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Kansas players come to a huddle while trailing Temple during the second half on Sunday, Jan. 6, 2013 at Allen Fieldhouse.
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Kansas University’s basketball players and coaches tonight begin their two-month quest for a ninth straight Big 12 Conference regular-season title.
If successful once again, the Jayhawks, who went 12-1 in the nonconference season, will not only be elated, but, yes, relieved.
“Everybody always talks about not being ‘that team,’ the one that messed up the streak. How would that look?” KU sophomore backup point guard Naadir Tharpe said Tuesday.
“The dudes I played with last year ... that’s all they talked about, ‘It can’t be us. We’ve got to get focused. We’ve got to make sure this, that.’ That’s all Tyshawn (Taylor) and Thomas (Robinson) talked about. They always said, ‘We can’t be the ones.’
“It’s that way this year. Elijah (Johnson), Travis (Releford) and those older dudes are all saying the same thing. We have to make sure we all help them out the best we can,” Tharpe added.
KU coach Bill Self acknowledges his squad, which meets Iowa State (10-3) at 6 tonight in Allen Fieldhouse in the Big 12 opener for both teams, views winning the league as more of a “responsibility” than an “opportunity.”
“Everybody wants to motivate from an opportunity standpoint,” Self said. “We have a chance to do something special. There is also responsibility we don’t want to get our butts beaten and certainly be the team that doesn’t do it. I think we’re motivated both ways.”
KU’s school-record streak of eight straight conference titles ties for the seventh longest string in NCAA history.
UCLA won 13 conference titles in a row in the Pac-8 and Pac-10 from 1967-79. Gonzaga won 11 straight West Coast Conference titles (2001-11); UConn (1951-60) and UNLV (1983-92) 10 straight Yankee and Big West Conference crowns respectively; and Idaho State (1953-61) and Kentucky (1944-52) nine straight Rocky Mountain and SEC titles.
As far as current streaks ... just three teams enter league play having won as many as three titles in a row.
Belmont, Ohio State and Murray State have won or tied for titles in the Atlantic Sun, Big Ten and Ohio Valley the past three campaigns.
“I didn’t start it, but I’d like to continue it, go out there and work hard and help my teammates win,” freshman guard Ben McLemore said. “Eight in a row is great. I want to keep that going. Nine in a row would sound great.”
Tenth-year KU coach Self acknowledged that eight straight league titles, “is pretty good. We’re proud of it. We don’t have nine, we’ve got eight. The ninth would be certainly as difficult to win as any of the others.”
KU has won 55 regular-season conference titles throughout history. Kentucky is second with 51 and Penn third at 37.
“If you want to talk impressive,” Self said, “watch what Alabama is doing in football. That humbles you a little bit. To win three (national championships) in four years is a remarkable feat. No matter what we’ve done here locally, on the national scene there is a lot more to be done if we want to be considered elite like what they’re doing in football.”
Self senses no complacency in his team.
“It was kind of neat watching tape yesterday,” Self said. After we watched Temple tape (69-62 win on Sunday), the guys were really excited about talking about what lies ahead in starting the second season.”
Self, whose Jayhawks went 16-2 in the conference last year, said he has no idea how many victories it would take to win No. 9 in a row.
“Between 11 and 16,” he said, smiling. “You know you’re going to have to win a lot of games to win the league. Not everybody is going to go .500. You’re going to have to probably win 14 or 15 I would think to have a reasonable shot at it. We’re 0-0, so we’re getting way ahead of ourselves. We haven’t played a game yet.”
Tharpe added: “It’s what everybody talks about — that KU is the favorite to win. How can we be the favorite to win? We’ve not even played a game in the Big 12. We just have to come out and show it.”
Self said the Big 12 winner annually can expect to be a national title contender.
“If we’re not the best in our league we don’t deserve to be considered the best in the country is the way I look at it,” Self said. “I don’t think our players are ever satisfied, overconfident or relaxed based on the Big 12. That’s a stepping stone to where you want to go. It’s a big step, important step, one we take great pride in.”
Tonight, KU opens against an Iowa State team that has played just one game in the last three weeks. The Cyclones, whose only losses have come to Cincinnati, UNLV and Iowa, rank first in the Big 12 and seventh nationally in scoring at 82 points a game. The Cyclones also lead the conference in rebounding at 43.4 boards per game and rebound margin at +10.8.
Senior guard Will Clyburn averages a team-leading 14.1 points and is second on the team in rebounding at 7.4. Junior forward Melvin Ejim averages 10.5 points and 9.4 rebounds. Senior guard Korie Lucious averages 9.7 points and 5.4 assists. Senior guard Tyrus McGee, who averages 13.4 ppg off the bench, has hit 48.1 percent of his threes.
