Here’s a Q and A session as my Christmas gift to you all. Wait, Christmas has long passed so it’s my New Year’s gift to you. Wait, NY’s Rockin Eve has also passed, so forget all that blather and simply read this Q and A which might tide you over until V-tines Day.
Q – Gary, KU is off to an 11-0 start. Are you surprised, and wasn’t that a great win at Lexington? Alex.
A – Yes I am a bit surprised. With Wayne injured, I thought the game in Rupp was pretty much a sure loss. But the young Jayhawk big men sure stepped up. Sasha Kaun had his first big game which will do wonders for his confidence. Ditto C.J. Giles who seems to play better as a starter. Darnell Jackson had no stats to speak of in six minutes, but I thought actually did some nice things while in there.
I thought KU might drop one of those home games, to say a South Carolina and/or Georgia Tech and thought they might lose at Kentucky, so I thought they’d maybe have two losses by now.
Q – Gary, Christian Moody; Christian Moody; Christian Moody. Need I say more, Tina.
A – I’m not sure what your question is, but I get the drift. Moody is doing a great job. He’s a walk-on who is filling a major role on this team. He really is one of the nice stories, maybe the best human interest story, in the Big 12 if not the whole U.S. this season.
The Asheville (N.C.) Flash has started every game and seems to be getting better and better.
That fast break layup and dunk versus Kentucky off the pass from Mike Lee was great late, as was his three. Where’d that three come from anyway? Amazing.
He’s also a very very nice guy. Kudos to Christian. I like when nice guys succeed.
Q – Gary who is better Aaron Miles or Russ Robinson. Kate.
A – Aaron Miles. He’s a senior record holder and great leader. Russell is just a freshman but he shows great potential.
Q – Gary will KU win the Big 12 title? Fran.
A – Dunno. The schedule is in KU’s favor with Texas and Oklahoma State coming to Lawrence. Key will be the upcoming two games at Iowa State and Colorado. If KU opens 3-0 it may be off to the races for a while. That win over Kentucky lends some hope to KU staying unbeaten a while, that is if the Jayhawks can win at ISU and Colorado.
Q – Gary what’s wrong with J.R. Giddens? Is he thinking about the NBA too much? I think he should stay at KU for 4 years. Ben.
A – He’s not shooting well of late, but he’s gonna have to shoot his way out of his skid. Like Bill has said, I also think he’s pretty much the same player he was a year ago. He may be a better defender this year. I know you want him to make shots. To do that, he’s gotta keep firing them up.
Nothing really has changed regarding J.R. and his draft status. I think most people entered the season thinking he’d be a two-years-and-out guy, and I think most people still believe that. It doesn’t really matter how one plays if the NBA has deemed a player an NBA prospect. It’s all about potential and upside and I think Giddens has been targeted as a first-round pick.
He’s not going to talk about it until after the season and rightly so. I’d say everybody should enjoy the season, and expect Giddens will be leaving. If he decides to stay, think how happy you’ll be. But expect him to leave.
As far as what would hinder him from being an NBA star right away, that would be defense and inability to put the ball on the floor. We’ll have to see how it plays out.
All players of his caliber think about the NBA a lot and I’ve written gads on this subject already, since it is my pet peeve. The NBA had a great minor league system in college basketball but ruined it by plucking so many high schoolers and not letting them develop in college for their league. More and more players are going to be talking about going pro after one, two years of college. It’s reality now.
Q – Gary should Keith Langford have been reprimanded by KU for his statements about the refs after the A&M game? Bart.
A – Gosh NO. He didn’t say anything bad about the refs that I haven’t heard from coaches and players numerous times. He mumbled something about freshmen getting the calls and it being ridiculous or something. But he quickly added that he was in the game at the end which was important, and KU was 10-0 and that was all that mattered.
That’s the key when players and coaches criticize refs: Do they end the quote by saying, ‘but ….”
Keith did that so it didn’t even really seem newsworthy. I know Keith and Keith was just being Keith at that moment, he wasn’t blasting anybody intently.
I think the powers that be at KU may want to send a message to Keith to tone it down so he doesn’t get suspended by the league for a big game for ripping the refs.
Keith is a colorful guy and on that occasion what he said didn’t make me bat an eye. He said nothing wrong in my opinion.
Q – Gary, Would KU do any better if they still had Simien against Georgia Tech or Texas A&M? Number 1 KU fan Dalton.
A – Yep, with Wayne it’d be a lot smoother and there wouldn’t be those scoring droughts. That first half at Kentucky wasn’t too spiffy. KU scored 21 points which wasn’t great.
Q – Trivia question at our house last night: When did the sign “Thus, Pay Heed, All Who Enter: Beware of the Phog!” quote come into being…what year did the sign arrive at Allen Field House? Was their a ceremony? Who is the author?
A – Danny Manning scored 31 points in a 74-70 loss to Duke on Feb. 22, 1988. At the game, KU students unveiled a banner made of shower curtains that read, “Pay heed all who enter: Beware of the Phog.” I don’t know who the students were that brought the banner. The sheets fell apart a few years ago and were replaced with a real banner.
Q – Who is the best freshman as of right now?
A – Hard to say. They’ve all shown flashes of goodness.
I’d say it’s probably Russell Robinson who has been the most consistent contributor. Alex Galindo has been great of late and Giles, Kaun and Jackson have all been pretty good on occasion. The three big men, however, have had some growing pains. C.J. has been fouling a lot; Kaun hadn’t done a lot until the Kentucky game where he excelled. Darnell has had a rocky road of late, not producing many big numbers. But they are all young and will get better.
Q – Gary, how good will KU be next year after losing our seniors? Will the freshman class pick up the slack or will it be a down year?
A – Well, next year will be a very difficult transition for KU. Assuming all the freshmen show up which I think they will, it’s going to be a very young lineup. If J.R. turns pro, KU will have just one veteran with a lot of experience, Moody.
It will be a very very interesting season with KU opening in Maui with such a young team. Kaun, Jackson and Giles are going to need to emerge as forces because next year they really will be needed.
Q – Gary, how were your holidays? Bruce.
A – Let’s see. On Thanksgiving Eve at 11:30 p.m., Central time, I was working on the Rodrick Stewart story. On Christmas Eve, all day and into the early evening, I was working on the Micah Downs looks like he’s going to the NBA story. And on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day I worked all day on Georgia Tech stuff. Aside from that, they were great. I love the holidays, all holidays.
Q – Why don’t the point guards pass after pick and roles?
A – I guess in the heat of battle sometimes they make mistakes. They try to do the right things. Sometimes you try and fail. They’ll keep working at it.
Q – What’s your personal impression of Micah Downs and, more importantly, his father? DK in Manhattan
A – I like both of them. I have no problems with them just because they said in an article they were thinking about the NBA.
I do believe Steve Downs and Micah made a mistake in commenting to the media about the NBA on Dec. 23, however. There was no reason for Micah and his pops to agree to that story in the Seattle Times.
All top 20 players who are blessed with athleticism, Micah included, are now thinking about the NBA. There’s no need for them to tell the press that they are thinking about the June NBA Draft in December, however.
What they need to do is just let the season play out and see if any scouts assure them first-round status at season’s end.
Who can blame them for thinking about the pros? Even if a first round rookie rots at the end of a bench, he is guaranteed money that can set him up for life. It’s a new world now and high schoolers and their parents see the NBA sort of like winning the lottery.
Both Micah and Steve seem like nice individuals to me. They haven’t done anything wrong. If the kid is told he’s a certain first round pick, he’ll turn pro. So will 15 other high schoolers. Get used to it. It’s the way it’s going to be from now on. Getting two to three years max out of a McDonald’s All-American will be all that’s available unless there’s a drastic shift in the current climate.
Q – In last night’s game agaisnt A&M they kept getting too many second-chance points and I noticed that Darnell wasn’t in there. When he finally came in, he grabbed three or four boards, then he came out again. I dont know if he is in Self’s doghouse or what.
A – I don’t think he’s in the doghouse. Self gives guys opportunities and if a player does something he doesn’t like, he pulls them out of the lineup and gives somebody else a chance. Darnell has had his moments just like all the freshmen. You noticed he did get to play against Kentucky, so I don’t think he’s residing in the doghouse.
Q – Gary, will KU win the national title. I want one more than life itself. Ruben.
A – Impossible to tell at this juncture. If Simien and the rest of the boys are healthy, it sure is a possibility. North Carolina, Wake and Illinois have incredible teams and will be there til the end also if they stay healthy. don’t forget Oklahoma State and a batch of other teams. Hard to say if KU will win it all. It’s possible, but the odds are never good. Only one team can win it all so try to enjoy the regular season.
Q – Please list all KU players that are now with the NBA and which team they are playing on. Thank you Jean.
A – Nick Collison (Seattle), Drew Gooden (Cleveland), Kirk Hinrich (Chicago), Raef LaFrentz and Paul Pierce (Boston), Greg Ostertag (Sacramento), Scot Pollard (Indiana) and Jacque Vaughn (New Jersey).
As to how the Jayhawks are faring, Gooden looks like he’s found a home in Cleveland. He’s had several double doubles this season. Hinrich continues to lead the Bulls in scoring and appears to be a star in the making. LaFrentz and Pierce are playing well in Boston, though the team isn’t clicking, while Collison has had some decent games as rookie coming off an injury. His Sonics are off to a fantastic start.
Pollard has suffered from injuries most of the season, while Ostertag has been Ostertag. Vaughn has done what he’s been doing much of his career, not hurting the team when playing a backup role.
Q – Can you advise who is actually on scholarship at this particular time? After looking at the roster, it appears there are 13 scholarship players. Is a scholarship going to be given to Moody?
A – Not this year. KU has filled its allotment of 13. Moody will get one next year if one is available. At this time there are none available for next year since Rodrick Stewart is on board.
Q – How do I find where the KU alumni bar is in Tulsa or any other city I may be in for a game? jJcob
A – Check out the KU Alumni Association Website here.
Q – I’ve been hearing rumors that in the next couple of years Allen Fieldhouse will be torn down so a new place can be built to fit more Jayhawk fans. I hope its not true Allen Fieldhouse is one of the best places to play at in America. Its also an icon to the people who truly have a love for KU basketball, and the school itself.
A – I can tell you flat out that rumor is not true. The fieldhouse is set for a facelift with money targeted to clean the outside of the building, replace the windows up top and build a new Hall of Athletics.
KU wouldn’t be committing the dollars to building the Hall adjacent to the fieldhouse if there were plans to tear down the building. Don’t fret. The building will not be wrecked.
Q – Is there any way you could get a message to Bill Self? I really believe KU could run the table this year if they could super concentrate on one thing, defensive intensity because that will determine what kind of shooting night the other team will have. I’ve seen it over and over again.
A – I don’t need to relay that message, because Bill is all about defense. He knows defense is the key to winning championships.
Don’t get me wrong. He likes to score and push the ball whenever possible, but you better believe his teams will always play good, hard, stingy defense. He needs no reminders about the importance of defense.
Q – When Rodrick Stewart arrives 2nd semester, will he immediately be on full scholorship? WIll that be KU’s last scholorship available in the near future?
A – He’ll have to pay his own way the second semester because KU already has 13 players on scholarship. Bull Stewart, Rodrick’s dad, said the family was willing to pay. He’d start next year on scholarship and be eligible to play at the conclusion of first semester which will be in December.
Q – is it possible to shoot a ball with out it spinning.
A – Funny you ask. I can attest to the fact you can shoot a ball without it spinning. When I played ball, I had a flat corner jumper that didn’t spin much at all. Yes, you can shoot a flat brick without spin on it and it will go in the hoop. It’s not recommended, however.
Q – Gary, who do you think the Jayhawks will play in the NCAA finals this year?
A – I’d say the opponent will be the North Carolina Tar Heels. Yes, KU and UNC are gonna meet in the finals in St. Looie. Get ready for the wildest game in NCAA history. It’s time to start preparing mentally for that one, KU fans. Be on your best behavior. You don’t want to get thrown in the slammer for throwing cups on Tar Heel players like those kooks in Detroit. Just kidding. KU fans don’t throw objects.
And I’m also kidding with the answer to this question. Bill Self says about 30 teams are contenders to the Final Four. I’d agree with him on that. Nothing’s guaranteed.
Q – What ever happened to the talk about a Big 12/SEC challenge similar to the ACC/Big 10 challenge?
A – Good question. Talk continues with little to no results. I’m not sure what the holdup has been. I think the popularity of the challenge you mentioned would speed up talks. The ACC/Big 10 challenge has been a runaway success. I did hear recently the Big 12 coaches don’t want a challenge.
Q – What is KU’s all-time bball record against Oklahoma State?
A – KU leads the series, 97-50. Not bad at all.
Q – What was the last year of the Sunflower Doubleheader? Kansas State and KU plus two other teams played a weekend tounament at Lawerence and Manhattan back in the 1960’s. It was great. Jill.
A – The last year was the 1968-69 season.
Q – Will Christian Moody see more playing time during this year and in his senior year?
A – Yep. He can play the game and has been doing a fine job this year. I think he’ll play a lot next year because he’ll be one of the few veterans around.
Q – What is the biggest difference in coaching between Roy Willaims and Bill Self.
Whos the better coach between them Roy and Bill
A – They actually have a lot of similarities. Both work their players extremely hard at practice and both like their players to be role models on and off the court.
I am not going to say who is the better coach. They both are great coaches and I’m not gonna pick between the two.
Q – Hey Gary, I was wondering why KU is schedueling games on Sundays. What’s wrong with the other days of the week? bob
A – I also hate Sunday games and missing out on all the weekly fun at St. John’s. They do it because of TV, modern athletics, money money money, blah blah. You’ve heard this type of answer before. When TV talks, schools listen.
Q – Remember the year AZ broke our hearts in Birmingham? Of course you do! Am I right in remembering that was a very long season, with lots of exempt preseason games. Any danger of us being worn out and injured by late March after the Canada trip? Cynthia.
A – There’s danger of the team being worn out and injured but probably not because of Canada. It’s a long season and the team most healthy at the end has perhaps the best chance of surviving the Final Four.
Q – Gary, what do you think of KU’s recruiting class?
A – Well I think it’s a great class. Micah Downs can shoot the ball and is athletic; Julian Wright is exceptionally athletic and appears to be a star defender and Mario Chalmers is a point guard who can not only pass but score. Good class.
Addendum: To show I never forget, there was a question long ago sent to me that read: “Has there ever been a bat boy or ball boy who has gone on to become a major league star? If so who?
Two fans sent me answers to that query – Apparently Johnny Pesky of the Red Sox was locker room boy for visiting teams in Seattle or Portland in the PCL. He later went on to star with the Sox during the Ted Williams days.
Another fan said, “I was listening to an interview with Maury Povich last week, and he said that he used to be the batboy for the Washington Senators. I believe the Senators later became the Minnesota Twins. Also, Povich is the son of sportswriter Shirley Povich.”
Questions and answers as hoops season rapidly approaches.
Q – Gary, why are the Jayhawks playing exhibitions against Emporia State and Washburn instead of teams like EA Sports and the California All-Stars? I liked it when Rex Walters and Steve Woodberry came back and played for the exhibition opponents. What gives? Don, Salina.
A – The watchdog NCAA has outlawed exhibition games against private all-star teams. The reason for that is some – not all, but some – of those all-star teams were run by AAU coaches who held college coaches hostage.
Allegedly, some AAU coaches refused to let certain college coaches recruit their players in the summer unless they cooperated by playing and paying their traveling all-star teams in the fall.
Guarantee money for exhibition games runs between $20,000 and $40,000 buckolas, no chump change.
I think the NCAA should allow KU to play K-State and Missouri in exhibition games. It’d be a lot more exciting than playing the in-state Div. II schools.
Q – Gary, if you had to make a case for Russell Robinson making the most freshman impact on KU’s team, what would it be?
A – I could easily make a case for Russell Robinson having the biggest impact of KU’s five scholarship freshmen.
Aaron Miles needs a backup at the point and Russell has the ball-handling skills and defensive skills to step right in as a rookie and contribute. He’s been impressive at the practices I’ve attended this preseason, especially with his passing.
Don’t forget about the other freshmen, however.
Big men Sasha Kaun, Darnell Jackson and C.J. Giles all will play significant minutes. Jackson is a bruiser who can rebound; Giles an athletic shot blocker who runs the floor well; and Kaun an inside presence who can score with either hand. All three of those guys played well in Canada.
Alex Galindo has a sweet three-point shot and could also emerge as a top rookie if he can shake his groin problems. Believe me, Alex can shoot the rock.
Q – What is the possibility of ALL the recruits in 2005 honoring their commitment and coming to KU instead of opting for the NBA? Alex.
A – I think all three recruits will honor their commitments and show up at KU next summer for summer school.
I’d be shocked if any of the three (Mario Chalmers, Micah Downs, Julian Wright) turn pro right out of high school.
Anything’s possible, however, because of the NBA’s relentless, shameless pursuit of high school talent.
Nobody thought J.R. Smith would turn pro out of high school. He hit a batch of threes in the McDonald’s All America game and it was bye-bye North Carolina, hello NBA.
Some KU fans will watch future McDonald’s games and cringe if future Jayhawks fare well, lest NBA scouts come and pluck them away. It’s a lousy era to be a college hoops fan with NBA teams stealing away 10 or so elite prep players per year. It really sickens me that the NBA has given up its free minor league system – college basketball – and has raided so many players after a year or two of college (see the last ‘Ask Gary’ column for my rant on this topic).
You can’t blame the players for turning pro early. Who’s about to turn down guaranteed millions for class and study hall?
Q – I am doing some research on “great coaches,” who never played the game (or who had less than illustrious careers as players). I have been trying to find information about Adolph Rupp’s years as a player at KU (1921-23). Do you have any information on that? Thanks. Rudy.
A – According to the KU media guide, Rupp was a member of the 1922 and 23 KU teams that won Helms Foundation titles, but his stats aren’t listed in the guide. You’d probably have to go up to University Archives to check all the newspapers for possible game stories during the winters he played here.
Q – Are we going to run more this season?
A – I think so. KU ran the break very well against its four opponents in Canada, especially when Aaron Miles and Russell Robinson were in the game at the same time.
Coach Bill Self says the Jayhawks will pressure more. Self says he wants to play the style of basketball that gives his team the best opportunity to be successful in March and that means the team has to play tough defense.
Q – KU basketball will be good this year I think. But next year after they lose Langford, Miles, Simien. Will they have anybody to fill there position? And will Giddens stay all 4 years? And one more thing how good are these freshman?
A – KU will miss the four seniors as much as much as Laker fans are gonna miss Shaq – a lot. But lose no sleep over the loss of Wayne, Aaron, Mike and Keith. Time stands still for no one.
There will be talented players already in the program and ones coming in, to fill their positions. It might take a while for the 2005-06 Jayhawks to gel, but Mr. Bill has recruited well and there will be players good enough to keep KU in the Top 25.
It should be interesting to see how a young, young team plays in the 2005 Maui Invitational against top-notch opponents right off the bat.
But hey … that’s a long way off. KU will be fine.
In my opinion, there’s no way J.R. will stay four years. There’s a chance he might stay three, but I have no crystal ball and really am worn out speculating about the NBA. I think it’s safe to say any KU player now and forevermore will consider leaving for the NBA as soon as the NBA makes it clear that player will be a first-round pick.
That’s the way it is nowadays – high school players are being brought up thinking there’s something wrong if they have to stay in college more than two or three years max.
KU’s freshmen are very good. We’ll have to wait and see how good.
My suggestion is to have patience and not run them out of town with mean comments on the Internet and talk shows if they are inconsistent.
My gosh, freshmen are going to be inconsistent. It’s as certain as death, taxes and coaches baiting the officials each and every conference game. Deal with it.
Q – Do you think that coach Self will save the fourth scholarship that he has or will he find someone now that the two wing men that he was recruting signed somwhere else? Does he have a favorite at this time?
A – My educated guess is coach Self will use the fourth scholarship.
On whom? Heck if I know.
Last year, C.J. Giles and Alex Galindo were signed second semester out of nowhere and that type of scenario could happen again this year.
Bill could sign somebody who has a great senior year in high school; he could sign a juco guy; he could sign a foreign player; he could accept a transfer.
I do not think the coaches have anybody in mind right now, but hey, this is all speculation on my part, as Self cannot comment about recruiting to media in accordance with NCAA rules.
If you asked me, though, he will fill the fourth scholarship in the spring rather than hang onto it.
Q – How far will KU make it this year? I see national title how bout you. Michael.
A – If somebody stuck a gun to my head and said I had to bet my life savings of 50 dollars on the matter, I would not bet on the Jayhawks to win the national title.
Only because the odds of any Top 10 team winning the title are about 20 percent.
So many things could derail the title train. Heck, because of the lack of flu shots this year, four Jayhawks or four Tar Heels or four Illini or four Demon Deacons could catch the influenza bug during March Madness and their title hopes could vanquish like a rich Southern California lawyer’s earnings on a bad night at a craps table in a Vegas casino.
Yes, I think the Jayhawks can win the national title. But so can Illinois, Wake, Louisville, Duke, Kentucky, Georgia Tech, Oklahoma State, Texas, North Carolina, Duke, Gonzaga or St. Joe’s.
I’ve said it before and will say it again: It’s tough being a college basketball fan, because the nature of the tournament is such that it’s very difficult for your favorite team to win it all.
Good news is KU has four driven seniors; bad news is there are about 15 teams who could get it done in a given March.
Q – Gary, what did the Jayhawks gain from the trip to Canada, if anything? Keith, Richmond.
A – KU’s players gained a lot from the trip up North. The freshmen were able to experience life on the road and receive a taste of what college basketball is all about. The competition up there was better than expected, it really was. I thought Simon Fraser had a team that could beat some U.S. college teams, while British Columbia had an off day against KU, but slapped K-State.
The Jayhawks also bonded as a team and that shouldn’t be taken lightly.
By the way, if you have any free time on your hands, I’d highly recommend a trip to the Vancouver area during the late summer months.
The weather was great, the people are friendly and there’s a lot to do up there. From what I was told, tourism is down a bit and Canadians would welcome our business up yonder.
