Cowboys credit Taylor for ‘big’ shots

Photo by Richard Gwin

Kansas' Tyshawn Taylor completes a dunk in the second half for two of his 27 points.

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KU vs. Oklahoma State

Podcast episode

Press Conferences & Post-Game Interviews

KU coach Bill Self

KU coach Bill Self talks to reporters following the Jayhawks' 70-58 victory over Oklahoma State on Feb. 27, 2012.

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Podcast episode

Press Conferences & Post-Game Interviews

KU players Tyshawn Taylor and Thomas Robinson

KU players Tyshawn Taylor and Thomas Robinson talk to reporters following the Jayhawks' 70-58 victory over Oklahoma State on Feb. 27, 2012.

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KU vs. Oklahoma State

• Box score

Stillwater, Okla. — During almost every timeout of the second half, coach Travis Ford kept telling his players that they had enough time to make a comeback. The score was manageable.

All Oklahoma State had to do was make one run at Kansas University to be right in the game.

In the end, Kansas guard Tyshawn Taylor never let that run happen.

“He would just always make a big shot,” Ford said following his team’s 70-58 loss to KU on Monday.

A Keiton Page three cut KU’s lead to 60-52 with 5:10 remaining before Taylor went on a personal 10-0 run to push KU’s advantage to 18.

“We’d make a play, and they’d come right back and make a play,” OSU guard Brian Williams said. “We’d hit a three; they’d hit a three. We never could just close that gap to make it a game.”

OSU also had problems stopping KU forward Thomas Robinson, who had 17 points and 11 rebounds.

“Give Kansas credit,” Ford said. “They have the best junior in the country and one of the best seniors in the country.”

Ford sensed that his guys played a bit tight during Page’s Senior Night.

The day before in practice, many of Page’s teammates had talked about the importance of playing well for Page.

“It almost puts a little too much pressure on you,” Ford said.

For example, Page’s roommate, Markel Brown, had just seven points on 2-for-9 shooting. It was his lowest output in his last seven games.

Page himself didn’t seem to be affected by the emotional night. The Pawnee, Okla., native finished with 29 points on 10-for-19 shooting. He also made seven of 14 threes.

In a pregame ceremony, while being honored as the team’s only senior, the 5-foot-9 guard was hoisted on a pair of his teammates’ shoulders, much like a victorious Super Bowl coach.

“These guys are crazy, so when I saw them running at me, I didn’t know what they were going to do,” Page said. “I was just ready for them to put me down before they did something too crazy.”

Right before the Cowboys left the locker room, they watched a highlight film showing some of Page’s best plays from his freshman year up until this season.

Ford was amazed that at only 5-foot-9, Page was still able to put up high point totals with opposing defenses focusing solely on him.

“It borders on incredible that he keeps doing it,” Ford said. “We’re riding him.”

Ford admitted that he wasn’t looking forward to Monday’s game, knowing that it would be Page’s last at Gallagher-Iba Arena.

In his four years of coaching him, Ford couldn’t remember Page complaining once about anything.

“He may not always play perfect,” Ford said, “(but) a lot of times, he did.”

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phogphan2000 1 year, 2 months ago

Great efforts by two senior guards who have been going at it for 4 years, Page played a great game, TT played a great game, I'm sure they both have some great memories of competing against one another.

Tyshawn, keep shooting it like Mr. Bigshot, clutch from the outside tonight

I didn't always think KU would manage a title this year, let alone outright. After the Davidson game I was really worried about finishing 3rd in conference, but this team got it together just in time for conference play and has brought it every night. Great job and congratulations to the Lone Big12 Champions!

rockchalk1990 1 year, 2 months ago

Now I have that Mr. Bigshot song stuck in my head...so thanks for that!

ralster 1 year, 2 months ago

Glad to see Page leaving. Damn embarrasment to a Bill Self defense to allow Piggy (or Farokhmanesh, or Rodriguez (vcu)) to hit 3s against 6'3+ ku defenders. Like EJ said, you should take it personally if someone scores on you. My guess is Tyshawn volunteered to guard Page, as usually thats how Self offers the assignment. Tyshawn did compliment Page during the on-air comments to Holly Rowe, and that was nice sportsmanship.

How OkieState beat Mizzou is a mystery, as I didnt see that game, nor do I see how conceptually...OkieState is a worse team than aTm, at least this week they seem to be.

drgnslayr 1 year, 2 months ago

"How OkieState beat Mizzou is a mystery..."

Both these teams live on 3-pointers and drives... so I'm guessing they both know how to defend them, too. I wonder how many points Page had against MU?

We still need to address the issue of locking down a hot 3-pt shooter or capable driver... whether it be for an entire game, or for a last-second game-winning shot! MU really exposed how to take advantage of our help (sag) defense.

I still see that same weak area in our defense that allows mid-majors to knock us out in March. But at least this year we have a weapon (TT) who may be able to neutralize the impact by answering back. It was great how TT answered back last night on big OSU scores that, in the past, may have led to a run.

It's like TT has an attitude of "anything you can do I can do better!" And, so far, he's been right 25 out of 30 times!

okiedave 1 year, 2 months ago

Actually, except for about 4 of Page's shots, KU did a good job on Page. Their entire offense hinged on getting Page the ball and letting him shoot. He ran around the court like a maniac trying to get open and a few times he did. Many of his shots were well guarded but they found the net. That is a tribute to a seniors experience and feel for the shot.

The reason OSU beat MU was MU did not play on Page's senior night. Against MU, OSU played as a team and had Nash in the line-up. I recall Nash being huge against MU. Without Nash in the line-up and being Senior night, it seemed as OSU was determined to make Page look good and winning was secondary.

mikendal 1 year, 2 months ago

I saw the game. Nash was playing unconscious that night. Of course, Paige competed and battled like he usually does.

jhawkr 1 year, 2 months ago

We were at the game sitting center court, but at the top row. Good seats that high just like in Allen Fieldhouse. However, as obvious as it was to us from our seats, it had to be really obvious watching the game on ESPN. The fact that Jurick and Cobbins were setting moving, shoving, and grabbing screens on whomever was covering Mr. Page. Those two guys both should have fouled out for sure ! We thought Bill got a technical when he was issued a warning, but it looked like he was asking for a technical. The calls did seem to even out for a while though .......... I always felt that Bill feels some sort of urgency to win when playing at OSU. A lot of the fans really resent him for not coming to OSU instead of KU. Like that would have been a good decision (LOL) !

We hated having to play against Keiton Page and watching him make crazy shots and flop all over the place and make it to the free throw line. However, I have to admit now that it seems that is his last game against KU that he truly was an amazing athlete who did whatever he could to help his team. It would have been nice at times to have such an athlete on KU that could pour in the 3-pointers and never showed fear for taking a bad shot. Of course, with the lack of scoring on OSU the past several years, I am sure he had the 100% green light from Coach Ford to shoot, shoot and shoot some more.

Where oh where has Withey disappeared to the past several games. KU really needs him to return to form like he was in the middle of the season. It seems our 2 man trap out high gets him too many fouls and too many easy layups by his man when he is too slow to get back.

Alohahawk 1 year, 2 months ago

It took 35 minutes and 27 seconds, or so, before the refs finally called a moving pick against OSU. Yes, you're exactly right. On ESPN it was so obvious that it was absurd. I give credit to Paige, as a great 3 point shooter. But half or more of those shots he was open on because the KU player was illegally interferred with.

As for TT, I think he has moved himself into a position where he could be drafted in the first round. His shots are falling. His defense is good. His speed from one end of the court to the other is phenomenal. And most importantly, he has learned to control those "all or nothing" urges which have so often ended in turnovers, charges or just dumb plays. That's not to say he's perfect, but he's turned into a true point guard. One HCBS and the team can trust and rely on during crunch time. I'd really be surprised if he doesn't make one of the All American teams at the end of the season. He definitely deserves inclusion on the Cousy Award list.

Great followup game after the MU win last Saturday. Pack your bags and hit the road, Mizzery. You're lucky, the door won't shut on your tail because it's between your legs as you exit.

BigManU 1 year, 2 months ago

I think TT could be a sleeper! He kind of reminds me of another sleeper who got drafted late in the first round....................Rajon Rondo.

