches and to question the worth of our players as human beings. i think you'd have to be pretty pathetic, shallow and deeply insecure to make such stupid comments on a not so important message board.

March 25, 2007 at 9:42 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Brunswickboy63 (anonymous) says...

CP..you are a jerk and a moron, but you have the freedom to post your thoughts. Coach Self and members of the Big 12 League and Tournament Champions and Elite Eight..thanks..i had a ball watching every game and I cannot wait until next year.I am proud to be an old alum and will contiue to wear my Jayhawk stuff with complete pride. rock chalk jayhawk.,go ku.

March 25, 2007 at 9:50 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

News_to_me (anonymous) says...

True Jayhawk fans will stick by their team and coach. Last night wasn't our night but it was a great season. This team grew up a lot since the Oral Roberts and Depaul games. That's all a fan can ask for. They improved and were playing their best at the end of the season. They'll be back older, wiser, and stronger. You armchair quarterbacks think this is easy. You wouldn't last 5 minutes in that environment under that pressure as a coach, player or even team manager. Enjoy the season and keep your whining to yourself!

March 25, 2007 at 10:02 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

mariofan11 (anonymous) says...

KU Basketball. The only team in the world of sports with a longer duration of underachieving is the Chicago Cubs. Hell, let all of em go pro. It will save us the embarrassment of next year when they do the same thing.

March 25, 2007 at 10:03 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

News_to_me (anonymous) says...

One big difference between Jayhawks and Cubs. Jayhawks aren't getting paid millions of bucks to play and perform. They're kids and they play because they love the game and that's exactly why they shouldn't go pro before they're done having fun in college. If you're embarrassed, go find another team to "support." You're no fan.

March 25, 2007 at 10:12 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

caddie733 (anonymous) says...

First of all, I don't think anyone who is criticizing Bill Self is saying they are a better coach...so those people saying "why don't you coach?" are just plain stupid. Second, there are plenty of other less pressure-filled coaching jobs and tons of others who would want to coach KU, so if Self couldn't handle criticism from this message board, he needs to leave (I'm sure the money he's making makes up for all the criticism he has to take).

I think the reason KU has repeatedly "given" games away (according to Rush) is because they know their "beloved" fans will always be there to support their mediocrity.

March 25, 2007 at 10:19 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

News_to_me (anonymous) says...

And you've won exactly how many national championships, cad733?

March 25, 2007 at 10:22 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

KU (anonymous) says...

Tough loss. This one will really linger in our players' minds because we had every opportunity to win. Even at halftime I didn't feel too bad because I felt we had the better team. The basketball just wouldn't go in on those layups and that's a sign of being tight.

We'll be back next year.

Here's a serious question: What are we going to do without Rush at the three position? He was the only legitimate 3-man we had this year and we didn't recruit one for next year.

There's NO WAY Julian Wright could play 25 minutes/game at the 3 without being a major ball-handling liability and he's not quick enough to guard an opposing 3-man.

If we go small, we'll be REALLY small. We'd have 3 guards at 6'1 or shorter. It happened at times this year, but not for 30 minutes/game.

March 25, 2007 at 10:23 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

actorman (anonymous) says...

You guys need to let Bill Self do his job. You don't have someone you've never met peering over your should on Monday morning at 9am questioning your abilities.
_______________________________________________________

You're right. I also don't have someone I've never met paying thousands of dollars (and/or watching TV so they can sell advertising) to WATCH me do my job so that I can make millions every year. We have every right to criticize Self's decisions and strategy.

That being said, there are only a couple of things that bothered me about Self's coaching yesterday. One is what others have already commented on: why was KU still driving and going for two when they were down 9 with under a minute to go? That's just ridiculous, when it was clear that KU needed a three in that situation. The other is, what happened to Sasha? He seemed to be effective at the beginning of the game, then was never heard from again. The same thing happened against SIU, but I thought maybe that had to do with the type of team they were. Then Sasha again hardly played after the beginning against UCLA. What's up with that?

But despite the ending, I really loved this team; it was one of my favorite KU teams ever. And one bad game at the end of the year doesn't diminish what was a tremendous season. I hope everyone comes back so that morons like mariofan can eat their words next year.

March 25, 2007 at 10:24 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

dhbball (anonymous) says...

mariofan11 - you are just as much of an idiot as CP. How can you compare the cubs to the jayhawks. 1908 vs. 1988. Ya, that is close.......

You could see they all were trying so hard and it hurt us. If we play UCLA 10 more times, i bet we win 8 times.

I think the game thursday really took a lot out of them mentally. They were mentally tought thursday and never gave up even though they couldn't do much of anything against that great SIU defense.

Rock Chalk ALWAYS!

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

ann42 (anonymous) says...

Can't KU fans appreciate what we have: Big 12 champs, Big 12 tournament champs, Elite Eight, and a top program in the country. There are folks out there that are never happy always want more. Lets say thanks for a great 2006-2007 year and look forward to 2007-2008.
Thanks guys for great year. rock chalk

March 25, 2007 at 10:28 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Tuskin (anonymous) says...

Good comment, Bill Self: "We're disappointed now, but I told them to hold their heads up high."

It's disappointing that we missed a lot of bunnies, but the effort was there. And what a great, great season. Big 12 champs, Big 12 tourney champs, Elite 8.

Congratulations!

March 25, 2007 at 10:35 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

emeryhawk (anonymous) says...

I haven't commented on this board all year. I wanted to wait until the season was over to give my opinion.
First, this was a great season to be a Jayhawk fan! Like everyone, I wanted more, and really believed we were going to be champions this year, but I have had more fun watching this team than maybe any other in my short life. Bill Self has put together a group of guys who are not only elite players, but quality individuals. This is a high character team, and they are winners.
I was at the game yesterday, and it was tough. I was pissed when the brackets came out that we were stuck with UCLA in San Jose, and as predicted it was basically a road game. But beyond that, UCLA played great transition defense and KU just couldn't get their chippies (or free throws!) in the bucket. Our team tried their hardest and came up short. That shouldn't diminish what a special season this has been.
Can't wait for next year!

March 25, 2007 at 10:55 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

isolve4x (anonymous) says...

mario11, yes I left out the 'fan'. You are no fan of this team. If you are so embarassed by our 33-5 season, Big XII championship, and Elite 8 appearance, then I suggest you jump on another bandwagon if you can find one that'll embrace your idiocy. And anyone who says we were outclassed, are we to emulate your demonstration of 'classiness?'

Maybe some of you should go root for Kentucky where they run off their 'bad coaches.' I'll bet you really support them for what they did to Tubby all season, whom most would agree is an excellent coach. I'll bet they'll find that "perfect" coach, go undefeated, and win a championship next year! Bill Self is our man. Please keep in mind that he's only PART of the success formula, not ALL of it. He's a hell of a coach. rock chalk jayhawk, go ku!!

March 25, 2007 at 11:07 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

jaybate (anonymous) says...

"I don't think uncontested layups were (credited to) UCLA's defense," Self said, forcing a smile.

Oh, yes they were. Howland coaches so much hack and slap that players anticipate it even when it doesn't happen. To play against it, you have compensate by gripping the ball harder, handling the ball more carefully, moving less fluidly, etc. When the hack and slap is committed, you have to fight through it. When it is not committed, you have to anticipate that it is about to happen. It completely changes the way you move, dribble, rebound and shoot. Most of KU's TOs and missed bunnies most definitely were caused by UCLA's unorthodox defense.

We used to see KU teams get hamstrung like they did against UCLA's hack'n'slap, back in the days when KU was a finesse team and ran into Big Ten muscle ballers. Now that half the B12 plays as rough as any league in the country, KU is used to seeing muscle ball, even plays some of it themselves, and adjusts fairly easily to muscle ballers from other conferences.

But the B12 has no one playing hack'n'slap defense the way Howland coaches it at UCLA. And so KU was unprepared and played like it.

March 25, 2007 at 11:07 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

jaybate (anonymous) says...

UCLA is having a lot of success with hack'n'slap, because no one else is playing it much. Pitt plays this way, because Howland coached there and his top assistant replaced him at Pitt. Playing hack'n'slap gives teams an edge over teams that don't just the way playing muscle ball once did. The refs and NCAA leadership allowed muscle ball to become the norm in college basketball, because they wouldn't call the fouls used in muscle ball. Hack'n'slap will become the norm over time, also, if the refs don't start calling the fouls used in hack'n'slap. UCLA's entire team could have been fouled out by the end of the first half, but there were virtually no calls for hack'n'slap.

