Monday, February 4, 2008

Hannah’s absence saddens Jayhawks

By Gary Bedore

Kansas forward Darnell Jackson, left, stops the drive of Missouri's Stefhon Hannah last season. Hannah will miss today's game because of a broken jaw suffered in an altercation at a Columbia, Mo., bar.

Photo by Nick Krug

Kansas forward Darnell Jackson, left, stops the drive of Missouri's Stefhon Hannah last season. Hannah will miss today's game because of a broken jaw suffered in an altercation at a Columbia, Mo., bar.

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Hawks rally in second half

After falling on the short end of Michael Beasley's guarantee Wednesday night in Manhattan, Bill Self and the Jayhawks packed their bags Saturday for a battle in Boulder against the Buffaloes.

Missouri senior point guard Stefhon Hannah - who scored 23 points and dished six assists in a narrow six-point loss to rival Kansas on Jan. 19 - will be nowhere near Allen Fieldhouse tonight.

The 6-foot-1, 183-pound standout is back in his hometown of Chicago recovering from a fractured jaw suffered Jan. 27 in an altercation outside a Columbia, Mo., bar.

He'll be missed during today's 8 p.m. Big Monday battle, say KU's players, who wish no ill will on one of the best guards in the Big 12 Conference.

"I do feel for him," KU senior point guard Russell Robinson said. "He was playing so well. He's what makes them go. He's the point guard, a big scorer, a good player. That's tough for any player. I wish him the best."

Hannah, who likely will miss the rest of his senior season, averaged a team-leading 14.7 points off 43.0 percent shooting (45 of 117 threes for 38.5 percent) with 105 assists against 58 turnovers for the Tigers, who enter today's clash 13-9 overall and 3-4 in the Big 12. KU is 21-1, 6-1.

"I feel terrible for him," said KU backup guard Sherron Collins, a friend of Hannah's who also hails from the Windy City. "I don't know if him being out will ruin their team, but it takes away a lot from their team, what he can do defensively and offensively."

The Jayhawks say the Hannah situation - second-year MU coach MIke Anderson suspended Tigers Marshall Brown, Darryl Butterfield, Jason Horton, Leo Lyons and Hannah for violating team rules for being in the bar with the guard - was unfortunate.

"Oh man, you just have to watch where you are at and who you hang around with. That can happen to anybody, even one of you guys (media)," senior Darnell Jackson said. "You never know when. It can happen to anybody."

MU coach Anderson - he reinstated Lyons and Brown for Saturday's shocking 77-74 victory over Kansas State - has a midnight curfew on weekends that the players violated. Team policy prohibits players from hanging out in bars.

"When kids make mistakes, you've got to discipline them," Anderson told the Associated Press. "These are kids we're talking about. I'm a teacher, too, and I'm trying to teach them about life. There have been some hard lessons.

"I'm building a program, trying to change a culture," added Anderson, who booted Kalen Grimes off the team after the player's arrest last summer but did not pull his scholarship and will see Grimes graduate this spring.

"I want to see young men come in here and go out as men, and go out and be productive citizens," Anderson added in his interview with the AP.

The Hannah incident occurred just hours after the Tigers' 66-62 victory at Colorado. With just six scholarship players available because of the suspension, MU fell at home to Nebraska, by the same 66-62 score.

"Hannah is a big key to that team. He is captain of that team," KU's Jackson said. "The way he handles the ball and pressures, he brings a lot of energy to that team."

Sophomore guard J.T. Tiller has filled in admirably for Hannah in the backcourt. He scored a career-best 20 points Saturday against Kansas State.

"I think they're a lot different team now," KU's Brandon Rush said. "Hannah is their playmaker. He can shoot it, create his own shots, and it's going to be big (his absence). I don't know how they beat K-State without Hannah, but it's a good thing they did."

KSU's loss to MU - paired with KU's victory at Colorado - moved the Jayhawks back atop the league standings, a half game ahead of the Wildcats, who beat KU last Wednesday.

"You can find out a lot about teams when they go through some adversity," KU coach Bill Self said. "Obviously Missouri has risen to the occasion. We saw first-hand what they can do. It was a six-point game (76-70) in Columbia. Last year they could have beaten us at our place," Self added of KU's narrow 80-77 victory, which was not assured until Matt Lawrence's three-point attempt at the buzzer missed.

