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KU coach Bill Self huddles with the Jayhawks after a Boot Camp conditioning session in this file photo from 2006.
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There’s a four-letter word that best describes Bill Self’s Kansas University basketball Boot Camp.
“Pain,” KU freshman guard Rio Adams said Thursday with a smile. “It’s pain you don’t mind going through,” the 6-foot-3 Seattle native quickly added.
Adams and his 16 Jayhawk teammates were to gather in KU’s hoops practice facility from 6 a.m. until shortly after 7 a.m., today, for the sixth of 11 Boot Camp workouts of the 2012-13 preseason. KU had two-a-days on Monday after a sub-par opening session.
After a two-day break, the players will be back in the gym for the start of the second and final week of Boot Camp bright and early Monday.
“It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I’m not going to lie,” said KU freshman power forward Zach Peters.
“But it’s good. Everybody is going in there working on things you don’t do in a normal basketball practice,” the 6-9, 240-pounder from Plano, Texas, added of sprints, defensive slides, backboard touches and the like. “Getting that done, you get in the best shape of your life. You don’t like it while you are doing it, but it’s good afterward and it pays off in the long run.”
KU red-shirt freshman guard Ben McLemore says his first Boot Camp has been an eye-opening experience. The 6-5 St. Louis native was on campus a year ago, but unable to participate as he awaited word from the NCAA on his eligibility.
“I mean it’s one of the hardest things I’ve ever done in my life as far as conditioning and getting into shape,” McLemore said. “Just getting up at 5:30 in the morning for running, doing defensive slides and backboard touches. The hardest part is getting up. It’s what all the upperclassmen told us was the hardest. They were right.”
As far as individual stars so far ...
“I’d say Landen Lucas is doing a great job. For his size ... he’s getting through it (by) working really hard,” McLemore said of the 6-foot-10, 230 pound freshman center from Portland.
Adams said he’s been impressed with “the four returnees (Elijah Johnson, Travis Releford, Jeff Withey and Kevin Young). They are really pushing us and getting us out of our element and our comfort zone which is really important so we can be prepared for the season.”
Peters cited ... “Travis Releford. He’s in really good shape. He is one of the hardest workers I’ve seen.”
Others are following the seniors’ lead.
“This brings you together and makes you stronger,” Peters said of the team. “Everyone realizes how much they can do, how many walls they can break through mentally and stuff like that.
“Everybody definitely has a positive attitude. We’re working hard trying to get through the first week and push onto the next week.”
“We definitely are here for business and to win for the city,” Adams noted. “That’s what we’re going to do.”
New scoreboard: A new high-definition video board is being installed in Allen Fieldhouse in time for the Oct. 12 Late Night in the Phog.
The Daktronics center-hung scoreboard will remain as the same structure as the old board. However, the new video portion will increase to 18 feet wide and nearly 10 feet tall with HD resolution, which is three feet wider and a foot taller than the previous standard definition board.
A new Alpha Video control room, built in the same location as the current control room, will feature five HD studio cameras, a production switcher, an audio and video routing switcher with integrated multi-image viewers, an 8-channel slow-motion system, a dual channel clip server, a character generator and playback/recording equipment.
Recruiting: Frank Mason, a 5-11, 160-pound senior point guard from Massanutten Military Academy in Woodstock, Va., is scheduled to visit KU this weekend. Mason, who is ranked No. 131 nationally by Rivals.com, signed with Towson last November, but elected to attend prep school for academic reasons. He now has KU, South Carolina, Tennessee, Oklahoma State, Virginia Tech and others on his list. Mason averaged 27 points a game last season at Petersburg (Va.) High. He was region player of the year for the two-time state runner-up team. ... Demetrius Jackson, a 6-1 point guard from Mishawaka, Ind., on Thursday committed to Notre Dame over runner-up Illinois. At one point he had KU on his list.
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 7 months, 4 weeks ago
Senior leadership. Sounds like KU's four are taking that to heart, and that's what this inexperienced group of Jayhawks will need most this season. The youngsters have the physical attributes. Now they just need to meld that talent together with mental toughness. Ten untried bodies being run through the mill and learning from their elders past experiences. As the U.S.Marines are proud to say, "Esprit de Corps". Must be why Coach Self calls it "Boot Camp".
Rock Chalk, Jayhawks!!!
fearthephog512 7 months, 3 weeks ago
Agreed! We'll need a lot of leadership this season. I can't wait to see this team play!
Quick question, though: the article mentions KU's "four returnees (Elijah Johnson, Travis Releford, Jeff Withey and Kevin Young.)" What about Justin Wesley?
jaybate 7 months, 4 weeks ago
Rio speaking up for Landon.
Landon fighting thru.
Peters talking truth.
Lt. Prophet and Sergeant Releford leading the platoon.
BC is working.
jhwksrock 7 months, 4 weeks ago
TheDisclaimer has expressed several times about Jaybates indignation on multiple occasions of Turner Gills firing.
ralster 7 months, 4 weeks ago
I would like to express my indignation that KU would even hire Turner Gill.
jaybate 7 months, 4 weeks ago
serialDisclaimer: Ralster has expressed his indignation on multiple occasions about Turner Gill's hiring.
jaybate 7 months, 4 weeks ago
jaybate also thought his hiring was not a good idea, but once hired, thought Turner deserved 3-4 years to turn it around, just as Coach Weis deserves same, too.
Turner is really taking his lumps right now. He is 0-4 at Liberty this season. But three of the four losses have been a touchdown, or less. Turner is rebuilding at Liberty. I sure hope they give him 3-4 years to turn the corner.
And I sure hope KU gives Coach Weis 3-4 years to turn the corner.
Rebuilding hurts.
:-)
hawk316 7 months, 3 weeks ago
Great sentiments, jaybate. I totally agree.
ralster 7 months, 3 weeks ago
hawk316, my first thought is that you indeed do make a good "sheep", dont you? A dutiful member of (whatever) flock. Not trying to get you to stray, but I notice you have stated your opinion in favor of Gill more than once in the past. Would you please detail your position (since you still cling to it in Sept 2012), in light of the product he put on the field, and the academic tornado (the 50+ F's) swirling around his student-athletes? How do you reconcile his performance as a football coach? If your position is based on the fact Gill was a devout Christian and a very nice, personable man--> I will applaud you supporting that aspect of his character in gentlemanly fashion. But that, my good man, has nothing to do with gridiron competence. Does it? My personal choices amongst devout Christians who also excel at football would include Aaron Rogers and Drew Brees. Now Tim Tebow is not to be discussed in the same football breath, just because of his exemplary faith. He is not an NFL-caliber QB. A good, tough athlete/fullback/Wildcat-type QB he definitely is, and I hope he finds his NFL niche. Elway said he'd work with him, take him under his wing...this next season, Tebow is dumped to the quirky Jets, while Denver goes with a "real" QB, rather chancing that a fragile-Manning is better than a tough, devout non-QB Tebow. The "Truth" shall set you free, but sometimes the truth hurts. I'll trust John Elway's assessment of Tim Tebow's QB skills, as I watched Elway offload Tebow to whoever would take him. Just talkin' football, hawk316, are YOU???
ralster 7 months, 3 weeks ago
Not to rehash too much, but unwarranted pay level to coach of Gill's dubious accomplishment. It was a wild gamble. Gill has proved nothing. Nice story if he'd proved anything. He wasnt a details-type guy, lost control quickly as a result, and the contract had NO out-clause. Jaybate is 100% correct regarding the conventional wisdom of giving a football (or basketball) coach 3-5yrs to see what he can do. Problem is with over 50 "F's" accumulated on the team, many players would be M.I.A., thus unavailable for Gill to show-us-what-he-could-do. And no conditioning, not playing 60 min, poor tackling, etc...All of this="system" errors again not allowing Gill's team to even have a fighting chance. Gill's ineptness hurt his own chances of ever pulling out a miracle. Rookie D-coord (Shealy). It was a sad, and impossible position. Pulling the plug saved the University 2 more years of embarrassment. I DO believe in the generic 3-5yr time...but Gill's disastrous tenure curtailed that possibility. Lew's contract structure didnt help Gill's cause, as the outrage over the entire remaining amount due at termination. What a parachute. A no-lose proposition for Turner Gill, the University of KS be d-mned, as this institution got nothing for its money. Lew played this one stupid. And Gill was not a football mind. No evidence of any sort of innovative thinking there. Anybody? (Again, sorry for the painful rehash, but all I can think is Jaybate is being "kind" to Turner Gill by today, in Sept of 2012, suggesting he should have been given 3-4yrs. Let me close by reminding all of us about the overwhelming consensus amongst alumni & Williams Fund members regarding Gill, and the pressure that was putting on Zenger.)
burnmu 7 months, 3 weeks ago
ralster, did you forget to take your meds again?
mpann1818 7 months, 4 weeks ago
Time for a new stock photo LJW
stinkybulldog 7 months, 4 weeks ago
Is that CJ Giles on the left? Bwhaha!
farnamjayhawk 7 months, 4 weeks ago
I see Darnell on the left. CJ was probably taking a smoke break
dylans 7 months, 4 weeks ago
Is that Kleinman?sp
jhwksrock 7 months, 4 weeks ago
Yes it is. And Sasha is by coach. I think Stewart has his back to us showing some brotherly love.
Robin Smith 7 months, 4 weeks ago
post deleted
Robin Smith 7 months, 4 weeks ago
Just an FYI, but it is Giles on the left, then Kleinmann below him, then Bechard and Collins supporting Arthur, with Chalmers shirtless and Kaun with head down in front of them, then Wright bent over (obstructed by Collins' head), Case below him, and then Robinson in bottom right, bent over (obstructed by Collins' body)
OakvilleJHawk 7 months, 3 weeks ago
This comment was removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement.
stinkybulldog 7 months, 3 weeks ago
Must have went to Bosley.
ralster 7 months, 3 weeks ago
Look at the jaw line, that is Darnell Jackson to the left.
JayhawkJohn 7 months, 3 weeks ago
Look at the jaw line. It is definitely not Jackson.
daneiorg85 7 months, 3 weeks ago
I have to agree with jhwksrock and say it's Giles.
KUFan90 7 months, 4 weeks ago
While I think it's a great photo, and funny that it's used year after year, it would be nice to get a picture of this year's team.
Blown 7 months, 4 weeks ago
I like the pic. It's a close up of ground zero for our champions to come.
That is where it all started.
mpann1818 7 months, 4 weeks ago
Hang in fellas.
memhawk 7 months, 4 weeks ago
Pukers?
Blown 7 months, 4 weeks ago
I've got a place in my living room for that old score board. Hook it up :)
This team, these fellas--they have a very nice aura about them.
Alohahawk 7 months, 4 weeks ago
That would be a fantastic way to watch the games. I doubt it would fit in my apartment though. Nor could I afford the electric bill to light it up for a few hours!
soapisurfriend 7 months, 4 weeks ago
I've heard that there's a strong possibility that Mason commits on his visit this weekend. Could be interesting to see if his commitment is accepted this early if he were to pledge.
notabandwagonfan 7 months, 4 weeks ago
We really need Tharpe to step it up this year. Like, REALLY!
BigManU 7 months, 4 weeks ago
You mean, much in the same manner Jeff Withey entered last season with all the doubt? I agree, but let the kid get some experience and have some growing pains first. He is only a sophomore.
notabandwagonfan 7 months, 4 weeks ago
"But let the kid get some experience and have some growing pains first"
All I said was we need him to step up. Nothing more, nothing less. Some of you guys read way too much into comments. Take some Xanax.
HawkKlaw 7 months, 4 weeks ago
I think he'll step up a little bit, but I doubt he'll be a dominant PG in the NCAA yet. Last year told us that he needs more reps. This year he will get them and sure-up his game.
I think Naadir will really start to shine in the 2013-14 season, when he gets a little more freedom to facilitate the offense.
REHawk 7 months, 4 weeks ago
Just as Withey was a huge question mark going into last season, Tharpe represents the focal point for positive hope this year. When a crucial need exists, the inexperienced player with high potential garners boundless attention. Step up, Mr. Tharpe, and help lead this squad to another league title!
jhwksrock 7 months, 4 weeks ago
I see coach pulling him a lot for bonehead moves this year again. I think next year will be his breakout year. I think Whithey will be better than expected and the same goes for Releford. Everyone else I anticipate pretty much doing what is expected. McLemore and Johnson will be very good. Ellis will have great games and disappear at times, etc.
HawkKlaw 7 months, 4 weeks ago
Good post, I totally agree. Naadir is one of those four-year players that will be dominant as a Junior and Senior, but he's got another year of learning ahead of him.
However, I think Elijah will also be better than expected, and look out for Zach Peters. I think he'll play about as much as Ellis (though Ellis will start). If Self's assessment of those overseas summer games is any indication, Peters is about on par (or maybe even ahead of) Ellis in his development. Then again, Self could have just been praising Peters a lot this summer to motivate Ellis to step up and be the clear-cut starter at that position. You never know with Bill Self and his subtle strategies to develop mental toughness in players.
REHawk 7 months, 4 weeks ago
Please don't count out Kevin Young. With a nailbiter on the line, KY's energy can work some miracles.
HawkKlaw 7 months, 3 weeks ago
Oh, I haven't counted out KY. I think he'll actually end up getting more minutes than Ellis or Peters, since he'll likely be the first guy off the bench for both Ellis and Withey. It'll be nice to have some depth down low this season.
BrockIII 7 months, 4 weeks ago
I can't believe that Peters will end up playing as much as Ellis this year. If that ends up being the case at the end of the year, it will most likely indicate Ellis struggled a bit to adjust to Self's game - the implications there are scary, because KU will need Ellis to be a legitimate scoring threat.
Peters could make it into the rotation as the fourth big after Withey, KY and Ellis - based on his play this summer and Self's comments, he may have the edge at this point.
OakvilleJHawk 7 months, 4 weeks ago
Four letter words to describe Boot Camp:
justinryman 7 months, 4 weeks ago
--Four --More --Conf. Cham- Pion- Ship! --True
TeaCakes 7 months, 3 weeks ago
In this case, brevity is the soul of twit.
KUFan90 7 months, 4 weeks ago
The new video board and equipment is sweet.
Maybe they will let Jayhawk TV borrorw the 5 HD video cameras so we can actually see what is happening in games they broadcast this year instead of watching a bunch of blurry blobs moving around randomly.
Robin Smith 7 months, 4 weeks ago
I'm thinking that's exactly what those cameras are intended to do.
PikesPeakSmitty 7 months, 4 weeks ago
Releford has such amazing athletic ability, great energy, and a good shot. I just hope his brain doesn't get in the way this season. I think he needs a huge shot of confidence. Go Travis!
OakvilleJHawk 7 months, 4 weeks ago
PPS..I'm not sure it was his brain but maybe that old foot injury but you are correct, no matter what, Travis could use a confidence boost, for sure and now, as a Senior Leader, I think he'll get it!!
yates33333 7 months, 4 weeks ago
“We definitely are here for business and to win for the city,” WHAT??? Lawrence? I have been a lifelong KU fan, but never, never a fan of Lawrence. I hope boot camp hasn't caused Adams' confusion.
Robin Smith 7 months, 4 weeks ago
How are you not a fan of Lawrence? Every sports team is symbolic of its city. Lawrence is KU.
bayareajhawk 7 months, 4 weeks ago
How can you be a fan of KU but not a fan of Lawrence? And what is wrong with you?
HawkKlaw 7 months, 3 weeks ago
Hahaha! He likes Lawrence, so he's confused? Lawrence is, without a shadow of a doubt, the best city in Kansas. I've lived all over this state and that is my opinion, but there's not much competition out there (Wichita, maaaybe?). So much diversity, so much KU, so awesome. I mean, the traffic sometimes sucks and you can't really take left turns other than at stop lights, but other than that I have no problem with this lovely city.
Whether you accept it or not, the people of Lawrence cherish every single KU victory. And furthermore, there is only one city in Kansas (ahem, the world) where people flood the streets when KU wins the National Championship...
OakvilleJHawk 7 months, 3 weeks ago
WHOOAA NELLY!! Lawrence is as charming as they get. Hell, it could serve as Mayberry RFD.
Trust me, I've traveled all over America doing projects in small towns and Lawrence, even if it was overrun with toads and raining steaming hail would still be better than Waco, Texas on Waco's best day!!!
texashawk10 7 months, 3 weeks ago
Dr. Pepper museum is the only good thing in Waco.
milehighhawk 7 months, 3 weeks ago
Not possible to be a "lifelong KU fan" and "never, never" a fan of Lawrence. Lawrence is KU and KU is Lawrence.
jaybate 7 months, 3 weeks ago
Oakville in Waco?
God must have been testing you.
You will be asked to build a very great building if you passed the test.
notjustbread 7 months, 4 weeks ago
Do it for the local small business owners who sacrifice to keep our city maintaining
hammerhawk 7 months, 4 weeks ago
Ah....love that we can be thinking and talking about basketball again...... Go Hawks....
GBJayhawk 7 months, 4 weeks ago
Hey Jayhawk Nation -- Does anybody know if Boot Camp is exclusive to KU? I'm not seeing it, or anything similar, mentioned in reports of other teams starting their seasons.
Seems like all the other top teams would all be doing something similar, trying to get that extra edge in conditioning.
I live in Eugene, OR, and the Ducks football team is WAY serious about conditioning, but I haven't heard anything about the basketball team doing anything out of the ordinary. And they play like it....
What have folks heard about the rest of the hoops world on this??
HighEliteMajor 7 months, 4 weeks ago
What, no jaybate-konkeyDong bickering?
jaybate 7 months, 4 weeks ago
kDong: you completely misunderstand what is going on between jaybate and myself.
jaybate: no you do.
kDong: no you do.
jaybate: no you do.
kDong: no you do.
jaybate: no you do.
jaybate: no you do.
kDong: no you do.
jaybate: no you do.
kDong: no you do.
jaybate: no you do.
jaybate: no you do.
kDong: no you do.
jaybate: no you do.
kDong: no you do.
jaybate: no you do.
jaybate: no you do.
kDong: no you do.
jaybate: no you do.
kDong: no you do.
jaybate: no you do.
jaybate: no you do.
kDong: no you do.
jaybate: no you do.
kDong: no you do.
jaybate: no you do.
jaybate: no you do.
kDong: no you do.
jaybate: no you do.
kDong: no you do.
jaybate: no you do.
jaybate: no you do.
kDong: no you do.
jaybate: no you do.
kDong: no you do.
jaybate: no you do.
jaybate: no you do.
kDong: no you do.
jaybate: no you do.
kDong: no you do.
jaybate: no you do.
jaybate: no you do.
kDong: no you do.
jaybate: no you do.
kDong: no you do.
jaybate: no you do.
jaybate: no you do.
kDong: no you do.
jaybate: no you do.
kDong: no you do.
jaybate: no you do.
:-)
bennybob 7 months, 4 weeks ago
Forgot a few name calling /personal insults. but all in all, you got the jist of it.
TeaCakes 7 months, 3 weeks ago
You clearly have no life.
jaybate 7 months, 3 weeks ago
Welcome serialTeacakes :-)
JayhawkJohn 7 months, 3 weeks ago
Jaybate, Thank you for using up all my computer screen. Oh well, no one else was spewing anything of relevance anyway.
OakvilleJHawk 7 months, 3 weeks ago
Thanks, HighEliteMajor.... :} Next time it will be you and BigManU.
Hey, where's that little twerp Maginoatemynuts gone??
jaybate 7 months, 3 weeks ago
MANGINOATEMYNUTS
ROTFLMAO!
P- H- O- F-
brooksmd 7 months, 3 weeks ago
Actually it'll still only be 4 years, 5 at the most, for whoever dons the C and B. Although there will no doubt be some that would be great to keep 10 years. (tongue in cheek) Seriously, fantastic to have HCBS locked up for another 10.
HighEliteMajor 7 months, 3 weeks ago
Frank Mason info from ESPN for anyone interested:
Strengths: Mason is a very confident true point guard. He is a true floor general that can run the team. He pushes that ball and can shoot the 3 with deep range. Weaknesses: Mason is an average to good athlete at best. He can make deep 3's but his shot is more of a set shot. He will need to improve his speed and quickness and work to be a better defender in addition to adding strength. Bottom Line: Mason is a true point guard that has swagger and can run the team and make deep J's. He must work to improve his athletism and add strength but Mason can be trusted with the ball and has great upside.
ralster 7 months, 3 weeks ago
Translate: He slow, with matador defense. Cannot create his own shot. Cannot blow by anyone. He is a mid-major type, or a Div2 type. A make-no-mistake type of QB, but not a scoring threat. Frankamp vs. Mason in a hypothetical 1on1? Bet farm on Franny.
JayhawkJohn 7 months, 3 weeks ago
Sounds like a good fit for VCU.
phogphan2000 7 months, 3 weeks ago
Definitely glad to hear good things about any of the younger bigs, and good to hear Lucas is bringing the effort. With his size and a willingness to work hard and be in shape, definitely a good guy to have on the roster.
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