Self on UMKC
Kansas basketball coach Bill Self doesn’t expect an easy time tonight against UMKC, a squad that dropped its season opener to North Dakota, 61-56, Friday night on the Kangaroos’ campus.
“They played us well here last year, and we had a pretty nice team,” Self said. His eventual national champions led by 10 points with 8:41 left before storming to an 85-62 victory.
“I respect their style of play,” Self added, referring to “a lot of back-cutting, a takeoff of the Princeton-style offense. You have to get to their three-point shooters and not give up layups, which is easier said than done.”
UMKC’s best shooter is 6-foot-4 senior Dane Brumagin, who hit 45.1 percent of his threes last season en route to a 17.1 scoring average. Brumagin – he scored 11 points versus KU last year – scored 11 points off 5-of-13 shooting versus UND.
Big night for Davises
Two members of the Davis family will broadcast tonight’s 7:30 p.m. game. Bob Davis is in his 25th year as KU radio play-by-play announcer. His son, Steven, a former KU hoops student manager, is in his first season as voice of the Kangaroos.
Steven also is voice for the K.C. Royals Double-A affiliate, the Northwest Naturals of Springdale, Ark. Bob is one of the Royals’ announcers.
Crazy tourney
This game is actually part of the O’Reilly Auto Parts CBE Classic, which does not have a usual tournament format. KU will play host to UMKC tonight and Florida Gulf Coast at 8 p.m., Tuesday. The Jayhawks also will play Washington at 9 p.m., Nov. 24 at Sprint Center, and either Florida or Syracuse at 6:45 p.m. or 9:15 p.m. on Nov. 25.
Pregame changes
There will be a change in the pregame schedule this season, starting Tuesday.
It used to be the Allen Fieldhouse floor was cleared with 12 minutes on the clock for the playing of the national anthem as well as the alma mater and ensuing Rock Chalk Chant.
This year, the alma mater and Rock Chalk still will take place at the 12-minute mark. The anthem, however, will be sung with :00 left on the pregame clock, right before introduction of the lineups and the opening tipoff.
Big 12 coaches voted this year to just have one portion of pregame where they are required to be on the court.
“It ensures both teams are on the floor for the anthem,” KU associate AD Jim Marchiony said. “The basketball coaches will only have to come out once. It will be a little different until people get used to it.”
Coach’s radio show tonight
Hawk Talk with coach Bill Self will begin at 6 p.m. today at the Salty Iguana, Sixth and Wakarusa. The hourlong show is broadcast on the Jayhawk Radio Network including KLWN in Lawrence. There will be 17 Hawk Talks throughout the season. Four will be on Tuesdays following KU’s appearances on ESPN’s Big Monday.
Henry decision coming
Xavier Henry, a 6-6 senior guard from Putnam City (Okla.) High, is expected to choose between KU and Memphis either Thursday or Friday, his dad, Carl, told Zagsblog.net on Sunday. The decision will be shown live on ESPNU.
Former KU forward Carl Henry told Zagsblog he believes his son, “wants to go to Kansas,” but is torn because Xavier’s brother, C.J., plays for Memphis.
“I believe he wants to go to Kansas, but then again with his brother at Memphis, he might want to go there also,” Carl said. “I can you tell I don’t know (where he’s going). He doesn’t even talk about it. We will do a little sit-down where he writes down some stuff about each school. Then he picks the school. He can pick Kansas or Memphis, it doesn’t bother us (he and Xavier’s mom, former KU player Barbara Adkins) one bit.”
Welcome back
Barbara Adkins, mother of Kansas University recruiting target Xavier Henry, played for KU’s women’s team from 1982 to ’85. She enjoyed her weekend in Lawrence, when Henry visited for Late Night in the Phog.
“It was great. I actually had never been to Late Night,” she said, indicating her son also, “thinks it (Late Night) was great.”
Snaer ponders final five
Elvert “Kool-Aid” Perry, the AAU coach of No. 11-rated player Michael Snaer, tells Rivals.com Snaer will take the next week to think about his five finalists – KU, Marquette, Missouri, UCLA and Florida State. If he can’t decide after a week or so, he still may visit Cal, Stanford and/or Memphis unofficially. Snaer is looking for significant playing time as a freshman.
Stephenson denies charges
Lance Stephenson, the country’s No. 9-rated prospect, has denied allegations that he groped a female student at Brooklyn’s Lincoln High earlier this month, the New York Daily News reports.
Stephenson was charged with a Class B misdemeanor. His attorney told the Daily News Stephenson turned himself in to police on Friday and was released on his own recognizance after appearing in court Saturday.
Stephenson, who is said to be favoring St. John’s, also has KU, Memphis, Southern California and UCLA on his list. He had said he wanted to visit KU’s Late Night in the Phog, but remained in New York to play in the is8 tournament, in which he scored 30 points in a semifinal victory and 22 in a title game loss.
He will sign with a college during the April signing period or possibly play in Europe a year before heading to the NBA.
Practice update
KU junior Mario Little, who was bothered by a stress fracture in his lower left leg during KU’s Labor Day weekend trip to Canada, is not being rushed back into action. He’s taken part in two-thirds of live drills at KU’s first three practices, KU coach Bill Self says. … Tyrone Appleton continues to receive treatment on his hip-flexor injury and has not taken part in live drills.
More on Elijah Johnson
ESPN.com recruiting coordinator Joel Francisco says the Jayhawks have picked up a stellar point guard in Elijah Johnson, who orally committed to Kansas University on Saturday night.
“He has the ideal frame for the point guard position and the athleticism to boot. He possesses many gears in the open court and he can handle the ball equally well with either hand. He has point guard instincts – gets the ball out early in transition – but he is far from a finished product. However, Bill Self and his staff have a lot to work with,” Francisco wrote on ESPN.com.
“He has a prototypical jump shot for the next level and he can be very consistent, especially in the mid-range area. He has the lateral quickness, length and strong hands to be a defensive stopper if he puts his mind to it,” Francisco noted.
Wall update
John Wall, a 6-4 point guard from Word of God Academy in Raleigh, N.C., made an unofficial visit to North Carolina State over the weekend. He visited KU on Sept. 20 and still has trips to make to Memphis, Oregon, Baylor and maybe Miami.
“Kansas getting Elijah Johnson, that’s kind of tough for me,” Wall told Rivals.com. “They got a point guard now. They really wanted me, but it was between me and him, and he committed before me.”
Wall plans to sign in the spring signing period. The fall period runs from Nov. 12-19.
Good start
KU coach Bill Self said the Jayhawks had a pair of productive practices Saturday and Sunday after a rousing Late Night.
“The first two days were good. We’ve got light-years to go,” Self said. He indicated junior guard Tyrone Appleton has not yet practiced and remains day-to-day with a hip-flexor injury.
Recruits take in KU hoops atmosphere
Four of the top senior high school basketball players in the country sat behind the Kansas University bench viewing the proceedings at Friday’s Late Night in the Phog in Allen Fieldhouse.
Recruits in the house were No. 3-rated Xavier Henry, 6-foot-6, 210 pounds from Putnam City (Okla.) High; No. 11 Michael Snaer, 6-4, 185 from Rancho Verde High in Moreno Valley, Calif.; No. 16 Dominic Cheek, 6-6, 170 from St. Anthony High in Jersey City, N.J.; and No. 27 Elijah Johnson, 6-2, 183 from Cheyenne High in Las Vegas.
Snaer and Johnson shot jumpers on the fieldhouse court Friday afternoon before the fans entered for Late Night.
Recruits who attended on unofficial visits: Class of 2010 – Harrison Barnes, 6-6, Ames (Iowa) High; Ray McCallum, 6-1, Detroit Country Day High. Class of 2011 – Bradley Beal, 6-3, St. Louis Chaminade High; Christian Kirk, 6-7, St. Charles (Mo.) West High. Class of 2012 – Perry Ellis, 6-8, Wichita Heights.
Henry’s parents, former KU players Carl Henry and Barbara Adkins, sat a few rows behind their son. One of Henry’s former teammates, Calvin Thompson, sat in the same row as the Henrys.
KU junior Sherron Collins said the recruits had to be impressed.
“I committed after coming to Late Night,” Chicago native Collins said. “The crowd sold me. The atmosphere sold me. There’s no Late Night out there that would top this tonight. We have great fans. We have fans from all over the country who come here to support us. We are on (fall) break, no students are here, and still it’s full tonight,” he added of 16,300 fans.
“It shows how much people care. Our crowd … that’s one thing guys miss out on who don’t come here.”
Appleton day-to-day
KU junior guard Tyrone Appleton danced at Late Night, but didn’t perform in the scrimmage. He’s listed day-to-day with a hip flexor injury.
Orlando Magic dancers in house entertaining
The Orlando Magic dancers, as well as Magic mascot “Stuff,” performed at Late Night. The NBA team’s dancers bounced off trampolines during an entertaining dunk drill.
Full house on hand
Fans stood in line as early as 8:30 a.m. outside the fieldhouse Friday, KU officials indicated. Doors opened at 5:25 p.m. The fieldhouse was three-fourths full about a half hour later and full by the start of the show at 6:30 p.m.
Self grabs microphone
KU coach Bill Self spoke to the crowd at the start of the men’s portion of Late Night.
“Last year was one of the most storied years in all of Kansas basketball and obviously ended on the highest of notes by us winning it all in San Antonio,” Self said.
“It is hard to look forward – which we have such a bright future – without looking back a bit. How spoiled are we tonight to watch a banner being raised up there this evening.
“Many of you will not know our team at all. I’m having a hard time recognizing all of them, we have so many newcomers.”
Self praises crew after Late Night
Self praised those who produced several videos shown at Late Night, including one of Jayhawks in the NBA.
“Our marketing and video department … it gets no better than that. That’s big-time,” Self lauded.
Shoot the moon
Kansas University’s basketball team is in more of a reloading than rebuilding mode this season.
“If I came in here and told you I thought we’d finish fifth in the league, that’s a great message you are sending to your constituents,” KU coach Bill Self joked Thursday at Media Day in Allen Fieldhouse.
“We won’t change what our goals are. Every year our goal is to win the league. At the end of the day, we want to play as close to our ceiling as possible. There’s nothing wrong with setting the bar high.”
That’s despite KU losing five starters off its title team.
“I don’t know what the ceiling is,” Self said. “We had a motto at Illinois when we started three freshmen and a sophomore: Youth is no excuse. We lost the Big Ten championship in the last second of the season. Just because we are young doesn’t mean we can’t be good. How good I have no idea. We don’t want to bail guys out of lofty expectations just because we are young.”