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Carryover?: Mizzou trailed K-State by 15 points before rallying on Saturday.

"What it means Monday? It just tells you that on any given night anything can take place in our league," Anderson told the AP.

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Carroll upbeat: MU junior forward DeMarre Caroll, who had five points off 2-of-11 shooting in the first meeting versus KU, scored eight points and grabbed seven rebounds in 25 minutes against K-State.

"Every day it's just moving forward," Carroll told the AP, referring to life without Hannah. "If you're with us, you're with us, and if you're not, you're not. Like coach said, the train is going to keep going."

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Chalmers led way at MU: Mario Chalmers had 18 points, while Brandon Rush and Darnell Jackson hit for 13 apiece in KU's six-point victory in Columbia.

"It was very important for us to have a grind-it-out game like that. Things weren't going right for us, so we had to change things up and still came away with a win," Rush said.

The Jayhawks hit just 40 percent of their shots and four of 12 threes. MU hit 38 percent of its shots - five of 28 threes.

"They came to play with us," Rush said of the Tigers. "Shots weren't falling for either one of the teams, but we still managed to get the win."

Of the first meeting, KU coach Self said: "We didn't play our best. Missouri had a lot to do with that. They missed shots. We missed shots. We didn't execute well on the offensive end. We didn't play great the second half, but never relinquished the lead."

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Traditional battle: KU's Russell Robinson is 5-2 versus Missouri. "I do think of the rivalry. It's way before me and will be here way after me. As long as I'm here, I've got to try to hold down the fort," Robinson said.

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Border War facts: KU leads the all-time series 165-93. KU is 84-31 against MU in Lawrence. The Jayhawks have won four straight over MU and have won eight in a row over their rivals in Allen Fieldhouse. ... Missouri's last victory in Lawrence came during Norm Stewart's final season - 71-63 on Jan. 24, 1999. ... Four of the last five games in the series have been decided by six points or fewer. ...

Comments

kushaw (anonymous) says...

I wish Hannah well in his recovery, but I"m getting a little concerned with all the player's getting or getting suspended right when we play a decent team. It happened with OU and Blake Griffin and now all the turmoil with the Mizzou squad. Maybe it's a sign we will have good luck come tournament time, but I wish these teams were full strength when we play them.

February 4, 2008 at 7:02 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

kushaw (anonymous) says...

Hey, did anyone notice during the Super Bowl Last night the guy that was sitting in front of Peyton Manning up in his Suite? I think it was Lew Perkins! Did anyone else think that or notice that as well? I didn't know for sure if it was him.

February 4, 2008 at 7:12 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

KUFAN08 (anonymous) says...

Yep, that was definitely him.

February 4, 2008 at 7:42 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

funkitect (anonymous) says...

i posted the same comment about lew on the espn boards. that was definitely him!

February 4, 2008 at 7:44 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

patton6 (anonymous) says...

It was definitely sweet Lew

February 4, 2008 at 7:44 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

tis4tim (anonymous) says...

Let's feel sorry for Mizzou AFTER we pound them...and maybe not even then either.

February 4, 2008 at 7:51 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

84Hawk (anonymous) says...

Saturday was the first time I ever hoped MU would win! I'm glad they beat K-State. How strange will it be that MU beat K-State, K-State beat us and we beat (hopefully by a big margin) MU all in the same week?

February 4, 2008 at 8:46 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

carterpatterson (anonymous) says...

Lou Perkins is a rock star.

February 4, 2008 at 8:55 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

carterpatterson (anonymous) says...

I meant Lew.

February 4, 2008 at 8:56 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

rohdek (Kyle Rohde) says...

Interesting that no one seems to be comparing this incident to the Giddens/Giles one at Moon Bar - they are very similar, to me.

February 4, 2008 at 9:08 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

klineisanazi (anonymous) says...

I am so upset that Hannah won't be playing...it just tears my heart out...............

February 4, 2008 at 9:18 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

cklarock (anonymous) says...

There's an article in the main section of kusports.com about Perkins at the Superbowl. Apparently, he sits on the board of directors for Gatorade.

February 4, 2008 at 9:52 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

okjhok (anonymous) says...

This a perfect opportunity for the fans in the stands of Allen tonight to redeem themselves for not being there for the team up to this point this year. It's been poor, and frankly, embarrassing at times. For example, how do you not fill the stands against UofA (and don't give me that crap about it being on a Sunday after the Mizzou game)? So, anyone who reads this and will be at the game tonight, I'm calling you out. So do yourself and all of us a favor and bring some energy tonight. It doesn't get any better than Big Monday.

February 4, 2008 at 9:57 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

DocBean (anonymous) says...

That was definitely Louie in front of Peyton. Did anyone else wonder why was Peyton sitting up in the corner all alone?

February 4, 2008 at 9:57 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

jross1972 (Johann Ross) says...

tis and kline...I agree.

Okjhok...i really agree with that!

February 4, 2008 at 10:07 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

dagger108 (anonymous) says...

Go to the Star and you'll read plenty of ref's to the Moon Bar and a host of other indiscretions. Obviously, there are plenty of ignorant, spoiled athletes to go around, and plenty of a$$holes that are just looking for trouble. That's not to say that Hannah was either, but at least in the wrong place at the wrong time. Anderson & Martin both get more respect in my book for their handling of the situations.

Hopefully, Brandon gets to review KState's loss and learns that Mizzoo does still have a competitive team that is worthy of his attention. If his effort isn't up, and he disappears (like the second half of KState), it could be another unfortunate night. Personally, I'd like to see Coach Self have the nads to sit him when he becomes a spectator. I'll take Stewart's effort over Brandon's lack of it - sort of like a mini-suspension.

I didn't think Peyton was sitting at all. I can imagine a competitive athlete having no interest whatsoever in sitting during that game.

February 4, 2008 at 10:37 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

in_a_RUSH25 (anonymous) says...

This will be a good night to shut the KSU fans up.

February 4, 2008 at 11:12 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

soapboxstew (anonymous) says...

k-state- big 12 champs: 1/30/08- 2/2/08.

February 4, 2008 at 11:35 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

okjhok (anonymous) says...

espn/usa Today poll just dropped us to 5th, right behind UCLA. So, essentially, the voters think that a 1-loss KU team is worse than a 1-loss Duke (lost to Pitt on neutral court) and UNC (lost AT HOME to Maryland) and a 2-loss ucla (2 losses, to Texas and usc at home). Shouldn't KU have had a little distance between themselves and these other teams after starting 20-0 and incurring the first loss on the road to a ranked rival? And this is the coaches poll. What happened to the national concensus that KU was the best team in the country. Now they're the 5th best team in the country? I don't get it. I've been around long enough to understand how these rankings work. For once, though, I just wish these guys would vote how they truly felt. No way Duke is the second best team in the country.

February 4, 2008 at 12:43 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

okjhok (anonymous) says...

At least Parrish gets it right, although I'd have Duke 5th...http://www.sportsline.com/collegebasketball/polls/top25

February 4, 2008 at 12:49 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jross1972 (Johann Ross) says...

okjhok...

dont let the rankings get you too upset. the proving ground is in March.

February 4, 2008 at 12:50 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

tis4tim (anonymous) says...

Duke plays NC on Wednesday, so one of them SHOULD drop below us next week, provided we take care of our games. Of course, there is always the chance ACC bias will keep them ahead of us in the polls.

I remember some years ago UNC being 15 or 16 in the polls and they still had one number one vote. Absurd.

February 4, 2008 at 12:56 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

BCRavenJHawkfan (anonymous) says...

okjhok,

This is the penalty for a loss as the season gets into crunch time.
Imagine the injustice if a team were to go whatever and 0 and have won their conference and the last game of the season was meaningless and the subs played the majority of the game so that starters are not injured. The "coaches poll" would punish that team by several spots in the poll. Crap is what you get in a crap system.

February 4, 2008 at 1:19 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

okjhok (anonymous) says...