Rondo had some perceived "Negative Baggage" when he left Kentucky.

dtdjayhawk 1 year, 2 months ago

I have been thinking this same thing!

Rock Chalk

BigManU 1 year, 2 months ago

It has nothing to do with Withey's "Play". It has to do with teams playing "Small Ball" and forcing Withey away from the paint out towards the perimeter. Mizzou did it twice (Yes, he did turn his ankle in the second matchup), Okie State did it tonight, Davidson did it, and to some degree Duke (Ryan Kelly) was a matchup problem for both T-Rob and Withey.

Colohawk2 1 year, 2 months ago

Jhawkr - you DO know that Withey sprained his ankle Saturday, don't you?

jhawkr 1 year, 2 months ago

They say he did, but I didn't see a noticeable difference in his play or style because of a sprain to his ankle or knee. His play had diminished a couple of games before that and he would have played more the past couple of games if he'd contributed more or fouled less.

jhawkr 1 year, 2 months ago

jayhawker_97 1 year, 2 months ago

TT will earn an award by end of season. somebody must be blind not to give this kid a trophy or something. he's a leader - a true leader that makes calculated decisions & has guts to execute with precision. he's learned so much from his mistakes. you can tell, he's got this passion to excel in each game. and calmness. keep it up TT!

p/s: damn, Jesse. your scoring prediction was almost perfect again.

ccarp 1 year, 2 months ago

Congrats, Mr. Page. You represent the passion and determination of the league. It was a pleasure watching you compete.

Jayhawk444 1 year, 2 months ago

Tyshawn Taylor - I owe you an apology. I did not consider you a reliable point guard. I thought you were a showboater and turnover-prone. I thought you didn't have good basketball IQ. I thought you couldn't hit threes. I hoped that Self would recruit somebody to beat you out. In a nutshell - I didn't think you were the point guard KU needed to carry it to the Final Four and

But you proved me wrong and I feel bad about all those things I thought about you. You are praiseworthy and deserve mention along with the top guards ever to play at KU. And should KU play in the Final Four this year, it will be largely because of you, not in spite of you. So here's a tip of my hat and my apology. Rock Chalk Jayhawk.

utahjayhawk 1 year, 2 months ago

Nice job 444. I think you speak for a lot of us that were proven wrong.

UncleMiltyN 1 year, 2 months ago

I agree. I owe Tyshawn and Self an apology. The turnovers from a four year starter were killing me inside. Just like with Collins, Self knew we were better with 'em on the floor no matter what. Guess what....Self knows more than I do.

april28 1 year, 2 months ago

Yep...me too.

jhawkgal4 1 year, 2 months ago

All I kept saying last night was "I HATE that kid" because good LORD can he shoot those three's! I don't actually hate him, of course; he played a fantastic game. But talk about frustrating to watch. I can't imagine what TT was feeling having to guard him... Great game! 8STR8!

Alohahawk 1 year, 2 months ago

TT was thinking: "How the h*** am I supposed to play tight defense against this 3 point machine, when his teammates keep using illegal, moving screens to free him up? Why can't these refs remove their blinders and call a few fouls?"

HawkKlaw 1 year, 2 months ago

Tyshawn tore it up last night! Like Williams said, every time OSU hit a devastating 3 pointer, TT was right there to hoist up his own 3 or drive the lane for an easy 2. They just had no answer for him.

I like how clutch TT is. When the game is on the line, TT wants the ball. You can question his decision-making at times (he has at least one awful turnover per game), but in tough games he tends to come up HUGE. That's far more important than his turnover to assist ratio.

globaljaybird 1 year, 2 months ago

Personally I think it's time to give it up for Tyshawn. He's turned out to be one of the deadliest shooters we have ever had at the point since his knee surgery, and is peaking at just the right time. This is what coach has always envisioned. He is finally maturing his game plan into that of a true point guard. And when he needs to can flat out take over the game. Not 100% of the time, but who the hell can? And Thomas should get alot of credit for that also, taking 2 & 3 defenders about 75% of the time. IMO all his bashers owe him a huge thanks and best wishes for a future in the L. I believe it's coming after he gives us a damn good chance at another NC! RCJH!

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