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Kansas guard Tyshawn Taylor pulls up for a jumper during warmups prior to tipoff against Ohio State on Saturday, Dec. 10, 2011 at Allen Fieldhouse.
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Kansas guard Tyshawn Taylor will miss an estimated one to three weeks and is scheduled for surgery Sunday after tearing his meniscus in his right knee.
KU coach Bill Self said the guard injured himself in practice on Tuesday. Taylor chose to play through the pain and hold off his surgery until after Saturday's game.
"I wasn't missing this game," Taylor said. "When I come back, I'll be 100 percent. It's not even been real sore. T-Rob had the same injury. Conner (Teahan) did. They recovered quickly. I could be back the next game."
Self also did not rule out Taylor returning for KU's game Dec. 19 against Davidson, indicating some players come back faster than others with this injury.
"We have eight days. We'll have to wait and see," Self said.
KU coach Bill Self talks about signing of Andrew Wiggins May 14, 2013
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360 QTR of Cowboy Stadium March 28, 2013
Jayhawks arrive in Dallas March 27, 2013
Jeff Withey talks about the team staying loose March 23, 2013
Comments
andrewbary 1 year, 5 months ago
Guess the haters on the boards will get their wish. Let's see how our offense rolls without TT.
waywardJay 1 year, 5 months ago
much more predictable, but again.... WE play alot less challenging foes. 13 dimes on a bad wheel, never once complained or made a deal out of it. Coach stepped forward and said Ty's having a small surgery. Interseting no one mentions how much of a team PLayer because i think this team loses two without Ty.
I think we started seeing the first steps of that tranformation with Releford stepping up the penetration mode, If he can match that with even 35% from three point land he becomes an invaluable weapon, and a catalyst for a team no one expected to be good to become great.
kkoenig 1 year, 5 months ago
+1
plus a few more minutes per game for Young & the opposing coaches' will have their hands full preparing for the Jayhawks. MU will have a tough match-up against Young and Releford.
waywardJay 1 year, 5 months ago
At that point, that basket would have been the nails in the coffin.
We were already a pretty solid bet to win, was it a smart play. Yes and NO. You want your players to not let up, right? On the other hand, Considering he's having surgery next week for an injury we already knew about and were underplaying big time, driving into two guys and throwing a runner up, probably not a smart basketball play. Big shock, this is Tyshawn Taylor, sometimes he thinks oddly, but that's part of being a NYC/Jersey Point Guard. You take risks, Bill sat Russell Because of it and it changed his game. Tyshawn never sat, really. Does it make him a lesser player, or a better player.... No idea, but it certainly doesn't make him a less tough player, and big toughness points for tonight.
iamakufan 1 year, 5 months ago
And he has made that shot several times this year.
nuleafjhawk 1 year, 5 months ago
The haters wanted to see Taylor on the bench because he is careless, sometimes lazy and rarely thinks before/while he passes the ball.
If there's a single so-called Jayhawk fan on these boards that wanted to see him, or any other player on the bench with an injury then they should be banned from this site.
JakeBarnes 1 year, 5 months ago
+10,000
rtjayhawk 1 year, 5 months ago
Get well soon. Thanks for playing injured today and helping us get a huge win
kckjayhawk913 1 year, 5 months ago
Ditto
jayhawkinsf 1 year, 5 months ago
Yes, get well soon. Don't listen to the haters. They're just angry because they're getting a lump of coal in a couple of weeks.
marchphog88 1 year, 5 months ago
Only a stupid person would think the outcome for KU with Taylor out of the game is a net positive. A stupid person, or a smart person who just doesn't follow or know a lot about basketball.
dannylandulf 1 year, 5 months ago
Yes, only a stupid person would think benching a PG who turns over the ball 5-10 times a game could end up being a good thing.
Oh wait...
XEPCT 1 year, 5 months ago
oh wait .... 13 assists
bennybob 1 year, 5 months ago
oh wait.... 29 assists, 32 TOs on the year
dannylandulf 1 year, 5 months ago
Are you seriously citing an average 1-1 turnover to assist margin as something that's a GOOD thing or in any way redemptive for a point guard?
hawk_of_ages 1 year, 5 months ago
The fact that the 13 assists came injured and against maybe the best defensive guard in the country ought to count for something. And in the Duke game, you'll notice Coach Self didn't blame TT for his turnovers -- he said he played him too many mins. in Maui, and he had nothing but praise for the kid.
marchphog88 1 year, 5 months ago
Lookup the term "net positive" then post a comment that actually makes sense.
I'm not denying TT's turnover proneness. Try again.
miseryh8r 1 year, 5 months ago
May not be better but there will be at least 10 less stupid turnovers/fouls/plays per game. Taylor has always rebounded well after suspensions so maybe he can use this time to reflect and come back better
kckjayhawk913 1 year, 5 months ago
I hope so. It's better he's out now than later.
marchphog88 1 year, 5 months ago
Yeah, because that's what I care about.
Not how good the team is as a whole, but how many "stupid turnovers/fouls/plays per game" there are.
Are you kidding with that logic? It's okay if our team is worse, because you won't have to watch any bad plays?
Slick50 1 year, 5 months ago
Thank you baby jeebus. I'd never wish injury on a player, but now that it's already happened we can get Tharpe some more minutes and experience on the floor. TT is never going to get any better than he already is, which isn't very good. I've never seen a kid play so many minutes and not progress at all in my lifetime.
hawk_of_ages 1 year, 5 months ago
Not progress at all? He's the #2 threat on a Top 15 team.
KUFKSU 1 year, 5 months ago
Is there video of the Halftime speech??
rrockchalk 1 year, 5 months ago
yeah i was wondering the same thing..espn 3 didnt show it
KU62 1 year, 5 months ago
do you mean halftime in the locker room, or on the court?
dannylandulf 1 year, 5 months ago
Well it happened at a good time.
Ohio State win in the books, a good but beatable Davidson on Monday is the only real challenge during that period. Self needed an excuse to put him on the bench for awhile.
KU62 1 year, 5 months ago
I guess the coach just doesn't know what he needs. I'm sure we can count on you to clue him in.
lee3022 1 year, 5 months ago
The turnovers might possibly be from balance compensating for his knee. But I do wish Tyshawn well in his surgery and his healing. I do not think this team will get championships without Tyshawn. Pretty gutty performance today.
The three weeks he misses are the period annually that Kansas takes its best leap forward with no school and lots of work. Tyshawn should be back for the start of the league in January.
dannylandulf 1 year, 5 months ago
Wasn't anything wrong with his knee when he turned it over 11 times by himself against Duke.
hawk_of_ages 1 year, 5 months ago
He was fatigued, and Self took the blame for that. Not to mention the fact that we wouldn't have had a shot to win that game without him.
dannylandulf 1 year, 5 months ago
Oh..so he was the ONLY player that played three days straight at Maui.
Right.
hawk_of_ages 1 year, 5 months ago
Three days and then the whole damn game against Duke. A game in which he was largely responsible for keeping us close until he wore down late.
Slick50 1 year, 5 months ago
He's had a torn meniscus the past 3 1/2 years?
MGJayhawk 1 year, 5 months ago
This is good. He will take time to heal, watch and learn. I don't wish injuries on anyone but this is somewhat a blessing.
SoCalAlum 1 year, 5 months ago
I tore a meniscus a while back and before I had surgery, there were flat out simple motions I couldn't do, let alone complicated athletic motions. So, from my perspective as having had this same injury, I give Tyshawn loads of credit - frankly, I don't know how he was even able to play. People on this board like to diss Tyshawn it seems (and he does some puzzling things at times, I admit), but his passion to play through this injury today and his cognizance of the importance of the game today sure speaks volumes re his commitment. Hoboken tough.
drgnslayr 1 year, 5 months ago
Quality perspective from someone who has been there.
TT may go down as the Jayhawk that has created more love/hate relationships (with fans) than any Hawk in history. I've seen (and heard) the same people love him and hate him within the span of just a few seconds off the game clock because he'll make a freshman flub then turn around and make a key basket or assist.
I've supported TT on here for all 4 years and will do so until the end... but I'll be the first to criticize some of his play. No one gets a free ride.
My hope is that TT will come back a better person and player. The time off may help him focus on areas in his game that are in need of improvement.
Get well soon, TT, and come back stronger! We need you, man!
lonestar_jayhawk 1 year, 5 months ago
Today, he gets a free ride. I tear my meniscus. I take painkillers and have a little bell on my bedstand for my wife to bring me Mtn Dews when I ring it. He put on a Kansas uniform, sucked it up and walked on the court. He gets a pass from me; he earned a pass from all of us today.
sgtjb123 1 year, 5 months ago
+1. I've torn meniscus in both knees. It was painful just walking.