Referees are human beings. They judge fouling relatively. If they see a kind of fouling committed infrequently, they tend to call it. If the game starts with a kind of fouling they see infrequently, they tend to call such fouls a few times early. If a team's coach trains his team to foul constantly in a way refs infrequently see, then after calling the first few, the ref begins to see the fouling as simply the way the game will be played. Put another way, most referees are not strict constructionists; that is, they do not consistently call the game by the letter of the rules. Most refs view their jobs as facilitators of play; that is, their job is to let each game unfold organically given the dynamics of play of both teams.

March 25, 2007 at 11:08 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

jaybate (anonymous) says...

Some games played by finesse teams have little muscle ball and hack'n'slap fouling and the refs let the game be played that way. Some games are played by teams which both foul in the same heavy handed way and so the refs allow a rough game to unfold, so long as the players do not evidence aggression that might flare up into violence. And some games involve a rough team against a finesse team. Refs tend to call a few fouls on the rough team early to make it seem like they are not going to let the finesse team get intimidated, but then the refs almost always allow both teams to play the way they want and over the course of the game, the finesse team gets the hell fouled out of it with very small percentage of the fouls ever being called.

Because of the above refereeing dynamic, most coaches have had no choice but to adopt a drastically more muscular approach to playing the game to keep from constantly playing at a disadvantage vs. thug ballers and muscle ballers. The same will happen with hack'n'slap. Its tough to predict exactly how and when coaches succumb to and begin to teach the new standard of foul play in the game, but they have no choice, unless the NCAA decides to insist that its officials call the game without the latest form of fouling.

The NCAA and its refs havelet Howland-coached teams play this for years now. Pitt does it too. Both are very successful at it. The crab grass of hack'n'slap has taken root. It is spreading slowly at first, the way all such change does. But UCLA's and Pitt's success with hack'n'slap are going to be emulated more and more.

Whether Self copies the style, or adopts it in some virulent strain, you can bet that this off season, he and the coaches are going to be studying how Ben Howland gets his players to hack'n'slap and get away with it. And Self and his staff are going to first say they are doing it to find a way to prepare for it. But preparation to play against an unfair advantage is usually just the first step to adopting it.

UCLA had two guards who were better than our top two guards. But their wings were inferior, while their bigs were no better and fewer in number. UCLA and KU were closely enough matched in talent that hack'n'slap could make the difference and, in my opinion, it did.

March 25, 2007 at 11:09 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

lrahardja (anonymous) says...

A great season to build on. We shall have all of our players back. As the team will be really mature next year, they will be even better in their junior and senior years. Self should schedule with mostly top NCAA teams to build our strength. It is obvious that there are other conferences that play very different but very effective defense than the big-12 teams. We have to polish our offensive executions against such teams.

Congratulations and thank you on a such a fine season. Go hawks!!!

March 25, 2007 at 11:18 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

sevenyearhawk (anonymous) says...

here's a thought worth considering ...

in the last TEN years there have only been TWO national champs that weren't from a Coast (read greater population centers)

UK in 1998, Michigan St in 2000. You could argue that the latter doesn't qualify because of proximity to Detroit.

Here's where I'm going with this:

schools in lower populated areas don't have the talent pool to draw from, nor the appeal for potential recruits.

Sure you want an education, but if you're a young kid and have the option of living close to: Orlando, Charlotte, Boston, New York, Detroit or Kansas City ... which would you choose?

Maybe the Sprint Center having an NBA franchise would have an unintended effect ... and I HATE the NBA, folks - I'm just drawing a correlation between recent NCAA champs and proximity to large metropolitan centers.

Take it for what you will ...

March 25, 2007 at 11:18 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

jross1972 (Johann Ross) says...

Everyone just needs to put this in perspective.

Believe me, I feel your pain! Still, better minds do not overreact as the pendulum of the heart swings back and forth.

We made it passed the first round. We made it passed the second. We made it passed the third. We played a great UCLA team. We played them with a home crowd disadvantage. As often happens in college basketball, we were the victim of not playing our best game.

But these Hawks have poured their hearts out to us this year.

