Releford carves his niche

KU vs. UT Arlington

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KU vs. UT Arlington

Kansas defeated UT Arlington, 82-57 on Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2010 at Allen Fieldhouse.

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KU vs. UT Arlington

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Press Conferences & Post-Game Interviews

KU coach Bill Self

Kansas coach Bill Self talks to reporters following the Jayhawks' 82-57 victory over UT Arlington on Dec. 29, 2010.

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Quietly, while most of the rest of the players frustrate their coach with uneven performances, particularly at the defensive end, Kansas University red-shirt sophomore Travis Releford continues to get better.

Releford has carved a niche for himself on the nation’s third-ranked basketball team. He takes pride in playing strong defense and is capable of handling a variety of assignments.

When Releford entered Wednesday night’s 82-57 victory against UT Arlington, KU’s intensity deepened, and the foes went from playing on their toes to retreating onto their heels.

On a night Kansas made playing defense look difficult, particularly late in the shot clock against UTA’s deliberate pace, Releford made it sound so simple.

“It’s all about wanting to be a good defender first, and after that, you’ve got your team to help you,” Releford said. “If you listen to the coaches, you should be fine.”

Mario Little’s indefinite suspension and Jeff Withey’s limited progress have enabled Releford to showcase his versatility, playing minutes at the power forward position.

“I practice guarding the post and the perimeter,” Releford said. “Whenever he needs me to go down low, I try to keep my guy from catching it, and when he needs me on the perimeter, I do my best at keeping my guy in front of me.”

When Kansas went to its full-court press to rattle the Mavericks, it worked in part because Releford carried out his assignment. When KU coach Bill Self needed somebody to cool off UTA sharp-shooter Bo Ingram in the second half, he challenged Releford to do so, sent him in the game and watched him carry out that assignment.

Early in the season, Releford drew his coach’s ire by throwing down a reverse slam that came with far too much mustard. Wednesday, when he stole the ball and went in uncontested, he went up, way up, with two hands and dunked the ball. The wild colt, who played sparingly as a freshman, has tamed his game and polished his jumper.

Releford made two of three three-pointers against UTA to raise his season percentage to .455. His overall percentage is .596. He averages 6.1 points and 15.3 minutes.

“He’s a good defender and a good energy guy,” Self said. “He only played a couple of minutes in the first half, so I didn’t give him a chance, and he was ready to play when his number was called, so I was real pleased. I thought defensively, he definitely spurred us tonight.”

UT Arlington shot 48 percent in the first half, 39 in the second.

“Tonight, there was only one guy who stood out on that end, and that was Travis,” Self said.

Eager to please, Releford smiled when that statement was repeated to him.

“That should be the best thing for anyone to hear,” Releford said, “to hear the coach say you played a great defensive game.”

Releford is quick, but not as quick as Tyshawn Taylor, yet on this night Releford played better perimeter defense than Taylor. Releford is long, but not as tall as the twins and Thomas Robinson, yet Releford’s better than them at keeping his man from catching it on the block.

When KU’s top three big men and most talented perimeter defender place the same importance on those areas as Releford, this team will explode.

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HawkNVegas 2 years, 5 months ago

Keep it up Releford, nice progress.

oxcaljayhawk 2 years, 5 months ago

Those of us that have been pushing for more minutes for him were really rewarded tonight. When he only got 3 minutes in the first half, it looked like it was back to the short-leash time, but he took the opportunity of the extended minutes in the second half to play with confidence.

Lone_salina_kufan 2 years, 5 months ago

I think Travis earned his starting spot back last night. Our defense was deplorable. UTA had more uncontested shots and layups than we did last night.

This team better start taking pride in the defensive end, like Travis did, or this will be another March flame out.

Loved watching his defensive effort last night

FSUJHAWK 2 years, 5 months ago

Nice article. I especially like and agree with the last sentence.

RCJHGKU!!!

truehawk93 2 years, 5 months ago

Rel and EJ keep getting better and will be huge during the regular season and post season play. Withey seems to be the biggest opportunity. He's learning to play within himself and D1 competition. He's just got to understand his role better. Most 7 footers seem to have problems adjusting or flowing in a game. If DMan and Self can get him adjusted to his role,he'll be a major force. He's got the tools, but just needs to learn better how to use them. He'll have a breakout game soon. I'm really watching these three as the season progresses because they are the near future of KU b-ball.

wrwlumpy 2 years, 5 months ago

Watching Travis play way out against the point, I wondered why there was no 5 sec call. Releford was outstanding on offense last night too.

jhawk7782 2 years, 5 months ago

He was outstanding last night, particularly when fighting through screens or switching off on the ball carrier.

kustrong 2 years, 5 months ago

I love how humble TRob, EJ, and Travis are. I have a feeling that these guys will be pushing the pace in practice to earn starting positions. Tom Keegs couldn't be more right about the other players valuing defense. Hopefully TRob, EJ, and Travis will rub off on the rest of the team.

