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AP Photo
Michael Beasley, shown here putting up a three-pointer in the Wildcats' victory Saturday over Iowa State, leads KSU with 25.3 points and 12.7 rebounds per game.
AP Photo
Kansas State forward Bill Walker, left, goes up and over Colorado's Dwight Thorne II in this file photo from Wednesday in Boulder, Colo. Walker, a 6-foot-6 red-shirt freshman forward, ranks second on the team with 15.8 points and 6.6 rebounds per game.
Dynamic duos
Big 12 scoring tandems:
1. Kansas State: Michael Beasley-Bill Walker, 44.1 points
2. Texas: D.J. Augustin-A.J. Abrams, 38.4
3. Colorado: Richard Roby-Marcus Hall, 29.5
4. Texas Tech: Martin Zeno-John Roberson, 29.1
5. Missouri: Stefhon Hannah-DeMarre Carroll, 28.6
6. Oklahoma: Blake Griffin-Longar Longar, 28.3
7. Iowa State: Wesley Johnson-Craig Brackins, 27.1
8. Baylor: Curtis Jerrells-Kevin Rogers, 26.7
9. Oklahoma St.: James Anderson-Terrel Harris, 26.6
10. Kansas: Darrell Arthur-Darnell Jackson, 26.4
11. Nebraska: Aleks Maric-Ade Dagunduro, 25.1
12. Texas A&M: Josh Carter-Joseph Jones, 24.9
For a change, the best player in the Sunflower Showdown wears purple and white, instead of crimson and blue. An argument could be made that the second-best player does, as well.
Kansas State's Michael Beasley and Bill Walker, both classified as freshmen and both already built like NBA veterans, have combined for 41.1 points and 19.3 rebounds. Both men were recruited to Manhattan by Bob Huggins and play for first-year coach Frank Martin.
The 6-foot-9, 235-pound Beasley lines up at center and is from Washington, D.C. Walker, 6-6, 220 pounds, is from Cincinnati and has moved from small forward to power forward for the Wildcats (14-4 overall, 4-0 in the Big 12).
Strong enough to work down low and way too quick for most men who guard them, Beasley and Walker create matchup problems for every team they face, even second-ranked Kansas University (20-0).
"I love their personnel," Kansas coach Bill Self said of K-State. "I like their team. Frank has got them guarding, and their rebound margin is excellent, and they're playing through two guys who are as talented as any two guys on the same team, maybe in the country. Certainly, one of them (Beasley) is going to be a top-two or -three pick, maybe No. 1, and the other one's definitely going to make a lot of money as a first-round pick."
The jury is deliberating on how much money Walker will make, but there's no disputing that as a college player, he has improved rapidly during the course of this season. The explosiveness he lost after his second ACL surgery has returned. So has his long-range shooting touch.
Walker's long-distance shot is more of a set shot than a jumper, but what it lacks in style it compensates for in substance.
The Wildcats started the season 5-3, during which time Walker made just two of 15 three-pointers. K-State is 9-1 since then. Walker has made 50 percent of his three-pointers during that stretch.
Walker makes defenders follow him to the perimeter and has the ability to beat most bigger players off the dribble. Most defenders quick enough to stay with him are not big enough to keep him from overpowering them on the block.
Darrell Arthur, who slides his feet far better than most 6-9 players and has a good knack for blocking shots down low, appears best suited for the task of checking Walker. Brandon Rush could be on Walker at times, as well. Walker has attempted 83 free throws, or 11 more than Darnell Jackson, KU's leader in that category.
Beasley? He has attempted 142 free throws, nearly twice as many as Jackson.
Asked after an easy victory against Nebraska how KU will match up against Beasley, Self predictably played coy.
"If we play man to man," Self said with a laugh, "it'll probably be Shady (Arthur) or Darnell. I'll go that far, but I really don't know. I really don't know right now."
Jackson is the safe bet, unless, of course, Self wasn't joking about playing zone. Or did he say the word that seldom rolls off his tongue in order to give K-State one more thing for which to prepare? Remember, out of the blue, Self dropped a 3-2 zone on Boston College on Dec. 23, 2006. It worked.
Regardless of its defensive approach, last season's wild atmosphere at Bramlage Coliseum should help KU prepare for the same. Prolonging an undefeated season and undefeated Bramlage record are on the line for Kansas.
For K-State?
"This is our chance to prove that we belong among the big boys," Walker said. "... To me, they're the best team in the nation. If we can contend and pull this thing out, that would say a lot about us."
Beasley, despite drawing so much attention from opposing defenses, is averaging 25.3 points and 12.7 rebounds.
"That's on coach," Beasley said of being able to beat defenses designed to stop him. "Coach is putting in new plays every week, changing our plays around every week, so they don't know what they're guarding. They think they're guarding this play, so we put new actions in it this week. That's all on coach."
Beasley has 16 double-doubles in 18 games. He has scored at least 19 points in 16 of 18 games. In a road game against Xavier, Beasley scored five points. Was it the shoes? His sneakers somehow didn't make the trip from Manhattan, and he had to borrow a pair of size-17 shoes from a player on Cincinnati.