Hey, I know exactly why it was done, and it happens every time. It's always what have you done for me lately, except for the ACC, of course.

jross...Like you, I'm a fan. This is exactly the type of thing that gets me upset. I know March is the proving ground, but I'm along for the ride, the WHOLE ride, and I hate it when my 'Hawks don't get the respect they deserve. To me, arguing about the polls is part of the fun. You can't tell me you don't get pissed off when the pollsters screw us like this. I'll tell you one thing. I bet the players take offense to getting dropped like that, and in a strange way, this may be a good thing.

February 4, 2008 at 1:26 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

KU (anonymous) says...

If the polls are supposed to reflect how a team is currently playing, I'd say KU is lucky to be rates #5.

They played like they were inexperienced and scared at Manhattan and they played without passion at Colorado.

I'd say if they keep playing like this there are at LEAST 4 teams and probably 8-10 that would beat KU on a given night.

If KU played with the fight and passion that Dook is playing with, they would be unstoppable. (It hurts me to admit that Dook is playing well because I hate the Dookies more than MU and UNC combined.)

February 4, 2008 at 1:31 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

okjhok (anonymous) says...

Well then you officially lost all credibility on this site. Congratulations.

February 4, 2008 at 1:34 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

OklahomaJayhawk5 (anonymous) says...

Haha soapboxstew that is priceless! But look out, they are still a really good team.

February 4, 2008 at 1:40 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

okjhok (anonymous) says...

I'm just playin', KU. I know Dook is playing well. I think it comes down to the type of person Coach K brings in there. He's more interested in how hard they will play for him than anything. They may not have as much talent as Kansas (not far off), but they've got more desire right now, and it drives me crazy.

February 4, 2008 at 1:56 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

okjhok (anonymous) says...

Another note on the polls...Villanova actually got 1 vote this time around. Yes, Villanova, the team that has managed to lose 4 games in a row, including two at home, and on the road to Rutgers. I don't know who gave them the vote, but it speaks to how much effort actually goes into the vote.

February 4, 2008 at 1:59 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

cscher (anonymous) says...

Mizzou may not be fully manned, but I won't feel any less satsfied after we serve them a beating tonight.

February 4, 2008 at 2:13 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

BalkansHawk (anonymous) says...

dagger108

I totally agree with you. Maximize your effort, maintain your focus, lead by example, or take a seat.

February 4, 2008 at 2:42 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

chuckberry32 (anonymous) says...

polls always are stupid. East coast bias combined with recency dooms ku after any loss. Fortunately polls don't matter too much in basketball

February 4, 2008 at 3:09 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

JayCeph (anonymous) says...

Sad Jayhawks? Regarding Miz-who? Not likely. The enemy isn't your enemy only when they are lifeless and motionless and no longer pose a threat on any level.

Hannah or no, KU better execute with passion tonight. If not, I fear for their overall psyche and chances over the next few games.

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

jhwkfan162515 (anonymous) says...

I know the real reason why the Hawks are so upset not to have Stefhon in there. When KU wins, the media will spin it as "KU won because Stefhon Hannah wasn't there", not "KU won because KU is a superior team to Mizzou."

Meanwhile, how did Lew get to the Super Bowl?

February 4, 2008 at 4:30 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

leikness (anonymous) says...

I doubt that will be the spin

February 4, 2008 at 4:41 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

rockchalkhawktalk (anonymous) says...

Lew made it to the superbowl because he knows people. He didn't ruin Wichita State and set back Maryland for years for nothing. He sold his soul long before he got to KU (and by the way, sold out KU for the game against MU at Arrowhead, not exactly the home field advantage a home game is supposed to have). Yesterday a Pats fan, today a Giants fan, I'm sure. He's the only thing wrong with KU sports.

Hannah was obviously more of a detraction than a help to MU (ala Allen Iverson), cause they took it to a very good KSU team.

Did I tell you I hate MU?

February 4, 2008 at 6:40 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

ralsterKUMed95 (anonymous) says...

Interesting that some posts above wondered if that was Lew Perkins sitting up there below Peyton Manning's box--I cant think of anyone else with that unique look that Lew has. Recognized him instantly, and also figured that for someone of his age and duration of sports involvement, he WOULD get some of the best seats, however and from whomever...

February 5, 2008 at 11:03 a.m. ( | suggest removal )