It could be like the freshman year of Brandon Rush, Mario Chalmers and Julian Wright.
“I had a great time in Maui when we couldn’t get the ball across halfcourt with the game on the line,” Self said. “But we did beat Chaminade.”
KU fell to Arizona and Arkansas in the early-season tourney. KU tied for the league title that season.
Watch your step
Doors open for tonight’s Late Night in the Phog at 5:30 p.m., with proceedings to start at 6:30. Because of ongoing construction, fans are asked to enter through the east and north doors. The construction – part of a $38 million renovation project to KU’s facilities – should not affect the fans once in the building. Tonight’s Late Night will be televised by Metro Sports (Cable Channel 37). Portions will be shown on ESPNU (Ch. 141), starting at 8 p.m.
Appleton questionable
Junior guard Tyrone Appleton is questionable for tonight’s Late Night scrimmage because of a hip-flexor injury.
Collins speaks
Sherron Collins was asked again about reporting to school overweight: “Coach told you all (media) in a nice way. He told me the other way,” the 5-foot-11, 200-pound Collins said with a smile. “I looked at him and told him I’d get it done. That’s what I did, and I’m here today.”
Women’s recruits visit
Kansas University’s women’s basketball program will play host to several top recruits at tonight’s Late Night in the Phog.
Chynna Brown, a 5-9 guard from Lincoln High in Dallas, is considering KU and Texas Tech. Marisha Brown, 5-9 out of Kansas City Center High, currently at Arkansas-Fort Smith Junior college, also has Texas A&M, Oklahoma State and Wichita State on her list.
Tania Jackson, 6-2 out of Lawrence High, and Monica Engleman, 5-10 from James Madison High San Antonio, who have orally committed to KU, will also attend.
Markieff on his court date
Markieff Morris has no public take on his Dec. 12 court date for allegedly shooting an Airsoft BB gun out of his university dorm room, allegedly hitting a woman in the courtyard below. Morris has entered a not-guilty plea in the case.
“That is in the past,” he said. “I’m looking forward to the year.”
Rutgers on tap next year?
The Bridgewater (N.J.) News quotes Rutgers officials as saying they hope to play KU in a home-and-home series starting next year.
Self in Jersey: KU coach Bill Self spoke Friday at the Garden State Coaches Clinic at St. Benedict’s High School in Newark, N.J. Current KU players Tyshawn Taylor and Quintrell Thomas are from Jersey schools St. Anthony and St. Patrick, respectively.
Others who spoke at the clinic, which was attended by more than 500 coaches: West Virginia’s Bob Huggins and Texas’ Rick Barnes.
Zagsblog.net reports that Self and KU assistant Joe Dooley on Friday afternoon watched a workout of St. Anthony’s Dominic Cheek, a 6-5 senior guard who will attend the Oct. 17 Late Night in the Phog as part of an official recruiting visit.
Cheek will also visit Villanova and Wake Forest.
“Those are the schools that have been with me since Day One,” Cheek told Zagsblog.
He’s also considering Indiana, Seton Hall, Rutgers, Pitt, Memphis, Connecticut and Tennessee.
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Wall favoring KU, Memphis: John Wall, a 6-4 point guard from Word of God Christian Academy in Raleigh, N.C., tells espn.com he’s “leaning toward Kansas and Memphis, not specifically in that order. Those are the two coaches who I’ve had the best connection with so far because they’ve been in for in-home visits.”
Wall, the No. 1 player in the country, is also considering Baylor (which hired his former AAU coach Dwon Clifton as director of player development), Kentucky, North Carolina State, Oregon and Kentucky.
Self to be inducted into Chicagoland Hall
Kansas University basketball coach Bill Self will receive the Ray Meyer national coach of the year award, presented by the Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame, on Oct. 15 at Hawthorne Race Course in Stickney, Ill.
Self also will be inducted into the organization’s shrine, with 17 others. Self’s three years as coach at the University of Illinois qualify for him for induction in the sports hall.
Florida’s Billy Donovan received the Meyer award a year ago.
Former KU and Chicago Bears running back Gale Sayers will receive the organization’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Chicago Mayor Richard Daley will also be honored for his contributions to sports in the Windy City.
Kickoff event set
KU coach Self, Kansas State’s Frank Martin, Missouri’s Mike Anderson and UMKC’s Matt Brown will attend the first Kansas/Missouri Coaches vs. Cancer kickoff event at 5:30 p.m., Oct. 7 at College Basketball Experience in the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame.
Coaches’ presentations will begin at 6:15 p.m., in the building located at Sprint Center. For ticket information visit kcseasontipoff.org.
Free agents hopeful
Former KU power forwards Wayne Simien and Scot Pollard still hope to play in the NBA this season. Simien worked out with the Atlanta Hawks over the summer and accepted an invitation to attend the team’s fall training camp. However, the Hawks recently rescinded the offer. Pollard, who played for the NBA champion Boston Celtics last season, was not offered a contract with the Celts. Both players are free agents. Europe remains an option for Simien.
Collison’s team heads to OKC
Former Kansas University basketball standouts Kirk Hinrich and Nick Collison attended Friday’s ceremony in which members of the 2007-08 Jayhawks were presented their national title rings.
Collison said he had mixed emotions about his Seattle SuperSonics moving to Oklahoma City. In his five years in Seattle, Collison has grown fond of the great Pacific Northwest.
“I love Seattle. We’ll continue to live there in the offseason,” said the 6-foot-10, 255-pound former KU power forward.
He, wife, Robbie, and daughter, Emma, will be spending the bulk of the calendar year in OKC.
“It’s going to be an adjustment,” Collison said. “I’m excited to play there. I think the fans (who have already sold out Ford Center) will be great. Living there will be the adjustment. It’s good to be closer to home, closer to here.”
A fierce competitor who played for KU’s 2002 and ’03 Final Four teams, Collison hopes the loud home crowd will translate to OKC Thunder victories.
There are high hopes for a squad that brought in former Texas phenom Kevin Durant a year ago.
“We were 20-62 last year. We have a long way to go,” Collison said. “I think they are setting our team up in the future the right way, to be a winner.”
The 27-year-old Collison started 35 of 78 games a year ago. He averaged a career-best 9.8 points and 9.4 rebounds while logging 28.5 minutes a game.
“I don’t know. I’m not sure how it’ll work out,” Collison said, asked if he’d be a starter or sixth man this season. “I started 30 some games last year, and we’ve got (6-10) Chris Wilcox back and (6-10) Joe Smith. We’ll see how it goes. I’m excited to get started.”
Nice jewelry
The recipients seemed unanimous in calling KU’s rings “beautiful.” The Balfour rings also are economical. The price of each NCAA title ring?
$299.
Lee back in town
First-year Gardner-Webb assistant coach Michael Lee, who was a graduate assistant on last year’s title team, attended Friday’s ceremony and Saturday’s KU-Sam Houston State football game, where the Jayhawks were recognized at the end of the first quarter.
“I didn’t want to miss this. I told my boss about it, and he said, ‘Mike, you’ve got to go,”‘ Lee said of Gardner-Webb head coach Rick Scruggs.
“It’s fun to see everybody and some of my old teammates.”
Lee said he wouldn’t be wearing his new title ring.
“I don’t wear rings. I’ll put it in a safe with all my other rings. If I wore it, I’d take it off and lose it,” Lee said. “This means a whole bunch. It’s something real special. I was part of a group that got close. We knocked on the door and never got it. Like coach Self said, it takes timing. Everything has to fall in place. It’s no small feat. That team (last season) put everything together at the right time.”
Morris twins don’t make trip to Canada
Kansas University’s basketball players and coaches were greeted by about 50 Jayhawk fans upon entering the lobby of the downtown Fairmont Chateau Laurier Hotel at 8:30 p.m., Friday, in Ottawa, Ontario.
Missing were freshmen twins Marcus and Markieff Morris who did not make the trip.
“No change. We didn’t hear anything today,” KU coach Bill Self said of word from the NCAA Clearinghouse. “Hopefully it’ll be next week.”
Collins could see minutes this weekend
Self said he still hadn’t decided whether guard Sherron Collins would play in the three exhibition games.
“I wouldn’t mind him getting some minutes tomorrow night,” Self said of KU’s 6 p.m. game against Canadian power Carleton University.
Collins had left knee surgery last April 22 and has practiced sparingly in scrimmage situations the past eight days.
Self expects sizable crowd for exhibition
Self told an Ottawa TV station he’s happy to be in Canada.
“I heard we’ll have a great crowd for the Carleton game. I heard there’s an excellent chance there could be 8,000 to 10,000 people there,” he said of the game at Scotiabank Place, home of the NHL’s Ottawa Senators.
KU to meet Gulf Coast, UMKC in CBE Classic
Pairings haven’t been officially announced yet, but look for KU to play Florida Gulf Coast University on Nov. 16 and UMKC on Nov. 18 in first- and second-round games at the CBE Classic in Allen Fieldhouse.
The Fort Myers News Press uncovered the KU-Gulf Coast matchup through a public records request.
The Jayhawks also will play Washington on Nov. 24 and the winner of Florida-Syracuse on Nov. 25 at Sprint Center.
Wall to visit KU
Point guard John Wall, the country’s No. 1 rated player out of Raleigh, N.C., will make an official visit to KU the weekend of Sept. 19-20 according to Rivals.com. He will visit Memphis on Sept. 12 and Oregon on Oct. 3. He also will visit Kentucky and Baylor.
Coaches raise money at golf tournament
On Monday, Tubby Smith (Minnesota), Tim Jankovich (Illinois State), Dana Altman (Creighton), Lon Kruger (UNLV), Phil Martelli (St. Joe’s), Gregg Marshall (Wichita State), Nolan Richardson (Arkansas, retired), Gene Keady (Purdue, retired) and Bo Ryan (Wisconsin) joined Big 12 mentors Bill Self (Kansas), Mike Anderson (Missouri), Frank Martin (Kansas State) and Greg McDermott (Iowa State) at the CBE Celebrity Golf Tournament at The National to raise money for the College Basketball Experience.
“I hit some bad shots and some pretty good ones today,” said Self, who thrilled KC Chiefs broadcasting legend Bill Grigsby by sinking a 45-foot putt on No. 9. Grigsby had shuffled some media members out to take TV footage of Self on the Tom Watson-designed course.
Self joked about some of the coaches’ games.
“McDermott from Iowa State thinks he can really play. Anderson of Missouri obviously thinks he can play. I saw Martin play, and he’s not any good,” Self said with a laugh. “Everybody can play a little bit. Most of the guys that coach at one point of time in their life was a fairly gifted athlete from a natural standpoint. Nolan Richardson is a really good player,” he added in a serious tone.
Wall’s list narrowed
John Wall, a 6-4 senior point guard from Word of God Christian Academy in Raleigh, N.C., currently has a final list of seven schools, Rivals.com reports. They are: KU, Memphis, Baylor, Oregon, Kentucky, North Carolina State and Oklahoma State.
United States reaches final
USA Basketball’s Under 18 national team downed Canada, 82-66, on Thursday in the semifinals of the FIBA Americas U-18 championships in Formosa, Argentina.
KU freshman guard Travis Releford scored five points off 2-of-7 shooting with two steals and two assists.
The U.S. (4-0) will meet 4-0 Argentina tonight for the gold medal.
“For sure,” Releford said, asked if the U.S. was ready for the title contest.
“Every game we’ve come out focused and that’s what we try to do. I can’t wait. We’re ready.”
Releford has thoroughly enjoyed the experience of playing for his country this summer.
“Off the court we’re always having fun, laughing and joking all day long,” he said.
Simien hobbled
Former KU power forward Wayne Simien suffered a hamstring injury at Atlanta Hawks training camp on Wednesday. The free agent will miss next week’s Rocky Mountain Review, according to nba.com. Simien will host a camp for youths on July 29-31 at Free State High. Information is available at iamctg.org.
No ESPY for KU
Kansas University’s basketball team, which was nominated for a pair of ESPY’s (Best Team and Best Game), did not win either category at the TV network’s annual awards ceremony on Wednesday in Los Angeles. The Boston Celtics were tapped best team and the New York Giants’ Super Bowl victory over New England deemed best game. The ceremony will be shown at 8 p.m. Sunday, on ESPN. KU coach Bill Self and guard Mario Chalmers attended.
Miles scores 14
Former KU point guard Aaron Miles scored 14 points off 5-of-8 shooting with three assists and two turnovers in Dallas’ 79-74 victory over Detroit on Thursday in Las Vegas summer-league action.
Jackson’s pro debut
Former Kansas University power forward Darnell Jackson scored 10 points off 4-of-9 shooting and grabbed eight rebounds in the Cleveland Cavaliers’ 97-94 loss to the New York Knicks on Monday at the Las Vegas summer league. He suffered four turnovers and committed five fouls while starting and playing 28 minutes in his pro debut. Former KU guard Billy Thomas scored six points off 3-of-10 shooting for the Cavs.
Robinson’s pro debut
Former KU point guard Russell Robinson came off the bench to score seven points off 2-of-4 shooting (he made three of four free throws) in Houston’s 100-97 victory over Phoenix in Las Vegas. Making his pro debut, Robinson dished five assists against one turnover and had two steals in 24 minutes.
Arthur nets 23
Former KU forward Darrell Arthur erupted for 23 points off 10-of-15 shooting and grabbed six rebounds in Memphis’ 78-76 loss to San Antonio. Arthur, who had 26 fouls in Memphis’ first three games, picked up five fouls Monday. Players are allowed 10 fouls before disqualification in summer-league play.
Not much playing time
Former KU combo guard Keith Langford scored four points off 1-of-3 shooting with two rebounds while playing just eight minutes in Denver’s 90-79 win over Toronto in Vegas. Former KU and Oregon State forward C.J. Giles scored eight points with four blocks, four rebounds and eight fouls for Toronto in 22 minutes.
Miles shut out
Former KU point guard Aaron Miles had six assists against one turnover, but did not score while playing 15 minutes in Dallas’ 88-74 victory over Minnesota in Vegas. Miles missed three shots while grabbing three rebounds.
Vegas summer league notes
Former Kansas University forward Julian Wright of the New Orleans Hornets had 11 points off 5-of-12 shooting with six turnovers in Sunday’s 77-75 victory over Charlotte. Wright had a whopping 11 turnovers in Friday’s 88-75 loss to Memphis. He also had 12 points off 4-of-17 shooting with five boards. : Former KU guard Aaron Miles had six assists, six points and two turnovers in Dallas’ 86-69 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday. On Sunday, he missed five of six shots and finished with two points, three assists and three turnovers in a 95-86 loss to Golden State. : Former KU guard Keith Langford had 14 points in the Denver Nuggets’ 99-85 victory over Philadelphia on Sunday. He had three assists and one turnover.
Orlando wrap-up
Former KU guard Mario Chalmers of the Miami Heat was named second-team all-Orlando pro summer league. He averaged 15.8 points a game off 40 percent shooting. He made 16 of 40 shots, including four of 17 threes. Chalmers also made 43 of 47 free throws for 91.5 percent with 5.4 assists, 3.2 turnovers and 2.0 steals in Miami’s five games. : Playing for the Chicago Bulls, Langford averaged 11.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 2.3 turnovers. He hit 17 of 25 shots and five of 11 threes.
Recruiting update
KU coach Bill Self scouted point guard John Wall and shooting guard Xavier Henry last weekend at the Peach Jam AAU Tournament in North Augusta, S.C. Wall, a 6-foot-4 senior from Word of God Christian Academy in Raleigh, N.C., told SI.com his finalists are KU, Memphis and Kentucky. Rivals.com reports that Henry, 6-6 senior from Putnam City (Okla.) High, scored 36 points in Athletes First’s victory over Minnesota Howard Pulley. Henry, who recently added Texas and UCLA to his list of schools, reportedly will wind up at either KU or Memphis.
Simien chooses Hawks
Former KU power forward Wayne Simien won’t be playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers’ summer-league team in Las Vegas, after all. The former KU power forward instead has accepted an invitation to play for the Atlanta Hawks’ summer-league team in the Rocky Mountain Review, July 18-25, in Salt Lake City.
Rush, Arthur cashing in with Pacers, Grizzlies
As the No. 13 pick in the NBA Draft, Brandon Rush will make $1,499,300 next season and $1,611,800 the following year.
The Indiana Pacers have an option for the third and fourth years at $1,724,200 and $2,463,880, respectively.
As the No. 27 pick, Darrell Arthur will make $814,300 the first year and $875,400 the second.
The Memphis Grizzlies, where the Associated Press said Arthur eventually landed early this morning, would have had an option for the third and fourth years at $936,400 and 1,689,270.
The Associated Press reported that after three trades, Arthur was traded from New Orleans to Portland to Houston, and finally wound up with the Memphis Grizzlies.
Second round picks do not have guaranteed contracts.
Cavs reportedly make trade for Kaun
Sasha Kaun was elated to be picked in the second round. He said he was informed he’d been traded from Seattle to Cleveland.
“It’s great,” Kaun said. “It’s awesome, a great opportunity. I’ll play with CSKA Moscow with a couple years and consider coming back here.”
Of his teammates getting drafted, he said: “I was a little worried there for a minute (about Arthur who fell to 27 and Mario Chalmers who fell to second round). But I’m happy they got picked up.”
Former Kansas guard Giddens a Celtic
Former KU player J.R. Giddens, who finished his career at New Mexico, was the last pick of the first round, to Boston.
“I was hoping it’d be Mario going to the Celtics,” Self said. “But I’m really happy for J.R. I think he’ll do well.”
Ford’s mock draft included all 5 ‘Hawks
ESPN analyst Chad Ford’s final mock draft had Rush being tapped No. 11 overall to Indiana, Arthur No. 16 to Philadelphia and Chalmers No. 19 to Cleveland. He had Darnell Jackson No. 29 of the second round to Detroit and Sasha Kaun No. 30 of the second round to Boston.
KU draftees of 2008 make NBA history
Two Jayhawks were also selected in Round One in 1997 (Scot Pollard, Jacque Vaughn), 1998 (Raef LaFrentz, Paul Pierce) and 2003 (Nick Collison, Kirk Hinrich). This marks the first time KU had more than three players selected in a single draft. A KU trio was chosen in 1969 (JoJo White, Dave Nash, Bruce Sloan), 1971 (Roger Brown, Dave Robisch, Pierre Russell), 1981 (Darnell Valentine, Art Housey, John Crawford) and 1986 (Greg Dreiling, Ron Kellogg, Calvin Thompson).
Taylor time
The loss of Mario Chalmers to the NBA likely means a gain in playing time for incoming Kansas University freshman guard Tyshawn Taylor.
“It’s our time now, especially me,” Taylor, a 6-foot-3 guard from St. Anthony High in Jersey City, N.J., said of KU’s seven newcomers, who will try to make up for the departure of five seniors as well as underclassmen Brandon Rush, Darrell Arthur and Chalmers who are off to the NBA Draft.
Chalmers was the last to decide to stick in the draft for good, making his announcement last Sunday.
“I play the same position as him, and I’ll be wearing the same number. It’s his time to go on and my time to step up and be the next No. 15 at KU,” Taylor said.
Taylor impressed 1,000 Bill Self campers and 200 or so fans on Wednesday, scoring 19 points in Self’s annual camp game. He hit eight of 11 shots and had four assists.
Of Taylor, ex-Jayhawk Julian Wright said: “His game is pretty solid in terms of he doesn’t force much. He sees the court well. He knows when to get in the paint and make things happen.”
Appleton debuts
Tyrone Appleton, a 6-3 guard from Midland (Texas) College, who did not play in last week’s game because of a camp commitment in Kansas City, impressed on Wednesday.
He had 12 points off 5-of-10 shooting with four assists.
“It was exciting to play with and against my new teammates,” Appleton said. “It was pretty intense. I think we have a lot of freshmen who are hungry and want to play well. I like that.
“I love my teammates. I’ve been here a couple weeks, and it feels like family already, like I’ve known them a few years. I feel good about it. It’s all I imagined and more,” Appleton said.
A juco rival of Mario Little, the two were teammates in Wednesday’s scrimmage won by the duo’s Blue team.
“It’s nice. We talked about it a few minutes before the game. We should be pretty good together this year,” Appleton said. “Mario is a great player. I like to play with good people.”
One-on-one
Chicago Public League high school rivals Wright and Little guarded each other Wednesday.
“You could see the tension out on the court a little bit. It was fun watching it,” Taylor said.
Wright finished with 16 points; Little 13.
This, that
Cole Aldrich, who had 16 rebounds, connected with Quintrell Thomas, who finished a dunk off the high/low. … Later Aldrich was recipient of an easy bucket off a perfect feed from Appleton. … Little not only cashed a deep three, but hit a nice 12-foot fadeaway shot. … Taylor, Conner Teahan, Jeremy Case and Brennan Bechard each connected for three threes. … Brady Morningstar was aggressive offensively and had 12 points off 6-of-14 shooting.
Self hears about game
Bill Self, who couldn’t watch Wednesday’s scrimmage between current and former Kansas University basketball players in accordance with NCAA rules, did hear about the contest from some of his campers.
“I guess it was a fairly competitive game, which is good,” Self, KU’s coach, said of the alumni’s 76-69 victory at Horejsi Center. “We didn’t have five of our key guys who were not here today. Maybe they’ll play it better next week.”
The campers and alumni will scrimmage again Wednesday as a highlight of Self’s second summer camp session.
Wednesday, the 2008-09 Jayhawks were missing guard Sherron Collins, who had arthroscopic left knee surgery April 21 and has not yet been cleared for contact, as well as guard Tyrone Appleton, who was working a camp in Kansas City.
Mario Little, a guard out of Chipola (Fla.) CC, will complete a summer-school course and graduate Tuesday. He’s expected to arrive Wednesday, perhaps in time for the camp game.
Twin forwards Marcus and Markieff Morris are working on gaining eligibility back home in Philadelphia.
“The twins : we hope to get some favorable news where they’ll get here in the next couple of weeks,” Self said. “They still have to tighten up a couple of issues, classes. We don’t anticipate a problem.”
Taylor looking good
Freshman guard Tyshawn Taylor reportedly played well at last weekend’s Elite camp. He had six points in Wednesday’s scrimmage and was effective running the offense.
“Tyshawn is a bigger Russell (Robinson),” Self said. “He has some stuff in his game. I don’t know how he played today. He has a chance to be a special player here.”
More on NBA-bound Mario
Self does not expect any surprises involving Mario Chalmers, who last week told Phoenix Suns and Denver Nuggets reporters he has played his last game at KU.
“He’s staying in the draft,” Self said. “He’s telling everybody he’s leaving. Why would he be saying that if he’s still thinking he’s going to come back?”
Chalmers’ dad, Ronnie, told ESPN’s Andy Katz this week, “Based on the reports we’re getting back, it looks like a lock for the first round.”
Mario Chalmers, who as a first-round pick would land a guaranteed contract, has worked out for Phoenix, Washington and Denver. He will be in Cleveland today and New Orleans on Saturday. College players have until Monday to withdraw their names from the draft if they wish to return to school.
Boogie fever
Self said his first Basketball Boogie, held Saturday at Kansas Speedway, was a success.
“I think we netted in excess of 400 (thousand for his Assists Foundation),” he said. “We have not had all the final expenses yet. It was a pretty good night for a first-time event, a heck of a party.”
This, that
Former KU guard Jeff Hawkins hit three three-pointers and scored 13 points. Hawkins, who lives in Hays, said he is hoping to land a professional contract for next season. … Former KU forward Lester Earl played sparingly. Earl, who lives in Overland Park, said his left knee continues to bother him and he might have a knee replacement in three or four years. … Former KU guard Terry Nooner, who runs the Kansas City Pro-Am League, attended but did not play. … Lance Stephenson, a 6-5 senior-to-be from Lincoln High in Brooklyn, N.Y., tells Zagsblog he has a final list of KU, UCLA and Kentucky.
Chalmers re-lives three-point title shot
Mario Chalmers commented to Phoenix Suns reporters Friday on his three-pointer that sent the national title game against Memphis into overtime.
“I’ve probably watched the whole game two or three times and probably watched the shot about 50 or 60 times. It was a dream come true, growing up always dreaming of that moment and then to actually be there and come true, that’s something I’m never going to forget. It brings a smile to my face seeing that I actually did that,” he said after his individual workout with the Suns.
Chalmers also said he valued the Jayhawks’ Tuesday visit to the White House.
“George Bush is a great guy, and we had a lot of fun talking to him. There was so much security, I just looked around and thought, ‘Wow!’ I think it would be hard being the president. Seeing all the great rooms and all the other presidents’ portraits, it was a great feeling to be there, in one of the most amazing places in the United States.”
Nets’ general manager impressed with Rush
Brandon Rush worked out for the New Jersey Nets on Friday.
“Brandon did a good job. He’s a very athletic wing who can really shoot the basketball,” Nets’ GM Kiki Vandeweghe told northjersey.com. “I think he played good defense, and he competed. We’re looking for guys tough and competitive, who won’t give up, and Brandon had a good day. He had a few exceptional moves.”
Rush was asked how he fits in with the Nets.
“They already have two big superstars, so I know I’m not coming in here to be a big superstar,” he said, referring to Vince Carter and Richard Jefferson. “I’m going try to help the team the best way I can by defending, rebounding and hitting the open shot.”
Jackson works out with Wizards, Bulls
Darnell Jackson worked out with the Washington Wizards on Thursday and Chicago Bulls on Friday.
He was asked by hoopaddict.com what he thought of his Wizards session.
“It was great. I never thought it’d be like this,” Jackson said. “There’s more intensity. From college to the NBA … it’s a big jump.
“It was fun. I never thought this would happen to me,” the 6-foot-8 late bloomer added. “Now that it’s happening, I’m taking every chance I get to work hard and show guys what I can do.
“I bring a lot of energy, work ethic, always try to be a positive guy. I pick up guys when they are having a bad day.”
Basketball Boogie tonight at speedway
Bill Self’s Basketball Boogie will start at 7 tonight at Kansas Speedway. Live and silent auctions will be held throughout the evening. There will be dinner as well as music by Sawyer Brown and Disco Dick and the Mirror Balls. Current and former KU players will be on hand, posing for pictures and taking part in free-throw contests. Fans will be able to pose with the national title trophy. All proceeds will go to Self’s Assists Foundation. For information, go to basketballboogie.org.
Arthur impresses in Florida pre-draft camp
Darrell Arthur not only took a physical, but worked out in front of NBA scouts Friday at the pre-draft camp.
“They had Arthur go through a light workout. He was coming off screens and shooting the ball well,” said Rodger Bohn of draftexpress.com. “He was posting up, hitting NBA threes, college threes on the move. He looked really good.”
Of Arthur’s decision to stay in the draft, Bohn said: “Nobody really has been talking about that because it’s what everybody expected him to do. It’s what everybody thought would happen.”
Releford invited to U.S. camp
KU freshman-to-be Travis Releford said he has been invited to attend USA Basketball’s Under 18 team tryout camp July 1-3 at the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C.
Thirty players will be invited to compete for 12 roster spots. The FIBA Americans Under 18 championships will be held July 14-18 in Formosa, Argentina.
Releford on Monday returned from Shanghai, China, where his Adidas Nations high school all-star team won an international tournament.
Releford said he averaged about 25 points a game for the Adidas squad.
“It felt like 30 (ppg),” he said with a laugh. “It was a long flight, about 12 hours, but a lot of fun once we got there. We got to go downtown on a tour. It’s really different from the U.S. A lot of people are on bikes driving them around instead of cars. Driving there was crazy.”
Releford said he watched nightly news reports on the devastating May 12 earthquake in Sichuan.
The temblor was felt thousands of miles away in Shanghai.
“Nobody (in Shanghai) was worried about it. We were nowhere near it,” Releford said.
Recruiting
Abdul Gaddy, a 6-foot-3 senior-to-be from Bellarmine High in Tacoma, Wash., on Friday backed out of his oral commitment to Arizona. He told Rivals.com he’s still considering UA as well as KU, Memphis, Texas, Oregon, Washington, Gonzaga and others..
Avery Bradley, a 6-3 senior, also from Bellarmine High, told Rivals he’s considering KU, Arizona, USC, Texas, UCLA and Washington.
Gaddy is ranked No. 14 and Bradley 17 in the Class of 2009.
Stephenson down to three?
Lance Stephenson, a 6-5 senior-to-be from Lincoln High in Brooklyn, N.Y., has narrowed his list of schools to KU, USC and UCLA, according to the Northwest Arkansas News. The country’s No. 7-rated player also has mentioned Indiana, Memphis, North Carolina, Seton Hall and others in the past.
More on KU trio
KU graduates Darnell Jackson, Sasha Kaun and Russell Robinson played their final games of the 2008 pre-draft camp on Friday in Orlando, Fla.
Jackson scored 10 points off 2-of-8 shooting and 6-of-7 free throwing in his final camp game.
Robinson finished the game with seven points and added two assists.
Kaun chipped in with three points and collected four rebounds.
“Robinson was very aggressive trying to score. He had his best game (at camp) by far. He played much better today,” said Bohn of draftexpress.com. “I would say of the three, Kaun has the best chance of getting drafted. Jackson could be a guy who goes on a summer-league team and impresses somebody enough to get invited to training camp.”
Arthur’s case in Dallas
Kansas University basketball coach Bill Self is awaiting the results of a Dallas school district investigation into a former South Oak Cliff High teacher’s allegation that KU’s Darrell Arthur had grades changed to remain eligible during his high school days.
“You are concerned anytime there are allegations against your players,” Self said Tuesday. “Talking to respective people : I’m not saying I know positively what transpired, but from what I can gather, if there are issues, they are South Oak Cliff issues or (school district) issues, not college issues.”
It’s believed Arthur, like his former high school coach, will file a lawsuit against the teacher alleging impropriety.
“I was told ‘Shady’ will not make a public announcement or say what is going on until down the road,” Self said.
Twins not qualified yet
Self said incoming freshmen Marcus and Markieff Morris will not be in town for the start of the first of two sessions of summer school Tuesday.
“They may miss the first session,” Self said. “All the others (incoming and returning players) will be here. Mario Little will be here a week later. He has to finish a couple of things (at Chipola CC in Florida).”
Though the Morris twins have not yet qualified for scholarship, Self believes they will be eligible in coming weeks.
Asked if he was worried about their impending eligibility, Self said: “I would not say worried. I know they still have to finish up some stuff.”
Rush faring well
Brandon Rush’s agent says his client doesn’t need to showcase his skills in front of scouts at the Orlando pre-draft camp this week.
“Based on the success he’s had and what he has accomplished, there’s not the need (to play),” said Mark Bartelstein of Priority Sports. “He played in the national championship game in front of all the NBA decision-makers. His body of work speaks for itself.”
Bartelstein said Rush is “doing great work,” in Chicago. “He’s working unbelievably hard, doing everything he’s asked. He’s been sensational in every way.”
Aldrich nickname
Tim Nelson of Watson’s, a barber shop on the south side of Ninth Street, just east of Mississippi, while cutting Cole Aldrich’s hair Tuesday, urged the KU center to reveal his new nickname.
“Fly Swatter,” Aldrich said. “These guys right here came up with it.”
Nelson said that next year in the shop the mascot of KU’s next opponent would be taped to a fly swatter. Aldrich had 34 blocked shots in 330 minutes as a freshman. In 17 minutes against North Carolina, Aldrich totaled eight points, seven rebounds, and four blocked shots.
Robinson picks agency
Russell Robinson, who started at point guard for Kansas University’s 2008 national championship basketball team, has chosen McClaren Sports of Houston as his sports agency.
The company, owned by former Houston Astros president of baseball operations Bob McClaren, also represents KU coach Bill Self, as well as Utah guard Deron Williams and former Texas A&M players Joseph Jones and Dominique Kirk.
KU’s Sasha Kaun is represented by Justin Zanik of New Jersey-based ASM Sports; Darnell Jackson by Montgomery Sports Group of San Antonio; and Brandon Rush by Priority Sports and Entertainment of Chicago.
Dallas coach to sue?
Dallas South Oak Cliff High basketball coach James Mays said Sunday he will speak with an attorney this week with his intent to pursue legal action against former Oak Cliff math teacher Winford Ashmore.
Ashmore recently accused Mays and former South Oak Cliff principal Donald Moten of changing Darrell Arthur’s failing math grades to passing marks. Ashmore spoke of specific grades in an interview with Dallas TV station WFAA, which also might be sued by Mays.
“This is about an illegal release of grades, which is serious, as well as possible slander and defamation of character. It’s safe to say we will pursue legal action,” Mays said.
Dallas school officials are investigating the matter.
“I am not interested in personal gain,” Mays said. “This is for our school as a whole. I’m not in this for riches. Enough is enough. Kids are being hurt by this.
“I can’t get into details. There will be legal consultation. We will take a stand. It’s a shame, a tragedy some people would choose to take this route,” Mays added of Ashmore’s allegations of grade-fixing.
KU officials have said they see no reason why the result of the Dallas school investigation would affect KU, because the NCAA approved Arthur’s transcript. Arthur was a key cog in the Jayhawks’ national championship this season and has made himself available for the upcoming NBA Draft, not yet hiring an agent.
Self supports Vitale
Self was one of 47 current college coaches to attend the third-annual Dick Vitale Gala to benefit The V Foundation for Cancer Research last Thursday in Sarasota, Fla.
Former KU coach Roy Williams of North Carolina attended as well as former Texas Tech coach Bob Knight, Tennessee’s Pat Summitt and Hall of Famer John Havlicek. The $1,000-a-ticket event drew a crowd of more than 700 supporters. More than $1 million was raised for cancer research.
“Dick Vitale has done such a great job for our sport over time. He’s used our sport as a vehicle to help so many worthwhile causes, cancer research is at the top of the list. We’re raising over a million dollars, and all will go to research. It’s an exciting night,” Self told a Sarasota TV station.
Winged Foot on tap
Kansas University coach Bill Self and Tennessee’s Pat Summitt tonight will receive the Winged Foot Award at the New York Athletic Club. The award is presented to coaches of the NCAA men’s and women’s national championship teams. Self and members of his staff, including Michael Lee, who Tuesday accepted an assistant’s post at Gardner-Webb, flew to New York Tuesday.
Recruiting update
J’Mison “Bobo” Morgan, a 6-foot-11 senior center from Dallas South Oak Cliff High, on Tuesday received his release from his letter of intent at LSU. His AAU coach told Rivals.com Morgan would consider UCLA, Kansas and Alabama. Morgan told the Dallas Morning News last week he plans on attending UCLA. … Xavier Henry, 6-6 senior-to-be from Putnam City (Okla.) High, tells Rivals.com he has a final four of KU, Memphis, UCLA and Texas. He said KU and Memphis were his co-leaders.
Simien settles in
Former KU power forward Wayne Simien has joined Scot Pollard and Jacque Vaughn as NBA players who reside in Lawrence. Simien recently purchased a house in Lawrence where he lives with his wife and daughter. The power forward, who was released by the Minnesota Timberwolves during the preseason as he recovered from offseason knee surgery, hopes to catch on with an NBA team as a free agent this summer.
Draft talk
Chad Ford, ESPN’s NBA Draft analyst, lists KU sophomore Darrell Arthur as the No. 16 prospect in the 2008 Draft, junior Brandon Rush 20th, junior Mario Chalmers 36th, senior Sasha Kaun 65th and senior Darnell Jackson 79th. There are 60 total picks in the draft, 30 in Round One.
“There’s a great chance all of them will stay in the draft,” KU coach Bill Self said, referring to Rush, who has an agent and is in for good, as well as Arthur and Chalmers, who have not hired agents and can withdraw by June 16 to retain college eligibility.
“We’re preparing like we’re not going to have those guys,” Self added, noting there likely would be no updates on the players for a month or so, considering the NBA Orlando camp isn’t until May 27-29. Individual workouts for NBA teams will be held the first two weeks of June.
“Very slim,” ESPN’s Jay Bilas said in an online chat, asked to assess the chances of Chalmers and Arthur returning to KU. “Arthur has size, skill, athleticism and potential. Chalmers is one of the best two individual defenders in the draft. I think they will both stay in.”
Draftexpress.com lists Arthur 22nd (Orlando) and Rush 24th (Seattle) in the first round and Chalmers the No. 4 pick of Round Two (Minnesota).
‘Bobo’ bolting LSU
J’Mison “Bobo” Morgan, a 6-11, 255-pound senior from Dallas’ South Oak Cliff High, tells the Dallas Morning News he officially has asked to be released from his LSU letter of intent. He wants to attend UCLA.
“It was a real hard decision for me,” said Morgan, who considered KU before inking with LSU. “My comfort level was at LSU, but I felt like UCLA was a better fit for me as far as exposure.”
Dixon hot prospect
Lee’s Summit (Mo.) West point guard Michael Dixon, who is Rivals.com’s 87th-rated player in the Class of 2009, tells the recruiting service he has a list of 10 schools.
The 6-foot, 165-pound Dixon has received scholarship offers from Arkansas, Cal-Berkeley, Kansas State, Louisville, Marquette, Missouri, Oklahoma and Purdue. He’s also considering Kansas and Tennessee.
Dixon led Kansas City Pump N Run to the title of last weekend’s Jayhawk Invitational AAU Tournament.
“If it (KU) is a place I would get to play, great,” Dixon told Rivals. “But if not, that’s great, too, because I’m getting my education paid for.”
White House visit June 3
Kansas University’s basketball players and coaches are going to accept President Bush’s offer to visit the White House.
The 2008 NCAA champions, coach Bill Self said at Wednesday’s Assists Foundation autograph signing session at Crown Automotive, are planning on traveling to Washington, D.C., on June 3.
“It’s close to being finalized, but June 3 is the day,” Self said.
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Collins keeping fit
KU sophomore Sherron Collins, who had arthroscopic surgery April 21 to repair cartilage damage in his left knee, has been watching his weight during his first week and a half of inactivity, Self said.
“He looks good. He has to be careful though. He could put on weight easily,” Self said of the 5-foot-11, 200-pounder who has had weight issues in the past. “I think he feels a lot better. We will not let him do anything for a while. We are positively not going to let him do anything for the majority of the summer.”
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More honors for Self
Self and Tennessee women’s coach Pat Summitt will receive the Winged Foot Award on May 14 at the New York Athletic Club. Former KU coach Larry Brown will be the keynote speaker on behalf of Self and KU. The Winged Foot Award annually is presented to head coaches of the NCAA champs.
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Basketball Boogie update
Self has started to heavily promote “Bill’s Basketball Boogie” to benefit Self’s Assists Foundation.
The Boogie, which will include food, drink, live music, live and silent auctions and shooting contests with KU hoops players, will be held June 7 at Kansas Speedway.
The Boogie, according to Self’s official Web site (basketballboogie.org), is designed to “raise funds to create a multi-purpose athletic campus (in the Lawrence/Kansas City area) and help our community-based institutions improve their existing facilities. … These facilities will provide our young people with well deserved new and safe places to play, and it will also provide you and your families with a lifetime of benefits. Our goal for this project is to ensure that the kids we are raising have the necessary resources to outlive their parents.”
Additional details will be released in coming weeks.
“This deal June 7 will be huge,” Self said. “There will be 1,000 to 2,000 people at the Speedway. It’s going to be the party of the summer. I hope everybody will help take part in a good cause.”
KU on Cheek’s list
Tyshawn Taylor, a 6-foot-3 senior guard from St. Anthony High in Jersey City, N.J., today completes his campus visit to Kansas University. The Jayhawks also are recruiting his backcourt partner, 6-5 junior Dominic Cheek.
Cheek tells Rivals.com he’s considering KU, UConn, Florida, Georgetown, Miami, North Carolina, Ohio State, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, Syracuse and Tennessee. He’s the No. 12-ranked prospect in the Class of 2009.
Taylor is ranked No. 77 in Rivals’ final rankings. KU signee Marcus Morris is ranked No. 29, Markieff Morris 50, Travis Releford 70 and Quintrell Thomas 150.
Big men update
KU apparently is out of the running for Ater Majok, a 6-10 forward (in the Class of 2008) from Sudan, who is on UConn’s campus for an unofficial visit. Majok told Rivals.com he is considering UConn, UCLA, Baylor and Kentucky. Stephan Van Treese, a 6-9, 225-pound junior from Indianapolis, tells Rivals he has a final six of KU, Indiana, Louisville, UCLA, Ohio State and Florida. Van Treese, the No. 52-rated player in the Class of ’09, will compete at the ninth-annual Jayhawk Invitational, which starts May 2 at Allen Fieldhouse and Horejsi Center.
Driver to honor champs
NASCAR’s Scott Lagasse Jr., will race with the Jayhawk logo on his truck in the O’Reilly Auto Parts 250 race, set for 4:30 p.m. Saturday at Kansas Speedway.
Lagasse’s truck will feature the KU national championship logo on both sides and most prominently on the bed of the No. 20 Nicholson Group Ford F-150. Additionally, “Rock Chalk Jayhawk” will appear on both sides of the logo on the bed and on the tailgate of the truck.
Draftexpress speaks
KU junior Mario Chalmers is listed as the No. 5 pick in the second round (Portland) of the 2008 NBA Draft, according to the latest projections of draftexpress.com. Darrell Arthur is listed as the No. 22 pick of the first round (Orlando) and Brandon Rush the No. 25 pick of the first round (San Antonio).
Father knows best
Mario Chalmers said he made his decision to enter the NBA Draft after talking to KU coach Bill Self, as well as his mom, Almarie, and dad, Ronnie.
Ronnie Chalmers is KU’s director of basketball operations.
“My dad basically said, ‘If you feel it’s the right time, go for it. I know it’s been your dream, but just be smart about it,”‘ Mario said.
Being smart apparently was not hiring an agent and leaving open the possibility of a return to KU. Chalmers said he’ll stay in the draft only if he’s guaranteed to be a first-round pick.
Point guard at next level
Chalmers said an NBA concern is that he has not played point guard exclusively at KU.
“I hear that’s the biggest issue with me, not playing point since I’ve been here. I’m not too worried. I’ve played it since I was growing up. The best fit for me at Kansas was playing 2 (guard) because we had great guards in Russell (Robinson) and Sherron (Collins). It’s something coach Self tried, and it worked for the best. I will try to go in as a point guard, something I did growing up,” Chalmers said.
Rush update
KU junior Brandon Rush, who has chosen Priority Sports of Chicago as his representation, will soon begin two-a-day workouts at the company’s facility in the Windy City. Self said Rush leaves KU with his blessing, only because Rush has taken care of his academic responsibilities.
“We have made it very clear to our guys if they care a lick about their school they are not going to hurt the guys after them,” Self said. “Brandon is well ahead of the curve academically. We anticipated this occurring (Rush declaring for draft with agent). He will be fine in fulfilling NCAA requirements (for eligibility).”
Sandra Arthur fully supports her son Darrell’s decision to put his name in the 2008 NBA Draft.
“I’m very proud of him. He’s worked very hard for this,” Sandra said Thursday morning in a phone conversation from her hometown of Dallas. “We talked and we agreed to test the waters to see where he falls. He feels he’s ready to take the next step. We’ll know for sure after the tryouts (for NBA teams in early June).”
Sandra Arthur said she and Darrell will not contract with an agent, keeping alive the possibility the 6-foot-9 forward will return for a junior year.
“If he feels comfortable where he will be drafted, then he’ll move to the next step,” Sandra said. “As of now, we will wait and see.”
Meanwhile, Jeannette Jacobs says she and other family members are happy for her grandson, Brandon Rush, who also declared for the draft Thursday and soon will sign with an agent.
“I’m glad he came back to school for one more year. Of course, I didn’t want him to get hurt (ACL tear). He was able to accomplish a lot of things. Once the championship was won, he made up his mind. I think he feels it’s time to go, time to give it a try,” Jacobs said.
Decisions, decisions
KU junior guard Mario Chalmers has until 11:59 p.m. on April 27 to decide whether to declare for the June 26 draft. Those who do not sign with agents can withdraw their name by June 16.
Sophomore guard Sherron Collins has said he definitely will be back.
Kansas University coach Bill Self said seniors Darnell Jackson, Sasha Kaun and Russell Robinson could be second-round picks.
“They will all go through similar things, without the fanfare because they are seniors,” Self said of workouts with NBA teams. “We hope they all will be invited to Orlando (for May 27-29 pre-draft camp), and all three will be going through the process. They will try to balance school and other activities and try to settle with an agent.”
NBA hopeful
Robinson discussed his future plans with the J-W’s Tom Keegan on Thursday.
“I’ll find somebody to represent me and work from there,” the senior guard said. “Like ‘B’ (Rush) and ‘Shady’ (Arthur), I have to go out there and perform very well. Right now it’s looking like I might be a free agent, but who knows. I just have to go out there and work real hard. I’ve been given an opportunity. I just have to make the most of it.”
Recruiting
If Arthur leaves, KU has an additional scholarship to give. KU would have two grants to give if Arthur and Chalmers leave. One big man possibility is Ater Majok, 6-foot-10, from Sudan, who is considering UConn, KU, Kentucky and Baylor. Another possibility is J’Mison Morgan, 6-10, from Dallas, who signed with LSU, but is considering asking out of his letter of intent. It is believed he will stay at LSU.
A guard possibility is Tyshawn Taylor, 6-3 from Jersey City, N.J., who has asked out of his Marquette letter. He considered KU, Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech earlier.
Future looks positive
Self, who has signed juco guards Tyrone Appleton and Mario Little, prep school forwards Marcus and Markieff Morris and high school guard Travis Releford and forward Quintrell Thomas, says the Jayhawks will field a strong team no matter which players bolt for the NBA.
“Depending on Mario’s situation … we still have the best backcourt in the country returning,” he said of Chalmers and Collins. “We’ve got a young big guy (Cole Aldrich) who is a heck of a lot better than a lot of people thought he would be at this stage of his career. The bottom line is we expect to be very good. We don’t have McDonald’s All-Americans coming in, but four of those guys were ineligible for the McDonald’s game anyway (two jucos and prep schoolers). These are all talented guys.”
Self on his role
“Besides telling ‘Shady’ he’s going to go late in the first round? I’m joking,” Self said. “I will collect information. The ball is in their court now. Brandon will have a firm to represent him. ‘Shady’ … I’ve given he and his family my word I’d be totally objective in giving them information. He’ll have the opportunity to work out (for teams) and will have a better feel in going against potential draft picks in the same slot.”
Salary scale
Arthur wants to be guaranteed a spot in the first half of the first round of the draft. The No. 15 pick in the 30-pick first round is guaranteed $1,353,100 his rookie season and $1,454,600 the second year. The team option the third year is for $1,556,100 and fourth year $2,385,500. Compare that to being tapped 22nd. A player receives $980,200 the first year, $1,053,700 the second, $1,127,200 the third and $1,854,240 the fourth. For a complete salary scale, see http://www.mynbadraft.com/nba-rookie-salary-scale-2008/101.
Bill Self’s attorney, Stuart Campbell of Tulsa, Okla., caused a commotion when asked by the Tulsa World if his client could become Oklahoma State’s next basketball coach.
“I never say never,” Campbell said. “Kansas is one of the top five jobs in the country. Any school that would (approach) a Kansas or Kentucky or Duke or North Carolina coach would sure need eye-popping-type numbers (money).
“I am completely in a wait-and-see mode. I never say never. They would have to be eye-popping numbers. I know Bill is very happy at Kansas. He loves the fans at Kansas. But I don’t close any doors, if I can help it.”
Self was not amused at Campbell’s comments. Self has said he is “not a candidate” for the OSU position.
“Stuart Campbell is an attorney that looks over my contracts. He does not speak for me,” Self said Friday. “I have not spoken with him about this. I have not spoken with him in a month. Anybody speaking on behalf of me doesn’t know what they are talking about because I will speak for me. If that was said that way I’m very disappointed. It’s not an indication of how I feel or how I would feel or anything like that.”
Self was asked if he wants a contract extension next week.
“Do you want one?” he asked a reporter, who replied, “Every day.”
“Yes, yes, I would love and I hope Lew (Perkins, AD) is talking about something in that regard as opposed to where we’re going to golf when he said he wanted to meet with me after the season,” Self said. “You’d have to ask Lew that, but I’m hopeful that’s the case.”
Perkins has said Self can expect a raise after the season. He was not amused when asked about the issue Friday, saying “nothing had changed,” with Self indicating he’d be at KU next season.
“We talked about it. Lew asked me, ‘Do you want to go anywhere?’ I said, ‘Heck no. I don’t want to go anywhere,”‘ Self said. “I take him at his word (that they’ll talk after season). He takes me at mine. So I’m sure that will be the case.”
Senior Russell Robinson said: “It is not a distraction at all. Coach Self told us he wasn’t a candidate. He made it clear he loves Oklahoma State, but he is focused on one thing, the Final Four. To me, all that talk (of OSU wanting Self) went in one ear and out the other. Coach Self has had a big smile on the face since the Davidson game. This is all he cares about.”
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Case meets with Roy: Fifth-year senior Jeremy Case, who was recruited to KU by Roy Williams, chatted with North Carolina’s coach at Thursday’s Final Four banquet.
“He was coming out of the rest room, and I was walking in. It was a little hug. He said, ‘Hi,”‘ Case said. “I don’t hold it (leaving KU) against him. That was five years ago. He had to do what’s best for his family. I’ve got no hard feelings at all.”
Williams posed for a picture with four of the Jayhawks at the low-key banquet.
“I was thrilled four of their players asked to have a picture made with me,” Williams said. “Jeremy, I recruited. Brady (Morningstar) I’ve known forever. Brandon (Rush) I’ve known a long, long time. Russell Robinson I think is the most important seven-point scorer in all of college basketball.”
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Rush matures at KU: KU’s Robinson, on how Rush has changed for the better: “I played against Brandon in the AAU circuit. I thought he was cocky, arrogant, living off his brothers’ name. I got to meet him and have him as a roommate and found out I was wrong. I didn’t know the great person he actually was.”
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Underdog status: Robinson loves the fact KU enters as an underdog.
“I remember the two games we were not favored in my career – my sophomore (year) against Texas in the Big 12 tournament and last year against Florida. There was something different about us in those games. We came out real aggressive. Hopefully it’ll be true tomorrow,” he said.
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Dream fulfilled: This is a culmination of a dream for Robinson. “The first time I watched a Final Four was in ’99, I remember Duke and UConn going at it. I cheered for UConn so badly. I remember wanting it to be me, but thinking, ‘I can’t do that.’ I kept working hard. Now I’m here.”
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Darnell Jackson on the game: “I really feel it’ll come down to the last possession. It’ll come down to that loose ball, that 50-50 ball. I believe it’ll be a defensive game. We have to get stops.”
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Larry speaks: Former KU coaches Ted Owens and Larry Brown attended Friday’s shootaround at Alamodome.
“It’s nerve-wracking. I didn’t want to come. My wife made me come. She said it was a win-win,” said Brown, a North Carolina graduate who was head coach at both KU and UCLA and is good friends with KU’s Self and Memphis’ John Calipari, who worked for him at KU, as well as Williams, one of his Olympic team assistant coaches.
Brown stayed at the home of his pal, Lawrence businessman Doug Compton, on Thursday, before flying to San Antonio Friday.
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Carolina country: Rush received a lot of media attention from Carolina reporters who remember him playing at Mt. Zion Academy in Durham.
“It was Duke and North Carolina, that’s all anybody talked about,” Rush recalled.
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Defensive stance: KU’s Sherron Collins on possibly guarding 5-11 Ty Lawson: “You have to stay in front of him, can’t get your feet all twisted,” said Collins, who said his bruised knee has healed and his health is good. He’s over a recent bout of tonsillitis.
“We like to run. They like to run. It’ll be a war, a dogfight,” Collins said.
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Buford is from San Antonio: KU walk-on Chase Buford, the son of San Antonio Spurs’ general manager R.C. Buford and former KU golfer Beth Boozer, has been the Jayhawks’ unofficial tour guide.
“We are stuck at the hotel most of the time, so there hasn’t been really any time,” said Chase Buford, whose dad is one of KU coach Bill Self’s best friends. “I have pointed out a thing or two on the bus when we have been going from place to place.”
On being in his hometown: “It would feel great being at the Final Four no matter where it was being held, but it is extra special that it happens to be in San Antonio. To have a chance to win a national championship is an unbelievable feeling, and then to be able to play in front of friends and family here in San Antonio, that makes it more special for me.”
So, just how would you capture the euphoria of victory – or, god forbid, the agony of defeat – in just a few words?
As the Jayhawks get ready for their big game against North Carolina in the Final Four, we’re giving everyone a chance to submit their suggested headlines for Sunday morning’s paper.
Some advice: Be clever, descriptive and, of course, concise. Remember: Your optimistic words just might end up being prophetic.
For now, we’ll stick with taking ideas for the national semifinal, the one pitting Bill Self and the No. 1-seeded Jayhawks against Roy Williams and his No. 1-seeded Tar Heels.
Show off your headlines by going to www2.ljworld.com/headline and leaving your suggestion in the comments.
Lions’ den: As a reward for being the top-seeded team in the Midwest Regional’s Sweet 16, Kansas University’s basketball players have been awarded the Detroit Lions’ locker room.
It’s by far the biggest – and best – locker room at Ford Field, better than the locker rooms awarded to No. 12 seed Villanova, No. 3 Wisconsin and 10 Davidson.
“We can’t clown around as much because we’re so far away from each other. Maybe that will help calm us down,” KU freshman Tyrel Reed said with a smile.
The Jayhawks were in mighty cramped quarters during last week’s first-and second-round action in Omaha, Neb.
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Bumps, bruises: Coach Bill Self says the Jayhawks are in good health for this time of year.
Senior Rodrick Stewart is 100-percent recovered from last week’s bout of tonsillitis. Sophomore Sherron Collins is moving around well despite a bruised left knee.
“He doesn’t feel great. He will not feel great. He’s fine. Soreness is no reason why he won’t perform well,” Self said of Collins.
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Shootaround: The Jayhawks held a 40-minute shootaround before about 2,000 fans on Thursday at Ford Field. Like last week in Omaha, Darrell Arthur thrilled the fans with a monster jam dunk during a short dunk drill.
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Arena talk: KU athletic director Lew Perkins is not sure what to think of the setup at Ford Field. The basketball court sits in the middle of the massive football arena, with the playing surface elevated. The bench areas are actually below the court.
“It’s hard for me to visualize what it will be like tomorrow,” Perkins said. “It could be excellent; it could be not so good. We’ll see what happens when people are in the building.”
Self’s take on the dome that is expected to seat 60,000 or more fans today: “I don’t have a problem with the size of the building at all because the team that wins this tournament this weekend is going to play in a big building next weekend. Maybe the winner out of here would have an advantage (in San Antonio).
“I think the court setup is unique. It’s different for both teams.”
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Brown speak: Self was asked if former KU coach Larry Brown, executive vice president of the Philadelphia 76ers, would like this Jayhawk team.
“He’s seen us practice a couple of days and watched us play (in Lawrence),” Self said. “I think he likes this team. He also likes Villanova’s team, too. He’s seen them a lot more than he’s seen us because he lives there in Philly. I know he and Jay (Wright, Villanova coach) are pretty close.
“We are a team that’s balanced. It seems to be a different guy most every night for us.”
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No Sunday times yet: CBS has not announced the times of Sunday’s Elite Eight games. It’s believed one game will start at 1 p.m. and the other at 3:30 p.m. An announcement on game times may be coming today.
Stewart, Collins healing
KU senior Rodrick Stewart, who missed Saturday’s game against UNLV game because of tonsillitis, attended practice Monday, but did not take part in drills. Sophomore Sherron Collins did not attend practice, but not because of his bruised left knee. He was under the weather.
“Rod did not practice today, although I think he’s fine,” KU coach Bill Self said. “Sherron caught a little bit of a ‘quick bug’ and did not practice today, but he’ll be ready tomorrow. Everybody else is fine.”
Nova center out
Villanova reserve center Casiem Drummond, who was injured in Sunday’s victory over Siena, is finished for the season. Drummond, who has a fracture of the right ankle, will undergo surgery today to have a screw inserted in the ankle.
Self on Fox Sports
Self had his first light media day in a while Monday. He appeared on Fox Sports’ Game Time Live radio show with Andrew Siciliano. Self was asked about the fact KU enters Friday’s game as a No. 1 seed; Villanova a 12.
“If you are (Villanova coach) Jay (Wright), you could say, ‘We are a 12-seed, we have nothing to lose.’ I have watched enough tape. They are not a 12-seed,” Self said. “They didn’t play like that the first weekend. They are capable of beating anybody. They lost several heartbreakers in the league (Big East), including one to Georgetown (55-53 on Feb. 11) on the road on a call late.
“The last time we played Villanova we went to Philadelphia and got embarrassed,” Self added. KU lost to ‘Nova, 83-62, on Jan. 22, 2005 in Philly. “Our guys remember that, at least those who were around then.”
Ford credits Wright
Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Bob Ford credited Wright for believing the Wildcats would become a good team.
“March is when Scottie Reynolds has completed his graduate degree in point guard,” Ford wrote in Monday’s editions. “It is when freshmen Corey Fisher and Corey Stokes have finally blended into the smooth grain of the team. It is when the overlooked big men have become a cohesive front line, a steady thump of bass notes to complement the crashing cymbals of the guards.
“Villanova, perhaps a little late in the season, or perhaps a season sooner than expected, is a good basketball team, just as Wright promised. Not a great basketball team yet. Maybe that plateau is still to come for this group. But it is a good team that can slice you up if you’re not careful.”
Rush on Vegas
Brandon Rush, who traveled the country extensively while playing AAU basketball in high school, figures he has been to Las Vegas six or seven times.
“A lot of tournaments, and once I went there to chill,” said Rush, KU’s junior guard from Kansas City, Mo. “I couldn’t imagine going to college there. It’d be crazy. Some of us (Jayhawk players) were talking about that yesterday.
“I love that place,” he added. “It’s always hot there. I love the heat.”
Today, Rush will play the first game of his career against Vegas school UNLV. Tipoff is approximately 5:50 p.m. and will be shown live on CBS.
“I played against Wink (Adams) in AAU. He’s really good,” Rush said of the junior guard who averages a team-leading 16.6 points a game. “They play great defense. They have a good team.”
Collins OK
KU guard Sherron Collins, who said he banged his right knee at practice diving for a loose ball Tuesday, practiced on Friday in preparation for today’s battle against the Rebels.
“I had limited contact because we didn’t want it to get hit again,” Collins said. “It’s a little painful, but it’s OK. It affected me a little on defense (against Portland State). When I get it loose, it’s OK.
“It’s March. You play with pain if you have it. You have to play every game like it’s your last one. It doesn’t matter what teams throw at you. You still have to play.”
KU coach Bill Self says Collins is not 100 percent.
“I don’t think he looked very good yesterday (against Portland State),” Self said. “He made shots, but it may have affected him on defense. Hopefully he’ll wake up tomorrow and he’ll feel better. It won’t keep him from playing or anything like that.”
Bahe visits team
Former KU guard Nick Bahe of Omaha school Creighton stopped by KU’s team hotel Wednesday. “Coach let him come to our team dinner,” senior Jeremy Case said of his buddy.
Case said he, Bahe and Keith Langford recently went to an Usher concert in Kansas City.
“He’s a good friend, a great guy,” Case said of Bahe.
Kruger vs. KU
UNLV coach Lon Kruger was 4-7 versus Kansas during his four years as coach at Kansas State and 5-2 versus KU during his days as a Wildcat guard.
Kruger went 1-0 against KU as coach at Illinois and 0-2 as coach at Florida. In his last meeting with KU, his Illinois squad tripped the Jayhawks, 84-70, in 1999 in Chicago.
Kruger, Self’s predecessor at Illinois, had six-bypass heart surgery last August.
“No symptoms going in. No damage at all, and I haven’t had any pain since,” Kruger said. “They must have done a good job. I feel very blessed by it, fortunate to catch it when we did.”
KU coach Self said: “I talked to him in Vegas when I saw him (recruiting after surgery). I’d written him (after the operation). Anybody who has had health issues you feel for. I think he is a very tough, good man, great professional and conducts his business well.”
Kruger returned the compliments regarding Self.
“Bill’s been a good friend as the coaching fraternity goes,” Kruger said. “He and his wife, Cindy, are terrific. They followed us to Illinois and took that (program) way higher when he got there. And he did a great job. He’s done a great job wherever he’s been. His teams play so hard, so unselfish again. He is terrific in every way.”
Free time
The Jayhawks, who practiced from noon until 1:30 p.m., finished media responsibilities at 2:30 p.m. Friday.
“I’m going to go to the hotel and watch them (Rebels) on tape, get a weak workout in,” Self said. “Our players will chill out.”
The Jayhawks said they’d been watching a lot of NCAA Tournament ball on TV at the Embassy Suites hotel.
“I watched K-State last night,” Rush said of the Wildcats’ victory over USC. “They played great. I was happy for them, happy for the Big 12.”
Rush was asked whom K-State fans would pull for today if they watch the Jayhawks’ game.
“They won’t cheer for us. They want us to lose so bad,” Rush said.
NBA banter
Somebody quoted Rush as saying he’d definitely have returned to KU for his senior season had the Jayhawks lost in the first round.
“I don’t know where that came from,” he said. “I’m not thinking about the NBA right now, just trying to win the national title.”
Rush, who declared for the draft last year, is expected to turn pro after this season, along with Darrell Arthur.
Mario Chalmers and Collins also could be early entries.
