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Thursday, January 17, 2008

Who’s No. 1?

By Ryan Greene, Tom Keegan

(From left to right) KU coach Bill Self, UNC coach Roy Williams, and Memphis coach John Calipari.

(From left to right) KU coach Bill Self, UNC coach Roy Williams, and Memphis coach John Calipari.

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photo

Photo by Thad Allender

KU coach Bill Self.

'Hawks ready themselves for Columbia

The Kansas Jayhawks men's basketball team will travel to Columbia on Saturday to take on rival Missouri.

Rush hopes to remain hot against Missouri

Columbia, Mo. is the perfect place for junior guard Brandon Rush to continue his torrid conference shooting stretch.

Reader poll

Who do you think should be ranked No. 1 in the land?

  • North Carolina 8% 189 votes
  • Memphis 4% 106 votes
  • Kansas 86% 1945 votes

2240 total votes.

KU Basketball

Tom Keegan

See Pollspeak.com giving J-W Tom Keegan some love for his final college football poll as its Voter of the Week.

The college basketball polls have North Carolina ranked No. 1, Memphis No. 2 and Kansas No. 3.

They are the only remaining undefeated NCAA Division I schools.

Unlike in college football, a tournament is in place to crown the champion, but that won't happen until April 7. The schools will not have a chance to play each other unless it happens in the NCAA Tournament, perhaps in the Final Four in San Antonio.

North Carolina has the best player (Tyler Hansbrough), Kansas the most balance and Memphis the most size.

For now, the only way to select a No. 1 is to argue the issue. To supply fodder for such arguments, consider a position-by-position ranking of the five starters and the bench from the three undefeated schools.

The points total listed under each school was arrived at by awarding three points for every first-place ranking, two points for a second-place and one point for a third place. Based on this system, the team with the highest number deserves to be ranked No. 1.

Since all three coaches - each of whom has a special place in his heart for Allen Fieldhouse - have proven they are among the nation's best, coaching was not part of the formula.

Kansas (17-0)

PG - Russell Robinson, Sr., 6-foot-1, 205 lbs.

The only Kansas starter who doesn't score in double figures (6.9 ppg), Robinson's value goes deeper. The New Yorker leads the Jayhawks with 79 assists, is second with 42 steals and applies great ball pressure. He's good for a three-pointer here and there. Rank: 2

SG - Mario Chalmers, Jr., 6-1, 190 lbs.

The numbers Chalmers puts up in 28.9 minutes a night are quite efficient. He's the team's top three-point threat (46.9 percent) and has 78 assists to just 29 turnovers. The do-it-all guard leads KU in takeaways with 47. Rank: 1

SF - Brandon Rush, Jr., 6-6, 210 lbs.

Still not back to 100 percent, but getting close. He's KU's top free-throw shooter at 78.6 percent and is heating up from three-point range. He must maintain aggressiveness without Self having to nag him. He's averaging 17.5 ppg since Self's comments. Rank: 2

PF - Darrell Arthur, So., 6-9, 225 lbs.

Needs to improve his rebounding, but has developed well in all other areas. Arthur leads the Jayhawks in scoring (13.4 ppg) with a consistent turnaround jumper as his go-to weapon. He also has rejected a team-best 30 shots. Rank: 2

C - Darnell Jackson, Sr. 6-8, 250 lbs.

After overcoming personal obstacles, Jackson's playing with a clear mind and a nasty streak. KU's most improved player averages 12.3 ppg on 66.9 percent shooting and is a consistent rebounding threat, at 7.0 rpg. Dropped weight has helped in transition. Rank: 2

Bench - KU's top two subs, Sasha Kaun and Sherron Collins, would start most places. Collins (9.5 ppg, 2.8 apg) is returning to form after a foot injury, while the reserve role has helped Kaun (7.9 ppg, 4.5 rpg) find comfort and consistency. Guys like Rod Stewart and Cole Aldrich can fill minutes, too. Rank: 1

Points - 14

KU Link - Bill Self: In his fifth season at Kansas after advancing Tulsa and Illinois to the Elite Eight, Self has a 122-29 KU record for an .808 winning percentage.

Did You Know? Self is one of three coaches in NCAA Division I history to coach a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament at two different schools.

photo

AP Photo

UNC coach Roy Williams.

North Carolina (18-0)

UNC Basketball

PG - Ty Lawson, So., 5-11, 195 lbs.

Short and thick with speed to burn, Lawson gives opposing defenses fits, just like Raymond Felton did before him. Carolina's leader can score (13.4 ppg), dish (5.7 apg) and swipe (2.1 spg). Plus, Lawson knows how to apply pressure without fouling. Rank: 1

SG - Wayne Ellington, So., 6-4, 200 lbs.

Ellington has boosted his scoring by six points per game to 17.8. His three-point shooting has gone up 11 percent, and he has established himself as a clutch late-game gunner, as evidence by game-winning three-pointer against Clemson. He's also a 90.9 percent shooter at the stripe. Rank: 2

SF - Marcus Ginyard, Jr., 6-5, 218 lbs.

Ginyard is to North Carolina what Anderson is to Memphis and Robinson is to KU - a glue guy in the starting five. The lengthy veteran averages 6.8 ppg and 5.0 rpg. He's also a sticky defender, but isn't a huge threat on offense (39.8 FG %). Rank: 3

PF - Deon Thompson, So., 6-8, 240 lbs.

Thompson's scoring and rebounding have doubled from his rookie campaign. He now averages 8.8 points and 5.8 rebounds a game. He leads the Heels with 24 blocks, though is just a 45.6 percent shooter. Complements Tyler Hansbrough well. Rank: 3

C - Tyler Hansbrough, Jr. 6-9, 250 lbs.

As the player the rest of the nation loves to hate, Hansbrough does more than enough to keep Tar Heel nation happy. Arguably college's best player, 'Psycho-T' averages 21.2 points and 9.9 rebounds a game. For a big man, he's solid at the line (80.8). Rank: 1

Bench - Losing junior guard Bobby Frasor for the year to a knee injury hurt the Heels' backcourt depth and put plenty of weight on 6-3 senior Quentin Thomas. But Danny Green could be the best reserve in the land. The 6-foot-6 junior is a 40.7 percent three-point marksman and fourth on the team with 12.7 ppg. Rank: 2

Points - 12

KU Link - Roy Williams: Hired from Dean Smith's staff at UNC, Williams went 418-101 in 15 seasons, for a winning percentage of .805 at Kansas before returning to Chapel Hill.

Did You Know? Williams is one of three coaches in NCAA Division I history to coach a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament at two different schools.

photo

AP Photo

Memphis coach John Calipari.

Memphis (16-0)

PG - Derek Rose, Fr., 6-3, 190 lbs.

One of the nation's finest and most exciting freshmen, Rose has the numbers (14.7 ppg, 4.3 apg, 4.0 rpg) to back up the hype. He has been wild at times, though, registering a team-high 48 turnovers. He's also only a 69.6 percent shooter at the line. Rank: 3

SG - Antonio Anderson, Jr., 6-6, 210 lbs.

Despite being just an average offensive threat (6.9 ppg, 35.8 FG%, 52.5 FT%), he brings a veteran presence in filling up the stat sheet elsewhere. He leads the Tigers with 23 steals and ranks second in assists with 52 and plays sound defense. Rank: 3

SF - Chris Douglas-Roberts, Jr., 6-7, 200 lbs.

Known by fans as 'CD-R,' the Detroit native passed up the NBA last spring and has seen his numbers go up across the board. He again leads Memphis in scoring (16.3 ppg), but has bumped his three-point shooting this year by 20 percent (32.8 to 52.9 percent). Rank: 1

PF - Robert Dozier, Jr., 6-9, 215 lbs.

Dozier's shooting is nothing to brag about (46.3 percent), but he's as productive and active a big man as you'll find. The junior posts 11.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and just over two blocks per game. He and center Joey Dorsey give the Tigers a bulky tandem. Rank: 1

C - Joey Dorsey, Sr. 6-9, 265 lbs.

Along with swatting nearly three shots a game, Dorsey is the team's top rebounder, pulling down 9.9 caroms on average. His 8.3 points per game come as a product of being Memphis' most efficient shooter (74.2 percent). Rank: 3

Bench - The Tigers' big-bodied starting lineup is backed by 6-10 sophomore Shawn Taggart, an Iowa State transfer, who posts 7.0 points and 4.7 boards a game in 17.5 minutes. Senior guard Andre Allen (5-10) and sophomore guard Willie Kemp (6-5) bring good backcourt energy, too. Rank: 3

Points - 10

KU Link - John Calipari: Worked one season under Ted Owens and two seasons under Larry Brown at Kansas, leaving after the 1984-85 season.

Did You Know? Calipari is one of three coaches in NCAA Division I history to coach a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament at two different schools.

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Comments

KoolKeithFreeze (anonymous) says...

Not sure if I agree with all of your rankings, or the system itself for that matter, but this was certainly a fun article to read. Well done guys. The problem with judging a team by considering the merit of each of its players is that this fails to calculate the level at which they work together as a cohesive unit. There have been a number of teams in recent years whose weak run in the tournament seemed a lesser output than the sum of their parts would have suggested. Any of these three teams here can make the championship game, but the team with the stronger 'intangibles' (sorry for the cliche) will win it. Respect for each other. Leadership. Maturity. Teamwork. Poise. All in the face of adversity. By the end of this season, I think our Jayhawks have the Tigers and Tarheels beat in those categories.

January 17, 2008 at 4:38 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

yates33333 (anonymous) says...

Memphis has an excellent chance to go undefeated. Both KU and UNC have tough games ahead, although the Number One Heel had led his team to two very close wins against good ACC teams. KU has the hardest schedule remaining. Hopefully Duke and BC will beat UNC. Hard to imagine anyone beating Memphis in conference. Likewise, hard to imagine KU not slipping against either MU, KSU, Texas A&M, or UT. Let's hope they don't, but if they do please don't let it be Missouri or K-State.

January 17, 2008 at 6:17 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

jayhawkinatl (anonymous) says...

Could care less at this point, really. Just as long as we can solidify a No. 1 seed come March and then take care of business thereafter.

January 17, 2008 at 7:15 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Timmay97 (anonymous) says...

Not to be the bearer of bad news, but I think we can all agree that KU's not going to go undefeated throughout the regular season. There are too many places they can slip up. And frankly, I would prefer they lose 1 or 2 games in conference before getting to the Big 12 tournament. Remember, the Big 12 final is on Selection Sunday, and I would rather KU go into the NCAA tourney with momentum as they did last year. Going undefeated would just put added pressure on our team during tourney time.

Remember, rankings don't really mean much right now. They mean a lot in the last two weeks of the season. Having said that......it did piss me off to see UNC pull that game out against Georgia Tech last night. That's two straight games they have had a tough time on the road. That's conference play for you though. Definitely curious to see how KU plays against Mizzou and even more so, against K-State on the road

January 17, 2008 at 7:32 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

klong (anonymous) says...

Did my eyes play tricks on me or did I see that Memphis played Rice last night? Come on! They are by far the weakest of the tree unbeatens.

January 17, 2008 at 7:51 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

LHS1980 (anonymous) says...

Oh please, please, PLEASE let us play NC in the final game!

January 17, 2008 at 7:53 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

tomike (anonymous) says...

according to the picture, UNC is #1, KU #3, Memphis, #10

January 17, 2008 at 8:03 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

leikness (anonymous) says...

Memphis has the most size?

January 17, 2008 at 8:31 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Brock (anonymous) says...

According to the picture, Roy is dressed like a bellhop.

Brock

January 17, 2008 at 8:34 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

jayhawk02 (anonymous) says...

LOL. That was pretty observant of you tomlike.

January 17, 2008 at 8:39 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

ChicagoJHawk (anonymous) says...

that's funny tomike, I was also thinking the same thing when I saw the picture. LOL.

January 17, 2008 at 8:54 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

justanotherfan (anonymous) says...

I don't really understand how they compared these players. The roles and expectations for these guys are different. At PG for instance, Lawson, Robinson and Rose are three different types of players with three different sets of expectations for their teams. Lawson is supposed to push the pace at all costs. He's their primary (and pretty much only) true ball handler, so he will rack up more turnovers than RR because he has to handle the ball so much. Rose is in a drive and kick system that takes advantage of his strength, but he's going to make more mistakes, too. His abilities in that system makes them go, though. RR makes us go and makes all of the right plays. I don't think you could interchange any one of the three to any of the other systems without a significant drop off by the teams.

I will say this, though. I think Carolina is the weakest of the three because they cannot dig in and get stops on a consistent basis. I watched them last night against Ga. Tech and it was just up and down, see who can score more points basketball. Carolina didn't really get any stops down the stretch.

As for Memphis, they won't be tested in conference, but they still have tough games left against both Tennessee and Gonzaga. Their non-con sked was tough enough (G'town, Oklahoma, etc.) that they will probably lock up a 1 even if they lose a couple of games. Same for KU. UNC has to beat out Duke for a 1. UCLA will get the other 1. That means we get to stay in the midwest.

January 17, 2008 at 9:02 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

RonBurgandy (anonymous) says...

What's great is all three of those coaches have ties to KU.

January 17, 2008 at 9:04 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

jross1972 (Joe Ross) says...

justanother...

RE: "I don't really understand how they compared these players. The roles and expectations for these guys are different."

You are absolutely right. And this thing of comparing players is stupid anyway. I mean one player's ability can yield two different performances even against the same team. So how can you try to postulate when there are too many variables to try to handle?

January 17, 2008 at 9:14 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

afilmer (anonymous) says...

DJ wants to eat hansbrough - and i think he can do it.

January 17, 2008 at 9:30 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

grantmvb (anonymous) says...

You are correct, jross. To take that one step further, I think Sasha would do better than 80-90% of players out there on the defensive end against Hansbrough. In a KU/UNC matchup Kaun would probably log more minutes and would change the complexity of the game. You can never hold Tyler down the whole game, but he can struggle against big physical players.

Only problem is Tyler runs the floor so, so well.

Yet, up to this point the cohesiveness and depth of this KU group cannot be matched by anyone. Hey, it's fun convo for argument sake.

January 17, 2008 at 9:40 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Lebowski (anonymous) says...

Sasha needs to actually block less shots and focus on rebounding more. And Aldrich needs to get a little more proficient on the offensive end and foul a little less. I think I see Self trying to work in a big man rotation lately that is really increasing the need for this to happen. The last two games we've started seeing Sasha and Cole on the floor at the same time, which i think is perfect.

If they can each make those improvements, that's a rotation that KU can throw at guys like Hansbrough that no one else can. For all 40 minutes, you could have a big, strong guy (Sasha or Darnell) that can muscle a guy out and keep him away from the basket. When a shot goes up, they can both keep a body on that big man and make someone else on the team attack the glass.

While TH, or whatever other inside force a team might have, is dealing with Sasha or DJ, he also has to worry about the help D of a natural shot-blocker in Arthur or Aldrich. Both of these guys have been doing it at an amazing rate (combined 18 in the last 124 min.. or 4.4 every 30 min!!!!). and I believe that's come about not just because of improvement, but because of the combination that Self is putting on the floor. A big guy has so much to contend with just with Sasha or Darnell, that Cole and DA are getting some easy "help" blocks.

It's just like how Russell and Mario help each other get more steals by putting pressure on their own man, I think our inside defense has been reaping some similair benefits.

Now we just need to see Sasha attack the glass a little more and Cole improve on offense so the team isn't taking a hit on that end when they're in there.

January 17, 2008 at 10 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

JayViking (anonymous) says...

If hansbrough has to play in a game where the officials are calling the big guys tight he fouls out. the kids not that good he just plays really physical. any 6'9 kid can get 20 pts a game and 10 rebounds a game if he fouls constantly and gets away with it.

i'm unimpressed by hansbrough.

