Wow. If he was planning on staying, would he be holding a press conference? He may be going the road of DA. I hope he ends up staying, but it might behoove him to test the NBA waters.

He'd be silly not to explore his options after "The Shot". He won't hire an agent. If he does well in the workouts this summer and is assured he'll be a first-round draft choice, he should jump on it.

What are the rumors around campus? here in Nebraska I can't hear them until its to late. Any help is good help!!!

Given the new rules that allow NBA teams to pay for students workouts, plus the fact that college students get one chance to test the waters and still come back to school, there's no reason Chalmers shouldn't at least declare, not sign an agent, and see where he stands.

I hope that he's a first round draft pick and that he goes pro. He's done so much for this university, I hope that he makes good. He deserves it.

No doubt. He will declare, test the waters, and then make his "real" decision.

I agree with most here. I don't see any downside to him putting his name in the draft, but not hiring an agent. You can only do this once, but since he is a junior it doesn't matter.
The bigger question for me would be why someone like him wouldn't, as a junior, do this...

I think he may declare, but have a sense that he will be back in crimson and blue next year either way. Right now, there are a bunch of PGs already in the draft that scouts are in love with (Rose, Mayo, Bayless, Gordon). In addition, there are some other guys that will get taken in front of Mario (Beasley, Love, Douglass Roberts, Arthur). Mario is looking at a late first round pick if he is impressive.

While that isn't bad, everyone agrees that next years draft is quite a bit weaker. I think Mario is a 12-20 pick next year vs. a 23-30 pick this year just based on class strength. If however, he finds out he is a top 20 pick this year, he should go, no questions asked.

I just hope he doesn't declare and then slip into the 2nd round.

Chalmers will be back next year, my friends. Whether this news conference is to announce his intention to stay or to announce his decision to work out in front of NBA execs on their dime is irrelevant. There is very little chance he will be guaranteed 1st round and should clearly fine tune his game and finish his education.

Gone!

If Brandon Rush is projected as mid to late 1st rounder, Chalmers has almost no chance of being drafted in the 1st round.

He should go the way of the "not hiring" an agent and test the waters.

As someone here previously mentioned, it really is structured now so that guys should get a pretty damn good idea of where they'll end up.

Im no 'draftnik', but most the media reports that follow this have ALL said that next years draft isnt projected to be as good or deep. I'd imagine another year, another deep NCAA run with Chalmers leading the way could only help the guy.

Regardless, even if he leaves his spot in KU lore is locked for eternity. I'll wish him the best either way.

Well, I just saw Mario walking towards his car from the Towers. I should of asked him if he is going or not.

he will stay and once again we will dominate next year with DA and the GIANT COLD BLOODED (with dave chappelle voice) ALDRICH. oh yea i forgot and the ridiculous freshman class.... hmmm, 6-11(COLE), 6-10(TWIN1), 6-9(DA), 6-9(TWIN2),6-5(RELEFORD),6-1(MARIO)

ITS LIKE PLAYING BASKETBALL IN THE MIDDLE OF A FORREST OF TALL TREES! DOMINATION! =)

I, for one, certainly think his stock is higher than it has been all year, especially after "the shot" and the MOP award. It would be really nice to have him back next year, but who honestly thought 3 years ago that any one of those spectacular recruits from that class (JuJu, BRush, and Mario) would be here all 4 years? Not me. We are lucky that we got what we got and I wish them all great success in the NBA. I just wish fans (?) wouldn't have booed Julian at the Final 4 when they showed him on the videoboard. Uncalled for. Rock Chalk Jayhawk!!

Wincojhawk, that was NOT booing, but a JUUUUUUlian chant like we always did in the Fieldhouse.

reading between the lines of bill self's comments on local outlets - i think mario will declare - not hire an agent - and if he can get into the top 20 (which is unlikely) he will jump. if not - he'll be back.

chalmers declares
doesn't hire an agent
helps ku defend the championship next year

there's already 34 underclassmen declared.....and if Mario does, it's 35. Plus, Augustin, Hansbrough, Lawson, Ellington and others have yet to announce anything.
so the field is already crowded.....he shouldn't declare.

Just announce you're staying....and try to defend...and concentrate on your senior year, and bask in the glory of the most clutch shot in KU history. You'll never be able to do that again.

"You'll never be able to do that again."

