KUsports.com | Next up: 'Nova

Villanova's Scottie Reynolds, center, flies by the Siena defense for a layup. Reynolds led the Wildcats with 25 points in their 84-72 second-round victory Sunday in Tampa, Fla.

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2008 NCAA Tournament

Full video coverage of the Kansas Jayhawks in the 2008 NCAA Tournament

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Who do you think presents the biggest challenge to KU this weekend in Detroit?

No. 12 Villanova 16% 239 votes
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No. 10 Davidson 10% 155 votes

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KU Basketball

Like hordes of hoop fanatics across the country, Bill Self spent part of his Easter Sunday watching riveting NCAA Tournament action.

Must-see TV for Kansas University's fifth-year basketball coach was an 11:10 a.m., second-round game between 12th-seeded Villanova and No. 13 Siena.

'Nova rolled to an 84-72 victory and improved to 22-12 heading into Friday's 8:40 p.m. Sweet 16 matchup against Self's Jayhawks (33-3) at Detroit's Ford Field.

"I watched almost all of it, except when they (network) cut away," said Self, who came away impressed with the Scottie Reynolds/Corey Stokes-led Wildcats, who defeated No. 5-seed Clemson on Friday in the first round, 75-69.

"I don't think they (seedings) matter. We're not playing a 12th seed. We're playing a team that's obviously good enough to be in the Sweet 16.

"Even though they had more losses than what you would think a Sweet 16 team would during the course of the season ... that's primarily because of the league they play in (Big East). They've had some close, heartbreaking-type losses," Self added.

Villanova erased an 18-point first-half deficit in tripping ACC foe Clemson in the first round.

"They played great. All you have to do is watch the Clemson game. When you're down 18, come back and keep your poise and win going away the way they did ... that's a great, great game," Self said.

The KU-Villanova winner will meet the winner of Friday's 6:10 p.m. game between third seed Wisconsin and No. 10 Davidson on Sunday.

Davidson shocked No. 2 seed Georgetown, 74-70, on Sunday after beating No. 7 seed Gonzaga on Friday in Round One.

"That was a great win for Davidson. But our focus is strictly on Villanova. There have been some unbelievable games today," Self said of Sunday's action.

¢ Practice schedule revealed: KU will hold a 50-minute shootaround from 3:10 to 4 p.m., Eastern time, Thursday at Ford Field. The shootaround is open to the public. Villanova will practice from 1 to 1:50 p.m.

¢ Ailments, bruises: The fact KU plays Friday should help at least a pair of Jayhawks.

Rodrick Stewart, who has tonsillitis, missed Saturday's victory over UNLV.

"I assume he'll be fine," said Self, who gave the team Sunday off.

Sherron Collins, meanwhile, has been less than 100 percent since bruising his left knee at practice last Tuesday.

"It'll give him an extra day (this week) to get ready," Self said. "I do think it's one of those situations where he will get to feeling better. But he did bump knees last Tuesday, and he hasn't been himself since then.

"I didn't think he was himself at all against Portland State, but I really thought he played pretty well against UNLV (in scoring 10 points second half). I thought he moved well. And, of course, it helps when you make some of the moves that he did. But I don't think he's quite 100 percent, but I am banking on him being 100 percent by Friday."

Collins bruised his right knee in KU's Feb. 16 game against Colorado and was hindered by that a couple weeks. The left knee is the one that bothered him at the end of last season when he had a severe case of patellar tendinitis. Collins also had surgery to repair a stress fracture in his left foot last November.

"He didn't practice on Friday," Self said. "We talked to him on Friday and told him, 'It's going to be sore. All this stuff is going to hurt. You're just going to have to decide how bad you want to be out there. Structurally, you're fine. You've re-bruised your knee, and it's the one that's been giving you problems over time. We obviously knew how the season ended last year with a similar-type injury. You're going to have to play through if you're going to be effective, because it's not going to heal up in one day.'"

Collins said after Saturday's game his knee was "a little sore, but I'll be OK."

¢ Self on this week's schedule: "We won't gear it down from an effort standpoint, but we certainly will from a time standpoint. We'll still go as hard as we've ever gone, but we just won't go as long. I'd like to keep all our practices on Monday and Tuesday under an hour and a half and Wednesday and Thursday like to keep them around that hour-and-15 mark.

"We'll work on our stuff and sped the majority of the week working on Villanova's stuff. We won't look ahead with our players. We'll spend this week just getting ready for the Wildcats."

Self doesn't want to wear out his team.

"I think fresh minds and fresh legs are as important as anything we can do right now," he said. "When you get late in the season ... there is stress on the guys. You don't want to add to the guys' stress by running their legs down or anything."

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50 comments

sevenyearhawk (anonymous) says...

When I saw Villanova came up ... all I could think of was that game against them three years ago!

I hope the players use this as motivation ...

Our seniors would have been freshmen then ... Kaun, Jackson, Robinson, et al

March 24, 2008 at 9:20 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

kushaw (anonymous) says...

Not to bring up bad memories or anything, but today at 2:00 est they are showing on ESPN classic the 1991 final between Duke and Kansas! Ughhhhh! It would be cool to watch though!

March 24, 2008 at 9:21 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

KU (anonymous) says...

I don't understand why the lower seed game (Wisconsin v Davidson) is played before the higher seed game (KU v Villanova) on Friday.

Doesn't the higher seed usually get the advantage of the earlier game? I know it's not much difference, but a 2.5 hour extra rest on a 2 day turnaround surely counts for something.

March 24, 2008 at 9:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

oldalum (anonymous) says...

They probably consider the later game to be "prime time."

March 24, 2008 at 10:02 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

wissoxfan83 (anonymous) says...

Why are you concerned about what time they play? Why don't you worry instead about whether we'll beat this team or not?

March 24, 2008 at 10:33 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

sgl8888 (anonymous) says...

"I don't understand why the lower seed game (Wisconsin v Davidson) is played before the higher seed game (KU v Villanova) on Friday.

Doesn't the higher seed usually get the advantage of the earlier game? I know it's not much difference, but a 2.5 hour extra rest on a 2 day turnaround surely counts for something."

Dollar signs

March 24, 2008 at 10:41 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

wissoxfan83 (anonymous) says...

Dollar signs? Not my concern, let's beat 'nova.

March 24, 2008 at 10:43 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

kylecisnum1 (anonymous) says...

also with the game being on friday gives me a chance to watch it!

March 24, 2008 at 10:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

BCRavenJHawkfan (anonymous) says...

It turns out DePaul was a common opponent for each during the year. We beat DePaul at home while Nova split with them home and away.
All I ask from the refs is let the game have some flow.
With Georgetown out the players must focus on this game and not be thinking about North Carolina.
What was the outcome from Chalmers hard hit on the deck late against UNLV? CBS wasted no time in cutting from that game as if it was okay Jayhawks won who cares.

March 24, 2008 at 10:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

okjhok (anonymous) says...

North Carolina??? Who's thinking about UNC? If you're into thinking ahead, you might want consider Wisconsin, whom I consider to be every bit the worthy opponent that G'town would've been.

March 24, 2008 at 11:12 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

chuckberry32 (anonymous) says...

love for an update on Chalmers... Looked like he hit his head pretty hard.

March 24, 2008 at 11:40 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

CTKSJHWK (anonymous) says...

I agree with keeping the focus on Villanova, but in regards to okjhok comment, did anyone catch Skip Bayless of ESPN's First Take not even blinking an eye when suggesting that Wisconsin would take care of Kansas in a possible Elite Eight matchup. To go along with that the Jayhawks were not even mentioned in a conversation about great matchups down the road in the tourny. Only mentioning UNC, UCLA, Memphis and Tennessese.I hope our team caught that segment and continue to play great ball in our search for that ellusive Nat'l Title. Go Jayhawks!

March 24, 2008 at 11:41 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

soapboxstew (anonymous) says...

That game 3 years ago was a real benchmark for Wright and the 'Nova program. If I remember correctly, we were undefeated and darn near #1 in the country. They were unranked and unheard of since the G-Town NC many years ago. It snowed heavily in Philly before the game and there was an odd atmosphere before tip-off. They hit EVERYTHING and we missed our bunnies. We outplayed them and they blew us out of the building. Very UCLA-esque from last year. That win for 'Nova boosted them into the rankings for the first time in years. It started a good run for them that year, put Wright on the map, and helped recruiting for the years to come (Reynolds).
Another connection: Wright cut Mario and Sherron and kept Lowe and Weaver from WSU. Team USA lost all but 1 game (if I remember correctly) en route to yet another big embarrassment for 'Team USA' in international play. I watch Lowe and Weaver play all the time here in Denver, they don't deserve to be the back-up towel boys to Mario and Sherron. 2 McD's AAs and future NBA players vs. 2 guys that will work @ McD's after school. Wright made our guys look bad to scouts. He hurt their confidence. "HE CALLED OUT THE CHIEFS" (Slap Shot).
We have had our REVENGE this year. Time to avenge this injustice.
They have NO seniors to our 5.
They don't deserve to win.

March 24, 2008 at 11:43 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

kackley (anonymous) says...

I just want to say I would be very disappointed if we don't win Friday but you know what I appreciate what the team and the coaches have done this year. Has anyone else felt the officiating throughout the tournament has sucked. And speaking of sucking, CBS sucks big time. I would be thrilled to see another network get NCAA games. Get tired of them cutting away to other games and not allowing ESPN to pick up at cut away time.

March 24, 2008 at 11:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Lebowski (anonymous) says...

Chuckberry... in another article, Mario said "I'm fine" and actually gave no mention to hitting his head (or face) on the floor. I'm with you, though... I was worried his teeth were going to laying on the floor!

March 24, 2008 at 11:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

kansaspike (anonymous) says...

anybody else concerned about Collins? My god, get that knee better!!!!

March 24, 2008 at 11:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

robot (Robin Smith) says...

we as fans are free to speculate as far in to the future as we like. It's important for the players to not look ahead to other games and focus on the game at hand, but it is ridiculous and stupid to suggest that fans must do the same.

so wissoxfan83, you are being a moron, but I guess that doesn't concern you, because you can only think about one thing at a time.

March 24, 2008 at 12:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

wissoxfan83 (anonymous) says...

Wow, I just joined this thing and am already being called a moron. Thanks for making me feel welcome!
Still all these people are looking ahead, worrying about start times and dollar signs.

March 24, 2008 at 12:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

not_important (anonymous) says...

People bringing up the Chalmers incident made me curious what you all think about Coach Self leaving the front-liners in when the game all but over. I had been saying to myself since we came out of the under 4 minute media timeout (which came at about 3:30) that we should get some subs into the game. Besides avoiding the possible catastrophe of an injury, something we almost had with Mario, we can also save their legs a little bit.

Now, this UNLV game was the second of the weekend, so our guys have time to rest, but he did the same thing against UAB in '04. We were throttling UAB down the stretch and we kept Miles, Langford, Giddens, and Simien in way longer than I thought was necessary. They played 35, 33, 29, and 28 minutes, respectively. With an Elite 8 game less than 48 hours away, I would have thought a little rest would have done the guys some good. Its hard to say if it was fatigue or Ga Tech pressure led to our demise, but those four guys shot 18/49, 36.7%, combined for that game and none of them played fewer than 34 minutes and that was Langford who was in foul trouble. You can't predict how the next game is going to play out, so I would think it sure couldn't hurt to get guys out a little bit if the game isn't in doubt.