“They score easier than anybody in our league,” said Self, whose team averages 77.7 ppg while allowing 59.2. “They shoot a ton of threes (118 of 330 for 35.8 percent to KU’s 84 of 223 for 37.7 percent). They are a terrific rebounding team.
“There really are no guys that you can play off of. That puts pressure on your defense and other areas. They are probably the best offensive team in our league, I would say, watching tape.”
Hoiberg on ‘Hawks: ISU coach Fred Hoiberg was 4-5 versus KU as a player and is 1-3 as a head coach.
“It’s a fun place to play. I’ve never won there in six chances as a player and coach, but it’s a great experience for the players to go experience that atmosphere,” Hoiberg said. “We are in a stretch we played one game in 21 days. Our guys are sick of each other right now. We’re ready to start playing some other people.”
Of KU’s team, he said: “It is impossible to simulate Kansas’ pressure in the way they get after you, especially the first six, seven minutes. It’s almost like playing eight guys on the floor. The big thing is you have to play with effort. If you don’t match their intensity the first five minutes, a lot of times it’s over by the first media timeout. We are going to go down there, lay it out there and see what happens.”
Of KU senior center Jeff Withey, Hoiberg said: “I was thinking of putting paddles on our big guys’ hands playing the scout team (at practice to simulate Withey’s blocking ability). You’ve got to be so selective as far as taking the ball to the basket. When he blocks a shot, it’s a dunk on the other end. The kid has a chance to be a terrific player for a long time (NBA).”
Familiar foes: KU’s Tharpe and ISU’s Ejim were teammates at Brewster Academy in New Hampshire (2009-10).
“We won our conference and national championship together,” Tharpe said. “He’s a good player, a good guy who works real hard. He rebounds. He can step out and shoot the ball well.”
This, that: ISU is the only team in the country to score 70 points in every game this season. ... KU leads the all-time series, 171-59, dating to 1908 and has won 12 of the last 13 meetings. KU is 47-9 vs. Iowa State in Allen Fieldhouse. KU has won seven in a row vs. ISU in Allen. The Jayhawks have won 99 of their last 100 games at home.
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
GBJayhawk 4 months, 2 weeks ago
ALright already!! time for the league season, and all those familiar faces. I guess that the newbies aren't going to do too much, with TCU and WV not making much noise as of yet.
The Mayor will have his guys ready to play, so get up and get busy, Jayhawks!!
Jayhawks by 18.
en1gmatikk 4 months, 2 weeks ago
"The Jayhawks have won 99 of their last 100 games at home".
That's pretty staggering no matter how you look at it.
AsadZ 4 months, 2 weeks ago
I was in the game that they lost, against Texas. That was my 1st time in AFH in 10+ years and took my family as well.
It turned out to be a very sad day as players, coaches and fans were mourning death of Lisa Robinson.
archercc 4 months, 2 weeks ago
They get a pass for breaking that streak. Staying up all night, working through a life event like that. You could tell they tried very hard but they were tired.
BayHawkaholic 4 months, 2 weeks ago
"KU has won seven in a row vs. ISU in Allen."
My only return trip to the Phog since college was a loss to ISU in 2004. It was the second loss of 3 in a row. In fact, that team closed out at 3-5 and then lost to Bucknell (with an F). I promise to stay far away from Allen today, to watch the start of something big. . .
One starts the Run
Two makes a Queue
Three is Key
Four is Lore
Five to Archive
Six for Kicks
Seven is Heaven
Eight Straight, oh wait . . .
Nine would be Divine
Ten? Let's do it Again! Rock Chalk!
BayHawkaholic 4 months, 1 week ago
yup - sorry 2004-2005 season. It was in February, and I'm quite certain they lost :-( To add insult to injury the tickets were way overpriced on Stub Hub. I guess I blocked part of it from my memory.
drgnslayr 4 months, 2 weeks ago
"“If you want to talk impressive,” Self said, “watch what Alabama is doing in football. That humbles you a little bit. To win three (national championships) in four years is a remarkable feat. No matter what we’ve done here locally, on the national scene there is a lot more to be done if we want to be considered elite like what they’re doing in football.”"
I watched Alabama in the NC game, and the word "impressive" did not come to mind. Yes... competitively they were impressive. But I saw what was the beginning of the end to college football. When sports become monopolistic they get ugly real fast... and in this case, totally boring. How fun was that game to watch? I didn't make it past halftime. How long before other fans think the same as I?
There is no mechanism in college sports to balance the field. Even in the pros, it isn't easy, but they at least throw a bone or two to the worst teams by honoring them with high draft picks in the next draft.
Alabama has a lineman that benchs 650 lbs. In one play he completely lifted the ND running back and threw him several yards back, like he was a blow-up sex doll.
College football is on a collision course with death. The team rosters are large... enough so that a team like Alabama can gulp most of the top talent recruits. Fortunately for us, basketball teams number only a few, and so it is harder to stack the deck exclusively because there are always more quality recruits than can fit on one or two teams.
So the elite shakedown is on... and we are well-poised to stay elite in basketball in the immediate future... barring the possibility of a B12 meltdown. But is that enough to know when the game will continue to create further separation between the top and the bottom? Look at our season winning percentages over the last 20 years and you can see the gradual train wreck coming. At what point will we start losing fan interest when our winning steaks are plagued with redundancy and the knowledge we have the inside track on recruiting every year?
Alabama could have squashed the Kansas City Chiefs this year.
Something ain't right in college football and you can feel it coming in college basketball, too. The money is huge... enough to feed Africa times 10. I'm old enough to know the game when it was different, and I miss those days when it was treated more like a game than a business.
Blown 4 months, 2 weeks ago
In a sixty-four team format, similar to the NCAA tourney, I would say there is almost no way Alabama wins the last 3 of 4 National Titles. Not to take away what Alabama has accomplished, but winning a title in football vs basketball, really are not even comparable, imho.
dylans 4 months, 2 weeks ago
If KSU had beaten Baylor, they would have been playing ND and probably win that game. Mull that one over. As it stands KSU is 12. Oregon vs Bama in the second round of the 4 team playoffs would be entertaining. I don't like KSU I'm just pointing out how messed up college football is without a playoff- corrupt as a senator.
drgnslayr 4 months, 2 weeks ago
I more than mulled that over; I actually wore pukey purple for that Baylor game and ate every inch of my pride with a KSU family-member before the game. This is my new approach to absolutely support every B12 team playing outside our conference because I see our league being lowered in the eyes of everyone.
I'm looking at this broader.. sort of like admitting we have global warming going on during a snow storm.
I'm not sure a playoff system will fix this now (even though I am with you on the corruption of BCS). Big business doesn't want teams like KSU in the championship game because of a loss in revenue in advertising dollars. So much of what I am talking about is a media issue. Teams like Alabama are smeared all over 24-hr sports networks while KSU is barely seen. Over time, this builds much larger followings for Alabama, and those following crowds mean advertising revenue. Alabama is "America's team" whether through favor or animosity because the dance floor is all theirs. And Alabama is a big part of why the SEC is becoming "America's conference."
I've managed to get this far in my post without mentioning the shuffle of teams in conferences. That entire disaster has sped up the separation of quality by ending the media strength of rival games. I'd like to know what the cash value was of our "Border War" with Mizzou? As much as I hate Mizzou, I know we lost a huge revenue source and media event that helps our Jayhawk brand.
Imagine were this all goes in 10 years. And if we have a playoff that takes 4 teams from different conferences into the championship... is that enough to create power diversity in football? I guess we'll know after we see the results of these games. But if the blowouts dominate, there will be little that can change because Alabama football will have a revenue stream that could feed countries, and no one will be able to battle them in a courtroom... not even the NCAA.
I guess it upset me to hear CS praise Alabama because I see Alabama football being the biggest challenge to Kansas basketball. If the best we can put up on the national stage is KSU... imagine if KSU had played Alabama?
College football is the big daddy in college sports, and college basketball can't stand up to it. We'll see this play out more and more where rich basketball programs will be beat down because of football. We are on that short list and I hope our football (and B12 football) turns around.... but I'm not expecting it to keep up with the steam engine of Alabama football.
BuddhaDude 4 months, 2 weeks ago
I can see a tourney be able to fix college football. However, only if you go to16 teams with the conference winners getting an auto-bid(caveat: a conference winner must also be in the top-25 to get an auto-bid). Kids these days want to get their name known and nothing is better than starting for a team and playing as many post season games as possible. A starting position for let's say Utah St will get you more air time than 3rd stringer for Alabama in the same post-season game.
KU62 4 months, 1 week ago
Not to worry about BXii football, with nine teams in bowls this year.
HighEliteMajor 4 months, 2 weeks ago
drgnslayr: Excellent post.
I believe firmly that more than ever, the college football "champion" is a fraud. This season was an example, the year LSU had two losses and won was an example. As minnhawk mentioned below, Bama loses at home to Texas A&M. They get a free pass. Why? They are Alabama. Everyone just assumes they are good.
So to Self's point, I think he is right, you can't compare college football to college basketball, but he is dead wrong regarding what's more impressive. It's much more impressive to be excellent, "elite" year in, and year out, in college, because of the crazy turnover, the fact that it's hard to bring in elite guys with an elite player in front of them (vs. football).