Unless he comes back.

Anyone know if the press conference is available on-line?

bad news

http://msn.foxsports...

It doesn't hurt him to declare w/o hiring an agent, so why wouldn't he do it?

anyone seen the new ratings for high school players? Ater Majok is now a 5 star prospect and rated number 13 in nation and tyshawn taylor moved up to 71 and 4 stars... might be two new jayhawks with us losing DA and chalmers

Not really bad news, just what everyone was expecting. Now if it had said he was hiring an agent, THAT would have been bad news.

I'm like most in expecting that he'll be back. This seems like one of the deepest drafts ever and it would be tough for him to be assured of going in the first round. If he comes back next year and is a first-team All-American (which I would think he would have a good chance at, given that he's now FINALLY on everyone's radar), that would help him in a much weaker draft. It also doesn't hurt that his father is still on the staff.

I'm not worried.

Thanks for the info., rockchalks. The Bill Self recruiting machine continues!

I'm totally with you actorman, we all knew he'd declare for the draft and test the waters. If he's back... great! If not, we'll still field a team next year.

If he comes back, which I expect, Chalmer's might be a pre-season all-american, which means they'll be watching him all year. He'll have scouts at every game, AND he'll have less competition in the draft. Just like Darrell said, declaring for the draft is a win-win situation. I think Darrell stays in the draft but Chalmers will be lacing up those Adidas in Allen Fieldhouse for 12 more months.

Isn't it different than during the Roy years, when there was shock, horror, sobbing and gnashing of teeth when a player left early -- or the coach? Attitude now seems to be "congrats and good luck at the next level, we'll miss you but we're so proud of you and honored you shared your talent with KU!"

ESPN just reported that Augustin is entering the draft.

http://sports.espn.g...

Not to cheer against Mario, but there's another guard who'll be going in front of him in the draft. Hope he does well at the pre-draft stuff but I want him to come back.

I agree. I would like him to return, but that's me being selfish. I think we could make a serious run at another league title, probably not national title, if he comes back. I think the likelihood of Mario returning is far greater than the chances of DA returning. DA WILL be a lottery pick, Mario could get pushed out of the first round. Some guys hurt their stock by staying an extra year (i.e. Roy Hibbert), but it really benefits others (i.e. Brandon Roy). I feel Mario has a great chance to IMPROVE his draft stock by staying another year. He will be the primary scorer next year if he comes back and will not have Augustin overshadowing him in our conference. All signs point to a return!! Come back, Mario! We need ya, buddy!

Why didn't Mario just do this with DA and B-Rush? It really didn't make any sense that he waited to make his own announcement - it actually seems a little selfish.

I'm just glad Coach Self has brought in so many guys that have the talent to play on the next level so that leaving early is even a possibility.

During the RW years how many early entry candidates were there, really? Rex Walters maybe, Jacque Vaughn, Raef, Paul Pierce, Gooden, Hinrich and Collison. That's about it. RW wanted a couple of "big time" NBA type guys, and then a bunch of role players. Other than his 1996-97 team and the 2001-2002 group, generally there weren't more than 2 NBA type players on the roster.

Self wants as much talent as humanly possible on his basketball team. He molds that talent into an unselfish unit that will play defense and share the basketball. His role players are guys that could start and star on a different team. There is no doubt that Sherron or Cole or Sasha would start at just about every other D-1 school in the country. There's a chance that 7 of our top 8 guys could play in the NBA after their days in Lawrence are done.

Look at next years recruits - Releford has some future pro potential. Little has future pro potential. The Morris twins have a shot at the next level. That's four more guys with legitimate NBA hopes coming in to replace what we've lost. That's how you reload.

briancwasko - I don't think Mario was ready to announce last week. Self was still doing some research on his behalf...

brian, its hardly selfish. He hadn't decided yet, what would you want him to do? It's his future and that shouldn't be influenced by what and when DA and BR decided. Of the 3, his is the least certain situation re: the draft.

It's selfish of you to think he should make his decison based on how convenient or entertaining it is for you. Please die.

With Augustin and Abrams declaring today, and several other serious notables not yet having declared (i.e. UNC trio), the demand for seats in the MSG green room is getting awfully crowded.

Barring unwordly, lights-out performances at workouts, I say the there's a 75/25 chance Chalmers returns to KU. That said, KU will only have a legit shot to repeat if either (A) Arthur returns (not likely), or (B) Aldrich improves and at least one of the incoming big men assumes a significant role (a la Kaun). That's a tall order, but not out of the question.

As for Chalmers, can anyone answer this question: isn't he already in line to have him name hung in the Allen rafters? The KU media guide says that one of the old standards for that happening is being named the MOP of the Tournament/Final Four. I know the standards were loosened a few years back (and rightfully so), but does anyone know if that standard is still in place?

Mario is gone and he WILL be drafted in the 1st rnd. while it is a crowded draft field, MC's stock should be higher than most who have declared early.

don't forget that once he starts playing the pre-draft camps and workouts, he's going to be schooling these other players and going to further improve his stock. ;)

i wish him the best and he's going to have a great NBA career.

Purist - I believe at least one of the following requirements for basketball jersey retirement at KU must be met:

* Player of the Year
* NCAA Tournament MVP
* Four-time All-American
* Consensus first-team All-American
* Two-time first-team All-American
* Academic All-American of the Year

Gotta strike while the iron's hot and after the shot heard 'round the world, why not go for it? I hope you get the big $$. Way to go Super Mario!

(selfishly I hope he and DA come back)

Tex, so you're in agreement with me that Chalmers will have his jersey retired even if he never plays another game for KU?

I completely understand Chalmers going, along with both Rush and Arthur. Yeah, other than Rush, they could decide to pull out of the draft, but I highly doubt it. Anyhow, assuming all three go, our chances of making it anywhere in the NCAA tournament next year (supposing we make it, which could be difficult considering we're losing everyone besides Collins) are rather slim. Oh well, they gave us a National Championship this year so I can't ask for much more.

Best of luck to all three of them. But next year could be a tough season to watch.

i have us ranked somewhere between #15-20 in the country....so i think we're still going to be a lock to make the NCAA tourney.

you're forgetting that other teams are losing a lot of players as well. our biggest conference competition is losing their best player as well. combine that with a highly-ranked freshmen/JUCO class, we should make it to the big dance.

I wonder how Julian Wright did this year, after following the money and watching his former teammates go down in history. I wonder if someone offered Brandon Rush a couple million to give up his experience of this past year and his memories of it, if he would take it.
I wish Mario the best and know he will do fine whatever he decides. He will always be a legend here, however Julian Wright will be a trivia question twenty years from now, though he is richer right now than Mario. Dont get me wrong, Im not bitter about Julian leaving. In fact he made room for Jackson and Arthur to move in, so it worked out great for us. I wish Julian the best cheering on his team from the bench, if they made it to the playoffs.

Glad to see Augustin declare. Two years facing him is enough - plus he ups the chance of Mario staying. I think the other Texas guard in the draft will fall selection-wise behind Mario.

Anyone besides me want to see a couple UNC players declare early (especially Psycho T)? Has anyone heard about Memphis's 6'8 off guard? Has he declared?

CDR has declared.

http://sports.espn.g...

There's a list (not updated to include today's declarations) of the guys that have gone into the draft. It's pretty lengthy. I'm not sure that Mario makes the first round, especially since that list doesn't even contemplate seniors or foreign players. You have to figure that Arthur and Rush go in front of him, plus at least 12-15 of the guys on that list I posted above, maybe more.

Btw fabio, Julian's team is seeded #2 in the west playoffs right now. They are up 2-0 on the Mavs after thrashing them last night. Julian even got a few minutes late in the game last night. He's not going to get a whole lot of playoff run because New Orleans probably will cut their rotation down to 7 or 8, but he did play quite a bit down the stretch of the regular season. As I've said before, the Hornets drafted Julian presuming that they were still a year or two away. The team they had in place was further ahead than they anticipated, so they jumped at the opportunity. It's telling that they did not trade Julian at the trade deadline for playoff help. I think that shows that they feel like he has a strong future for them.

Purist - that is correct. Wilt Chamberlain met the criteria, left early, and still had his jersey retired.

I saw Julian during their first playoff game. He was cheering louder than anyone else on the bench. But I think he'll be ok. Coach Scott expects a lot out of his players and Julian wasn't ready to meet those expectations this year. He will be ready next year. Plus he could win a championship with the Hornets this year. And he'll play more in the playoffs than Simien did en route to his NBA title. I know Simien's situation was tough and I love the guy, but I just stating facts. When it comes to talking smack on players who left early, we shouldn't turn to Julian... we won a championship without him. What about Gooden? Could we have won a championship had he stayed? Maybe...

My mind says: 'Good luck Super Mario!'

But my heart says: 'NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!'

wow...CJ Giles has declared...not guilty...good luck.

NNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Why, Mario, why?

Hmmm. I wonder IF CJ gets to play in the NBA (I wish him nothing but the best), will he make it onto the list of "'Hawks in the NBA"?

That's a "no", Pete. You can't reward/encourage irresponsible behavior.

Gooden was ridiculous his junior year. There's no way he could have raised his draft stock any higher. The fact that he'still in the NBA and doing fine speaks volumes. The only thing that irritated me when he left is that he started shooting ill advised 3's to show off for NBA scouts during the tournament, and it probably caused his team a national title.

When it's time to go, then it's time to go, but you don't show off for scouts at the expense of your teamates. None of the 3 guys declaring for us have done anything but be incredible team players. In fact, all of them are likely much better players than their draft stock will indicate because of this. Barring injury I think all 3 of them will have long and successful NBA careers. Whoever drafts them is getting a bargain for now, but soon these guys will get expensive to keep.

I don't see it being selfish that Mario held his own news conference. Mario has not been talked about in terms of the draft all season, the way that Rush and DA have been. He needed more time to learn where he stands right now. That's just smart business my friends, not selfishness. He made the right move. Rush and DA were ready right out of the box to declare. Mario needed more info, nothing wrong with that. Also, it is not set in stone that Mario will leave. I believe he has made the right move because with this news conference he has placed his name out there for consideration in the off season and during next year if he decides to return to KU--either way he does not lose. I think he will return and his return will move his stock way up. No need to over-react to Mario looking out for his own self interest. That's what all of us would do if we were in Mario's shoes. Besides he hasn't left yet and the odds are low that he will. Staying and making First Team All America will assure him a first round pick, which right now he may or may not have. If he goes, I say, "Good Luck! And thanks for being a classy JHawk!" And if he stays, KU reloads and goes out hunting for another national title.

I haven't seen one comment on here really stating why this a good reason. I think Chalmers will be back, but this is a very good thing that he's testing the waters to get to the NBA.

1). This keeps him in shape going into summer and really focusing on his game and skills to show case to the NBA scouts

2). This prepares him and gives him experience on what the NBA workouts are like and will help prepare him next year in case he does come back for his Senior Year.

3). Chalmers and Collins were cut from Team USA's squad last year and I think that really had to do with them not preparing mentally for that tryout.

4) Having that experience with Team USA and getting cut allows Chalmers to get some experience and figure out what these GM's are really looking for in a player.

5) Chalmers even stated that if he gets a sense that he's going to be a second round pick that he'll back next year in a KU uniform.

6) Chalmers is doing the right thing by not hiring an agent because it allows him to test the waters and go to NBA workouts, but it also allows him to come back to school if things don't work out.

All in all Chalmers is making the smart choice and the right choice for his future. Chalmers benefits in every way, which is the reason he's doing this, but this also benefits KU if does decided to come back because he will have already worked on his game most of the summer. Way to go Mario! Whatever happens, you were always one of my favorite Jayhawks. Good luck man and you know what you need to do in those workouts.

"The only thing that irritated me when he left is that he started shooting ill advised 3's to show off for NBA scouts during the tournament, and it probably caused his team a national title."

Actually, the only way he could have "caused" KU a national title would be if the 3's had gone in.

I'm not sure I buy that that's what he was doing, but there's no question that he had a horrible game against Maryland, at the worst possible time.

KUShaw makes a lot of good points (although I don't agree that Chalmers and Collins were necessarily not prepared for their tryout last year, and wonder how anyone can make that claim without being in their heads). You can add one more reason that it's good for Mario to test the waters: it never hurts to put your name out there among NBA scouts and be seen, even if it's not for this year. It certainly wouldn't hurt for next year (unless Mario is horrible, which obviously won't be the case).

As for the accusation of Mario being selfish, that is patently ridiculous on many levels. But putting aside the lack of logic, even if Mario WERE being selfish, there may be no one in KU history who's earned that right more than he has. I find it hard to believe that anyone would have the temerity to say something like that.

I know some people don't believe it, but I actually think Chalmers could potentially increase his draft stock by coming back next year. I don't think the team will be as balanced as it was this year and they will need somebody to step up and be the main scorer. I really think Chalmers ppg average will increase (between 15-20) and if he can maintain his assists and steals average then I think his stock will increase. Those are just some of my thoughts.

The only thing that stinks about this is that the school gets put in a bad situation. That is not Mario, DA, or anyone else's fault. The fault lies with the rule that allows these guys to "test the waters". It causes a lot of guys who are not ready to play in the NBA and should be going back to school to declare and not hire an agent to find out where they stand. Meanwhile, the school goes 2+ months without knowing how many scholarships they will have available. So they are screwed if they sign somebody and then the player who "tested the waters" decides to come back because then the school is over the scholarship limit. However, if the school saves the scholarship for the "water tester" and he decides to remain in the draft, then the school is short on scholarship players and may have missed out on a player who could help out because they saved the scholarship.

Like I said, I'm not blaming Mario or any of the players for this. I just think the rule is stupid and screws the schools. I think if you should have to decide by the deadline and if you declare you cannot come back unless you have a serious injury such as Brandon had last year. The system sucks!

Oh, and there should be no age limit but, if you decide to go to school, you should have to stay for at least 3 years like in football.

Best of luck, Mario! You've been a great player for us, and if the workouts don't go your way, we'd love to have you in a Jayhawk uniform for another year!

Joe Smith announces he's forgoing his senior year of business school for a job at IBM !!!!!!

All these posts are the same......the real issue is all the money these players bring to their universities, and they get school, room and food paid for. That pales in comparison to what they bring in. let's discuss the NCAA allowing additional compensation of some kind, and maybe more players will stay 4 years, remember, like it used to be? All this forgoing college for the NBA started with superstars who couldn't go to college if they wanted to because of academics, and has gotten out of control.
Sure the players deserve a slice of the pie that THEY baked, they just want it now, so lets give them some so they can be happy AND stay.

Rock Chalk Championhawk

The NBA team has such a diffult dilemna with some of these first rounders...

The list of these (truly sad) late 1st round draft stories goes on and on. I do not want Mario to be part of that....

Mario has two futures, and I just hope he really thinks both out with a mature head: Here's the first...

1. complete and absolute national POSITIVE exposure and marketing FOR ANOTHER full year at a University which will be on National TV twice a week, on average next year. Super Mario will be all they talk about. A celebrity bigger than Lebron James for a FULL YEAR. Absolutely True. Sounds 'amazing', but its true. Bigger than Lebron. He will be bigger than Lebron next year, if he chooses to be.. But he has to make that choice. Yes, by NOT leaving college too soon. It's that simple.

The celebrity status will build (and build and build) and can be cashed in on a YEAR later (and years to come) even BIGGER. We are talking a man whose image is already solidified in an AMAZING (past) moment, like only three other people's have been before: Michael Jordan (before it was marketable), Keith Smart (before it was marketable), and the NC State guy (before it was marketable). The key is to let it not be JUST a past moment.... that's where Mario would lose, BIG...

Sure, the arguement can be made that Mario's shot is not marketable for him (yet) and that is true... Yet. In short, the longer he stays in college and perfects his game, the longer that shot will stay in the eyes of the purchasing public, and thus the stock holders of Nike and Adidas, or whoever would sign Mario later.

And here is future 2:

2: Flush the personal marketability of "the shot" down the drain. Sit on wood (not on pine) an awful lot. Watch the shot a few times next year, while catching a couple games of the NCAA tourney, late in the season during a road trip where your NBA team is 23-47.

2(a): Get shipped down (possibly) to the D-League after the GM realizes your coach hasn't let your toes touch the pine in the first 30 games.

In short, leave college too soon, and that shot is not marketable the second a month of the NBA season goes by and the player who made it is sitting at the end of the bench. That shot needs to season for a year. This shot is so much bigger than Michael Jordan's shot at UNC. But it needs to season....

Luckily for Mario, he has a year of elgibility left (if he wants it), and the ability to make a wise decision, not only for his immediate future, but his family's future down the road.

In short, he is one of KU's greatest of all time -- and, that being the case, in tandem with being a smart guy, I would much rather see Super Mario play in front of several million people a night next season (16,300+NationalTV) instead of 300 people on a D-League pay-per-view channel....

Just ask Taureen Green...

We love you, Mario... hope to see you back... Rock Chalk Jayhawk!

No matter what happens, he will have all the support I can offer. Stay--Great!!! Go to the NBA---Great!!! Good luck to you Mario either way, we thank you for all you have done for us.

The University of Kansas...
where pro's begin...

Mario may not understand what he means to the Jayhawk fans for many, many years. I have waited for that shot for more years than he has been born. I still can't believe it's real. I certainly can't ask these guys for more. I wish they could all be lottery picks. I believe Arthur will be but I don't know. If they both were to return, I'm getting my tickets to the final four as soon as they come out. All this is so unbelievable. The Jayhawks - National Champs.

I see alot of posts indicating Chalmers declaration a wise move but hoping he comes back. No problem with that. Some feel his stock has hit its high. Maybe. There has been note he could improve his position in tryouts. Possible.
I think what will remain in some scouts minds is TURNOVERS. Fact is Chalmers had the second most on the team (Robinson most). So how could he up his stock with nothing more in points or assists or field goal percentage? Reduce the turnovers and really turn some heads.

I can't believe some people are saying that KU may not even get into the NCAA Tournament next year. When was the last time that happened? Do you really think that with Collins, Aldrich, Teahan and company, along with the great recruits Self is bringing in, the Jayhawks won't have a good enough season to even get into the Tournament? I can't even imagine that happening!!!

It hurts that any of the three amigos are declaring for the draft but Super Mario seems to hurt the most.

I want to announce on this board that my wife gave birth to a son yesterday and we have given him the middle name Chalmers.
We hope you stay one more year Mario!

davidsmom,
"When was the last time that happened"? I can give you two answers depending on what you exactly mean. If you are referring to an NCAA champion in general not returning to the tournament, it was this year - Florida failed to make the tournament. If you mean when was the last time KU failed to make it, well let's see, fresh off a championship in 1988 they failed to return. No need to imagine it, just look at history.

Alot of you make great points, but everything is relative and has to fall into place for things to workout for Mario. Mario could get wrong information and the predraft could have Mario between 22 and 30 and he could slip into the second round which would be terrible. There are only a couple of rare circumstances where those players prevailed (Areanas and Boozer) and they went on to have and are having very good careers with lucrative contracts.
I mean, who would have thought Rajon Rondo was going to be the Starting "Rookie" Point Guard for the Boston Celtics? I mean, things just worked out for him. Let's just say Mario does get drafted in the late First Round by a very good "Playoff" team. One of two things could happen. 1) This is ideal situation where a contender finds time for Chalmers and puts him in their rotation off the bench. It could happen, but very slim and the odds are against him. 2) He could be a Wayne Simien and picked very late First Round and never got time on the Championship Heat team. Simien is now out of the NBA and he didn't play 1 minute this year in the regular season.
There are a lot of "What If's" with Mario and a lot of things can happen. This is just my opinion, but this is a very guard oriented draft with Rose, Mayo, Bayless, Gordon, Westbrook, Augustin, Collison (I wouldn't touch Collison if I was an NBA GM, Lawson (Same thing with this guy, wouldn't touch him), and Rush. Those are a lot of picks that are all in front of Chalmers. Like I said above, this is a good thing for Chalmers. I think guys like Lawson, Collison, and Augustin can help Chalmers because I think he would exploit them in the NBA workouts. He even might be able to against guys like Westbrook and Gordon in these workouts and might boost his draft stock with good workouts. It think the potential is there.
However, if Mario decides to wait I think he has shot to solidify himself in the first round. The only sure fire Lottery pick guard I can think of that I would take #1 overall next year would be Ricky Rubio. If you haven't seen this kid play he is absolutely unreal. He's been playing in the top European League since he was 15! They call him a "Basketball Prodigy" and GM's love this kid. His contract runs out next year and then he'll be able to enter the NBA Draft at 19. Google Ricky Rubio and you'll see what I mean. I got a little side tracked with Rubio, but I think next year's draft is a little light at guard and I think that would benefit Mario.

Davidsmom: I don't understand what the fascination with Teahan is? Everybody mentions Teahan in their lineups and I have to say that Teahan is not getting off the bench next year or the year after that. If there is somebody that should be getting mentioned is Reed. I have full confidence in this kid. As I stated about Chalmers above, it all comes down to timing and circumstances. Reed was getting a lot of time early in the season and then he had the injury. Not his fault, but the timing of it was pretty bad. If he could have been injury free, I could have seen Reed in there as a 4th guard to rotate in and I firmly believe he would have been in the rotation. The injury sidelined him and put him behind a little and Coach Self couldn't find confidence to play him again because league play had already started. I think good things are going to come out of Reed next year. He's going to have to fight for his minutes, but if he could do it against Collins, Chalmers, Robinson, then I think he can do it against Collins, Little, Appleton, and Releford.

Good luck Chalmers, hope you get a lot of practice against NBA caliber talent then decide to return. If you don't return, thanks for the Title. Rockem Hawks!!

Couldn't agree more about Reed. He gets no love from the posters and some even think Morningstar has a brighter future?!?
Without the injury Reed would have been the 4th guard off the bench behind Chalmers, Russ Rob and Collins this year. Next year he will be in the rotation for sure and with his solid long-distance shooting, hustle and willingness to learn he will make a difference.

This might be good for us. Chalmers and Arthur can have lots of time together, and if all goes well for hawk fans, come back together!!! Probably a better chance for us than if it were just one them. They might both get pumped up about a repeat.

BCRavenJHawkfan yuo must have forgotten the only reason ku didnt get to the '89 NCAA was on ther account of NCAA violations from departing coach brown. Now as far as for the FL team this yr they didnt have enough talent in the wings waiting to come out and perform. I'm still confident in our coach and kids to keep us in the hunt next yr. Thanks for the ride for all the guys leaving,this was one awesome yr.

Julian is doing just fine down here in Nawlins'. He played some good solid minutes late in the season and became a crowd favorite with some of his dunks with the assistance of CP3 (who should be the MVP this year but will probably loose out to KB). I know of at least one time he was front page center with photo in the Times-Picayune sports section. (Don't ask me what a Picayune is!) Julian's early problems which led to Coach Scott to get on him a few times, was passing up too many shots. He may not get much pt during the playoffs, but he is certainly ready.

Also, wasn't the reason the Hawks missed the dance in '89 after winning the '88 championship because of the sanctions from the NCAA? I think '89 was a down year because of the sanctions and if I remember right, Adonis Jordan was the only recruit that honored his commitment after the probation was announced.

All Chalmers fans must check out this video:

http://www.youtube.c...

If anyone missed him in the 2005 McDonalds All-American game or if you just want to reminisce check it out. Chalmers won the 3 point contest and had 20 pts 5 assists and 5 steals in the game. He was scoring from all over, driving to the hoop, mid-range jumpers and treys. He had one stretch where he hit three treys in about 40 seconds (the announcer says 2 min) including one where he stole the inbound pass right after hitting a 3 and going straight to the corner to nail another one. Ironically the announcers are discussing his NBA stock. There are also a few highlights from his KU career at the end. I gotta give props for whoever posted that video. I remember watching the 3 point contest and game and being absolutely ecstatic he was coming to KU.

I agree with an earlier poster that Mario could score 15-17 points a game next year for KU. He toned down his offensive game quite a bit considering all the other scoring talent around him. If he comes back he will need to shoulder more of a scoring role and I think he is quite capable of doing that. Whatever he decides to do I wish him the best of luck.

A few other posters brought up Reed. I have to agree, I would even bet that Reed ends up with more minutes than Teahen and Morningstar combined.

ku_jay,
Actually my pointing out that KU did not go back to the tournament in 89 was based on the violations, I just did not elaborate on the fact that anything can happen. I don't think that type of thing will come up as long as the current staff drive this ship. They seam to understand the rules, policy and procedure, etc. I totally agree that KU should be back but nothing is a lock, crap happens man.

:(

afterthought. did the LJW run the pic of B rush blocking the UNLV players shot and being called for a foul? i,d like to send it to BR but don,t have adress. there was no foul the pic clearly shows. BR showed a lot of class by not getting a T.

good luck super M.

I think it is interesting how certain people are saying that if Mario comes back he will increase his stock for next year. I don't think that is such a given. He could get hurt, the team