Beasley will have his own shoes Wednesday night. Five quick pairs of sneakers from the other side will be on the court at all times, trying to contain him, Walker and the rest of the improving Wildcats.
Comments
lee3022 (anonymous) says...
Can't say I agree that the best player on the court will be Beasley. He must be pretty good but so was Alex Maric. Can we shut Beasley down? He plays almost 80% of the minutes and will have to contend with three KU bigs. By the end of the game he might not be so strong. A Freshman who still has not played through the league schedule is not worthy of such an honorific.
The reason we play the games is that statistics do not tell the story. When you have a team of great players none of them get the big stats. In terms of offensive efficiency, however, Chalmers and Jackson are rated #14 and #52 respectively of all players in D-1 over 40% of minutes played while neither Beasley nor Walker are rated in the top 100. (kenpom.com).
January 28, 2008 at 3:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
klineisanazi (anonymous) says...
lee3022..have you watched Beasley play? How can you even use Maric and Beasley's name in the same sentence? (Sorry, I guess I just did) KU has not played against a player this good all year, end of story. It's OK to say that and not take anything away from KU or its players, by the way. KU has the best team in the country. I will go with that any day.
January 28, 2008 at 4:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
chuckberry32 (anonymous) says...
isn't Tom the same guy that told KU fans to root for Mizzou during football season? Beasley may be a first rounder but our entire starting five will likely be in the NBA soon and maybe more.
January 28, 2008 at 6:06 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Brock (anonymous) says...
A lot of pressure is going to be on Robinson and Chalmers to stop the entry passes to Beasley.
January 28, 2008 at 6:08 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dagger108 (anonymous) says...
and Durant was the best player last year as a freshmen, with a better supporting cast. Nothing new here. Let's move along.
Wednesday will be fun.
Rock Chalk!
January 28, 2008 at 6:15 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ku98 (anonymous) says...
Kudos to KSU coach Frank Martin for teaching Bill Walker how to relieve himself without having to leave the court.
January 28, 2008 at 7:32 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jayhawkinatl (anonymous) says...
So, Walker is classified as a "freshman" even though he played last year??? Did he not play enough games to count the year??? Did he get a medical redshirt???
January 28, 2008 at 8:06 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
NH_JHawk (anonymous) says...
ku98,
A true "diaper dandy!" LOL....would hate to be the towel boy for K-State. This game is going to be fun. RCJH!
January 28, 2008 at 8:09 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
swishymcjayhawk (anonymous) says...
walker got a medical redshirt so he's still a freshman.
boy, its great they've got two great players. unfortunately we've got a great TEAM. something they'll never understand.
January 28, 2008 at 8:09 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Jaminrawk (anonymous) says...
It's 10 deep vs. 2. Durant and Augustine couldn't beat KU last year and neither will Beasley and Walker.
January 28, 2008 at 8:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jacqueshock (anonymous) says...
It will be interesting to see what K-State's record ends up at if it happens to defeat KU.
I've noticed a trend over the years that sees unranked opponents upsetting Kansas and ending up only in the NIT or no post-season tournament at all. No momentum seems to be built with a win against Kansas.
January 28, 2008 at 8:50 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Royaljayhwk (anonymous) says...
So they are expected to score no more than 41 points against KU since that's pretty much all they have? Lol. This is a joke. They look like such stars because the rest of there team is the Girl Scouts dodgeball team. Can anyone say that if any of KU's players in the main rotation would go to that team that they wouldn't be a "star"? They are good, I'll give them that, but all they have is the hype for this game. That's the only reason it will be good for 12-13 minutes, lol. KU rolls late and it becomes another laugher.
January 28, 2008 at 8:54 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ChevyHawk (anonymous) says...
For KSU this IS their season, For KU it is another game on the road to an ENTIRE season.
January 28, 2008 at 8:59 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
leikness (anonymous) says...
I agree w/Royal. No way these guys hang on Wednesday. Arthur matched up on Beasley will become a block party. Dude shoots from his shoulder.
January 28, 2008 at 9:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dek9219 (anonymous) says...
I agree with kline, lee3022 surely hasn't seen Beasley play. And he doesn't play 80% of the time. He only played 22 minutes against ISU and had 33 pts. and 15 boards. Had he played the whole game he surely would have had 50 and 20. I still think KSU's guards will have trouble with Chalmers and Robinson and I think KU wins, but Beasley and Walker are studs.
January 28, 2008 at 9:08 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jayhawkinatl (anonymous) says...
I'm prediciting: KU 81 KSU 59 (with 46 coming from Beasley/Walker).
January 28, 2008 at 9:08 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
KU (anonymous) says...
If we come out with the same intensity we did against OU in Lawrence a week or so ago, we should be able to keep KSU at arm's length. Our defense to start that game was suffocating.
If we come out with the same intensity we did against ISU.......it could be a coin flip.
I think our bigs can make it more challenging for Beasley to score, but he's going to get at least 20. The key could be whether our guards are able to clamp down on KSU's perimeter players and turn them over.
