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Saturday, January 19, 2008

Wright recalls muzzling Mizzou

By Gary Bedore

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Unbeaten KU up against Tigers tomorrow

One week into the Big 12 conference men's basketball season, and only three unbeatens remain in league play. KU's opponent tomorrow, the Missouri Tigers, had a change, but MU blew it on Wednesday night against Ohio State.

photo

Photo by Nick Krug

Kansas forward Julian Wright topples Missouri center Kalen Grimes (44) while dunking. The Jayhawks blasted the Tigers, 92-74, last season in Columbia, Mo. Wright, now with the NBA's New Orleans Hornets, scored a career-high 33 points.

Columbia, Mo. — Julian Wright and his Kansas University basketball teammates looked up at the videoboard in Mizzou Arena.

They could not believe their eyes.

"It was their way to fire themselves up. Instead it gave us fire," Wright, a rookie with the NBA's New Orleans Hornets, said this week in a phone interview.

The 6-foot-8 forward was referring to a short - but not so sweet - big-screen recap of the Jayhawks' 89-86 overtime meltdown to Missouri on Jan. 16, 2006 in Columbia. That's the game in which KU blew a nine-point lead in the last two minutes - a five-point advantage in the last 29 seconds of regulation.

Suffice to say it was not something the Jayhawks wanted to be reminded of prior to the opening tip of last Feb. 10's rematch in Columbia.

"It's what they were riding on ... us not playing well. It was not like they were showing clips on their end. It was on our end. I said, 'We'll shut that down,'" Wright said defiantly.

It was unwise to incite the excitable Wright, who, after watching the controversial highlight reel, erupted for 33 points and 12 rebounds in KU's 92-74 rout of the Tigers.

The 33 points were most by a KU player since Nick Collison's 33 against Duke in 2003. Paul Pierce was last to score more (34) against Vanderbilt way back in 1997.

"It was my career high. It was fun," said Wright. "They gave us heat. When it's fast-break basketball ... my eyes light up against the press. We broke the defense down.

"I don't think too many teams want to press us this year," added Wright, well aware the Tigers likely will again run and press during today's 7 p.m. Border War battle against KU.

Wright, who played at KU two seasons before entering the 2007 NBA Draft, recalls driving the baseline for a two-handed jam over Kalen Grimes - one of the most spectacular plays of Wright's brief college career.

"Brandon (Rush) passed to me, and I made an 'And-one' dunk," recalled Wright, who scored nine points in a 24-2 run that opened a 14-point lead 15 minutes into last year's rout. "It's one of my favorite moments."

The entire game was pleasing to the Jayhawks, who barely survived the Tigers, 80-77, a few weeks earlier in Lawrence.

"I remember the game before was really close," said Wright, who scored six points versus MU in Lawrence. "It was a closer game than the one there. Missouri is always a tough game. There's something about K-State too. The in-state rivalry there made me a little edgy as well."

KU coach Bill Self, whose Jayhawks are doing just fine without Wright, would love to have him available today.

"Julian had 33 on 14 shots. He was fabulous," Self said of Wright, who hit 14 of 21 field-goal tries and five of seven free throws. "You go back and watch the tape ... Julian made some great plays for us, plays you can't coach. He was so effective against teams like Missouri - teams that pressure. If we could get the ball past initial pressure, he was fabulous - great ability to score and a great passer."

Brandon Rush - who also indicated he was fired up by the pre-game hoopla - also had a big game with 21 points off 8-of-10 shooting, including three three-pointers in as many tries.

Rush was fabulous against his brother Kareem's alma mater.

Wright, however, was unstoppable.

"Julian was great. He left his mark on a lot of guys here. His game rubs off on a lot of guys," said senior Russell Robinson, who had five assists against the Tigers in 29 minutes last year in Columbia; seven assists and six points in Lawrence.

What advice would lottery pick Wright give the Jayhawks heading to MU today?

"They're playing such good ball. I'd say, 'Maintain,'" Wright said. "They are the hunted this year. In the country's it's 1A, 1B and 1C (North Carolina, Memphis, Kansas in polls). Those three are separating themselves. I'd say, 'Stay humble,' but they are doing so well I don't really want to give advice."

Wright said he is not surprised KU remains undefeated early in the conference season.

"We lost in the Elite Eight. It left a bad taste in the players' mouths, the coaches' mouths as well," Wright said. "We are pushing to be the No. 1 seed this year. It's, 'Take no prisoners.'

"I watched (Monday) night. Darnell (Jackson) got that dunk to start the game (against Oklahoma). I said, 'Oklahoma might lose by 30 now.' They lost by 30. I was feeling it. They're really hungry."

As far as Wright ... he's keeping a positive mental attitude despite some first-year struggles in the NBA.

New Orleans coach Byron Scott recently put Wright on the inactive list - not because of injury, but what the New Orleans Times-Picayune deemed "unproductive play."

"It's been great. The NBA is great," said Wright, who has averaged 2.0 points and 1.8 rebounds while playing an average of 9.5 minutes in 24 of the Hornets' 38 games.

"I'm learning a lot. They expect you to know stuff. They expect you to ask questions of the right people. So much is thrown at you.

"You have to work hard. You have to earn the trust of the coaching staff. It's the same as when I first got to Kansas. You have to work hard and earn it."

Wright - his team is off to the best start in franchise history at 26-12 - will never second-guess his decision to leave school early.

Remember, he is making $1,449,300 his rookie season, to be followed by $1,558,000 his second season, $1,666,700 his third year and $2,381,714 his fourth campaign.

"I would say I miss a lot of people and the experiences," Wright said. "I am not in a situation where I regret anything or feel bad. I cherish my experiences, the people I met, the players and coaches. I cherish KU. I'd be foolish not to honor it."

He likes the makeup of the Hornets.

"The guys are humble," Wright said. "It's a close-knit team. Many teams in the NBA are about themselves. Our team ... everybody wants what's best for the team."

Yet it is not all fun and games.

"I am a rookie. Guys make sure I've got to earn my stay," said Wright, who is playing for a coach (Byron Scott) known as being tough on rookies. "The crowds are not the same, but we get good support. Nothing like Allen Fieldhouse though ... no way."

Wright said he plans on completing coursework to earn a KU degree in Communications, but it may take a while to walk down The Hill.

"It will be a few more years," he said. "I have a lot going on in the summers as well. If not this summer, I will soon (after) take classes. I've been trying to keep up on things, not just in basketball. I am a frequent customer of Borders and Barnes & Noble. I try to keep up with what is going on."

Wright is hoping to return to KU during NBA All-Star weekend to catch up with his teammates. There's a five-year KU hoops reunion planned for the Feb. 16 Colorado game.

"The All-Star game is in New Orleans. I may be doing some stuff here. I'll try to. It'd be great. If not that weekend, I don't know when," he said. "I love KU. Say hi to everybody for me."

Some text-messaging between Wright and his former teammates may be going on later tonight ... if the Jayhawks overcome MU.

"I've been chasing down some numbers that got changed. They've been chasing my number that got changed. I miss those guys," Wright said.

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Comments

rockchalk42 (anonymous) says...

teabag!

January 19, 2008 at 4:38 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Solomon (anonymous) says...

That's the NBA for you; Make a lottery pick that is later place "inactive" for "unproductive play."

You can't argue with the paycheck, but Julian would have learned so much more in another year of college.

January 19, 2008 at 7:22 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

lance1jhawk (anonymous) says...

I miss you Julian... I really reall think one more year would have benifited you. I can not blame you though for going pro, momas gotta eat.

January 19, 2008 at 7:31 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

BadAssterson (anonymous) says...

Are you kidding me? If I could have left college after two years, with a garanteed seven figure salary and have a year to learn from some of the best in my profession...now way in hell would I stick around the hill! Julian made the best decision of his life. He is learing way more on the inactive list than he would schooling college kids on the basketball court. If you are no longer challanged it is very difficult to learn and get better.
Without question he made the "Wright" decision.
Rock Chalk Baby! Muck fizzu! Tonights game is Darnell's chance to shine with a double double.

January 19, 2008 at 8:31 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

SDSurferFan (anonymous) says...

Julian is learning plenty in the NBA. Yes, he's inactive, yes, he hasn't played much when he was active, but I am sure he is learning plenty in the NBA. They don't pick you in the lottery then let you waste away. As he said, he has a lot to learn.

January 19, 2008 at 9:27 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

klineisanazi (anonymous) says...

Yes it would have been great to have had him, but he made a rational choice. I hope he gets to play, enjoys the big payout, and has a good life.

