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Men's Basketball

Originally published February 18, 2009 at 05:46p.m., updated February 18, 2009 at 10:16p.m.

FINAL: Aldrich leads KU to 72-55 victory over Iowa State

By Jesse Newell

Kansas center Cole Aldrich puts in a bucket over Iowa State forward Justin Hamilton to end the first half, Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2009 at Allen Fieldhouse.

Photo by Nick Krug

Kansas center Cole Aldrich puts in a bucket over Iowa State forward Justin Hamilton to end the first half, Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2009 at Allen Fieldhouse.

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KU vs. ISU

Audio clips

2009 KU-ISU Feb. 18

Reader poll

How would you grade KU's defensive performance against Iowa State's Craig Brackins?

  • A 25% 59 votes
  • B 56% 129 votes
  • C 14% 34 votes
  • D 2% 6 votes
  • F 0% 2 votes

230 total votes.

Photo Gallery

KU vs. ISU

KU scoring

Aldrich 22 (9-for-12 shooting, 11 rebounds), Collins 22 (six assists, no turnovers), Marcus Morris 8, Morningstar 6, Markieff Morris 4, Taylor 3, Reed 3, Little 2, Appleton 2.

KU was 28-for-56 from the floor (50 percent), 8-for-18 from three (44.4 percent) and 8-for-8 from the free-throw line (100 percent).

ISU was 18-for-56 from the floor (32.1 percent), 10-for-26 from three (38.5 percent) and 9-for-14 from the free-throw line (64.3 percent).

KU out-rebounded ISU, 39-29. KU had 18 turnovers to ISU’s 15.

FINAL: KU defeats ISU, 72-55

Vanderbeken airballs a three, and KU breaks the press easily once again. Collins hits a three at the end of the shot clock, and Self pumps his fist in satisfaction.

That shot should seal this one.

Just for fun, Collins hits a stepback three with 31.7 seconds left. Both coaches clear their benches after that. Tyrone Appleton gets a layup in garbage time.

KU comes away with a 17-point victory.

KU 64/ISU 53 — 2:01 left in game

Vanderbeken hits his fifth three (his high for the season was three in a game), giving him a season-high 15 points. Collins responds with a deep three of his own.

KU breaks the press, but doesn’t attack the rim. Morningstar is whistled for a charge, and on the other end, Petersen drains a rhythm three. KU’s lead is down to nine.

After a timeout, KU attacks better offensively, and Aldrich lays one in off a bounce pass from Collins.

KU 59/ISU 47 — 3:59 left in game

The video department put together a “Phantom of the Phog” clip during the timeout, playing some haunting music before showing Aldrich in his mask on the video board. A replay of Aldrich’s dunk followed, and the fans seemed to like the added touch.

ISU won’t go away. Brackins and Vanderbeken hit threes, and Brackins gets two more off an offensive rebound. That’s an 8-2 run, and the lead is back down to nine.

Marcus Morris hits two big free throws, but Aldrich is called for a delayed foul on Brackins. Self smacks the side of the video sign next to him with the back of his fist in frustration.

Aldrich answers again, putting in a guarded 18-foot jumper. He’s up to 20 points and 11 rebounds on 8-for-11 shooting.

KU 51/ISU 38 — 7:43 left in game

After picking up a steal, Aldrich ignites the crowd, throwing down a one-handed, tomahawk slam in the lane.

With the crowd rocking, KU gets the benefit of a bad call, as Justin Hamilton is called for an over-the-back on Collins when there wasn’t much contact at all.

Aldrich puts in an 18-footer, then on the next possession, Collins gives him a sick, no-look feed inside. Aldrich is fouled, but if he would have dunked it, we might have had a new high for volume level this year at the Fieldhouse.

Aldrich hits both free throws, and he has eight straight points for KU.

KU isn’t making many shots, but the Jayhawks are running at their tempo right now. The Cyclones seem a bit sped up.

KU 45/ISU 38 — 11:28 left in game

Collins goes under the basket for a reverse lay-in, but ISU has an answer. Petersen hits a three, and Brackins rattles in a two. The lead is down to 43-38, and Self uses another timeout.

KU has scored 13 points in the last 12 minutes.

After the stoppage, the Jayhawks immediately go back inside to Aldrich, who gets a two to roll in.

Aldrich is guarding Brackins now. Self isn’t messing around with that defensive assignment any more.

KU 41/ISU 31 — 15:52 left in game

KU responds well after the timeout. Following a Brackins free throw, Tyrel Reed (who else?) stops the run with a clutch three. After an ISU turnover, Collins splits two defenders on a drive before getting a finger-roll to crawl in. This game is still closer than it feels like it should be.

KU 36/ISU 30 — 18:07 left in game

It’s a battle of tempos right now. The Jayhawks want to run, run, run, while ISU coach Greg McDermott, with palms up, urges his team to slow down.

Vanderbeken hits a three, and Brackins puts in a short jumper over Taylor. Timeout KU, as it’s a 5-0 run for ISU to start the half.

KU scoring

Collins 9, Aldrich 8, Marcus Morris 6, Morningstar 6, Taylor 3, Markieff Morris 2, Mario Little 2.

KU was 14-for-30 from the floor (46.7 percent), 4-for-11 from three (36.4 percent) and 4-for-4 from the free-throw line (100 percent).

ISU was 8-for-28 from the floor (28.6 percent), 4-for-12 from three (33.3 percent) and 5-for-8 from the free-throw line (62.5 percent).

KU out-rebounded ISU, 25-13. KU has 10 turnovers to ISU’s six.

Brackins has nine points on 3-for-10 shooting.

Halftime thoughts

• Better defense by the Jayhawks against Brackins. He looks frustrated and uncomfortable with the double-team KU is throwing at him.

• Another good half from Marcus Morris. He looks to be more confident after the KSU game. He has six points, three rebounds, a steal and two turnovers in 13 minutes.

•Again, way too many turnovers for KU. ISU forces just 11.0 turnovers per game, and KU has 10. The Jayhawks need to make better (and safer) decisions with the ball.

•In four minutes, Mario Little has six rebounds. Just think how many he could have if he played 15 or 16 minutes.

KU 36/ISU 25 — Halftime

ISU cuts the lead before the half. Diante Garrett gets a jumper to go down. Brackins has a shot in the lane roll in. Bryan Petersen and Vanderbeken follow with threes, and ISU has an 8-0 run.

Collins answers with a jumper around a screen, and just before the break, Aldrich puts in a two off an offensive rebound. The Jayhawks have to be leading the nation in made shots right before the first-half buzzer.

KU 30/ISU 13 — 3:54 left in 1st half

Long two by Marcus Morris. A few inches back, and he would have had a three.

Though KU has played well, it still has eight turnovers. That’s too many against ISU, which averages just four steals per game. Most of the errors have been unforced.

KU 26/ISU 13 — 7:18 left in 1st half

Morningstar continues to shadow ISU’s Lucca Staiger around the court. Staiger is 0-for-2 from three after a 1-for-7 shooting effort in the teams’ first matchup.

With Brackins on the bench, ISU goes on a mini run. Sean Haluska and Jamie Vanderbeken hit back-to-back threes. Until that point, Brackins had all the Cyclones’ points.

KU 19/ISU 7 — 10:42 left in 1st half

After three straight KU turnovers, Collins confidently pulls up for a 14-footer and swishes it.

Is it just me, or are the Cyclones hitting back rim with every shot? As I type this, the Cyclones are 1-for-11 from the floor (9.1 percent).

Brackins gets fouled on his way up for a three. That’s already five free throws for him. The Jayhawks can’t seem to keep him off the free-throw line.

The “Ain’t No Seats” guys are back, and they’ve gotten pretty creative on free throws. Using a turned-on-its-side “E”, the guys have spelled out “MISS” in their white block letters on every ISU free throw. So far, the Cyclones (or Brackins, whichever you prefer) are 3-for-5 from the line.

Mario Little can’t get a shot to go down, but he’s hustling all over the place. His 0-for-4 start should knock down his 62-percent field-goal percentage a bit, though.

KU 14/ISU 2 — 15:31 left in 1st half

Good ball movement early by the Jayhawks. Cole Aldrich misses a short look inside, but on the next possession, a post touch by Marcus Morris nets a wide-open three for Brady Morningstar.

Great sight for KU, as Tyshawn Taylor doesn’t hesitate in shooting up a three from the corner that swishes through. It looked like he had lost some confidence in his outside shot in the last few games. He didn’t even attempt a three against Missouri or Kansas State.

Sherron Collins gets a steal, then lays it in with the left hand on the other end. Timeout ISU, as KU has started the game on an 8-0 run.

Brackins shoots a guarded 16-footer in. He’s already 1-for-1 on tough shots tonight.

Marcus Morris has made some great interior passes already. One of them gets Aldrich a dunk opportunity, and he’s fouled on his way to the rim.

Steal by Marcus Morris out top. He takes it to the other end for an easy lay-in.

7:04 p.m.

No surprise here, as Marcus Morris gets the starting nod.

The place has filled in nicely and we're ready for tip.

6:58 p.m

Random stat while listening to a new song from KU's band, 25 or 6 to 4 (which is one of my all-time favorite pep band songs).

Craig Brackins had 21 free-throw attempts in his first game this season against KU. He has just 42 combined free-throw attempts in his nine other Big 12 games.

6:47 p.m.

Where are the students/GA folks?

It's only about 15 minutes before the game, and there are 10-15 empty rows in the northwest corner.

2002-03 Nick Collison vs. 2008-09 Cole Aldrich

Games: 38 / 25

Scoring: 18.5 ppg / 14.6 ppg

Field-goal percentage: 55.4 % / 61.0 %

Free-throw percentage: 63.5% / 79.0%

Rebounds per game:10.0 / 10.2

Assists per game: 2.2 /1.0

Turnovers per game: 2.4 / 1.5

Steals per game: 1.2/ 0.6

Minutes per game: 32.4 / 29.5

2002-03 Kirk Hinrich vs. 2008-09 Sherron Collins

Games: 38 / 25

Scoring: 17.3 ppg / 17.6 ppg

Field-goal percentage: 47.5 % / 42.2 %

Three-point percentage: 40.6 % / 36.4 %

Free-throw percentage: 70.4% / 82.1%

Rebounds per game: 3.8 /2.6

Assists per game: 3.4 / 5.0

Turnovers per game: 2.2 / 3.5

Steals per game: 1.8/ 1.1

Minutes per game: 33.5 / 34.6

2002-03 vs. 2008-09

Record: 30-8 (2005) / 20-5 (2008)

Scoring: 82.7 ppg / 77.5 ppg

Points allowed: 66.9/ 65.1

Field-goal percentage: 49.4 % / 48.4 %

Opposition FG percentage: 40.2 % / 38.3 %

Three-point percentage: 33.5 % / 38.0 %

Free-throw percentage: 65.6% / 73.0%

Rebounds per game:41.8 / 38.6

Assists per game: 17.2 / 16.4

Turnovers per game: 14.8 / 14.8

Blocks per game: 5.1/ 4.5

Reader poll

How many points will Iowa State's Craig Brackins score against the Jayhawks tonight?

  • 0-5 points 0% 0 votes
  • 6-9 points 1% 2 votes
  • 10-14 points 9% 11 votes
  • 15-19 points 38% 43 votes
  • 20-24 points 34% 39 votes
  • 25-29 points 12% 14 votes
  • 30-34 points 0% 1 vote
  • 35-39 points 0% 0 votes
  • 40 points or more 1% 2 votes

112 total votes.

6:24 p.m.

Here are a few surprises, to me, after comparing the two teams:

• Cole Aldrich’s numbers match up better with Nick Collison’s than I would have thought. Part of that, though, has to be attributed to Collison being relied upon more as a scorer. If you take more shots, obviously your field-goal percentage will most likely be lower. I’m still a bit surprised that, as of now, Aldrich has averaged more rebounds than Collison.

• I know he missed two big ones at Missouri, but Collins needs to be commended for his high free-throw percentage. I didn’t remember that Hinrich’s free-throw numbers were so low his senior year.

• Though we’d probably almost all agree that Collison and Hinrich were more valuable, keep in mind, we’re comparing two fourth-year seniors to a sophomore and a junior.

•You can see the coaching philosophies when comparing the two squads’ team stats. Roy Williams always preached transition offense and getting in more possessions, and that is reflected in the higher points-per-game stat. KU coach Bill Self, meanwhile, preaches defense, and that is evident by the lower defensive field-goal percentage numbers. Two different philosophies obviously have resulted in tons of success the last 20 years for KU basketball.

•It’s also worth noting how well KU is shooting threes this season. Keep in mind that this year’s team has a deeper three-point line than the 2002-03 team, and still the 08-09ers are much better from long range.

•The biggest difference, I would say, between the two teams comes after you get past the top two players. Keith Langford averaged 15.9 points per game. Wayne Simien (in the 16 games he was healthy) averaged 14.8 points per game. Though 2008-09 has more guys that can score, it doesn’t have that go-to No. 3 guy like 2002-03 had in Langford.

I would say Mario Little is best suited for that role, but he hasn’t been consistent with his scoring.

5:48 p.m.

Welcome back to the Newell Post Live, coming to you from Allen Fieldhouse where the No. 15 Kansas Jayhawks are getting set to take on the Iowa State Cyclones.

I saw on a message board the other day that the last time that KU started the season 20-5 was the 2002-03 campaign.

YouTube

2002-03 KU-Arizona

If you remember, that team had a pretty good run in the NCAA Tournament (see video at left), making it all the way to the national championship game.

When I started to think about the two teams, I could think of another big similarity: that team was led by a dominant guard (Kirk Hinrich) and dominant post player (Nick Collison).

This year’s team also is led by a dominant guard (Sherron Collins) and dominant post player (Cole Aldrich).

So how does this year’s 20-5 team stack up to the 2002-03 Kansas Jayhawks, who also started 20-5?

Let's take a look.

Statistics weren’t available for the first 25 games of the 2002-03 season, so I decided to use the final season statistics (38 games) for our comparison.

On the left, I compared Hinrich to Collins and Collison to Aldrich. After that, I compared the two squads’ team averages in their respective seasons.

I’ll give some analysis on this comparison a little later in this blog.

More like this

Comments

lance1jhawk (anonymous) says...

Jesse- Thanks for the stat work. As always you have done a wonderful job. I think this team can make a decent run in the tourney, but lets get through the rest of the season, and just hope for 1-4 seed to go to KC.

ps thanks for nixing Ben Afflec

February 18, 2009 at 6:13 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

fihsch (anonymous) says...

Interesting stats and thanks for your hard work. Please do keep in mind that the last 13 games are the toughest 13 games - Big 12, Big 12 post season and the NCAA tournament games. Thus the season final stats of the 02-03 looks that much better than that of the first 25 games of this year's squad. That said, I am enjoying watching this year's team develop.

I love hard descriptive statistics, please keep them coming Jesse Newell.

February 18, 2009 at 6:23 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jnewell (Jesse Newell) says...

You guys are right about later games being tougher, but remember, Collison had 33 against Duke and Hinrich had 28 against 'Zona.

Those guys played some of their best games of the season late in the year.

February 18, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

IA4jayhawk (anonymous) says...

Thanks for the video of the 02-03 team. Great memories, and I just remembered I still have a man crush on Hinrich.

February 18, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

RedRed (anonymous) says...

Thanks for the "Memories" Jesse. That 2002-03 KU-Arizona "Elite 8" game was Awesome. It brought some chills and excitement to the ole body. Great Job! and Great Memories ... Collison, Graves, Lanford, Miles, Hinrich ... etc ... KU beats Zona and on to the Final 4 !!

February 18, 2009 at 6:32 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

kylecisnum1 (anonymous) says...

just watching that video made me love kirk hinrich even more! its a shame him and collison never got a 'ship while here

February 18, 2009 at 6:33 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

cwag (anonymous) says...

No threat to the force -

KU 78
ISU 65

February 18, 2009 at 6:49 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jayhawknoah (anonymous) says...

Thanks for the great comparisons. Anyone know how I can watch this game if I don't have Big XII TV. I hate to miss a second of great Jayhawk action.

February 18, 2009 at 6:53 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

chapel4ku (anonymous) says...

Didn't know if anyone saw the McDonald's All-American roster yet...Elijah Johnson and Thomas Robinson are both left out. As well as John Wall, which I thought was interesting considering he is ranked #1 ahead of X Henrey, whol is invited to the game.

February 18, 2009 at 6:55 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

lance1jhawk (anonymous) says...

I would really like to see KU jump all over ISU tonight and actually finish them off.

Brackins gets 24 and KU wins by 24

February 18, 2009 at 6:55 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

cwag (anonymous) says...

http://www.justin.tv/teddybear4

February 18, 2009 at 6:56 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jayhawknoah (anonymous) says...

Drew Gooden got traded to the Kings today. Talk about going from one bad situation to an even worse one. Yikes best of luck Drew!!!

February 18, 2009 at 6:59 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jayhawknoah (anonymous) says...

CWAG thanks for the link!! You have to love technology. I haven't missed a game all year. Rock Chalk

February 18, 2009 at 7:04 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

lance1jhawk (anonymous) says...

jayhawknoah- I don't think Drew will be in Sac Town long... His contract is up soon. His numbers are good enough to get on with another team at the end of this season.

February 18, 2009 at 7:05 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

cwag (anonymous) says...

yw - rock chalk !

February 18, 2009 at 7:05 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

RedRed (anonymous) says...

Starting the game right with a # from Morningstar !!

February 18, 2009 at 7:07 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

RedRed (anonymous) says...

3

February 18, 2009 at 7:07 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

cwag (anonymous) says...

Better get a big T.O., Baybee!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

February 18, 2009 at 7:08 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

lance1jhawk (anonymous) says...

Sweet start!!!!!
KU is en fuego!

February 18, 2009 at 7:08 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jayhawkintexas (anonymous) says...

Off to a great start.

February 18, 2009 at 7:08 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jayhawkintexas (anonymous) says...

We're rockin' and chalkin'

February 18, 2009 at 7:11 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

cwag (anonymous) says...

Defense is really hustling.

February 18, 2009 at 7:17 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

nnelson (Nick Nelson) says...

Anybody else notice the clock and shot clock completely froze for about 10 seconds at the 15:00 mark?

February 18, 2009 at 7:18 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

RedRed (anonymous) says...

Good 'D' so far !! Marcus needs to be careful with Brackins !!

February 18, 2009 at 7:20 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

RedRed (anonymous) says...

Markieff backed him out of there !!

February 18, 2009 at 7:20 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

lance1jhawk (anonymous) says...

Mario Little is ice COLD

February 18, 2009 at 7:23 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jayhawkintexas (anonymous) says...

Still having turnover problems.

February 18, 2009 at 7:32 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

RedRed (anonymous) says...

Up by 13 points ... ISU starting to hit a couple 3's !! Releford, Little, MK, all got some minutes in ... .

February 18, 2009 at 7:33 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jayhawkintexas (anonymous) says...

Is the crowd dead or does it just seem that way on tv?

February 18, 2009 at 7:38 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

PAHAWK1 (anonymous) says...

Nice job by Marcus.

February 18, 2009 at 7:40 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

BP2U (anonymous) says...

Nice job guys..

Looks like Marcus is keeping the good play alive :)
Cole and Collins (is that a new drink??) are having a solid game so far.
Again, Brady is clutch on both ends of the floor.

February 18, 2009 at 7:42 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

RedRed (anonymous) says...

9 Turnovers by KU ! Way to many ... that should be for the whole game !!

February 18, 2009 at 7:44 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

BCRavenJHawkfan (anonymous) says...

Oh My Gosh!
Last week a Dunk by Marcus and now a Dunk by Markief!
Hallelujah!
They can Dunk.

February 18, 2009 at 7:46 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

RedRed (anonymous) says...

Good 1st Half !!

February 18, 2009 at 7:49 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

RedRed (anonymous) says...

We should not have gave up that 12-2 run at the end of the half to ISU. Rebounds 25 for KU 13 for ISU !!

We need to come out and step on their "Throats" ... Rock Chalk !!

February 18, 2009 at 8:02 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

RedRed (anonymous) says...

We didn't come out of the Locker Room ready to play. This game is NOT over. We have to do more than just show up for the 2nd Half. !!! Cmon ! Get focused and finish strong. Play defense, defense, defense.

February 18, 2009 at 8:09 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

BP2U (anonymous) says...

oooooooooo Sherrrron. That was sick!

February 18, 2009 at 8:13 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jayhawkintexas (anonymous) says...

Gotta get in the game, guys. Cut out the turnovers.

February 18, 2009 at 8:15 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

RedRed (anonymous) says...

Tyshawn T. seems to be not himself !! A little to "non-chalant."

February 18, 2009 at 8:16 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

BP2U (anonymous) says...

Really good D out of that timeout!

February 18, 2009 at 8:18 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

RedRed (anonymous) says...

Little is still COLD !

February 18, 2009 at 8:20 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jayhawkintexas (anonymous) says...

The offense is just out of sync. Collins is doing the right thing in taking it to the hole but other guys are just standing and not moving or scoring.

February 18, 2009 at 8:25 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

PAHAWK1 (anonymous) says...

Fouls: KU 12 IU 6 (at 12 minute mark in 2nd half)

February 18, 2009 at 8:26 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

RedRed (anonymous) says...

FLUSH !!

February 18, 2009 at 8:26 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

cwag (anonymous) says...

CA - 14/9/1

February 18, 2009 at 8:28 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

BP2U (anonymous) says...

either Cole is realllly winded, or he is hurt!?

WOW nice pass Sherron. Dang.

February 18, 2009 at 8:30 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

RedRed (anonymous) says...

He's Hurt ... 610 Announcers were saying something about his Fibia !! ??

February 18, 2009 at 8:31 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jayhawkinatl (anonymous) says...

The announcer is an IDIOT...Collins never put a hand on the guy!!!

February 18, 2009 at 8:33 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

kulove (anonymous) says...

The announcer is a douche bag.... and I'm not talking about Bob

February 18, 2009 at 8:35 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

RedRed (anonymous) says...

That wasn't a foul on Cole !! No Way !!

February 18, 2009 at 8:42 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

PAHAWK1 (anonymous) says...

Is KU playing in AFH? Where is the crowd?

February 18, 2009 at 8:46 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

RedRed (anonymous) says...

Finish It !! Lay-up for Cole ! Defense now !!

February 18, 2009 at 8:52 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

cwag (anonymous) says...

Near perfect game for Collins.

February 18, 2009 at 8:57 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

RedRed (anonymous) says...

Kleinman is on the scorecard with a Foul !!

February 18, 2009 at 8:57 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

RedRed (anonymous) says...

Turn Out the Lights ... The Party is Over !!

Bring on the Knee_Braska Farmers ... those Corn_Huskers !!

February 18, 2009 at 9:07 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jayhawkcomet (anonymous) says...

21-5 not bad for a "rebuilding year" - now the punk Clemente visits AFH on Saturday - give him a rock chalk welcome!

February 18, 2009 at 9:08 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jnewell (Jesse Newell) says...

comet — I think you got your "punks" mixed up...

February 18, 2009 at 9:11 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

OakvilleJHawk (anonymous) says...

That game was about as about as ugly as the Iowa State uniforms but, for a young team playing an inferior opponent prior to a revenge game of sorts and a game with national implications after that, it was not unexpected. Still a win is a win and there were many nice bright spots [Cole, Sherron, Marcus].

KU needs to take care of the ball but if we can force about the same number of turnovers as we commit, we will still be allright. Gosh, Brackins is good...how did I-State end up with him??? Imagine him and Cole on the floor at the same time for KU!!

February 18, 2009 at 9:17 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

lance1jhawk (anonymous) says...

jayhawkcomet- I think you mean Cookie (I'm a punk) Miller.

February 18, 2009 at 9:17 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

oldalum (anonymous) says...

I don't think you mean Clemente.

February 18, 2009 at 9:23 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

KUFool (anonymous) says...

I'm with Oakville on Brackins. The kid can ball. Borderline blasphemy, but I can't help feeling sorry for the guy. Such star potential and 0 supporting cast...

February 18, 2009 at 9:51 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

JGfromPK (anonymous) says...

Anybody else think that we seem to keep holding back? Same dang scenario as the last isu game, and several others. Break out to a double-digit lead, and then get all timid or something. Why, in the name of all that is basketball, were we jacking up threes for the one-and-done when we had a 17 point lead? We should have been pounding the ball inside all night. We would have been up by 25 at the half, turned Cole's "great" game into "outstanding", and shown some killer instinct. I was irritated by timid play for a lot of the game. Cole obviously knows what to do... give him the dang ball!

February 18, 2009 at 10:08 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jaybate (anonymous) says...

Here is the message of the ISU game: play the down the middle game with Sherronatron and The Condor, shoot threes or stickbacks but don't create, defend with all your might, no stupid fouls, and don't turn the ball over. Violate these rules from here on, and you lose serious playing time.

Tyshawn Taylor and Mario Little just felt the sting of the new rules. To wit: Tyshawn saw his minutes shrink to 16 and Mario Little's dwindled to a pitiful 5.

Coach Self ain't messin' around with youth no mo'.

Tyrel Reed rather miraculously has learned to: play D1 defense, feed the post, and protect the ball. He has never had to unlearn the urge to create. Voila! Reed gets 26 minutes, even when he's struggling with his trifectation. If Reed starts hitting threes again, Tyshawn Taylor is going to become the fastest bench warmer in KU history. Wake up, Tyshawn, before you have to start tweezer therapy after each game.

And then there is what Perry Mason might call The Case of the Disappearing Savior; that would be Mario Little.

Mario Little, reduced to 5 minutes of PT, has migrated suddenly from the best player who hasn't yet played because of injury, to joining Travis Releford on the All-Talent-that-Doesn't-Fit Team.

Mario's problem versus ISU, of course, was not that Mario missed 5 shots in five minutes. Mario's problem was that Mario took 5 shots in five minutes. Yes, he got 6 reebs in 5 minutes; that's what he's supposed to do. But he put up 5 mid range shots in 5 minutes on a team that Self has decided (very recently) has to live and die with a down the middle game. Note to Mario: down the middle is code for Sherron and Cole.

When Sherronatron and The Condor can crank 22 x 2 the Star Fleet Prime Directive for the rest of the players is increasingly clear: shoot threes, or stick backs, but nothing else. Anybody who creates on offense on this team other than Sherronatron and The Condor are violating the Prime Directive. Brady, Marcus and Tyrel, who appear to get this new shift in strategy, need to teach the rest of their supporting team mates the following new lyrics to the famous Fats Waller song.

