Patient Thomas Robinson picks apart North Dakota

Posted by Tom Keegan December 31, 2011 at 7:05 p.m.

1. Thomas Robinson: Both coaches used the word “patient” to describe the quality that enabled the junior forward to have a career day in which he contributed 30 points, 21 rebounds and four assists without turning it over. The word seldom has been used to describe the energetic, strong, quick post player whose shooting, ball-handling and passing have come so far since he arrived at KU. Considering how Robinson’s patient approach was rewarded, look for it to be used again. He even hit a three-pointer for the first time in his career.

2. Tyshawn Taylor: One of college basketball’s quickest players sped his way to 18 points, five assists and three turnovers.

3. Elijah Johnson: Couldn’t get his shot to drop and made just 2 of 10 three-pointers, but played well defensively, fed the post skillfully and finished with seven assists and just one turnover.

4. Travis Releford: Still a little to eager to jack three-pointers (1 of 4) and a little shaky as a ball-handler and passer, Releford took five of his seven rebounds off the offensive glass and scored 14 points.

5. Conner Teahan: Made just 1 of 6 three-pointers and had a defensive lapse or two, but did contribute nine points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals without turning it over.

6. Justin Wesley: Scoreless in six minutes, Wesley committed two fouls, turned it over once and picked up one rebound.

7. Jeff Withey: Remember the guy who played such a tough game against Duke (14 points, 10 rebounds)? Did anybody happen to see him Saturday? Had two points, two rebounds and two turnovers.

8. Kevin Young: The benching of Withey created an opportunity for playing time. Opportunity lost. Six minutes, one rebound, no defense.

9. Naadir Tharpe: Needs to have a big game to gain confidence. Looked a little confused in six minutes without a point or assist.

10. Merv Lindsay: Was it just me or was that all ball on the foul with which he was charged?

The Keegan Ratings: Season Standings
1. Thomas Robinson (118 points)
2. Tyshawn Taylor (106 points)
3. Elijah Johnson (88 points)
4. Jeff Withey (86 points)
5. Travis Releford (81 points)
6. Conner Teahan (74 points)
7. Kevin Young (56 points)
8. Justin Wesley (54 points)
9. Naadir Tharpe (32 points)
10. Merv Lindsay (7 points)

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AsadZ 1 year, 5 months ago

Great to see improvement in TT's game. He is playing great. I am still puzzled as to why Withey was stuck to bench today.

Alohahawk 1 year, 5 months ago

Great game stat's for TRob! And great assist to turnover ratio for the starters.

Unfortunately, I couldn't watch the game, again. And I hate to sound negative, but I'm left wondering, this being the final tune-up before conference play begins.

Why didn't Withey play more? Same for some of the other bench players who have normally seen more time on the court?

And is KU deliberately hiding its offensive sets from future opponents by jacking up over twenty-five 3 pointers during a blowout game? Or, with the exception of TT, aren't KU's guards confident that they can drive the lane? Surely the bench isn't learning many offensive sets just shooting threes.

I find it amazing that a team can hit 24 of 35 shots (.689) from inside the arc, yet fall back on shooting so many 3 pointers while hitting at such a low rate. I realize shooting 3's opens up the middle, but hitting only 22% (6 of 27) from beyond the arc will not win a lot of games, even though the Big 12 Conference is supposed to be down this season. Another big question there. KU's top three or four conference opponents are going to be very difficult to beat.

I just wish KU's guards wouldn't rely on 3's so much, especially when they hit so inconsistently. I hate to say it, but if KU shoots more than fifteen 3's against K-State, they're going to be in trouble. (And vice-versa, K-State made something like ten of fifteen 3's in their first half against Howard, today!)

Finally, take away TRob's freethrows (9 for 12, for 75%) and the rest of the Jayhawks shot .47% from the line (9 for 19). Unless they can revert back to the way they started the season, at .720 or so, the Jayhawks are going to loose some games at the line during conference play. (Come to think, perhaps that's why the guards aren't driving the lane. They're not confident in hitting their freethrows if they're fouled.)

Happy New Year to all! Or as we say in Hawaii, "Hauoli Makahiki Hou!"

Bangkok_Jayhawk 1 year, 5 months ago

Thomas Robinson is a freak

actorman 1 year, 5 months ago

Aloha, your concerns are well-founded. In fact, the announcers talked quite a bit about the fact that EJ used to be a slasher in high school and is now not even trying to penetrate. (BTW, I thought Miles Simon was an excellent analyst -- one of the best I've seen on a KU broadcast. Do others agree?)

As for your question about Withey's playing time, Self addressed that in another article on this site, but I think the biggest problem was that he was doing a terrible job of rebounding, letting a lot of balls go off his hands and generally playing soft. I hadn't really noticed it that much when I was watching, but Self made it pretty clear that that's why he didn't play more.

T-Rob was incredible in this game, but what I found even more encouraging was the fact that TT played his third straight solid game, and seems to have stopped being so reckless with the ball. He started the game with a dumb turnover, but after that played a very smart, consistent game. If he can keep playing at that level, and T-Rob can keep handling the double-teams so well, they should have a tremendous conference season, even with the lack of depth.

fansincewilt 1 year, 5 months ago

Coach Self sent a pretty strong message to a few players today. I hope they got it.

REHawk 1 year, 5 months ago

The first time Withey retired to the bench was after taking a fall. I thought I saw him signal the bench to come out, so had wondered if he was injured. Strange game for him today. Young, Wesley, Tharpe...gee whiz! Today was a rare and marvelous opportunity for them to step up to some hefty minutes. All 3 fizzled! If they couldn't cut it today, it is hard to imagine their logging anything near significant minutes in league action. If they don't get with the program pronto, all 3 will probably sit and watch a 6 man rotation govern remaining games this season. Barring injury to one of the current top 6 players, those 3 will have to work their tails off on the practice court in order ever to glean more than 5 or 6 minutes each as the Jayhawks barrel into and through league play. A major lapse for them this afternoon.

AsadZ 1 year, 5 months ago

It is great to see T-Rob getting 30 pts/20 rebounds. No doubt he had a great game and he has worked very hard for it. I am really happy for him considering how he has battled tragedies in past 12 months. It is also pleasing to see how he is learning to play within himself and not do too much when double/tripl teamed, he is letting game come to himself.

I'd hope that we continue to see improvement in his game as competition gets tougher during upcoming conference games.

Rock Chalk T-Rob - F.O.E

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