January 19, 2008 at 9:40 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

halvhawk (anonymous) says...

this is completely way off topic...but i was wondering, with the struggles kentucky and UNC have had in the last 10 years, and ku having one of our better 10 year runs, does anyone know how much ground we've picked up on these 2, or how how many wins we are behind them now?

January 19, 2008 at 10:22 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

KGphoto (anonymous) says...

I'll say it again. Julian was making 1.7 million for 1.7 points and 1.7 rebounds a game.

No matter. At KU he would get paid nothing to produce 1.7 botched windmill jams, followed by 1.7 feigned injuries.

But I really like Julian, it's the NBA I detest. Who's decision was it to yank him from school, give him millions that he doesn't know how to handle, then effectively end his career? Besides, 1.7 million aint what it used to be.

What poor Julian didn't know was that, a million seven can't buy you "Allen" cheers.

January 19, 2008 at 10:46 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Chicago_JHawk (anonymous) says...

kalvhawk - Through the end of last season, Kentucky was 1948-608 all time, UNC was 1914-696, and Kansas was 1906-782.

January 19, 2008 at 10:49 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

KGphoto (anonymous) says...

Hey halvhawk!

Until you figure out how to use your computer, we shall call you "lamehawk". It's the internet, dork! Look it up.

You're like the guy who walks into the record store and asks for help in finding "I just called to say I love you" for his daughter.

January 19, 2008 at 10:54 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

fabio (anonymous) says...

War brings out the beast in every man........

January 19, 2008 at 11:30 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

actorman (anonymous) says...

Now now, kg, no need to get snippy. There's nothing wrong with asking fellow Jayhawk fans for info.

The good news is that we should hopefully gain 15-20 games on UK this year. The bad news is that it doesn't look like we'll gain much if anything on UNC. KU was within three of UNC before their title run, but it's going to be tough to gain on them as long as RW is there.

January 19, 2008 at 11:33 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

97jhawk (anonymous) says...

Here is the top 5 schools with most NCAA wins as of the 2006-2007 season:

1 - Kentucky - 1,948
2 - North Carolina - 1,914
3 - Kansas - 1,906
4 - Duke - 1,818
5 - St. John's - 1,705

January 19, 2008 at 11:42 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

jhwkfan162515 (anonymous) says...

Oh, good grief! This idiot writer can't spell our mascot name right!

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22734167/

we don't get no respect!

January 19, 2008 at 11:49 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

tdub (anonymous) says...

"KU's opponent tomorrow, the Missouri Tigers, had a change, but MU blew it on Wednesday night against Ohio State." - tagline for the DJax video, KUsports

I don't even know where to begin...

January 19, 2008 at 11:52 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

tdub (anonymous) says...

Doing the tricky math, this is the current list prior to today's games:

1) Kentucky - 1,955
2) UNC - 1,932
3) KU - 1,923
4) Duke - 1,832
5) St. John's - 1,712

January 19, 2008 at 12:03 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

RedJay (anonymous) says...

The Dunk:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmC9Tb...

January 19, 2008 at 12:47 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Yahweh (anonymous) says...

We all know Julian made the right fiscal decision, but, most of us at least, all know he could have been a more complete player by staying in L-town for one more year. I miss The Noodle, but at the same time... could Darnell have really become the monster he is with Ju-Ju here? I wish Jules all the best. I do wish he was averaging 12 and 7, though. Some Drew Gooden-esque numbers would look good. Although, I wouldn't be surprised if he ends up the superior player. It's all about control with Julian.

January 19, 2008 at 1:28 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

BannerforKirk (anonymous) says...

He gets $1.7 this year. Because he was lottery - the rest of that salary money listed in the article is guaranteed. Do the math on that and it's well over $6 mil. I wish he was still on this team too, because he was so much fun, but to get down on Julian for his decision here, it's ridiculous. I care about the team, but I care about the players too and Julian did the right thing.

January 19, 2008 at 1:55 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

ralsterKUMed95 (anonymous) says...

Yes-as much as we love KU ball, any college grad would say to have guaranteed $6million if you leave college now, would be the correct choice. How would you like to be Julian's investment portfolio manager? Or better, how would you like to be Julian? The point I am making is simple and obvious, I would think.

January 19, 2008 at 2:10 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Yahweh (anonymous) says...

Nice to see the all-time wins list. Man, I didn't know how close we were to finally reaching the summit. We're peaking right at the same time the backwards team (UK) is sliding. This is great! I'm sick of Kentucky fans saying they're the best team ever because of those wins. Um, with your super powers, have you checked out how many banners are hanging in Pauley Pavillion, Selective Memory Man? Augh!

Ashley Judd is nice, though...

January 19, 2008 at 2:55 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jhwkfan162515 (anonymous) says...

RussRob got his wish. Carolina lost to Maryland, and if we take care of business at Paige Sports Arena...I mean, Mizzou Arena, we might be #2 or even #1!

January 19, 2008 at 4:42 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Mr_Sandman (anonymous) says...

UNC and UCLA both went down today already, I hope KU avoids the upset. UNC has some definite weaknesses that teams can exploit. If you can keep Lawson from making an easy entry pass to Hansbrough, then their offense has problems. Also, as with any team Roy has coached you have to limit their fast break and secondary break baskets.

January 19, 2008 at 4:44 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

BCRavenJHawkfan (anonymous) says...

KU's invitation to move up one, maybe two spots, in the rankings just arrived, a sweet UNC loss.

January 19, 2008 at 4:46 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

KUglow (anonymous) says...

UNC fans crying over a January defeat? Come on, Heels, you are better than that, right?

January 19, 2008 at 4:52 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jaybate (anonymous) says...

The solution to the problem of drafting guys with potential and having them sit on the bench is so simple. The NBA and NCAA need to agree that it is okay for a guy like Julian to be drafted in highschool, or college, and then be allowed to play out as many of his years of college eligibility as the pro team wants him to in order for him to develop and be ripe for the L. Its crazy for great players to be sitting on the bench in the pros. NBA teams play so much, they don't practice worth a hang. And the notion that you're learning from the best is utterly bogus. The best in the NBA are out on the floor and partying and managing financial empires of their own, and have families. Their time is filled. They don't do squat with projects. And, frankly, most of the guys on an NBA bench are one or two dimensional types, like Scott Pollard, who have to put everything they've got into hanging on to their jobs by the skin of their teeth. The fable of the old pro who takes the kid under their wing and trains him to replace him is a fantasy in today's NBA. If I'm a marginal player in the NBA, I'm making great money. The last thing I want is to develop a project, who will cost me my roster spot next season.

And the problem with the money is a non issue also. The NBA team puts the player's money in a trust fund that the player can't have until the player joins the team. Next, NCAA rules are written to prohibit the player from running up credit card debt, or otherwise borrowing against the trust fund while playing for a university. Next, the NBA contract the player signs says that if he can't stay academically eligible, the NBA team has the right to renegotiate his contract at that time. So the player is HUGELY motivated to go to class.

The crucial agreement is that the player cannot quit during the college academic year and go pro. He has to wait till the end of the school year.

Then the colleges get terrific student athletes, probably for more than a year, more like three years. The NBA gets fully developed players they can use when they get to the L AND they can still hedge their needs downstream by drafting for future needs early. And the players get their money AND the training AND the education AND the college experience. And the NBA and players can still go straight to the pros when the very few and far between Lebron comes along.

I repeat: this problem is utterly solve-able. Its only stupidity and short-sighted greed that is preventing this.

January 19, 2008 at 4:55 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

BCRavenJHawkfan (anonymous) says...

jaybate,
I see your point. Something like what Boston did with Larry Bird. The only problem is the risk of injury and the selfishness of these young players that think they have to have it NOW.

January 19, 2008 at 5:05 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jaw7621 (anonymous) says...

Man Jaybate, I rarely add my thoughts on here, but you're really on to something with that arrangement between the NBA and NCAA. It's a great way to solve several of the issues that are undermining the worth of both while at the same time protecting these young guys who have a lot on the line. I wish the NCAA were half as visionary...

January 19, 2008 at 5:18 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

63BC (anonymous) says...

Everybody who has turned down six million dollars for the honor of going to college another year, please feel free to comment on Mr. Wright's decision.

Everyone else, please be quiet.

January 19, 2008 at 5:49 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Jyhwk_InTigrtwn (anonymous) says...

thinking of Julian I can't help but compare him to Joakim Noah and how he gave up the big bucks to take the gators to top last year. I know he probably lost money doing it, but it sure was a cool thing for florida.

looking forward to seeing all the sad tiger fans when I watch the game at a bar here in st. louis in a few minutes. should be a major spanking.

January 19, 2008 at 6:42 p.m. ( | suggest removal )