Friday, March 30, 2007

Keating, Self head to meetings

Coaches to discuss possible court changes

By Gary Bedore

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Bill Self won't be the only member of Kansas University's athletic department attending a batch of meetings Final Four weekend in Atlanta.

As head of the NCAA men's basketball rules committee, KU senior associate athletic director Larry Keating will make appearances at National Association of Basketball Coaches gatherings involving NCAA Div. I, II and III coaches.

There will be discussion of a questionnaire sent to all coaches about possible rule changes, including the expanding of the lane and extension of the three-point line.

The rules committee in May will, once and for all, decide whether the line will be extended from 19-feet, 9-inches to 20-6 or 20-9 and whether the lane will be widened a foot on each side.

"They've been on the agenda the last three years. It's coming to a head," Keating said of the two issues. "We've spent enough time experimenting and surveying. It's time to do something or decide we are not going to do anything."

Keating said a year ago there "was significant positive vote to do something in all divisions (with the three-point line). I've not seen results of the questionnaire yet this year."

Experimentation the past few seasons has indicated that moving the three-point line to 20-6, the same distance that is used internationally, or 20-9, would make little to no difference in the shooting percentages as compared to the line at 19-9.

Data has demonstrated that the widened lane would not change the balance of rebounding after a missed free throw.

"Our purpose in considering court changes is about considering the physical characteristics of the players playing the present game," Keating said. "It is unrealistic to widen the court or to lengthen the court. We can widen the lane and extend the three-point line to allow our players, who are bigger and stronger than ever, more room to maneuver.

"The future may or may not include a wider lane or longer three-point line. The door is not closed on this issue."

KU coach Bill Self said he didn't think college basketball needed significant rule changes.

"I think it's a much better game now than it used to be," Self said. "Take the shot clock ... I remember people would stall the ball 10 minutes at a time. You'd see a half it was 10-8, people with packed-in defenses. The three-point line is about spreading the floor. I love the clock and three-point line. I hope they don't move it back."

Of the widened lane, Self said: "Some say if you widen the lane, it will make post play less rough. I think if you widen the lane there will be more pushing and shoving because there will be less incentive to do anything but play behind the post."

Self this weekend will attend NCAA ethics committee, NABC board and USA Basketball committee meetings.

¢ Banquet sold out: Kansas University's men's basketball banquet, which is set for Tuesday, April 10, at the Holiday Inn Holidome Convention Center, is sold out.

The banquet, which will begin with a social hour from 6 to 7 p.m., with a meal to follow as well as presentation of team awards, is for Williams Fund members, who quickly gobbled up the 600 available seats after receiving a mailer this week.

Self wanted a return to a format in which the players, coaches and their families break bread with the fans before the presentation of awards.

A meal was served for many years of the Roy Williams era. During the final years of his tenure and Self's first three seasons at KU, the players dined on their own, then gathered for an awards ceremony in front of the public at either the Lied Center or Kansas Union.

"I think this clearly shows how appreciative our season ticket holders are of the great season we had and how anxious they are to show appreciation for the season," KU associate athletic director Jim Marchiony said of the sellout.

¢ Recruiting update: Xavier Henry, a 6-6 junior guard from Putnam City High in Oklahoma City, who averaged 23 points and eight rebounds a game last season has a top three of KU, North Carolina and Memphis. He's also being recruited by Oklahoma State, Texas, Duke, Florida, Georgia Tech and others.

"My family and I will sit down when the time is right and make my decision," Henry, the son of former KU guard Carl Henry, told rivals.com. "I will base a lot of my decision on the style. I want to play for a school that fits my style. I like to get up and down the court. That's why I have so much interest in Kansas, North Carolina and Memphis," he added. "I like how those schools get up and down the court. Those schools fit my style of play the best."

Comments

yates33333 (anonymous) says...

Change the rules by having the referees call fouls when fouls occur. Get the game back to the collegiate game it was before it became a minor league for professional basketball.

March 30, 2007 at 6:48 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

porkchop (anonymous) says...

You mean boring, bad basketball?

March 30, 2007 at 8:12 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

longhawk (anonymous) says...

I think Xavier Henry is a junior to-be. Class of 2009, not 2008.

March 30, 2007 at 8:27 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

GIHAWK (anonymous) says...

We need more small forwards of this size. Especially if BR leaves

March 30, 2007 at 8:45 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

LAHAWK (anonymous) says...

"A school that fits my style". What's wrong with this picture?

March 30, 2007 at 8:55 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

RalkChalk (anonymous) says...

You forget LAHAWK, its all about the player, not the game. (That was said with copious amounts of sarcasm)

March 30, 2007 at 9:28 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

justanotherfan (anonymous) says...

You don't have thoroughbreds draw buggies. You put thoroughbreds on the track and let them run. The reason a lot of young players (particularly athletic wing guys) like to play at places like Memphis, UNC, Louisville, etc. is because it is fun to get out and run. Henry knows where he excels, probably in the open floor where he can use his athleticism the most. He may be able to play a slow down game, but where he can shine (and have the most fun) is up and down games. Sherron Collins has that style, as does Rush, Chalmers, Wright, Arthur, Robinson, Jackson. They can all get out and run. I see nothing wrong with a kid saying he wants to play somewhere that has a style he can excel in. That'd be like having a star fullback commit to a school that plays the run and shoot offense (which has a one back set). It makes no sense! So LAHAWK, nothing is wrong with this picture. Henry wants to play somewhere where he can excel.

March 30, 2007 at 9:33 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

KUMatt2001 (anonymous) says...

If any change is made they should make the baselines deeper- that is, increase the space between the backboard and the baseline. Not by much, two feet or so would do.

Sometimes a player comes flying in and tears down a huge rebound, only to have his toe come down on the baseline- turnover, now the other team gets an inbounds under the basket. Or B Rush drives baseline, makes a spectacular scoop layup, or fires it to the wing- wave it off, he didn't tiptoe along the baseline good enough. And not because a defender guarded him out of bounds, there's just not enough room back there.

It would be easy to change. Most courts have extra floor space back there. Or just scoot the goals in and repaint everything back 2 feet. This would shorten the backcourt a little, which might reward defenses- more over-and-backs and half court traps.

I could be way off on this, but what do you guys think?

March 30, 2007 at 9:37 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

jhawklifer (anonymous) says...

Wonder why Bill isn't in favor of moving the three point line back? In theory, moving it back would make it a little more difficult for the Bucknells of the world to get hot, right? I don't care what the studies say, nine inches is nine inches. And doesn't it make sense to increase the distance from high school to college, as the distance increases from college to the NBA?

March 30, 2007 at 9:52 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

JuliansWright (anonymous) says...

Making the awards banquet for Williams fund only is BS in my opinion.

March 30, 2007 at 9:52 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

couranna1 (anonymous) says...

the college game is great right now keep it the way it is Xavier henry try to adapt to the team a little too alright

March 30, 2007 at 10:40 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Jacobpaul81 (anonymous) says...

I disagree with bill on the 3 pt line. Im in the bobby knight camp.... move it back, or get rid of it. I think it needs to be the same distance as the NBA. There have been too many teams in the last few years that won or lost, solely on the 3pt shot.

That being said, I like the lane and baseline just where they are at. A player shouldn't be able to sneak up and under the basket for a rebound, and the lane is already of a good size. The problem is, the 3ptr is so short, teams can cram the lane so the inside is rough. It's the 3ptr that's causing these problems.

March 30, 2007 at 10:42 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Royaljayhwk (anonymous) says...

And moving the base line will not do anything. That is like complaining that they should move the free throw line closer because they hit the front of the rim too much. It's part of the game, it's the rules. You don't change it due to the fact the players constantly do it. They need to learn to deal with what it is. If you move back two feet, after next season you will be saying the same thing because they will still step on it. Hell, let's just get rid of out of bounds because sometimes they throw it out and step on the line. Keep it where it is.

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

Jaydub (anonymous) says...

Give this Xavier guy a break. He is only being smart by picking a school where can easily jell with the style of play. He is a blue chip recruit who has the luxury of choosing a school that best fits him.

March 30, 2007 at 11:27 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

MGJayhawk (anonymous) says...

Yates,

I agree. I'm not saying that refs dictate the outcome of games often, but it seems as thought they are incosistent. Against SIU they called every tick-tack fould imaginable, but then let KU/UCLA play the hack n slap game the whole time. I realize these guys are human and are not always on top of their game, but we need some consistencey across the nation. I hate hearing that these guys are "Big 10 refs" or "ACC refs" as an excuse to officiate a horrible game. I respect refs all the same, but we need NCAA consistency, not creating silos amongst conferences. Just my opinion.

March 30, 2007 at 11:40 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

ku98 (anonymous) says...

At the very least, move the line to FIBA distance. The NCAA line is just way too close to be worth 3 points.

March 30, 2007 at 11:43 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

scottku1 (anonymous) says...

Xavier Henry is currently a soph in high school!! Good lord he is what 16 years old, maybe still 15. Come on give him a break. He should go to college anywhere he wants. That is his right and his choice. He has some great skill that we would be lucky top have in the Phog in a couple of years. His brother was about to come here a couple of years back but chose to play baseball and was drafted by the NY Yankees. I know he thinks highly of the Jayhawks. And their father played here. So I would guess that there is a good chance to see him in a Kansas uniform in the future. But he is 16, let him be 16 for crying out loud.

March 30, 2007 at 11:45 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

jhawkdan42 (anonymous) says...

lahawk,Would you rather he go to a school that doesn't fit his style?

March 30, 2007 at 11:49 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

kickazzkurtz (anonymous) says...

Bucknell was 8 for 38 from three point range. Hardly hot at all. They controlled the ball and KU couldn't score enough points.

Here is my deal about the three point line:

I don't really care to much, but I wonder if it will hurt teams like KU and North Carolina and HELP mid majors. Watching players now days they are shooting threes farther and farther back all the time. They step way out and nail them. Unless you move it to half court the line will be within a hot shooters range period. Like the article said during experimentation there was no statistical difference. Players will adjust and it won't make a different percentage wise.

My worry though is it will spread the court and make it harder to play defense. If the guys on the perimeter are a few more feet out then the defense will naturally be a step further out. The court will be spreadout so players can drive in easier and if a player on D comes up to help someone is open and the angle to pass is bigger.

Playing a zone will be harder. If your doing a 2-3 zone guys are going to be more spread out on D to cover the perimeter. The offense can pass into the middle easier than before because it will be more open. If the defense collapses on him the baseline will be wide open and a quick pass will beat the zone no problem because of a wider passing lane.

Imagine on a turnover in the paint or near the top of the key when a run and gun team outruns the team down the floor. Now the perimeter guys are a few more feet back and if the offense turns the ball over the guys will get back down the court just a few steps faster than before and recover. I think this will hurt KU and UNC and teams that like to run or play hard man to man defense the most.

If they move the line I hope it is no more than to the international distance.

March 30, 2007 at 12:19 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

kutravis (anonymous) says...

I just read that Gillispie agreed to a salary raise from A&M and that Arkansas had been pursuing Self and Gillispie for their head coach vacancy. In fact, the arkansas AD had this to say...

We could have a quick announcement ... or it could fall through. I've offered the job, and we're waiting to hear," he said.

Broyles said then he had not talked to any coaches, but that "the one I'm trying to get knows I want him to have the job."

Hopefully, Self realizes that KU is one of most esteemed places to coach in all of basketball and doesnt pull a Roy on us. I've been critical of Self and his coaching on many occasions but i do feel he is a great fit for KU and there isn't anyone out there who could do a better job at KU than he does.

March 30, 2007 at 1:03 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

MICHPHOGMAN77 (anonymous) says...

Might be a matter of semantics for some, but "what's wrong with this picture " (LAHAWK and ralkchalk) commenting on the 'a school that fits my style' comment from Xavier Henry is that it reflects the pervasive 'it's all about me' nonsense we have to put up with.
The point being, justanotherfan, is that if I was a coach I'd much rather hear something like..."I'm trying to find the school where I can contrbute the most..." coming from a recruit.

March 30, 2007 at 1:19 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jaycolo (anonymous) says...

Lets just put an end to the whole Self and Arkansas trash job. Seriously a joke. I don't even think Gillespie would leave the state of Texas to go there either.

March 30, 2007 at 2:53 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

93jayhawk (anonymous) says...

I don't think Self is going anywhere either, but, as someone else said, every man has his price. Interesting article from Jason Whitlock in the Star today...
http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansasc...

As to Xavier and his recruitmen; why does anyone choose where to attend college? If you were active in student government and helping with local political campaigns and were being recruited academically, might you go to the one with the best poli-sci program because it fits you best? Or choosing Stanford law over Harvard because you're more politically liberal? Shouldn't a sports recruit consider such things when deciding what school will best prepare him for his future?

Michael
Class of '93

March 30, 2007 at 3:18 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

bmcmich1 (anonymous) says...

Couldn't agree more michphogman, it's one thing him thinking that he wants to go to a school that fits his style of play--that's fine, but SAYING it publicly makes him look like a prima donna. If you are an athlete, your every word is put under the microscope. There is the right way to say things to the media, and the wrong way--I hope Xavier's father or coach will impart that knowledge upon him.

March 30, 2007 at 3:43 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

caddie733 (anonymous) says...

There is nothing wrong with being honest and saying you want to go to a school where you can excel and where the team will benefit the most from you, as well. How is he being a prima donna? If you want a prima donna, check out this clip of OJ Mayo:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=2RKoXNToOnk

and read a few articles about his recruitment.

March 30, 2007 at 4:10 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Jaydub (anonymous) says...

I agree, Xavier is not being selfish. All he is trying to say is that he wants to find a school where he can enjoy the style of play. It is his choice. He is going to be working his tail off for whatever school he chooses, so I think it's fair for him to pick a school that suites his style best. Stop overanalyzing this "kid's" comment. He is a high school kid, not some public relations director.

March 30, 2007 at 4:55 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

BCRavenJHawkfan (anonymous) says...

Wow, so many threads here it makes my head spin. First, a top of the key shot should not be a three pointer; Jr. High kids are capable of making these with ease, move the line back. The rest of the rules are fine, just enforce the damn things; you don't think a wider lane means more three second calls do you. I am sick and tired of palming, players passing to themselves via fast breaks by bouncing the ball so far out in front of them it takes 5 Julian Wright strides to catch up to it, and that is considered a dribble. Establishing a pivot foot means nothing anymore. If there is a problem in the lane during freethrows it is because everyone has left the blocks too early. Post position means nothing in the game now. I am afraid the game has become to fast for today's referees to handle.

As for this Xavier kid wanting to be free to run, can't wait for his turnover fest.

Looks like the coaching vacancies will rekindle the Roy Williams spectacle. For all those placing full blame on Roy consider this. Where is the criticism of Dean Smith in all this? After all, it was Dean who was pleading with his former assistant. Why do I mention this? Dean Smith is a Kansas alumn I believe. Where are his loyalties?

Oh, there is one rule worth changing that never seems to come up, those ball tie ups brought about by outstanding defense. Why can't they get that one right?

March 30, 2007 at 5:35 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

actorman (anonymous) says...

I don't care what the studies say, nine inches is nine inches.
___________________________________________________________

That depends who you ask. With some people, six inches is nine inches.

March 30, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

actorman (anonymous) says...

I'd love to see Xavier Henry come to KU, and I think it's ridiculous that people are criticizing a high school sophomore for saying he wants to be able to run up and down the court. With the amount of work and dedication it takes to play for a big-time college program, players have every right to want to have fun playing. Is that such a horrible thing, to want to have fun??? He didn't say something like, "I want to go to a place where I'll be the star," or "I want to be sure I'll play at least 30 minutes a game," or "I want to be a starter from my first game as a freshman." What he said was, in effect, "I want to know that when I'm spending half my life over a four (or five) year period working out and practicing, it will be worth it because I'll be having FUN." Gee, what a horrible thing for a high school kid to say.

Another reason I'd love to see Henry come to KU is that one of my fondest memories is of being at KSUck for the first game of The Streak and seeing his dad hit a corner jumper with two seconds left to beat the kitties. C&H (my personal nickname for Carl Henry because of his sweet jumper) was one of the most underrated players to ever play at KU, because he was unfortunate enough to be surrounded by the sorriest collection of KU "talent" in the last 40 years. So KU didn't win a lot when C&H was there, but he was a brilliant player--a great shooter who rebounded well beyond his size. I would love to see what his son can do in a Jayhawk uniform.

March 30, 2007 at 7:39 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

kutravis (anonymous) says...

93jayhawk....
perhaps im incorrect in my assesment, but it sounds to me like whitlock is saying self perhaps may bolt to arkansas if the money is right and that we shouldnt all be surprised if he does.

personally, i dont care how much money is on the table. if you leave a team/school like kansas for a team/school like arkansas you are saying something to recurits across the nation...and that's, kansas is no different than any other school, given tradition or not, kansas is simply kansas and that doesnt mean s*it when it comes to where you should decide to go to school.

I think it would hurt KU badly to have two coaches leave a traditon rich school like KU within such a short period of time. Granted one left for a school just as rich in tradition but if Self were to leave for Arkansas, I think that would hurt KU more than any of us could possible imagine.

March 31, 2007 at 5:28 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

MICHPHOGMAN77 (anonymous) says...

Okay...we'll just have to agree to disagree.
Xavier Henry has every right to the opportunity to play at Kansas-not an issue. XH might just be a KID which gives him time to move the emphasis from ME to the TEAM. Yes, he'll have FUN while working his tail off for the scholarship opportunity and potential to go to the riches of the next level.
It's not a surprise to see 16 yr olds with the mindset of 'it's all about ME'...we're all born with that. It's a sign of maturity to move beyond that and hopefully he'll get there soon since so many kids with talent don't...largely because many adults STILL don't get it.

March 31, 2007 at 8:25 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

justanotherfan (anonymous) says...

Has anybody that's criticizing this kid ever thought about how this comment ever came to be? Likely in an interview, where he was posed a question such as the following - What's the deciding factor in picking a place to play college basketball? Answer - style, I want to play somewhere...etc. It's not like he said "I want to go somewhere where everyone worships me and I'm the star and I get 20 shots a game." Give me a break people. He wants to play on a team that plays a faster pace. Just be glad we aren't Ohio State or Wisconsin.

March 31, 2007 at 3:50 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

actorman (anonymous) says...

Thank you, justanotherfan, well said. Michphog, show me where in that quote there's anything saying, "It's all about me." He's explaining what his decision will be based on. What on earth is wrong with basing your decision at least partly on what style of basketball a team plays? That's not being selfish or egotistical, that's being smart and knowing what you want.

April 1, 2007 at 1:25 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

seattlehawk_78 (anonymous) says...

I think Self has moved up the ladder as far as he can go. If he is driven purely by money then he should pursue the NBA. He's moved around a lot but I don't think he is another Lon Krueger, who left his own alma mater and clearly was driven by money. Speaking of Lon, I wonder if his name has surfaced for any of the vacancies. He may have bombed in the NBA but he can coach at the college level.

April 1, 2007 at 5:20 p.m. ( | suggest removal )