Q – Gary, do you think Wayne Simien made a wise choice coming back to KU? Fran, Overland Park.
A – Of course. It didn’t appear Wayne was going to be a lottery pick and he is fiercely loyal to KU and has a burning desire to win a national title.
Even if KU doesn’t win the big prize, Wayne is the type of person who will enjoy being a college kid one more year. Hopefully he’ll have a big year, lead KU to a national title, win the Wooden Award, then get drafted in the first round and make some of that guaranteed money.
Q – Gary are you surprised Billy Thomas got cut by the Washington Wizards on their last cut? Tina, Austin.
A – No, not surprised, but saddened. With all the mindless jerks in that league, it would have been nice to see 28-year-old Billy Thomas get to play in the league and cash in on the millions.
Thomas really is one of the nicest guys to wear a Jayhawk jersey. Judging from the box scores, he really didn’t play very well offensively during the NBA preseason, so I kind of saw it coming. Hopefully he’ll catch on somewhere else, but it hasn’t happened yet and he isn’t getting any younger.
Q – Gary, do you think KU will win the Big 12 or will it be Oklahoma State? Bart, Lawrence.
A – I think KU will win the league this year, but I would not be shocked if OSU or Texas won the conference. A lot depends on health. Injuries can change anything and everything.
KU gets OSU at home this year and Texas also at home. The Jayhawks will want to avenge last year’s losses in Stillwater and Austin. Nothing’s guaranteed, of course, but I picked KU first in my preseason poll, sure I did.
Q – Gary, should KU build a new arena, just as Missouri did? Benny, Kansas City, Mo.
A – No. Allen Fieldhouse is a great building and should stand forever. I have heard that MU’s new arena is beautiful, but look what its replacing … Hearnes was not considered a fan friendly arena, instead was sort of a steep monstrosity.
The Tigers are moving into a great building after being in an average one. Allen is already a great building.
Now, Allen has its faults and must be upgraded. The outside needs a good sandblasting and will be cleaned in coming months thanks to the hefty donation of the Booth brothers. The new Hall of Fame will be great. It’d be nice if Allen had air conditioning, but that doesn’t figure to occur anytime soon.
Q – Gary, do you think Christian Moody will play more than mop up minutes? Dana, Phoenix.
A – It’s possible he’ll play 10 or more minutes a game. It depends, really, on how well Kaun, Jackson and Giles adjust to major college basketball. Moody is an intelligent kid and pretty darn athletic for a walk-on.
In answer to your question, I would not anticipate Christian playing that much, only because Kaun, Jackson and Giles are so highly regarded, but it would not shock me to see Moody in there.
Q – Gary, I know you don’t cover football regularly, but I’ve noticed your byline on some football stories. Why can’t we get over the hump? We reached a bowl game and now we’re 1-4 in the league and going nowhere. Trent, Topeka.
A – I’m sure there are dozens of technical reasons KU can’t get over the hump. You asked a simple question, however, and I’ll give a simple answer.
KU, for whatever reason, can’t get it done on the road. Some teams play lights out at home and the opposite on the road, and that in a nutshell, is KU.
The defense has been good to great all season; the offense pretty offensive all season.
No question the Jayhawks could have beaten Texas Tech, Northwestern and Iowa State. Had those games been Ws, KU woulda likely been headed to another bowl.
Consecutive bowl appearances would have meant a lot to Mangino’s program.
It’s gonna take a minor miracle – OK a major miracle – to reach a bowl, now. A season of great promise could turn into a last place finish in the North without some dynamite football in the last three games.
Q – Gary, will Moulaye Niang or Jeff Hawkins ever start at KU? Fran, Lawrence.
A – I don’t see that happening.
You have to remember teams are made up of all kinds of players. These two guys are role players.
If called upon, they are expected to step in and not hurt the team and contribute positively where they can. They were not blue chip recruits out of high school. They are pieces to a puzzle in that they are expected to help at practice and give it their all when called upon in games. They were never projected to be starters and don’t figure to ever be starters. That doesn’t mean they can’t be valuable members of the Jayhawk team.
Q – Gary do you think KU will beat Kentucky in Lexington this year? Phil, Junction City.
A – It will be very difficult. KU will have had 10 consecutive home games to start the campaign and who knows, maybe they’ll have won all those home games.
It will be quite a shock visiting Rupp on a cold January day after opening the season with all those games in Allen. KU could win that game, but at this junction (no pun intended) I’d have to go with the ‘Cats.
KU’s schedule is wacky this year with all those home games until January. The Jayhawks intended to play in the Coaches V. Cancer tournament but that fell through because of the courts failing to grant relief to teams regarding exempt games.
Q – Gary I see we’re ranked No. 1 by the coaches. Too high? Karen, St. Louis.
A – Perhaps a bit too high. Wake Forest and Carolina of the ACC could have been named No. 1, especially considering that league has been anointed the best in the country.
Oklahoma State returns as many starters as the Jayhawks and the Pokes made the Final Four last year; KU the Elite Eight. It doesn’t really matter, but I would think KU is perhaps a tad overrated.
Q – Gary, I went to Late Night in the Phog for the first time and thought it was boring. Any chance KU might get rid of the event? Larry, Topeka.
A – Funny that a guy named Larry doesn’t like Late Night.
Larry Brown was the guy who first brought it to KU. Late Night is what it is … a giant pep rally to kick off the season.
True some of the skits and dances are boring. At the same time, it’s not easy to kill several hours waiting for the clock to strike midnight.
The NCAA may provide some relief next year. Legislation is proposed to allow teams to start practicing at 7 p.m., instead of midnight, on the Friday closest to Oct. 15.
If that passes, look for a lot less skits and perhaps more basketball with Late Night running just a couple hours. We’ll have to wait and see. I personally think Late Night is great for the kids in attendance.
And isn’t that what it should be about? Entertaining young fans who don’t get to come to a lot of games?
Q – Gary, any chance KU will meet North Carolina in the national title game? I’d like to stick it to Roy and that’s the best possible way. Art, Lawrence.
A – Sure, there’s a chance of that happening. KU, for that matter, could meet Illinois in the national title game. Or Illinois could meet Carolina.
That would be wild if KU, Illinois and UNC all reached St. Louis.
I thought it was nice the NCAA kept KU far away from Illinois and Carolina in last year’s brackets. I don’t think KU playing UNC or Illinois would have been a healthy matchup last year with so many ill feelings between fans of the various teams.
That’s about it for the questions. As you know, I personally have emailed many of you answers to your questions these past several weeks. Good bye, good luck and dunk you very much.
Here’s a mid-summer Q-and-A session concerning Kansas University men’s basketball, what else?
These questions have been submitted by you, the Internet reader, and are being answered by me, myself and I. I reserve the right to change, amend or completely “about-face” my answers in coming days, weeks and months. You do not have the right to disagree with me, for I know it all.
Just kidding. Feel free to send any and all rebuttals to gbedore@ljworld.com.
Q: Gary, do you think it’s really a good idea for KU to play four exhibition games in Canada in September? It’s a long season. Somebody might get hurt during the four games or the 10 practices leading up to games. Why risk it? Football season should be for football, not basketball. Dennis, Olathe.
A: Don’t fret, Dennis: I think the practices and practice games in Vancouver will help this team a lot.
Remember, six newcomers (five scholarship players and one walk-on) are joining the program. The 10 practices will prove valuable to those rookies, who will need to contribute significant minutes for this team to reach its potential.
KU coach Bill Self says he’s actually looking forward to the practices more than the games – meaningless exhibitions to be played in small gymnasiums in the great Northwest.
Yes, it’s possible, as you suggest, somebody could get hurt during the practices and/or games. But hey … there are risks involved in everything the Jayhawk players do. On any given day, a Jayhawk could slip on a bar of soap in the shower and tear knee ligaments. They could do the same stepping off curbs while walking on campus or descending the steps at Wescoe Hall.
The Jayhawks can’t live in fear of the injury bug.
I mean, who knows? A mosquito might bite Wayne Simien while he’s out fishing with his dad. He could come down with dengue fever, but he’s gonna go fishing anyway. No need to lose any sleep over what ifs.
Q: Gary, will the exhibition games in Canada be on TV? Randy, Bonner Spgs.
A: The exhibition games will be available on the Jayhawk Radio Network. As of this writing, I’ve heard no plans for TV coverage.
Looks like it’ll be the Jerry Lewis telethon and Seinfeld re-runs dominating the Labor Day airwaves again this year, while the Jayhawks are off scrimmaging in Canada.
It’s nothing to obsess about. I can’t think of any school in the country that’s ever had foreign tour games televised. Remember, Roy Williams took a KU team to France one winter and none of those games, all meaningless defeats, were shown on TV, either.
Q: Gary, can you email me KU’s schedule for next season? Don, Salina.
A: KU’s schedule hasn’t been released yet.
What is known is Vermont, St. Joe’s, Georgia Tech, Nevada, South Carolina and TCU will visit Allen Fieldhouse. The Jayhawks’ nonconference road trips will be to Kentucky and Villanova.
Look for the schedule to come out in coming weeks. It takes a long time to finalize college hoops schedules in this day and age because of TV. The Big 12 Conference is a hot commodity with the networks and cable stations right now and it’s not easy to fill in all the dates and time slots.
Q: Gary what do you think of coach Self’s success in recruiting so many faraway areas? Coach Williams seemed to be limited in where he’d go recruit. Kyle, Pittsburg.
A: I think it’s great. Bill Self and his assistants have proven they will fly or drive anywhere in search of talent.
In November, KU signed Russell Robinson (New York), Sasha Kaun (Russia by way of Florida) and Darnell Jackson (Oklahoma). This past spring, KU landed C.J. Giles and Micah Downs (state of Washington), Alex Galindo (Puerto Rico by way of Newark, N.J.) and Mario Chalmers (Alaska).
For good measure, KU stayed close to home and corralled 6-10 walk-on Matt Kleinmann of Blue Valley West.
Bill’s strategy of recruiting all over the globe is refreshing and exciting for KU basketball. He’s certainly not afraid to hit the East Coast, a place Roy was allergic to.
Still, there’s no need to bash Roy’s recruiting strategy, which was to recruit the West and selected states fairly close to Kansas. That strategy helped him win more than 80 percent of his games and reach four final Fours.
No sane person can argue with any of that. He was a couple of made free throws away from a national title.
Roy’s recruiting philosophy was solid; Bill’s appears dandy, also. And don’t bring up the lame argument that Roy “took off every other year in recruiting.”
That, folks, did not happen. You win some and lose some in recruiting. I hope Bill continues to enjoy success on the recruiting trail. He works hard enough, that is for sure.
Q: Gary, how does KU’s incoming class of recruits rank with past classes in KU history. Robert, Salina.
A: Well, only time will tell of course, but I think the class of Sasha Kaun, Russell Robinson, Darnell Jackson, C.J. Giles and Alex Galindo on paper is one of KU’s best classes in the past 10 years or so.
Kaun, Robinson and Giles would have made a McDonald’s All America game for kids not heading straight to the NBA.
On paper, this is a phenomenal class. It was ranked No. 2 in the country by rivals.com. However, like Self says, the game is played on the court, not played on paper.
Hype aside, we’ll not find out how good these players are until they hit the court the next several years.
Remember, Kansas State had what was deemed the No. 1 or 2 recruiting class in the country a year ago and I didn’t see the ‘Cats doing much of anything last season.
Q: Gary, will any of KU’s recruits be able to help improve the team’s three-point attack next year and in years to come? Tammy, St. Louis.
A: I think so. Russell Robinson and Alex Galindo are known as deep scoring threats and should be able to provide some offensive punch immediately.
Then in ’05-’06, KU adds Micah Downs and Mario Chalmers, both known as accurate three-point marksmen.
Don’t forget, J.R. Giddens proved he can hit the three last year and Mike Lee is ready for a big final season. Also, nobody is giving up on Jeremy Case, who shoots lights out at practice.
And just ask Neil Dougherty if Jeff Hawkins is capable of hitting a three. Hawkins single handedly croaked Dougherty’s TCU Frogs from three-point land last year, though Jeff slumped from the bonus line in almost every other game.
As you know, Miles and Langford also have the ability to knock in the three-ball.
Q: Football this year? Better; same; worse? Dean, Louisville, Ky.
A: I’m not known as a football expert, but I think I’m capable of tackling this question (sick pun intended).
I think KU’s football team will be better than last year, but the Jayhawks’ overall record will likely be worse, if that makes any sense.
That’s because the schedule is tougher. It’s not easy to win in football in the Big 12 Conference when the schedule includes games at Oklahoma, Nebraska and Missouri, plus home games against Kansas State and Texas.
Yikes!
If KU hopes to return to a bowl and/or draw some big crowds for conference games at Memorial Stadium, the Jayhawks better sweep nonconference foes Tulsa, Toledo and Northwestern.
That, folks, is easier said than done. Those teams are not pushovers by any means.
KU will need to find a replacement for Bill Whittemore quickly and the guys up front need to do a good job of preventing sacks. You better believe some of the foes – heck most of the foes on the schedule – have defenders capable of knocking out a quarterback on any given blitz.
Q: Gary, what do you think of the points system for basketball tickets? Diane, OP.
A: I’m trying to shorten my answers (in the past I’ve been known to write mini-essays), which will challenge me in answering this piercing, probing question.
I feel the pain of those fans who’ve had good seats and supported the Jayhawks the past 30 or so years, who will be moved to the rafters because of the points system.
At the same time, most schools are using points systems in either football or basketball, or both. KU, like those schools, desperately needs the extra millions of dollars the points system will generate. As you know, the Jayhawks’ budget is low compared to schools like Texas, Michigan and Tennessee.
In a perfect world, there would be no points system, but in a perfect world, there also would be no college basketball games starting after 7:30 p.m. and no games on Sunday.
There also would be no timeouts over a minute and a half and there’d be no advertisements on jerseys and sweaters and all over arenas.
This is not a perfect world, and colleges, which are paying huge dollars to hire and retain coaches and ADs these days and even pay for scholarships amid rising tuition costs, need to generate dollars somewhere.
At KU, many of the millions will come from this points system, to the chagrin of some longtime ticket holders who don’t have the money to pony up.
This answer to this question would have been shorter if I had uttered the somewhat cynical cliche: “Life isn’t fair.” But I try to avoid cynicism and cliches at all cost.
Q: Gary, do you think C.J. Giles is a Danny Manning clone? A big guy who can run the floor, pass and score? Kyle, Newton.
A: I wouldn’t go that far. Remember, Danny is perhaps THE greatest college basketball player of all time who attended school for four years. He’s certainly in the top five of all time.
I tend to reserve judgment on C.J. until I actually see him play in a real game. The recruiting gurus say C.J. is very athletic and versatile and should be a huge asset to the program. It’s always a plus landing somebody with Jayhawk blood surging through the veins. Remember C.J.’s dad and mom both played ball at KU.
I think he’ll be a good to great player, but I don’t think it’s wise to compare anybody to Danny Manning, do you?
Q: Gary, since KU is opening with 10 practices in August and plays four exhibition games in Canada, will Late Night In the Phog be moved to August? Brian, Chicago.
A: Late Night will definitely NOT be moved to August.
Late Night will be held on the night of Friday, Oct. 15.
If KU held a Late Night in August in Allen Fieldhouse, it’d be so hot in there some fans might actually die.
I’m being serious about that. That place would be a sauna.
However, you’ve given me an idea that you are free to pass on to KU athletic director Lew Perkins. Now that KU has decided to embark on a foreign tour, the Jayhawks should consider holding a pre-tour intrasquad scrimmage at Memorial Stadium with a $10 admission fee.
A crowd of 40,000 to watch an August practice and selected highlight videos on the JumboTron would raise $400,000 for KU’s athletic coffers if I’m doing my simple math calculations correctly.
Charge $2 bucks for parking and sell concessions … and KU could raise close to half a million bucks on a balmy August evening.
I would think the Jayhawks would scrimmage at least once during their 10 days of practice heading up to the tour. Hold that intrasquad scrimmage at Memorial Stadium under the lights and voila … the money comes pouring in.
KU’s football team could attend for a halftime pep rally – perfect as a way to kick off the grid season – and a good time would be had by all.
Maybe they could play a video of Roy’s “I’m Staying” press conference on the video board for good measure (JUST KIDDING FOLKS, RELAX).
The only problem would be building a suitable portable court for Memorial Stadium. One wouldn’t want a Jayhawk hoopster slipping on a humid, wet floor and getting hurt at such an event.
Also, one wouldn’t want it to rain or be too windy. Can you imagine a Kansas wind gust catching a Mike Lee corner shot and carrying it over the goal?
Q: As usual, I appreciate you insight and comments. Am I correct about the following: As a SF, I assume Galindo would more likely sub for a third guard, like Giddens or Langford, than the big boys, like Simien or Jackson. Galindo’s only an inch taller than Giddens and two inches taller than Langford. And his main talent is outside shooting, which is something KU could use more of. He’s closer in height and role to Giddens and Langford than he is to Simien, Jackson, or Giles. Giles is actually listed as a center.
Assuming the guys play true to their positions, would Simien be primary PF with Jackson supporting him off the bench? Would Kaun and Giles would rotate as centers? With Moody, Niang, and perhaps Galindo helping out when needed? No matter how you slice it, there’s a lot of good depth there.
How would you rate the big men in likely playing time after Simien? I assume Kaun’s 2nd? Then who? THANKS and Rock Chalk!!! Alan
A: I think you are right. I think Galindo will sub on the perimeter.
I think the starting lineup will be Aaron Miles, Keith Langford, J.R. Giddens, Wayne Simien and either Sasha Kaun or C.J. Giles. If Kaun and/or Giles aren’t ready, I expect Mike Lee would start. Bill said he’s willing to go with four perimeter players if need be.
Otherwise, Lee will be first man off the bench on the perimeter. After that, Robinson and Galindo with Case/Hawkins still a possibility to be in the mix depending how they play in the preseason.
Kaun or Giles, whomever doesn’t start, probably would be first big man sub in the game, followed by Jackson, Moody and Moulaye, not necessarily in that order.
If I’m forgetting anybody, forgive me; it’s still July for goshsakes.
Q: After Simien, which, if any, of KU’s other three seniors has the best chance to make it in the NBA? George
A: It’s hard to say what type of player the NBA values nowadays.
It appears to me the perfect NBA player is a high school senior who has yet to show ANY flaws because all he’s done is play against fellow high schoolers. Or some guy far overseas who is a mystery more than a reality.
I mean I think Wayne, Aaron and Keith all could play in that league.
But what I think doesn’t mean squat. NBA execs probably figure Aaron can’t shoot well enough from the outside, Keith is too short or something and Wayne too small to play bang inside.
I say Aaron is as good a shooter as Jacque Vaughn, who has made a lot of money in the league. Wayne is as good as Marcus Fizer, who also has made a lot of cash; and Keith could be the next Jalen Rose.
I am down on that league big time.
Why? The NBA once had it made.
It had a minor league system in college basketball that filtered players to the pros, a minor league system the NBA paid zero dollars for. But NBA execs couldn’t control themselves and decided they could not pass on prep seniors, lest they miss out on the next Michael Jordan.
No matter that guys like DeShawn Stevenson can’t play a lick thanks in large part they never went to college. The NBA product is getting worse every year and the NBA has itself to blame.
So yes, I think all three Jayhawks can make it in the league. The reality is that one of them will make it, maybe not even one.
Q: I notice KU never plays in any of those November/December tournaments in Las Vegas in hoops. However, I think Illinois played there under Bill Self recently. Do you think he will take the Jayhawks out to Glitter City for a tournament, and if so, when?? I’m hoping, cause we live here. Thanks, Jalen “Schlep” Finnco, Las Vegas, Nevada.
A: I love Las Vegas, Las Vegas books and Las Vegas movies starring Don Rickles. Hopefully KU will get into one of those tourneys you mention. I know a lot of KU fans loved attending the games in Reno, Nev., last year.
Iowa State a few years ago wanted to play in a tourney in Las Vegas. If I remember right, those games actually would have been contested in a gym in a casino (was it Ballys, Casino Royale or the Barbary Coast?) but if I remember right, the NCAA deemed casino complexes off limits for games.
I wouldn’t discount a future series with UNLV and Lon Kruger. Kruger is a class act and former Illinois coach, just like Bill. Also, Lon is a K-State grad and probably wouldn’t mind bringing his Rebels to Allen Fieldhouse.
Q: Gary, Why would, in your opinion, someone like our recently departed post man choose to leave? It seems as if his reasoning is counterintuitive. Playing the four in the NBA is not the reason he left, is it? Respectfully.
A: Dunno.
David Padgett said the reason he left KU is he wanted to play the 4 position instead of the post-up 5. Later, after committing to Louisville, he admitted he signed with KU because of the former coach and that coach is gone, so he decided to look elsewhere.
I think, had he stayed, David would have been allowed to shoot the 15- to 17-footer extensively during his KU career. One of David’s most effective shots last season was from the free throw line extended. KU’s coaches encouraged Padgett to pop that shot.
If David wants to shoot threes, I guess he did make the right decision to leave. But I don’t know if Louisville’s Rick Pitino is gonna let a 6-11 guy fire up trifectas all the time.
I think David is a very, very, very nice kid who in no way deserved the treatment he received from some fans who criticized him viciously in the school paper, on talk shows and on the Internet.
I do think people sometimes expect way too much from college freshmen. There was the perception (by some) that David had a rotten season.
Give me a break. The guy had reasonable numbers for a freshman. He beat Missouri at Missouri with a last-second jumper. You’d think that in itself would have endeared him to Jayhawk fans forever. I personally wish David the best of luck at L-ville and thank him for all the interviews during his one season at Kansas.
Q: Gary do you think KU will win the national title next year? Frank, Topeka.
A: Maybe. The team’s seniors desperately want to win the title.
Wayne, Aaron, Keith and Mike Lee have tasted sweet success in the Final Four and want to cut down the nets on the last day of the season.
The Jayhawks are going to need some help from the incoming freshmen to win the crown (see the question about Canada trip, above). Somebody’s going to have to provide some punch from the outside off the bench and Wayne is going to need some support inside.
Just one team can win the title, so I feel uncomfortable saying the Jayhawks are a lock to win the crown. I’d say the Jayhawks will be a top 10 team all year if they can avoid the injury bug.
Q: I am still trying to find out statistic assist leaders for Big 12 or Big 8/12. I have KU’s assist leaders but I would like to find out where Jacque Vaughn and Aaron Miles place in that category.
A: A tip of the cap to Chris Theisen formerly of the Big 12 office, now headed to KU media relations, who emailed me the answer to this question for you:
Q: Has there ever been a bat boy or ball boy who has gone on to become a major league star? If so who? Karen.
| Rank | Assists | Player | School | Years |
| 1 | 804 | Jacque Vaughn | KU | 1994-97 |
| 2 | 793 | Doug Gottlieb | OSU | 1998-2000 |
| 3 | 738 | Aaron Miles | KU | 2002-present |
| 4 | 714 | Johnny Moore | UT | 1976-79 |
| 5 | 699 | Nelson Haggerty | BU | 1992-95 |
| 6 | 684 | Cedric Hunter | KU | 1984-87 |
| 7 | 682 | Brian Carr | NU | 1984-87 |
| 8 | 668 | Kirk Hinrich | KU | 2000-03 |
| 9 | 665 | Jeff Hornacek | ISU | 1983-86 |
| 10 | 651 | Terry Evans | OU | 1990-93 |
| 11 | 628 | Tim McCalister | OU | 1984-87 |
| 12 | 609 | Darnell Valentine | KU | 1978-81 |
| 13 | 602 | David Edwards | TAMU | 1991-94 |
| 14 | 600 | Gary Thompson | ISU | 1985-88 |
A: That is a brilliant question. I don’t know the answer. How about some help, KU fans? You’ve never let me down in the past. I am guessing, though, that the answer to your question is yes. The odds are decent some former bat boy made it big in the game.
Q: Where did Jeff Boschee get his hair cut?
A: Well, when he had the bald look, he cut it himself. His junior and senior years, I confess I have no idea.
Jeff gimme a call and provide me the answer to this question, please.
Q: The jury is out on this points system. If the basketball program ever falls from grace, this will tumble like a house of cards. To, apply this to football? Give me a break. Fill the stadium first.
A: The point system is painful, but is systematic of modern college sports. College sports are a big business now, in fact it’s getting worse every year, hence the emergence of points systems. It’s coming to football, so get ready for it.
Q: My dad played for KU in the ’50s and I would like to know how to locate team archives so I can find out more about that. He played in the Chamberlin days and has since passed away. Thank you.
A: You could go visit the university archives on the KU campus. I think they have all the old game programs.
Or you could purchase a KU media guide next season from the media relations office. There’s a lot of historical stuff in the guide. Hope that helps you a little bit.
Q: Hi Gary. Well, like it or not KU has just cut off the supporters from the western half of the state. I live 400 miles from KU. Been a Williams Fund and KU suporter for years. But, no more. Lew has cut the ties. Being so far out, we cannot compete, even if, “money were no object.” I cannot help but feel this thing will come back to haunt KU. Thanks for letting me vent. Bob.
A: I feel your pain.
Q: Hi, I, as most Jayhawks, can NOT stand MU team, fans, school… We had what I think to be the best recruiting class in the nation. Although, MU had a good recruiting class also. Do you think we will beat MU 3-0 like last season (or 2-0) ? Bob. Thank You!
A: I wouldn’t expect a sweep again.
It’s not easy to win in Columbia. But it’s possible. KU has a great team coming back. Another 2-0 or 3-0 sweep is certainly possible, but I’d always deem it unlikely.
Winning at MU is a tough task. The Jayhawks deserve credit for beating the Tigers last year in the final game played at Hearnes.
That was a monumental accomplishment, when you think about it.
Q: Gary, I have a rather simple question that you may or may not have the answer to. We know that some mascots have names such as the Ohio St. Buckeyes (Brutus the buckeye) and the Carolina Panthers’ (Sir Purr). Well, I was wondering that if the Jayhawk has or has ever had a name? Thanks a lot for your time and take care.
A: I’m not for certain, but I think the answer to your question is no. I’ve never heard of the Jayhawk having a name like “Johnny Jayhawk” etc.
Q: I know that we have one of the deepest and most talented backcourts in America, but only Simien down low. With the loss of Padgett, how do you think the frontcourt rotation will work? Do you think an incoming freshman will start (Kaun) or someone like Niang or Moody? Also, Simien is good but hes only 6-8. How do you think Kansas will fare rebounding-wise against teams like kentucky with multiple 7 footers? Matt
A: Well, I think Sasha, Darnell Jackson and Giles will be effective helping Wayne out down low. Nobody’s yet given up on Moulaye and Christian Moody has been a big surprise. So KU does have the bodies to bang.
Q: How many KU players are in the NBA?
A: Last year there were eight: Raef LaFrentz (Celtics), Jacque Vaughn (Hawks), Paul Pierce (Celtics), Scot Pollard (Pacers), Greg Ostertag (Jazz), Drew Gooden (Magic), Kirk Hinrich (Bulls) and Nick Collison (Sonics). Ostertag and Vaughn are free agents.
That’s it for now. Feel free to send me a grade for this Q-and-A session (A, B, C, D or F) and reasons why you liked it or did not enjoy reading it. Good bye, good luck and dunk you very much.
Hi. You write the questions, I pen the answers. That said, here’s a Q and A about Kansas basketball as I soak my frozen feet in a cauldron of boiling saltwater.
Q — Do you think KU will win any games against Texas, Texas Tech, Oklahoma State, Iowa St. or even the game at Missouri with the very poor play and low scoring against the lower Big 12 schools so far this year?
A — Well, I think so. Remember as poorly as you perceive KU is playing, the Jayhawks are 6-1 in the league — tied for first place right now — and 15-4 overall.
That is not bad, not bad at all.
I think KU can step up and win some big games, though I would agree OSU, Texas and perhaps even Missouri will be favored to beat KU in Stillwater, Austin and Columbia respectively.
The key is all-out effort. If the Jayhawks play as hard as they did against Missouri, they can win the big games.
Q — Gary, can you ever remember any KU team being a good free throw shooting team??? I can’t!!!! UNBELIEVABLE!!! If they make half of their free throws against Syracuse, they are national champs. If they make their free throws, they beat Richmond. If I am playing this KU team, I am zoning them and fouling them, and I stand a good chance of beating them. Other than Langford, we have no one who can create their own shot and shoot off the dribble. I think this season is going to be a struggle because teams are going to play them like Richmond and if the opposition has any athletes that can shoot like Richmond, they are toast. I don’t think KU has any realistic chances for any national title hopes for awhile, because I don’t believe the recruits we signed for next year can shoot the three-pointer either. When it gets right down to it, you can’t trade 3’s for 2’s. I’m sure a lot of KU fans are frustrated right now, simply because they cannot hit free throws!!!!!!!!
A — You touch on a lot of topics. First of all, KU is actually making 72.5 percent of its free throws which is the school’s best mark since 1982-83 when KU hit 72.9 from the line.
KU is only hitting 64.6 percent in conference games, however. The fact KU sizzled in nonconference games lends me to believe this team can be a good free throw shooting team.
You are right about the Syracuse game last year. That was the killer stat in that game. If KU hits free throws it is the 2003 national champion. I feel your pain there.
As far as threes, KU has made 44 in seven Big 12 games which is over six a game. That is not a horrific stat.
Three-point shooting is not a strength of the team. I beg to differ about the incoming recruits. Russell Robinson can stroke the three.
Also, in Big 12 games, J.R. Giddens has hit 17 of 40 and Keith 12 of 26, much better than in nonconference play. I’m not arguing with you, I’m just saying when a team loses you can always point to some stat like free throws or threes.
I will agree three-point shooting is an overall weakness of this team, though.
Q — Has the Big 12 turned into the Big 10? Big 12 games seem dull and slow ths year. I know KU lost Kirk and Nick but UNC already has four 100 point games. Is it talent or philosophy? Would Coach Self rather win a game 90-75 or 60-50? I think Roy would pick the 90-75, which, to me at least, is more interesting. Also since KU isn’t running as much are other teams not racing back, leaving more people to go after rebounds?
A — As far as the running issue, KU is not running as much as a the past two years, but that could be because Nick, Kirk and Drew are gone. They ran with the best. I think Bill does want to run and will in the future.
As far as dull games, scoring is down all over the country this year. USA Today had a good article on that in Thursday’s paper. Illinois led the Big 10 in scoring every year under Self so I think he does want to run. He does not necessarily stress running the nanosecond the ball goes through the hoop. That’s because he is stressing preventing the other team from putting the ball in the hoop.
I know the running issue is the big one on fans’ minds this year. All I can tell you is Bill correctly states KU has lost Nick and Kirk who combined for a zillion assists and points last year. And he says that’s why KU isn’t running quite as fast this year. I think KU has had a lot of alley-oop dunks in Big 12 play this year. So I wouldn’t agree KU basketball is dull.
Q — Very nice article about Aaron, but no references to T.J. Ford? I think Aaron is every bit as good as T.J. and he was a national player of the year.
A — If Aaron keeps piling up assists at this rate of over nine a game in Big 12 games, he just might be first-team all-league and could be an All-American his senior year.
Q — I live in Houston. My son is a junior at A&M. At Reed Arena on Saturday I was sitting with my Jayhawk buddies and he was on the other end with his Aggie friends. At the end of the first half we had the ball and I realized we didn’t have any “scorers” on the floor. Moulaye and Christian were upfront. I think Keith and J.R. were both on the bench, but that doesn’t make sense. My reaction was “How in the heck are we going to get a bucket?” Aaron had the ball, he killed the clock, then just smoked past everyone for a layup as the shot clock hit 2 seconds.
My son told me later that he remembered the moment because he saw the same situation, but his reaction was “Uh-oh, Aaron’s got it and he is going to score.”
He plays with so much confidence and humility. A rare combination. We can say a lot of good things about Roy Williams. One of the most important to me is that he recruited student athletes with the character we can take pride in. Aaron Miles is the epitome of that.
A — I would agree with you. Intangibles help make Aaron Miles the player he is. I agree with Keith’s recent comment that Internet geeks — as he put it — tend to worry too much about Aaron’s shooting statistics which are not great at all.
Miles is the guy that makes this team go. It would be nice if he could shoot better, in fact, KU probably does need him to score more to be the kind of team it wants to be, but you can’t deny he is an excellent, excellent distributor, defender and point guard.
Q — Do you think Jeff Boschee will ever join the coaching staff at KU? Also, why didn’t he join Roy and the boys at UNC?
A — Well, never say never, but I don’t see Jeff joining Bill’s KU staff. He told me he’ll play for the Kansas Cagerz this spring, then try to hook on with an NBA summer league team. If he doesn’t make an NBA squad, he’ll try to land a grad assistant job at a major college. He’ll do well. He remains a rock-solid guy. He didn’t join Roy at UNC because A) Roy had no openings on his staff and B) Jeff wants to try to play ball for a living.
Q — Gary, have we ever lost a game after starting the Rock Chalk Chant? Football or Basketball? A friend of mine from OU was asking me and I had no answer. Thanks
A — That is a tremendous question. I would say no. I have not heard about that happening in modern KU history.
I think I would know if that happened, because it would have been a monumental thing if fans did the Rock Chalk chant and then the team imploded and wound up losing.
Q — Has Joe Krabbencraft been signed? Last article dated 11/30 stated he could sign by Christmas.
A — Well, Joe Krabbenhoft, not Krabbencraft, has committed to Wisconsin. He can’t sign until November of his senior season. He’s a prep junior from South Dakota. A lot of people are wondering why he called KU his dream school then shortly after committed to Wisconsin. All I can tell you is recruiting is an inexact science and probably always will be an inexact science.
The recruiting gurus do a great job of covering recruiting, but remember these kids giving the quotes are high school juniors. To you older people, remember when you were a high school junior. Would you at that time have been totally comfortable giving quotes to a newspaper reporter? I remember one time I got quoted and I ended up sounding like a complete idiot at that time.
Q — After watiching KU play, do you feel that the future looks bright for KU basketball under Bill Self? The reason I ask, is that I’m becoming concerned about the way the team is playing. Granted KU has only four loses; however, three of those loses were against unrated teams with much lesser talent. Furthermore, they haven’t appeared to be that impressive in their wins against the lower echelon of the Big Twelve. For instance, in their wins against Kansas State at Lawrence and Texas A&M there was a feeling that if they had been playing a better team they would have lost and lost badly. This, of course, leads me to have doubts about their ability to beat the better teams such as Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas, and Texas Tech.
With Roy Williams at the helm I was confident that Kansas could beat anyone, but, with Bill Self, I’m losing that confidence. It seems that Bill Self is turning the the once fast-paced KU transitional game into a slow half court game. Is this because Bill Self is a disiple of Hank Iba? I hope not.
Years ago, John Wooden once told me that Hank Iba’s style of play is not the style best-suited for the modern athlete. He went on to tell me that Iba’s Olympic team wasn’t beaten by the Soviet team because of the controversal decision regarding the time clock. Team USA lost because of Hank Iba’s coaching. The players on that team were quick and athletic and at the end of the game, according to Wooden, that team should have been 10 to 20 points ahead of the Soviets, making the time clock a non-issue. Unfortunately, Iba forced his talented group of players to play his outdated slow paced game which allowed the slower Soviet team to stay in the game and be in a position to have a controversial call turn to their advantage and make them the eventuall winners.
I hope this is not what’s happening to today’s KU team — that Bill Self is taking a talented group of players out of their game and turning them into a Hank Iba slow-paced, low scoring team. Please tell that I’m wrong. And, please tell me that the future looks bright for KU, that we’re only a year away from becoming a dominate team again.
You’re far more knowledgeable about basketball than I am and that’s why I’d like your opinion. Should I still be excited about Bill Self? And, if so, should I still look forward to this year’s team going far?
A — Sure you should be excited about the future of KU basketball under Bill Self. He was so loved at Illinois the new coach there had to hold a mock funeral for Bill for the players to get over the loss of Bill.
Bill is a great coach, a good recruiter, a very good guy and a perfect fit for KU. Bill had no problem in coming in last April and signing a good-to-great class of Darnell Jackson, Sasha Kaun and Russell Robinson. Also, it appears he and his assistants are in on a zillion players in recruiting for next year.
I think he’s doing a great job with the transition here.
He’s 15-4 and the team is hanging in there, in first place in the league. It has the potential to be a factor in the postseason; it also has the potential to drop out early in the tournament.
I’ll tell you this. Bill was THE only choice to replace Roy and KU is lucky to have him and Bill also feels lucky to be here. This is one of the great jobs in the country and it’s a great fit for Bill and his family.
I don’t know how to keep addressing the issue of slow play. I don’t think the Jayhawks are boring, but if you do, that’s your opinion and we agree to disagree.
Q — I read recently that KU is going to re-examine the standards for hanging a player’s jersey in Allen Fieldhouse. I hope they do, because Kirk Hinrich definitely deserves to have his jersey on display. Gooden and Collison were great, but I always thought Hinrich was KU’s best player the last few years. He is quickly learning the ropes to be a great NBA point guard.
What do you think? And what do you think the standards should be for a player’s jersey to be hung up in Allen Fieldhouse?
A — I think the current standards are fine, being a consensus first-team All-American, two-time first-team All-American, national player of the year or player of the year in the NCAA Tournament. I think academic player of the year probably should be changed. That player probably should be recognized somehow, but I don’t know if hanging the jersey is appropriate in that case.
I do think some common sense must be used also. Perhaps KU should have a committee because Darnell Valentine should be in there as well as some other guys like Bill Bridges.
Q — Do you know what is going on with Drew Gooden at Orlando? His minutes and production are way down. Last night he only scored one point and didn’t even sniff the game in the fourth quarter. Has he fallen out of favor with the coaching staff?
A — I don’t know if he’s fallen out of favor with the coaching staff. I just think he remains a raw talent that hasn’t quite figured out how to put a complete game together in the NBA. I think the new coach has felt Gooden is better coming off the bench. Drew has had way too many coaches already in his NBA career and needs some stability.
Q — Not exactly related to KU basketball, but why is Stanford’s team nicknamed the Cardinal rather than the Cardinals?
A — All I could find on this issue is “Cardinal” has been the color of Stanford athletic teams since 1892 and was adopted in 1972 as the official name for Stanford sports. I think it’s just to be unique. Can any Stanford grads out there help me out further on this one?
Q — What is your opinion of the strength of the Bix XII this year compared to the ACC, Big East, Big 10 and Pac 10?
A — I think the Big 12 is not as good as the ACC, better than the Big 10, better than the Big East and equal with the Pac Ten. How’s that for a definitive answer!
Q — Why is KU not running more? Why is the transition game not emphasized more? The loss to Richmond was a true embarrassment. Coach Self even talked about players not being in the right spot after the discussion in the huddle prior to the play in the last minute. Poor effort by key players and again the same mistakes.
This team lacks focus, and I think Self is not doing the best he could. A box-and-one on their hot three-point shooter may have worked better. At least something should have been tried. Missed free throws allows for KU to lose another game. Remember, with all other variables the same, KU lost the national championship game because Langford and Collison did not hit crucial free throws. Why have KU players not learned from past mistakes. R. Williams’ team would not have lost at Nevada or especially at home to Richmond, a 9-8 team. Why is there not better play from the veteran players? Thank you?
A — Wow, another multi-faceted question. The Jayhawks are not running more because they are not rebounding that well. You need to grab the boards if you want to get it and go. Opponents have been grabbing a lot of offensive caroms. Also the loss of Nick and Kirk hurt the running game a bit, plus reasons I gave in my prior answer.
I wouldn’t call the Richmond game an embarrassment. I don’t think college players should be embarrassed when they lose. This is college athletics, not the NBA. Not the pros.
As far as losing to Nevada, stuff happens. That was that game before Christmas where the players’ minds aren’t always right and Nevada beat KU on a night KU had an off night.
My personal theory is at this point in time 15-4 isn’t too bad. KU probably should be 16-3 or 17-2, but 15-4 is pretty decent I think. Let’s see what happens in this upcoming killer stretch of games.
Q — Gary, do you think KU will win the Big 12?
A — I’d have to say, yes, but don’t discount Texas, Texas Tech and Oklahoma State. I think the Jayhawks are pretty good at taking care of business at home and I think will continue to win all but two on the road, which would assure a third-straight league title.
This team isn’t all that deep, so obviously any more injuries could change the outlook. I have a gut feeling Texas might win it, but I’ll stick with my preseason pick of Kansas
Q — Gary, does J.R. Giddens remind you of Paul Pierce? I see some similarities.
A — J.R. like Paul has those long arms, and an NBA body, but has a different shooting stroke than Pierce’s. Paul’s is more of a conventional stroke.
J.R. doesn’t take it to the hole much, yet, whereas Paul did and does. I do think J.R. will get to the point where he’ll be able to drive and dunk once he matures and adjusts to the college game.
J.R. doesn’t really remind me of anybody yet. Can anybody help me out with this one?
Q — Is David Padgett the next Chenowith or the next Collison? Tim from Lenexa.
A — I’d say David has the potential to be a Mark Randall-type scorer, that is, a guy who will learn to get great position inside and will score seemingly at will as his career progresses. He also has a sweet jumper from the outside, perhaps potentially even a better outside shot than Collison’s.
It’s going to be tough for anybody in KU history to put up Collison-type numbers. After all, Nick’s jersey is hanging in the rafters. But I think Padgett, if he stays healthy, can have a great career and perhaps someday vie for all-league and maybe All-America honors.
I know Padgett wants to be the best player he can be. You can tell that from the look on his face on the court. He wants to be a player, has a great attitude and I think will be a great player. Nothing is guaranteed, though. We’ll just have to wait and see.
By the way, I noticed that slam on Eric. I still like the Big E even though he refuses all interview requests from me.
Q — Gary what do you think of the NCAA not letting KU fans do the traditional Wheaties cheer when an opposing player fouls out? This really bothers me.
A — I think it’s ridiculous. I mean KU fans have been waving the wheat to the Wheaties jingle ever since the Ted Owens era, maybe even the Dick Harp era for all I know.
It’s supposedly unsportsmanlike for KU’s band to play the Wheaties jingle as the fans wave the wheat “at” a player who fouled out, but frankly I’ve never heard another team’s coach or players EVER complain about that particular tradition. I mean even Roy Williams, who liked to monitor KU’s crowd to keep it on its best behavior, approved of the Wheaties song and wheat waving.
The rule is the band cannot play except before the game, at halftime, and during timeouts. When a player fouls out, there’s usually not a time out, so the band can’t play. I think it’s stupid and wish the band could keep playing.
By the way, a nice reader called me and told me a neat story. Back in the 70s, when KU made the Final Four in Houston, General Mills sent KU thousands of boxes of Wheaties for KU students to bring to the Astrodome. They did so, but nobody fouled out and the Wheaties boxes weren’t waved.
Q — Any early favorite for a national champ?
A — No. It’s pretty much up for grabs. I do like UConn if the Huskies can stay healthy. That team is explosive. Could this be the year a team like Cincinnati or Vanderbilt wins it all? Nah, but it could be a sleeper team.
Q — Any opinion of the mess at Missouri? Rex, St. Paul.
A — I think all the distractions have certainly hurt the Tigers on the court. I think the Missouri players were floored by the Clemons mess, as you put it, and when the going has gotten tough, the Tigers many times have folded in big games. Remember, this team was a preseason top five team.
As far as the probation, if MU has indeed committed major violations, I hope the NCAA hits the Tigers hard. If the Tigers didn’t commit any serious violations, I hope MU gets off with a slap. I have nothing against Quin Snyder, who has shown a lot of class in the KU-MU meetings throughout the years.
Q — Is Jeff Hawkins potentially a good player or not?
A — I think he has the potential to be a player. He can dribble and pass and has quick feet. He’s had major woes from three-point land. He needs to work on his shooting this summer. I think he’s pretty solid on defense and usually makes crisp passes.
Q — Why don’t Omar Wilkes and Jeremy Case play more?
A — Bill Self has said they are like the majority of college freshmen, not quite ready for prime time, yet. He said the majority of freshmen in the country enter college and do what Wilkes and Case are doing. They arrive green, learn the system, find out what it takes to play at this level, work on their deficiencies in the summer, then play more in the future.
Both also need to bulk up a bit. Bill says they are “time away,” meaning that in time they’ll be players.
Q — Will Moulaye start someday?
A — I’d say no, just because KU tends to recruit All-America type phenoms at all positions and Moulaye probably won’t be able to beat out players like Kaun, Padgett, Simien, etc. Rosters change yearly and stuff happens, so we’ll have to wait and see, but I see Moulaye as more a third or fourth big man.
Q — Gary, list your favorite destinations.
A — Honolulu, Maui, Las Vegas, New Orleans, London, San Diego, Chicago, Reno. Did I say Maui?
Q — Hey, I’m not a fan of Self’s hi-low offense, which I call the hi-slow. Why doesn’t he scrap this offense? It is boring.
A — I think the hi-low is as good as any other offense. The problems occur when the Jayhawks aren’t hitting outside shots, meaning opposing players double and triple team KU’s inside players. Every coach has an offense and defense he prefers and Bill’s hi-low is technically sound.
Q — The true fans in Western Kansas who can afford to see weekend games at the fieldhouse seem to be shut out this year as there are very few Saturday games. Has money become so critical that the fans have become lost in the shuffle?
A — Money has ruled college athletics a long time now. Teams will play any time, any place. I’m like you. I don’t like it. I especially don’t like Sunday games. I really really hate Sunday games. I don’t think teams should play on Sundays.
Q — Gary, your last Q&A discussed the consistently poor free throw shooting of KU teams under Roy Williams, and the fact that it cost us a national championship last year. I would just note two other Stupid Roy Tricks that played a role.
Our lottery picks were double-teaming Nebraska’s no-name big men (quick, name one!), while their three-point shooters were drilling one after another.
I am a huge fan of Jayhawk basketball and try to follow the details of the program as much as possible. However, I don’t follow the details of the NCAA too much. I know there is a limit to the scholarships given each year or over a two year period, etc. But what is “over signing?” I would love to see Malik Hairston sign with the Jayhawks but how can that happen if there is truly a limit to the number of scholarships?
A — I like Larry Brown, too, but I don’t think he’d have won three or four more titles. The bottom line on Roy is he had great teams on the court, great teams off the court, he was a good member of the community donating a lot of money to KU and other endeavors and was a classy person who did things the right way.
Yes he “lied” or whatever you want to call it, but I prefer to move on and end the Roy era with this statement: He is a good man. He did very well here. Now he’s at North Carolina. KU has a great replacement in Bill Self and it’s time to wish both men well.
As far as your other question — oversigning is signing 14 players when you can only have 13 on the team. Teams that do that have to make sure a player leaves the program or a player gives up a scholarship because you are only allowed 13. I don’t think Bill will oversign unless he’s sure somebody is leaving.
Q — I really like Coach Bill Self and think we got a winner with him, but whats with all the loose balls this year on rebounding?????
A — It sure does seem like a lot of balls are popping through players hands. I don’t know why. I have noticed that, also. In other words, you got me with this question. KU may need to put stick-em on the hands like football receivers.
In my last Ask Gary I asked for advice on how to deal with winter. Here are some excellent replies that might help you make it through the snow.
From one fan:
Gary: I, too, dread winters with the exception of college basketball. Here are the things that get me through it:
1. Cuddling up in front of the fire with a hot drink like cocoa or an Irish coffee.
2. The first 10-15 minutes of a snowball fight (after that, it’s just cold and wet).
3. The first week that Christmas carols and holiday songs are commonly heard in stores.
4. And shortly after, the first week after the holiday season that you don’t hear those *?#@ Christmas Carols and holiday songs in the stores.
5. Thanksgiving dinner, followed by a lazy evening of watching football games with friends and family.
6. Watching all the kids around town playing in snow, making snowmen, and sliding pell-mell down hills (especially fun if it’s a group of incoming freshman KU students who have never before even seen snow).
7. Not having to mow the yard.
8. The fact that every basketball game played makes it one game closer to March Madness.
From another:
Without Jayhawk basketball, winter would be intolerable, but without winter, spring would not be so sweet.
And another:
Gary, First, I’d like to say thanks for answering my past questions (I think I’ve written twice before) and, in general, for doing great work. I especially appreciate your objectivity and willingness not to get overly excited if the team is doing well (or overly dramatic if the team is struggling) — I know I can hear reasonable, rational comments from you.
Second, as for winter activities, when I was growing up (in Overland Park), I was a huge fan of snow football (you could dive everywhere!), sledding, and most anything that allowed for just playing in the snow!
And another:
I agree, the best part of winter is definitely KU Basketball, but there are a few other things that make winter great. The sound of children playing in that first snowfall that you mentioned. When helping your friends move, it is much harder to break a sweat. I also enjoy getting to break out the polar fleece and the KU sweatshirts, not to mention the down comforter. Hot chocolate with peppermint schnaaps isn’t such a bad invention (but it really isn’t very good during the summer when it is 112 degrees in the shade).
You also have to remember, football goes on for quite a while in the winter and Mangino and the Jayhawks have given us all a reason to watch this year (and dare I say it, might give us one of those games around the holiday season). All in all, winter isn’t so bad, I mean, we could be in Manhattan, KS and not even have basketball to look forward to!
Thank you for all the questions and comments. You are all tremendous people. Good bye, good luck and dunk you very much.
Hello, here are some questions and answers concerning Kansas basketball as I ask you the reader to ponder one question of my own.
My question is … “What good is winter for besides college basketball, the first fluffy snowfall of the season (I said fluff, not sleet) and Christmas?”
Do not take this the wrong way. I sure do appreciate college (KU) basketball. But … if you can think of anything ELSE great ’bout winter, please e-mail me ASAP at gbedore@ljworld.com to give me an attitude adjustment concerning the soon-to-be frigid scarf-wearing, non-baseball playing season of the year. C’mon. You are here to ‘Pump me up.’
Question — Gary, have you seen many KU basketball practices? If so, tell me how Bill’s practices this year differ this year from those under Roy? Thanks, Mrs. Roberta England, Kansas City, Mo.
Answer — Actually I’ve seen quite a few practices. I’d say they are more entertaining than a year ago, probably because everything is so new. I’d say there are a lot more drills this year — layup drills, defensive shell drills, Harlem Globetrotter-like passing drills.
There are some pretty creative drills which sometimes start with the fast break and end with the players working on Bill Self’s high-low passing game.
Today I saw an interesting dive-on-the-floor drill. The coaches tossed a ball on the court and players hit the floor one at a time hustling after it. Under Self, there is still a lot of scrimmaging at practice, players going at it fast and furious at all times. Bodies are flying all over the place during scrimmage situations.
Believe me … college basketball under Bill, under Roy, under everybody, is definitely a contact sport.
Question — Gary what did you think of KU’s four-point exhibition victory over EA Sports? Four points?? How could KU play so poorly? Dean from Dover.
Answer — A glass-half-full guy would say, “KU scored 91 points without Kirk Hinrich, Nick Collison and Keith Langford. Not half bad.”
A glass-half-empty guy would say, “KU made two three-pointers. Who the heck is gonna hit threes this year? And how could we allow 16 threes? That is scary.”
What I would say is KU played OK, especially considering the circumstances. Keith Langford came up lame in pregame warmups and Jeff Graves’ starting spot was stripped away an hour before the game when he showed up late. I mean Keith is KU’s leading returning scorer and heart and soul of the offense.
The Jayhawks likely would have won big with crafty Keith on board. Graves appeared to be a funk all night after getting benched at the beginning, so considering all that, a 91-87 victory wasn’t all bad.
Remember there were plenty of individual highlights: Aaron Miles played sensational as did David Padgett and how bout Mike Lee’s three layups during crunch time. Not bad for a guy who supposedly can’t dribble. Also, Jeff Hawkins looked good on defense, and looked like a guy ready to vie for serious minutes. Besides, it was a glorified practice, nothing to get worked up about. We’ll see if KU improves in exhibition No. 2 Tuesday vs. Pitt State.
Question — Gary, do you think it will take KU a while to click this year or will KU be great from the start? Andy, Cleveland.
Answer — Yes, I do think it’ll take a while to click. Think of it this way. KU has new coaches, five new freshmen players and 11 returnees who
played for Roy Williams last year. Bill Self has installed a new system — the high/low offense — and will not be relying on the secondary break much as Roy Williams did.
I would be shocked if KU was a well-oiled machine early. It just doesn’t figure to happen because of all the changes. Bill Self has said it might take the whole nonconference season for the team to gel. I don’t think it’ll take it that long, but it’s certainly possible.
It would be wise to lower expectations a bit and count on this team being one that will improve as the season progresses.
Question — Gary, I keep hearing we may drop three or four nonconference games. I don’t buy that. We have several returning players from a
Final Four team for gosh sakes. We should win all our nonconference games and all but two conference games this year. Case closed. Bill, Olathe.
Answer — Michigan State, Stanford and Oregon might have something to say about your prediction of an undefeated nonconference season.
Question — Gary, will we hit any threes this season or will that be a weakness? Bruno in Baldwin.
Answer — Outside shooting is the No. 1 question mark on this team as far as I’m concerned. I think Keith Langford, Aaron Miles and Michael Lee are going to have to swish some threes, as well as Jeff Hawkins and some of the
freshmen. I really do believe they will have to hit some to take the pressure
off KU’s inside players. Teams might pack it in or shadow KU’s big men if nobody’s hitting threes.
On paper … trey shooting looms as a major weakness compared to the past few seasons when KU had a Boschee, Hinrich or Robertson at the helm (p.s. hi Ryno, I know you are reading this in the Netherlands). Jeremy Case and J.R. Giddens definitely have three-point range and might wind up saving the day. I do believe somebody will step up and surprise from outside. I think the prime candidates are the guys I’ve already mentioned.
Question — Gary, how many points will KU average this season. Katrina in Lawrence.
Answer — Hmmm. … I’d say 79 to 81 points per contest.
Question — Gary, Who’s the team to beat in the Big 12? Who is the team to beat nationally? DavidParker, Pittsburg.
Answer — I’d have to go with the experts who say KU, Missouri and Texas are the teams to beat in the Big 12. Don’t disrespect a Colorado team that has three great players. The Buffs normally have problems away from Coors Center, however, and one must win on the road to win this league.
I do expect KU to contend for the crown. The title will go to the team that stays the healthiest and wins most of its road games. If KU’s top seven or eight players stay healthy, the Jayhawks could very easily win their third straight league title.
Question — Hello Sir, My name is Raju, I am emailing you from Canada, I read all the articles on the KUsports.com website and you seem to know a lot about the Jayhawks. I am big fan of the men’s basketball team but in Canada it is very hard to see games, since ESPN can’t be found up here and CBS sports only shows a few games and even those you have to be lucky that it is a nationally televised game and not regional which would mean I don’t have a prayer of seeing games and have become frustrated. I am emailing you because I thought you could help. Are there any places in Lawrence or services or people that I would be able to contact so I can get old Kansas Jayhawks tapes that
were recorded from ESPN or any other television network? I am a huge fan, sir, and am looking for mostly games from this past year, last year and games of the 96-97 and 97-98 teams. Any help you can give me would be greatly appreciated. A Canadian Jayhawk fan, Thank you, Raju
Answer — Helo Raju, I don’t know how to help you on this one. Perhaps you should post a request for tapes on our KUsports.com fan message board and some fans might sell you some tapes.
I don’t know of anybody who markets tapes of KU games. I’m sure some KU fans out there would probably help you out and copy some tapes for you and sell or give them to you.
As far as getting current games on TV, I’ve been told you need to get the ESPN FullCourt package. I’ve been told a “majority” of KU games will be available on that package. I’ve been told some Big 12 teams not featured much on FullCourt in the past will be added this year and some KU games may not be available with the final Full Court schedule not out yet.
Question — Gary — I’m a native Kansan living in Oklahoma City, OK. We still love Roy here in OKC. My question is in regard to the annual Holiday Clinic Roy held over the Christmas break. I’ve been emailing the Men’s Basketball office to make sure there is plenty of interest in seeing this clinic is continued with Bill Self.
For the past two years I have driven North with my daughter (now 13) and her friend so they can attend the clinic and have fun getting to know the players. They have had more fun getting autographs, etc.!! We brought the pictures we took at the Dec 2001 clinic to the Dec 2002 clinic and had Nick, Kirk, & Roy sign them. Now KU has two new fans and we are planning on bringing more 7th graders with us this year (if it is held).
This has kind of become an annual trip for us (for the past two years anyway) and we would like to see this continue. We (myself, my daughter and her friend) all went to New Orleans for the game against Syracuse, and also drove up to Hillsboro, KS for the Barnstorming Tour.
So, if you have anyway of getting the word out to Bill Self (who is from Edmond, OK), please tell him we want the KU Holiday Clinic to continue! Thanks for reading!! Susan.
Answer — Hey Susan, I would think KU would continue the clinics, but I haven’t heard any final decision yet. Bill kept alive the coaching clinic this year, about 600 coaches are in town as I write this. I am thinking the holiday clinic will continue but there has been no official word, yet. I’ll let you know when they announce something on it. Coach Self is very fan friendly and I’m sure he’ll have something up his sleeve, so to speak.
Question — Looking over all the questions coming in from the fanatics I didn’t see one question about what I’ve felt is the most glaring weakness of all Roy Williams’ teams: free throw shooting. In the Championship game against Syracuse we shot less than 50%. In a game lost by 2 points, free throw shooting becomes critical. Williams never seemed to be concerned about the poor success his teams have ALWAYS had from the charity strip. Will Bill Self put new emphasis on this? If he likes to get the big guys touches, then they’ve got to be able to convert free throws. Otherwise, fouling a big guy is equivalent to a turnover, against us! Rock Chalk, y’all, Dr. Gary
Answer — Hi, Dr. Gary. Are you related to Dr. Phil? Do you realize Dr. Phil, I believe, played football at Shawnee Mission North? Local guy made good.
Bill Self says his high/low offense guarantees trips to free throw line. So yes he emphasizes free throw shooting. You know, I think all coaches work on free throwing, Roy did, also, but a lot of it is mental.
I have no idea why ever-consistent Nick Collison missed so many in some games, like the Syracuse game, and made so many in others. I do agree free throws are vital. Let’s face it. Free throw shooting is the reason another banner isn’t hanging in Allen. KU lost that game at the free throw line and lost because that freshman McNamara hit seven threes in the first half alone. Ouch.
Question — I hear that Danny Manning won’t be contributing in a coaching role on the court (practice or games) this year. It’s great that he is the basketball director of student-athlete development/team manager, but I’d love to have him be out on the court playing in practices or helping to coach our big men like he did last year before the Pistons signed him. Any idea why he won’t be doing that this year? Thanx, Mark.
Answer — Hi, actually Danny can be on the court like any other team manager. So he gets to throw the ball to players in some drills and he gets to scrimmage like he did last year. So I am sure Danny is helping quite a bit.
I think he’s doing a very good job. He obviously has the players’ attention as a guy who played more than 10 years in the NBA after winning Player of the Year honors at KU. He knows what it takes to win a national championship and is young enough to relate well with the current players.
Question — Gary, do you think KU will beat Michigan State at Allen? Fred, East Lansing.
Answer — That is a good question. It should be a great early-season matchup. KU will probably be favored, since the game will be contested in Allen. The home-court advantage for KU is huge, but the Jayhawks still will have to play a great game. Remember last year the home court meant nothing in the loss to ‘Zona. I do think KU probably will win that game, just a gut feeling.
Question — Gary, do you think Bill will sign a great recruiting class or just a good one on Wednesday? Sam, KC.
Answer — He’ll sign a very very good class. Sasha Kaun is a skilled big man from Russia; Russell Robinson a quick, good shooting guard from New York and Darnell Jackson, a bruising big guy from Midwest City, Okla. Nice class. Very nice. Probably a top 10 class.
Question — Gary do you think Bill will consistently sign top recruiting classes or sign a top class every other year like Roy? Terence, Chicago.
Answer — I think Bill will sign good players every year. I think Bill and his assistants are MASTER recruiters. They will do a heckuva job. Norm Roberts is one of the best recruiters in the business and Bill relates well to everybody. As far as Roy, I think he brought some great players to KU, guys like Pierce, LaFrentz, Vaughn, Gooden, Collison, Hinrich, etc.
Question — Gary, do you think KU will ever play North Carolina in basketball? Bruce, Olathe.
Answer — I do not think KU will ever schedule regular-season games versus Carolina, but I do think the teams will meet often in the NCAA Tournament.
CBS may try to flex its muscle and get the NCAA to make sure the Jayhawks and Tar Heels are on the same side of the bracket every year. The NCAA probably will try to match the Jayhawks against Illinois and Wichita State, as much as they can, too.
Question — Gary, should we have hired Larry Brown instead of Bill Self? Tammy in OP.
Answer — No. Bill Self was the perfect hire, the right hire for KU. He is young, can recruit, and is a proven winner. He is a “program coach,” — one who does not coach for a quick fix, but for now AND the future.
That is no knock on Larry. But Brown has been in the NBA the last 15 years and is meant for the NBA. His age would be a factor in recruiting, recruits’ parents wondering if Brown would be at KU for their son’s entire four years. Brown is better off in the NBA; Self is better off at KU. Life is grand for both parties and fans of both the Pistons and Jayhawks.
Question — Gary, rate the ability of Wayne Simien, Aaron Miles and Michael Lee, and Jeff Hawkins — the juniors. Thanks, Russell, Boston.
Answer — I think Wayne is one of the best power forwards in the country. He reminds me of a young Karl Malone.
I think Aaron is one of the best points in the country. He is very unselfish and doesn’t turn it over much. He really doesn’t remind me of anybody except Aaron Miles. It’s important he hit some jumpers this year. He did a great job hitting the pull-up jumper when KU needed hoops against EA Sports.
Michael Lee can stroke the deep jumper when set and showed he’s improved his handles, taking it to the hole three straight times in crunch time against EA.
Hawkins plays good defense and can shoot. Years ago I said he reminded me of a young Tinsley and I’ll stand by that. I think by his senior year he is going to be special.
Question — Gary, can J.R. Giddens emerge as a star this season? Fran in OKC.
Answer — Good question. I don’t know about a star right away. I think he has to learn how to play defense at this level. I do believe he can hit the deep shot and we all know he can dunk it.
Truly I think a lot of it is up to J.R. How quickly will he adapt to college, and learn Bill Self’s principles? He has the ability; fans should be patient and give him some time to blossom.
Question — Gary, is David Padgett going to start this year? He looked good in the first exhibition. Bill, Lawrence.
Answer — It might be tough to keep the 6-11, 230-pound rookie out of the lineup. Senior Jeff Graves is more seasoned, but Padgett looks like one of those Collison, LaFrentz type players who might be ready to start from Day One. I do think regardless he will play a lot of minutes, so it probably doesn’t matter whether he starts or not. He will be in there plenty of minutes this season.
Question — Gary, do you think Keith Langford should be allowed to write a column in the school paper? I mean, what kind of favoritism is that, letting a kid write a column just because he plays basketball???? Andy, Topeka.
Answer — I think it’s fine Keith Langford writes a column. It’s not favoritism at all. He is a Journalism major and gets academic credit for writing the column. He is a colorful guy who has a lot to say. He’s not a stupid kid, so I don’t think he’ll provide KU’s opponents with bulletin board material.
That said, I guess he and another Daily Kansan columnist got into a war of words for a spell. That’s kind of a waste of space, who really cares about all that? Hopefully they’ve all moved on and will write about basketball.
The bottom line is, as a Journalism major, he should be allowed to write for the paper. That’s not favoritism, it’s pursuing a degree.
Question — Gary, Coach Self seemed pretty laid-back in the first exhibition game — and I’d expect that. But I’m curious about what kind of coaching personality he has during a game. Does he talk with the refs a lot or only on the really important points? Does he tend to frequently yell out instructions to the players during play or mostly wait until a time-out? Has he gotten any technical fouls called against him for arguing against a ref or some similar offense? Will he bench a player who screws up or leave him in to try to make up for the bad play?
All of the articles I’ve read about Coach Self have talked mostly about his great off-the-court personality or about his strategic plans or how he runs practices. I’d like to know more about what I might see from him during the games this year. I’m probably just being a little anxious and should just wait and see, but I can’t help it…I’m really excited about this season! Thanks! Anne.
Answer — Bill told me he doesn’t get a lot of technicals. I think he will be pretty calm in games. He’s told me that he believes in doing his coaching in practice and letting the kids play with free minds in the games. Bill has told the players he doesn’t want them looking at the bench after making mistakes. I’m sure he’ll work the refs, all coaches do.
The bottom line is he will not be yelling much at his players during games I don’t think. That will be reserved for practice.
Question — Gary, does Bill Self have any funny sayings that you’ve picked up on yet? Regards, Donna, Lexington.
Answer — I haven’t picked up many sayings yet. I like the way he says, “We were good, not great.” Or practice was “good, not great.” He seems to like the saying, “good not great.”
His quotes are more direct and to the point than Roy’s which is fine, too. Luckily for the media, it appears he does have a good personality that spills out in press conferences. Writers are doomed when they must deal with guys who basically have nothing to say. Bill appears to have many things to say and for that we media members are grateful.
That’s it for now. I always think of some weird, wild schtuff to ask at the end, so here is my wacky question for November: Why do you surmise I am suffering from a cold at this time after experiencing no colds since last April’s NCAA Tournament.
Which is it …
A) My immune system cannot handle the pressure of hoops season — my body’s white corpuscles are gobbling the red ones and inflicting influenza upon me?
B) Thousands of germs are released into the air at 16,300-seat Allen Fieldhouse, many of the germs floating down to press row where I sit?
C) I’m hexed like the Red Sox and Cubs?
D) Stuff happens.
Good bye, good luck and dunk you all very much.
Hello, I hope all of you have been doing well this offseason and are closely following the fortunes of KU football and all the other summer/fall sports as you wait for hoops season to arrive.
It’s been a crazy offseason, of course, with Al leaving, Lew arriving; Roy leaving, Bill arriving; and all sorts of changes in KU’s athletic department.
The waters are starting to calm, finally, and fans and media alike soon will be able to concentrate on the X’s and O’s of Bill Self’s first KU hoops team.
To get you in the mood for the season — you always are in the mood for the season, aren’t you? — here are some of your questions and my ensuing answers regarding KU hoops.
Many of you have received personal e-mails from me with answers to your questions the past several months. Hope you didn’t kill ’em as Spam (Sing it Python lovers: “Spam-Spam-Spam-Spam-Spam-Spam-Spam-Spam-Spam”). I have saved some of those e-mails to reprint here, also.
Thanks for the questions and your patience in receiving replies. KU fans are the best and all questions deserve a thoughtful response. Keep them coming.
P.S. I am going to do everybody a favor. The first portion of this Q and A will consist of questions regarding the Jayhawks, Bill Self, etc. Then I will warn you when questions are about to appear concerning the potential priority seating plan for Allen Fieldhouse. Lots of fans don’t want to read/talk/think about that until the specifics of Lew Perkins’ plan come out in six months or so.
Then as you read on, I again will warn you of questions are about to appear regarding Roy Williams.
I’ve received some nasty e-mail from fans whose heads explode at the mere mention of Roy’s name. So to save you and me much frustration — and negative e-mail — I’ll warn you when the subject switches to Roy so you can stop reading at that point if you so desire.
PART ONE (HOOPS QUESTIONS)
Q: Gary, when does the 2003-04 men’s basketball schedule come out? I need to order plane tickets and reserve hotel rooms for many of the games. Thomas, Chicago, Ill.
A: So many of you sent this question with high hopes … and I was forced to be the bearer of bad news with the answer of “Dunno” for so many months.
The good news, as you know, is the schedule is finally out. Better news is KU senior associate AD Larry Keating promises next year’s slate will be out by August 1 or five to six weeks earlier than this year.
Click here for a printable copy of the schedule.
Q: Hey Gary, what do you think of KU’s schedule? It seems to me it isn’t tough enough for a national title contender like KU. Randy in Texas.
A: KU’s schedule isn’t the best in school history, but it isn’t half bad, either.
The Jayhawks will play Michigan State, Oregon, Stanford, Villanova, Richmond and TCU non conference. The University of Nevada is an up and coming program and could provide a tough road test in Reno.
I predict KU’s schedule when all is said and done will stack up as one of the best in the Big 12 and one of the 10 best in the country.
There are some cupcakes on the slate, but truthfully, not an inordinate amount. The league schedule will be challenging with Big Monday games to be played at Colorado, Texas and Oklahoma State with one at home vs. Missouri. Also on tap is a tough season finale at Mizzou.
It’s hard to imagine KU going 4-0 in those four Big Monday affairs.
Q: I see that KU has two scholarships left. Who are we looking at? Sean.
A: You are exactly right. The Jayhawks do have two scholarships to award after receiving a verbal commitment from Midwest City, Okla., power forward Darnell Jackson.
There are lots of candidates to fill the two slots: Alexander “Sasha” Kaun (6-11, Melbourne, Fla., originally from Russia); A.J. Price (6-1, Amityville, N.Y.); Malik Hairston (6-6, Detroit); Russell Robinson (6-1, New York City); Chester Giles (6-10, Seattle); Quentin Thomas (6-4, Oakland); Al Horford (6-8, Grand Ledge, Mich.), Shane Foster (6-6, Kenner, La.), Joseph Jones (6-9, Normangee, Texas) and others.
It’s impossible to read the minds of recruits and make predictions about where the blue chip players will wind up.
It would be irresponsible of me to make any predictions since I can’t read the minds of 17-year-olds.
What we do know is Price and Kaun enjoyed their visits to KU and several other players will be visiting in coming weeks.
Hairston will visit KU next weekend with Robinson, Giles and Thomas in the following week. As of now, Foster, Horford and maybe Jones are on tap for Late Night.
We’ll keep you posted, but I think fans should be optimistic about recruiting.
Q: Gary what do you think of that big, horrific Jayhawk painted on center court at Allen Fieldhouse? I haven’t seen it in person, just pics in the Journal-World, but c’mon, isn’t it a little big? Frances from OP.
A: The massive 25 1/2 foot Jayhawk sure is big, but — trust me — I think you’ll like it when you see it in person. I don’t know what it’ll look like on TV, but it is pretty sharp in person. The big Jayhawk might even help in recruiting. It could give kids and their parents something to talk about when they are watching the games on TV. It is a conversation starter, that is for sure.
Q: Who will be the starting five for Kansas men’s basketball? Ruth.
A: If I had to guess, it’d be Keith Langford, Aaron Miles, Wayne Simien, Jeff Graves and J.R. Giddens. Of course, we’ll have to see how preseason camp goes, guys like Mike Lee, David Padgett and others will want to have a say in the lineup, but those appear to be the prime candidates in my mind.
Q: Gary, what differences do you expect from the basketball team under coach Self? Will they become more hard nosed? Will they become a half-court team or continue to rely on the break? Ron.
A: I think Bill Self is pretty much known for tenacious defense, so yes I expect a hard-nosed defensive attitude. I think he definitely wants to run with the ball, but you also might see an improved halfcourt game under Bill.
He likes to use his big men a lot. They get a lot of touches. But KU will not stop running. I see this team continuing to push the basketball. Self has said that is what he wants to continue to do. These guys are blessed with the ability to run.
Q: Since I missed the NBA draft picks, where did NIck Collison and Kirk Hinrich end up? I have been a Jayhawker for over 40 years thanks to an older brother who introduced me to them when I was about 4 yrs old. Ann.
A: Hi, Hinrich went to the Chicago Bulls and Collison the Seattle SuperSonics in the first round of the draft. Both figure to get some immediate playing time, so all looks good for the ex-Jayhawks’ pocketbooks and frames of mind.
Q: It seems to me that with his performance last season and during the NCAA tournament, Keith Langford would be on one of the preseason top 5 All-America teams. But Dick Vitale did not have him among his five All-Rolls Royce teams. Do you think Langford has earned these types of honors at this point?
A: Yes I do. I agree with you. I think Keith is one of the top 25 players in America. But like Dickie V. wrote on there, he says it’s most important who is there at the end of the season, not the beginning. I do think Keith deserves the list, however. He’s definitely a top 25 player and a top 25 quote, too. He is one of the most colorful speakers in the USA.
Keith definitely is a scorer. He can score inside and with the pull-up jumper. I have the feeling he will hit some threes this year, too. KU will need his shooting to open things up I believe.
Q: Will David Padgett be coming to Kansas? Will the Jayhawks look any different on the court with Bill Self coaching now?
A: Yup, David is on campus. He’s a big man out of Reno, Calif., who I predict will thrive for the Jayhawks. He is coming off arthroscopic knee surgery, so give him some time to adjust, but I think David will be a strong player, perhaps a star here.
Q: Do you know what style of offense that self is running this year? Jon.
A: Mr. Self says he wants to push the basketball and fully anticipates to do so. Also, he will be doing a lot of high/low passing with the big men. I look for an up-tempo team with the ability to play the halfcourt game, also. You can count on rugged man-to-man defense with Bill Self.
Q: Who are going to be our shooters? Hopefully Wilkes will step up big. I think he can. Ted in Topeka.
A: KU loses some outside 3-point punch in Kirk. The three-point shot has become so much of a weapon that KU will need somebody to bust the outside shot. I see Omar Wilkes as a possibility. He definitely can shoot. Miles and Langford are going to have to hit some threes and I think they can. And Michael Lee is going to have to knock some home. I think on paper three-point shooting might be a possible weakness.
Q: Do you think Simien will be good next year? I hope so and tell him I know how it feels to hurt my right shoulder. Courtnay.
A: Sure, I think he will have a great season. He seems to have recovered nicely from offseason surgery and is a monster on the court.
Q: Gary, how will KU stack up against the rest of the Big 12 size wise? Are they giving up much size in the post area? Front court? Back court? Floyd.
A: Missouri has a big banger in Arthur Johnson. In this day and age, you are going to find some big guys out there on all successful teams. I haven’t completely examined all rosters for potential matchups, Floyd, but I can tell you this: KU will be a league favorite along with Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas. The league will be mighty good, again.
Q: Gary, will this Jayhawk team be as fast as last year’s team? Do they have the potential to rebound as good as last years team? Will they run as much? And do you expect them to win the Big 12 conference?
A: I do think KU will win the Big 12 if the Jayhawks can stay healthy. This team will have to develop a personality of its own under its new coach.
That might take some time. The Jayhawks have to hope they remain a juggernaut on the road. It’s tough to win on the road, and KU has been excellent the past several years in that regard. I can’t say for sure, but I’d expect the Jayhawks to rebound better than last year and maybe not be quite as fast. But heck, we shall see. Maybe Self’s team will race down the court at breakneck speed. But if I had to predict I’d say KU will rebound better than a year ago; run a bit slower and win the league.
Q: Will I be able to hear the KU games broadcast on the Internet this fall? If so, how would I access them? Earl.
A: Yes you can access the games through Yahoo like last season. I believe it’s 29.95 yearly. Check it out at kuathletics.com. The TV package remains the same, too, through ESPN.
Q: It was brought to my attention that KU is the only team that does not have the Big 12 Conference logo on its floor? Is this true?
A: You are observant. KU has added the logo on the court.
Q: Have you heard if Coach Self will be continuing the autographed basketball thing? I have a couple of autographed balls from previous seasons, but I’d sure like to add to my collection — I would be immensely happy to go on collecting them over the next 20 or more winning seasons of Self-coached basketball. I know it’s early in the season to be thinking of this, but I like to get all my Jayhawks in a row as soon as possible.
Thanks!
A: It’s still early in his tenure, so I’m sure he hasn’t had time to go over all details of the program. I’m sure there will be a way to get autographed balls probably through kustore.com. I’ll check on that and as soon as they have a plan, I’ll let you know.
Q: Gary, what are your projection for wins and loses this coming year? And, who are your projected starters with first in backups?
A: It’s always hard to predict Ws and Ls of course. I’d say the Jayhawks will stumble once nonconference and four times in the league for five losses. That ain’t many losses, is it?
Q: What ever happened to Carl Henry’s son from Oklahoma? I thought he was supposed to be a top recruit, but I don’t see him on our list. Have I missed something? Thanks for your time! Clark
A: C.J. Henry is still out there. He’s a junior to be in Oklahoma City. He’s a talent in both baseball and basketball. He’s still just a junior however, so you won’t hear a ton about him right now.
Q: I just found out about the oversized Jayhawk at Allen. My father invented the 3-sided black foul light that was once used in Allen for many years. The two accompanying 1+1 black scorer’s table boxes are still being used (at least they were last year). Anyway, having some personal connection to Allen, I can’t believe they went and changed the floor that drastically. I think the lettering on the side is actually better, but I agree with the person that said that putting a small Jayhawk on the State outline where Lawrence is would have been tasteful and cool. Last year, we were all laughing at what a joke KSU’s court looks like, with the ‘Snyder PowerCat’; that was huge. Well, now I guess we aren’t as proud and confident of being a Jayhawk anymore as we have to take to ‘Supersize,’the Jayhawk. I don’t have Lew’s e-mail address. If you do, please forward this to him. By the way, I am an annual donator to the alumni fund, but did not get football tickets this year for my family, not because of the team or prices, but because parking there is just a DISASTER, unless you one of the lucky ones who get to park right by Memorial. With wife and kids, though, and walking up and down, for many-a-block, it just was too stressful each week to drive from Overland Park. If one leaves early to get better parking, then the kids have to fight elements, etc. for a long time waiting for the game. I GUARANTEE Lew that if he made the family tickets come with close parking, even it meant raising the price of tickets a little that he could have a sell-out at every game. He would, of course, have to expand the family seating a little, but, to me, that’s what it’s all about……getting the young individuals excited about KU.
Thanks for listening
Daric
A-Thanks for the comments. I personally don’t think the big Jayhawk is that bad; actually I like it, but I respect your opinion. Good points about the parking situation. There’s not too much KU can do, right? There isn’t a lot of parking there. You might park at the fieldhouse and take the shuttle buses.
PART TWO (WARNING, TICKET PLAN QUESTIONS)
Q: Gary, I read that long story you wrote on Lew Perkins’ priority seating plan for next season. I attend games now, have good seats and give about 400 bucks a year. You mean to tell me if I don’t hand over 3,000 bucks I will be moved to the rafters? And so will people who have been sitting next to me for 15 years? Say it isn’t so, Gary!! Deanna.
A: I should start this answer by saying Lew Perkins hasn’t formalized his ticket plan yet. That will be months in the making.
But the way I see it is, yes, by next season, you will have to give a sizable donation to keep your prime seats. I do not think Lew will kick anybody out of the fieldhouse, at least not next season, but the fieldhouse will definitely be re-seated and the people who give the biggest bucks will get the best seats.
At UConn, where Perkins is from, it pretty much takes $4,000 buck minimum donation to be assured of seats of any kind, at least that’s the way I read UConn’s plan. So times they will be a changing. There is going to be a lot of grumbling and I can understand it. I’d hate to be working at KU with the complaints they are going to receive from fans in coming years.
Q: Gary, I supported KU when the Jayhawks were struggling under Ted Owens. I’ve sent kids to KU and paid tuition. I have left KU money in my will. You mean to tell me my good seats will be taken away if I don’t start giving 5-10,000 bucks?
A: Lew Perkins said longevity will be a factor in the new ticket plan, but ultimately I do believe yes you will be moved if you don’t give a sizable donation. Lew says he simply needs to find ways to increase revenue for scholarships, facilities, to help the student/athletes. He can raise $3 to $5 millon with a priority ticket plan. In Lew’s mind it is a no-brainer. He has to do this to raise money for the students he’s in charge of.
He has been blunt about it, saying faculty will have to fork over donations also to keep prime seats.
We shall see what happens. Remember, as of now, this is all just talk. Let’s wait for Lew to put out his specific plan before we blast away too much.
Q — I have been going to KU basketball games for 25 years. I remember being able to run around with my friends in the upper seats because they were empty. Now that everyone wants a ticket, they may force us out of our seats with this point system. As a teacher I tell my students to do what is right, not what everyone else is doing. KU is using the, everyone else is doing this to raise money so it is alright for us to do it too. If you ever look to see which fans are participating the most in the game, it is not the people who donate the most money, it is the students, and the fans who are just glad to have a ticket, whether it is in the corner or the last row. So I ask, does KU want a lot of money but a quiet field house or one of the nation’s toughest places to play with fans who cry with the players’ hard losses but always come back the next year backing them 100 percent???
I say raise the ticket prices depending on the seat. They did do some price changes, but if I was sitting on the floor or in the seatback section at mid-court I would be expecting to pay a lot more than the guy in the back row! For years I could not believe the people sitting just off the floor were paying the same as I was paying with my binoculars. Just something to think about. I am only one person, but unlike Roy Williams, I was JAYHAWK BORN, JAYHAWK RAISED, and when I die, I will die as a JAYHAWK.
FOOTNOTE: KSU raises money by having people donate enough to be able to purchase an assigned parking spot. What a novel idea, let people pay more for convenience, but let all people see the game!
A: You make some good, passionate points. I do think the noise level in the fieldhouse could decrease The good news for you is I think at first at least, it will take a much smaller donation to the Williams Fund for the quote, “bad seats” up in the rafters. And a hefty donation to sit in the middle or in the first 20 rows, etc.
I do feel your pain. A lot of people who have been loyal throughout the years are going to be upset if/when they lose prime seats because they fail to fork over a huge donation.
PART THREE (WARNING, WARNING: QUESTIONS/COMMENTS MENTIONING FORMER KU COACH)
Q: Gary, Roy Williams never recruited the East coast. He said it was impossible for KU to land players from the East because there were so many schools to choose from out there. Now Bill Self is attacking the East coast? What gives? Was Roy wrong? Kyle in Knoxville.
A: I do believe Roy was wrong. KU can be a factor recruiting out East. The Jayhawks are now proving they can be a factor out East. They are in on several Eastern kids here in Bill Self’s first recruiting season. It does help having New Yorker Norm Roberts on the staff, but hey, Roy also had an East coast guy on his staff for many years in Matt Doherty. Yet KU didn’t try to recruit the East much.
That said, Roy’s plan was to concentrate on the West and that plan worked well for Roy. KU signed a batch of stellar Californians throughout the years and was rewarded with four Final Fours under Roy.
In answer to your question, though, I do believe Roy was wrong. KU can be a factor out East.
Q: Alright, I am sick of hearing Jayhawk Bball fans gripe and moan about coach Roy Williams leaving the bench. I really wish fans would quit taking it so dang personal. This whole crap about how “He broke his promise to us” has reached childish proportions. Put the pacifier back in your mouth and go back to sleep. I know basketball is a religion here, I am a worshiper. But some fans have been whining more than KSU fans do about their lack of BCS bowl bids — which is easily remedied by playing a quality team before mid-October. We are becoming what we despise. Heck, the players are the ones that were hurt the most. They proved to be big enough men to forgive and forget, unlike most of our fan base. They were able to look past the present situation and look to the future — which, by the way, is so bright they’ll be wearing their sunglasses to night games.
Those left on this team know nothing but Final Fours, and have taken a step closer to the prize each year. No other team in the land has that kind of experience. Those guys matured more in a two-week period than those naysaying fans have in the past 15 years. Sure, he said he would stay. Nobody’s perfect. Obviously he re-evaluated things and decided it was in his best interest to go. People change jobs every day and they have a multitude of reasons why.
He was not the President of the United States, or Governor of Kansas, though he may have had the power and influence, and maybe he was not the Saint some made him out to be. He did a lot of great things — for KU, Lawrence, and the State — while he was here. All those good characteristics were cast into that burning fire of hate when he announced he was leaving.
As you said, he gave up to a million dollars of his own money to KU, which was never known publicly. How much income, for KU, Lawrence, and the State, was he responsible for during his tenure. Hotels, motels, restaurants, bars, stores, concessions, summer camps, Tourney and Final Four appearances, etc.. He, “helped charities, signed autographs, served on national committees, showering positive pub on KU. He was a fine representative of your school.” But now he has moved on, and so should the fans. Everybody should wish him well and get over it. Because we have a team that has all the incentive in the world to beat the Tar out of the ‘Heels if they are given the opportunity — which, should the ‘Heels make the Tourney, would surely be a lock for an early round match-up.
I don’t think Roy has suddenly turned into a bad guy. He remains a good man. It took a big man to walk into a locker room and tell the players on this team he was leaving. One thing is for sure. The week of partying around the Big 12 ended abruptly when the players said they were staying and Bill Self moved to Lawrence. And, lest we forget, there were a lot of schools that endured coaching changes…including a quality Illinois program. Coach Self had to make that same speech to his players in Champaign. Hey, does anyone remember a Sweet 16 game in 2001 when KU and Illinois clashed (of course, we got a taste of revenge in 2002).
That Illini team was physical, not unlike OU, TX, and Mizzery. They were not too bad on the defensive end either. Self has always had great defensive teams. We had a pretty stingy “D” last year. Defensively, this KU squad may cause at lot of nightmares for opponents next season should coach Self continue stressing “D.” All I can say is, Roy has left, just like Larry, but Roy left the cupboard well stocked. Let’s not forget the players that stayed by continuing the talk about Roy. They have been pushed aside enough. They have their own identity now, and they have some Self-help.
Well, I ramble on. The subject just strikes a nerve. Just thought I’d send you a note and see what your thoughts were. Thanks if you actually took the time to read this far. Take care and Rock Chalk Jayhawk, Go KU!att
A: Well you make some great points. All I can tell you is fans are very upset right now at the mere mention of Roy’s name. I got some hate mail ripping me for writing a story about Roy being in New York when the blackout hit. He was an assistant coach on Larry Brown’s world championship staff.
Some fans also were upset I ran a note out of a New York Times story about Roy and how he was thrilled the U.S. won the gold medal at the Olympic qualifying tourney.
I’ve told some of the angry emailers we will cover Bill Self 100 more times than Roy, maybe 1,000 times more than Roy. But occasionally Roy’s name will be in the news. After all, Carolina is going to be a top-10 team.
Some fan explained his anger in seeing Roy’s name by saying when a guy is jilted by an ex-girlfriend or a girl is jilted by an ex-boyfriend, the general feelings are of great animosity, and that’s how they feel bout Roy. They feel jilted that he bolted KU for Carolina.
I prefer to wish the guy well, but that’s just me. I agree it’s pointless to rehash all the positives and negatives about Roy. He’s gone now and it’s time to follow Bill Self.
Q: Gary, as the only coach in the history of KU basketball to leave the university for another college job, and a lot of other reasons, I do not care to hear or see anymore Dean Smith, Jr. or Sr. stories on the website. If you want to write for the Charlotte Observer (or whatever it is called) why don’t you give Dean, Jr. a call to see if he has an opening? Thanks for all of your “other” great stories and insights, but enough already. Barry.
A: See what I mean? The fans are miffed about mentions of Roy.
Well, that’s it for now. Send your email questions to me. Remember Late Night is Friday Oct. 17. Admission is free. No announcement has been made but doors usually open after 5 p.m.. We’ll be sure to give you details as they come.
Poll question of the month: When you see a story or mention of Roy on this Website do you a.) approve. b.) disapprove. c.) cuss. d.) scream. e.) applaud. f.) freak out. g.) pound the computer top. h.) shout “Yes!”
Goodbye.
Now that it’s all over (the 2002-03 season, the Roy watch and the Bill Self watch), it’s time to catch up on some e-mail and submit a postseason edition of Ask Gary.
A lot of you sent me questions during the NCAA Tournament and during the Roy/Bill Self-watch that I tried to answer personally. If I didn’t answer any questions you submitted the last two months, sorry. Forgive me. Try me again.
Many of you have been asking for e-mail addresses of KU players. I don’t have them.
Sorry.
You also want to know if certain Jayhawk players have girlfriends. I do not know and don’t want to pry.
Sorry.
If you want to write KU’s players via snail mail, send letters to KU Basketball Office, 250 Wagnon Student Athletics Complex, Lawrence, KS, 66045.
Question — Gary, when is Late Night With Bill Self? Tammy Fredrickson.
Answer — Late Night always falls the Friday closest to Oct. 15. This year that would be Oct. 17. New KU coach Self held a Midnight Madness at Illinois and plans on continuing the Late Night tradition here, also. There’s no charge and doors usually open about 6 p.m.
Q — Gary, Did I read somewhere that Carl Henry (ex KU player) has a son that is a highly rated player in Oklahoma? Is KU recruiting him and if so, is he interested in KU? Clark.
A — The J-W’s David Mitchell wrote a story about C.J. Henry during the NCAA Tournament. You probably read that story in our paper.
C.J. is a high-scoring sophomore guard at Putnam City (Okla.) High who will consider KU and several other schools.
C.J. doubles as an excellent baseball player and may ultimately have to choose between the two sports.
Q — Gary: Is coach Self in contact with Charlie Villanueva about that last scholarship? If not, why not? It sounds as though he is a top recruit. Thanks, Ron.
A — Sure. They have been in contact, in fact, Villanueva has been here on a campus visit this week.
Villanueva, 6-foot-9 from Blair Academy in Blairstown, N.Y., originally out of Brooklyn, N.Y., committed to Bill Self’s Illinois team in November, but never signed a letter of intent, meaning he’s still a free agent.
He’s visiting KU this week, then must decide between KU, UConn, North Carolina, UCLA and the NBA Draft.
The athletic wing player’s heart appears to be in the NBA, but if he doesn’t turn pro, there’s a good chance he will wind up at KU. He loves Self and Norm Roberts, Self’s assistant who grew up in Queens, N.Y.
Charlie would be a good addition to KU’s team — after all, he is a hamburger All-American. I saw him play Thursday and he possesses a sweet shot from three-point range and is very fluid. He can score down low and rebound, too.
If KU lands Charlie, Bill Self will have to prepare the team and KU’s fans for a player who will leave as soon as he’s guaranteed first-round status. Charlie is upfront about wanting to play NBA ball as soon as he can.
That’s why coaches like Self get paid the big bucks … to assess whether those guys with NBA on their minds are worth bringing on campus for a year or perhaps two.
Syracuse, obviously, isn’t complaining about the year it got out of Carmelo Anthony.
I have met Charlie and he seems like a nice, humble kid.
It sounds like Villanueva really likes Self, thus KU could be the place for Charlie. Times, they are a changing in college hoops, and perhaps it’s time KU gets one of those one and done guys and see what happens.
Let’s call this next part of Ask Gary, the “Roy section.” If you are sick of reading about Roy, skim over this and I’ll let you know when it’s safe to read on. …
Q — Gary, who is to blame for Roy leaving for North Carolina? Al Bohl? Dean Smith? Roy’s wife, Wanda or Roy’s kids? Why did coach leave? Thanks, Randy, Liberty, Mo.
A — There are many culprits, if you want to call them that.
First to the plate are the KU supporters who forced out Bob Frederick as athletic director two years ago. Frederick’s dismissal dismayed Williams, who could only shake his head in confusion and disgust as KU forced out one of the most respected and efficient college administrators in the country.
Rather than work with Frederick on his perceived weaknesses — football and fundraising — the boosters and administrative types forced Frederick’s ouster.
Truth is, Frederick was doing a fine job and did not deserve the boot. KU could have given him a personal fundraiser — KU could have brought in the highly effective, personable Williams Fund Director Jay Hinrichs a year early — and Frederick would have been fine.
Instead, Freddie was moved into academia and new AD Al Bohl immediately benefitted from the presence of Hinrichs.
Part of Roy walked out the door the day his pal Freddie was replaced.
Other “culprits” include …
Only pro teams fire coaches DURING the season. The move made KU seem unethical, even scummy, to Williams, who happened to be head of a national committee on sportsmanship and ethics.
Sources say Smith, who knew how much Roy truly hated working for Bohl, told Williams that he was the only person in America who could save Carolina basketball.
Sources say Smith told Roy that Carolina NEEDED him to come home.
That, of course, is a bunch of B.S.
There are other coaches who could have “saved” Carolina basketball. Coaches like Larry Brown, who was again denied the job he’s always wanted, plus Bill Self, Tubby Smith, Tom Izzo and at least 10 to 15 other coaches outside Carolina’s so-cherished “basketball family.”
To be fair about all this, not only “culprits” were to blame.
Family did play a role in Williams’ decision.
Williams’ sister is ailing and his dad is not getting any younger. Also, Williams’ son, Scott (who is a tremendous man by the way), lives in Charlotte and wife Wanda has close blood relatives in Tar Heel land, too.
I don’t think the fact Carolina is Williams’ “dream job” had much of anything to do with his move, by the way.
A — No. Roy loves Kansas. I know that for a fact.
You have to remember one thing about Roy.
He talks non-stop in interviews.
He sometimes he says so much in answering reporters’ questions, he puts his foot in his mouth or says things that can easily be misunderstood or taken out of context.
I do believe Roy when he said he never considered re-recruiting Padgett or Wilkes to North Carolina.
Roy told me that he would rather kill himself than hurt Kansas. I believe him.
Folks, Roy loves Kansas. He loved his 15 years at Kansas. Believe it.
He will do nothing to hurt KU except try to beat the Jayhawks when the teams meet in the NCAA Tournament. And you better believe the teams will meet in the NCAAs. CBS will demand it.
Q — Gary, what is your overall opinion of Roy Williams. Positive or negative? BrucePhillips of Lenexa.
A — Positive.
Williams worked his butt off for KU for 15 years. He gave up to a million dollars of his own money to KU and never made that known publicly. C’mon folks. How many coaches do that???
He helped charities, signed autographs, served on national committees, showering positive pub on KU.
He was a fine representive of your school.
He’s moved on so everybody should wish him well and get over it. Roy hasn’t turned into a bad guy all of a sudden just cause he’s moved to his home state. He remains a good man. Believe it.
Q — Gary, Roy wasn’t a saint like you sometimes portray him. Prove you are not a homer and list his faults. Rico.
A — Well, I think Roy showed an insensitive side in not making an attempt to get to know Al Bohl better. I think if Roy was committed to the relationship, he could have made it work.
It would have taken some extra communication, telling Bohl where he was welcome and where he wasn’t (outside the locker room after games, etc). Even though Al was sometimes annoying, his heart appeared to be in the right place and it seems to me Roy might have been able to make the situation work rather than constantly stew about it to friends.
Then again, playing devil’s advocate, perhaps Roy thought Al was an inefficient AD and simply didn’t want to make it work, realizing Al was the wrong fit for KU.
Other faults? They all are minor.
Roy, whose ego did seem to elevate in recent years, can demand perfection in people, thus sometimes dresses down people over things relatively minor, like sound systems at Allen Fieldhouse, stat-sheet errors, things like that.
The bottom line?
If you ask me flat out, “Is Roy Williams a good man or a bad man?”
My answer is, “Good man.”
Isn’t that what it’s all about? Being a good person?
Q — Gary, do you think KU and North Carolina will recruit against each other in basketball. Signed, Brad.
A — Yeah, at least for a while. Roy will still want to dabble in California and Texas.
Ultimately, however, Roy will sign two or three kids a year from Carolina country. He’ll be getting the best players in Carolina and I doubt KU and UNC will bump heads too much.
Q — Gary will Jerod Haase make a good bench coach at UNC? Also, are Jerod and C.B. McGrath traitors in following Roy to UNC? Leo.
A — Sure Jerod will make a good bench coach. And no, those guys aren’t traitors.
Look, the world doesn’t revolve solely around KU basketball. Those two guys needed jobs to put bread on the table and Roy provided them jobs.
Not everybody works at their alma maters for the rest of their lives.
People need to stop taking this all so personally.
Jerod and C.B. played for KU and will always love their alma maters, but they’ll also get a kick out of pursuing national titles at North Carolina and wherever else their careers take them. If Carolina plays KU in the future, Roy, Jerod and C.B., plus Joe Holladay and Steve Robinson will all want Carolina to win. They will desperately want Carolina to win.
If Carolina isn’t playing KU, rest assured they will want KU to win.
OK, it’s safe to read on. The rest of the questions are not about Roy. …
Q — Gary, what do you think of Bill Self? I hear he will play a slowdown style of basketball. Is that true? Roxanne.
A — I really like Self. He seems laid back and a very nice guy.
Self is well-liked and respected nationally by so many factions of people.
For instance, his players like him. Writers love him because he is exceedingly accessible and friendly. And fans like him because his teams are well coached and play hard all the time.
No, he will not play a slowdown game.
His first Illinois team was very physical, so for some reason, he has the rep as a guy who likes a halfcourt slowdown game. In reality, his Illinois team led the league in scoring last year and he likes to push the ball whenever possible. He likes the man to man, not the zone defense.
His Tulsa teams ran and he recruited some burners at Illinois. His U of I team next year would have been very fast, especially if Villanueva had attended. He’s a big guy who can really run.
Q — Gary where will Bill Self find most of his recruits? Tamara.
A — All over. He will go East because Norm Roberts, who grew up in Queens, N.Y., has connections and is very well respected in New York. Self will go to Texas cause it’s pretty close to Kansas and there are lots of good players there.
He’ll hit Oklahoma cause he went to school there and has many connections.
I think like Roy, he’ll go where the top prospects are.
Look for KU to kick some serious butt in recruiting.
Hopefully Self will continue to head West for the occasional recruit.
KU has a great reputation in California and it’d be nice to bring in some top notch players like Vaughn, Pollard, etc. in the future.
Q — Gary, how did KU hire a coach in one week? Usually KU drags its feet with search committees, et. all. Bryan.
A — Great question. Richard Konzem, Doug Vance, Drue Jennings and chancellor Hemenway deserve MUCH credit in getting the job done.
Hey … sometimes the obvious choice is most difficult to land.
KU’s foursome did not screw this up. They realized early on that Bill Self was the logical choice to replace Williams and they went out and got him.
They handled negotiations and interviews perfectly. Remember, if Self had ANY reservations, he would have backed out. He had a heckuva team returning at Illinois.
He was building the Illini into something incredibly special.
I hate to think what would have happened had KU named a search committee and waited a month to get a coach. KU would have wound up with some schmoe in that situation.
Again, kudos to Jennings, Konzem, Vance and Hemenway for getting it done quickly and efficiently.
Think about it.
In six days, KU made the trade: Roy for Bill and it definitely eased the pain of losing Roy cause Bill can coach and recruit.
Q — Gary, will Bill Self understand we Kansas fans expect to win every game, especially in league play? Winning is what counts and it used to sicken me when we’d drop a game or two in Big 12 play and games like in the Preseason NIT last year. Alex.
A — KU fans the past couple years have over-reacted to losses.
Last year, it was armageddon when KU lost to Colorado on the road. It seemed to matter not than KU had won umpteen in a row in league play entering that game.
Some fans need to get a grip and realize the Jayhawks are going to lose their share of games. I know Roy was sick of the way some fans turned on the team after losses. You’d have thought Aaron Miles was some stiff the way he was abused on the Internet last season at times.
If KU can stay in the hunt for league titles and be a top-10 team and be a Final Four contender … the coach here is more than doing his job. Five, six, seven, eight losses … deal with ’em, they are gonna happen.
Fans should give Self a break and accept losses gracefully.
Q — Gary, will Ben Miller be on Self’s staff next year? What’s taking so long to name him? Adam.
A — Yeah, I think he will be back. Self told me he wanted to keep Ben and that says it all right there.
For some reason Ben isn’t commenting publicly, but I think he will definitely stay in some capacity.
Bill may look to Kevin Pritchard, Danny Manning and/or Rex Walters to fill the final position. Coach Self said needs time to assess strengths and weaknesses before officially finalizing his staff. But yes I expect Ben will be back.
He is a good man, good coach and will be great to have around. The players like Ben Miller a lot.
Norm Roberts and Tim Jankovich are currently on the staff. They are well respected nationally and good recruiters. Jankovich has head coaching experience; Roberts is a recruiting dynamo.
Q — Gary, will KU have basketball camps this summer? Campnut.
A — Yes, Bill said his camp will take on the same format as Roy’s — same dates and everything. If you are signed up for Roy’s camp, you are signed up for Bill’s camp. Should be a good camp.
A — Yes I will be there. And here’s a note to ex-Jayhawk Scot Pollard. We will be at the Palms so hook us up with some VIP freebies.
Pollard’s Sacramento Kings are owned by the guy who owns the Palms. Folks going on the upcoming trip include Finn-co, Maestro, Mii-atch, The Count, Pink, Kevin C and myself. We deserve a break after covering the Roy/Self watch, if I do say so my-self.
Just kidding, Scot. I can ethically accept no freebies, but others in the group, like Dean B, a man you know well from Kansas, can.
While there I will check on the recruiting scene and get back to you if Kansas is recruiting any players from Vegas.
Q — Gary, will Wayne Simien come back strong from shoulder surgery? MaxFisgreat.
A — Yes, trainer Mark Cairns believes Wayne will be shooting the ball next month and playing full go in September.
Q — Gary, did you like Al Bohl? TinaLouiseFan.
A — I cannot lie. I did like Al Bohl. He is a nice guy and answered my phone calls, etc. He’s a good family man and I believe a decent human being.
I hope Al is able to continue his career in administration somewhere else.
He definitely should have handled his relationship with Roy and Mark Mangino differently. The AD must be on the same page as the major sport coaches. Al thought he was on the same page as those guys. He wasn’t.
Q — Gary, who should be the next AD at Kansas? Bonzai.
A — Hire Richard Konzem now.
Richard, who bleeds KU blue, has been at KU more than 20 years, has experience in fundraising and scheduling and hiring. Heck, he helped hire Bill Self, which is a feather in his cap right there.
Konzem is well liked, personable and efficient. He is a KU guy and KU, this time around, needs a KU guy to run the athletic department.
Richard realizes football is crucial to the future of KU’s athletic department. True, he might be perceived as a basketball guy, because he worked closely with Roy, but Konzem also has a good working relationship with football coach Mangino.
Konzem knows KU needs to fill Memorial Stadium to net critical football dollars, and he will work with Mangino to bring a winner to KU.
Konzem, by the way, was INSTRUMENTAL in the hiring of baseball coach Ritch Price. Everybody gives Bohl credit for that hire, but those in the know will tell you Konzem made that hire happen, with the help of former Royals exec Hinrichs and others.
John Hadl would be a good choice, too, but John is doing a fine job in fundraising and it probably wouldn’t break his heart to be bypassed in favor of Konzem. Hadl would fully support Konzem if Richard got the job.
Hinrichs also would be a good in-house choice, but Konzem has been here longer than Hinrichs and again, Jay would do all he could to support Konzem’s regime.
I see no reason to bring in some man or woman from the outside. I mean Bohl was from Fresno State and look what happened. It’s time for a KU guy or gal and this time it’s time for Konzem.
Do you agree or disagree? Send me your email comments to gbedore@ljworld.com.
That’s it for now. Goodbye.
Hello out there.
It’s been a busy hoops season and successful one with KU earning at least a share of the league title.
Now that it is all winding down, I’d like to once again bat out (note the Opening Day reference; MLB is a great sport) some answers to your insightful questions.
This “Ask Gary” is in memory of what has been lost — the Big 12 Tournament. No longer will KU fans be able to head to nearby Kemper Arena to watch four days of delightful basketball. Diehard KU fans instead will have to fly or make the long eight-plus hour drive to Big D for the tourney.
It’s a shame Kemper Arena is such a dump that it has cost Kansas City the tradition-rich conference tournament. Let’s face it. Kansas, Iowa State and Missouri fans care more about basketball than any other teams in the frickin’ (to copy a Roy Williams word) Big 12.
The tournament should be in KC every year. But nooooo … Kemper is such a rathole the tourney must move. Too bad.
Me thinks it’s time for the Kansas City, Kan. mayor — her name escapes me, but I heard her on Kietzman’s 810 talk show — who has done such a fabulous job in supporting sports facilities and what they mean to an area, to take over in Missouri and get a new arena built downtown somewhere.
It’s too late to get the Big 12 Tournament back — the tourney is destined to rotate now and forevermore — but maybe KC could attract NBA and NHL teams. A lot of NBA teams are drawing only flies and an aggressive KC could get a team, especially if Mr. Laurie and/or Glass gets involved. KC should have both NBA and NHL teams and needs a new arena to get both.
That rant is over so it’s on to your questions. Remember to time how long it takes you to read this and what you are eating and/or drinking while you read it and send me your commentary. Dunk you very much.
Question: I know we hear a lot about the support Kirk Hinrich receives from his parents. Are Nick Collison’s parents at the Fieldhouse for every game as well? Thanks! Mary.
Answer: Yepp. The Collisons also attended every game this year. Both sets of families have minivans and have driven to places as far away as New York and Carolina to watch their kids play.
I think it’s been neat watching Nick’s brother, Michael, get all excited at games. Michael Collison, 12, wears a No. 4 Collison jersey and actually sits in the student section. If Mike, as expected, can grow to 6-foot-9, 6-10 or so and develop Nick-like skills, he’ll be one of the easiest recruits for Roy Williams to sign in the Roy Williams era. Michael Collison loves Mt. Oread and his parents and big bro Nick definitely love KU.
Q: What is a stickback play? How is it set up? Jewel.
A: A stickback is a synonym for a rebound and an ensuing bucket. To be credited with a stickback, a player like Collison grabs a miss and quickly drops it back in.
Q: Gary, I know he probably does this and I understand you build your program with high school kids, but why doesn’t roy go after more impact jucos??? I mean Kansas and Oklahoma have some of the best juco talent around…Sampson and Sutton and Snyder seem to always tap into that talent pool, why doesn’t Williams??? There have been years, and next year might be one of them (considering we are losing hinrich and collison) where having an impact juco player would really make you a contender quicker. I mean KU should be pretty solid next season, but after Simien, Langford and Miles, you really are going to be unproven….it looks like we are pretty stacked up at the guard spots, but we sure could use some immediate impact player or players at wing and small forward positions. Regards, G.
A: Roy recruits jucos only when he is desperate. He likes to bring in players for four years and develop them. It’s part of his coaching philosophy.
I mean, I definitely like Jeff Graves, but look at how much better Jeff would have been if Roy had him four years as opposed to two. It basically has taken Jeff all season for to understand what Roy wants and demands. If Jeff had three more years left, he’d be a monster player. Instead, Roy has him one more year and that’s that.
Take a look at some of the Big 12 rosters and look at all the juco failures. There are many. Granted some kids, like a Tinsley, are fabulous. But Iowa State, for instance, has had many juco kids who have never panned out. To run a top five program the right way, you need to base your program on signing high school kids and only taking jucos when necessary.
Last year Roy struck out on many preps, hence went after Graves and Devon Smith, who ultimately chose Virginia. I’m not saying your argument is wrong, I am telling you Roy Williams’ coaching philosophy is to sign high schoolers and work with them.
Q: What is the real scoop on Al Bohl? Why doesn’t Roy like him? Will they get rid of him? Ellen.
A: The “scoop” as I see it is a lot of KU supporters are very unhappy with the mess at Fresno State, which took place while Al Bohl worked there. Even though the Fresno school president told the J-W he doesn’t blame Bohl for the problems there, the academic brouhaha at Fresno State and the balance-the-budget-by-allegedly-transferring funds stories do bother KU alums who believe it reflects badly on KU.
Whether or not Al Bohl can survive this is anybody’s guess. My guess is Bohl might be bought out and replaced if the Fresno mess gets too ugly. The words “academic fraud” do not sit well with alums of any school.
As far as Roy not liking Bohl, Roy has not confided in me about his feelings regarding Bohl. I don’t want to stoop to the level of rumor mongering by quoting “unnamed sources” so I will just give my brief take: Dean Smith, who is Roy’s mentor, has said his favorite ADs at North Carolina were the ones who let him do his job and pretty much left him alone. If Dean had a problem, then his favorite ADs could and would help him out. Dean Smith earned this treatment from his ADs because of the fact he won big and NEVER EVER cheated. That is how it should be with Roy and his athletic director.That is because Roy wins and does not cheat.
True, Bohl is his boss and bosses sometimes believe they have the right to meddle — meddling usually always is a bad idea — but the fact Roy wins and does not cheat means he has earned the right to be left alone. Roy after 15 years has earned the right to have an AD that does not micromanage. I think all of you would agree with me on that point.
I do believe Bohl realizes this now, but perhaps did not realize this at the start of his AD tenure. Whether Roy will forgive him for meddling early on is anybody’s guess. For what it’s worth, I do think Bohl now realizes Roy is capable of running his own program without input from an AD and will pretty much leave Roy alone in the future.
All that said, I think Bohl has learned a lot in two years and perhaps — I said perhaps — should be given a clean slate right now. I mean it’s obvious the guy loves KU. That should be good for something. He truly does love his new school. And he has curbed his runaway enthusiasm a bit since some columnists blasted him during the frenzy of two weeks ago, caused by some erroneous talk show reports.
Bohl appears to have made a good football hire in Mark Mangino and I do think Bohl and Roy can co-exist. Like I said, I do think Bohl’s heart is in the right place. He has surrounded himself with good people up at KU in Konzem, Vance, Hinrichs, Kempf, Martin, Germann, Buskirk, Leddy, Logan, White, Wachter, Hadl, Berquist, Grover and all the other good people up there who are too numerous to mention. It is an athletic department full of talented people.
We’ll just have to see how it plays out. In my perfect world, everybody can just get along.
Q: What is the best place to watch KU basketball in New York City (am a Jayhawk fan, but not a KU alum)? Brad.
A: Madison Square Garden when the Jayhawks play there. Sorry, couldn’t resist the little joke.
Actually you are talking about sports bars I’m sure, so if any NY Jayhawkers are out there, drop me a line, and I’ll pass it on. You also can call the KU Alumni Assn., and they’ll be of help, I’m sure.
Q: Was Steven Hill really a Division 1 prospect? Are Langford’s brother and Wilkes’ brother Junior class D-1 prospects & what are our chances with both? Ken.
A: Heck yes Steven Hill was a Div. I prospect. The Jayhawks offered him a scholarship, but he chose Arkansas. He’s supposedly a heck of a big man, who can run the floor.
Keith said his brother Kevin will take it slow in recruiting. He does have KU on his list, plus several other schools including Stanford. I haven’t heard anything about Wilkes’ brother, yet. He loves his brother Omar so you’d think KU would have a good shot if KU decides to recruit him.
Q: Gary, I know officiating, is a sacred cow. But what is your opinion of current officiating. IE , kansas Iowa state? I felt it left a lot to be desired. Thanks, Bob.
A: I don’t really get worked up about officiating. I think it’s always been the same. I mean who ever thinks the officials do a good job? If your team wins, you probably felt the officials did an OK job, but good? I rarely ever hear anybody say the refs did a good job. Every arena I’ve gone to this year, including Allen … the fans of the home team get on the officials big-time. I mean give the striped shirts a break. It’s a difficult job especially when 15,000 fans and both coaches are screaming at you the whole game.
I see a lot of bad calls, but who cares? The calls do balance out, they really do. I’ve never understood why somebody would go to a game and scream at the top of his/her lungs (it’s usually a him doing the screaming) at an official. To me, that’s not the idea of having fun at a game, but I never said I was an expert on having fun.
If any of you lose your voice screaming at officials, send me an email and tell me why you do so. Again, does that add to your enjoyment of the game? It certainly doesn’t make the refs call it your way. Believe me, it does not.
Q: I am a diehard Jayhawk fan from Ohio. Where can I get a good photo/poster (panoramic preferred) of Allen Fieldhouse (either inside or outside)? I have looked at all of the bookstore websites and can’t find anything. I need a picture of the mecca of college hoops to frame for my basement sports bar. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. ROCK CHALK!! Kevin.
A: I checked out some sites also, and couldn’t find any pix of Allen. Some photo journalist did panoramic shots a few years back and sold them. One is hanging at Mr. Goodcents in Lawrence over on Kasold and 15th. You might go in there and ask them where they got theirs. Frankly I don’t think they sold very well. You might email the folks at kustore.com. They might have a suggestion.
Q: Basket Ball Question. I would like to have a list of the KU basketball players from the past five years. thank you. Becky.
A: You need a KU hoops media guide. Call the KU ticket office to purchase one. 1-800-34-HAWKS. Or give me a call and I can read you the names over the phone. I don’t have time to type them all in for you at this present time. I’m on deadline trying to write a feature story on Michael Lee and some KU-MU stuff.
Q: If KU could not beat OU at Kemper for the Big 12 championship the last two seasons (how did that happen) they don’t stand a chance in Dallas … I will be surprised if ku even makes it to the title game this season … they wilt under pressure and they cannot handle adversity and tough crowds on the road … they have not won a tough road game this season (sorry, Manhattan, Lincoln and Waco do not count). G.
A: Man this is a tough crowd. Hey … KU has lost two Big 12 games this year heading into the Missouri game. Two road losses ain’t half bad. Right now it’s good enough for a share of the title in what everybody is calling the toughest league in the country.
KU has won eight more road games in Big 12 play over the history of the league — see my recent story — than closest runnerup Oklahoma. If the Jayhawks hadn’t lost at Colorado and Oklahoma they could have lost at K-State or Texas Tech. Oklahoma has a heck of a team. Oklahoma may actually have a better team than Kansas. Kelvin gets paid good money just as Roy does.
I mean on a given night KU will stink. On a given night KU will stink and will lose. Just as on a given night Duke will stink or Florida will stink or Kentucky will stink. And they also will lose. Stuff happens.
For some reason I tend to look at the big picture more than individual games. The big picture is in a given year KU will lose 2-4 Big 12 games and 5-9 games overall. That’s just the way it is and probably always will be. In fantastic years KU will lose 0-1 Big 12 games and 3-4 games overall. It’s been a long time since KU has had a truly bad year. Trust me, OU has a good team and deserved to win that day.
Q: Hello Mr. Bedore, I have a little question maybe you can help me with. I was wondering what the fans chant as KU is winning in the final minutes, i can’t figure it out. Perhaps one day i will get a chance to be there for a game so i can chant along with them. Thanks, GO KU! Eric.
A: Hi, that would be “Rock Chalk, Jayhawk, KU.” They chant that at the end of games. I hope you also can get to a game in the future. Allen Fieldhouse is one of the best game-day atmospheres in the USA, best in the Big 12.
Q: Can anyone tell me, how do our jocks earn a letter in their particular sport of choice? Automatic if ya make the team, number of minutes played in actual competition, dating the coach’s daughter, being the captain of the athletic department slush fund, or just what? Steve.
A: It’s up to the individual coach. Generally a player receives a letter if he/she get into actual games and are not just practice players.
Q: Through the internet, I have been able to keep up a little on Ryan Robertson’s career in Holland. It looks like he is having another good season over there. Have you heard anything on whether he’s thinking of trying to make an NBA team next year — maybe playing on a NBA summer league team? Or is he going to stay overseas? You’d think he could help some NBA team off the bench with his shooting and passing skills. Tracey.
A: You are correct. Ryan is in Holland. He’s averaging about 19 a game. Right now he’s planning on staying over there and playing. Not everybody can play NBA basketball. I think Ryan realizes that and he’s planning on making some bucks in Europe, while enjoying traveling Europe with his wife.
I’m sure he’d consider an NBA offer, but as Billy Thomas can tell you, getting an invitation to an NBA summer league doesn’t mean much. Danny Manning waited half this season to get a guaranteed contract. Guaranteed contracts are difficult to obtain.
Ryan was a great college player, but really isn’t a prototypical NBA player. He’d probably have to become a 3-point specialist like Steve Kerr to have a true shot. That’s not to say he isn’t good. He is.
Q: Just wanted to let you know that I am a big fan of Roy. My question is about recruiting. With Nick Collison graduating and the possible problem with Wayne Simien and his shoulder and the possible situation with David Padgett and his knees don’t you think that Roy should be out recruiting another power player for up front for next year? Is there any news concerning this situation? I believe it is a necessity for depth in the front court. They have plenty of great players coming in for next season, but you cannot get out and run without a good rebounding team. Greg.
A: Padgett should be OK by the time he arrives for summer school. I had a story this week that indicated he may have arthroscopic surgery in the spring but last week’s MRI showed no significant damage in his right knee. He should be OK, knock on wood, etc.
Wayne also should recover from his late March shoulder surgery in New York. KU also has Graves and Moulaye next year. So KU will have four big men. Roy likes to have at least four. I think Roy would recruit a big guy if any were left that he wanted. But all of them have signed with other schools except for juco guys. Unless there is somebody out there under the radar we haven’t heard of.
KU will be OK as long as Padgett and Wayne are healthy. I do agree with you if Graves and Moulaye were the only big men next year, that would not be ideal. KU might lose a lot of games with just those two manning the middle.
Q: I need some info on KU basketball camps.
A: Check kuathletics.com and go to men’s basketball section. There’s a long writeup on Roy’s camps and Marian’s too.
Q: Hi Gary, I grew up in Lawrence and graduated from Lawrence High and KU. I’ve been attending KU games since I was born. I’ve made this argument in defense of Roy Williams several times in the last couple of years. Let me know what you think. Roy Williams, more than any other coach, is responsible for the legacy of Kansas basketball.
How can I say this? Take a look at the other coaches we’ve had in the last thirty years. Ted Owens was famous for his hideously boring forty minutes of stall and only recruited Kansas or regional talent. Sure Larry Brown won a championship, but he only really recruited one player (Danny) and did that by hiring his father. Does anyone remember the slew of problem players Brown brought to campus (Marvin Branch, etc.). Then he leaves us on probation — certainly not a praiseworthy characteristic of one the most tradition-rich programs in the country.
It was Roy who moved Kansas basketball into the 20th and 21st Century. It was Roy who brought in recruits from California, Oregon, Iowa — rather than Wichita, KC, or Omaha. It was Roy who sold the tradition of KU to every player he visited, every reporter he talked to. It was Roy who set shining examples of sportsmanship and class; Roy who brought good kids and good students to Lawrence. Without him, would we even be mentioned in the same breath with Kentucky and North Carolina. I don’t think so. I’m tired of hearing all these spoiled johnny-come-lately fans complain about Roy. Perhaps we won’t really appreciate what we have until he’s gone. Just some thoughts. Thanks. Steve in Fort Collins, Colorado.
I agree with you in your praise of Roy, I do. But I will not rip Larry or Ted. Ted Owens reached two Final Fours and brought some great players to KU.
Ted’s only fault, if you want to call it that, is he had some average teams. He had some off seasons during the years he reloaded. Roy has never had to rebuild and has never had a truly horrid season.
Ted I feel gets a bad rap. He did a fine job. He did what most schools, like Purdue, do. Excel some years, then when reloading, suffer an average of slightly sub par year. He had a great recruiting class coming in there year he got canned, as a matter of fact.
At KU, that is not good enough. Fans want to be good every year. Hence Ted was canned and Larry brought it. Larry did not recruit well, but Larry’s teams were exceptional. As far as the probation, it’s never good to be placed on probation. You are right, that is an inexcusable eyesore. But Larry Brown’s era can be deemed nothing but a success.
At any rate, I agree Roy has been the most consistent of the three. But there is no way Ted can be regarded as a failure or utter flop.
Q: There is an obvious set of injury trends in recent KU basketball history under Roy Williams that begs analysis. It is almost to the point when you wonder during the off season or the season which prominent player will go down next.
From the commencement of Roy’s tenure, there have been several stretches in past seasons when starters have been out for 10 or more games (or 1/3 of the season). These include injuries year after year to Jacque Vaughn, Raef LaFrentz, Scott Pollard, Jerod Hasse and now Wayne Simien. Another category of players in KU History became virtually disabled from chronic back or knee injury and continued to play through at a quarter of their ability (Greg Gurley, Lester Earl, Luke Axtell. Note: can you imagine if this group of players had been healthy and hitting threes and jumping out of the gym). They had Nick Proud, a somewhat hopeful and promising 6-10 player, who lasted less than half of his freshman season and disappeared with career-ending injury. And if this isn’t enough, Roy may be the only coach in history to recruit a blue chip, potential All American who before he even started his career at KU had his leg unfortunately run over by a mobile train (Chris Lindley)!
I do not blame this on bad conditioning procedures or aggressive practices because I don’t think all of this could be attributed to such conclusions and there is something way bigger here. What I want to ask is, does Roy Williams need to get things right with God? Q.
A: Like you pointed out in your own question, stuff happens. When you play sports, you get hurt.
It’s not noticed as much in football because teams have 90 players. Hoops teams have 13-15 and they don’t wear helmets and fans get to know them personally, especially at KU, where just about every player has 3-4 feature stories written on them per year.
I am confident in saying if you did a study of any of the top 20 teams in America with a coach that has been there 15 years, they all will have similar injury stories. Stuff happens. You lace ’em up and play hard, you sometimes will get hurt.
Q: If you want to tell Jeff Graves to hang in there that I think he is doing a good job and that I am sorry about the lost of his friend where do I send the message. Thanks Jerry
A: Send it to KU basketball office, 250 Wagnon Student Athletics Center, Lawrence, 66049. That was tragic when Jeff lost his buddy to a gunshot wound. I also like Graves. He really is a pleasant guy to interview. He just needs to watch his weight in the future. He’s one of those guys who cheeseburgers do not treat well.
Q: Gary, should Miles be benched and Kirk moved to the one and Lee to the two? Concerned fan.
A: No. Miles should start. In my opinion, if Aaron is having one of those games where he is turning it over like mad, and not scoring, then Kirk should play the majority of the point the second half and crunch time.
Miles is a darn good player. He just has had some bad games. He’s still a McDonald’s All American and fine player. He is a sophomore and thus inconsistent. But Miles is good enough to start and continue to start. Amazing how some people forget this guy started for a Final Four team last year. In my opinion, he should take it to the rack more often, especially early in games when he’s struggling to get on the board.
Q: I’m a KU grad now living in Phoenix and noticed a story in the Phoenix paper about Dennis Latimore leaving the UA hoops program. Any chance of him landing in Lawrence? Jay.
A: Anything is possible. I can’t speak for the coaches who will not discuss recruiting, but I would think with three scholarships available next year, they’d prefer getting high school guys. Latimore’s high school coach said several top 25 teams have called about Dennis.
Q; You mentioned that KU wouldn’t be cutting down the nets on an opponent’s floor. This brings back a bad memory of Oklahoma players, under the “guidance” of Billy Tubbs, cutting down the nets in Allen Fieldhouse in 1984. Of course, Roy Williams would never stand for his players doing something like that on another team’s floor. It’s a testament to the class of Kelvin Samson that I’d ever cheer for OU against ANY other team. Steve.
A: Good point. That’s amazing Tubbs did that, truly amazing. Roy would never let his players do that. I also like Kelvin a lot. He’s a good coach and class act.
Q: Gary, I’m curious about scholarships recently read about the 5/8 rule but didn’t know how many total scholarships a school can give in one year. Thanks.
A: I school can give five in one year; 8 over a two year span and have 13 on scholarship total.
Q: Gary, who is your favorite announcer nationally?
A: I don’t watch many games on TV or listen on radio because I cover so many games a year, but on a personal level I like Vitale because he is the rare “big-time” announcer who actually gets to know the local media in doing his homework before games.
He went out of his way to shake hands with all the folks in the handicapped section at a recent KU game. Class act. He is a regular guy who doesn’t let his ego take over in his dealings with people. True, he praises coaches a lot, but hey … in this wacky world where many fans seem tolive to blast coaches, why not have one guy on the coaches’ side?
I have found ESPN’s announcers tend to be friendlier than the other network guys. I do not know why that is, but that is the way it is. Whom do you all like?
Q: Gary, who is your favorite writer, nationally? LHuggins.
A: Easy. KU grad Ken Davis of the Hartford Courant. He is the best.
Q: Gary what do you think of KU’s chances of winning at Missouri? I like our chances, Tigerhater from St. Louis believe it or not.
A: Missouri plays very very well at home and average to poor on the road. It will be extremely difficult for KU to win there. I would have to say Missouri should be favored to win. KU can win at Mizzou Sunday, but it will be extremely tough because of the electric atmosphere in Hearnes. I’d say MU should be favored by four points.
For KU to win, Paulding must have an off day and KU must dominate inside. Collison and Hinrich must have big, big games. What I am trying to say is don’t bet the house on KU. It’s never easy to win at Hearnes, though KU has won its fair share there.
Q: Gary, why is Langford so inconsistent? Some games he is on fire, others he simply is bad? Jack.
A: Again, what a tough crowd. I think he’s been pretty consistent all year. He had a little lull for I guess three games, but aside from those, the guy has been good. I think he’s a second-team all Big 12 player. Third team at worst. He’s had a sensational year, especially for a soph. I like his attitude on the road, too. He comes to play.
Q: Gary, simple question this time, will KU win the Big 12 Tourney? Marie.
A: If KU gets a No. 1 seed, KU will make the final. I would think Texas would win the tourney.
Q: Gary, can KU make a long NCAA run without Wayne? Frank S.
A: Well, KU is ranked in the top eight right now, which means the country believes KU can march all the way to the Elite 8. KU could land a one or two seed afore all is said and done. I would think if KU gets a one seed, the Jayhawks will roll to the Elite Eight. After that all bets are off.
WIthout Wayne, as you are all well aware, there is little margin for error. Kirk and Nick must score big, ditto Keith, while Aaron can’t pull a disappearing act. Graves has to grab 10-12 rebounds and Mike Lee and Nash must not hurt the team.
I would say the loss of Simien will indeed make it extremely difficult. I give KU an 87 percent chance of reaching the Sweet 16; 72 percent chance of reaching the Elite Eight and 51 percent chance of making the Final Four. I give KU a 39 percent chance of reaching the national title game and 17 percent chance of winning it all. Send me your percentages.
Q: Gary, give me your all Big 12 team and player and coach of year picks. Sam in Denver.
A: Collison, Hinrich, Price, Emmett and Ford. Coach of year is Roy for winning the title with Simien only playing four league games (three full games and 40 seconds of a fourth). Kudos to Kelvin and Barnes also, but Roy won without depth. So coaching comes into play more.
Player of year goes to a player on the winning team. If it’s OU then it’s Price. If its Texas its Ford. If it’s KU is Collison in a close vote over Kirk. It is sad because Collison and Kirk are going to probably nullify each other out, hence Ford will probably win it.
Think about it. Some are gonna vote for Nick; some Kirk, so they are doomed. I told the AP I’d split my vote between the two if that happens. I firmly believe the award should go to a player on the winning team, however.
Q: Gary, will Roy be hired at UCLA or North Carolina after the season? Brad.
A: I hope Carolina doesn’t fire Matt. He deserves another year. He can’t help it that Sean May got hurt. As far as would Roy leave here now? I doubt it.
Roy admits he is very corny. He has had numerous offers to head to the NBA. He has declined overtures from his alma mater and also UCLA in the past. The reason he stayed last time is his players. Last time I looked he still was coaching players — many scheduled to return next year — like his fab sophomore class.
I can’t see Roy telling Padgett, ‘Thanks for signing, David. Now I’m outta here.’ I have to believe that because of loyalty to his players and their families, KU is Roy’s last job. He’s too corny and sentimental, whatever you want to call it, to turn his back on players he’s signed.
He deserves people to give him a break regarding this topic until he does something to show that he wants to leave. Roy has never done anything like that.
Q: Is this the year some lesser known team wins a national title? Arizonafan.
A: Perhaps. It seems like there are no truly dominant teams this season. Duke is beatable. Kentucky looks good, but you can’t tell me UK is unbeatable.
Arizona is remarkable, but again not unbeatable. I have always liked Pitt’s team. Somebody will come out of nowhere as Indiana did last season. Maybe Illinois? Or Creighton?
Q: Gary, should war force the cancellation of the NCAAs if it breaks out? Ted
A: Well, perhaps. It depends what happens if and when we invade. I mean if there is a clear and present danger in the USA for some reason, yes I’d say the tourney would and should be canceled. It just depends. Let’s hope war can be averted for many reasons besides basketball.
Q: Gary did Roy err in letting Wayne come back too early? I’m not a doctor but gee whiz? Maxie.
A: No. The doctors said Wayne was ready to return and Roy actually waited two weeks or more after that to put Wayne play in a game. I mean Big Dub wanted to give it a shot. He did the rehab work and gave it a valient try, but the shoulder wouldn’t hold up.
Here’s hoping he comes back strong after surgery. Big Dub truly is a classy guy, loves KU and loves to win. He can’t help it
that he’s had some injury woes.
Q: Gary, how come Nash doesn’t play more? I love this guy. He is so athletic. Tammy in Atlanta.
A: Well, sometimes he seems to freeze up and make stupid mistakes. He has had some good games especially on the boards as of late. All I can tell you is Roy doesn’t always completely trust him to make the plays. Give Nash credit for sticking it out and trying to become a Big 12 player. He has improved a lot this season.
Well, I’m done. Sorry I didn’t come up with many jokes this time. Tim Bedore is the comedian in the Bedore clan. Yes I have a distant cousin that is a comic. Check out his CD online. Do a Yahoo! search and you’ll find some info on him I am sure. I bought one of his CDs and I thought it was pretty funny, especially his take on slowpitch softball and hospitals. He keeps the act clean and is a funny comic.
One of my brothers is also named Tim. His specialty is music, not comedy. I’ll let you know if he puts out any CDs.
Good bye, good luck and dunk you all very much.
Hello out there.
The Jayhawks are on a hot streak since last we met, which is when many thought the sky was falling after KU dropped two in New York and one at Oregon.
The boys are playing very well even without Big Dub, which happens to be a dandy nickname for Wayne Simien, when you think about it.
Hope you all had a happy and safe holiday season.
To me, it already seems like it’s been two months since Christmas and New Year’s as the calendar stops for no one.
Don’t you agree Christmas and New Year’s should always fall on Wednesdays as they did this year?
I tell you, that’s the best day of the week for a major holiday. Right smack dab in the middle of da week.
Hope you all got the gifts you wanted, but I have a complaint.Nobody sent me any gifts. What’s the deal? I provide you with 50 minutes of delightful reading every 5 weeks or so, and no gifts for Gary.
I repeat, what is the deal?
Now don’t get all excited and call the Internet police. I’m just kidding once again.
Accepting gifts – even delicious apple pies – is non gratis or non gratuity or non sequitir or non deductible or something like that.
Which reminds me, we’re getting perilously close to tax time.
Here are your questions and my tremendous answers if I do say so, myself.
p.s. Are you tired of my jokes yet?
Q: Do you think the loss of Kirk Hinrich and Nick Collison will change the level of which KU has played the last two years, and do you think anybody will step up? Who do you think will be the next standout out of the freshmen of next year? Kris.
A: I think KU will still try to run next year without Kirk and Nick. The Jayhawks are adding Omar Wilkes, David Padgett, Jeremy Case and J.R. Giddens, who all can run. Throw them in the mix with the returning players and I see the Jayhawks continuing to push the ball.
KU should be a fast-paced squad for years to come. There’s no reason to play stallball with these horses.
Q: Dear Gary, I need an insider’s view … is Langford distant from the rest of the team? A loner? Cocky? Shy? He doesn’t seem to want to huddle up with the boys during breaks on the floor. I’ve seen Collison grab him a few times and drag him in. What gives? Chris.
A: I beg to differ, megadeath breath.
Remember those old Johnny Carson skits where Mr. Carson, the comic/talk show host who was born and raised in Nebaska, told that to Ed McMahon? How long has Carson been off the air anyway? 10 years? And what’s with the new Star Search? Only Ed should be allowed to host that show, not Arsenio Hall.
But I digress.
Keith is a great guy. I don’t think he’s cocky or shy, either.
Where do you get that? I think the KU players get along with him just fine and we writers like him because he’s very outgoing with the media. He does not utter cliches.
That Keith is a popular Jayhawk is about all I can tell you.
And as far as his game, he has that uncanny knack of slicing through the lane and scoring. He elevates. He’s a special talent. He’s a scorer, pure and simple.
Q: Hey Gary, could you please give me the name and contact information (e-mail address, phone, and mailing address), of the Admin. Asst of the KU men’s basketball program? Thank you and Merry Christmas. Clyde.
A: Jerod Haase and C.B. McGrath are administrative assistants. The phone number in the men’s basketball office is 864-3056. The mailing address is 250 Wagnon Student Athletic Complex, Lawrence, Ks., 66044.
Q: Gary, I live in Phoenix and follow KU basketball as close as I can. Do you know all the past Jayhawk basketball players now in the NBA? And what teams they play for? I think I know most of them, but I don’t want to leave someone out. Thank You from a true blue Arizona Jayhawk Fan.
A: Drew Gooden plays for Memphis; Raef LaFrentz for Dallas; Greg Ostertag for Utah; Paul Pierce for Boston; Scot Pollard for Sacramento and Jacque Vaughn for Orlando.
Q: With apparent concerns with the Oklahoma basketball recruit, are there any rumors on who Kansas may yet be recruiting? Lawrence.
A: There are no names of possible high school senior recruits or junior college recruits floating out there. I think Roy will stick with his four signees.
You can bet J.R. Giddens will play at KU, despite his legal problem in Oklahoma City. The case was settled and he will assuredly be on campus this summer. He’s not been convicted of any crime and has done nothing that will prevent him from accepting his KU scholarship.
Roy has said he will still bring him in.
If J.R. did do something wrong in the Wal-Mart case (it’s a juvenile case and we’ll never know all the details) we can only hope he has learned from this scare.
By all accounts, J.R. is a very nice kid and hopefully all the headlines about Mr. Giddens will be positive the rest of his life. I have talked to J.R. a few times and like the guy. Ditto his mother, another nice person.
I really don’t have much to say about the matter because it’s a juvenile case and the specifics will never been known.
I will say it’s just not smart to go shopping after midnight. Like wise recruiting analyst Greg Swaim told me, “You’ve got to do what your mother tells you. My mother always told me, ‘Nothing good ever happens after midnight.'”
Gary: The reason KU hoops fans are scattered about in visiting arenas is related to KU’s ticket policy for visiting teams.
As I understand it, KU allocates 500 seats for visiting teams. Some teams “reciprocate” with a nominal ticket allocation of their own. After all, it doesn’t benefit them to have a huge KU section! Just as a note, when KU visited USC a few years ago, the arena was mostly KU fans. I wasn’t able to attend the UCLA game last year but I imagine it was the same…. It is amazing how few UCLA fans show up at Pauley. (Last night’s game vs N. Arizona had 5,600 fans). The long and short of it seems to be that if the home team is poorly supported, tickets can be obtained. If they are well supported (like Oregon) tickets are a precious commodity, and the Athletic Department sells tickets to their own fans; not KU fans. Lisa
A: Thanks for the info.
I have been told KU gets 100 tickets for Big 12 road games with 25 behind the bench and the rest wherever the other team wants to put the fans.
I do remember that USC game. The Trojans’ arena was full of KU fans.
I remember USC coach Henry Bibby saying he’d never play KU again because he didn’t want Roy Williams coming to the West coast and raiding players from the Los Angeles area.
I wonder if Bibby will take the UCLA job when it opens up. After all, UCLA is his alma mater.
I do like Steve Lavin. He’s an upfront guy who gets a raw deal out there. If people would support him he’d get better recruits. He could have won at UCLA, but people there want the next John Wooden. Steve Lavin is not that bad Bruin fans, even though I, like you, am well aware he’s gone.
Except for this year, tell me what Lavin has done to deserve websites calling for his firing every year. He takes UCLA to the Sweet 16 seemingly every year.
Bruin fans want national titles I guess just like in the Wooden era.
Good luck winning them. It’s not easy in this day and age.
Q: When Allen Field House opened in 1956 it was said to have a seating capacity in the excess of 18,000. It had an indoor track and a stage in one end where the band sat. Any student or anyone that looked like a student would wave a student pass or reasonable facimile and go find a seat. If no seats were available, you could sit in the aisles. Now the capacity is listed as 15,500. Why is their a difference? Bill
A: Actually the official attendance is 16,300 now, which it has been since the last construction phase of the handicapped seating. The seating has been tinkered with from time to time with the chairbacks in the middle added after the Ted Owens era.
But capacity is 16,300 now, a pretty good number, though KU frankly could probably draw 18,000 per game — 20,000 for the really big games — if the arena was expanded.
Q: Quick question (my first football question ever!): I’ve heard a lot lately about KU’s football recruiting successes. Is this years’ crop significantly better than in previous years or is it on par with prior years. Where would it rank in the Big 12 (thus far)? Thanks, Bill.
A: I’ve heard it is a top 30 class nationally. At least that’s what one of the experts said. But you have to wait and see in February when the signing date passes. Some guys commit then change their minds. Dave Mitchell is our football expert and can be reached at dmitchell@ljworld.com.
Q: What was Danny Manning’s record in home games at KU?
A: Danny went 57-3 at Allen Fieldhouse; not half bad I’d say.
Q: What is keeping the KU Athletic Department from honoring Max Falkenstien? He has been a part of K.U. for four decades, and they could honor him by naming the basketball and football pressroom after him. George.
A: I don’t think KU will honor Max until after he retires. I mean why honor Max now? He’s still working the games. I don’t think Max really cares about being honored right now. He’s still a working member of the media.
I’m sure after he retires KU will do something for Max, who is a great announcer and great person. There really is no hurry to do anything now though, is there? He’s still having fun working the games.
Q: Was the Emporia State game an “exhibition?” I note that the win is not counted in the 9-3 record. Clair.
A: No, that was a real game. The Washburn game was an exhibition, so the ESU game did count in KU’s record; the Washburn game did not.
Q: Hi, Gary. Me again! I was reading the player bios in the roster area. There is nothing in there about academics. Could you fill us in on which hoops players are also into academics, and what all the players’ majors are (assuming they’ve declared)? KU has a pretty good reputation now for actually graduating athletes. I’d like to know more about this angle. Thanks! Laura.
A: Hi Laura. I think we added the academic info because of your suggestion! So thanks.
I will tell you this … Christian Moody may be the smartest guy on the team. He hopes to be a medical doctor someday. But these guys are pretty sharp. I know I could never have graduated putting in the kind of travel time these guys put in.
Frankly I don’t know how the so-called student-athletes do it.
Q: My older brother is a big fan (I mean a big fan). He has KU shirts & hats, he never misses a game. Would you get him tickets to one game for his birthday? PLEASE! Bailey.
A: I’d like to help you out Bailey, but I don’t have access to tickets. You sound like a great person in wanting to get tickets for your brother.
Perhaps your parents could give ya the money to purchase him a ticket. If so, call 1-800-34-HAWKS, which is the ticket office, or maybe one of our fans on here will provide you and bro with tickets. Good luck.
Q: TV announcers stated that Tamir of Cal had played pro basketball. Were they correct and if so how can he play in the NCAA? J.
A: I’ve been told he spent three years in the Israeli army. He never played pro basketball. He’s quite an interesting story. From all I’ve heard and read, he’s a good guy. I’m happy for him. He’s a good player.
Q: Gary, I attended KU when signs in Allen Field House read “Owens” so you can imagine how much I have enjoyed Coach Roy and his great success. Anyway, my question is: In your gut, is there any way you envision Oklahoma recruit Giddens, ever wearing a KU uniform, in light of his recent legal troubles?
A: First of all, I like Ted Owens and think he was a good coach. I know he didn’t win a national title or anything, but he did reach the Final Four unlike some former Big Eight/12 coaching legends. He had some fine teams here.
Ted was and is a first-class individual, also.
He preached the same type of family atmosphere as Roy.
Ted Owens did a lot for KU and was a good coach.
That said, in answer to your question, I think J.R. Giddens will, of course, be here in the fall. He is a juvenile and was not convicted of a crime. We simply do not know all the facts. J.R. insists it was all a misunderstanding.
Whatever the facts, hopefully J.R. will learn from his mistakes.
Getting in trouble once is not good, but because nobody got hurt, and he’s not been convicted of ANYTHING, it’s certainly forgivable. I don’t know anybody who’s perfect. Like most everybody else, I did some things between the ages of 17-21 that were stupid.
Getting in trouble twice would be a bad idea. And as baseball players are well aware, three strikes and you are out.
Q: It’s looking like the Jayhawks are stepping it up, certainly nice to see as they enter the Big 12 schedule. I was wondering your comments on the sleeper teams in the league. Safe to say Mizzou, OK and Texas are strong; how about everyone else? Daren.
A: Man, I don’t know about sleeper teams. Do I dare say K-State? I think the ‘Cats could win a lot of home games. Maybe Texas Tech. The bottom five or six teams really could go either way. I thought Colorado was going to be outstanding, but it looks like Colorado may still be Colorado.
The key for the middle of the road teams is which ones are going to win all their home games. Some of those teams need to emerge and win all their home games. KSU could be one of those teams this go-round.
I will go out on a limb and say perhaps the ‘Cats will win most of their home games and be a surprise team.
Q: Who were all the coaches on the ’88 championship team?
A: Well, Larry Brown was the head coach. He was assisted by RC Buford, Alvin Gentry, and Ed Manning.
Q: How does ISU Coach Eustachy get away with walking all over the court, out of the coach’s box during games? He was especially noticeable last night during the KU game. Is there any discussion about this among the media? I don’t see other good basketball school coachs doing this. Don.
A: Heck of a question. There has been some media discussion of this. I think he should be tooted for technical fouls the times he strays out of the box.
I’ve seen him stray onto the court, which is unacceptable in my eyes.
The rulebook says you have to stay in the coaching box and Eustachy definitely ventures far out of it. The league’s supervisor of officials needs to give Eustachy a call, or better yet, some ref needs to warn him before a game and ‘T’ him up if he does it.
I mean I like Eustachy a lot. He’s a colorful guy who is great with the media, and I like his style. The refs probably like him too. He really is a good guy.
But you’ve got to enforce the rules. It’s ridiculous the way he strays out of the coaching box.
C’mon Larry. The box is painted on the floor for a reason. Use it.
Q: Gary, why don’t Kirk and Nick get more publicity nationally? They are pretty doggone good to copy a Roy saying. Iowanatheart.
A: Probably because they are seniors. The national media tends to write more about guys who might turn pro or have some hidden secret they might reveal in an interview. With Kirk and Nick, they are both seniors and have no mysteries to reveal.
They also are very consistent, very talented and deserving of publicity. Both live and breathe basketball, both are good students who will graduate and both great representatives of KU. I hope Roy is enjoying this season, because it’s not often a veteran coach nowadays gets to coach two seniors like Kirk and Nick. You fans should enjoy the remainder of their careers also. They are a special duo.
Q: Do you know of any Jayhawk fans in Madison, Wisconsin? I’d like to find a Jayhawk Bar here to catch the games, and the Alumni site doesn’t list any in Madison. Anything you can do to help would be appreciated – maybe post my email so others could let me know. Thanks! Melissa.
A: Sorry, but I’m no expert on Madison, Wis., which happens to be one of the great college towns in America. You could call the KU Alumni Assn. (864-4760) and ask them or check their website, kualumni.org.
We had a great time in Madison for the NCAA Tournament last year.
I remember eating some delicious prime rib at some German place located on the corner of some block near our team hotel.
How’s that for specific directions and a specific recommendation for you? It was delicious and they served beverages in these big boots that people at the table shared. It was neat.
It was sort of funny and silly really that the people of Madison booed Roy during the tourney games. Roy had made some comment about the slow style of play of UW under its former coach.
Roy got booed during pregame introductions of both tourney games in Madison.
But in answer to your question I don’t know of any KU fans in Madison, Wis., but I do know of some Badger fans named Bob, Joan, Liz, Julianne and Adam. And Lisa, too. They love Madison and rightly so. It’s a great town.
Q: When do you think we will know the status of Wayne Simien? Do you think he will be out for the season? Monte.
A: No surgery appears to be necessary, so you probably can expect him back in early February, maybe late January. That’s speculation, however.
We’ll keep you posted with official updates as they are made available, however. KU has done a good job of keeping the media posted and we’ll provide updates when available. Wayne has been shooting and dribbling at practice and I would think he’d be back pretty soon.
Q: The recent article regarding suites in the fieldhouse noted the “aura” of Allen would be preserved. To me the aura is long gone although vestiges remain mostly in the rafters and the floor where advertisement haven’t yet been hung or attached. The once venerable old building is little more than a monument to the athletic department’s sacrifice of the “aura” for advertising dollars. Even the TV cameras are now positioned on the West side of the building so the viewer can see all those garish little bill boards behind the action on the floor instead of the benches. I get the feeling the message is the advertising, not the game. We like to think the fielhouse is the greatest basketball venue in the country. Perhaps it is externally and noise wise but it certainly is no longer is a great venue aesthetically once inside. It just looks cheap. Duke, Stanford (today’s paper) and many others have not adorned their buildings with cheap little bill boards above all the entrances and media tables. They might as well gut it and rebuild it t look like a mall. Brad
A: I feel your pain. However I long ago gave up worrying about advertisements in Allen. College basketball was ruined so to speak when that first CBS gazillion dollar contract came out.
The time outs are way too long in TV games. The flow of the game is definitely affected which is sad.
College coaches make a gazillion dollars; the players get nothing. If players do accept money, the school gets put on probation.
KU and all schools need the money, so most go with advertisements in arenas. If schools like Duke do not do this, then congratulations to them, but obviously they are in the vast minority.
I do understand you wanting the old days back. The advertisements are kind of tacky, but to tell you the truth, my eyes don’t even focus on them anymore.
It’s like when a TV commercial comes on TV.
Click.
Change channels.
I also am somewhat sick of modern athletics. I figure the powers that be might as well pay the players because everybody else in college basketball is making money, except the players.
It really is a sham, but lately I’ve stopped worrying about it. It ain’t gonna change, 8 p.m. starts and 10 p.m. NCAA Tournament starts be darned.
What do you all think about paying the players. Should players be paid? Should players boycott the NCAA tournament until they are paid? Email me at gbedore.ljworld.com.
Q: Gary, Do you think Colorado’s David Harrison is a thug? Brent.
A: No I don’t. I’ve talked to Colorado media types who say Harrison is a nice kid. I enjoyed talking to him at Big 12 media day and found him engaging and smart. Not smart-alecky, but smart.
Just because a guy is outspoken doesn’t make him a thug. Remember the game at the fieldhouse last year, some adult screamed insults in Harrison’s face outside the CU locker room hallway. Harrison could have taken a poke at the guy and incited a riot, instead shook the stunned fan’s hand. That middle aged fan was out of line, not Harrison.
I don’t mind outspoken players. The league would be dull if every player said:
Q: It would seem to me that Aaron Miles, Keith Langford, and Wayne Simien all might have careers in the NBA. How long can we expect them to stay at KU? If we make a deep tournament run this year, will we lose any or all of them? Dan.
A: KU will lose none of those guys this year.
There’s no way any of them are turning pro now. I really don’t want to go into detail on this cause I think it’s a waste of time and typing. They just are not going pro right now. This topic wore me out last year involving Drew Gooden. I can’t predict the future, so all the speculation is silly.
As far as FUTURE pro potential of these guys, good question.
I like Wayne’s chances if he can stay healthy. He is an animal out there. Keith just might make it. He is an incredible scorer and athlete. Aaron is really good. By the time he leaves here, he might be totally unstoppable. He figures to average 10 assists a game his senior year. Keith and Aaron may need to become more reliable from beyond the arc to make it big in the NBA.
They do have time to improve their strokes, however.
Q: I feel as though, if Wayne Simien comes back healthy, that this team has four future first round draft picks. What do NBA scouts think about a guy with explosiveness, a consistent jump shot and good fundamentals. I call that Keith Langford. Is he gonna be a lottery pick in a couple years?? Scot
A: I’d have to agree with you. Keith is pretty darn good. Don’t know about a lottery pick because of his height. He stretches out to 6-foot-4.
But we’ll have to wait and see how he develops and how his outside shot develops.
Q: In anticipation of the Arizona game (not to mention the chance of ‘Zona coming in ranked No. 1), when was the last time a top-ranked team played KU in AFH? Richard.
A: I’ll let you know later in the week if I was wrong, but my research here Sunday night has Oklahoma in 1988-89 as being the last No. 1 team to come into Allen. KU lost the game, 94-89.
Q: Gary did it seem to you Drew Gooden was too blase about his jersey getting retired Saturday night? His speech was short and he seemed like he wasn’t all that into it. Thom.
A: I’d have to disagree. Drew was really into the game, sitting there watching it with his dad. He clapped a lot for the Jayhawks on Saturday.
When talking to the media after the ceremony, his eyes did well with tears in discussing his days at KU.
So I definitely think he was touched.
The speech wasn’t all that great by speech standards, but are any of those speeches that great?? What’s a guy supposed to say? He thanked the fans and did the ‘0’ gesture with the fans, which was funny and a good photo opportunity.
Drew played a game in Seattle on Friday night and was in Allen Fieldhouse on Saturday. He was wiping away tears. So what more was he supposed to do? Bust out and start bawling at center court? I think Drew was fine. If you watched him during the game, he and his papa really were into it. I think you are being too hard on him. Way too hard on him.
Q: Gary, when Simien comes back how can Roy send Graves to the bench? I think Graves should start the rest of the way. He is a force. Rebecca.
A: Graves has been playing well but even Jeff realizes he’ll move to the bench when Wayne returns. Jeff told me he’ll try to be the best sixth man in the league.
Funny how some people wanted to send Jeff packing early last semester when he reported out of weight. Now he’s beloved. Such is sports.
I hope you all read my story on Graves that came out on NY’s Day. He really is a likable guy and was somewhat misunderstood early on. He realizes he made a mistake reporting out of shape and vows to work out more next summer.
He definitely has been Mr. Double Double.
Q: Gary will KU sweep Missouri this year? I sure hope so. Tina.
A: Man, that’s a tough one. I find it tough to believe KU will go undefeated again this season, so I would have to say KU probably will split with the Tigers, winning here and losing in Columbia. That said I would not be shocked to see KU win ’em both. I would be shocked to see MU sweep. So I’d say the odds of MU sweeping KU are 15 percent; the odds of KU sweeping MU 67 percent and the odds of both teams winning one game 89 percent.
Q: Gary, who is your favorite coach in the conference? We’ll make this easy on you saying, “excluding coach Williams.” Bart.
A: I’d have to say Kelvin Sampson. I’ve always liked him a lot. He proved his mettle last year taking the Sooners to the Final Four.
On a personal note, on the rare occasions I’ve phoned his office, he’s returned the call within 30 minutes both times. Again, in this day and age of coaches being superstars, that is impressive to me.
I do think the league has an impressive array of coaches. I have nothing against any of ’em. As I said earlier I like Eustachy. How can you not like Eddie Sutton? Ditto Bliss and Rick Barnes, et. all. Wooldridge seems like a good, upfront guy.
I won’t go through all of ’em, but the league is well represented, that is for sure. I’m not crazy about Bob Knight. How can any media member be crazy about Bob Knight considering his erratic policies concerning his availability? I mean sometimes he doesn’t even speak after games. That is crazy.
Kudos to his son, Pat, for picking up the slack when Bob isn’t in the mood to talk, but c’mon, you’ve got to talk after every game, coach.
Q: Gary, why doesn’t coach make Jeff Graves shave off his cornrows? I don’t like them. Old school.
A: Uh … because it’s America and a person can wear his/her hair any way he/she wishes I guess. I guess if a guy had a full beard like Santa, Roy might be wise to tell the player to shave it.
Q: Gary, is David Padgett any good? The big kid from Reno we’re getting? Marx.
A: Yep, he’s had some monster games this season and is showing the ability to score both inside and out I’ve been told. I think David Padgett is the real deal. I guess he’s really mobile for somebody 6-11.
Q: Gary, can Moulaye play? Does he have a future here? Rob.
A: Well, I think he can play, but I can’t say I think he’ll ever be a starter. It should be interesting to see how he progresses. He definitely has some athletic ability, but is very raw still. The fact he’s playing meaningful minutes now indicates Roy has faith in him. But in answer to your question I think he can contribute, how much I can’t say.
Q: Gary, who will win Saturday’s KU-Arizona game? I need to know and I’m not a gambler, so don’t worry about that. Ty.
A: Interesting question. Barring no midweek injuries, suspensions or headcolds on either team, or whatever, I’d say KU will win the game by 4. I just am not sure Arizona has faced the kind of atmosphere it will face at Allen. Maybe I’m wrong. Arizona demolished UCLA at Pauley and it’s not like the Cats aren’t used to playing outstanding teams on the road.
But you asked me a question and there’s my answer.
To tell you the truth, I don’t think anybody can handicap this game with 100 percent certainty. Remember KU went to ‘Zona and won last year. The ‘Cats will want revenge. It should be a good game.
Q: Gary, how come they don’t repaint or refinish the outside of Allen Fieldhouse. It’s getting ugly. Kristopher.
A: Easy. Money. KU is still trying to raise funds for a video board. Money doesn’t grow on trees, or so they say. You are probably right, though. In a perfect world, the outside of the fieldhouse probably should be rebuffed.
Q: Gary, will KU go undefeated in the league? Will KU win the NCAA Tournament? I can dream can’t I? Margaret L.
A: I don’t think KU will go unbeaten in the league. I don’t think KU will win the NCAA Tournament. But anything’s possible, right? I think KU may drop the game at Missouri or at Texas Tech, perhaps. Maybe even a home game. KU can’t win ’em all every year.
That’s it for now. Games are going to start coming fast and furious the rest of the way, so enjoy. And I repeat my question this month: How long did it take you to read this? Send me your answer in exact minutes and seconds. Dunk you very much.
