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Kansas forward Marcus Morris swoops in for a jam on the Iowa State defense during the second half on Saturday, Feb. 12, 2011 at Allen Fieldhouse.
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Kansas coach Bill Self talks to reporters following the Jayhawks' 89-66 victory over Iowa State on Feb. 12, 2011.
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Kansas defeated Iowa State on Saturday, Feb. 12, 2011 at Allen Fieldhouse.
Reader poll
Who should be ranked No. 1 when the new polls are released Monday?
- Texas 19% 255 votes
- Kansas 74% 955 votes
- Ohio State 4% 61 votes
- Other 0% 7 votes
1278 total votes.
Scoreboard watchers cheered wildly during the first TV timeout of Saturday’s Kansas-Iowa State basketball game in Allen Fieldhouse.
That’s when it was revealed to 16,300 fans that No. 1-ranked Ohio State had fallen at No. 13 Wisconsin, meaning the No. 2-rated Jayhawks — if they took care of business against the Cyclones — on Monday assuredly would move to the top spot in the AP poll.
“During the game, we looked up and saw it when everybody else saw it,” KU junior Marcus Morris said after scoring 16 points and grabbing 11 rebounds in the Jayhawks’ runaway 89-66 victory.
“It did, definitely it did,” Morris added, asked if thoughts of becoming No. 1 registered in his brain. “Hopefully we’ll be No. 1 by Monday. There’s a lot of talk they might put Texas at No. 1, but I don’t see how.”
The No. 3-ranked Longhorns (22-3) are sure to receive some first-place votes from those who place stock in the fact UT handed KU (24-1) its only loss of the season — 74-63 on Jan. 22 in Allen.
It’s logical to assume, however, most voters will merely advance the runner-up team one rung on the ladder.
“I want to be No. 1,” Morris said after a game in which four Jayhawks scored in double figures (Markieff Morris, Tyshawn Taylor 14 apiece and Brady Morningstar 13) en route to a 51.6 percent shooting effort.
The Jayhawks, who cruised to a 33-12 lead, were never threatened on a day ISU hit 14 of 32 threes.
“I want to get everybody’s best shot because I think we can take it,” Morris added. “T-Rob (Thomas Robinson, out two weeks following meniscus surgery) did go out, but I think other guys are going to step up. I kind of want that chip on our shoulder to go out and show people why we are No. 2 in the nation and why it’s not a fluke we are going to be No. 1.”
Morris certainly was enthusiastic regarding the topic of No. 1.
“I don’t think we’re going to be feeling ourselves a little more (heading into Monday’s 8 p.m. game at Kansas State). I think it’s just going to mean we need to play harder to keep us there,” Morris said. “We’re just ready. I feel like we’ve practiced so hard. We’ve gotten better. We’re ready.”
KU junior Tyshawn Taylor, who had best offensive game since a 15-point outing against UMKC on Jan. 5, said ultimately being No. 1, “doesn’t matter. We were No. 1 all of last year, too, and don’t have anything to show for it so ... I guess it’s nice, cool to be No. 1, but it doesn’t really matter.”
The Jayhawks, who were preseason No. 1 a year ago, kept the ranking for eight straight weeks. KU was No. 1 all but four weeks in a season in which the Jayhawks won the Big 12 regular season title, but lost in the second round of the NCAAs.
“I think last year we kind of took No. 1 for granted a little bit and came out there like, ‘Ah, we know it’s going to continue,’’’ Taylor said. “I think being with guys who have been through that and know how that team was last year and know how it feels to lose being No. 1 and it being over that fast … I feel we won’t let that happen. We don’t want to feel that again. We know when it comes down to it, we’re not going to go home sad.”
KU coach Bill Self doesn’t want to hear any talk about his team being better able to “protect” the top ranking this year.
“We were No. 1 last year all but two, three weeks. We protected No. 1 pretty well,” Self said. “Whenever you say ‘guard’ something, I think it’s almost defensive mode trying to hang onto something. We need to be in attack mode no matter what.
“If it happens, it doesn’t mean anything. Somebody has to be No. 1. If it happens, then I think it adds to the excitement going to Manhattan (Monday). Texas was No. 1 going in there last year and got a knot put on ’em. It adds to the game which will probably make it a little more adrenaline in the building.”
Time will tell if KU, as expected, holds off Texas for the No. 1 ranking and how KU will react as No. 1 on Monday night.
“We go into every game knowing this team is capable of beating us,” Morris said. “That’s how we approach every game. That’s what coach says in the huddle. We know no matter who it is, they are capable.”
KU coach Bill Self talks about signing of Andrew Wiggins May 14, 2013
Ben McLemore interview March 28, 2013
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
Alohahawk 2 years, 3 months ago
One game at a time, Hawks. K State up next. This is a road game, and K State played Colorado down to the wire today, so nothing should be taken for granted.
Being #1 at the end of the season, that's when it matters most. If we're still #2 tomorrow it just means we'll have to prove the pollsters wrong as the season progresses. However, I think the Hawks deserve #1 on Monday.
RCJHGKU.
Alohahawk 2 years, 3 months ago
Forgot to mention: Are the Vegas oddsmakers going to start a betting line on how many points KU will allow their opponents to score? Four of the last five games KU has allowed 66 points. Unusual stat.
FairgroveJayhawk 2 years, 3 months ago
Missouri scored 86, but, that's 66 points allowed in the last 4 of 5, still an unusual stat.
KUFan90 2 years, 3 months ago
I wouldn't call it "assuredly" just yet. All the Espn talking heads could talk about was that either Texas should jump to #1 or that tOSU should STAY number 1.
I really don't care...if KU isn't #1 it will just be more motivation, but how you can't put KU #1 right now makes no sense. TX with 3 losses, OSU loses to #13, and KUs only loss is to the #2 or 3 team? They clearly should be #1 in the polls.
gimmetheclaw78 2 years, 3 months ago
Molly??? Is that you???
dagger108 2 years, 3 months ago
OSU lost a close game on the road KU's loss wasn't close, on the road, or to the #2 or 3 team at game time. UT jumped b/c of the win, just as it would be expected that UW will jump.
oxcaljayhawk 2 years, 3 months ago
KU definitely deserves to be No.1 over UT. I'm not going to say that UT would not have won but for the tragedy that befell TRob the night before, but those circumstances cannot be dismissed. The twins are the most unique weapons in college BB and until a team can effectively neutralize them, KU should keep right on winning.
The only concern out of KU's control is the quality of opponents KU's been playing in conference. I don't expect teams in the tourney to roll over and play dead by the half like TT, ISU and the rest of the scrubs in the B12.
hawk_of_ages 2 years, 3 months ago
You just named basically ALL of the "scrubs" in the Big 12. The only other one is Oklahoma. Besides those three, the other 9 teams are good, even though K-State has been a disappointment.
oxcaljayhawk 2 years, 3 months ago
Why do you feel the need to defend schools like MU, probably the most noted under-performer in all of college BB? Aside from KU and UT, the rest of the B12 are scrubs. Always have been and will shown to be again in March.
JHWK 2 years, 3 months ago
Disagree. A loss is a loss, regardless of extenuating circumstances.
Texas beat us, and has not loss since. All their losses came before we played them, and none are embarrassing. They won in our house. They should be ranked above us.
I would hope Texas is #1 and we are #2. What great motivation going into the Big 12 Tournament!
apeoples410 2 years, 3 months ago
Texas lost by SEVENTEEN points to USC and has THREE losses. How exactly does that translate to being ahead of KU in the polls? Based on that logic USC at 13-12 should be #1 since they beat Texas.