We as fans owe the team and the coaching staff our thanks for bringing us a great season. It's hard right now because we are all upset about a loss. But as I read some of the comments it seems some people are ANGRY with the loss. Angry...why?

It's not as if the guys threw this game away on purpose. None of them accepted bribes for point-shaving. They were trying their best and they had a bad night. Simple as that.

Please let's close the book on this season on a positive note. Win, lose or draw, I love Kansas and the team.

congratulations ku!

March 25, 2007 at 11:30 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

lovemyhawks (anonymous) says...

i do wish people would get off self's case....... ku beat themselves last night. it was a tough loss but i still believed at halftime that we WERE the better team and would come back and win but we came back too tight and flustered and let it slip away. i agree that we COULD beat them 8 of 10 times IF we are playing what we are capable of playing. i believed we could win it all this year.... i had more faith in these guys than i had in many years. i think we are unstoppable when we are at our best and i still believe we COULD have won but we had an off night and missed way too many easy shots. ucla can be credited for SOME of that but not all of it....... it's just unfortunate that everyone except rush and jackson were SOOOOO cold and couldn't hit. the 3 or 4 buzzer beaters for them was a killer and afflalo showing up after being missing for 5 games was a killer too. BUT we still beat ourselves....... the points we missed at the line and on gimmes would have easily beat the bruins and sent us on our way to atlanta. it's sad and i hated it and i'm still crushed today but one off game now and it's over. hopefully the team will return for a great season next year but still THIS season was a fabulous one with some unbelievable games and titles and i'm still very proud of all of them. i did not think it was fair that we had to play in san jose either and hope there is better placement next time around. go hawks!!!!

March 25, 2007 at 11:33 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

HillbillyHick (anonymous) says...

sevenyearhawk... I don't see how this is relevant??? Are you honestly implying we don't get the talent at K.U.??? All you need to do is look at how many of our players in the last 10 years are in the NBA now to answer this..

KU should have beat Syracuse a few years ago and we should have won one in 97 when we had a NBA team on the court!!!

So to you I say blah

go ku, please come back Rush and lets get this done!

March 25, 2007 at 11:39 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

lovemyhawks (anonymous) says...

yes, i also believe we need to end on a positive note because it was a wonderful season to watch. 33-5 is something many teams only dream of and NEVER attain and winning the big 12 season AND the tournament with unbelievable games was a real thrill. last nite was SO depressing because they were capable of doing SO much better and it still haunts me today. the team gave it their all but nothing would fall and unfortunately the season ends ugly and abruptly. BUT it WAS a great season and i still love my hawks!!

March 25, 2007 at 11:40 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

APDJayhawk (anonymous) says...

Completely outcoached! Who was responsible for scouting the Pitt game? UCLA did it to Pitt all night long...they attempted to penetrate and were shut down or stripped more often than not.
Unlike Kentucky fans, who at least have a National Championship within the last 10 years (2 within the past 12 years), Kansas fans just need to understand that regular season success is the best we are going to get. Going into next season, it will be the 20th Anniversary of our last National Championship. And the one before that was 36 years prior. Kentucky has how many? North Carolina has how many? Duke has how many? Kansas is the 3rd winningest program in history and has 2 championships 36 years apart to show for it? Wake up people...this is as good as it gets. Being a Kansas fan is tough because you just have to settle for 2nd, 3rd, 4th, best...etc, etc.

March 25, 2007 at 11:47 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

DCSven (anonymous) says...

On the off chance that players or coaches read any of these, I hope they all know that the "fans" that would bash them after such a successful season DO NOT represent the vast majority of Jayhawk Nation (as they act more like the Kentucky and Carolina WHINE and Cheese snobs than real fans) .....

Much more important than the whining above, as disappointing as last night's game was for the fans, some of us know it was hundreds of times more disapointing for the players and staff, afterall, they are the ones dedicating significant parts of their lives to the game, and have chosen KU for good reason.

Many of us wouldn't pretend to second guess the people who actually suit up and put their reputations on the line every night so the rest of us can cheer, and have nothing but respect for those who do.

It has been a great and very successful season. I hope Coach Self is wrong about Brandon and that he will return the entire squad. They are a great group of players and we should all be very proud of them.

As for the whiners, go worship at Roy's feet, or better yet, send your coaching resume to Kentucky ... you obviously bleed a paler shade of blue than true Jayhawks, and your blood clearly doesn't turn crimson ever.

Rock Chalk Jayhawk!!!!!!!!

March 25, 2007 at 11:53 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

caddie733 (anonymous) says...

Why is it that criticizing a team/coach makes you less of a fan?...News_to_me, why would you ask me: "And you've won exactly how many national championships, cad733?" when I prefaced my comment by saying I don't think I would be a better coach...for the record, I have as many as Bill Self as a head coach.

I'm not saying we should run our team/coach out of town like Kentucky did with Tubby...however, when your team loses because they did not play to their potential rather than getting beat by a superior team, there has to be criticism somewhere.

Just because I don't support KU not accomplishing their ultimate goal does not make me any less of a fan.

March 25, 2007 at 12:04 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

DCSven (anonymous) says...

And one more thing....UCLA is a squad that dedicated themselves to coming back to contest for a championship they lost to Florida last year.....and they played like it. I hope our guys do a gut check and as the strong team and tight family they are dedicate themselves to a similar mission next year, bring home not only that FInal Four banner, but our own chamionship. Sure that was a goal, but like UCLA last year, they now have a better taste for what it really takes.

Don't fly the nest just yet Brandon, lead your team to the ring!

March 25, 2007 at 12:11 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

doctorWho (anonymous) says...

Great season.

You wimps who can't deal with it, just thank God you are not Kentucky or Duke fans this year. You poor SOBs would be slitting your wrists if you were.

This is college basketball, folks. The best team doesn't always win or look good. Not even the most dominating pro teams look good every night. Even Nash and the Phoenix Suns/Dallas Mavericks (your favorite NBA powerhouse here) loose games in the playoffs and loose them looking like complete chokers.

The best thing that can happen to this team is:

1) The freakin' Big XII North needs to pull itself out of the gutter.
2) We need to hope our nonconference schedule improves.
3) The Big XII refs need to lighten up on the whistle. The reason you never see the smothering defense like the way Southern Illinois and UCLA played against us is because Big XII refs don't let it happen.

Self will get to the final four someday and KU will win another championship. In the meantime you need to just enjoy the good things that happened this season. Oh and pray that our incoming freshman can shoot free-throws.

March 25, 2007 at 12:16 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

APDJayhawk (anonymous) says...

Reality check folks: KU's last championship was 19 years ago when they had double-digit regular season losses and were seeded 6th! The one before that was 36 years prior! How much talent does a team need to ensure post-season success? And yes, the elite 8 is an achievement. Wouldn't it be great if KU fans came together and changed the name of the Elite 8 to the National Championship.

March 25, 2007 at 12:19 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

APDJayhawk (anonymous) says...

Hey DoctorWho...how old are you? I only ask because I hope you are young enough to enjoy the next National Championship!!! LOL!!!

March 25, 2007 at 12:24 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

lovemyhawks (anonymous) says...

i agree...... the very very best team does not always win and it's tough to win those last big 6 games....... only ONE team does it, remember?? we did not play up to our potential but i still don't think we blame the coach. we looked good for at least 16 minutes then tightened up and let it slip away. we HAD the easy shots and just couldn't get them to fall........ i thought it would change in the 2nd half but it didn't.

March 25, 2007 at 12:34 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

bdewitt (anonymous) says...

I just want to say that true dedicated KU fans are there for the team through the good times and the tough times. I myself am proud of this team we're still young and we had a great season and i believe this season will make us better next year.

rock chalk jayhawk 4 life!!
p.s. im proud of you guys.=) kU basketball

March 25, 2007 at 12:40 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

sevenyearhawk (anonymous) says...

One NBA-caliber player in five years (that would be Wayne Simien, who is not even a starter)

Compare that to UNC, Duke, UCLA or even Arizona ...

***

KU may be one of the top three winniest programs, but it is also horribly inefficient in the post-season.

12 Final Fours, two titles, that's 2/7 in title games ... compare to:

UCLA 17 FFs, 11 titles
Kentucky 13 FFs, 7 titles
Indiana 8 FFs, 5 titles (two at KU's expense)

UNC & Duke are closer to KU (1 each at KU's expense):
16 FFs & 4 titles and 14 FFs & 3 titles respectively ...

***

congrats to Ohio State for joining the double digit Final Four club (10), they have one title in their history (1960)

March 25, 2007 at 12:40 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

DCSven (anonymous) says...

"2) We need to hope our nonconference schedule improves.
3) The Big XII refs need to lighten up on the whistle. The reason you never see the smothering defense like the way Southern Illinois and UCLA played against us is because Big XII refs don't let it happen."

Amen ... #2 Coach Self can control, and #3 he and the other Big 12 Caoches, (Huggie, Capel, Knight in particular) need to lean on the refs to make these adjustments based on their experience in other conferences.

The Big12-PAC10 Challenge should help with the non-conference schedule as well as exposing some of our refs to other conference play.

and to caddie, APD and the minority of whiners, the "criticism" isn't constructive, its bitter, and it fails to recognize that in a one and done tournament, the superior talent often gets beat. Last night these two teams were evenly matched (recall that UCLA could easily have been the one seed and we the two) and both well prepped and well coached, and we lost a game in a hostile environment. Our squad has admitted in the media that they beat themselves by making some mistakes, showing a level of maturity and class that far exceeds anonymous posters whose comments aren't constructive and only make everyone feel worse. This team, this coach and this program's future are anything but mediocre. I'll take 33 wins and a great program that attracts top-flight talent and coaching every year, because they will win their share of championships in the regular season, confernece tournament and yes, NCAA. We've won many more than most, and we will again.

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

lovemyhawks (anonymous) says...

by the way, incoming freshman tyrel reed CAN make 3's AND free throws but don't know how much he will play. he does have the heart and will give it his all i know.

March 25, 2007 at 12:46 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

DCSven (anonymous) says...

sevenyearhawk, and all the other people here who want to look at the history books ..... keep looking, count those stats, what the #$@&* do any of them matter? Yes, we have a great tradition and history at KU that ties us to the very origins of the game, but last time I checked, stat books don't win championships, players and coaches do, and the players change every year or so, so pull your beak out of your hind feathers and stop the complaining. It's a game, we lost, we'll be back next year ... and if you think we're "inefficient" in the post season, please move on to uk, unc, iu, ucla, or the most efficient tradition in college sports, Tennessee Women's Basketball .... oops, but where are they now?

Being proud of our tradition doesn't mean we have to live in the past or the history books. We've got a great program and ultimately its about student-atheletes prepping for life, be that NBA, or something else .... that's what schools do, and when they win it all, its very special, and yes, rare ... that's what makes it special.

March 25, 2007 at 12:51 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

lovemyhawks (anonymous) says...

i agree DCSven........ i'm with my hawks through thick and thin no matter what. this was heartbreaking because i thought this COULD be the year but unfortunately it happens sometimes and if you have an off night, it's all over. winning it all IS rare and wonderful and sometime we'll do it again.

March 25, 2007 at 12:55 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

APDJayhawk (anonymous) says...

Sounds like the only real complaining being done here is by the fans who have a problem with those of us that are realists. Doesn't make me any less of a fan...just one who lives in reality. Are the only true fans those who are too diluted to look at facts. Basketball is all about stats and numbers...
Sevenyearhawk said it best...the 3rd winningest program in history but horribly inefficent in the post-season. That's not bashing...that's FACT. So, by DCSeven's standards, you can only be a fan if you refuse to accept reality. No true fan would EVER say anything negative, even if it's true? I can only imagine the pain last night's game must have caused for the fans that refuse to look at this whole thing realistically. KU wasn't going to win that game

March 25, 2007 at 1:02 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Geekinout (anonymous) says...

Very good season hawks!!! It will make it an even better one if everyone comes back to build on it and uses it as a great building foundation. Stoked to see this team next year with a few more upper classmen and a little bit older. This team can only get better.

March 25, 2007 at 1:08 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

DCSven (anonymous) says...

APD...then please input all the stats into a super computer and tell me who is going to win next year, it will save me lots of time cheering for the Jayhawks.

They play the game for a reason, bonehead. That's where the stats come from, and they only do ONE thing, record history AFTER games are played.

Players make history. Ours did this year 33-5, 1900+ victories, Conference (50th Championship) and Big 12 Championship.

The problem is with the fans who think everything is mediocre unless you win the National Championship every year ... its about never being negative, its about perspective and context.

March 25, 2007 at 1:09 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

BABBOY (anonymous) says...

Our boys pretty much spent all of their energy in the Southern Illinois game. UCLA needs to send a "thank you" note to Southern Illinois. I cannot explain otherwise why they would not have the legs to make a simple lay up. My only complaint is that we should have considered playing someone who had not played and was still fresh at the end of the first half or at the beginning of the second half. I was thinking a couple or more threes from Morningstar or Case both of who can get hot and throw in threes. But, it may not have mattered because our team just looked spent.

It was a good year and we will ranked in the top five next year. Next year is the focus now.

go hawks!

March 25, 2007 at 1:09 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

lovemyhawks (anonymous) says...

i agree that the SIU game DID take a lot out of us. we can play better than we did last nite and we ARE better than what we saw last nite........ we had the potential to win it all but it's tough to play GREAT for 6 straight games..... for anyone.

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

kylecisnum1 (anonymous) says...

please stay brandon!!!

March 25, 2007 at 1:33 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

lovemyhawks (anonymous) says...

ditto!!!! hope rush is back!

March 25, 2007 at 1:52 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

adky (anonymous) says...

Was this a surprise to anyone? We should be celebrating, because this is as far as we are ever going with Self coaching this ball club.

March 25, 2007 at 1:52 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

lovemyhawks (anonymous) says...

yes i'm surprised and i don't think it's fair to keep blaming self. i thought we had our best chance in a very long time to win it all but we did not play well and when that happens this late in the season, it's all over. i truly believe we beat ourselves with missing so many easy shots...... i will not blame self for that performance. it simply was NOT the hawks night but it WAS a great season and i'm still proud of them.

March 25, 2007 at 1:56 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jhwkfan162515 (anonymous) says...

I hate to say, "I told you so", but I commented earlier that if KU played sloppy the way they did against siu, ucla would make them pay. Obviously UCLA got a good scouting report from the KU-SIU game, and my worst fears were realized.

Still, this was one of the best seasons we've had in a long time. First outright Big 12 title since 2003 (we shared with OU and UT in '05 and '06), second straight Big 12 tournament title, first trip to Elite Eight since 2004 (and first time we actually advanced in the tourney since then), and seventh 30-win season in school history. Not bad at all. And it can only get better if nobody gets a big head and bolts for the NBA.

March 25, 2007 at 2:23 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

guymon44rocks (anonymous) says...

just waited until next year well be back in the run since

we got experinces

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

lovemyhawks (anonymous) says...

it was a very sloppy game for ku but i still think we could beat them another time/another place pretty easily. seems like most are only worried about rush leaving..... rest seem to say they will stay. we need rush so i hope this will make him want to come back and give it another try for the national title!!

March 25, 2007 at 2:31 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jhwkfan162515 (anonymous) says...

And oh by the way, adky, don't you think Self knows what it takes to get there? He was a graduate assistant on Larry Brown's 1986 Final Four team here at KU.

Anyway, time to go into hibernation mode. Wake me for KU's football game with Central Michigan, okay?

March 25, 2007 at 2:31 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

freak2304 (anonymous) says...

Mark my word on this...If Florida takes care of business today like they should, they will utterly destroy ucla in the final four. UCLA is a nice team, but nowhere near the talent level of a Florida, or KU for that matter, when playing well. If you're a sports bettor, look for the Florida/UCLA game as a easy way to make some money by Florida covering their spread.

March 25, 2007 at 2:33 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

lovemyhawks (anonymous) says...

and to think....... ku beat florida already this season.......
should be us NOT ucla......

March 25, 2007 at 2:37 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

DCSven (anonymous) says...

Wow ....adky, what class you show, these anti-Self comments amaze me. Coach Self, upon taking the Kansas job commented that the biggest difference between him and Roy WIlliams was that Coach Self thought Kansas was the center of the basketball universe, not North Carolina ... and he's right. He then had success with Roy's recruits, to a point, because as was apparent, some of them never bought into the new coach and system, and oh yes, Roy left the cuppard a little bare (the reason we have no seniors this year). So then last year was Coach Self's first full recruiting class to make their run and they got trumped in the first round by an upstart squad, and this year they go to the Elite Eight ... and next year, more great recruits are on their way. This program and this coach are moving in the right direction and these young men (not a senior among them) have a chance to build on this extremely successful year if they stay in school.

I'm starting to think some of these comments are coming from posers from Mizzou just trying to stir up trouble.

March 25, 2007 at 2:41 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

mariofan11 (anonymous) says...

This group of KU players are very talented, but they aren't winners. They choke in big games.

March 25, 2007 at 2:46 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

dbgjayhawk (anonymous) says...

oh well, at least it's baseball season now.

March 25, 2007 at 2:50 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

lovemyhawks (anonymous) says...

they did NOT choke against florida or texas x 2.......... they are still kids and they can not always play their A game. they were VERY talented and i think SIU got to them more than we know. if we played next week away from san jose, i would bet we could beat ucla pretty easily. still love my hawks....... through thick AND thin. last nite was extremely tough and devastating but unfortunately, it happens and only ONE team can win it all.

March 25, 2007 at 3:13 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

sevenyearhawk (anonymous) says...

ah yes ... baseball season now ...

I just went to three bookstores looking for a college baseball publication like the ones for football & basketball.

if anyone has any suggestions, i'd appreciate it.

I hope Ritch Price's squad can provide some exciting moments until football season starts.

August is a long, long way away ... and the Royales sure don't fit the bill!

March 25, 2007 at 3:54 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

APDJayhawk (anonymous) says...

DCSeven...I went ahead and plugged the important stats into that computer: 2 National Championships in 56 years; more NBA talent than most clubs; last championship 19 years ago after losing 20+ regular season games and being seeded 6th. The team that will win it all next year......someone other than Kansas!
I appreciate the "love fest" that some fans are having with this team....they had an incredible regular season. But the measure of success is heavily stacked in favor of the post-season tournament! That's reality. And Kansas underachieves on a regular basis. I know your are mad and upset that they lost, but don't take it out on those of us who are quoting facts and facing reality. No one is bashing the hawks by pointing out the obvious.

March 25, 2007 at 4:10 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

karmaxs3 (anonymous) says...

Ditto everything DCSven said! And....I concur with the hack'n slap analysis of Jaybate. UCLA was sticking their feet out every time we went down the court trying to trip us up, just like the bully in the 6th grade. They only got called on it twice. You can really hurt a player playing like that. Completely unsportsmanlike conduct, imho.

What a great year!!! We won the Big 12~twice :) Beat Kevin Durant~twice, put a mediocre Kentucky in their place, destroyed USC, defeated the defending Nat'l Champions (who are lucky they didn't get a repeat chance at a game!) and played some fantastic basketball. For anyone who can't appreciate that, and seeing the talent of these players, I'm sorry you're so bitter and your life is so empty.

Rock Chalk Jayhawks!

March 25, 2007 at 4:12 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

RollingHawks (anonymous) says...

OK..First of All go hawks, and thanks for a great season. I am proud to be the fan of the team that won both the outright and tournament championhip (Big 12).

BUT...There has been something burning me since the bracket was created, and especially since it became a reality on Saturday. (And I'll mention, I seem to be the only person who cares about this after reading previous suggestions)

Here it is..Why in the world did KU not have court advantaqe in that game. They were the one seed. UCLA has not had to leave California since the tournament began. Why did the bracket committee give them that advantage. There were three other 2 seeds that could have been in the West bracket.

All I am saying is, make UCLA travel 1800 miles and play in Kemper Arena with 18000 screaming Jayhawk Fans and last nights outcome would not have been the same.

March 25, 2007 at 4:12 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

lovemyhawks (anonymous) says...

i definitely agree......... i think ucla had big time advantage that should NOT have happened. they give too much credit and advantage to the teams on the coast and not to our poor midwest team. i think ku could beat them at any neutral place.... even next week if we had the chance. i didn't like the bracket from the start either and found it unfair that the #2 seed got it so good. they should have traveled like everyone else and yes, i'd LOVE to play them at kemper!!
by the way i did comment on this indirectly before...... thinking we could have won especially AWAY from san jose.

March 25, 2007 at 4:40 p.m. ( | suggest removal )