"Ain't Miscreatin'"

No one to shake with,
All by myself,
No one to bake with,
Or I'll be on the shelf
Ain't miscreatin',
I'm savin' my shots for you

I know for certain,
The two I love,
I through with shootin',
It's just those two I'm thinkin' of.
Ain't miscreatin',
I'm savin' my shots for you two
Like Jack Horner in the corner
Don't shoot no where,
What do I care,
Stick-backs are worth waitin' for
Be-lieve me
I don't put it up late,
Don't care to sco',
I'm home in the paint,
Just me and my elbows
Ain't misbehavin',
I'm savin' my shots for you

February 18, 2009 at 11:20 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Hawkish4bigM (anonymous) says...

Wow, I knew that Aldrich was going to be a force when he played so well as a freshman. Smooth, reminds me of The Great Danny. I think he is better than Raef.

February 18, 2009 at 11:24 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

PikesPeakSmitty (anonymous) says...

Easy there Hawkish... you're talking about an all american there... Aldrich is the man, but he's not Raef... yet.

Polish, polish, polish... time to get this team ready for tourney time. Much fewer turnovers, more PT for the more polished players, better defense... all time in time for a good dance.

February 18, 2009 at 11:32 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jaybate (anonymous) says...

DrRoach (anonymous) says...

Save this post jaybate,

Within 5 games Little will be a 25-30 min man for the rest of the season barring injury. And yes, I'm always right.

jaybate says to DrRoach,

Little played 5 minutes.

One down, four to go.

February 18, 2009 at 11:44 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

mouseclicker (anonymous) says...

Jaybate:
I do like how you single Reed out for praise based almost entirely on minutes played. Since you're such a stickler for box scores when you're criticizing players you don't like (and being oh so cute when you do it!), let's look at Reed's this game. 26 minutes, 3 points, 1 of 5 from the field (4 of which were from beyond the arc), 1 assist, 1 turnover, and 2 fouls. (One of which, I believe, was on a three pointer, which I also believe the player made all the free throws for. I might be wrong that it was him, though.). Tyshawn Taylor, who you claim will be losing minutes to Reed, played 10 minutes less, had just as many points (but off of 1 for 2 shooting, so more than twice the accuracy), 3 assists to 2 turnovers, and a steal. Granted, he had 4 fouls, and that's something he needs to keep in control, but I'd say that, looking at the stats, Taylor and Reed performed about the same. Which, honestly, isn't a diss to either player. I'll agree, Reed's performance has been improving while Taylor's hasn't, but I think it's unquestionable that Taylor has more raw talent than Reed. In one or two years, I think Taylor will be a Chalmers type character with his speed and shooting ability.

February 19, 2009 at 12:47 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

jaybate (anonymous) says...

KGpicfile,

I finally skied the volcano. It is a monstrously good work of pumice. I have skied Tahoe, Mammoth, the Wasatch, Colorado, Taos and the Mer du Glace. I had to add Mt. Bachelor to the notch on my bed post. The snow is refreshed daily by nature, but the snow is lousy if you simplistically crave powder. For that still no where but Alta will do. There are also much bigger multiplex poser slopes. But if you want a man's mountain, a mountain that looks at you and say's "Copulate you, I don't care where you have skiied before, you don't mean feces to me;" then Mt. Bachelor is a good, honest volcano and it changed me forever. There are more challenging slopes, but once you've skied a volcano, mountains are for pussies. If there is absolutely no chance of being blown into the upper atmosphere as one skis, can one truly be said to be alive? The answer for me from now on is no. From here on out it has to be a volcano whenever possible. Alaska, Hokkaido, Chile, Hawaii, here I come.

Now, regarding your recent comment that I am still too reactive...but, of course, I am, little master. Reacting is the coin of the realm if you are really going to live the model and embrace Eddie Ball down to its very nads. Coaching reactively requires playing reactively and playing reactively requires rationalizing games reactively.

The philosophy of letting the game come to one is no longer relevant in The Tao of Eddie Ball. Everything is taking what is given...in the moment...in the short term...in the mid term...in the long term...on offense...on defense...reacting to what is given...reacting...reacting.

The key to the game is neutral balance in all dimensions...especially in taking what is given.

This is deceptively simple and yet as complex as one dares to make it. It is an n-dimensional conception of a game...open ended...infinite in all directions.

February 19, 2009 at 1:05 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

jaybate (anonymous) says...

Eddie Ball is The Glass Bead Game. Eddie is Bastian Perrot of Calw. Bill Self is both the current Magister Ludi and Joseph Knecht. Bill Self's major problem right now is deciding if it is appropriate for him to withdraw from the problems of the world into basketball, or if there is a way to bridge them without drowning in the Kaw.

There is no longer any waiting for the game to come to one. There is no longer any waiting. Waiting is not reactive. Reacting is reactive. There is only the player becoming the game as the dancer becomes the dance. And in such merger taking what is given, reacting to what is acted, but always with matchup advantage. It is proactive reaction. It is not reacting to the past, or reacting to what might come in the future, but to the new opportunity set altered by the prior play of the opponent.

Seek and ye shall find the game as it is given you. Then react to what is given in the way that it has been changed. It is the Tao of Eddie.

Wait for the game to come to you, and find yourself playing mop-up minutes.

Coach from a feel for the game and end up with a career .500 record at Weber State.

KGphotoshoot, so many coaches have a great feel for the game. So many persons have a great feel for various things. I have watched many, many, many, coaches show tremendous feel situationally since I was 6 and attended my first Big Eight Christmas tournament. Great feel for anything is the ante for coming to Castalia. But the Tao of Eddie in basketball Castalia is so much more vastly rich than feel that I cannot help you see it until you are ready. I can only change narrators and deliver you parables under another's name.

But it is there as surely as The Glass Bead Game by Herman Hesse and Magister Ludi by Herman Hesse are there and one and the same and not the game and the game at the same time.

February 19, 2009 at 1:05 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

jaybate (anonymous) says...

mouseroller,

First, I was on Tyshawn's bandwagon long before you, dude.

I was among Tyshawn's earliest boosters. I nicknamed him Quantum T almost immediately. After seeing him play only one game on TV within the first five games of the season I said that he had the tools to be one of KU's best guards ever. He still has the tools. His problem is failure to overcome flaws in his game that keep showing up.

And since you agree with me that Reed has been improving while Taylor hasn't, you haven't got a leg to stand on.

And you make your leg-less case without even being cute.

Reed played 26 minutes. Taylor played 16 minutes. Tyshawn needs to wake up. The role of the two has changed on this team.

Was Self jerking Taylor, and Little, too, to get them ready for performing better in the next game? Absolutely. But they better perform better, or else.

February 19, 2009 at 1:26 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

KGphoto (anonymous) says...

Lovely.

Jaybong, you really huffed the magic Phelps in the wee hours this time!

Very eloquent, but I think we're really on the same page, although that page is now a never ending scroll, thank you.

Letting the game come to you doesn't mean you stand there with a Spicoli look on your face. Of course you react, when the time comes. Just don't over-react. As stupidmichael must also know, there is a force that can be learned. That's all I meant.

I may not be as well-read as you, but I bet I could still beat your ass on the court because I understand this. I was never the tallest or the fastest. I just let it come to me. Then I reacted. But I never toiled over every last possibility before the game until I destroyed my keyboard and ran out of characters. The game will be there on the court and you can't see it until it shows itself. No matter how hard you try. If you go out there running and gunning and defending like mad, and winning. Well you may have set the pace, but you didn't know exactly how it was going to work until the game revealed itself back to you.

You are entertaining though. Keep on ski spelunking those volcanos.

February 19, 2009 at 8:52 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

jaybate (anonymous) says...

Ah, KG.jeg,

Beat my gluteous maximus?

Would you be Annakin, or would you be Luke?

Not sure you know which yet?

You will, you will.

February 19, 2009 at 12:31 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jaybate (anonymous) says...

KGbongphoto,

It just occurred to me that you might be projecting about THC.

It might be that you're a master burner and you are projecting onto me.

Say it ain't so.

"Let us go then you and i
Through the certain half deserted streets..."

So that I can tell you...

Don't do booze except a little red wine.

Don't do drugs, except doctor prescribed.

Don't do weed. Don't do speed. Don't do any illegals at all.

Don't like drugs. Don't even like legal drugs.

Way wholesome that way.

If I misled you, or if I accidentally enabled your projection, let me say...

"That is not what I meant
That is not it.
That is not it, at all."

For the children reading...

jaybate remains high on life only.

Illegal substances are so 20th Century.

Now, KGbongphoto may be a massive burner (I don't know) for they sometimes project onto others what they fear to come clean on.

And then they kind of unconsciously do the psy-op thing of repeating the projection until other folks might believe it.

But like my momma said, repeat the lie often enough and its still a lie.

Or as my daddy said, "Polish the turd all you want, but its still a turd."

jaybate inhale with KGbongphoto?

jaybate touch anything that taints the body and warps the mind?

Not!

February 19, 2009 at 3:24 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

KGphoto (anonymous) says...

Ooh. Struck a nerve there. Didn't mean to. I kid because I care.

For all that read the preceding posts.

"I've never smoked weed with jaybate".

In fact it sounds like slamming cheeba with jaystraight would be the social equivalent to performing Zumanity on bridge night.

No worries J.B. I get it.

February 19, 2009 at 7:43 p.m. ( | suggest removal )