His time to lead

Kansas junior guard Sherron Collins is surrounded by media members in the Jayhawks’ locker room on Saturday at the Metrodome in Minneapolis. Collins, who most KU players call their team leader, has gotten off to a stellar start so far in the NCAA Tournament.

GameDay Cram Session: NCAA Tournament, Game Two - Dayton

KUSports.com online editor Jesse Newell & Journal-World sports editor Tom Keegan take a look at what to expect during the Jayhawk men's basketball team's second NCAA Tournament matchup.

Photo by Nick Krug

Kansas guards Conner Teahan and Sherron Collins have a laugh as they leave the Metrodome following a day of interviews and practice Saturday March 21, 2009.

Photo by Nick Krug

Kansas head coach Bill Self smiles as he takes questions during a press conference Saturday March 21, 2009 at the Metrodome in Minneapolis.

Kansas vs. Dayton

Minneapolis — Sherron Collins, who is well on his way to becoming the most accomplished basketball alumnus of Chicago’s Crane Tech High School, learned the tricks of the point-guard trade from his idol, fellow Crane graduate Will Bynum.

“One of his favorite sayings is, ‘You’ve got to be a dog. Always be hungry.’ That’s my motto. I always say, ‘Let’s eat,’’’ Collins, Kansas University’s 5-foot-11, 200-pound junior pit bull, said Saturday.

He was speaking a day after ravaging North Dakota State for 32 points and eight assists against two turnovers.

That tasty 38-minute effort — as well as the 23-point, 13-rebound outing of center Cole Aldrich — propelled the Jayhawks to an 84-74 victory and berth in today’s 1:30 p.m., second-round NCAA Midwest Regional battle against Dayton.

“I can have an OK night, not an off night,” Collins said, asked if he had to have a “great game” for the Jayhawks to advance to the Sweet 16 in Indianapolis.

“My teammates are good enough to carry me when things aren’t going well. We have a lot of players that can step up. But I have to play well most of the time.”

Collins, who today faces a tough matchup in junior London Warren (nine assists, one turnover in Dayton’s 68-60 first-round victory over West Virginia), hoisted a career-high 26 shots on Friday, making 12.

It marked the first time all season KU won a game in which Collins had more than 20 shot attempts.

The Jayhawks lost previous 20-shot outings against Syracuse, UMass and Baylor.

“I don’t think it was too many. I think I was in the flow in the first half,” said Collins, who scored seven of KU’s first 12 points and 13 of 18 in helping the Jayhawks nab an 18-17 lead. “Coach (Bill) Self said all my shots were good, except three or four. There will be games I shoot that many shots.”

Self had no problem with Collins taking 26 shots on a day North Dakota State’s Ben Woodside exploded for 37 points off 13-of-23 shooting.

“If Sherron didn’t shoot the ball early, we weren’t going to score,” Self said. “It (first NCAA game) was hard on our newcomers.

“I think the right number for him yesterday would have been 22. He took some shots where I think he kind of bailed them out by not driving the ball. He also got our guys shots, especially in late-game situations.”

Collins’ teammates bristled when asked about criticism of Collins from fans on the Internet who say the Jayhawks won’t go far if he continues to take 25 or more shots per game.

“I’d say to those people, ‘He’s the leader of our team. We need him to make shots,’’’ freshman Markieff Morris said. “We needed most all of those 26 shots.”

Noted Morris’ brother, Marcus: “They weren’t bad shots. They were tough shots. We needed him, and he delivered. As many shots as he needs to take. If we are to win, I have no problem with it.”

Junior Mario Little also stood up for his fellow Chicago native, who takes a team-leading 18.7-point scoring average into today’s game.

“That’s people talking who probably never touched a basketball their whole life,” Little said of critics counting Collins’ attempts. “He doesn’t care about what they say. We don’t, either. Sherron does things no other point guards can do. I’ll give him a 9.5 or a 10 (out of 10) every time you ask me to rate him.

“He’s a great leader. He’s learned to pull everybody in, not single anybody out. He tells everybody that if we are going to win, it’ll take all of us,’’ Little added.

Collins wasn’t as positive a force early in the season when he was learning about leading while on the job.

“One time he yelled at me while we were on the court. It was the middle of the Siena game at Allen Fieldhouse,” Marcus Morris said. “I came to him at the timeout and said, ‘You can do that in the locker room. Don’t do it in front of everybody. Everybody can see you do that.’

“Now ... I can’t remember the last time he yelled at me. He might do it at practice, but most of the time we’re laughing.”

Freshman guard Tyshawn Taylor, who said he considers Collins a “brother figure,” also remembers being the recipient of stern lectures from the emotional floor general.

“I took it as him picking on me,” Taylor said. “I took it as nitpicking. Now I understand it was constructive criticism. I took it wrong.”

Taylor remembers when he saw the error of his own ways.

“When we started winning,” Taylor said. “I thought to myself, ‘Sherron knows what he’s talking about. He’s been here. He knows.’

“He’s the leader of our team, hands down. We all listen to him.”

Collins said it was a conscious decision for him to back off the rookies.

“I was frustrated earlier in the season when they made mistakes,” Collins said. “Tyshawn, Marcus Morris ... coach expected so much from them. He was on them real bad so I backed off. I didn’t want to be on them, too. I learned to say things in a polite way and still let them know when they are messing up.”

As far as to how long Collins will continue to lead the team ... he’s not sure.

It’s possible he’ll leave school after three years.

He’d like to play in the NBA some day, like his buddy, Bynum of the Detroit Pistons.

“I don’t even think about that. I’ve not thought about leaving. Right now, I’m staying,” Collins said. “There’s no pressure (to leave). Everything is fine. I’ve got a kid, but he has a terrific mother. We’ve got a family where we all help out a lot. I’m not in any rush.”

Collins, who ranks No. 27 on KU’s all-time scoring list (1,285 points), could finish in the top five if he remains a final year.

Depending on how the future goes, the man with one national title could wind up with his jersey hanging in the Allen Fieldhouse rafters.

“Absolutely,” KU coach Self said. “Both he and Cole ... those two potentially could have their jerseys up there.”

“Hopefully that will happen to me one day,” Collins said. “That would be the biggest honor. Right now, I don’t look at records. I didn’t even know I was over 1,000 points. There’s no time to pay attention to things like that.”

Right now, heading into today’s game, he’s on top of the college basketball world.

“He’s always happy. He always wants to rap, always wants to dance,” Markieff Morris said.

“I’m confident. It’s been fun leading these young guys, a lot of fun. We don’t want it to stop,” Collins stated.

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BannerforKirk (anonymous) says...

Lots of interesting stuff in that article. The comments about the internet chatter (likely a lot of which refers to a number of posters on this site), coming from the team, is a very interesting angle. I like seeing those guys stick up for Sherron like that, this team isn't nearly as good without him (probably NIT-bound) and I often wonder if people understand how much the young guys' improvement is directly attributable to spending their time on the court with Sherron.

March 22, 2009 at 1:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

fihsch (anonymous) says...

Amen. Go Sherron! Go KU!

March 22, 2009 at 2:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

CaramelMacchMan (anonymous) says...

BannerforKirk

You are wrong!

With Sherron playing good this team can win another Title.

But without Sherron, i'm sure this team will make it to the NCAA tourney!

March 22, 2009 at 4:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

jayhawker_97 (anonymous) says...

aha! the team obviously read these posts.
well, congrats then! it takes guts, hearts, skills and a great team like you guys to go this far, beyond most people expectation.
you've beaten how many teams that are currently in the tourney now? Siena, Tennee, Washington, Temple, the big-12 crowds...
that says a lot for a team that's not even playing together for 1 season!!!
freakin' awesome!!!!
i may not the best post-er here that can give glorious opinions or insights on how you guys beat the crap out of those teams, but maaaaaaaaan.....
this has been a great run so far..
and i don't really care if we go to sweet 16 or not, i truely believe the current Jayhawks can soar like an eagle!
proudly supporting you guys all the way!!!!

go Jayhawks!!!!!!!!

March 22, 2009 at 4:50 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

jayhawkinatl (anonymous) says...

I agree with BannerforKirk...w/o Sherron, we're NIT-bound, at the most.

Light it up today, Sherron!!!

March 22, 2009 at 7:01 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

kuwillkillit (anonymous) says...

Bechard, Kleinmann, Buford, reed, morningstar, releford, little, collins, taylor, marcus, markeff, appleton, teahan, thomas, juenemann, aldrich, withey.
Good work.
Now lets kick some flyer assssssssssssssssssssssssssssss!

March 22, 2009 at 7:27 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

easyfive (anonymous) says...

Don't blame KU fans, for some of the negitive feedback!

There are many MU fans on here acting like KU people on this site. Trying to throw a monkey wrench in what ever KU is doing. Not just MU, but ksu, ou, nu are at free will to say anything they feel.

So, don't blame KU fans for saying that. I even heard KU people talking to MU fans on here. Read the sign.

"Don't feed the trolls".

March 22, 2009 at 7:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

NH_JHawk (anonymous) says...

1 down 5 to go. I believe when Sherron is on and playing his game we can compete with (and beat) anyone in the country. Given that possibility there is tremendous upside opportunity with this tournament as it only takes one game at a time. Let's jump on these guys right out of the gate and show them no mercy. Rock Chalk Jayhawk! win today!

March 22, 2009 at 7:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

KU1979 (anonymous) says...

easyfive is right -- lots of "socks" from the rivals doing their shenanigans. So, guys, don't read this crap. We do it for fun, and because we care, but don't listen to any of the criticism. Bill Self has more basketball knowledge is his little pinkie, and more "wont to,"... oh, wait, that was another guy. Anyway...don't pay any attention to the negative stuff!

March 22, 2009 at 7:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

kushaw (anonymous) says...

This article puts everything in perspective! Well said Mr. Bedore. This was great timing and perfect quotes for the Sherron Collins Bashers (Mr. or Mrs. Theutus). Couldn't agree more with Self. Who was going to step in the early going of the game? Sherron did what he had to do. Yes, I do think Collins jacked a few bad shots, but as Self said, 22 shots were probably a little more realistic. Having played a little ball, I can understand what Collins was thinking. When you're in the "Flow" like that, it does make you feel like you can hit a number of shots. He did shoot 12-26 for the game.

I understand the perspective some of the fans have towards Collins and he has had some bad games (Umass, Tech, and Baylor), but 3 games vs the rest of season shouldn't be the mark for all the negativity. Guys are going to have bad games.

Sherron, if you read this, keep doing what you're doing. When your teammates can finally take some of the pressure off you during the game then and only then will your bashers come to their senses and stop complaining. I came to understand that when Markieff, Little, Morningstar, Taylor, and yourself are in the game; you really only have one option when that happens during the game. Your teammates defer to you in those situations and I don't think "Some Fans" truly understand how many different groups of players Sherron Collins sees in a KU unifrom during the course of the game. Sherron is always having to constantly juggle his mindset on who is and who isn't in the game for the Jayhawks. Last year, there was a constant rotation and some consistency between 8 players to the rotation. As Forest Gump said, "Life is like a box of choclates, you never know what you're going to get". The same could be said about the rotation for the 2008-2009 Kansas Jayhawks. Keep playing, working, and being aggressive for the Jayhawks. Win or lose, my opinion of Collins will not change. He is the leader on a team where the "Young-ins" haven't completely blossomed yet. Maybe the "Young-Ins" will prove me wrong. It's the NCAA tournament and 64 out 65 teams will lose their final game. Good luck today and let's hope we can get to the Sweet 16 so the bashers don't come out in flocks after the game.

March 22, 2009 at 8:24 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

NebraskaJayhawk (anonymous) says...

As much as I like Collins scoring 32, we've got to get more balanced scoring in this tournament. The problem with the current scenario is that one off night/day for Sherron and we are done. It's been that way all year for this team. Granted, there have been some games where we have obviously had other guys step up, but more often than not, when Collins is having an "off game", so is the rest of the team. I'm sure I'm not alone in this. This is the big dance, gentlemen. We need some Scooter Berrys and some Milt Newtons! Come on guys, step up your game! You guys could pull this tournament off...it's not out of reach. I truly believe we've got a shot in this tournament with Aldrich and the Morris twins inside. But everyone has to step up and play like men. Go hawks!

March 22, 2009 at 8:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

10point8 (anonymous) says...

Sic'em Sherron!

March 22, 2009 at 9:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Jhawkerman (anonymous) says...

Balance = Morningstar, Reed, Morris, Morris, Little,Taylor AND Collins, Aldrich. Yes there are others who can contribute also ... but those 8 KEY players need to all contribute if we are to advance down the yellow brick road. I would love it if sherron would get morningstar, reed and morris involved early with Cole and then himself. When Sherron takes the game under his wings then we stop looking offensively balanced. We can win with Sherron and Cole, but we will have a better chance of winning with all the players contributing .. I would love to see 6 players in double figures in the press clippings. Give em H today guys your supporters are behind you all the way.

Rock Chalk

March 22, 2009 at 10:12 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

hometownhawk (anonymous) says...

Haha, the players DON'T read this stuff. It said "when asked about criticism of Collins from fans on the internet." They could care less what "#1jhokfan4ever" thinks of Sherron's shot selection... until the media stirs the pot by inserting "fans" in place of themselves. When reporters say certain fans think Sherron shoots too much, they're just too cowardly to say "I think Sherron shoots too much"

March 22, 2009 at 10:12 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

drgnslayr (anonymous) says...

What I don't like about the rest of the team putting all the offense on Sherron's back is it turns the rest of the team into offensive slackers.

Yes, Sherron should be taking a lot of shots, only because he is gifted and can find openings.

But... if you look at the last game stats, and compute the percentages to where only Sherron took ALL the shots, KU would have lost that game. Because the rest of KU shot a much higher percentage than Sherron.

One player needing more shots is Cole Aldrich.

I like what Coach Self said... Sherron should have taken about 22 shots in that game, because 4 of those shots were badly forced... and there is no room for those shots by any player of any caliber.

I'm not a Sherron basher, he's my man, and he's had a fabulous season. The Jayhawks would have finished where they were predicted to finish (middle of the pack) without the outstanding performance of Sherron Collins this year.

I've just got two points:

1. Sherron shouldn't force any bad shots (like the 4 he did against NDSU)

2. The rest of the team should not slack off thinking Sherron is going to save them.

Sherron will perform much better on offense if the rest of the team shares the load and takes some responsibility, too. Stop standing around... run screens and plays and drive to the hole. Share the load!

Now, go kick some @$$ today, Hawks, and stop thinking about media talk!

March 22, 2009 at 10:15 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

wischalk (anonymous) says...

I want Sherron taking 20 shots a game... in the normal flow of the game. There is no one else on this team who can score as consistently . The only problem that MOST people have is: (1) A fear, expressed above, that if we rely on Collins that much and the rest team starts watching more than playing, we'll be hard up if Sherron has a bad shooting night. I'm not particularly concerned about this as I think he does a great job getting others involved most of the time. What bothers many (including me) is (2) The "play" where we come down the court, Sherron dribbles around up top for a few seconds, pulls some crazy And-1 Mix Tape style moves on his man, and jacks up a well-guarded jumper. That is frustrating. It doesn't get anyone else involved, and more often that not, he doesn't get a good shot. Of course, the guy is so damn talented that, more often that not, he also sticks it. If we work it around have have some actual ball movement in the half court, and it comes back to Sherron for a good perimeter look, I'd be happy if he took 35 shots a game. There is no one else I have as much confidence in on this team. Likewise, if he takes it himself through the defense and makes a play at the cup without ever passing, that's also a solid play. If we work the ball around and run through the offense but no one has gotten a clean look and the shot clock is running down... well then, that's the time I am thrilled we have Sherron over almost anyone else in the country, because when he needs to create his own shot from nothing, there are few better in the college game. If the clock is running down, I want it in his hands to shoot or create for others every time. I just wish the zero-passes-and-guarded-long-range jumper trips down the court didn't happen... but I agree with Coach Self, that only happened about 5-6 times last game, and he made several of them. If Coach is happy, I'm happy. I don't think anyone can complain about the leadership from Collins. He kept us in it early when a lot of the new guys had some early tourney jitters, and there is certainly nothing wrong with 8 assists to 2 TOs. I'm looking for another big game from Sherron today!

March 22, 2009 at 10:25 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )