Self: Jayhawks need to go back to basics

Kansas coach Bill Self takes an iPhone picture of his team in front of the Eiffel Tower before a Seine River dinner cruise on Monday, Aug. 13, 2012, in Paris.

Photo by Jesse Newell

Kansas coach Bill Self takes an iPhone picture of his team in front of the Eiffel Tower before a Seine River dinner cruise on Monday, Aug. 13, 2012, in Paris.

Photo by Jesse Newell

Kansas players Rio Adams, Milt Doyle and Travis Releford sit in front of the Notre Dame Cathedral on Sunday, Aug. 12, 2012, in Paris.

Photo by Jesse Newell

Kansas center Jeff Withey, left, laughs while talking with KU fan Bob Moore of Wichita before a Seine River dinner cruise on Monday, Aug. 13, 2012, in Paris.

Paris — Kansas University coach Bill Self said he had one main takeaway from his team’s four-game European tour: That his team — at least right now — isn’t very good.

“Sometimes, you get a false sense of who you are by playing against each other,” Self said. “Playing against other people put a totally different spin on it that shows us there’s a lot of work to be done.”

That doesn’t mean the 10th-year coach thinks his team won’t improve between now and November.

“Don’t get me wrong. We’re going to be good,” Self said. “But there’s a lot of preparation, a lot of work that has to go into us being good. The old guys have got to teach the young guys, and the young guys have got to grow up.”

The Jayhawks spent their final full day in Paris on Monday, walking through the Louvre Museum before taking part in a dinner cruise on the Seine River.

KU is scheduled to leave Paris early this morning before arriving back in Lawrence late in the afternoon.

Self said one focus going forward would be to work on the basics.

“We’ve got to improve our skill level — dribbling and passing. Very evident that it’s not very high with our newcomers,” Self said. “ ... To me, I think we need to get back to work, get back to being who we are, and that’s got to be a very tough-minded, physical, aggressive basketball team, which right now, we’re not.

“But I didn’t anticipate us being that way. We’ve only practiced 10 times. I can’t be mad at them for what they don’t know.”

The Jayhawks averaged 24 turnovers in the four games, and in three of the contests, they gave it away 26 times or more.

“We just need to calm down,” KU freshman forward Landen Lucas said. “I feel like we’re rushing everything, especially me. I’m rushing every time I catch the ball down near the hoop.”

Lucas has talked with fellow freshman Zach Peters, who also admitted that he was trying to put up shots too quickly.

“It might just be a mental thing,” Lucas said. “Whatever it is, it’s something I’m going to get in the gym and work on. It’s something that’s never really happened to me, so I’m trying to adjust.”

KU freshman Andrew White believed before the trip that he’d have a list of things to work on once it was over.

That ended up being the case.

“It was a big eye-opener, just playing against men, getting used to the speed and adjustment,” White said. “Even though the court and ball were different, (we’re) getting used to making adjustments — just learning how to play basketball at such a high level. This is a great experience for me.”

White, who led KU with an 11-point scoring average in the four games, said the exhibition games confirmed that he needs improvement on his offensive footwork and also his ability to create his own shot.

Defensively, the guard wants to develop quicker feet to be able to slide while keeping his hands out wide — a skill that would allow him to better use his length and long wingspan.

“We’ve just got to stick together and feed off what coach tells us,” White said. “He knows how to make this team we have right now great, because he’s done it every year.”

Lucas said he wasn’t discouraged by his team’s losses; both came to AMW Team France, a squad made up of professional players in the country.

“We have a good team with a lot of potential, but potential needs a lot of work on it,” Lucas said. “I think it was good for us, because if we didn’t learn this until later on — more towards the season when we’re a couple games from playing Michigan State or something — then we’re in a lot more trouble than we are in now.

“But I know coach is going to work us hard. That’s why we came here. We don’t take losing very lightly.”

As far as sightseeing goes, Self called the trip “unbelievable.”

The coach even pulled out his iPhone to shoot pictures of his team in front of the Eifflel Tower before Monday’s cruise in Paris.

“This is a great place to be. Switzerland was great,” Self said. “We didn’t practice over here, so there’s no way we could look good. But still yet, we’re at Kansas, a place that never loses back-to-back games, so that shouldn’t happen either.

“We’ll take some good things from it."

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JayDogger 9 months, 1 week ago

Obviously I come from a different point of view than Coach Self, but here are my thoughts:

I was relieved that Tharpe looked pretty good.

I was bummed that McLemore didn't play much.

I was happy about White and Ellis playing pretty decent.

I was surprised Peters did so well.

I hoped for a bit more our of Lucas.

I expected more out of the seniors, though Young was more solid than I thought he would be at the end of last season.

I think Adams, Doyle, Traylor & Wesley will need a full season to get much floor time.

I'm really glad the team got that trip and those ten practices. And I bet the bonding will help. The memories will last a life time.

RCJH

KUGrad1983andTrueBlueFan 9 months, 1 week ago

Ten Practices AND a Big Lesson for the Freshmen. Pulling the Seniors and letting the Freshmen get shredded by French Pros, for a second loss in a row, sets the expectation that back to back losses arent acceptable at KU, and showing them that talent isnt enough to get you minutes or a win at this level.

The way he announced it in advance, set them up for the BIG Lesson, you all still have a lot of work to do to just play at this level so keep your egos in check and work your behinds off on individual drills and unorganized practices between now, the end of your vacation, and the start of the real season practices.

He always does the right thing at the right time with an eye on the end goal, thats why he is the best coach in NCAA Basketball! He does more with less than any of the other top coaches because players actually develop and get better, not just play.

wyansas 9 months, 1 week ago

ooo a dinner cruise on the seine was probably pretty awesome.

JayDogger 9 months, 1 week ago

I noticed that ESPN updated their evaluation on Frankamp. He went from the #72 player and a SG in the low-teens to #36 and the #6 PG.

Coupled with Tharpe, a 4* PG who will be a junior in a year, I think this makes it unlikely that we land Barber or Jackson or any other elite PG. And I don't think we need another one.

From what I read, Frankamp is not just a lights-out shooter with a high basketball IQ, but he's also a big-time player with a tight handle and great passing ability. And he keeps getting better. He's dominated in his high school league, AAU and against international competition. What more can you ask for out of a PG?

I know some people see him as a slight white guy who's not explosive, but he can rain down threes and create for himself. He doesn't have to slash to the hoop like TT to score. And he will get stronger.

His defense is also said to be pretty good so far, which isn't bad commentary for a kid with one year of high school hoops remaining.

Also, we will have Adams and/or Doyle for depth, and Greene is supposed to be a very good ball handler whom Coach Self told to practice the PG.

I'm not saying we shouldn't take a Barber or Jackson, but I wouldn't count on them choosing to come here with other teams all but guaranteeing major minutes right away. I'm not saying we don't want another PG like one of them, I'm just saying we don't need one.

The player I want most is Shepherd. He has mostly Big 12 teams on his list and we have the room for a C like him. I think Ellis backed up by Peters and Shepherd backed up by Lucas would be a formidable front court next year (with Traylor & Wesley for depth). Especially if McLemore stuck around, I think we would have a heckuva team, though young. If he leaves (but I doubt he will) I think there will be another SF out there who would love to come here.

It's a ways off, but I don't think we necessarily need to use up every schollie this year. We already have a ton of young players, and if we max out next year the following year or two will only allow for 1 or 2 new players. That's when we can get our next Jayhawk PG.

Anyway, that's my 2¢.

jhox 9 months, 1 week ago

Number 1 on my wish list would have to be Randle. Supposedly Kentucky has a big lead, but I could see this team being in the National Championship hunt next year with him on the roster. But we also badly need an elite point guard. I'm pretty confident Frankamp won't primarily be a point guard.

HighEliteMajor 9 months, 1 week ago

I kind of wonder if Self sees Frankamp as a point guard type. Some here have expressed concerns with his height/size -- if he was anything other than a point guard. I tend to agree there. Not as much offensively as defensively. I keep envisioning a guy Frankamp's size trying to guard a 6-3ish Tyshawn Taylor type, let alone a 6-4 or 6-5 shooting guard.. Doesn't seem like a good matchup. But then again, there are smaller shooting guard types that tend to do fine, and it works within a defensive scheme .. Missouri last season was pretty small on the perimeter.

As you know .. I think this being the premise of your post .. Self identified that the team needed to sign a point guard in the class of 2013 to take EJ's place. He made this comment after Frankamp and Greene committed. He identified needing a post player and a point guard. Here's the quote: “We’re just trying to get the best players, period. We got a couple of commitments, but we need a big and a point guard to go with what we have,” Self said. “We’re excited about what we have. If we can get another great player, that’d be a bonus,” Self said. “We are trying to get the best players possible. We do need an inside presence that could obviously replace Jeff (Withey), and a point guard to replace Elijah (Johnson) would be great.”

I think I'd agree with you .. that we don't absolutely need a point guard (Barber/Jackson) if Frankamp can fill that role. It actually surprised me to hear Self say "point" guard, with all the talk over the years about combo guards.

But what do you make of Self's comments related to needing a point guard? It seems to me that Self sees that as a priority. And if so, why .. if Frankamp could fill that role?

I'm with you on Shepherd.

JayDogger 9 months, 1 week ago

Ah, yes, those statements. They jumped out at me, too. Were they Self playing mind games to motivate, or a simple statement of need and/or concern?

Is Tharpe supposed to be EJ's replacement? I know there have been doubts about his ability, but he has this year to put those to rest. He seemed to do a decent job in Europe, and I know he wants the job.

I had earlier doubts about Frankamp as a PG but the kid seems to be becoming one. Maybe Self recruited him because he's from Kansas and is a great shooter, not thinking he would get in the way of landing a 4/5* PG, but now no one is going to dismiss him as PG with all the press he's been getting as a PG, not just as a shooter. He seems to be surprising a lot of people, including me...and maybe Self.

I think some people saw his career arc more like that of Morningstar or Reed, but we've got a Top-30-40 guy on our hands. I just don't see him spending his first 2-3 years as mere "depth."

It just seems unlikely that KU--or any team--will have three 4* PGs on one team and none of them a senior.

It appears to me that Barber has cooled on us recently, and may want a package deal with Troy Williams more than anything. And Jackson has a huge list of schools.

Maybe Self now regrets signing Frankamp because it may get in the way of landing a better PG (ranked #1-5, I guess), but a bird in the hand... And even without Frankamp there is no guarantee that we land Barber/Jackson. Maybe we should just not be so spoiled and be glad we've got Frankamp.

My big hope is that Tharpe develops into the PG we want him to be and can be a 2-year starter for KU. I'm not saying Frankamp is the perfect successor to Tharpe, but we should be glad to have him in the mix.

JayDogger 9 months, 1 week ago

Also... As you alluded to, I agree the big factor/question mark as to Frankamp's success will be on the defensive end. I seem to remember reading recently somewhere that his defensive game is pretty good. And he's now being listed at 6-1, for what that's worth.

I would be more optimistic about landing Barber/Jackson, especially w/o Frankamp, but after so many misses with players that KU seemed perfectly suited for, I never think our odds are ever more than 50-50 at the very best.

JayDogger 9 months, 1 week ago

To finally answer your question: "What do you make of Self's comments related to needing a point guard? It seems to me that Self sees that as a priority. And if so, why .. if Frankamp could fill that role?"

...I'm not sure. And I know Self knows more than I do. Maybe Self doesn't believe in Tharpe...or Frankamp...but maybe he will eventually. Maybe he's just trying to motivate. Maybe he just wants recruits to know he still needs/wants them. Frankamp may not be ready next year to replace EJ, but could he be the back-up? My guess is that Frankamp next year would be better than Tharpe this year.

Maybe this more about Tharpe. I would think that Tharpe as a junior would be better than Barber/Jackson as a freshman, but I could be wrong. Self is probably just hedging his bets, which may eventually catch up with him...either be signing Frankamp just because he can but then missing out on someone better, or by having 4-star guys transfer because a new, shinier guy comes along, thus scaring off future 4-star players. But I guess that's the nature of recruiting.

I just find it hard to believe KU signs two Top-10 PGs in the same class, especially with an upperclass 4* PG already on the team.

I also think Frankamp is/will be a lot better at the PG position than Self originally thought when he signed him. Maybe not as good as Barber/Jackson, but he has the advantage of definitely wanting to play here.

jhawk7782 9 months, 1 week ago

I think HCBS hopes Conner will be the PG from day 1. Smart, skills and a winner. NOTHING against Reed or Morningstar (who played well above what a lot of us thought) but Conner is a far more skillful player and who better than Self to mold him to play Jayhawk ball.

White is going to be a monster at KU. Motivated and aggressive. Good combo.

konkeyDong 9 months, 1 week ago

Ah, the hunt for the big man continues. Personally, I think we're probably the leader with Cat Barber, and apparently Self is willing to offer to Troy Williams to secure that commit:

http://www.zagsblog.com/2012/08/13/troy-williamss-recruitment-is-in-flux/

But the big man has to be our top priority right now. We've recently been nixed by Austin Nichols and Jordan Mickey. Mickey is good friends with Shepherd and I wouldn't be surprised if ole' Larry Brown didn't lure those two to SMU. We're in the mix on Randle and we are rumored to be a top three with Parker of all preps. I still don't see Randle picking us over Duke/UNC/UK, but Parker is supposedly going to pick between Duke/MichSt/KU. That's a battle I think we can win. Self has a better coaching record than Izzo and if Parker wants to play up tempo, we beat out Duke. Plus, he's played two summers with Frankcamp, so that can't hurt. But does Self still have the Chicago connections needed to seal the deal?

Those two aside, there are still plenty of others to look at. BeeJay Anya only stands at 6'8" or 6'9", but he's got a massive body and a nearly 8' wingspan. He can defend the paint just like the Big O used to. Marcus Lee and Jermaine Lawrence are both very athletic and versatile, but Lee is rumored to demand warm weather, and Lawrence seems to be leaning towards SU right now. Lastly, there's Aaron Gordon. He's been high on UW for some time, but I can't honestly see him committing there when there are offers on the table from KU and UK. Last kid that did that was Terrance Jones, and we all know how well that worked out for the huskies.

ralster 9 months, 1 week ago

Frankamp could be as good a shooter as Keiton Page was, who could get a shot off against any team, including against a Bill Self defense manned by 6'3 combo guards motivated as can be...and Keiton was 5'9. Frankamp is already 6'1, and has another year to grow and fill out physically (possibly), and I already saw a news video highlight in Wichita a few months ago of him dunking the ball. I will take a shooting savant...we need our own "mcnamara".

jhawk7782 9 months, 1 week ago

I think he will be a far better overall player but Page deserves his dues. 100% all the time..that's all you can ask for.

westtexjayhawk 9 months, 1 week ago

I think that bill wants Barber at the 1 spot, and Frankamp at the 2. Coach loves having good ball handlers on the the floor. It increases our defensive ability, and decreases our turnovers.

HawkKlaw 9 months, 1 week ago

No "in between" guys? As in, "sophomores and juniors"? You mean like Tharpe (So.), Wesley (Jr.), Roberts (Jr.) and Garrett (So.)???

konkeyDong 9 months, 1 week ago

I wouldn't count on any of them but Tharpe really seeing the floor. Wesley under-performed vs the freshmen bigs in Europe, so I think he's strictly a practice player from here on out.

HawkKlaw 9 months, 1 week ago

I think Wesley still has a small chance to see the court this season. It's only August, and Self isn't going to relegate Wesley to "practice player only" just yet. He's got a lot of competition though, that's for sure.

ralster 9 months, 1 week ago

...and Tharpe has cojones. Seems fearless. Learned from Tyshawn and EJ (and Self). Not worried about Tharpe, he'll be fine. Self specializes in athletic guards.

jhawk7782 9 months, 1 week ago

Okay, maybe we should throw the team mascot in there, a Jr I believe. Only 2 will get minutes that count. All are valuable but most of Roberts and Garrett's contributions will be busting a** in practice.

HawkKlaw 9 months, 1 week ago

Nyuck, nyuck. The fact that 2 of them are mainly going to be practice players doesn't mean they don't exist.

Table_Rock_Jayhawk 9 months, 1 week ago

Jaydogger - completely agree. Man I can't wait to see Francamp playing in that KU unie.

HawkKlaw 9 months, 1 week ago

Actually, as exhibition games, they don't really count at all.

Brock 9 months, 1 week ago

Self is going after Barber and Jackson because he likes PGs that are hyper-fast and can push the ball down the court and can defend super-athletic opposing PGs. I expect him to land one of the two.

jhawk7782 9 months, 1 week ago

Conner will be our #1 PG. We need more help in the frontcourt.

Blown 9 months, 1 week ago

Self is a head-game specialist. We see this every year, and it continues to work.

kkoenig 9 months, 1 week ago

^ this

HawkKlaw 9 months, 1 week ago

Yup. Most of the stuff he says to the media seems like not-so-cryptic messages to his players.

OakvilleJHawk 9 months, 1 week ago

Here is the formula;

{August x 10 freshman}/4 seniors x Bill Self +1 regular season = A scary team in March.

ralster 9 months, 1 week ago

Nice post Oak. Last years team, though, seems to hold some sort of all-time prize for overachieving, imho...My 2nd favorite team in the Self era (after the 08Champs).

jhawk7782 9 months, 1 week ago

Agree but think next year will even be better. Back to Back?

Sybesma 9 months, 1 week ago

I live in Denver and on this mornings local sports radio the question came up of "Who should be the next U.S. Olympic coach?" One dismissed Doc Rivers and all NBA coaches because of the contracts and business aspect of it. No to Rick Pitino. No to Jim Boeheim. Joel Klatt, former CU quarterback, suggested Bill Self. He thought NBA players would work hard for him. I like it.

beware0fph0g 9 months, 1 week ago

It was said on a separate article about how tall our team is...but jeebus. Look at that picture above. You can barely see both Withey and Peters in the background. It may be due to the angle of the shot, but regardless, that is a tall team.