LTCUSARet 1 year, 5 months ago
Having had meniscus problems twice myself, I am in total agreement with your comment, SoCalAlum. Even if I do have him down as "Tyshawn Turnover" in my play book, I can't say enough about the kid's team spirit and drive to win. Major Props! And Get Well Soon!
johnsont1 1 year, 5 months ago
It's smart that they didn't tell anyone before today's game. You never want to show your opponent your weakness..
ejlumus 1 year, 5 months ago
TT is a tough kid .... just wonder how may of the keyboard jockeys could do better.
beatnik 1 year, 5 months ago
the kid showed a lot of heart
JayHok 1 year, 5 months ago
Taylor, you've given your heart and soul to the Jayhawks the last 3 1/2 years. Today you even risked your knee. You're a true Jayhawk, Taylor, a true Jayhawk indeed. Thanks for a great win today!
Have some surgery, eat some ice cream, study some college basketball tape and get better soon.
RCJ
bennybob 1 year, 5 months ago
HA!
i highly doubt TT has ever "studied some college basketball tape" in his life
hawk_of_ages 1 year, 5 months ago
He just put up 13 assists vs. one of the best backcourts in the nation and this is your conclusion? Pathetic.
ahpersecoachingexperience 1 year, 5 months ago
That's what happens why you repeatly dribble the ball of your own knee. Eventually the meniscus gives way!
blackhawkjayhawk 1 year, 5 months ago
good one
lurkerhawk 1 year, 5 months ago
Say what you want about Taylor but Taylor showed some courageous qualities today. We couldn't have won without him today.
mouseclicker 1 year, 5 months ago
+1
ahpersecoachingexperience 1 year, 5 months ago
Watching the UK game. I wish someone would tear Davis' unibrow!
waywardJay 1 year, 5 months ago
Where is Ashley Judd's Beauty team, seriously?
Evan Fjeld, brought class to the Court with his odd facial Hair ( google it, Newbs ) but for someone wit as much gifted talent as Davis has, escpeially on a team who has a Makeup guru as a major university spokeswoman, having that ungodly Eyesore on the court is tant amount to treason.
Pluck that Brow! Pluck that Brow!
ahpersecoachingexperience 1 year, 5 months ago
He has two mustaches
jcw3691 1 year, 5 months ago
Yessss
bennybob 1 year, 5 months ago
And those of you who had "injury" are the winners!
thanks for playing this weeks version of "Excuses for TTs poor performance"
hawk_of_ages 1 year, 5 months ago
So I guess you're mocking Bill Self as well?
jhawker77 1 year, 5 months ago
Let the freshmen have the ball. He needs some playing time.
mouseclicker 1 year, 5 months ago
It's a little sad that when we find out our team's point guard played a very good game in a win against an amazing defensive team, all on a torn meniscus, instead of marveling at the guy's guts and determination and team mentality, you see some people continuing to criticize every facet of his game, then saying good riddance, we'll be better without him. Making Jayhawk fans look bad. Take that mentality somewhere else.
DanR 1 year, 5 months ago
Just ignore the haters and armchair wizard coaches. It's not worth the effort to even address them.
Heal quickly, TT.
JayHok 1 year, 5 months ago
Yes. If you're ever wondering about a certain poster, see what they're saying after a player plays with a torn meniscus and helps his team get a big win and bring some excitement to the Phog as well as a five star football recruit we could really use sitting in the stands. Some of these posters very well could be poser fakefans all these years. What they say underneath the Taylor story says everything you need to know about their character. Get well Taylor, get better soon and thanks for putting your heart and knee on the line for the win today!
RCJ
jayhawkjim80 1 year, 5 months ago
You TT haters need to give it a rest. Yes, I don't like the turnovers either, and yes it's possible without them we win the Duke game. Many of you make this out that he isn't giving his best out there. He is playing hard all the time. Unfortunately he plays at a speed that sometimes will create mistakes, but it isn't due to lack of effort.
Many on here are calling for Tharpe to play more. Must be a reason Coach isn't playing him. Been some games lately he hasn't played at all. So suddenly you think he is the answer? He will obviously get more minutes the next few weeks, but those that think he is going to come in and take TT's job away, guess again.
Those of you at the games, you need to relax as well. The crowd isn't helping any when you start groaning as soon as he touches the ball. Others on the team are making mistakes as well. TT's are magnified because he is the leader on the floor, point guards usually are.
Let's all hope the surgery goes well, and TT comes back strong. He will be needed and counted on in a big way when conference play starts, which will be here soon by the way. I will admit there are times he needs to play smarter as the games get bigger. But let's get behind TT and not be negative every time he touches the ball or does something wrong. Everyone on the team makes mistakes as well. Rock Chalk!!
hawk_of_ages 1 year, 5 months ago
Yes, it's possible we win the Duke game without TT's turnovers. But it also would have been impossible without his points.
cooonrod 1 year, 5 months ago
Duke got over 80% of its points off the turnovers in the second half... so really needed Zero point production from TT without the turnovers.. also missed Crazy shots do not go in books as a turnover but they work the same.. TT throws up crazy shots at least 5 times a game so just add at least another 5 + turnovers . Look we all know he is great player and very poor decision maker. was glad to see EJ running point. TT really want you to heal fast and glad you are Jayhawk.. but slow down and think.. two hands on ball , not lazy shove passes.. watch film while you recover and you will understand why posters get so discouraged with your play sometimes.. show the NBA scouts you can handle the ball.
hawk_of_ages 1 year, 5 months ago
It's interesting that Self, who never hesitates to criticize TT when he thinks it's warranted, did not blame TT for the Duke loss -- in fact praised him effusively. It's just the armchair coaches who act like he singlehandedly lost the game even though he and T-Rob were the biggest reasons we were in it to begin with.
JayHok 1 year, 5 months ago
Also would have been possible to win the Duke game if our players tough defense was given credit when Duke travelled twice during one of the last key possessions. Oh well. It'll add fire during the tournament.
bjejayhawk69 1 year, 5 months ago
Taylor's game has always had the turnover issues. I don't like it but he plays very fast - a level many kids can't. This also creates assist opportunities and scoring opportunities for himself. Most of his TO's are careless but he has always been that way. Accept him for what he is because KU is a lesser team without him. The only positive in Tharpe will need to play and get some experience he needs to preparation for later in this year and next.
stanleys 1 year, 5 months ago
Tyshawn will be back but now it's time to get Tharpe some valuable minutes. Hurry back TT. RCJH!!!!!!!!
MrPilot 1 year, 5 months ago
Get well soon, Tyshawn.
DDDHawk 1 year, 5 months ago
Tyshawn- Good luck on the surgery, and thanks for being such a tough player!
PikesPeakSmitty 1 year, 5 months ago
Tharpe Time!
Welcome to the game Kevin Young! You may have missed that last 3, but I love had the balls to shoot it!! With another good big, we are multiple times better
VaJay 1 year, 5 months ago
This should help the Jayhawks. The backups need more floor time to get better & prove they can handle it when they're in games that are more intense. As we get into conference play we will be better because of it. Hope Tharpe gets out of the doghouse & on the court...
mikehawk 1 year, 5 months ago
You have to love us Jayhawk basketball fans. Most of us think we know more than HCBS. I think drgnslayr has it about right regarding Tyshawn. Or, Tyshawn Turnover, as I like to call him at one of those moments I am frutrated by one of his impulse control turnovers. With TT, "you live by the sword and you die by the sword."
mikehawk 1 year, 5 months ago
Is it officially a triple double if you score in double figures, have double digit assists, and double digit turnovers? Tyshawn almost made it there today.
bennybob 1 year, 5 months ago
I challenge anyone to name a player who has had a larger negative impact on the teams performance this year than TT.
this is a net "win" for the team
waywardJay 1 year, 5 months ago
Ummm any team ?
Reeves Nelson, UCLA.
On Ours, Let's try Traylor and Mclemore ( even though their "actions" are singularly not their fault...)
DanR 1 year, 5 months ago
Check at the box scores for the two losses and let me know who didn't show up at all in those games.
SoCalAlum 1 year, 5 months ago
If by "negative," you mean "subtractive," then this is an easy question to answer . The team's performance this year was most affected by the subtraction of Marcus and Markieff (and arguably, by subtraction of Selby, too), not Tyshawn.
hawk_of_ages 1 year, 5 months ago
You seem to have a very odd plus-minus calculus where only turnovers count, while points, assists, and defense count for nothing. So yes, in your bizarro world, TT is a net negative.
I mean, if Tharpe comes in and doesn't turn the ball over, that'll be great, but he still would need to give us substantial production in points or assists or steals or something -- otherwise this is very much a net loss.
hawksince51 1 year, 5 months ago
While I would not wish an injury on anyone, this could prove to be a helpful one for KU for the season. I have felt that one of the problems with TT is that he is playing too many minutes at the point and that has hurt his performance late in games. Having Nadir play some real minutes at the point probably backed up by EJ could improve our guard rotation, especially later in the season.
IdahoJHawk 1 year, 5 months ago
I wonder if espn will mention that TT was out every time they report a KU score for the next few weeks.
IdahoJHawk 1 year, 5 months ago
ALA Sullinger
Jayhawk1958 1 year, 5 months ago
Tyshawn "Turnover" Taylor.
RockChalk26 1 year, 5 months ago
For those of you who are saying this could help the team are nuts. He was our second leading scorer with 16.8 points per game and those points will be missed. This is huge, get better soon TT.
BrockIII 1 year, 5 months ago
Taylor frustrates me to no end with his erratic play, but this team will NOT be better without him. Who will fill the scoring void? Who can attack the basket? The only good thing that will happen with him out is Tharpe will finally get some additional minutes.
SoCalAlum 1 year, 5 months ago
To quote the AP article on the game: "Tyshawn Taylor played through the pain. Jared Sullinger did not."
To quote Coach Self in his post-game presser: "We don’t win the game tonight if he doesn’t play."
janetsjazz 1 year, 5 months ago
Not a TT fan, but never wish injury on anyone. Good job with the 13 assists today, and very courageous for him playing the last 2 games hurt. Got toughness.
Alohahawk 1 year, 5 months ago
First of all, congratulations to the Jayhawks for their win against the #2 team in the nation. A win which, as evidenced by the numerous posts on this board, not many really gave them much chance to win. The end result was well worth the long awaited anticipation.
And you have to credit HCBS for the win as well. This KU team, more than any in recent memory, needs their hands held from the bench, or they would revert to a very atheletic bunch of intramural players.
What's surprising is that KU won with a starter who had a bad wheel and wasn't at 100%. Despite what the fans say about his abilities, or lack there of, I thank TT for playing injured. Seven turnovers aren't good, but I'll take them if KU wins each time. And who would have predicted TT would have 13 assists (again, while playing injured). My hat's off to you, TT, for the Crimson and Blue "blood" that you exhibited against Ohio State.
Nice way to start the morning, with a KU win. It's even nicer, with Kenstinky losing to Indiana. And the day would end perfectly, if Long Beach State could upset N. Carolina. Unfortunately, UNC is leading by about 9, with 7 1/2 minutes left.
srj 1 year, 5 months ago
I find it interesting that KU viewed this game as important enough for Taylor to hold off surgery to play in this game, while OSU did not find the game important enough to play Sullinger. They did not have as much to prove as KU right now I guess. Conference game are more important then December games on CBS.
hawk_of_ages 1 year, 5 months ago
I also think there are longer-term concerns with the Sullinger injury.
icthawkfan316 1 year, 5 months ago
Well it's not really the same thing. Sullinger was reported to not be able to bend over to tie his own shoes.
Anybody that has had a back injury (myself included) will tell you that practically every motion involves some muscle from the back. It's not simply an issue of playing through the pain. With many back injuries, your body will physically prevent you from making certain motions. Only Sullinger truly knows what his body was capable of doing (although he didn't look to be in a great deal of pain on the OSU bench).
Also, we don't know if Sullinger could have risked further injury by playing. On the ESPN.com recap of this game, it is said that the Jayhawks' medical staff decided Tyshawn couldn't harm his knee any more by playing.
IdahoJHawk 1 year, 5 months ago
This game was important, it will dictate our path going forward and we will miss TT for the next three weeks
Perses 1 year, 5 months ago
Wow. I can't believe how many ignorant posts claim KU will be better without him. Who will be better? Tharpe, EJ? Taylor is about 4 TO's a game away from being a 1st team Big 12. Hate on him all you want but to say KU will be better without him is ludicrus.
wissoxfan83 1 year, 5 months ago
Never really heard this discussed before but has anyone ever tracked TO's forced? I'd be curious to see of TT's defense, which I think is pretty good,
Guess we'll get to see how we play without him. I'll be surprised if it turns out real good.
lonestar_jayhawk 1 year, 5 months ago
Get better quick Tyshawn. We want/need you on the court!
And BTW, I have torn my meniscus four times in the past. I curl up in ball, go to bed and take massive amounts of pain killers. Tyshawn put on a Jayhawk uniform and represented a University that means alot to me and performed at a very high level today. What do you say that we all give this kid a break?
dlshaw74 1 year, 5 months ago
Please T. Taylor take your time and make sure your knee heals properly. Take a good vacation and come back well rested after the end of March.
JakeBarnes 1 year, 5 months ago
He's a good kid. Watch him on the floor as a person. He is also a pretty good basketball player. I hope he gets back soon, this team needs him. Sure he makes mistakes, sure he loses the ball through carelessness, sure he makes dumb decisions. Anyone on the team who doesn't? Anyone in life who doesn't? If hate is all you got, "you ain't got nothin."
Strikewso 1 year, 5 months ago
This will be good for Tharpe. Despite how aggrivating TT can be, we need him. He needs to take the full time and get healthy. This team isn't deep and can't afford losing him for the season.
jhawkrulz 1 year, 5 months ago
Sorry to hear about your injury Tyshawn. We want you back as soon as possible.
Self has always focused on defense over offense. I think Tyshawn has done well on th defensive end. Yes on the offense he will lose focus and good teams attack. Personally, I've though he has some really bad calls on some of those turnovers (especially in the Duke game).
I've never seen anyone with a quicker step than Tyshawn. There have been two games this year where no one was scoring and he went to the hole to score. That was the case in the second half of the UK game. If he hadn't gone to the hole, we would have been down by 25.
Tyshawn is overall a plus.
bobku1967 1 year, 5 months ago
I have one question. How many times did coach Knight make comments about Tyshawn's play, and how many were positive comments? There were a few positive, but most were not. If I remember right, he even made a comment that after 3+ years of playing point guard, he shouldn't be making some of these mistakes. That is what drives the KU fans crazy, is that he just isn't getting it.
hawk_of_ages 1 year, 5 months ago
Kansas just knocked off the #2 team in the country, led by an injured Taylor, and this is your response? Real classy, dude.
Machawk 1 year, 5 months ago
+1000 Jay Bilas and Bobby Knight are unbiased, honest, and will informed about the game of basketball. They both were appalled with the repeated poor decision making by TT. Yes he does some amazing things and showed great courage by playing today, but unless he "gets it" soon, we will lose some games this season we shouldn't lose because of his habitual mental lapses.
dannylandulf 1 year, 5 months ago
Yeah, I'm actually quiet surprised that there are still so many KU fans not just defending him...but calling anyone who is less than impressed with him 'not real KU fans or stupid'.
Makes me wonder what games they've been watching all season.
hawk_of_ages 1 year, 5 months ago
I have no problem with fair criticism, and I've criticized the kid myself. What I have a problem with is nasty personal attacks against a college kid in a public forum, and the ridiculous claims that the team would be better without him and that he hasn't been a factor in our success -- that is indeed stupid. And I know even Bilas and Knight would agree with me on that point. Self sure would.
dannylandulf 1 year, 5 months ago
"What I have a problem with is nasty personal attacks against a college kid in a public forum..."
Agreed.
"ridiculous claims that the team would be better without him"
Debatable, but definitely not off limits. I, for one, think he does about as much damage as good. Every 'good' play is balanced by a bone-headed turnover...and it's not much of an exaggeration to say it's literally just short of a 1-to-1 margin.
That's got to change for this team to even achieve their somewhat subdued expectations for the year (contend for a Big 12 title, maybe sweet 16, etc). You absolutely cannot do those things with a PG that makes as many mistakes as he does...and that has to change. Whether that gets fixed by replacing him on the court or him taking his head out of his behind is...as the statement suggests...debatable.
marchphog88 1 year, 5 months ago
Being unable to see the fact that Tyshawn is a net positive IS stupid.
I don't see too many of TT's defenders claiming that he's perfect or that he doesn't make mistakes, or even that they themselves aren't frustrated by his enigmatic play. Most of them are pointing out that in spite of the negatives he brings, he brings MORE positives.
KU isn't 7-2 without Taylor. It's as simple as that.
Sorry, but claiming that the team is better off without him is ridiculous. It's not debatable. It's idiotic.
It has nothing to do with being a "true fan" (or whatever that is) though.
mouseclicker 1 year, 5 months ago
Actually, Jay Bilas said aside from some careless turnovers, Tyshawn was a fantastic player and had a great night. Bob Knight harped on the decision making, but then again he's the John Madden of basketball commentating. Sometimes I'd rather listen to Vitale because at least I know that's just an act.
It's like you have selective hearing.
KU62 1 year, 5 months ago
You may be right about possible losses, but we already have two examples where we won because of him. There will be more of the latter than the former.
REHawk 1 year, 5 months ago
I held positive hope for Tharpe when he came into the program. Seemed like a fresh breath of life entering the mix for playing time at the point. I continue to hold hope, even after viewing his early season questionable decision making. Sometimes it seems that EJ and Naadir are too much under the influence of Taylor, in their approach to fast careless lack of focus and control. TT is a supergifted athlete who plays with attention deficit disorder. Actually, that might be his downfall, ADD. I have never before followed the career of such a gifted athlete who elicits so many toothgrinding grimaces, then just as suddenly lays down a marvelous play which instills overwhelming joy and positive production. It amazes me that the Jayhawks pull out so many wins with such boneheaded point guard play. Even as a senior, TT continues to take (at the very very best) two steps forward to one step back. But I will give him kudos for this: one of those two steps forward usually counterbalances the agony of watching the one monumental step backwards. He is capable of thrilling passing, driving, scoring. But consistent in accompanying screw-ups. At his position, TT appears to be the best hope on the squad to help his teammates advance to another league title and a chance to return to the Final Four. Bill Self has rolled the dice with him at the point, and, if healthy and not socially vanquished again, TT will soon return to assume "control" of the ball. A very gutsy thing he did the last two games, playing with the torn meniscus. I hope he returns with a stronger sense of purpose and focus. In the meantime, if Tharpe earns minutes, I hope to see him flurish as a pass-first guard whose game thrives on strong defense. Kevin Young and Conner Teahan have stepped up to help us win the past two contests. Perhaps Naadir Tharpe will be next to offer glimmers of viewing joy.
spike888 1 year, 5 months ago
An assist is an assist. A turnover is giving the opponet the chance for scoring. TT learlly needs to get his head on right. He has had way to many excuses. Time to show up or give it up.
hawk_of_ages 1 year, 5 months ago
Right, so assists are more of a positive than turnovers are a negative. An assist scores a basket for your team, a turnover merely gives the opponent a chance to score. I think 13 assists on a bum knee vs. the best defensive backcourt in the nation certainly constitutes "showing up."
machinegun 1 year, 5 months ago
Tyshawn Taylor, you are an inspiration to young and old alike! Get well soon! We need you back healthy!
To all of the critics: #10 gave his right knee for the team ala Big Dub --torn meniscus and a sprained MCL--one of the most courageous performances in the history of Kansas basketball!
A career day with 13 assists--how was that even possible under the circumstances? An unbelievable effort! How do you measure heart? How do you measure loyalty? How do you measure dedication? How do you measure guts and determination? Coach Self said it best--we don't win the game without Tyshawn Taylor!
CrimsonnBlueKU 1 year, 5 months ago
Although I have been very critical of TT PG play and decision making especially the carelessness of his plays that often results in turnovers and a scoring run for the other team, this is not good news at all. Taylor is our only play maker out there that can get his own shots and gets to the free throw line consistently beside TRob. As much as I hate when he turns the ball over and disrupts our offensive run I am very worried about how we will replace his production for the time being.
The last couple of games I have wondered why coach Self has not given Tharpe any pt and a chance for him to grow and learn from being in the game. I think he is a good facilitator and will be a good guard, but he is a freshman and has not proven he can handle the spotlight yet. I know EJ can be the pg, but I do not consider him a reliable floor coordinator and like him at the two especially since he finally got his shot back. I hope TT gets well soon and there are no complications with his surgery and rehab. The good thing about TT getting hurt at this time is that the hard part of our non conference schedule is behind us and the more manageable games are when we are losing TT.
Last thing, does anyone know if we are recruiting any other PG other than Nino Jackson and Anrio Adams (sp) and what their status are?
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