January 17, 2008 at 10:17 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

killabees (anonymous) says...

I don't know what I like about this article more.

The fact that all three have KU ties, or that all three have the exact same "Did you know" tidbit.

January 17, 2008 at 10:17 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

CaramelMacchMan (anonymous) says...

tomike....................... LMAO

ohhh good call tomike...
that was funny as bleep... i'm on the ground right now.. laughing out loud in library....

January 17, 2008 at 10:36 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

LTCUSARet (anonymous) says...

UNC will not make the FF this year unless they improve their defense. And frankly, since I want KU to make up ground in all-time wins against both UK and UNC, I'm just peachy keen happy with that thought. Once that thought is realized, I'll be even happier.

If the fates should smile upon RW and allow his guys to sidestep the banana peel awaiting them, I'll be more than happy to watch our guys shut them down, preferably in the semifinal, since that means one less win for them this year.

January 17, 2008 at 10:40 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

KUGrad04 (anonymous) says...

Just give me a a #1 seed and some momentum headed into the tourney and I'm a happy camper

January 17, 2008 at 11:51 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

grantmvb (anonymous) says...

Tyler Hansbrough isn't a good player? Wow! That's a new thought.

January 17, 2008 at 11:51 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Kirk (anonymous) says...

Kansas is the best team. I just wish this league gave us more competition.

January 17, 2008 at 12:26 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

woodhawk (anonymous) says...

I don't know if Memphis has the most size. If you count KU's reserves who actually play, our front court is bigger throughout. Now, does Memphis have the most athletic team? Absolutely.

January 17, 2008 at 12:29 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

images (anonymous) says...

KU # 1

January 17, 2008 at 12:52 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

okjhok (anonymous) says...

For those who weren't listening, Coach Self just gave a solid interview on the Mike Tirico show.

January 17, 2008 at 1:34 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

quigley (anonymous) says...

How easy would it be to photoshop that picture on the main page of Self giving three fingers to giving "one" finger. Man I wish I was good with computers. If anyone can do it, please post a link!!

January 17, 2008 at 1:49 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

okjhok (anonymous) says...

Memphis is bigger because their guards are bigger. Plus, they bring a 6-10 small forward off the bench in Taggart, so throughout the lineup, they're bigger. KU has a small backcourt compared to them.

January 17, 2008 at 2:11 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

KUAlum2000 (anonymous) says...

@kirk, the league does gove pretty good competition. look at Ttech beating #9 A&M last night, KSU beating UT (they are streaky with the freshmen) and Mizzou with the old UAB coach (run and gun). Kansas just is so much better they look like they don't have competition. You put them in any other conference and it looks the same.

I agree that who cares about ranking at this point since there is no BCS involved. Just get ol' Mo (momentum) on our side for the tourney and roll with it.

January 17, 2008 at 3:08 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

crooner (anonymous) says...

there's not a chance in this world that dozier is better than arthur.

January 17, 2008 at 4:18 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jbrownjib (anonymous) says...

I watched the NC v. GT game last night and NC looked beatable. Hansborough spends way too much time flopping around on the floor like a fish that jumped out the fish bowl. He acts like a drama queen on the bball court. Hansborough is over rated because Roy's systems always makes the big guy get big numbers. It is easy to run up the numbers against subpar teams as in the UNC schedule so far this year. I am not so sure that the ACC is as tough as they used to be. I'd like to see Hansborough v Hibbert. I'd like to see how he does versus Kansas.
The Kansas team is always cool and calm even under pressure. They believe in each other and the coach's game plan. I haven't seen Memphis play but I know for sure that KU trumps NC.

January 17, 2008 at 8:06 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

njjayhawk (anonymous) says...

Hansborough is very good, yes; but he is overrated -- the 'darling' of the East Coast sports media elites. I have yet to see him play (and I've seen him play many times) top flight big men who possess quickness and size and who know how to play defense. When Tyler meets that day, UNC will struggle unless Ellington is on fire (as he was vs. Clemson).

KU, when playing consistent at a high level and with absolute resolve, will beat UNC and Memphis. I just hope such is the case ..... come April.

January 17, 2008 at 9:57 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Mr_Sandman (anonymous) says...

KU is the new #1 on ESPN's Power 16 Rankings. Finally some love from someone besides Fran Fraschilla!

January 17, 2008 at 10:31 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jaybate (anonymous) says...

Who is Number 1?

You are, Number 2.

Patrick McGoohan, The Prisoner

January 18, 2008 at 4:23 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

fltarheel (anonymous) says...

Regarding the comment about scoring more points from "justanotherfan"...isn't that the reason you play the game...to score more points. However, I do agree with you...it was a "who's scores last" game.

It was also evident that UNC needs to step up the "D". Since I'm in FL, I don't get many KU games so I have no data for comparison. I was also disappointed with the UNC-A game because the "Heels" never inserted the dagger. They should have won the game by 25 or 30 easily but those lapses on D allowed UNC-A to hang closer than they should have.

It was also very evident the refs were "letting them play". Hansborough was getting slapped and elbowed (evidenced by the scratch and bloody mouth) all game long.

You realize, I'm sure, that Kansas first pulled Danny Manning from his hometown of Greensboro (and a UNC commitment) back in the mid-80's and then took Roy from the staff after Larry left KU. Rest assured NC will keep producing the talent so you can keep competitive in the NCAA BBall leagues. ;-)

Ultimately, the ACC and Big Twelve conference play will play havoc with the rankings (I would expect nothing less) and I believe "timmay97's" comment is a valid point. I would prefer the 'Heels' go down a couple of times in the ACC so they realize where their issues are and get the momentum flowing for the tourney.

See you in S.A.

January 18, 2008 at 7:22 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

4ever_jhawk (anonymous) says...

I wish everyone would get off of UNC's jock and start giving our 'hawks some credit. Seriously, we are just as talented as the other top 3 schools in the rankings, but we get no love because we live in the Midwest. Give me a break.

Dickie V has a man-crush on Coach K, unless he's calling the UNC game. Then it's a tie between RW and Ty Hans.

This is the year, folks. We're going to make some noise in March (and April).

January 18, 2008 at 11:35 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

actorman (anonymous) says...

"... hard to imagine KU not slipping against either MU, KSU, Texas A&M, or UT."

No actually it's not hard to imagine. KU is playing FAR better than any of those teams right now, and I could easily see KU getting through the regular season undefeated. (I'm not saying that would necessarily be good for us, but I could see it happening.) So no, timmay, I don't think we can "all agree that KU's not going to go undefeated."

Perhaps it would be better for KU's chances to lose a game in the regular season, but there's no way I'm not rooting for a season that would go down in history. People would definitely be talking about KU if we became the first team to finish undefeated since 1976!

January 18, 2008 at 2:06 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

ralsterKUMed95 (anonymous) says...

I think this KU team is distinctly better, much more consistent, with unrelenting depth--this makes it less likely that we will lose to an unranked team like Fizzou. What TxTech did to aTm tells all of us something about aTm. Look at TX stats and see the 2 leading scorers are both guards at 6' tall. Our fun with TX begins with RR and Mario, then you add the rest of the KU team. You wont see a college team playing so cohesively and strongly with its entire lineup like KU. I beg to differ with someone above about the 'atheletes' at Memphis outnumbering those at KU. The last 2 years, I have thought we had better atheletes (finally) than UNC. Add the swat/swipe stifling defense, and we are a REAL load for any contender. Last year the guards did the bulk of things--this year we've blossomed 3 genuine inside threats (2 of them leading the team in ppg), and a 4th steadily improving (Cole). I 100% agree that DJack and Kaun will give Hansbrough real trouble in any such matchup. LOVE this topic, because I simply want to beat UNC and anyone else to get the National Championship, and THIS KU team is the best squad in years. "kay-YOO!!"

January 18, 2008 at 11:10 p.m. ( | suggest removal )