LAJayhawk 2 years, 3 months ago
"...and none are embarrassing."
Losing by 17 to a .500 team is embarrassing. Yes, we almost lost to USC, and if we would have lost, it would have been embarrassing. If we would have lost by 17, it would have been excruciatingly so.
It is true that loss was early in the year, but still a bad one no matter how you try to spin it.
But I'm still fine if they give Texas number 1 even though it really doesn't make sense.
jayhawktalk 2 years, 3 months ago
While I am not worried about a #1 ranking, while on the subject of the UT loss to USC, I believe that was also to a short handed USC team, before they had Jio Fontan, arguably USC's best player.
actorman 2 years, 3 months ago
I always love to see KU at number 1, but the truth is that Texas deserves it at this point. It's not just that they won the head-to-head matchup, but their non-conference schedule was much tougher than KU's and they won at some tough places. It's kind of like when they seed the tournament: Texas shouldn't be punished just because they have a couple more losses by playing a much more difficult schedule.
Fortunately it doesn't matter anyway since everything gets decided on the court, but if I had a vote at this point I would vote for Texas to be number 1.
kureignman 2 years, 3 months ago
Texas shouldn't be punished for having a couple more losses?! I believe that's a strong factor in rankings. Plus check out both teams RPI. KU actually has a tougher SOS. So we should be #1, no debate.
LAJayhawk 2 years, 3 months ago
Texas did play a tougher non-con, and played worse with it. I'm not sure how that means they get ranked higher.
"...and they won at some tough places."
While the schedule was a bit harder, I'm not sure this very general statement is all that accurate.
They won at a neutral site against an above average Illinois team, and they won at a ludicrously overrated Michigan State team who won't even make the tournament. They also won at a neutral site against UNC who was a completely different team at that point... UNC is much, much better now which is actually going to help Texas' RPI.
What did they do in their toughest non-con games? Lost at a neutral site to Pitt and lost AT HOME to UConn. The latter is probably the most important, because if we are going to be judged on our 1 blemish, then Texas should be judged just as harshly based on losing at home to UConn.
UConn only has 4 losses and played a tougher non-con than Texas... should they be ranked #1?
Then top it off by the fact that Texas got blown out by a .500 team in USC, and the argument for Texas doesn't make that much sense to leap-frog.
Look, the fact is either OSU, KU or Texas could be #1. They are all #1 quality. You could make an argument for Pitt, Duke and SDSU as well. Personally, I don't want KU #1, but with the way it is setup now, it is illogical to give the #1 to Texas.
Regardless, rankings at this point are as valuable as a poop taco.
Selbyville 2 years, 3 months ago
Yea I could care less what we are ranked tomorrow but I do think it will be number 1. Good summary of the season for each team, but when the coaches and writers meet up tomorrow they're not discussing any of that. It's a week to week thing for them. We'll be 1, Texas at 2
madamhawk 2 years, 3 months ago
Totally agree Kufan...ESPN talking how Texas should be #1 cause they beat Kansas in Lawrence. But no mention of Texas with 3 losses and no mention that the ONLY loss that Kansas has had was to Texas (which they are playing exceptional ball).
Have the voters put Texas at #1. We will indeed play with a chip on our shoulder and also we will see if Texas can sustain that #1 ranking. It's a major target...we know that all to well.
BTW-who were the teams Texas has lost to. UConn, USC and...? ESPN is saying how they are the only team to beat UNC, Mich St and KU in the same year. Looking at that I see this - UNC hasn't been playing team ball until as of late, Mich St has totally tanked and the circumstanes surroung the night/morning of the KU/Texas game.
I for one wouldn't mind to much if Texas jumps us in the polls. Let them play with that target and see how they manage. Although we would like them to lose at least one game so we can share the season title, we have to still take care of our own business. We have KState on Monday and that looming Misery game in a couple of weeks.
P.S. Selby and TRob - get well soon!
lawrence_is_my_middle_name 2 years, 3 months ago
They lost to Pitt in a very close game that came down to the last shot, which Texas missed.
dagger108 2 years, 3 months ago
"ESPN is saying how they are the only team to beat UNC, Mich St and KU in the same year."
I wonder how many teams have played UNC, Mich St and KU in the same year? My guess is that most teams haven't had the opportunity, so it really isn't that special. Just something for the puppets to yap about.
Redlandsjhawk 2 years, 3 months ago
And remember it's not as impressive a feat as it would have been in 2009. Mich St and UNC are very mediocre teams this year although I will admit UNC has been playing better lately. And of course we all know the circumstances of our loss. Just goes to show you how little some these talking heads actually know college basketball.
jayhawk1866 2 years, 3 months ago
You know...our only loss came against a great team on a day after a tragedy. A tragedy that kept our players up all night. I was a bit disappointed after that game, but once I realized that our players just ran out of gas in the second half, I didn't give it a second thought. When we were playing at full strength, we were killing Texas. We will destroy them in the tourney. I hope they jump us now. That will keep the fire burning until the tourney. We will then win the Big 12 tourney and take the overall #1 seed going into March Madness.
JHWK 2 years, 3 months ago
Exactly!
LAJayhawk 2 years, 3 months ago
That would mean we would not hold at least a share of the regular season conference title for the first time in 7 years.
Boo to that.
Come on Nebraska. You're leaving the Big 12 to get away from Texas. Perhaps you could remove your tail from between your legs for one game and hit them hard before you go??
I know. I won't hold my breath.
dagger108 2 years, 3 months ago
Rankings wouldn't change the conf standings. We lost our control of the Big12 on the court.
LAJayhawk 2 years, 3 months ago
I spoke nothing of rankings in that post. At all. In any way.
I was commenting on jayhawk1866's thought of Texas being ranked #1 going into the Big12 tourny. If that were the case, they would have run the table and we would have lost the regular season title. Obviously we lost it on the court. Doesn't mean we can't hope for a Texas loss.
And that has absolutely nothing to do with rankings.
But thanks for completely misunderstanding and misrepresenting my point.
Rodney Stice 2 years, 3 months ago
I didn't get to watch KU play yesterday, but I did watch Baylor and Texas play. Texas beat Baylor by just a few points on their home court. KU beat Baylor handily in Waco. Let Texas have the number 1 ranking, we will smack them down in the Big 12 tournament.
lawrence_is_my_middle_name 2 years, 3 months ago
That's always a dumb way to compare teams. We struggled against Nebraska at home, how is that any different than UT struggling to put away Baylor?
LAJayhawk 2 years, 3 months ago
Agreed. Dunn got hot. Which is exactly what I said needed to happen a couple of weeks ago for Baylor to have a shot.
Unfortunately, it will be a big disappointment for Texas at this point to NOT run the table.
Nebraska and Baylor on the road is about their only real threats. I think they run right through Colorado. Maybe a rivalry game with OSU, but I wouldn't count on them losing at home.
RockinChalkinLA 2 years, 3 months ago
They're out
Rank Team Record AP Coaches Avg 1 Ohio State 24-1 1.0 1.0 1.0 2 Kansas 24-1 2.0 2.0 2.0 3 Texas 22-3 3.0 3.0 3.0 4 Pittsburgh 23-2 4.0 4.0 4.0 5 Duke 22-2 5.0 5.0 5.0 6 San Diego State 25-1 6.0 6.0 6.0 7 Brigham Young 24-2 7.0 8.0 7.5 Notre Dame 21-4 8.0 7.0 7.5 9 Connecticut 18-5 10.0 9.0 9.5 Villanova 19-6 9.0 10.0 9.5 11 Georgetown 19-5 11.0 11.0 11.0 12 Syracuse 20-6 12.0 13.0 12.5 13 Purdue 19-5 14.0 12.0 13.0 14 Wisconsin 19-5 13.0 14.0 13.5 15 Louisville 19-6 16.0 15.0 15.5 Arizona 20-4 15.0 16.0 15.5 17 Florida 20-5 17.0 19.0 18.0 Kentucky 17-7 18.0 18.0 18.0 19 Utah State 23-3 21.0 17.0 19.0 20 Missouri 19-6 19.0 20.0 19.5 21 North Carolina 18-6 20.0 21.0 20.5 22 Texas A&M 19-5 22.0 22.0 22.0 23 Vanderbilt 18-6 23.0 24.0 23.5 24 Temple 19-5 24.0 27.0 25.5 West Virginia 16-8 25.0 26.0 25.5 Minnesota 16-8 26.0 25.0 25.5
Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/ncaa/men/polls/si/#ixzz1DqVF19No
NJHAWK 2 years, 3 months ago
Check out RPI on CBSSportsline.com. As of this morning, we are number one and Texas is 7. KU's SOS is ranked at 12 and Texas's at 18. KenPom has ranked us second and Texas fourth. Just saying.
wissoxfan83 2 years, 3 months ago
Look at Texas' schedule and look at KU's. How do they end up with a weaker schedule strength than ours? Makes no sense to me. The best way to compare the schedules is go to Yahoo Sports. Find your team, click on it's name and their season schedule is there. Count up games against teams ranked at the time. Texas has played 8, KU 3. Now that doesn't include games against unranked teams, but it tells me Texas has played way more quality teams than KU.
kureignman 2 years, 3 months ago
Are you saying that we would be a better team if we would have played MSU, Gonzaga, Butler, Illinois, Washington, and Temple when they were ranked? You can't say that those would have looked like quality wins now. That's what I see when I look at Texas' schedule. Plus the had a bad loss to USC. No debate, KU #1.
LAJayhawk 2 years, 3 months ago
That's a terrible way to determine it. Michigan State was ranked 12th at the time and they won't even make the tournament.
Also, the two best teams Texas played (aside from us), Pitt and UConn, they lost to.
Louisana Tech, Sam Houston State, Rice, Lamar, Texas St, North Florida, Coppin St... THAT is how they have a weaker SOS.
wissoxfan83 2 years, 3 months ago
My way is terrible, your way is great. Happy?
LAJayhawk 2 years, 3 months ago
1) It's not "my way," unless I created the formula for strength of schedule. Wait, let me check.... nope, I did not.
2) Don't be pouty about it. I do think saying someone has a stronger schedule based solely on the number of people they played who were ranked at the time is terrible. Michigan State has now lost 10 times, including 5 of their last 7. That win by Texas is not that impressive now, even though MSU was ranked 12th at the time (and ranked that way even though they were 8-3). HOWEVER, that is NOT a statement about you personally, just in regards to that one single line of argument.
If you still disagree with me, that's ok. We're still fellow Jayhawks and a part of the same nation after all.
Rock Chalk.
icthawkfan316 2 years, 3 months ago
wissoxfan - because it's the whole schedule. I have no doubt that Texas has played more ranked teams, but we have more games played against the top 100 RPI (16 vs Texas's 10). And the RPI is a far better indicator than if a team was ranked when you played them or not. Consider last year, Texas was #1 at one time and barely made the tournament. North Carolina was top 5 ranked and went to the NIT. Just because the voters put teams up there based on name recognition doesn't mean teams should get more credit for playing these over-hyped opponents. That's the case this year with the Texas win against Michigan State. In the case of Texas, their big non-conference win was at UNC. A quality win for sure, but how much better is it than KU beating Arizona? Not much according to the RPI. Teams out West have to be so much better than their East coast counterparts to get recognition in the polls because of the heavy media bias.
All that being said, I think Texas's schedule was a little tougher than KU's, but not by all that much. I would agree with Texas having more high-quality wins, where as KU played tougher games against mid-level opponents. I told you KU had played more games against the RPI top 100, but they've played the same against the RPI top 50 (8 apiece). So while KU was playing games against teams in the 50-100 range, Texas was playing scrubbier teams outside the top 100.
NJHAWK 2 years, 3 months ago
ICT, great post. I was going to respond to Wissoxfan with a similar answer. I guess, great minds think alike.
wissoxfan83 2 years, 3 months ago
Glad you great minds are here to set my not so great mind straight!
jaybate 2 years, 3 months ago
OSU is # 1 among major media market teams.
OSU is # 1 among coaches that would rather recruit against the dork Thad Matta than the best coach in America--Bill Self.
But KU is the # 1 basketball team in America!
kuproud96 2 years, 3 months ago
only if we count first half play!
bb73 2 years, 3 months ago
Self has made everyone forget about Roy Williams. In hindsight, the best move for Roy and for KU. Self is amazing. Hard to argue against Self being the best coach in the nation.
How long can Calipari go at UK with a .500 conference record? It appears the signing of 3 or 4 "one-and-doners" doesn't build a program but only makes for good press and talking points for ESPN and blogers.
Every B12 coach/school, other than KU, would be satisfied with UK type of rating this year, but not the UK alumni! If this continues for another season listen for the rumor mills to begin...if they haven't already.
rockchalk_dpu 2 years, 3 months ago
I agree that Self might be one of the best coaches in the nation over the past few years, but you have to include his amazing staff as well. Clearly the best example of this is Coach Manning working with our bigs, polishing and refining their skills, but the rest of the staff, all the way down to (former) Coach Hinson have done an incredible job getting this team to where they are. You always want your coaches to move on and get head coaching jobs, but I almost don't want Self to let them go since they work so well together.
LAJayhawk 2 years, 3 months ago
Don't forget the Hudy!!
oxcaljayhawk 2 years, 3 months ago
Hate to say it, but Coach K is the best coach in the game today, and probably the second best college coach of all time after Wooden.
KGphoto 2 years, 3 months ago
Pfff.
You callin' him "Coach K" now? What are you buddies?
His NAME is rat face!
drgnslayr 2 years, 3 months ago
And it is only going to get worse for UK. Their continual overload of 5-star, one-and-done talent will have wiped out what little experience they have after this year.
They are getting to the point where they will have 10 one-and-dones. And Calipari will receive some kind of award from the NBA because of his tilted record of sending so many players to the NBA in one year. Yippee!
Meanwhile.... we will continue to catch their bogus all-time win record, and KU, Duke, Pitt, and the likes, will challenge for the title every year, while UK sputters along and is just a developmental team for the NBA.
I know plenty of fans at UK and the frustration is building. Many are starting to wake up to the reality I described above....
wissoxfan83 2 years, 3 months ago
This is the greatest part of the year on the sporting calendar for me. Super Bowl excitement leads into the hoops madness. Pitchers and catchers report next week. Conference tournament madness, selection Sunday. 4 straight days of nothing but hoops with teams like Bucknell (oops!) thrust onto the national stage. Final 4 and opening day come in the same week. And after that The Masters.
Yesterday epitomized it all for me. UW is my 2nd favorite team. By virtue of their stirring win yesterday my favorite team will most likely assume that top ranked position. If there is a cloud nine, I found it yesterday!
And to top it off, the renewal of the KU-KSt rivalry tomorrow night! Wow!
Blown 2 years, 3 months ago
KU should not be ranked number one. Keep that bloody rabbit right in front of their noses until the tourney.
Texas has clearly played the tougher schedule, and beat ku by 9 at home. They deserve it.
jhawk7782 2 years, 3 months ago
Basically I agree, although i would pick KU over Texas if all the distractions and injuries weren't there. But they are.
SDSurferFan 2 years, 3 months ago
And UT has lost many of those games.
HighEliteMajor 2 years, 3 months ago
I agree .. rankings don't make sense. Ohio St. is undefeated, goes into an extremely tough road venue vs. an excellent team, and lose. And all of a sudden they fall behind a 3 loss team and a team that lost at home?
I would still have Ohio St. #1, then UT #2, KU #3 and Pitt #4. Duke is basically there, too .. these are the top 5 teams in the country, and order is not important. You just don't want to be 4 or 5, and end up in the same regional (Though we know if Duke is 4 or 5, the NCAA will find a way to ensure they don't have a top team in their regional with them).
SDSurferFan 2 years, 3 months ago
agree
Blown 2 years, 3 months ago
Honestly, no stats considered, the better part of me does not want Kansas to be #1 because of the sheer impact it has on the psyche of the team. And this is because I think the best motivators in life come from a natural state of being........
fear & hunger.
Stay HUNGRY boys!
jhawkrulz 2 years, 3 months ago
Pitt beat Texas, why would you have Texas ahead of Pitt.
If you are able to explain that and then with that same logic why you would have Texas ahead of Kansas.
OSU/KU are one and two (personally, KU should be #1). The Big XII is 6-0 over the Big Ten, and therefore assuming all else is equal we should be ranked ahead of them.
Personally I would have, KU, OSU, Pitt, Duke, SDSU, UT, BYU...so yes with 5 losses one a horrible road loss by nearly 20 points still resonates in my head.
SDSurferFan 2 years, 3 months ago
"It have anything to show for it so ... I guess it’s nice, cool to be No. 1, but it doesn’t really matter.”. As a Ku fan this rings VERY true. Last year I expected an elite 8. I wasn't sold on that team. This year I expect more but feel that they can lose in sweet 16 or f8 if they dont play well.
HighEliteMajor 2 years, 3 months ago
Reading the KC Star this morning ... perhaps the best quote of the year: Tyshawn Taylor says - "We were No. 1 all of last year, too, and we've got nothing to show for it."
The best quote ever.
"..nothing to show for it."
We were 33-3, had a great ride, won the conference title, won the league tournament .. basically dominated the entire season. But ...
"..nothing to show for it."
Exactly. For a team like KU, the only the thing that matters is getting the Final Four and competing for the National Championship. That's it. If not, then we have "..nothing to show for it."
The loss to UNI may have the effect of ensuring that all involved are much more focused come tourney time, and in the their prep for the tournament. Understanding how easily it can all come crashing down.
And I really like Marcus' comment about being number 1 .. "I want to be No. 1. I want to have that chip on our shoulder every time we go out."
All sounds good to me.
icthawkfan316 2 years, 3 months ago
I like the quote by Tyshawn too, but not necessarily your extrapolation of its meaning. I know you don't value winning the Big 12. It's old hat and is something of an expectation, but it's not "nothing". Yes we would all rather lose the Big 12 and cut down some nets in March, but the goal should be to be the best in your league. If you're not the best in your league you probably don't have a very good chance for ultimate success in March anyway. Who was the last team to not either win their conference regular season or conference tournament and go on to win the National Championship? The '97 Arizona team. Then the '89 Michigan team. So over the past 20 years it's only happened once.
To being ranked number 1 I would say this...you never have anything to show for it. It's not the BCS. Even if you were ranked #1 all year and win it all, no one gives you anything for being ranked #1. You have something to show for proving it on the court.
I guess there is one time being ranked #1 you would have something to show for it...if you're the University of Kentucky and you are ranked #1...for one week...in January...before being beaten 2 days later by South Carolina. Hilarious.
http://www.ukteamshop.com/wildcats/images/D/101-197-l.jpg
oxcaljayhawk 2 years, 3 months ago
What a lame UK shirt. I'd expect something like that to be sold in Columbia - where they celebrate B12 tourney championships. I guess that's their equivalent to the FF.
HighEliteMajor 2 years, 3 months ago
I generally agree with you here .. but you are looking forward, not backward. The "nothing" part is reflective .. that all the other stuff was nice .. but upon reflection, it means nothing without NCAA success.
Upon reflection, everything is overshadowed once you get to the Final Four, or win a title. Missouri might look back and say, hey, "that's the year we (Tigers) won the conference tournament." But we don't do that. We say, "that's the year we lost to Bucknell", or "that's the year we got to the Final Four." Our success is defined by the NCAA tournament. Of course, lots of fun stuff along the way. And I'm sure coach Self has them focused on the next game only, as another step to vindication.
Your point is a good one, looking forward .. starting now .. every game means something in pursuit of the title. Conference championships and conference tournament success means something. It is good to point out that ultimate success, without one of those two pegs, is basically against the odds.
And, of course, going back one more year than your look, KU's 1988 title was one without a conference title, and without a league tourney win. Might happen again this season. Ironically (if we would happen to win the title w/o such accomplishments) we had a big home court win streak snapped this season, as we did in 1988 (55 gamer).
Scatterhawk 2 years, 3 months ago
So, following your premise, of the 100+ years of Kansas Basketball history only five of them are worth a damn. Three if you only count tournament championships.
KU has been playing basketball since 1898, but only 1922, 1923, 1952, 1988, and 2008 are worth mentioning.
Nope.
LAJayhawk 2 years, 3 months ago
Scatterhawk, only one term can describe your post: straw man.
HighEliteMajor 2 years, 3 months ago
Actually, what I wrote was getting to a Final Four and championships .. count up those Final Fours, my man.
icthawkfan316 2 years, 3 months ago
I agree that NCAA success is how we define our seasons. I disagree with Scatterhawk's characterization of your point. There are non-championship seasons that were still successful ones. In '09 reaching the sweet 16 after losing everybody was a successful season. I'd say there are years that we over-achieve or meet expectations, and those years are successful, even if we don't reach the Final Four or win the National Championship. Then there are years where we fall short of expectations ('10, '05, '06, '97, '98, '94). There are years where it's a push, like '07 (losing in the elite 8 to basically the 5th #1 seed UCLA in the west regional qualifies IMO).
I did notice that the '88 team was one that did not win the regular season or conference tournament. I thought about throwing it in, but went to '89 to make the whole "one team in 20 years" point.
LAJayhawk 2 years, 3 months ago
'Yes we would all rather lose the Big 12 and cut down some nets in March..."
I believe most of us would rather cut down nets in April... ;)
icthawkfan316 2 years, 3 months ago
Haha...you are correct sir! Just get in too much of a habit of thinking of it as "March Madness" that I suppose I overlook the fact that the Championship game is in March.
drgnslayr 2 years, 3 months ago
I think when you are ranked #1 all season the expectation is there to end the year #1. Anything short of that becomes a huge letdown.
We always need to have the big title as a goal.... we are Kansas!
But CS definitely wants to win the Big 12. Winning the Big 12 shows that we have a team that can sustain a respectable level of execution... something coaches strive for.
The NCAA tourney is filled with magic! There are always the teams with few blemishes on their records, true masters of execution all year, and then challenged in the big tourney by teams that struggled much of the year but are hot at the end. The mix of styles, backgrounds, personalities and stories turn March Madness into March Magic!
Can't wait!
waywardJay 2 years, 3 months ago
and who said that...... Right. The guy you don't think Belongs on the team.
Theutus 2 years, 3 months ago
You are just a sad troll at this point... Neither HEM or I ever said TT shouldn't be on the team... We merely pointed out his weaknesses, plus I want to see another go to 1PG get experience so we aren't so reliant on TT (who has been a head case his entire career).
Keep on trolling wayward, keep on trolling.
njjayhawk 2 years, 3 months ago
It's all a silly debate and fruitless discussion re who's #1 at this juncture of the season. Being #1 in April, when the season is over, is all that matters. A Final Four appearance is meaningful; winning the NC is the prize; being #1 in the polls in mid-February is meaningless.
LAJayhawk 2 years, 3 months ago
And yet arguing about it is a billion dollar industry....
Debates about sports are what sports are all about. Maybe even as much as the games themselves.
As I said above, rankings at this point mean nothing. Arguing with fellow fans, however, is priceless.
It's ok to allow some joy in your life. I promise it doesn't hurt.
Chris1955 2 years, 3 months ago
I was reading an article on ESPN about the OSU loss to Wisconsin a few minutes ago and it stated that OSU players wore a patch "3407" as a rememberance of the 2nd anniversary of a Continental plane crach which killed the girlfirend of the team"s video coordinator.
Are you kidding me? This sounds to me like they are trying to fabricate pity to give them an edge. Does anyone else know anything about this?
jayhawk1866 2 years, 3 months ago
My brother read a newspaper article about this girl who died 10 years ago, and I wear a ribbon to commemorate his reading of this article every other year on Valentine's day.
oxcaljayhawk 2 years, 3 months ago
Exactly right HEM and nj. When you're a program with the talent and tradition of KU, you should have the New York Yankees mentality that anything other than a national championship = EPIC FAIL.
SDSurferFan 2 years, 3 months ago
Disagree...that means KU has 'failed epically' something like 57 out of the last 59 years. It is hard to win a NC....see 08.' We were good, but we also got luck, which is what you need as well. I would like to see many more final fours from KU to establish Self and KUs greatness. He has 1 in 7 years.
I would take 1 NC every 7 years, but I am tired of failing early.
Self- 1 NC 1 sweet 16 2 elite 8s (one with Roys boys) 3 historical early round exits
Just sayin. I wouldn't trade Self for any coach in the league, but this team should easily (mostly) make the final four.
oxcaljayhawk 2 years, 3 months ago
I was talking more about adopting the NYY attitude. Obviously FFs are something to be proud of and celebrated.
As far as Self goes, I have always said that he's the best defensive coach in CBB and is a top recruiter. But his defeats in the tourney have been more embarassing than Roy's. At least when Roy got beat it was usually to team that was going to make a run at the title (AZ, Syracuse) or had a decent player like Hardaway of UTEP.
SDSurferFan 2 years, 3 months ago
It's a fun debate IMO. Article clearly points out it's fun to be #1, but as a fan it doesn't mean anything. Similar to the Patriots...great to be undefeated going into the superbowl, but if you lose it doesn't mean squat.....great to be #1 seed and home field through-out, but doesn't mean squat if you lose.
Take it from me...I'm a KU and a Charger fan and have dealt with the collapse of a team with high expectations and high seeding.
Again, still fun to debate over it.
My top 6 don't change:
This is a great time of the year......my family is hoping this season will end sooner than later. :)
drgnslayr 2 years, 3 months ago
Good luck with SDSU! I've watched them a few times this year and they play excellent ball!
Ha... I'm lucky my girlfriend and friends are all big Jayhawk fans. It helps to have the entire tribe around you rally in March! I'm a lucky guy!
icthawkfan316 2 years, 3 months ago
Regarding Wisconsin's win against Ohio State, did anybody else think it was pretty weak for them to storm the court? It's not like Wisconsin is Northwestern and never has any success. They didn't need to get any proverbial monkey off their back. They were ranked, not some conference bottom feeder. Good win, but just seemed lame.
HighEliteMajor 2 years, 3 months ago
The storming of the court was, perhaps, a bit Missouri-esque?
Professczar 2 years, 3 months ago
No, it wasn't.
Missouri couldn't beat OSU.
drgnslayr 2 years, 3 months ago
Wisconsin always has a monkey on their backs when facing OSU.
Life is different up there in Madison. There isn't a lot going on except Badger football and basketball. They have plenty of historic frustration with OSU... and no matter how many times they beat OSU, they do not receive respect from OSU (fans). OSU fans are a bit inflated. That must come from football, where they have won 35 Big 10 titles and 7 National Championships!
But in basketball Wisconsin and OSU both have won a National Championship... so the Badgers are not going to let OSU act superior in basketball. What happened yesterday will help all the Wisconsin fans battle the cold up there for quite a while... at least... until the next meeting.
The focus in the Big 10 is OSU vs Michigan (football). And it is so pronounced that all the other teams are made to feel like Northwestern, regardless if it is basketball or football!
I wonder how it will go for the orphan Cornhuskers? They will always be an orphan school now... and never accepted as real Big 10.
Nebraska undervalued their own history and Big 12 rivalries... especially Nebraska/Oklahoma football. They sold out. It will backfire! Now they have to recruit against other Big 10 schools while remaining the orphan. Their heritage is no longer relevant... it is a "start-over" program...
wissoxfan83 2 years, 3 months ago
Funny you, a Kansan, I presume say there's not a lot going on up in Madison. It very well could be the top college town in the country. There is so much to do up there, in the winter, today in fact Madisonians are outdoors icefishing, skiing, snowmobiling, crosscountry skiing, playing hockey, skating or taking advantage of the tremendous cultural activities that Madison has to offer. There's a lot more to Madison than basketball and football. Thanks for giving me a chance to educate you!
LAJayhawk 2 years, 3 months ago
Agree. Madison is a great city with a lot of culture.
ancient_hawk 2 years, 3 months ago
I wouldn't presume to make fun of Madison, it's a great town. But I had to laugh that every example of "things to do" had to do with snow and ice.
wissoxfan83 2 years, 3 months ago
Ha! Summers are very nice too. Lots of lakes, rivers, hiking, minor league baseball, outdoor concerts. Great weather.
wissoxfan83 2 years, 3 months ago
Maybe you know by now I follow Wisconsin nearly as religiously! If you could have been a Badger fan anticipating that game, you'd understand a little more. Plus they're the #1 ranked, undefeated team in the country. Everyone's hyped up over the Super Bowl.
There's still a bit of a feeling slighted neurosis going on among Badger faithful too. Every year the preseason picks the Badgers to be 5th-6th in the league. Bo Ryan has the highest winning percentage ALL TIME among Big 10 coaches. It's not hyperbole, it's fact. Rivals ranks positions week by week including coaches, and I checked the other day and Bo Ryan was ranked 20th. UW trails KU and a couple others in consecutive times to the tourney, yet still struggles to get national attention.
All of this contributes to a still trying to arrive mindset. It's understandable to storm the court yesterday. I felt like storming the court from my living room!
wissoxfan83 2 years, 3 months ago
To finish my Wisconsin discussion (just ate dinner!) It was interesting a few years back at Indiana to see them storm the court after beating UW. I thought wow, this team has become an upper echelon team if they're storming the court in Indiana after beating us.
Finally, should KU drop down in the rankings in coming years lets say and Texas came undefeated and ranked #1, would KU fans storm the court?
Sorry for taking up so much room here, but I really love both KU and UW and need to help people appreciate the Badgers.
waywardJay 2 years, 3 months ago
My handle is because I have ben here there and everywhere... And wisconsin was one of those places.
During my time there I did find Wisconsin was the ugly step child of the league, alot of that has to do with Ryan's Team building. Ryan's system is interesting. He brings in relatively talented kids, and makes them elite level Basketball Players who will never succeed in the NBA. Devin Harris has been the one noticable exception but I think Bo knew what he had back then and let Devin play a bit out of Ryan's system.
His approach is very traiditionalist. It's on the base level pretty simple. FInd Advantages, and exploit them. It's alot more complex for the players I'm sure, but it's very interseting to watch.
That Being said, THis is a Team who is getting points out of Leuer this year, and has Nankavil who could give up match up problems with our bigs... he's just as good outside the post as our guys are.....
WIthout Bo, this is a team we would walk through in 5 minutes ina dunk line, With Bo they are a 25 win tourney team that coudl contribute us an early exit ( 1 v. 5 games perhaps ?)
Wisconsin is always on my watch list because of their style of play and how it could effectively cause fits for a Bill Self Kansas team.
waywardJay 2 years, 3 months ago
And don't forget that North Dakota State came in their and Beat Wisconsin in Madison.... that ads to the direspect factor.
wissoxfan83 2 years, 3 months ago
I think he has several who will get pro looks right now. Leuer and Taylor. Taylor the last week has shown a scoring streak that is eye popping.
I like your name too, I feel like I need a name like that. Hope people here don't get confused. I love the Jayhawks, but have really been smitten by the Bo Ryan Badgers. Lived up there for 14 years in the beautiful northwoods so I just kind of saw a lot of Badger ball.
KU_FanSince75 2 years, 3 months ago
All this debate boys and girls, ladies and gentlemen------makes my head spin!
Hey, if it happens, it happens----being #1, that is. Not a big deal, if the Jayhawks keep playing efficiently. It makes for an exciting evening at the "Doom" assuming the Jayhawks are #1 going into Big Monday. A place that they have only lost once since it was built. And, after losing to Colorado last night (last second shot by K-State went in but was 1/10 of a second too late---bummer), I see the game being a blowout. Keep in mind, it will be a blowout if the Jayhawks keep playing like they have been. The Wildkitties will be in a foul mood---KU will have to meet their challenge. Good luck, Jayhawks! Rock Chalk!
SDSurferFan 2 years, 3 months ago
Agree, I also see KU winning easily. KU n Texas are head and shoulders above the rest...and the rest isn't bad (Baylor, TAM).
Long way away, but I look fwd to the possibility of KU vs Texas in the b12 final.....
SDSurferFan 2 years, 3 months ago
No.....BYU (#9 at the time), stormed the court on SDSU (#4 at the time)....It was cool, cuz that was the first time in SDSUs history that someone had done that. But it's a conference opponent that you playing at home and you are a very good team. I don't think that was a storming the court moment, but it's BYU, nothing surprises me from that school.
If you beat an #1, storming the court is required!!!!
QUESTION- When was the last time KU stormed the court in AFH? hmmmmm, has it ever happened?
HighEliteMajor 2 years, 3 months ago
I can't remember anytime, except the KU/Tex game when Collison went off. A few fans ran on the court, but they were quickly booed off, expelled from school, lashed, disowned, and made to wear scarlet "M"s on their shirts for a year (M for "Missouri-like").
Here's a link I found on the game.
icthawkfan316 2 years, 3 months ago
HEM - good find on that game. I remember the game, but for some reason did not recall the few fans storming the court. Reading that article it is pretty funny reading this quote:
"I can't think of a player that has worn a Kansas jersey that has been criticized as much as Aaron Miles the past several days. He was sensational," Williams said.
I don't know what the circumstances were surrounding his play the days before that Texas game, but it's amusing considering the criticism Brady, Tyshawn, Xavier, etc. have taken the past couple of years, and considering that Aaron Miles is the quintessential "true" point guard.
HighEliteMajor 2 years, 3 months ago
I have to admit, I was a huge Aaron Miles fan .. he is one of my favorite Jayhawks of all-time, easily my favorite point guard. He busted his tail prior to his senior season and game out and shot 50% from 3 point range. In 2002-03 he averaged over 7 assists, and did the same his senior season.
I went back and looked at the Texas game summary from the link .. Miles had 9 assists that game. Love the assists.
icthawkfan316 2 years, 3 months ago
I was a big Miles fan too, that's why that quote made me laugh a little bit. I'm sitting here thinking "imagine Aaron Miles on this year's team", yet he was apparently being heavily criticized for something. How many of those people criticizing him would love to have him now?
Alohahawk 2 years, 3 months ago
Not sure when the last time was, or if it has happened since. And I can't remember if it was 1974, or 1975, but KU did storm the court when Bud Stallworth scored 50 and KU beat Missery in Allen. I know, because it was the only time I ever stormed the court. All the more satisfiying because it was against Missery.
FLJHK 2 years, 3 months ago
Alohahawk: It was '74. Final game of the season. KU was a mediocre team that year and Missery was good. I was among those who carried Stallworth off the courtthat day after a sweet win. Great memory.
PhogAdvisory 2 years, 3 months ago
The fans who watched the '08 Championship game on the big screen at AFH stormed the court. Does that count? :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsL0UZpqlMY&feature=related
Seems like the only appropriate time to storm, IMHO.
LAJayhawk 2 years, 3 months ago
Haha. Touche salesman.
oceanvger55 2 years, 3 months ago
Looks like the Top 5 stayed the same. OSU #1 KU #2, TU #3 see http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/ncaa/men/polls/?eref=sinav
MrPilot 2 years, 3 months ago
That's not the new poll. It comes out tomorrow.
SDSurferFan 2 years, 3 months ago
Doesn't come out till Monday, this was from last week.
jayhawkintexas 2 years, 3 months ago
Note to Terence Jones:
How's that decision to go to Kentucky working out for ya? Enjoying losing instead of being on a top 3 team? Just wondering.
KU_FanSince75 2 years, 3 months ago
Ha, ha, ha. Nice not to see any Kentucky posters on our site. Very nice, indeed.
jayhawktalk 2 years, 3 months ago
Not to mention, how does he like Cal screaming in his face every game? Considering he announced Washington first, I assume he would have gone there, rather than KU, if not UK. He should have gone to Washington, which, with him, would be a great instead of good team. It also would have been nice to see UK w/out Jones. As bad as they are on the road with Jones, they would have been horrible at home and away without him.
I feel sorry for that kid. His situation doesn't look like much fun when I've watched them play, which is pretty frequently when they're playing on the road, as I enjoy seeing them lose.
MrPilot 2 years, 3 months ago
If Texas should be #1, as some people say, then why aren't they #2 right now?
kennethst 2 years, 3 months ago
Exactly! If people feel Tx is better....why weren't they ranked above KU last week???
OakvilleJHawk 2 years, 3 months ago
2010-2011; A Most Unforgettable Season:
1] In the wake of the departure of Sherron, Cole and Xavier, this team was in a reloading mode YET they are about to ascend to #1 and are playing better basketball than last season's vaulted team!!
2] When was the last time that a conference team during the regular season was voted Number One was NOT either in or tied for the conference lead. Try none!!!
3] The title for this team should be the Kansas Jay-Adversity-Hawks. When have any of you seen any team do so well in the face of so many obstacles from ridiculous [NCAA ban on Josh] to tragic {TRob's Mom and his sister] with numerous injuries in between.
4] The Number One Recruit in America for 2010 due to suspension, injury and inconsistency, has missed more games than he has played, yet remains totally dedicated and team-orientated. In addition to his skills, the NBA GMs need to look at this kid's heart and head...a real warrior!!
5] Marcus...no surprise, Markieff...total surprise. My fellow Hawks, we better start realizing this may well be the last round-up for the Morii.
6] Out of nowhere, without any warning, Brady Morningstar has become one of the most dangerous three point shooters in America plus a defensive and turnover-causing force. Jayhawkinnebr we hardly know thee!!
7] Kansas stands to lose at least six scholarship players this season yet we have only one little guard committed......Ben, Deandre, Angelo, etc. jump on board, because there's going to be lots of room on this train.
8] If there is an award for Assistant Coach of the Year, Danny Manning should win it, handsdown!! Why every big man in America is not knocking on Bill's door is beyond me.
9] Isn't it delightful to watch as we chip away at the Mildcats victory lead and steadily separate ourselves from the Tarholes??!!
10] On a personal note, I am going into stomach surgery on this Tuesday and if any of you fellow Jayhawks have some spare good energy, could you send a little my way, please. I look forward to reading this site every morning and evening.
It's kind of like being in a big sports bar with a bunch of my Hawk friends...except there are no hot waitresses or drink specials. Please carry on till I get back...Thanks.
icthawkfan316 2 years, 3 months ago
Great post, and good luck with the surgery & recovery. Hopefully you'll have plenty of good vibes Tuesday morning following the 'hawks demolition of K-State tomorrow night!
LAJayhawk 2 years, 3 months ago
Good luck and get better soon, Oakville. There will, undoubtedly, be plenty of board rats out here pulling for you. We need you back as soon as possible. This team doesn't function the same without you in the lineup.
Rock Chalk.
FLJHK 2 years, 3 months ago
The rats got your back Oakville. Best of luck with the surgery and get posting again soon.
jayhawkintexas 2 years, 3 months ago
Best wishes for a full and speedy recovery.
PVJayhawk 2 years, 3 months ago
Oakey, good luck and get well soon!
Redlandsjhawk 2 years, 3 months ago
Beautiful point! MrPilot you are cleared to land, nice job (sorry got carried away, I'm a retired air traffic controller.)
MrPilot 2 years, 3 months ago
Thanks for keeping us safe in the skies, sir. :-)
icthawkfan316 2 years, 3 months ago
Rankings aside, I'm curious how Jayhawk nation feels about this year's team. What are expectations for this season? Is this a Final Four or disappointment year? A Championship or disappointment year? What are everyone's reasonable expectations of this year's team? How do you think we stack up against other top teams in the country?
Here's my two cents regarding this topic: every year that ends in a loss hurts, but I don't reasonably expect them to win it all every year. Right now I think we are an elite 8 level team, with potential for more. This team is just too difficult to get a read on, for two reasons: not having our full compliment of players for even one game this year and lack of games against tough competition. I've discussed this on other threads, but not having everybody available at one time this year may really hurt this team. I was listening to ESPN radio this morning and they played a portion of an interview with Coach K following the win over UNC and he was talking about how pretty much every coach sets up his team. That you use games in November and December to set up your rotations and define your roles, and if something doesn't work you re-configure things until you have a set-up you're comfortable with, and that you hopefully have a tough non-conference schedule to help you figure things out. Then you use the conference season to steadily get better within your system and roles. For KU this season we were not afforded the opportunity to follow this model. For one our non-conference schedule was not difficult enough to accurately gauge how players will perform in tight games against elite level competition. I don't put a lot of blame on the coaching staff for this. With scheduling being set-up sometimes 2 years out or more, many of the teams we played were surely thought to be better. More importantly, with so many players missing multiple games it's been hard to set up the rotations and roles of players. Selby is the biggest example of this.
icthawkfan316 2 years, 3 months ago
(cont.) I've been saying for much of the season that we need Selby to make this a great year (Final Four or better). We need him to develop both his individual skills as well as gel with his teammates. The reason I feel this is that I don't think our perimeter players are dynamic enough for great success in March. I like the guys we have, but I don't know that they can win any games for us. If an opponent devises a defense to neutralize our superior inside game (or foul trouble/injury to one of the Twins), I don't think we can lean on any of our perimeter players. Tyshawn, Reed, Brady, Little, Releford...all are capable of having huge games, but only because of our inside play. They are compliments to the post play. Selby has the ability to take over a game. He is the best at creating his own shot. However, has he missed too much time? Whenever he comes back, will there be enough games for him to develop in the areas needed? And will there be enough time for the team as a whole to develop the chemistry needed for a deep tournament run? I don't know, but as I said yesterday...time is running out.
Of course the reason I have put so much of my hopes on Selby is that I believe we need stronger point guard play. At this point, given the circumstances, it's hard to envision Coach Self handing him the reigns at the point. For this reason, I think the other big key to our season is Tyshawn finally "getting it". I was very critical of him in the Missouri game, but (perhaps naively) I was encouraged by his performance yesterday. He needs to be more "pass first" on his drives. I don't care nearly as much about him going 4-14 against Missouri. Granted I don't think him shooting the ball 14 times is ever a great recipe for success, but what I care about is he had that many shots, that many opportunities with the ball in his hands, and only had 2 assists. Against Iowa State him shooting 6-11 is nice, but I was very pleased to see him get 6 assists; to see that he didn't always drive the lane knowing he was going to shoot. If he can build on that I think it will go a long way to determining how far we go in March.
icthawkfan316 2 years, 3 months ago
(cont.) There are many things to like about this team and give us reason to believe. The 3-headed monster of the Twins and TRob is the best collection of post players in recent memory, at least in terms of offense, versatility, and rebounding (defense is still a little suspect). As I said, I like what the perimeter players bring as a group. I think the defense will get there, never being great, but servicable. And I think even with our deficiencies we still have a decent shot at making a deep run, because there are no dominant teams in college basketball this year. Put this team in the field in '06-'09? Not as confident. However this year (as well as last year) I think it's there for the taking. Think about Duke last year...did anyone view them as dominant? Many argued they shouldn't even have received a #1 seed, and it was pretty much accepted as fact that they received the easiest draw thus allowing them to make their run.
Anyway, that's where I come out on this year as we progress through the second half of conference play - I have reason to hold out hope for another National Championship, but I need to see more. Unfortunately there just aren't many quality opponents in which to get a good feel. I really hope we get another shot at Texas, and if so that game will largely determine my personal expectations regarding this team.
FLJHK 2 years, 3 months ago
ict: Your points are all valid and there's plenty of basis for uncertainty. But I confess to having feelings similar to '08. The reasons are, like my mind, rather simple. Basically, I just like the arc of performance we have witnessed through the season. This team looks nothing like that of November/December. Their ball movement and overall offensive efficiency have improved dramatically. They exhibit confidence, energy and enthusiasm. They are unselfish, and appear to genuinely like each other. Certainly everything still evolves from the twins, but no one has shut them down yet this year and there's no reason to think anyone will. I can't recall ever witnessing the level of improvement in players over the course of a three year college career as I've seen with the twins. The tragedy of T-Rob's family was gut wrenching for all, but it is clear that it was a horrible event that somehow pulled this team together. The response to adversity is a huge part of life, and collectively this team handled it as well as it could be handled.
Yes I wish we shot free throws better and that our point guard play was more consistent. But this team's remarkable depth, skill and chemistry portend a very special year.
Blown 2 years, 3 months ago
ict...work has been so busy I feel like I've been missing out on some interesting threads these last few weeks. I wanted to chime in on this because I was just thinking about this myself the other day. I'm gonna be brief and just share my thoughts, and not really get into why.
I'm always a little bit disappointed when the hawks don't cut the nets down. But, it's especially disappointing with early rounds l's that we know so well.
I think this team can beat any team in the country with Tyshawn, Brady, & Reed on the perimeter. I don't know that they can do it for 6 games when it counts though. I think they will beat Texas when they play them again.
And I realize there is still a lot of growth, but the team has made strides. It's playing the exciting brand that I was hoping to see this year. I really can't believe the defense isnt coming together...especially at the 3. (to your point...this will be our achilles heel in the tourney when were not hitting and we can't guard the 3)
But all in all, due some personal stuff in my life, watching what TRob has gone through....the season has taken on a different meaning...or feeling...for me this year. I really am enjoying this ride much more than last year. We had posters on here saying "40-0 baby" and that was destined for a huge letdown.
KGphoto 2 years, 3 months ago
"Texas was No. 1 going in there last year and got a knot put on ’em."
Man I love the midwest.
cshjhawk 2 years, 3 months ago
Listening to Coach Self's interview, it looks like he is throwing a challenge to Selby to learn how to play through his injury
skwahjayog 2 years, 3 months ago
Hey, fellow Jayhawks,
I have a huge favor to ask. I'm taking an Advanced Technology in Education graduate course, and my assignment for this week (due by midnight tonight) is to create a blog. I thought it would be fun to make a KU basketball blog.
It would make my day (and grade!) if you visit the site (mrlippoldt.weebly.com) and respond to one or two of the questions. Sorry that they are generic questions, but at this point, I just have to get the project done. Hey, while you're there, take a look at my "Egg to Chick" webquest for my 1st graders--last week's assignment. Thanks!!!!!
KGphoto 2 years, 3 months ago
Very cool. I just posted. Good luck.
-My name Jose Jimenez
skwahjayog 2 years, 3 months ago
Jose,
Thanks so much! It's been a blast for me to read the comments--already 30+ in a couple hours! The only thing is, this blog doesn't allow me to reply to the comments--or I haven't figured out how to yet. Thanks again!
Scott
jhawkrulz 2 years, 3 months ago
I haven't figured out why people are saying Texas should be #1, with the logic they are using Pitt should be ahead of Texas.
Bad losses always way into my mind and of the top 10 teams only Texas has a bad loss on their resume....by nearly 20 points to a really bad team.
Personally I have Texas as #6. KU, OSU, Pitt, Duke, SDSU, UT, BYU...
KGphoto 2 years, 3 months ago
I totally agree. And I like how you have sdsu, ut, byu in small letters. Subliminally unimportant? Yes.
There are only 5-6 teams that can win it all this year, and Texas isn't one of them. KU, OSU, PItt, Duke will be the Final Four barring huge upset. Texas is all set for a Kansas'esque March bummer. byu and sdsu will never really deserve capitol letters. All the Big East teams are good but not great. Then you have the underachievers like North Carolina and Florida, who have the pedigree for championships, but will need a miracle run.
KGphoto 2 years, 3 months ago
Hmmm. Just realized that LJW's Caps police has haywire. It only capitalized Duke and Texas in my post. That's so wrong.
Oh wait! It also allowed capital North Carolina and Florida. and made KU small. LJW you better make this right!!
cshjhawk 2 years, 3 months ago
Personally feel that Texas caught KU on the right day when our players were emotionally spent! We'll whip them the next time hands down!
actorman 2 years, 3 months ago
After reading the comments, I will say mea culpa and that I stand corrected, Texas does not deserve to be number one. I had forgotten about the bad loss to USC, and I didn't realize that the RPI had KU's schedule strength ranked above that of Texas.
Oakville, excellent comments about this year's team. It's been intriguing, to say the least. And I wish you all the best on your upcoming surgery.
And ict, I like your analysis of the team. I had just been thinking about how hard it is to gauge how this year's team will do in the tournament. It would have been nice to see them play tougher competition. Anyway, it should be a hell of a ride.
actorman 2 years, 3 months ago
I will say, though, that I disagree with KG's assessment that Texas is not capable of winning the title. If you look at the fact that they've been completely destroying every team in the Big XII, I think that shows some real consistency. I realize that other than KU there aren't any great teams in the conference, but the way Texas has been dominating everyone is still pretty impressive.
REHawk 2 years, 3 months ago
At this stage, I don't much care where we are ranked tomorrow...other than the shadow of #1 Kiss of Death perhaps lurking closely. Always seems best to be caught up in the thick of the hunt rather than be hunted. However, because of the storied heritage and perennial team success, the Jayhawks are hunted by everyone anyway.True to form, Dickie V announced yesterday that he felt that the Buckeyes should retain status as top dawg. If he truly feels that they are the best, then I will side with him. Is a guarantee that Ohio State is doomed not to advance beyond the Elite 8! ict, your post was very succinct today. Mindboggling that this team is playing so well, considering the volume of missed games by key competitors. Huge question: can Selby return in time to blend well enough for the Jayhawks to reach near max potential in the NCAA Tournament? If not, can the best side of Tyshawn sustain itself for a 6 game run at the end of March. TT is a major ingredient. Solid effort from him yesterday, but for firing all those 3s. On game nights, I always prepare for restful sleep with adherence to the reassuring maxim, "That's just Tyshawn...." In reality, he is the point guard who has led this squad to a record of 24-1. And the one was something of an anomaly. Oakville, best of luck. Yeah, we will miss you in the lineup. Hurry back.
63Jayhawk 2 years, 3 months ago
Saturday was a great day....almost Jayhawks win OSU falls NC falls Texas almost falls (would have made the day perfect!)
PVJayhawk 2 years, 3 months ago
Nobody seems to have noticed that Withey (who, if you remember correctly, I said could be good) scored 8 pts in 9 min. This is more than twice the pt./min. production of any other player.
icthawkfan316 2 years, 3 months ago
I noticed, and while I'm glad he had a productive game, I'll hold off on being impressed until after the K-State game. If he can produce against a team with a couple of decent bigs, then I'll take him more seriously. Withey kills Iowa State (only real productive game he had last year was against the Cyclones), and if memory serves, he did almost nothing during his first stint in the game on Saturday. Once he re-entered the game Vanderbeken was out with an injury and Iowa State had virtually no post presence. I hope he takes advantage of the opportunity to see the court more with TRob being out, but it wouldn't surprise me if he fades back into obscurity on the bench.
KULA 2 years, 3 months ago
I've also been one of Jeff's biggest fans, both this year and last. He's one of our most effective players in terms of minutes played. Like I said last year, he's better offensively than Cole. He's got a better shooting touch, is quicker with offensive moves, and runs the floor better. And he's at least as good a shot blocker as Cole. I can't figure out how BS can keep him on the bench. Obviously sorry to see TRob injured, but maybe this will give Jeff a little PT. Sounds like that's what Bill has in mind, from the post-game interview.
rockcjayhawk 2 years, 3 months ago
Oakville, sending you very positive energy & best wishes for a speedy & full recovery. Always enjoy reading your incisive & thought-provoking posts. This Jayhawk Nation member will keep you in my thoughts & prayers.
KULA 2 years, 3 months ago
The only reason the talking heads on ESPN are talking about Texas & OSU being #1 is because that's their job. ESPN has 24 hours of programming to fill and keep people interested. Nobody tunes in to hear them state the obvious--that when #1 loses, #2 automatically moves up to #1. They're just trying to stir up interest and maintain viewership.
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