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2008 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament

Thursday, April 3, 2008

Jayhawks ‘at an even keel’ upon arrival in Texas

By Gary Bedore

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Final Four tip-off special

Ryan Greene, D.J. Whetter and Kevin Romary hit the studio before heading down to San Antonio to talk about the Roy Williams connection, the Bill Self-OSU rumors that never seem to want to die, who to like in the weekend's other semifinal and the weekly trivia. Oh yeah, and analysis ...

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KU Basketball

San Antonio — Strumming a guitar, a guy wearing a black cowboy hat, jacket, slacks and spurs serenaded Kansas University's basketball players and coaches to the song "Deep in the Heart of Texas" as the Jayhawks streamed off shuttle buses into the Hilton Palacio del Rio Hotel just after 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.

"Being from Oklahoma, I've seen that before," KU coach Bill Self told a throng of reporters at the hotel, located just two blocks from the Alamo.

The Jayhawks, who will work out behind closed doors at the San Antonio Spurs' practice facility today and Friday and also hold an open practice from 1 to 1:50 p.m. Friday at the Alamodome, are happy to be in Texas for KU's first Final Four in the five-year Bill Self era.

"I think this is the best place to have the Final Four. I'm not just saying that because we're here - in large part because of the River Walk," Self said of the famous area with shops and restaurants in downtown San Antonio.

Self remembers his last trip to San Antonio. His Illinois Fighting Illini defeated KU in the 2001 Sweet 16, then fell to Arizona in the Elite Eight.

"It was a bittersweet weekend," Self said, "because we played great against Kansas. We controlled the game from start to finish. The next night against Arizona, six guys fouled out."

Self repeated a common theme of the postseason, indicating he and his assistants would try to shield the players from distractions at the Final Four. KU will meet North Carolina at 7:47 p.m. Saturday at the Alamodome. The winner will meet either UCLA or Memphis in the title game Monday night.

"I've talked to many coaches who have brought teams to the Final Four. Every one told me you don't understand the potential distractions from a media standpoint, from autograph seekers. You can't let the guys in the lobby. It is a grind. We'll do all we can to help protect the guys," Self said.

"I've already burned a lot of energy with ticket requests. As of this morning, our players had it all worked out so we don't have to think about it here," he said.

Self said he liked the mood of the team.

"Sunday was relief. Monday was jubilation. Tuesday we were still high, now we're at an even keel," he said.

Self said the fact his alma mater, Oklahoma State, is looking for a basketball coach to replace Sean Sutton would not classify as a distraction to his players, who are elated to be one of the final four standing.

Self has said emphatically he's "not a candidate" for the post.

"I already made a statement about that yesterday," Self said. "That will not be a distraction. My statement was, and I do believe it, obviously I haven't been contacted. I don't think they would contact me now anyway. If they do I would tell them they should probably look on in a different direction," he said with a laugh.

Self said the focus will only be on Saturday's game.

"In general terms, you've just got to believe that you're going to do it," Self said. "So many times when you're hoping to win, you play not to lose - and we can't be that way. All the teams in the Final Four are saying the same thing. You've got to go take what you want and be aggressive from the outset.

"We're not going to change who we are and play differently because Carolina plays fast. I think we play our best when we play fast. I think it will be a great game and obviously competitive with great athletes on the floor. We just need to be who we are."

¢ Health OK: Self said all of his players were healthy heading into the weekend.

"Sherron's good," he said of sophomore Sherron Collins, who last week was bothered by tonsillitis and a bruised knee. "Right now, knock on wood, we're in pretty good shape for this time of year."

¢ More on Sutton: John Rohde of the Daily Oklahoman says the school is dreaming if it thinks it can land coaches from powerhouse programs.

"Oklahoma State is a good basketball job with a nice following. But it's not in the same stratosphere as Kansas or Kentucky," Rohde wrote. "This is why KU's Bill Self won't be the Cowboys' next coach, and neither will UK's Billy Gillispie.

Rohde's realistic list of possibilities: Anthony Grant, VCU; Sean Miller, Xavier; Kevin Stallings, Vanderbilt; Chris Lowery, Southern Illinois; Keno Davis, Drake. Former Arizona assistant Kevin O'Neill also could be a candidate, the Tulsa World reports.

Comments

Nutflush21 (anonymous) says...

Anthony Grant, Sean Miller and Kevin Stallings all seem like pretty viable candidates for OSU. However, I anticipate Miller going home to Pitt after Jamie Dixon takes the Cal job.

Also, Hiring Kevin O'Neill would be a monumental mistake and I dont think OSU is dumb enough to do it. O'Neill was terrible at Marquette and led Arizona right into the ground this season. There is a reason Lute Olson didnt ask him to return.

April 3, 2008 at 5:23 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Brock (anonymous) says...

I thought that Dixon already turned down Cal.

April 3, 2008 at 6:10 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

DWManion99 (anonymous) says...

Anthony grant is the real deal and OSU would be lucky to get him.

April 3, 2008 at 9:22 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

FlaHawk (anonymous) says...

I think Ben Miller could do better than OSU!

April 3, 2008 at 9:45 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

leikness (anonymous) says...

That KU v UI game in 01 was brutal. All those big dudes from Peoria, IL that just fouled Collison mercilessly, and lots of times didn't get called. KS got screwed in that game.

April 3, 2008 at 9:56 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

palewhale (anonymous) says...

leikness,

I have the same memory of that game. They were brutes. I don't remember watching the AZ game but I guess the refs called it closer.

April 3, 2008 at 10:52 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

cpjayhawk (anonymous) says...

FlaHawk, where did you see Ben Miller's name mentioned for the OSU job? I live here in Springfield where he coached at MSU as an assistant and it's rumored that he is looking for head coaching jobs at the Div. II level. I think you misread the article and mistook Sean Miller for Ben. Ben is a great coach though and it's too bad he wasn't given enough consideration for the MSU job. It would have made going to MSU games more exciting for me at least.

April 3, 2008 at 10:58 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

quigley (anonymous) says...

hawk fans! i need some help here. Last time we were in the final four I know that they had the open practices for all the teams on ESPN to watch. I havent heard anything about that this time. Does anyone know if we can watch the open practices on friday???

April 3, 2008 at 12:30 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

bbeachy (anonymous) says...

The 2001 Illinois game was typical of the Roy Williams teams that couldn't handle tough games with few fouls called (see also '97 Arizona game). Illinois was simply way tougher than us in that game. I think if the refs let us play on Saturday, you could see the same frustration from UNC's inside guys who are used to getting fouls. H-bro will likely get his, but I'd like to see us play him straight up. Make him take his crazy shot with no contact and let him go for 25. It's the 10-15 in the other category we should be more worried about. Sasha will be huge again.

April 3, 2008 at 12:41 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Strikewso (anonymous) says...

bbeachy, I'm pretty sure the story of that 2001 game is that we had a ton of fouls called against us. I'm not one to complain about officiating, it's just how it played out. We were foul happy and Illinois took advantage of that. It was an ugly game, I remember that much.

April 3, 2008 at 1:14 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

KU (anonymous) says...

bbeachy......Agree. We need to be physical and HOPE the refs let the teams play. We can't afford to put Hansbrough on the line very much. Just keep your feet, Bigs, and you can alter or block that crazy shotput he throws up there.

The X factor, in my mind, is our ability to negate UNC's rebounding on both ends of the floor. They have a number of athletic wings that pound the glass. If they get a bunch of easy 2nd chance points or fast break points, it will be a long night. If we can hold them to one shot, I think our chances go up exponentially.

April 3, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

fabolous_bg (anonymous) says...

Quigley,

Im pretty sure in years past, they showed the practices on ESPN News. That is where I would look first, after that, I'm not so sure. Unless, of course, they show them on ESPN.

April 3, 2008 at 1:32 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

JayCeph (anonymous) says...

ESPNU?

April 3, 2008 at 4:24 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

zedek (anonymous) says...

I live in Topeka and remember that 2001 game very well, I was actually there. I was on vacation visiting my grandparents in Texas and at the time my two favorite teams were Illinois and Kansas, in that order. Illinois because they had Bill Self (he's been my favorite coach for MANY years now, I just like his attitude). Imagine how awesome it was for me when he joined KU. Anyway, I remember that those two were going to play, so I got some scalped nosebleed tickets, and it was a REALLY rough game. I remember my KU buddies talking about how unfair the calling was, but to me, it looked like they just got out-hustled in that game. Lots of diving on the floor. Then Illinois faced Zona w/ Luke Walton and I was so peeved because Bill Walton was one of the commentators. It was so annoying listening to him talk, because of course he was biased. Not that that has anything to do with the game in particular...just was annoying. Gave me something to complain about, I guess. Anyway, Rock Chalk!

April 3, 2008 at 5:28 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Mitch_4_KU (anonymous) says...

With Sasha,Darnell,Darrel,and Cole we have 20, count em 20, fouls to give to keep Hansborough from "dominating" he has 5. I like those odds. I see us getting him in foul trouble and winning by 8.... I am not afraid of the big bad wolf.... go hawks!

April 3, 2008 at 7:06 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

hollpat (anonymous) says...

beachy - helluva point. Although I remember Collison bricking about 6 straight free throws, some fat bald white guy for Illinois (miller maybe ) going off, and Bill Walton (collisons free throws... just hawwrrible) was doing the game with Dick Enberg. We were destined to lose that night.

April 3, 2008 at 7:38 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Nutflush21 (anonymous) says...

Hansbrough is an excellent FT shooter, Id prefer not to have him at the line all day. Unfortunatley he shoots from his hip and flails his arms around like he gets hacked everytime he touches it so he will make his living at the line.

April 3, 2008 at 8:02 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

ralsterKUMed95 (anonymous) says...

I have never 'wanted' to believe anything more sinister about officiating, but we all see what 2 quick fouls in the early minutes does to a key player (benched immediately and gone for most of 1st half): example would be Beasley in 2nd KSU/KU game, and multiple times with our own Shady. It is KEY for Shady to not have foul trouble, as he is the quietly leading scorer, is very quick with post moves, and certainly has the capability to frustrate and get people in foul trouble (remember FL game last year). Sasha will be a factor as well on both ends of the floor. His FT% is "livable", so hack-a-Shaq should not be a factor, but even if it is, any little ticky tack foul on UNC will put any of our guys on the line (chance to get another monkey off). Darnell is best as the 2nd big, can work inside for boards, or swoop in for garbage finishes. Some post ability this year, may be key in getting fouls on UNC bigs as well. I LIKE Darnell on the FT line in general. That man better be pumped, and so will be our team because of him. Cole will have fouls to give, and swats galore. Nice sub for Kaun. Rush and the guards may well be the Xfactor on rebounds that may make a critical difference in possessions. Minimal turnovers will fuel UNCs transition machine less.
Rush himself is a total Xfactor: defensively vs. Ellington, and offensively...??? (Lotto-level question--would help himself monumentally with a strong performance on this huge stage). Show the world NOW, Mr. Rush.
Will the refs let us play, or which team will get key early fouls? IF the officiating is poor, will the vaunted UNC from the beloved ACC get screwed, or would it be KU (again..). Let the kids play, and I pick our guys every time! Go KU!

April 3, 2008 at 8:03 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

BCRavenJHawkfan (anonymous) says...

The local paper out here in West Texas ran an article about D Jackson today. Very nice, Jackson should be very proud of what he has accomplished given the circumstances. Because of his trials and tribilations I expect he will be the most focused. More players need the influence of a grandmother like Jackson's, you just get the sense she placed a great value on integrity, character, and hard work.

April 3, 2008 at 8:12 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

melrank (anonymous) says...

Its always easy as a fan to scream "we were jobbed by the refs" when you lose. Bottom line, that Illinois team took our younger (but very talented) kids to the woodshed in that game and demonstrated what it means to be a physically tough basketball team. It was men vs. boys.

If we play with that kind of toughness this weekend, make room in the trophy case for another net.

April 3, 2008 at 8:23 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

ralsterKUMed95 (anonymous) says...

Exactly, melrank. That is the beauty of Bill Self teams--toughness! These are NOT like a lot of Roy recruits that could run and shoot, but were a little soft when things got physical. The only problem with Jeff Graves (who was a tough player), was that his 'motor' was suspect--ie, he was inconsistent in that hustle category. Simien was physically tough, gave 20/10 routinely, yet was on another level mentally from the rest of the team. Collison was a finesse player. Now compare Kaun+Jackson+Aldrich+1 Shady all on the same team, and see how we have outrebounded over 90% of ALL our opponents this year. Kaun was major vs. Davidson.
Make no mistake about desire either--this KU team wants to prove its better than some other top flite or 'name' school--will be more than ready for UNC! You could even say that for once it is NOT KU with a bullseye on our jerseys: KU is the underdog-->UNC gets to wear the bullseye.

April 3, 2008 at 8:48 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jhawkdan42 (anonymous) says...

Break out the Red Uniforms!!!!

April 3, 2008 at 9:16 p.m. ( | suggest removal )