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Kansas guard Travis Releford gets a hand on a three to block a shot by Texas guard J'Covan Brown late in the second half on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2012 at the Frank Erwin Center.
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KU vs. Texas
Podcast episode
Press Conferences & Post-Game Interviews
KU coach Bill Self
KU coach Bill Self talks to reporters following the Jayhawks' 69-66 victory over Texas on Jan. 21, 2012.
Podcast episode
Press Conferences & Post-Game Interviews
Tyshawn Taylor and Thomas Robinson
Tyshawn Taylor and Thomas Robinson talk to reporters following the Jayhawks' 69-66 victory over Texas on Jan. 21, 2012.
KU vs. Texas
Austin, Texas — Texas guard J’Covan Brown took Saturday’s 69-66 loss to Kansas University the hardest after missing a potential game-tying three-pointer from the left wing at the buzzer.
“If I want to be a big-time player, big-time players have got to hit big-time shots,” Brown said, “and I didn’t make it tonight.”
During times at the postgame news conference, Brown’s mind seemed to wander. While a teammate was answering a question, Brown leaned back in his chair with both hands on the top of his head while staring at the ceiling. He puckered his lips, he twitched them left and right, and it was obvious the guard was replaying the final shot in his mind.
“Just frustrating I’m not finishing,” Brown said. “Those guys rely on me to make those shots. If you’re not making them, then I wouldn’t get mad if they put it in their head that, ‘J’Covan’s not making any shots. We’ve got to go to somebody else.’”
The junior, who came in leading the Big 12 with a 19.2 point-per-game scoring average, said he was surprised at how KU defended his last shot.
Though he expected KU forward Justin Wesley to switch on a screen to guard him, he said that isn’t what happened.
“When I saw him, he backed off, and I just raised up,” Brown said. “He contested it at the end, but it was an open look for me. And it just didn’t go in.”
Brown finished with 24 points, but he was just 7-for-26 from the floor. His 26.9 percent field-goal percentage was his fourth-worst mark this season.
KU’s primary defenders on him were Travis Releford and Elijah Johnson.
“They did their job, but really, my shots weren’t going in,” Brown said. “So it was really just all me. They worked hard, but some of the shots I missed, I usually make.”
Texas coach Rick Barnes said that Brown’s 26 field-goal attempts might have been a few too many.
“He took some he shouldn’t,” Barnes said, “but, again, there’s pressure on him because other guys aren’t working.”
Even late in the game, after he’d missed a few, Brown said teammates like freshman guard Sheldon McClellan encouraged him to stay aggressive and keep shooting.
After Brown made two free throws with 1:53 left to give UT a 66-65 lead, he missed three of the Longhorns’ final four field-goal tries: a three-pointer that was blocked, an off-balance baseline jumper and the game’s final three.
“It starts with me,” Brown said. “If I want to be a player, I’ve got to finish games strong. That’s really what it is.”
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
kusportsdotcom 1 year, 4 months ago
There's a fine line between accepting responsibility for a loss by saying you could have played better for your team, and being a cocky, arrogant, "it's all about me" player. Based on his comments, Brown is walking that line.
I really like how he sort of gives a backhanded compliment to Elijah and Travis, but then retracts it.
NorthStarHawk 1 year, 4 months ago
kusportsdotcom....I have to disagree with your assessment "....Brown is walking that line." With Brown, it's ALWAYS about him...and he will never be that "big time" player he thinks he will/can become.
ralster 1 year, 4 months ago
Always nice to see an opposing player quote Bill Self.
BleedCandB 1 year, 4 months ago
It sounds bad to say it, but I really do not like this kid. I we destroy Texas when they come to AFH. I'm sure the crowd will be fired up for that game.
REHawk 1 year, 4 months ago
I imagine that Brown is on track to score more points vs. the Jayhawks than anyone has accumulated during Big 12 years. The kid always seems to provide a serious threat to Jayhawk defenses. He certainly will have helped prepare Elijah and Travis for big things yet to come.
SacJayhawk 1 year, 4 months ago
My guess would be Anthony Peeler. That bastard always seemed to light it up against us.
PurePierce 1 year, 4 months ago
Brown's shooting the whole game was a Travisty.
REHawk 1 year, 4 months ago
A travesty which played into Bill Self's hands.
PurePierce 1 year, 4 months ago
Kudos to EJ for his D also. Throw in JW too, that last play was great team D.
jaybate 1 year, 4 months ago
J'Covan, don't be a martyr.
You had an off game and you ran into the best defensive perimeter in college hoops this season.
Think next...just not against Kansas, because next time the KU guys are going to shut you down for 40 minutes. :-)
rwhawk 1 year, 4 months ago
PYSO!
mattrissien 1 year, 4 months ago
J'covan is actually a really great guy. Last year, I was jokingly heckling him a little before the Ku/Texas game, and he took the time to come over to me during their warmup and said "Hey man, I looooove this place, you guys are always great in here." Anyone that gives the fiedhouse that respect has my respect.
drgnslayr 1 year, 4 months ago
J'Covan can ball. He's a great competitor and we are lucky to have his skills in our league.
We defended him well. He only shot 7 of 26... a stat that did make the difference between a W or L.
We haven't heard the last from J'Covan! He creates a tough defensive assignment for us and I'm glad we have the opportunity to play such a great competitor. He makes us a better team!
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