- Site feedback
- About us

For Rush, final a family affair

Brandon expects support tonight from relatives

By Gary Bedore (Contact)

Posted Monday, April 7, 2008

2008 NCAA Tournament

Full video coverage of the Kansas Jayhawks in the 2008 NCAA Tournament Watch videos »

Photo Gallery

KU-Memphis press conference

Thumbnails | Gallery

Audio clips

2007-08 April 6 KU-Memphis Preview

Antonio Anderson talks at the podium Sunday about the defensive challenge KU presents
Brandon Rush talks about his upcoming showdown with CD-R
Chris Douglas-Roberts talks at the podium about facing Brandon Rush in his pre-determined matchup
Chris Douglas-Roberts talks in the locker room about how much he's improved defensively at Memphis
Darnell Jackson talks about the challenge of going up against another deep front court
Darrell Arthur talks about wanting to send KU's senior class (and possible early Draft entrants) out in style
Mario Chalmers talks about going up against several friends on the Memphis side Monday night
Robert Dozier talks at the podium about facing a frontcourt as loaded as Memphis' Monday night
Robert Dozier talks in the locker room further about Monday's game, including Derrick Rose's status
Russell Robinson talks about his team's swagger and playing in his final collegiate game
Sherron Collins talks about going against Derrick Rose in another game where they feel at ease with the potential pace

San Antonio — Kareem Rush really wants to see his baby brother play basketball tonight on the country’s biggest stage.

“He’s going to get fined for missing his game tomorrow to come down here,” said Kansas University junior Brandon Rush, who’ll start at small forward in tonight’s national title game against Memphis (8:21 p.m., Alamodome).

Actually, Kareem, a guard with the Indiana Pacers, played against Milwaukee on Sunday night in Indianapolis and doesn’t have another game until Tuesday, so if he’s fined it’d be for missing a practice, not a game.

Whatever the case, Brandon Rush will be happy for the support of not only former Missouri player Kareem, but brother JaRon, who played at UCLA and who now lives in the Rushes’ hometown of Kansas City, Mo.

“They haven’t been here, so I’ve got the edge on them. I talked to JaRon last night and gave him an earful about how I got here first and stuff like that,” Brandon said of JaRon’s never making it past the Sweet 16; Kareem made it once to the Elite Eight.

“They haven’t given me any experience points at all on what to do. (But) they’ve supported me a lot. It’s good to see my family here in the stands,” added Brandon Rush, whose mom and grandmother also are in San Antonio.

Rush — he reiterated at Sunday’s media session he would have stayed in the draft last year had he not torn his ACL — indicated the injury was a “blessing in disguise” because he’s having a blast in the 2008 NCAAs.

“It’s been fun playing with these guys. Ever since I was in rehab (last summer), they’ve been pushing me and helping me, showing how much love they have for me,” said Rush, who is considered a lock to enter the 2008 NBA Draft.

“This is what I came back for. I thought about it the whole time in rehab. It’s what kept pushing me in the rehab room, working harder and harder each day.”

The 6-foot-6 Rush likely will draw the defensive assignment on 6-7 Chris Douglas-Roberts, who enters with an 18-points-a-game scoring average.

“I love being in that role, trying to limit one of the star players,” Rush said. “I know he’s probably going to get his points, but I will try to make him work for them because I think he’s going to be a tough matchup.”

Of the game, Rush said: “I think it’ll come down to who makes the key stop at the end. We’re both great on the offensive end, but we’ve got a defensive edge to us because we like to pressure a lot, and they like to contain a little bit.”

It officially will be the last game for seniors Russell Robinson, Darnell Jackson, Sasha Kaun, Jeremy Case and the injured Rodrick Stewart, with it likely the last game for Rush and sophomore Darrell Arthur, who also is expected to turn pro. Junior Mario Chalmers and sophomore Sherron Collins possibly could be back.

“We’ve definitely thought about that a lot because it’s the last time everybody will be on the court together with the same group of guys,” Rush said. “We definitely want to leave out of here with something on our shoulders with the championship (trophy).”

NCAA Title Game

Comments

You'll need a free KUsports.com user account (your LJWorld.com or lawrence.com account will also work).

Posted by fansincewilt (anonymous) on April 7, 2008 at 6:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Christ Douglas-Roberts will be contained tonight.

Posted by Solomon (anonymous) on April 7, 2008 at 7:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"Christ?" I hope not.

Posted by Jaminrawk (anonymous) on April 7, 2008 at 9:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

CDR is a hell of a player, so is Rose. But Hansbrough, Ellington and Lawson are all great players too and KU did a pretty good job slowing them down. Here's hoping ...

Posted by KU (anonymous) on April 7, 2008 at 9:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I think it's like we learned against KSU and Texas: If you can contain the REST of the team, the superstars can't beat you alone.

Beasley scored 39 at AFH and KU won; Commit too much help on Beasley and you got 20 apiece from Walker and Pullen at Manhattan and we lost.

Commit too many people to stopping Augustin's dribble penetration in Austin and he scores 14 but Atchley kills you with scoring and rebounding; play them more straight up in the conference final, Augustin goes for 20 and KU wins.

If we can contain the rest of Memphis' team, CDR and Rose can't beat us by themselves.

Posted by suzifrye (anonymous) on April 7, 2008 at 10:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I think Arthur may stay. From what I read yesterday in the paper he made a comment that if his family wants him to stay another year then he will do what his family wants. He said that his mom really wants him to stay in school and what moma wants moma gets. So hopefully he will stay, I do think Rush will be leaving. Chalmers and Collins will stay.

I also think KU will be coming home with that trophy tonight. Rock Chalk Jayhawks!!!

Posted by leikness (anonymous) on April 7, 2008 at 10:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Eat It Kareem....EEEAAATTTT IIITTTT

Posted by jhawk52 (anonymous) on April 7, 2008 at 10:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Hopefully, DA has seen the benefit of Brandon staying another year. DA should do the same, as another year of developing under Danny Manning make him a much more marketable pro.

Posted by Lebowski (anonymous) on April 7, 2008 at 11:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

You know... I usually am on the end of... "if a guy has the potential and the NBA sees it.. then he should go". But DA is one that I really think needs another year. He just seems so one-dimensional on offense, still gets out of position defensively more than any other KU big man, and more than anything... he needs to learn how to attack the basket. 90% of the time we see him fading away and not even contesting for his own rebound.

I just feel like we haven't seen near as much of his "ceiling" as we should have at this point. And I'm not real sure how many NBA scouts he could have really impressed on Saturday. I think we'd all agree he should be a 20 & 10 guy with his skill set, and next year should be a good chance to show that.

With Kaun, Jackson & probably Rush out the door... he'd have a lot more growing opportunities next year in college than he would in the NBA. Just my .02. I still wouldn't put money on seeing him back.

Posted by cap10d (anonymous) on April 7, 2008 at 1 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree Rush and DA are gone,and Mario has had a great year.Sherron has had flashes at times,but hes not ready for the league,and Mario would be in a much better position if he came back for his senior season.The upcoming draft class is very deep.DA will get picked at 15-20 because of size and potential,Brandon will be a late 1st early 2nd as will Mario if he comes out.Sherron is a 2nd rd pick right now and would be crazy to come out.Sasha and Darnell are also 2nd rd picks.Either way I wish the guys luck,and either way we will still be pretty good next season.Lets get this one tonight and worry about everything else later!Go Jayhawks!

Posted by lance1jhawk (anonymous) on April 7, 2008 at 1:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Lebowski- I couldn't agree more.
D.A. really could blossom next year and his stock could sky-rocket. Looking at the guys coming out in front of him pushes him down to early to mid second round. Not really a place you want to get drafted at. If he does want to leave, then I wish him nothing but the best.

Posted by gamedayreview (anonymous) on April 7, 2008 at 2:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

BRING IT HOME JAYHAWKS!
CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW
FOR MORE JAYHAWK ACTION:
http://www.ioffer.co......
http://www.ioffer.co......
http://www.ioffer.co......
http://www.ioffer.co......
http://www.ioffer.co......
http://www.ioffer.co......
http://www.ioffer.co......
http://www.ioffer.co......
http://www.ioffer.co......
http://www.ioffer.co......
IT HAS BEEN A LONG TIME SINCE 88!

Posted by KU (anonymous) on April 7, 2008 at 2:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Arthur isn't a natural scorer, despite his athleticism. How many KU bigs have ever shot below 50% from the field like Shady? (Primarily because he settles for that fade-away.)

For him to be great in the NBA, he'll need to sell out for playing great defense, altering shots and rebounding. We haven't seen him do that yet in 2 years at KU.

Hopefully he can do it one time.....tonight......for one shining moment.

Posted by cap10d (anonymous) on April 7, 2008 at 3:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

DA is shooting 53.8% this season,and shot the same last season.

Posted by cap10d (anonymous) on April 7, 2008 at 3:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I mean .538 - how is that under 50% unless your just talking the tourney.

Posted by soapboxstew (anonymous) on April 7, 2008 at 3:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

We are going to need DA to be helping from the weak side and blocking those driving-to-the-bucket lay-ups that Memphis lives so well on...

If he can get a few blocks, we will see a much more tentative tiger, which is much less of a threat.

Posted by classfan (anonymous) on April 7, 2008 at 6:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Anybody getting nervous yet....How about butterflies....All I can say, is after tonight I hope all the KU fans have new excuses. Its been 20 years since two Carolina guys brought a NC to Lawrence ( Brown and Manning) and all the excuses since are getting old. A curse has been laid upon the KU doorstep. You can watch for it tonight. You will be able to tell when it enters into the game. Its a magical thing to see. The only way for KU to get rid of the curse is to find a little class. Wouldn't it be cool tonight if in the final seconds of the game, with the Chokehawks down, all the fans of the other schools starting chanting Rock Caulk Chokehawk. I can't wait. See you all at the game. I'll be the one in crimson and blue....Rock Caulk Chokehawk....Rock Caulk Chokehawk....Rock Caulk Chokehawk.

Posted by jayhawker_97 (anonymous) on April 7, 2008 at 7:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Dear Brandon:
we wanted to let you know that we're here in San Jose have been supporting you and will always support you all the way. we're gathering tonight at a friend's house with the other Big-12 supporters from Texas, Okie, and even Arizona to experience you and the team greatness!!!!
we salute you for being who you've become with all the decisions you made, the man you are now.
go Rock the world, enjoy your Final moments: championship and play your last game as a Jayhawk!

we can't wait to see you & team beak another cat!!

go Jayhawks!