January 28, 2008 at 9:09 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jayhawk02 (anonymous) says...
I think Beasley is the best player in the country right now. However, one player will not beat a great TEAM. I think KU's guards will put so much pressure on KSU's guards, that they will have a difficult time getting the ball into Beasley. I think Beasley will have 24, Walker will get 8 and the rest of their team will contribute 33. KU will score 20 points off turnovers and win 75-65.
January 28, 2008 at 9:14 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
KU (anonymous) says...
Leikness.....The dude may "shoot from his shoulder" (ala Hansbrough), but he knows how to create enough space to get it off and if he doesn't, he usually gets fouleld. Beasley is a phenomenal player. You might as well respect that and enjoy watching him play. Just hope he doesn't have 2 teammates that have a magical game or they decide to throw in 50% of their 3's.
January 28, 2008 at 9:17 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JayCeph (anonymous) says...
Regardless of the rivalry, I'm impressed with this kid Beasley. See for yourself:
http://www.kansascity.com/sports/stor...
January 28, 2008 at 9:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
KU (anonymous) says...
I'm not a big Frank Martin fan, but he definitely has KSU playing with intensity on the defensive end. Their team defense is probably more impressive to me than anything.
Too bad they can't move this game over to Ahearn. This could be a throwback game to the glory days of the rivalry.
Can't wait.
January 28, 2008 at 9:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JHawk74 (anonymous) says...
I don't really agree with the article at all. Beasley might be a top player in the country and Walker is a good player in the conference and potential to be a NBA player. I think KU players are under rated. If you had Robinson, Case, Rush, Arthur and Alridge starting this year. I believe you would say Rush and Arthur are two top players in the country. They would both average around 20 pts or more. This compares to K-State, they have two good players and then just role players. But KU has 8 players that could start this year and are playing as a team. You have 5 or 6 players averaging 10 pts or more a game. And all 8 players are capable of scoring 20 pts or more in game. If KU loses this year, it will be suprising. It will be due to lack of concentration or over confidence.
January 28, 2008 at 9:23 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
RckChalkJeff (anonymous) says...
ahhh..that brougt a little tear to my eye....oh wait...no it didnt. One nice story about a scum bag. big deal
January 28, 2008 at 9:25 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JayCeph (anonymous) says...
Also, one player can't defeat a team (like jayhawk02 said) but some complicity all around could spell doom. If KU doesn't focus on hitting their shots from the stripe, we could see a repeat of the championship game of '03 when one player (Carmello) DID beat KU... with a lot of help from KU (horrid conversion with their charities).
January 28, 2008 at 9:27 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
leikness (anonymous) says...
KU - he'll get his shots off, but I see him being bothered and getting some shots thrown back in his face. I hope Self goes w/Arthur on him, the long arms will force him to change his game a little. As long as Arthur goes straight up and doesn't swing at him, I think it will be a good match up for KU. He's a great player, I've enjoyed watching him play, but he has not seen anything close to the D he will see on Wednesday. I could see him getting in foul trouble early as well going after boards.
January 28, 2008 at 9:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
leikness (anonymous) says...
The only team they've played this year who d's up is Xavier and we all know what happened in that one.
Sorry for the multiples.
January 28, 2008 at 9:37 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
vmwskywalk (anonymous) says...
To all at KSU:
Play us hard and help us get better for our national championship run.
We'll help YOU get better for your NIT run.
January 28, 2008 at 10:02 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
toyss29 (anonymous) says...
I have a difficult time calling Bill Walker a Freshman considering he played 6 games last year before tearing his ACL.
January 28, 2008 at 10:05 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Royaljayhwk (anonymous) says...
Let's hope that Arthur doesn't get in early foul trouble again because it could make it a bit intersting.
January 28, 2008 at 10:14 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
okjhok (anonymous) says...
While it's true that Beasley and Walker are light years ahead of the rest of the roster, it would be silly to assume that this game will be played 5 on 2, and totally discount the other players. If anything, great players raise the level of play of their teammates, and that is what has happened with KSU.
Hopefully I'm wrong on this, but I see both Kaun and Aldridge playing less than 10 min apiece on Wed. That's assuming the game is relatively close and Beasley and Walker play at least 30 min each. The matchups just aren't good for them. While I do think Kaun could have success offensively with his power game, I just don't think he can handle the inside-out game that KSU's bigs will play.
KU is so experienced and talented this year that just based on the numbers, this is a 15 pt win. But, this will probably be the toughest environment KU sees this year, and very well may play a role in the outcome. If KSU's defense is as good as it's been lately and KU is not getting transition buckets, forcing them to get points through half-court sets, it spells trouble. That is not a style KU is comfortable in and this is when mistakes happen, as we saw in L.A. and in Columbia. I would think the team has learned from the past, will be supremely prepared, and wins by 15. This is a statement game.
January 28, 2008 at 10:20 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
danimal33 (anonymous) says...
I personally think that Beasley will get his, and Self really won't be too worried about it. If we can take Walker out of the game and make Beasley beat us by himself, this game should really be no more difficult than any other game we've played at Bramlage in the last 20 years. Here's to 24-0 going to Austin, TX on February 11th!
Anybody else hear about Stefhon Hannah breaking his jaw in a fight outside a night club Saturday night? Supposedly he's out for 4-6 weeks. There goes any chance Mizzou had at competing with us at AFH next week.
Rock Chalk!
January 28, 2008 at 10:41 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
speedy (anonymous) says...
years and years ago a k-state player took his one man team into allen fh. he set the then field house record for scoring. a one man team can and has beaten ku!
but this year defense is the name of the game. limit beasley touches and stop the 3s. hit your frees too.
now if the rest of the nation could watch. dumb espn people.
January 28, 2008 at 10:50 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
flipborder02 (anonymous) says...
I look at it this way Rush guards Walker. Arthur, darnell, and Kaun guard the punk Beasly and are guards will eat Gay states guards alive.
January 28, 2008 at 10:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Lebowski (anonymous) says...
I don't think there's a question of how Self is going to guard Beasley.
Change up the personnel, change up the looks. There will be no ONE player who Self will say "You got Beasley.. good luck"
You just don't do that... it's a good way to get someone in foul trouble.
January 28, 2008 at 11 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
leikness (anonymous) says...
If they're Gay State, doesn't that make us Gay U by default?
January 28, 2008 at 11:14 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
arvadajayhawk (anonymous) says...
Here's how I see the game going:
* Arthur gets in quick foul trouble guarding Beasley as the stripes call it close
* Kaun and Aldridge are called on to play a higher-than-usual amount of minutes as we cycle players throughout the game to bang on and wear down Beasley
* Beasley / Walker get their 45 points and some "Who's-he?" Wildcat guard goes off from 3-point range keeping the crowd in it
* Chalmers & Collins break down the KSU D with Chalmers coming through in the end to give KU the 4-point win
Just as the KU game in Columbia is always tough regardless of the disparity in the quality of teams, so will this game be.
Can't wait to watch it in all of its standard-def fuzziness on the Plus.
January 28, 2008 at 11:32 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
okjhok (anonymous) says...
Yeah, I think that homophobic "insult" can remain theirs. We don't need to go there.
January 28, 2008 at 11:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
4ever_jhawk (anonymous) says...
The 'Hawks are quietly confident, the Kitties are cocky.
The 'Hawks are National Championship caliber team, the Kitties have lottery pick.
The 'Hawks will be great Wednesday, the Kitties will be greatly disappointed.
The 'Hawks rule, the Kitties drool.
The 'Hawks...., the Kitties....
You get the idea.
January 28, 2008 at 11:39 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
WisconsinJayhawk (anonymous) says...
I think Arthur compares well to Beasley. Beasley may be #1, but Darrell is right there. Remember, both were on the same Basketball USA team last summer, the under-20 team I think, and the coach called Arthur the best, most dominant player on the roster, not Beasley. Only an injury kept DA from proving it in the games. Arthur and Jackson hold Beasley in check, and the rest of the team takes care of business. KU by 10.
January 28, 2008 at 11:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Kirk (anonymous) says...
KU in a blowout.
January 28, 2008 at 11:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jayhawk02 (anonymous) says...
What about Arthur on Beasley. But when Kaun or Aldridge come in, drop back into a 2-3 zone. Any thoughts?
January 28, 2008 at 11:49 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
okjhok (anonymous) says...
Of course Self would prefer to stay in man-to-man, but if they're not hitting the outside shot, the 2-3 is always an option. A good team that knows how to move the ball will always kill a zone. We'll see what happens.
January 28, 2008 at 11:59 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
chuckberry32 (anonymous) says...
ESPN is reporting Hannah broke his jaw in a fight outside a night club, needed surgery and is out four to six weeks!
January 28, 2008 at 11:59 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Jacobpaul81 (anonymous) says...
Keegan is Evil.
Beasley's no better than Arthur. In fact, of the two, I'd rather have Arthur. He's a superior defender, and doesn't need to be the star of the show. And like other's have pointed out, the USA coach thought Arthur was the better of the two.
KU wins this one by 10 points.
January 28, 2008 at noon ( permalink | suggest removal )
chuckberry32 (anonymous) says...
As much as I love Rush, I believe Arthur will be the next KU player to be a huge impact in the NBA ala Paul Pierce. He's developed a sort of turn around hook that will become deadly later on. If he was the only all-star on this team he'd average more points than Beasley easily. I'd much rather have a team around him as we do to weather storms later down the line. It's safe to assume we will play at least one team in the tourney that forces us out of game and requires certain bench players to step up. KSU doesn't have that and would certainly be bounced early in the tourney (if they make it) should beasley have an off night.
January 28, 2008 at 12:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Neom (anonymous) says...
KSU has decent role players, and recently they have been playing like a team. IMO, their early season loses were breaking in games, they have freshmen players and freshmen coaches, now they are really getting serious, you have to aknowledge that. It won't be easy, but if our boys make their free throws then we will keep the streak going.
January 28, 2008 at 12:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JayCeph (anonymous) says...
Somebody at CBSportline likes KU:
http://www.sportsline.com/collegebask...
January 28, 2008 at 12:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jross1972 (Johann Ross) says...
HOPEFULLY YOULL REMEMBER...
Mario Chalmers, Darnell Jackson, Brandson Rush, Russell Robinson, Sasha Kaun, and Jeremy Case have all tasted defeat at the hands of the Wildcats.
I'd post Beasley's words on a bulletin board as well as these photos:
http://www2.kusports.com/photos/galle...
January 28, 2008 at 12:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jross1972 (Johann Ross) says...
Hot off the presses:
Kansas State has re-entered the top 25 in the newest edition of the coaches' poll.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/bask...
January 28, 2008 at 12:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
leikness (anonymous) says...
Top 25 game not on national TV...what a waste.
January 28, 2008 at 12:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MitchumMan (anonymous) says...
Only one question: Why is K-State on the front page of this website? It's alright that you want to have an article about their freshman players, but to put them on the front page irritates me. It seems like you hate the Jayhawks Keegan! Are you going to pick KSU to win this game like you picked MU to beat our football team?
January 28, 2008 at 1:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Tuskin (anonymous) says...
KSU is a Top 30 team, in my book. No Top 30 team is a cupcake. We need to really show up to beat them.
January 28, 2008 at 1:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
leikness (anonymous) says...
Great streak article from the M-Happenin Mercury
http://www.themercury.com/k-statespor...
January 28, 2008 at 1:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jross1972 (Johann Ross) says...
Amazing story: Yes, KU's Darnell Jackson is an NBA prospect. Jim Clibanoff, who has a scouting service called Clibhoops, which is popular with NBA teams, focused on Jackson in this week's column in the Philadelphia Inquirer.
He wrote: "By staying in school four years, Jackson has developed enough both physically and mentally to become more NBA-ready than many of the young players who are sure to declare for the draft in June. While it is hard to imagine Jackson as a major producer at the NBA level, his competitiveness, motor, and willingness to get his hands dirty should make him a very solid player for the No. 30-45 range."
There are 30 picks in the first round.
-Gary Bedore, Lawrence Journal World
"Jayhawks Relish Work at Annual Clinic"
January 28, 2008
January 28, 2008 at 1:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jross1972 (Johann Ross) says...
I know I'm all over the board with these posts today, but forgive me. Thought youd find them interesting.
According to this article's analysis, Darrell Arthur's stock in the draft is slipping.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/draft20...
January 28, 2008 at 2:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
smitty33 (anonymous) says...
HELP!!!
KSU ranked #22, us #2. I live in Colorado and am not sure I can get the game on TV... What a Crime!!!! This website puts it on ESPN+. I hate to pay $150 for this single game. Can anyone help? How will you all in Kansas watch the game?
January 28, 2008 at 2:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
wats211 (anonymous) says...
Yes...Beasley and company are a true test....I've been watching them all year..and the last few games they are beginning to raise their level of play.I'm really looking forward to this...it's KU_K-State revisited..renewed...Bramlage will never be louder than Wednesday night..wow...I know rush ,robertson and chalmers will be ready..not to mention collins,jackson and kahn...and did I mention arthur?...and I did I mention the supporting cast?....this the best KU team I have ever seen..and I've seen a lot of quality clubs..I'm excited..HOW ABOUT YOU?
January 28, 2008 at 2:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
okjhok (anonymous) says...
I've got the full court package. You can go to a sports bar and watch, or pay something like $80 for the full court half season, which will get you three more KU games, including Wed. Just might be worth it, depending on your socioeconomic situation.
January 28, 2008 at 2:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
leikness (anonymous) says...
You could drive to Omaha and watch it at my house. Wait, that might be more expensive.
January 28, 2008 at 2:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
wats211 (anonymous) says...
SMITTY..YOU NEED TO HAVE ESPN GAME PLAN.....OR THE YES NETWORK..WHICH IS ON DIRECT TV....SPORTS TIER PACKAGE...GOOD LUCK...ESPN AME PLAN MAY HAVE A SINGLE DAY OPTION.....I CANT BELIEVE THAT ESPN WOULDNT CARRY THIS IMPORTANT MATCHUP...IM SURE THE NATIONWOULD ENJOY SEEING BEASLEY AND COMPANNY BATTLE KU...IT HAS UPSET WRITTEN ALL OVER IT..BUT IT WONT HAPPEN...THIS KANSAS CLUB IS JUST TOO GOOD!
January 28, 2008 at 2:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bdubbya (anonymous) says...
Where is the article on Stefhon Hannah?
January 28, 2008 at 2:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Lebowski (anonymous) says...
Chuckleberry, I hope you're right, and I certainly hope we get to see some glimpses of Arthur's potential at Kansas. But for anything you said to be true, DA has to get a whole lot better on the boards. Guys that can have an impact at the next level can at least go off and turn into a beast at the college level. Drew Gooden, Nick Collison, Raef LaFrentz.... they all had moments... early and often in their KU careers where they just looked like animals... took control of the paint, grabbed every rebound in sight. I have yet to see that from Darrell. Not even for a short stint.
He hasn't shown a hunger on the glass that every big man should have if he expects to have an impact on the next level. Sure he's a sophomore. But he's an experienced sophomore, and I for one am not delusional enough to say that he's better than Beasley. It ain't happenin'.
January 28, 2008 at 2:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
NH_JHawk (anonymous) says...
SHOCKING! not....
"Hannah is the fifth Tiger to be involved in off-court violence or misconduct since Anderson was hired less than two years ago."
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/st...
January 28, 2008 at 2:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justanotherfan (anonymous) says...
Beasley may be the best player in the game (tough to say), but there's no way Walker is the second best. I'd have to put both Rush and Arthur ahead of him. Nonetheless, this is definitely the best K-State squad in the last fifteen years. This will be a definite test.
January 28, 2008 at 2:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
milehighhawker (anonymous) says...
Smitty, check the yes network or the Altitude channel, they seem to cover alot of the Ku games on ESPN+.
To everyone else, we are dilusional fans, if you think this will be a blowout you are out of your minds. Beasley is better than Durant, Period. Look at the number of 30/10 games he has put up so far this year. Durant did it 7 times all year, Carmelo did it only 3 times, Beasley has already done it 7 times with more games to go. He is legit. He is going to get our bigs in foul trouble. This game has to be won from our guards and charity stripe. I think we win by 4-6pts, but i would not be suprised to see a close loss. It won't hurt us down the road, this team is so jacked up to beat KU, the bulletin material has to allow us to just match intesity at least. Let's pray for the best.
January 28, 2008 at 3:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bykcin (anonymous) says...
Before he got hurt, Arthur was the buzz of the Under-19 team practice, not Beasley
January 28, 2008 at 3:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
chuckberry32 (anonymous) says...
Lebowski, dude (hehe) you're definitaley right about Arthur needing boards. I think he kinda came to KU with more of a guard mentality than a big guy, but I think Danny is beating that out of him. Just wait till he gains some more muscle and has a simpler time getting bodies out of his way. Plus I expect that role to be more filled by Darnell right now, he has that bigger frame and is really coming into his own in the low post. Maybe we shoulda had Darnell in there before Kaun last year...
January 28, 2008 at 3:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
blk99stang (anonymous) says...
ok guys i hate nit picky stuff but you at least have to know the names of your players. His name is Cole ALDRICH, not aldridge as in Lamarcus. Sorry, it had been bugging me.
January 28, 2008 at 3:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
leikness (anonymous) says...
Beasley better than Durant? Maybe overall, but Durant is just a more difficult match up for any defense. Did Durant ever have a game last year where he scored 5-6 points? Beasley can be shut down. Obviously Durant is going to have less rebounds, he spent 1/2 the game outside of NBA 3 range. What's the comparison like on 30+ point games overall? He's legit, but far from unstoppable, Durant was unstoppable.
I hate KSU week, I get -0- work done.
January 28, 2008 at 3:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
klineisanazi (anonymous) says...
Arthur is not as good as Beasley. Come on guys, I know this is a fan board, but good grief...
January 28, 2008 at 4:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
alexwishart (anonymous) says...
hey, does anyone else think that two or one players cant beat a great team? lets not beat the totally dead horse. i cant wait to watch the game instead of reading about it. lets hope i can find a way to watch it in LA...
January 28, 2008 at 4:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
kltbadboyz (anonymous) says...
I say do this make KState match up to you. Don't change your game, you are the better team. Start Darnell on Beasley. When the pass goes inside double down with Shady. Shady is better weak side help because his ability to block shots. When you double down put Rush on Walker. Rush should be able to contain Walker. Once we get out to an early lead we should be able to play our game. I think if KU needed to they could switch Rush on Walker and let Shady guard the 3 because whoever that is wouldnt be a threat. No way can Kstate's guards play with ours. Just don't let them get any open looks on threes and force them to take bad shots we should be ok.
January 28, 2008 at 4:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
kltbadboyz (anonymous) says...
We also got kuan coming in off the bench. With Kuan at the 5 and Darnell at the 4. Do you really think that Bill Walker who "redshirted because of a leaky valve" can guard Darnell Jackson who is 6'8" a solid 250 inside???
I predict a big game for dblock maybe a double double 23 and 12. The bigs need to stay out of foul trouble.
Beasley maybe the best player on the court but the next best is Arthur no doubt as far as NBA potential. Beasley is probably the #1 pick and Shady is somewhere 5-15 depending on how he finishes the year.
January 28, 2008 at 4:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
wats211 (anonymous) says...
I guarantee jackson will be on beasley...jackson a hungry up and comer will humble the more talented beasley..that is the key matchup of the game!
January 28, 2008 at 4:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jross1972 (Johann Ross) says...
milehighhawker...
Beasley is NOT...I repeat, "not"...better than Durant. Durant could play four positions, whereas Beasley gets the bulk of his points as chip shots from dunks to 2 feet out.
Thats an embarrassing statement to make. Embarrasing.
January 28, 2008 at 4:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
wats211 (anonymous) says...
clue me in...how many hawks are leaving early after this year?
January 28, 2008 at 4:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
wats211 (anonymous) says...
jross..it seems to be the consensus..that beasley is more filled out and do more things tahn durant..as bill self says..24 and 13 a game..speaks for itself!
January 28, 2008 at 4:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
wats211 (anonymous) says...
altitude is not carrying the game..they have nuggets...again the yes network..available on direct tv..maybe dish or comcast......but definitely direct tv..is the only place i've seen it listed..besides full court pay per view
January 28, 2008 at 4:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
wats211 (anonymous) says...
i wasn't aware of arthur leaving
January 28, 2008 at 4:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
kltbadboyz (anonymous) says...
Shady is almost sure to go pro. He almost left last year but stayed because Julian left.
January 28, 2008 at 4:53 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
actorman (anonymous) says...
There goes any chance Mizzou had at competing with us at AFH next week.
_________________________________________________________
So what does that mean, that they'll lose by 40 instead of 30? They had no chance to begin with.
Wats, you talk about ESPN Gameplan (or should I say YOU TALK ABOUT ESPN GAMEPLAN!!!!!!!!!). Gameplan is for football, you're referring to ESPN Full Court.
January 28, 2008 at 5:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jross1972 (Johann Ross) says...
wats...
I played with Kevin Durant. I knew Kevin Durant. Kevin Durant was a friend of mine. Wats...Beasley is no Kevin Durant.
and be careful about "consensus". consensus in the south was that slavery was justified. I know thats apples and oranges but the principle is the same: truth isnt always found in numbers, and I could go on and on with example after example of this. and PS...Bill Self never said Beasley was better than Durant.
Kevin Durant Beasley is not!
January 28, 2008 at 5:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
rgreene (Ryan Greene) says...
jross,
If you think Beasley is only capable of scoring from 2 feet and out, you're sorely mistaken. Beasley is better than Durant because Beasley can play all five positions. Durant sorta could, but Beasley's just so much stronger and physically developed. He makes it look a lot easier, plus, whereas most of Durant's points came from the outside, Beasley does it with high percentage shots against double- and triple-teams. He can also hit the three with ease. He's canned 16 of them this year.
January 28, 2008 at 5:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
turdferguson (anonymous) says...
JROSS,
I was thinking the same thing, but after researching the stats a little I was surprised at what I saw. They play totally different styles, there's definietly an argument for Beasley statistically.
He is right there with, or ahead of, Durant on everything except 3P% (which is only a 2% difference, but Durant shot more than twice as many 3's per game so it means more that Durants was that high). Beasley has a better FG% and significant REB edge. And the stats tilt more toward Beasley if you only use Durant's first 18 games (Durant slips to 23.8 PPG).
However, Durant performed the best againt the best competition. He didn't top 30 pts for the first time until his BIG 12 debut. He scored 30+ NINE times in 16 conference games and once (VS KU) in the BIGXII tourney.
You can say Beasley's stats should be better than Durant's since he plays at K-State and Durant was at Texas. But, Beasley is taking less shots per game than durant did (so he's not stealing any more teammates shots than Durant did).
I think you do have to wait and see what Beasley does against the conference before anyone can make a legit claim that he's as good or better than Durant, but it's closer than I thought.
Career avgs:
Stat_____DURANT_____BEASLEY
PPG_____25.8________25.3
REB_____11.1________12.7
AST_____1.3_________1.2
BLK_____1.9_________1.8
TO _____2.8_________3.1
FG%____.473________.566
3p%____.404________.381
January 28, 2008 at 5:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jross1972 (Johann Ross) says...
Ryan Greene...
I appreciate your response but I have to point out that you have totally misread what I said. You seem to think I said Beasley is capable of scoring OUTSIDE OF two feet, when what I said was...
"...Beasley gets the bulk of his points as chip shots from dunks to 2 feet out."
Translation: most of Beasleys points come in the area of the floor from dunks under the basket out to two feet (basically layups, put-backs, etc), which happens to be EXACTLY what you said in response to me.
FURTHERMORE, there's no "sorta could" about Durant's versatility with respect to positions played. Yes, he was undersized weight-wise for the power foward position, and even at that he played it well. Youre right about one thing though, that Beasley has a bruiser's body which makes it easier for him to do well inside, a fact which makes Durant's success there that much more impressive--not LESS!
January 28, 2008 at 5:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
kataboom (anonymous) says...
ksu doesnt even know what they are in for. too bad julian isnt around to go beast on their ass but we'll get the W anyways.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Q9tSSJldfQs
January 28, 2008 at 5:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jross1972 (Johann Ross) says...
turdferguson...
I dont know where you got your numbers, but lets say for the moment those stats are valid.
Durant leads in PPG, when the majority of his game came from outside, lower-percentage shots. Advantage Durant.
Beasley leads in rebounds, but only by one and a half. And he camps out under the basket more often than not. Despite the higher absolute number, I think therefore that Durants total is more impressive.
Durant has more assists.
Durant has more blocks.
Durant committed less turnovers.
He shoots better from behind the arc.
He has a lower field goal percentage, but he takes much lower-percentage shots. If the fact that taking most of your shots from under the basket leads to a higher field goal percentage surprises any of you, then there's nothing else I can tell ya.
Durant was better, period.
January 28, 2008 at 5:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JayViking (anonymous) says...
If you want to watch the game go to
WWW.ESPN360.COM
I think it's free!!!!!!!!!!!
Also, on that article about Darrell Arthur.
Come on. It's Chad Forde. He's an IDIOT. And a mizzou alum.
January 28, 2008 at 5:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
kataboom (anonymous) says...
muck fizzou
January 28, 2008 at 5:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
wats211 (anonymous) says...
ACTORMAN..EXCUSE ME...GAME PLAN...FULL COURT...ITS THE SAME THING..ITS ESPNS PAY PER VIEW PACKAGE....GET A LIFE......WOW!...AND THE YES NETWORK IS CARRYING IT..DIRECT TV CH.622 FOR THOSE OF US WHO LIVE IN SKI COUNTRY
January 28, 2008 at 6:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
wats211 (anonymous) says...
If you like basketball..then wednesday night get to a tv...real basketball people around the country are looking forward to this matchup.....memphis is /no.!..but real fans who study the game ,know KU is the by far the best team in the nation....this is KU finest team ever!
January 28, 2008 at 6:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JayViking (anonymous) says...
wats211...your punctuation...!!!makes me giggle? !!!...heheheehehe!!!1
January 28, 2008 at 6:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
turdferguson (anonymous) says...
JROSS,
I think you are being a little bit stubborn. If Beasley is able to keep up, or even improve, his current pace through conference play then there will really be an argument to be made. I did not say Beasley is better, in fact I believe Durant was better and was clearly a more versatile player. Ultimately however, their output on the court is very comparable.
I just want to know how can you say Beasley "only" leads by 1.6 in REB, but just flat out say that Durant "had more asst, more blocks" when he only has .1 per game better in both areas. Hello... that's 1 more assist and block every ten games. And the same thing could be said for the .3 turnovers. Those leads are much less significant than Beasley's rebound average. AND I mentioned that Durant's 3p% was significantly better since he shot so many more, but he still only averaged .5 more points on more shots per game.
I can't believe you are making me argue for Beasley. I looked that stuff up hoping to squash the comparisons in favor of Durant, but there's potential for a valid argument if Beasley keeps up his current pace.
PS
Stats came from ESPN.com (although I could only find a game log for Durant on Yahoo, so his first 18 games stuff comes from there)
January 28, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
phoenixjayhawk (Rodney Stice) says...
Did anybody here about miserys Hannah having his jaw broken in a fight at a nightclub saturday night. He might be out for the season. Read it on yahoo sports.
January 28, 2008 at 6:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
CaramelMacchMan (anonymous) says...
Hahaha!!!
I'm watching L'Ville at UCONN on ESPN
And fans are chanting
"Jayhawk Reject"
hahaha
I got a little laught outta that one..
I missed couple of burdie puts today but that made my day...
January 28, 2008 at 6:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jross1972 (Johann Ross) says...
I am being no more stubborn in my position as you are in yours. Neither of us, mind you, has been swayed away from our original positions, so we can dispense with the looking down of our noses if you dont mind.
RE: "I can't believe you are making me argue for Beasley", two things. First, I would rather you NOT argue for Beasley so how can you construe my efforts to be prodding you to do so. Secondly, nobody makes me argue for ANYTHING that is not already a position of mine to do so, and I suggest you take a similar approach. Thirdly, I reiterate that my responses to your positions are not a matter of disrespect unless you make it so. Its simply a disagreement pure and simple. In any case, Im not going to be villified or labelled as "stubborn" just because I have an opinion. The two things are not synonymous.
If by reason or by statistics you can show that Beasley is better than Durant, I welcome you to do so. Until then I am not keen on giving one inch to ANY Kansas State player that does not rightfully belong to them.
I stand by my statements, respectfully. Durant over Beasley.
January 28, 2008 at 6:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
phoenixjayhawk (Rodney Stice) says...
The halftime crew is calling for an upset of KU at ksucks. They say that the mildcats are playing good.
January 28, 2008 at 7:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jhwkfan162515 (anonymous) says...
I think Bill Self should use a different defense other than the traditional man-to-man. Considering K-State is just a two-man show (Beasley and Walker) and a bunch of overachieving nobodies, I say we use a zone defense of some sort. Man-to-man won't cut it against K-State this time around.
January 28, 2008 at 7:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jbrownjib (anonymous) says...
I hope that neither Beasley nor Walker get in foul trouble because then their guards would have to match up against Chalmers, Robinson, Collins and Rush. By the way, how does KSU move the ball around and get it to their big men? I think it will be a good game and a mistake to discount Shady, Jackson, Kaun, and Aldrich.
January 28, 2008 at 7:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )