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February 23, 2009
5:10 p.m. update
Not really too many new developments to speak of, other than the SportsCenter report that mentioned a series of tests that Oklahoma administered Blake Griffin after he sustained the concussion on Saturday at Texas.
Holly Rowe reports that the medical staff administered a Standard Assessment of Concussion test to Griffin more than once and he has yet to pass it.
Looks like this was an easy decision for OU coach Jeff Capel.
After tonight's KU game, Oklahoma doesn't play again until Saturday when it travels to Texas Tech. The Sooners could probably defeat the Red Raiders in Lubbock without Griffin, so if I'm Capel, I do everything I can to ensure that Griffin is 100 percent for March 4 when OU travels to No. 11 Missouri.
That should be about all for now, friends. Feel free to keep discussing in the comments section below. Enjoy the game tonight.
2:35 p.m. update
So it's official: No Blake Griffin on Big Monday. So what does this mean?
Well, let's take a look first at projecting a starting lineup. I think OU will look something like this tonight:
- 1. Austin Johnson
- 2. Willie Warren
- 3. Tony Crocker
- 4. Taylor Griffin
- 5. Ryan Wright
Look for Juan Pattillo and Cade Davis to be the Sooners' primary options off the bench. There's a chance Pattillo could start, but Wright, at 6-9 and 231 pounds, is more of a natural '5.' Pattillo is listed at 6-6, 218.
Should be interesting. What are everyone's thoughts on these new developments?
I think Kansas now has the best two players on the floor in Sherron Collins and Cole Aldrich. It seems an overwhelming majority of KU fans would have liked to see Griffin tonight to see how a young Kansas team would respond to the challenge of facing the nation's leading rebounder and the conference's leading scorer.
My thoughts are rather similar. I wanted to see Griffin and the No. 3 Sooners take on No. 15 Kansas for the right to see who's in the driver's seat for the Big 12 regular-season crown. May the better team win. Will we know who the better team is after tonight? Probably not.
I suppose these teams could meet down the road in the Big 12 tournament at full strength, but a lot of chips have to fall in the right place for this to occur. The possibility of an upset of either team along the way is realistic.
1:53 update
The Oklahoman is reporting that OU star forward Blake Griffin will not play in tonight's 8 p.m. Big Monday matchup against Kansas.
The decision was made after consulting with the OU medical staff, which suggested Griffin needed more time to heal after sustaining a concussion in Saturday's loss to Texas.
OU coach Jeff Capel gave no timetable for how many games Griffin would miss.
11:45 a.m. update
Jeff Capel just finished speaking with the media on the Big 12 coaches teleconference and there's still no word on whether Blake Griffin will play tonight. However, the Oklahoma coach said he "should know something within the hour."
Stay tuned to KUSports.com for Griffin's status updates.
Capel did make one thing clear, though: It won't be Griffin making the decision.
"He won't have any (say)," Capel said of Griffin. "It's the medical staff when it's a situation like this. If it was just up to him, Blake would play. He wanted to come back in the second half (on Saturday) and at least give it another try. But you don't mess around with something like this."
10:20 a.m. update
Bill Self just spoke for 10 minutes on the Big 12 coaches weekly teleconference. Not surprisingly, the Kansas University coach was asked if he wanted to see Blake Griffin, whose status is currently questionable because of a concussion he sustained over the weekend against Texas, on the court tonight.
"Selfishly speaking, I think everyone wants a chance to play against the best," Self said. "I told our guys we want (Griffin) to play and they agreed because how often do you get to play against the top player in the country and the No. 1 player in the (NBA) draft? I hope he plays, but not at the expense of a risk because they have a chance to play at the highest of stakes. But I hope he's clear and I hope he plays. It'll be a tough matchup for us either way, but we're pulling for him to be healthy."
Self was also asked how many teams he thought the Big 12 would land in the NCAA Tournament. For reference, the conference sent six teams last season.
"Some people are saying our league will only get four (teams), and that may be true," Self said. "But if the other teams in consideration can play well the next few weeks, we may get six in. We have some bubble teams, like Nebraska, A&M and Okie State. K-State is playing extremely well and I think Texas will get in for sure. I think five is realistic, but we have a chance for six."
9:30 a.m. update
Welcome to today's edition of Conference Chatter, where the big story is whether Oklahoma star forward Blake Griffin will play against Kansas at 8 p.m. tonight in Norman, Okla.
The Big 12 coaches weekly teleconference begins at 10 a.m. with Kansas coach Bill Self. I'll update the blog shortly after Self speaks.
Oklahoma coach Jeff Capel is scheduled to speak to the media at 11:20 a.m. this morning. If there are any updates regarding Griffin's status at that time, I'll let you guys know.
After the teleconference, I'll get into some other topics regarding tonight's game. I'll start out by asking for opinions: What do you think of the opening line of OU minus-4? Who's the most important player for KU tonight? Be sure to make your opinions known in the comments section below.
Also, be sure to check out the latest edition of the Big 12 Soundoff podcast, where Jesse Newell and I debate whether KU fans should want to see Griffin tonight.
For now, let's get this entry started with the Sorrentino Scale. The number that follows in parenthesis is what place the team was ranked last week:
- 1 (1). Oklahoma (25-2, 11-1): Sooners played well in Austin despite Griffin's injury.
- 2 (3). Kansas (22-5, 11-1): Big Monday to decide regular-season champion?
- 3 (2). Missouri (23-4, 10-2): Lyons (13 points, 15 boards) impressive this weekend at Colorado.
- 4 (4). Kansas State (19-8, 7-5): Weak resume, but if NCAA Tournament started today, how do you leave a team that's won seven of their last eight conference games out?
- 5 (5). Texas (18-8, 7-5): Horns' tenacity on the offensive glass and the pride they take on defense should carry them into NCAA Tournament.
- 6 (7). Oklahoma State (17-9, 6-6): Cowboys have bubble written all over them come tournament time...
- 7 (6). Nebraska (16-9, 6-6): ...So does Nebraska.
- 8 (9). Texas A&M (19-8, 5-7): Favorable schedule to close: At Nebraska, vs. Iowa State, at Colorado, vs. Missouri. May have to win out and advance to at least second round of Big 12 tournament to make the Big Dance.
- 9 (8). Baylor (16-10, 4-8): Disappointment of the Big 12 this season.
- 10 (11). Iowa State (13-14, 2-10): Has lost nine of 10.
- 11 (10). Texas Tech (12-15, 2-10): Has somehow lost 11 of 13.
- 12 (12). Colorado (9-17, 1-11): Has lost 14 of 16.
Comments
d_prowess (anonymous) says…
I think the most important KU player is going to be Brady as I am guessing he will need to guard Warren most of the night. I think Griffin will get his points if he plays, so we really need to take out their number two scorer and that is were Brady needs to step up. And I think Brady is just the type of pesky defender that could rattle the OU freshman into having a sub-par game.
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esorrentino (Eric Sorrentino) says…
Hey dprowess, an interesting point. I was thinking about the matchups as well. Who do you think will guard Crocker? He's a 6-6 guard, but he might be an odd matchup for Collins or Taylor. In the past, Morningstar has shown he could frustrate taller players. With that said, Warren's obviously their best guard, so I see the natural reasoning for sticking Morningstar on him.
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patton6 (anonymous) says…
I agree Eric, I think the more natural match-up would be to have Brady on Crocker and Tyshawn on Warren. Brady is a great deny defender, but not as good on the ball with penetrators, which (despite his six 3's the other night) is what Warren is really looking to do more often than not.
If I had a guess, I'd say:
Sherron on Johnson
Taylor on Warren (this could be scary though and put Tyshawn in some foul trouble)
Brady on Crocker
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d_prowess (anonymous) says…
I see both of your points and hadn't really factored in Crocker. But I agree with Patton that it is scary to think of Taylor given the responsibility of Warren, especially since Taylor seems to have hit a wall or fallen into a slump (whatever cliche you want to use!). Who know though, maybe having the coaching staff give Taylor the responsibility of Warren is just what he needs to regain his focus and really step up. It seems to happen at times for young players.
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esorrentino (Eric Sorrentino) says…
I like patton's matchups. That's kinda how I figured things would work out. I don't know if you put Collins on Warren just because you want Collins going full force on offense. This could factor in even more if Griffin doesn't play tonight. If that's the case, whoever's guarding Warren will most likely be chasing him all over the floor because he'll be the go-to guy.
These next eight hours are going to go by really slow. Just a guess.
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2010 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament bracket results Points: 24 Final picks: KU / UK / Villanova / KSU Check out Eric Sorrentino’s bracket »
nddhawk (anonymous) says…
"if NCAA Tournament started today, how do you leave a team that's won eight of their last nine conference games out?"
I'm not sure how that's possible considering you have them at 7 wins and 5 losses in the conference.
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esorrentino (Eric Sorrentino) says…
Indeed, that's impossible. It's seven of eight. Fixed.
Thanks for noticing that, ndd.
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2010 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament bracket results Points: 24 Final picks: KU / UK / Villanova / KSU Check out Eric Sorrentino’s bracket »
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Yahweh (anonymous) says…
I was wondering the same thing, nddhawk.
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didjabuti (anonymous) says…
I thought it was a little funny that Self said "how often do you get to play against the top player in the country and the No. 1 player in the (NBA) draft?" Apparently if you're in the Big 12 you get 1 or two chances a year. Just kidding around, but the league has had a lot of talent the last few years. Durant and Beasley both should have been the top draft picks. Beasley ended up in a good situation though. Actually, I'm not quite sure but wasn't TJ Ford a number 2 pick also? Whatever, it's late for me. I can't wait to wake up and see the score. Rock Chalk!!
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jcsmith (anonymous) says…
"How often do you get to play against.... the No. 1 player in the (NBA) draft?"
Can you say Deric Rose and the 2008 National Championship Game. :)
rock chalk jayhawk!
go ku!
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KUglow (anonymous) says…
Real disappointing to hear Blake won't play. Gives the haters another reason to discount our win tonight.
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JayViking (anonymous) says…
I thought Warren got hurt on Saturday, too. He's OK, apparently?
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KUglow (anonymous) says…
I think Warren just had cramps in his legs. I am looking forward to see how we match up against him. He looked awesome Saturday night picking up the slack for OU.
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jcsmith (anonymous) says…
Haters can discount all they want..... While we're hangin the banner in AFH.
A wins a win. Against the best player or not. You cant take away from a teams win just because it was a coincidence he is hurt prior to.
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Yahweh (anonymous) says…
Wow. No Griffin... would have been nice to see the Cole Train go up against him. Oh, well. A win is a win. We still need to show up against a tough opponent in their gym. No cake walk here.
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d_prowess (anonymous) says…
Still definitely no cake walk tonight. It actually shifts more of the pressure on us than them, which can be dangerous when young and playing on the road. We really just need to play steady and hope no one goes off on us (Warren mostly, but hopefully some role player doesn't get hot). I feel that when this team plays steady ball (i.e. limit out turnovers) we can beat anyone, anytime.
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vmwskywalk (anonymous) says…
Oklahoma is not a very deep team w/ Griffin. I think this could open up some opportunities for us given our depth.
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soswalt4 (anonymous) says…
It didn't even look like Pittman hit Griffin very hard at all. I don't care what anyone thinks, this is a HUGE advantage for us. Lets get the ball to Cole early and just keep pounding it inside. If we could win this game, the Big 12 title could be ours (if we don't slip up vs. MU & Texas). I hope Griffin recovers quickly, but what an advantage for the Hawks! KU by 5
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d_prowess (anonymous) says…
soswalt4, have we had a game yet when we have gotten Cole the ball early and often? I am not saying you are wrong, but that is what seems to be a big problem for this team. Let's hope it gets corrected tonight!
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soswalt4 (anonymous) says…
For us to have a chance we need to get the ball to Cole early. We haven't in past games, that's why we need to do it tonight. We usually get the ball to Cole more in the 2nd half. If we feed it to him all game, count on him having a 25/15 night.
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BucknellJayhawk3 (anonymous) says…
while watching ESPN today the announcers were talking about how Griffin isn't going to make a great NBA player, because he lacks a shooting touch and is too short. thats the first I heard that comment all season. its funny how people can forecast your entire athletic career before you're 21.
only 3 hours until tipoff!! griffin or not, I hope we play some clean turnover-less basketball tonight.
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Jhawkerman (anonymous) says…
KU's freshman need to play like Soph, Jr or Sr's tonight. Freshman time is over its time to show you have "gotten it" when it comes to the transition from HS to College Basketball. Time to stop the foolish turnovers, time to block out, time to show the talents that got you into the finest Basketball program in the nation. Time is at hand so go out and be that player we all know you can be against OU. Time to win against a still very good basketball team. Don't think OU will be a pushover without Blake. They will play with great energy and it will take your best effort to win this emotional game. Go out and play like the players you can be tonight.
Rock Chalk
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Yahweh (anonymous) says…
So glad the Morris twins have actually looked like KU players the last few games. If they turn in big numbers we can't help but win. On the other hand, if they revert to form...
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bradam (anonymous) says…
I agree with getting the ball to Cole early and often - get him over those 'away-floor' symptoms he sometimes shows on the road. The twins are showing some progress, who will shine tonight? I'd sure like to see Tyshawn or Mario step up and have a great game! GO KU!
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