Alabama may .. may .. be the best team in college football. Fine. But being the "best" is much different than being a "champion." I suggest KU was the best team in college basketball in 1997. Big deal. League championships are won by attrition. National champions, true national champions, are won by winning a tournament. That holds true in really every other sport, whether college or pro, and of course has always been the case in pro football and college football at all other levels (DII, III, NAIA). Tournaments test a team's mettle much differently than does a the war of attrition. -- they are two different tests.
Alabama is no "national champion" .. there just isn't one.
Phoggie_Thinking 4 months, 2 weeks ago
I agree with part of your post, but Alabama didn't win anything last year. The joke of a title game gave them a second chance against the team that beat them in regular season. That just shouldn't have happened.
The same silly system gave ND a chance this year. I really don't see any difference between what Alabama did to ND and what Oregon did to a better than ND team KSU.
Until College Football goes to a 8 team playoff there is just no comparison to basketball, but Bill Self the master motivator says, "Boys you haven't done nothing." I love the guy.
archercc 4 months, 2 weeks ago
Dont worry, once they FINALLY institute some sort of playoff things will change. The reason Bama was able to win it is simply because of votes. They were chosen to play a woefully under-matched team in a single game for the championship.
At least with playoffs you get teams that wouldn't have been able to play each other going head to head. Teams that all worked to at least say they are in the top 10, but not given a #1 ranking just on a schedule and weaker opponents.
KUFan90 4 months, 2 weeks ago
I agree with your observations on college football. And good point about the roster sizes. Could you imagine what Calipari would be doing if he could sign 20-30 recruits. Not enough PT to go around but hey they get to hang with Jay Z and Justin Beiber or whatever.
I think the move to the playoff in football will help.
Other than what Calipari is doing (and it ain't working this year) I don't agree that I see college basketball heading in the same direction. UK is down. UNC is down. Teams like Minnesota are up for the first time in awhile. AZ has been down and up. I still see plenty of variation in basketball and with the 64 team tourney I just don't see basketball "on a collision course with death".
And just because I've had a couple of requests :
by KUFan90
memhawk 4 months, 1 week ago
Sorry, I tried to read what you posted but was so distracted by the photo (your avatar) that I have no idea what your comment said.
wissoxfan83 4 months, 2 weeks ago
I've heard the such and such college team could beat this really bad NFL team before, and it's a preposterous proposition!
An NFL team, even the worst has a roster full of NFL draftees. Alabama will have probably 20-25 NFL draftees on their roster, that's not only kids who will get drafted this year, but get drafted in the future. Heck Alabama didn't beat one college team this year and if not for Les Miles gambling, wouldn't have won another game.
And I am impressed with a team winning 3 of 4 national championships.
KU62 4 months, 1 week ago
No team has ever won a national championship in football, much less 3 of 4. The mythical BCS charade is no more legitimate than the popularity polls of years past, it just adds one game after the popularity contest is over.
ralster 4 months, 2 weeks ago
KUfan90, thanks, that is awesome!
Lash 4 months, 2 weeks ago
And you are an expert on blow-up sex dolls, how?
drgnslayr 4 months, 1 week ago
I'm not touching that with a 10-foot pole... ooops, guess I just did.
; )
minnhawk84 4 months, 2 weeks ago
Wait a minute.....Alabama got their asses kicked by Texas A&M this year. AND, Notre Dame was yet another creation of the national media -- they weren't that good to be in the national championship game. Who did they play, who did they beat? Teams wax and wane over time. Oklahoma so dominated college football in the fifties it is a wonder opponents even showed up to play. Alabama "escaped" with a victory in several games this year, and there are definite cracks in the program. The SEC wants you to believe they are dominating college football, and the conference probably is, except several of those teams lost their bowl games. Auburn went from national champs to national chumps in just one year. It all evens out in the end.
What is boring is the NFL. College football will always have the emotion of college kids, game day, bands and cheerleaders.
khuff80 4 months, 2 weeks ago
NFL, boring....REALLY?!?!?!?
EASILY my favorite sport among what I call the 6 major ones (NFL, NBA, College Bball, College Fball, NHL & MLB).
College Football probably my 2nd least favorite after the NHL.
College Football.....1 loss & your season's basically over. They can't decide a champion. Been too many dynasties in my life, whether it be nationally or within the conference.
And to argue the passion isn't there in NFL stadiums?!?!?! WHAT A JOKE!!!!! I would argue at the best venues likely EXCEEDS college atmospheres. Tell you what....go catch a game at Qwest (or whatever they're calling it now) (the Seahawks home stadium) and then get back to me about NFL vs. College!!!!! :)
I probably in terms of my fandom go: 1) NFL, 2) College BBall, 3) MLB, 4) NBA, 5) College Football, 6) NHL....although that may now be Golf.
Blown 4 months, 2 weeks ago
Bill Self is so simple, yet so complex.
Hoiberg is a very smart coach. Right up there with Self. I get nervous everytime KU matches up against ISU. I cannot say that for ANY other Big 12 team.
I don't see Withey having a big game tonight, In fact, I anticipate he'll be a non-factor other than a few boards and some points. There will be too much perimeter play and really bad match up for Jeff.
Speaking of Jeff: I love seeing the show Withey is putting on even in the wake of DMan leaving. It is so very refreshing to once again have one of our bigs dominate the lane and the headlines. What is even more refreshing, there are no 'mean mugging', 'elbow dropping', 'straddle-over-you-while-you-are-on-your-back" reputations that accompany Mr. Withey.
Rewatching all of the NCAA tourney games today as I put them on disc. A couple things continue to amaze me. Tyshawn was really really really fast. Duh, huh :) Second; what spectacular luck it takes for even a really good team to get the Title game. I wonder what that UNC game would have looked like with a healthy Kendall Marshall.
Rock Chalk
khuff80 4 months, 2 weeks ago
WHAT?!?!?! Can't say that about ANY other Big 12 team?!?!?!
I would argue that Oklahoma State has EASILY been our biggest "thorn in the side" over the past 5-10 years. I can only remember winning in Stillwater like maybe 2 x over the last decade!!!!
Blown 4 months, 2 weeks ago
I'm not really talking about the past, bud. But since Ford has taken over OkSt and Hoiberg ISt, Self has lost once to each coach. So they are even from a record standpoint. The point I was trying to make is that Hoiberg, imo, is the second best coach in this league and the only coach I believe can match wits with HCBS.
globaljaybird 4 months, 2 weeks ago
I'd agree, Stillwater can really be a beach. I've set behind the visitors bench there & when that damn mascot starts shooting his pistols, that's the most unnerving thing I've ever encountered at an opposing area.Just rattles the krap out everyone. And the sides of the friggin' place go almost straight up, seems like to the clouds & man, that makes it sooooooooooo loud. I always thought it was an absolute snake pit. Still trying to figure out how they can get kids to go to school there-Esmiko Joes is about the coolest thing around, & that's probably off limits to athletic students.
Dogbert579 4 months, 2 weeks ago
Funny, i have seen ISU fans predicting Withey goes for 25 and him being what really scares them. Apparently their post defense has been suspect all year.
plasticJHawk 4 months, 2 weeks ago
You have a right to voice your opinion.
And I disagree with almost all of what you just said.
Fred Hoiberg is a class act, and he's done very well giving some good players a second chance and a fresh start at ISU.
Their fans are nothing special, but they do have a good home court environment, and they're definitely not as bad as the classless fans at Mizzou and the whiners over at K-State.
I agree with Rock Chalk Jayhawk, and that's it.
KUFan90 4 months, 2 weeks ago
+100 plastic.
ralster 4 months, 2 weeks ago
jh470, I like your KU enthusiasm, but I simply cannot be so harsh on IowaState. Their fans are finally able to get excited about their team again, and they are not the moronic heathens that Mizzoo and KSuck fans are. They have a tradition in their gym ("Hilton Magic"), and Hoiberg is a class guy. I respect them, but hope Self's boys kick the crap out of them. Same for OkieState. I wont dog them either too bad, as that is Self's alma mater, they DO have a tradition in Gallagher-Iba Arena, and I'm neutral on Travis Ford. He seems to bring some talent, and we need a not-cupcake league to prepare us for our yearly trips deep into March (how arrogant do I sound right there? I wonder why some in-conf. teams hate us so...hehe...). I do not recall thug-tendencies out of IowaState or OkieState. Now alot of people may incorrectly "label" the Morris twins and TRob as thuggish, wouldnt they? Ive seen some KU fans say so. Of course I disagree, because the Twins and SirThomas were completely molded in their on-court "toughness" by Bill Self (not Danny, he taught them positioning and moves, but not 'mindset'...that is all WildBill). So maybe labelling Bill Self as a thuggo might be conceivable, but that doesnt quite pass the "eye test" does it? Even for enemy fans. But Self is in no different category than Tom Izzo, regarding on-court toughness requirements. But ku people would take more offense to me likening Self to that California coach, or Huggins, rather than Tom Izzo.
ralster 4 months, 2 weeks ago
Uh, to the inevitable dimwits who misconstrue my comments on Bill Self--> I wouldnt change a thing about Bill Self or his teams. Love them exactly the way they are. See my avatar...).
plasticJHawk 4 months, 2 weeks ago
I love that Bill Self called out the Big Men for not stepping and defending their teammates after a hard foul earlier this year.
Was it Tharpe who was fouled and EJ stepped up and took the Technical? Then Bill Self said that it should have been a Big to step up and be the enforcer?
ralster 4 months, 1 week ago
Exactly right, plastic.
clevelandjayhawker 4 months, 2 weeks ago
That photo makes it look like Tharpe is leading this team, not EJ
OakvilleJHawk 4 months, 2 weeks ago
Maybe it's a glimpse into the future of this season!!
bobbysfissure 4 months, 2 weeks ago
With Johnson's health concerns the picture is more truth than fiction. Tharpe has been playing more and more like a big time point guard and in many ways holds the key to our success going forward. .
FearlessJayhawk 4 months, 2 weeks ago
Iowa State always plays tough. All we have to do is stay focused and take care of the ball. Turnovers is the one weakness of this team. If any of you players are reading this, keep it under control. Don't play like a scatter-brain. THINK!
REHawk 4 months, 2 weeks ago
Fans who appreciate "out of the box" maneuvering have got to love Hoiberg. He represents a fresh breath of life to Big 12 hoops. Utilizing Royce White to run the point was a brilliant move. Even coping with Royce's complexities has to rank right up there with Bill Self's nurturing of Tyshawn Taylor. I am braced for a very different brand of game in The Phog tonight. My Hawks to Rock: Ben and Perry.
Brock 4 months, 2 weeks ago
Perry? Really?
OakvilleJHawk 4 months, 2 weeks ago
I agree with Brock. Picking Ben for every game is a no brainer. I need to see an actual "breakout game" by Perry before he gets a pregame nod. PS I hope you're right, however!!
ralster 4 months, 2 weeks ago
I see REHawk picking 1 sure-fire performer, and 1 dark-horse/surprise candidate...Its all good.
NavyHawk 4 months, 2 weeks ago
If ISU's plan is to drag Jeff away from the basket, it means Kevin Young will have to be the on-basket defender. He should have a big game... Fear the 'Fro!
RCJH!
theend 4 months, 2 weeks ago
Remember......ISU almost beat us last year at Allen. So KU needs to be ready tonight. I think KU will win......but I always worry. It's my nature.
Reuben_J_Cogburn 4 months, 2 weeks ago
"almost beat us last year at Allen"...with Royce White.
And remember, we weren't nearly as talented last year...especially at this point in time.
We dominate tonight. End of story.
theend 4 months, 2 weeks ago
I hope so!
Kubie 4 months, 2 weeks ago
Sorry Mr Hoiberg, strapping paddles on your players won't help much. Might extend the reach but you can't simulate the timing and body control. Not that I wouldn't like to see you give it a go, there is one YouTube video that would go viral.
I agree with Blownjay in that Jeff is likely to have a slow night on D stat wise. He is going to be dragged all over the perimeter, unless of course HCBS see's this possibility and schemes around it. Is it time for Jaybate's 1-3-1, 2-1-2 or box and 1, is it time for mixing things up and muddying the water for future teams scouting reports? Heck a box and 1switching everything would be fun to watch and with KU's team speed just might prove effective from time to time.
Oh well, it's about 9 hours to tip-off and I'm about worked up to game time fever already. Better start pacing myself a bit!
Reuben_J_Cogburn 4 months, 2 weeks ago
Regardless, Self is aware of the possibilities,
But consider this...what makes Withey so defensively dominant isn't just his wingspan, but his footwork as well. I'm not entirely sure that pulling him out to the perimeter will have the effect Hoiby hopes for.
Withey can get from the perimeter to the paint pretty quick to keep altering shots.
ralster 4 months, 2 weeks ago
Notice the difference in mobility between Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Withey.
OakvilleJHawk 4 months, 2 weeks ago
I could see the possibility of losing to ISU in Hilton......but, no way in Allen!!
Still, this game will be a good initial guage of what Kansas will have to do to take NUMBER NINE!!
HawkKlaw 4 months, 2 weeks ago
Don't be "those guys"!
wissoxfan83 4 months, 2 weeks ago
I heard that a coach, I think it was in the SEC was advocating for their league to go to a full round robin schedule, 26 games. Wouldn't that be great to see in all conferences? For a number of years there when Texas was really good, the whims of the schedule meant we'd either play there or they'd play here, but rarely at both places. That robs the league of a marquee matchup.
HighEliteMajor 4 months, 2 weeks ago
Watching us play Temple tells me we lose at least 3 in Big 12 play. Maybe 16-2. But I'd bet 15-3.
We are good. But we're not that good yet. If we finish with 3 or 4 losses, that's still probably a number one seed. But who needs that? A #2 is fine. See 2003 and 2012. Matchups are what matters. But more, it's building to be ready.
The key for this team is being ready to play in March. To be that fine tuned, well oiled machine that can deal with adversity, that can deal with foul trouble, that can deal with the hot shooting team, that can deal with a down night. A team that has a clear character to it.
I am proud of the Big 12 titles. But I would trade all 8 in this stretch for one national title .. perhaps the one last season. But that's just me.
Now, with the run of titles, what builds legacies, what cements teams as "great", and programs as "great", and coaches as "great", are national titles. It's not the entire story, it just sets the concrete. One for coach Self is not enough.
I simply want coach Self to prepare this team for March. The best way he can. Think March. Think national title. It's fine to think .. "what do I need to do to win tonight" .. but please be thinking "what do I need to do for this team to be at its peak in March." Have that thought as the overriding thought in decision making.
If we had a bit of a collapse, lost 5 league games, and OSU surprises and wins the league ... but we win the national title ... no one will care that we didn't win the league.
This is a chase for a real national championship. With the hardware we have, that is absolutely all that matters from here on out. This is a team that can win it all.
ralster 4 months, 2 weeks ago
Great post. As I posted elsewhere, the gyst of which was: Self doesnt want a UNI, VCU debacle if at all possible within the idiosyncracies of a OAD-tourney. We have 4 legit trey shooters (EJ, Tharpe, BMac, Relef), and there's always 2 or 3 of them playing at any given time, BUT a cold shooting night+ a hot shooting opponent (and our 3-defense is subpar) could spell disaster. SO, much like Tyshawn dribble-drove us to FT-line wins, and game-strategy changing opponent fouls, Self has the "planB" to poor 3shooting in place: He has been 'taught' (or re-acquainted) what having a penetrating PG can do for an offense. So he has been h-a-m-m-e-r-i-n-g all players from KYo on downwards to penetrate (KYo did twice vs. OhioSt=2 assists). Notice he also developing several frosh this season, much like 2009 frosh Twins+Tyshawn. He fixin' to get B1G-nastyball come March. 4bigs=fouls to give. Oh, and getting beat by Izzo for the 3rd time straight has SelfMan blowin the toughness & finish-out-da-game horn til its clogged with spit. Only question remaining is: Just how red-faced can SelfhimBill actually get during KU practices. Imagine 2-a-days with that!
NebraskaJayhawk 4 months, 2 weeks ago
Agree wholeheartedly. We will drop some games in league play. But I too think this team is poised to win the title at the season's end.
HawkKlaw 4 months, 2 weeks ago
You’re right, HEM. Matchups are what matter. If KU doesn’t win its conference, there’s a decent chance we don’t end up as a #1 or #2 seed. Being further down the bracket makes for much tougher matchups. The best way to ensure the easiest possible route (on paper) and to have momentum going into the NCAA tournament is to win your conference.
Also, comparing Big 12 titles to National titles is like comparing apples to oranges. They both serve completely different purposes. While winning the national title may be the most important aspect for Bill Self's coaching legacy, winning the conference is the most important (and first) step to winning the national title (which Bill Self is far more concerned with than his coaching legacy).
I’m not trying to be confrontational, but your last few paragraphs make it sound like Bill Self is a short-sighted nitwit of a coach. Of course he thinks about how to best prepare his team to peak in March. What do you think he’s doing all year? Lol. That’s one of the biggest aspects of his job. If you don’t think he’s preparing his team for March with every practice, sprint, tape session, media session and game, you’re not seeing the big picture.
I know we would all be elated to win the NC, but if KU's streak of conference titles came to an end this year I would be pretty upset (I hope I’m not the only one). I'd obviously still be happy for the NC, but I probably wouldn't regard this season as highly 2008, for instance, when we won both the conference and national titles.
I agree though: This year is ripe for KU to win it all. It’s one of those years that we should win it all. But winning it all starts with winning the conference and carrying that momentum into the NCAA tournament.
Hornhawk 4 months, 2 weeks ago
Bill Self is a brilliant tactician and does not make random comments without an objective. No one is winning 3 of 4 NCAA basketball championships in today's tournament. Wooden could do it in another era with a 16 team tournament and no media/social media microscope. The appearance of dominance that Alabama currently enjoys in football will not occur in NCAA basketball and for many of us makes hoops that much more entertaining.
The BCS format engineered what seemed to be a compelling battle of traditional powers and most of the gameday talking heads were questioning Bamas being 9 1/2 points better. In hindsight, everyone is now clear it was a mismatch. Oklahoma's home beatdown by the Irish helped establish ND as legit. Alabama had match up problems with a Freshman quarterback on a team one year away from mediocrity in the Big12. Match ups often make games and I don't think Bamas or the SECs dominance is permanent. Next years four team playoff, isn't much, but is a speed bump against a hookslide through a mediocre, nonconference schedule into the championship game.
As Coach Self notes, most of us would be delighted if our hoops program could produce 3 NCs in 4 years. In a competitive atmosphere with great athletes and HOF coaches that can never happen. Unless the deck were stacked in a way that limits competition. UKs current status suggests we aren't there yet.
jjarmstrong 4 months, 1 week ago
I agree with those sentiments
JayDocMD 4 months, 2 weeks ago
On the recruiting front, wondering if we have a real chance at Tyus Jones ('14 PG - Rivals #3 player?) Anyone know if he is still planning on a KU visit? He had mentioned last Fall making a trip to KU.
I know we've got Mason, Frankamp and Selden coming this year with Tharp (and Rio?) still here. But it would be nice to have an elite pure PG prospect for a change.
justanotherfan 4 months, 2 weeks ago
Football is so much different than basketball.
In football, its easier to win the title (not easy, but easier) because you don't have as much in the way of random occurrences. For example, a really strong team like Alabama won't lose very many games because they are strong in every facet. There seems to be a team that flirts with going undefeated every year in college football. In basketball, the last unbeaten usually falls in late January, or by mid February at the latest. In basketball, one guy can get hot and carry an average team to a win over a great team. In football, that's much less likely.
I think the equivalent of what Alabama has done would be going to 4 straight FF's with a couple of titles mixed in. Proof of how tough that is, though, is to look at Kentucky this year. FF, national title, this year probably won't make it past the round of 16. Or look at KU. Top notch teams each of the last 6 years. Elite 8 in '07. Won the title in '08. Lost in the Sweet 16 in '09. Lost in the round of 32 in '10. Elite 8 in '11. Title game last year. Looks like they could run to the Elite 8 or further again this season. But they could get tripped up like the 2010 squad, because upsets happen in the tournament, even to the best teams. But that's basketball for you. Still, KU has a mini dynasty going right now on the national level.
jgkojak 4 months, 2 weeks ago
The problem is solved if they have an 8 team (not 16 or 32) team playoff in football.
Take the top 5 conference champs as ranked by the BCS (or your selection cmte, whatever)
Take the top 3 ranked non-con teams
Seed 'em
Top 4 conf champs host a home game 3rd week of Dec
Final Four teams play Jan 1
This year the first round is 8 N Illinois at 1 Notre Dame, 7 Stanford at 2 Alabama, 5 Florida at 4 KSU, 6 FSU at 3 Oregon St
On New Year's we would have likely seen 1 Notre Dame vs. 4/5 KSU or Florida 2 Alabama vs. Oregon St
You wanna pick the winners of those games? Any of those teams could end up in champ game - and that Bama - OSU game would have been awesome
JayDogger 4 months, 1 week ago
Although I feel like the last person to come around to college football playoffs, I think the 8-team format would be best.
However, and I know many will laugh at this, some don't want them to play on the 3rd week of December because of final exams. Maybe they could figure a way around that?
I'm a huge college football fan but I find myself less interested each year. Realignment and unsatisfying ends are the biggest reasons. Last year Ok. St lost one road game in OT and miss a shot at the Championship over a team that didn't even play in their conference title game? Hopefully the 4-teram playoff will improve things. I'm really sick of the SEC winning it every year.
BadHaaseJayhawk 4 months, 1 week ago
Last year when Tharpe was put in, I cringed (although it was usually only 1-2 minutes at a time) The beginning of this year I started to do the same, but now I'm actually growing fond of him. Ben has been my favorite so far and I am looking forward to seeing them all in person when they come down here to Norman on Feb 9!
RCJHKU!
BadHaaseJayhawk 4 months, 1 week ago
Luckily the fan base for OU basketball isn't as bad. My wife is born and breed here in Norman and a huge OU fan. I was born and raised in Kansas and moved down here when I got out of the Navy for a job. All in all it hasn't been too bad. I proudly wave my KU flag at my house and on my vehicle.
jjarmstrong 4 months, 1 week ago
Those Cowboy fans are so much fun to hang with, nutzooldle!
ralster 4 months, 1 week ago
J470, on the lighter side, "let her rip!" (I would love to hear your opinion on Joklahoma, ChokieState, and those wonderful Hook'Em'Horns TX fans). For that matter, I personally cannot stand Scot Drouche at Faylor. TRob's absolutely best jumbodunk was on Baylor in AFH! Just as good as his swat of Pressey during the Mizzoo game!
jjarmstrong 4 months, 1 week ago
In the photo at top it looks like the guys are sadly observing a dead squirrel on the ground.
ralster 4 months, 1 week ago
It was actually a small dead owl.
GreatJake 4 months, 1 week ago
Does anyone know when a replay on ESPN will be? I recorded the game and missed the last 20 seconds of regulation and the entire OT.
Cant watch channel 6 cable as we have Dish.
Thanks.
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