Rock Chalk

kcglowboy 2 years, 5 months ago

Ditto! It's always inspiring to see "bench guys" get a chance then make the most of those chances. Even more inspiring when the guys are as humble and team-minded as TRob, EJ and Travis. Then for the coach and media to recognize their efforts ... gives me the warm-fuzzies! :-) Shine on, guys!

studio 2 years, 5 months ago

I believe there was 14:21 in the second half when Reed of UTA threw down a dunk which did not count as the time clock expired. I had to rewind several times to try to understand how Selby could not only lose the man he was defending but why he seemed to hang at the wing as if he were playing a zone. That lack of focus presents a challenge the coaching staff will soon put behind them with the prodigy back on the bench until he's ready to play at both ends of the court all of the time - especially on a bad shooting night.

studio 2 years, 5 months ago

...and leaders like Releford and Robinson impress by example on how to build a team of hungry champions. Great game Travis & T Rob!!

kushaw 2 years, 5 months ago

To KU's defense on that play, the UTA guard lost handle of the ball, went to his knee's, somehow gathered his balance and threw a pass to an open defender on the baseline which happened to be Reed of UTA. All of this happened with under 5 seconds left in the shot clock.

It was a freak play! Freak plays happen all the time and somehow the UTA guard managed a pass from his knees. I wouldn't necessarily call that a "Lack of Focus".

AsadZ 2 years, 5 months ago

Good point

jhawk7782 2 years, 5 months ago

HCBS put Selby on their best scorer and for the most part, I thought he did a decent job.

crimsoninracine 2 years, 5 months ago

I couldn't agree more. Releford is starting to display some of that "promise" we all heard and read about when he was in high school at Miege. The last couple of games have really been fun. Johnson, too, is looking better all the time. Robinson is so immature, but so talented. Wasn't it fun to watch: Taylor, Johnson, Selby, Releford, and Robinson. I'd like watching those 5 play about 38 minutes a game. Easily the most talented 5 the Jayhawks can put on the floor. Reed can sub for the guards a bit, and the Morris twins can come in sparingly in the post. Boy, that would be fun to watch.

jhawk7782 2 years, 5 months ago

And you would have both Morris brothers sitting on the bench for all but a couple of minutes?

I would definitely let HCBS in on your insights as soon as possible. I'm sure there must be something our most consistent players can do to contribute.

Also "Robinson is so immature"? Can you explain exactly what you mean by that? Is he watching too many Shrek movies?

kustrong 2 years, 5 months ago

I would to see that lineup as well...if I were the other team! TRob was sick last night and has been for most of the season.

Rock Chalk

crimsoninracine 2 years, 5 months ago

I have no idea if he's seen any Shrek movies. He's young and still immature. In last night's game, for example, he's dancing to the music the band is playing coming out of a 2nd half timeout, when he's the guy shooting free throws. Then, he's giggling with somebody on the bench. And, he's doing all of this while standing at the foul line getting ready to shoot. Doesn't he shoot something like a solid 55%? That said, I'm a huge Robinson fan. The maturity will come, sooner with him I believe, as he plays hard all the time.

As for the Morris twins and their consistency? I guess we disagree. They are terribly inconsistent. They play one strong possession, then take two off. They never dunk the ball unless served up an alley oop. They are, in a word, soft. They could and should be outstanding players, but they show all the signs of coming up short of their potential. The bench would be a great motivator for them. If they want to play, earn it. With Releford and Robinson playing hard and playing well, now might be the time to send the Morris twins a message. Perhaps, then, they'd toughen up in time for March? That's my observation on the two.

Also, I love watching Reed play. He plays hard. But, he's not shooting the ball well enough to merit more minutes. The other three guards also play hard and bring much more to the offensive end. When the Morris twins are a better 3-point option than Reed, that should say something to the guard! They shouldn't even be a 3-point option, except in rare instances. Lately, however, they seem to be an early option from distance. That is not a recipe for success.

Again, happy to disagree. After all, I can sense you and I share one thing...we are huge Jayhawk fans. If you weren't, I doubt you would have taken the time to reply.

Rock Chalk!

jhawk7782 2 years, 5 months ago

Nice job. Don't agree but like your rebuttal.

RCJ16 2 years, 5 months ago

I suppose the Twins' inconsistency could have something to do with the fact that either one is in foul trouble and the other ejected.

That was a joke but in nearly every game this season one has been in foul trouble and has had to swap time. There have been few cases where they have both flourished in the same game.

jayhawktalk 2 years, 5 months ago

What I never see mentioned when people talk about Releford, previously and justifiably praised attributes aside, and that really impresses me is that he is always smiling. He makes a great play, he smiles. His teammates make a great play, he's generally the first into camera view with a huge smile on his face to chest bump and congratulate. Even better, it's not an "in your face, I just made you look bad" smile, the guy seems to be having the time of his life, as it should be. I first noticed this against Cal, under the worst of conditions, and since it caught my attention, I am now noticing it ALL the time, whether he's on the court or cheering from the bench. I love it.

tis4tim 2 years, 5 months ago

Travis "They Call Me Bruce Bowen" Releford.

RCJ16 2 years, 5 months ago

While I flip-flop on Keegan articles, I will say that this is dead on. Travis looked stout on defense and solid on the offensive side of the ball. He's a great utility player in that he takes pressure off of our starters without a drop in talent or ability.

Jayhawktalk-I watched Travis play when he was at Bishop Miege and let me tell you . . . he's smiling because he's always dunking on people and making big plays. Excited for the big ones to come.

Men's Basketball

Keegan