I know you don't want to let up, but up 14 or so with under 3 minutes left, we should be able to get our subs in and knock down free throws to keep a team from getting close. And if it does get close, put the starters back in. At the very least we are protecting ourselves from the freakish accident.

I hope that if we take 'Nova to town and we're up big, that Coach Self takes a step back and looks ahead a little bit and realizes we still have to beat Wisconsin/Davidson before we get to San Antonio. Maybe this one little change in philosophy will get him his first Elite 8 win.

March 24, 2008 at 1:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

tis4tim (anonymous) says...

wissoxfan83,

Don't get discouraged. Most regulars on here are much more respectful of your opinions unless you're a Mizzou fan going incognito just to cause a dust up of sorts.

As such, most Jayhawks on here will be more discreet about calling you a moron. :D

Kidding. Welcome aboard.

March 24, 2008 at 1:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

kranny (anonymous) says...

not_important,
Your points are valid but all you have to do is look at Clemson/Villanova. An 18 point comeback in 15 minutes. At this point, with all the TV timeouts you play your best players as long as you can to keep the foot on the Juglar vein and keep a sense of rhythm.

March 24, 2008 at 1:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

goldlighting (anonymous) says...

Anybody else remember Villanova fans chanting OVERRATED OVERRATED at the end of the game three years ago? I would think that would be all the motivation our great team would need to end Villanova's run at a national championship.

KAUN make your bunnies, you are starting to resort back to form like you did against UCLA game last year, make those bunnies and we were in the final four.

March 24, 2008 at 1:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

NavyHawk (anonymous) says...

A game can turn very quickly, especially with the caliber of teams in the NCAA tournament. The team that's behind and desperate can shoot some quick treys and, combined with a couple turnovers by the subs, the score could go from +18 to +6 or +3 very quickly.

Putting the starters back in after mentally resting a couple minutes doesn't guarantee they'll play to the same level they were playing prior to sitting down. As long as the opposing coach is not conceding the game, Coach Self has every reason to leave the stars in the game.

wissoxfan83, I agree with tis4tim, you are entitled to write anything here as long as it's not offensive, nor blatantly pro-mizzou ; ) The morons here are those who call others a moron for expressing an opinion they don't agree with.

Go 'Hawks beak 'Nova!!!

March 24, 2008 at 1:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

bhann (anonymous) says...

goldlighting--

not a fair statement to Kaun. It would be better to say, Arthur, Rush and Chalmers--Play to your ability and not the Final 4, but then the NCAA Champioship is ours.

Defense is the key. The teams that have made upsets or comebacks in the 2nd half, they did so by out playing the on the other team with DEDENSE!!

Offense gets you in the game, defense wins it!!

March 24, 2008 at 1:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

tulsahawkfan (anonymous) says...

Shouldn't Chalmers and Collins have plenty of motivation playing against Jay Wright's Wildcats in the Sweet 16? If I remember correctly they both seemed a little bummed this summer when he cut them both from the National team because they couldn't shoot from the outside.

March 24, 2008 at 1:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

ppierce (anonymous) says...

Jay Wright is claiming that he didn't have any input in cutting Mario and Sherron. He said a committee was responsible for deciding who stayed and who left. I have a hard time believing that the coach didn't have any input into the decision. Even if he didn't, I guarantee you Mario and Sherron will use it as a chip.

March 24, 2008 at 2:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

tulsahawkfan (anonymous) says...

I read the story again.. you're right it was a committee. I still think they're going to want to show him what he missed out on though.

March 24, 2008 at 2:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

aeroku (anonymous) says...

Does anyone know about Pep Rally info for Friday in Detroit yet?

March 24, 2008 at 2:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

wissoxfan83 (anonymous) says...

Hey thanks for the more level headed welcomes! And don't worry, I hate Misery just like the rest of you. And I'm a perfect gentleman, I can handle opinions that I don't agree with, unless, of course, they belong to a misery fan.

March 24, 2008 at 2:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )