Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Collins undergoes surgery

By Gary Bedore

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Collins' surgery goes well

Kansas sophomore point guard Sherron Collins underwent successful arthroscopic knee surgery this morning.

Kansas University sophomore Sherron Collins, who was hindered by a bruised left knee the final weeks of the 2007-08 basketball season, had arthroscopic surgery Monday to repair cartilage damage in his knee.

"Sherron had some knee problems this year, and we knew it was going to require surgery after the season," KU coach Bill Self said. "Had he had surgery (when knee started to bother him), it would have knocked him out the rest of the season. He toughed it out and was a primary reason for our success."

Self indicated the 5-foot-11 Collins "definitely needed to get some things cleaned up (in knee). A lot of times these take three weeks (for return to pick-up basketball). There's no need to rush it. It'll probably be a couple months, probably the summer (before he's full speed)."

KU's medical team performed the surgery in Lawrence. Per KU policy, the name of the surgeon was not revealed.

Collins' injury history includes repairing a stress fracture in his left foot in early November, a severe right ankle sprain in January and bruised left and right knees during the season.

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Self on Monday's season-ending Hawk Talk Radio Show indicated junior Mario Chalmers had not yet decided whether to enter his name in the NBA Draft.

If Chalmers decides to declare by Sunday's deadline and not sign with an agent, he would be allowed to withdraw from the June 26 draft by June 16 and retain his collegiate eligibility.

"Mario hasn't made a decision yet, which is fine," Self said. "I think if he is a lock first-rounder - if he does declare - there would be a great chance he would go and should go. If he's not, I think there'd be a great chance he'd come back.

"If you had Mario, Sherron, Cole (Aldrich) and Shady (Darrell Arthur, who has declared but not signed with agent) to build around, we could be as good as anybody. The bottom line is I can't hold my breath that long. I don't think that will happen," he added of all returning, "but I guess there's a chance. There's a chance we could lose both of them (Arthur, Chalmers). Either way I'm confident we'll be good."

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Taylor to visit: KU is hoping to add a seventh player to its incoming recruiting class of 2008.

Tyshawn Taylor, a 6-foot-3 senior guard from St. Anthony High in Jersey City, N.J., was released from his Marquette letter-of-intent. He will make an official visit to KU on Wednesday and Thursday.

Taylor told Rivals.com he's considering a final visit to Texas or Florida. He also is considering Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech and has not officially eliminated Marquette from his list. He opted out of his letter after Marquette coach Tom Crean left for Indiana.

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More on Canada: KU's exhibition game against Carleton University (7:30 p.m., Aug. 30) will be played in Scotiabank Place, home of the Ottawa Senators hockey team. The arena seats 20,500 fans. KU will play McGill University at noon the same day at University of Ottawa's 1,000-seat Montpetit Hall. KU will play Ottawa at 7 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 31, also at Montpetit Hall. KU will be allowed 10 days of practice leading up to the Canada trip.

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No White House date: Self isn't sure when the Jayhawks will be heading to the White House to be honored by President Bush.

"I want to say we're positively going. I don't know if I can say we'll do it before school is out. After that everybody goes their own way," Self said. "We've been in contact with the White House to see if the schedule can work out. He (President Bush) has a few things going on that may not allow him to say, 'Be here three weeks from tomorrow. I'll make it work.' I don't think it works that way," Self cracked.

Comments

Nutflush21 (anonymous) says...

As we go after yet another guard, Tyrel Reed cant be feeling too confident about his chances of ever getting playing time in a KU uniform. I know that when players commit to a place like KU, they understand only the best of the best will see significant minutes, and Reed has plenty of talent, but geez that's a lot of competition.

April 22, 2008 at 5:49 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

fansincewilt (anonymous) says...

Collins plays so hard. He's like a football player on the basketball floor. I know no one uses knee pads anymore but I wonder if he shouldn't consider some sort of padding. I would sure hate to be the guy he is running into.

April 22, 2008 at 6:22 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

jayhawkinatl (anonymous) says...

We are getting to be really guard-heavy IMO.

April 22, 2008 at 7:13 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

KU (anonymous) says...

I don't know how guard-heavy we are, especially if Mario opts to leave and Darrell decides to stay. We'll have at least 4 recruited bigs (not including Kleinman) next year, just like this year: Aldrich, the Morris twins, and Thomas. This year, we had Sasha, Darnell, Darrell and Aldrich. As long as all 4 of those guys are legit, we'll be fine. You can only play two at a time.

It would seem we're getting longer, as in size, at the guard position next year.

April 22, 2008 at 7:43 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

yates33333 (anonymous) says...

Lots of guards, but if Cole Aldrich keeps developing as he has KU may have the best big man in the country next year.

April 22, 2008 at 7:48 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Displayhawk (anonymous) says...

Let's cut some credit to Danny Manning for being the BIG's coach! Our inside play has been elevated since he was made a full time coach!
Plus you have to think his experience winning a national title spilled over to help the guys win one this year!
It will be interesting and fun to watch the effect Danny has on the Morris twins!

April 22, 2008 at 8:29 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Brickwall1 (anonymous) says...

The fact that KU is going after a guard hints that Self has some info about Mario leaving.

April 22, 2008 at 8:30 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Jayhawk86 (anonymous) says...

Well, 12 out of the 17 players listed on this years roster are/were guards. I dont think it will be any different in the years to come. Playing the style that Coach likes to play, I think it will be fine.

April 22, 2008 at 8:39 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Timmay97 (anonymous) says...

Mario Chalmers is NUTS to leave Kansas at this time. He has become one of the most well-known basketball players in the country because of ONE shot. Therefore, have a great year next year and you won't only guarantee a first round pick, but possbily the lottery as well. The kid shot around 45% from three this year, and can dribble and drive whenever he wants.

Also, this year we have a "true" point guard in Collins. I never really considered Robinson a point guard throughout his career. This is the reason why Collins was in more late in games....much better ball handler.

I don't see why Chalmers shouldn't be averaging 18 ppg this year while still being a stellar defender. Collins around 15 ppg and Cole around 10. We will again be completely balanced with someone like Releford also averaging around 10.

We will have two lead guards (upperclassmen) leading us to the tourney this year. It will STILL be a stellar year for KU.

April 22, 2008 at 8:57 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

okjhok (anonymous) says...

I don't see it that way, Brickwall1. I see it as KU having an extra scholarship and wanting to give it to the best player they can get...guard, forward, center, whatever.

April 22, 2008 at 9:24 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

BCRavenJHawkfan (anonymous) says...

Right now I don't care who or what the recruits are, a friend of mine sent me nearly every newspaper from assorted cities backhome in northeast Kansas (Lawrence, Topeka, Levenworth, Ottawa, Olathe to name a few) starting with the day after the championship through that week (I am kinda reliving the moment). It is interesting to see what the feature photo was for the different papers. It was not always the Mario shot as one might think.

April 22, 2008 at 10:32 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

plasticJHawk (anonymous) says...

okjhok

I agree with you. This late in the game you take what you can get. And if a player like Tyshon Taylor becomes available and has an interest in KU, if we have a spot for him we gotta recruit him.

April 22, 2008 at 11:17 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

KU (anonymous) says...

Five bigs on the roster is plenty. You never play more than 2 bigs. On the other hand, if you want to play "small" you can put one big on the floor with 4 guards. I think the ratio we have on the roster is just fine.

I think if Chalmers can crack the first round.....ANY spot in the first round.....he should go, in my opinion. He's not really big enough to be a prototypical 2 in the NBA and he's not a true point guard. His stock is probably as high as it can get as a first round pick after "The Shot".

Bill Self has never had a guard average 18 at KU and I don't expect that will be the plan next year, even if Mario comes back. Self will play a 4 to 5 man guard rotation because that's what he believes in. There should be enough talent for the scoring to be spread out just like this year. So banking on Mario boosting his stock by having a "breakout year" next year is probably unwarranted.

April 22, 2008 at 11:24 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Lebowski (anonymous) says...

KU, you're about the 100th person that said Mario is not a true point guard, and all 100 times I've disagreed with that. That is nonsense, and it's only coming out of peoples mouths because he can shoot it. Mario will be an NBA point guard just like one other guard who people thought wasn't a "true" point guard... Kirk Hinrich.

I'll take that bet, if you're making one, that Mario ends up averaging close to 18... not because of the rotation... but because of the absence of Arthur and Rush, who Self repeatedly said were his no 1 and 2 options early and often throughtout the game. He also said that Mario was the no 1 option at the end of the game.... now that will hold true in the middle, also. Mario will have a breakout scoring year next year, not because of minutes, but because of the decrease in experienced options on the floor.

You have a well put together point... but I respectfully disagree.

April 22, 2008 at 3:06 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

MILFdestroyer (anonymous) says...

KU I agree with Lebowksi, Mario is a true combo guard (can play point and shooting guard) and if you can recall he was the no.1 point guard in the nation his SR year and it is easy to see because he is nasty at distrubting the ball. The thing is of course, he is also an unreal shooter with the sickest stroke. I've been saying for a few weeks he proved to be a better shooter than Stephen Curry with the diference being that Mario doesn't shoot it 20 times a game with all of our balance. Mario should play the point in the league. With his combo skills I think he is a Chris Paul type player. That is high praise but I believe it to be so. I also know that if he stays which I believe he will, he should average very close to 18 a game.

April 22, 2008 at 4:13 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

JJHawq (anonymous) says...

I agree that he is NOT a 1 offensively. I think his dribbling and passing skills are average for a college guard. He is an above average shooter and an exceptional defender.

His defense will get him a job, but he is not someone I could see as a starting point guard for an NBA team.

I love the guy - but he's not an exceptional ball handler, imo.

April 22, 2008 at 7:27 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

KU (anonymous) says...

Lebowski and MILF.......I respectfully disagree with your point that Mario is a true 1. His ball handling skills are not that great. Nor passing: how many opportunities did our guards have this year on that high ball pick to pass it to the Big ducking to the basket and he never consistently took advantage of that pass. He'll be challenged to handle the ball against top-notch NBA point guards.

Yes, he's a nice perimeter shooter, but that doesn't cut it in the NBA because: 1) the 3 point line is a lot further out and he never really showed that great of range, and 2) he's not tall enough to get easy looks from the perimeter consistently enough to be a threat as a perimeter scorer from the 2 slot, and 3) he doesn't move relentlessly without the ball to get open.

I love Mario. He's a great college player. He'll get a job in the league, but he's not going to take it by storm. If he were 2 or 3 inches taller......look out! Unfortunately, his genes aren't going to allow that to happen.

We all love our players at KU. That's the way it should be. But don't lose perspective just because you love a kid. Mario is not Chris Paul. He got beat out for that international competition be Villanova and Washington State guards for a reason.

His stock is about as high as it can get right now after "The Shot". If he can go in the 1st round, guaranteed, he needs to go. He'll NEVER be a lottery pick, even if he somehow scores 15 per game next year. He can play himself out of the first round next year, but why take the chance if he can go now?

April 22, 2008 at 7:51 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

KU (anonymous) says...

Self will always look for inside scoring first and that's the way it should be. Aldrich could be a major force inside next year. He showed some promise this year. He should score 10-13 next year.

Sherron will get his to the tune of about 12-15.

Several of the new players will come up and be consistent scorers.

Mario won't score 18 per next year. Maybe in the 14-15 range.

April 22, 2008 at 7:56 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

KU (anonymous) says...

Lebowski.......Look back through the annals of KU scoring history and look at the scoring leader each year. I challenge you to find a 2 guard (or a 1 guard for that matter) at KU that scored at least 18 points per game.

Keep looking........

Keep looking........

Rest my case.

April 22, 2008 at 8:08 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

MILFdestroyer (anonymous) says...

KU, not passing it to the big because you think he should makes him not that a great a passer? Mario is a very good passer and a pretty damn good handler of the ball. Are you saying that other point guards are stealing the ball from him and that he just loses it alot? Cause I really don't recall that. I can see him playing point or 2 in the league which makes him an asset. He would play point more if it weren't for Sherron and Russ already being there. I say hes a good handler and passer but a phenomenal shooter what was he from 3 this yr 48%? That shots against USC and Memphis this year look like a range to me, KU. The int'l competition is not a good example. Alot of great guards went out for that competition. Are you saying Scottie reynolds and Kyle Landry are better than him? Because that is just ludacris. Jay Wright picked that team and he would have given his right leg to have Mario on his 'Nova team. Hinrich averaged 17 his SR year. Pretty close.

April 22, 2008 at 10:43 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

mr_lawrence (anonymous) says...

KU, don't be foolish. Chalmers is quite capable of getting 18 a game. Do you remember when he got 30 against Texas?! That's against pretty elite competition.

Big-scoring KU guards in history: Jo Jo White, senior season: 18.1 a game; Hinrich, senior season:17.3 a game; Darnell Valentine, junior season: 16.5 per.

April 22, 2008 at 11:03 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

mr_lawrence (anonymous) says...

JO JO: 18.1!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

April 22, 2008 at 11:05 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jhwkfan162515 (anonymous) says...

If Mario stays, he will be the go-to guy just like Wayne Simein was. He should stay. We need a veteran to help the freshmen come along. Without Mario, there's no guarantee of getting back to the NCAAs.

April 22, 2008 at 11:08 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

mr_lawrence (anonymous) says...

Oh yeah, and reed will play. This kid was a highly prized recruit as a h.s. senior, rated the 14th best point guard prospect in the country. He'll play, and the experience he got this year will show.

April 22, 2008 at 11:13 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jross1972 (Johann Ross) says...

KU you know Ive agreed and disagreed with you both on the merits of what youve had to say. And not to dogpile on you bro, but thats nonsense to say Mario isnt a true point. Evidently you seem to think his ball handling skills are not that great. He can go right or left, he can take it to the hole, he's got a wicked sick cross over, he moves without the ball well, he can dribble behind the back (laughs), he can dribble through traffic, he's quick with the ball, he's great at getting the ball to the bigs,...

I mean come on! If there is a checklist anywhere of what a point guard should be, Mario is IT!

April 22, 2008 at 11:59 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

afilmer (anonymous) says...

self loves the guards. he uses role players for bigs - a la larry brown - but fills the holes with guards. it's not the same PF lovin' that roy got off on - but hey - we have a ring now. long live head coach bill self - lots of intense guards, and bigs that can square up.

AMEN?

April 23, 2008 at 1:29 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

KU (anonymous) says...

I never said Mario is a bad player, guys. I said I love the guy. He's a great college combo guard. I said he'll get a job in the league. But he ain't JoJo White. (Having to go back 40 years to find a guard that averaged 18 per is evidence that Mario's probably not going to do it his senior year.)

My whole point was to say that if Mario can get a spot in the first round this year, he needs to go because he'll never be a lottery pick. By coming back, he can hurt his draft stock for 09 (injury or below-average performance), but he can't improve it enough to get into the lottery. I'm just saying he can maximize his earning potential if he's assured of a first round slot this year because of "The Shot".

Of course he can handle the ball, but he's not one of the premier point guards in the nation. He'd probably have to be one of the top 3 PGs to make it in the lottery. He's too short to make the lottery as a 2 guard. That's all I'm saying.

April 23, 2008 at 8 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

MILFdestroyer (anonymous) says...

I don't know KU, like I said when Mario was a SR in HS, he was the no.1 PG in the country.

April 23, 2008 at 12:07 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

JayhawkVA (anonymous) says...

LJWorld - please keep us updated on a White House visit. Those of us in the DC area would love to support the team when they're here!

April 23, 2008 at 12:17 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

KU (anonymous) says...

MILF.......You're right. He was the #1 PG coming out of high school. But we're not talking about him competing against high school kids and speculation now. He has a track record against top-notch competition and he's done well. He's competing against Rose and others that aren't in his high school class for a spot on an NBA roster. But if anything, we've seen that he's naturally a better scorer (2 guard) than he is a point guard. 6'1 2 guards don't exactly tear up the NBA.

April 23, 2008 at 1:31 p.m. ( | suggest removal )