“I’m not thinking about that at all,” Arthur said, repeating his common refrain to NBA questions.
Faces in town
Former KU players and good buddies Ryan Robertson and T.J. Pugh are in Omaha for the games.
No mismatch
Self disagreed with a reporter who called today’s game a “mismatch.”
“I don’t see it on paper the way you see it,” he said. “I just see it’s going to be two very good teams playing each other. We’ve got a good record, our seed’s higher. But it’s more about, can we defend them and can they defend us and vice versa. They’ve had great success playing the way they play. Who plays well early will probably be a big key because that will kind of set the tone for how the game will be played, at least the rest of the half.
“Our guys will not see this as a mismatch at all.”
This, that
KU is 3-0 all-time against UNLV. The squads first met in the 1989 Preseason NIT. KU won, 91-77, at Madison Square Garden. KU won, 92-68, in 1997 at Allen Fieldhouse. The teams also met at the 1998 Tip Off Classic in 1998 in Springfield, Mass. KU won, 78-50.
Dunk you very much
Darrell Arthur lobbed the basketball toward the goal, clutched it after one high bounce, passed it from one hand to another between his legs, then rammed a vicious one-handed dunk, thrilling about 2,000 fans Wednesday afternoon at Qwest Center.
The Kansas University sophomore’s slam concluded the Jayhawks’ 32-minute shootaround, which followed an hour-and-10-minute morning practice at Omaha Central High.
“It’s always great to at least shoot where you are going to play,” KU coach Bill Self said. “We have a 7 a.m. wake-up call tomorrow. I doubt we are going to come here and shoot (before 11:25 a.m. tipoff against Portland State). It’s good to get in here and get the feel of the place.”
The Jayhawks shot a batch of jumpers Wednesday before taking part in a quickie dunk drill. Jeremy Case put down a spinning 360, while guard Tyrel Reed and red-shirt Brady Morningstar also may have surprised some with their leaping ability on a pair of acrobatic jams.
Bahe’s team brilliant
KU seniors Case and Russell Robinson watched ex-Jayhawk Nick Bahe’s Creighton basketball team rally from a 17-point deficit to defeat Rhode Island, 74-73, on Tuesday night at Qwest Center.
“It was fun. It’s the first time I got to see a game (from stands) in four years,” Robinson said. “Nick did a great job moving the ball. His team had a great comeback. I didn’t get to see him (after game). He was busy celebrating.”
Robinson added: “It was good to get out, relax and see the court. It reminds me a little bit of watching games back in high school.”
Bahe came by KU’s team hotel at 6 p.m. on Wednesday night and visited with the Jayhawks.
Lee knows Portland State
KU graduate student manager Michael Lee is a native of Portland. He has worked out many times at Portland State’s gym.
“Coach (Ken) Bone has opened the gym for us many times,” Lee said. “It’s one of the better places in Portland to get some decent runs (pick-up games).”
Lee has worked out with Portland State junior guard Jeremiah Dominguez many times.
“He called me after we won our (postseason) tournament,” Dominguez said of Lee.
How did Lee get his cell-phone number?
“Portland connection,” Dominguez said with a smile.
Lee said: “I know Jeremiah pretty well. It’s Portland … one big family. I called him after we came back from the Big 12 tournament. I said, ‘We’ll see you in Omaha.”‘
Rush praises guard
Brandon Rush played against Dominguez on the AAU circuit. “He’s good,” Rush said. “I remember we beat them because I played on the Atlanta Celtics with a lot of NBA guys on my team.”
No big KU fan
Portland State senior Brian Curtis grew up a Wichita State fan. His dad, Charlie, was an assistant on coach Scott Thompson’s Shocker staff.
He’s never been a KU fan, though he did attend Roy Williams’ camp three times and Self’s once.
“Drew Gooden made me work on my game,” Curtis said. “Danny Manning talked, but I don’t remember too much about that.
“The thing about Kansas … they don’t recruit players in Kansas. The let the best players in Kansas go elsewhere. I never understood that,” Curtis added.
“He was player of the year, and they didn’t recruit him. Wichita State did, but KU didn’t,” he added, pointing to senior Dupree Lucas, a former all-stater out of Wichita Southeast.
NU did KU a favor
Robinson does not think the Jayhawks will have an off day, today.
“Nebraska was definitely our wake-up call,” Robinson said of KU’s 64-54 first-round Big 12 tournament victory over the Huskers, a game in which KU trailed by nine early.
“That game set the tone for the rest of our postseason.”
Collins raring to go
Sherron Collins said he feels close to 100 percent physically and believes he’s stronger mentally than last postseason.
“Last year helped me get rid of the butterflies,” Collins said of his first NCAA experience. “I think now I’m ready to play.”
K-State has big game, too
Rush gave his take on today’s Kansas State-USC game.
“It’s good to see another Big 12 team here,” Rush said. “Definitely K-State has a better freshman (Michael Beasley) than USC (O.J. Mayo). USC is tough. They play good defense and have O.J., who is good. USC has more players than K-State,” he added, indicating the Trojans would likely win.
Self said, “It’ll be a great game. USC’s offense is catching up to their defense. USC is more a complete team now. It doesn’t matter how good your defense is. I don’t know how you guard Beasley. You can play unbelievable defense on him and he can get 30. We guarded him well and held him to 39. I think it’ll be very unique (game).”
Darnell Jackson on Vikings
“Their guards are great on the offensive glass. If you watch them play on defense, it’s like they pressure you so hard where you can’t get into your offense. Our main focus is to keep the intensity at the same level that they are playing with and just see what we can come out with.
“Their whole starting five stands out. Huff (Deonte, 6-4 senior) and Dominguez are great with the ball. Their post players can shoot from outside the three-point line.”
Miami, KU discuss series
KU and the University of Miami have discussed playing a home-and-home series, coach Frank Heath told the Miami Herald. KU senior associate AD Larry Keating says discussions were brief. KU indicated any return game would have to be contested in American Airlines Arena, home of the Miami Heat, instead of Miami’s 7,000-seat campus building. Miami said no, effectively ending all talks.
Langford update
Former KU guard Keith Langford, who left the Austin Toros of the NBA Developmental League a few weeks ago, has surfaced with Angelico, a pro team in Italy. The information comes courtesy of proexposure.com, an international scouting service which keeps track of all former college players overseas.
Knock on wood
Kansas University coach Bill Self had a nightmare of sorts while snoozing on the team bus.
“I was thinking coming up here, what if a team got food poisoning or what if the team caught the flu bug at an inappropriate time?” he said. “Anything could happen. This is the time of year you can’t afford anything bad to happen. Do you go hard at practice at the risk of turning an ankle or something? You can’t worry about it too much, but you’ve got to be conscious of those types of things.”
Self said nobody currently has the flu.
“We’re good,” Self said, assuredly heading to knock on wood before taking the elevator up to his hotel room.
One vs. 16
No No. 1 seed ever has lost to a 16. Somebody asked Self Tuesday if he thought it would ever happen.
“Absolutely. Hopefully it’ll be postponed awhile,” he said. “It will definitely occur at some point in time.”
Is his team feeling any pressure as a one for the second straight year?
“We have not talked about that. I guess potentially that could be the case. The way we’ve approached it is we’re a one seed but that doesn’t mean much. Now just go out and play to our seed,” Self said. “The biggest thing is to enjoy the process. I think you’d be foolish to take it so seriously you can’t have fun, because this is the highlight of every college player’s career, playing in the tournament. There may be a little extra pressure. I don’t think our guys will feel that.”
Releford overseas
KU signee Travis Releford will compete for Team USA at the Albert Schweitzer international tournament March 22-29 in Mannheim, Germany. Releford is a 6-5 guard from Roeland Park Miege.
KU takes day off
The Jayhawks, who won three games in three days over the weekend in Kansas City, took a day off on Monday. The squad will practice today, eat a late lunch and board a charter bus for Omaha about 3 p.m. outside Allen Fieldhouse.
“We had to take a day off,” KU coach Bill Self said. “Our guys are worn out. We met at 4 (p.m. Monday) and I asked how many were worn out. All raised their hand. Some of them didn’t play that much. That concerned me a bit,” he added with a laugh. “It (Texas game) was an exhausting game to watch.”
Self appears on ESPN
Self learned once again how popular the coach of a No. 1-seeded team can be.
He was a guest on ESPN’s Mike and Mike morning show at 8:30 a.m., then spoke 10 minutes on the weekly Big 12 coaches’ teleconference. His “Hawk Talk” radio show lasted from 6 to 7 p.m. He was back on Doug Gottlieb’s ESPN radio show at 8 p.m.
“I’m tired,” Self said. These people got me pumped up, though.”
Banquet date set
KU’s men’s basketball banquet is set for 7 p.m. on April 13 at the Holidome Convention Center.
Williams Fund members have received a mailing with details.
Will crowd be quiet?
Though all tickets have been sold, there could be a moderately subdued atmosphere in the Qwest Center for KU’s first-round game.
“Very rarely in the first round do you play before a full house,” Self said. “People usually only go watch their team play. Hopefully a lot of our fans can make it to Omaha and find ways to get into the game. Kansas fans are great at being able to find something that doesn’t appear to exist.”
Four Jayhawks named to all-district team
Four Kansas University basketball players earned spots on the National Association of Basketball Coaches All-District 12 team announced Wednesday.
Junior guards Mario Chalmers and Brandon Rush made the first team. Senior Darnell Jackson and sophomore Darrell Arthur made the second-team.
Other first team members: K-State’s Michael Beasley, Oklahoma’s Blake Griffin and Nebraska’s Aleks Maric. Other second-team honorees: KSU’s Bill Walker, Colorado’s Richard Roby and Drake’s Josh Young.
District 12 covers Kansas, Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri and Oklahoma.
Rush was first-team all-District 12 last year and second-team as a freshman. The other Jayhawks are first-time honorees.
Canada trip a go
Details have yet to be finalized, but it’s looking as if KU will play three exhibition games on its trip to Canada over Labor Day weekend.
KU will likely play two games Saturday, Aug. 30, and one on Aug. 31, both in Ottawa, Ontario. KU likely will play Carleton University and a yet-to-be-determined foe in a day/night doubleheader on Aug. 30. Carleton’s Ravens Nest seats 1,400 fans.
The Jayhawks then would meet Ottawa University on Aug. 31 at Ottawa’s 1,000-seat Montpetit Hall.
The Jayhawks will be allowed 10 practice days in August preceding the trip.
Details on travel packages and game times will be released in coming months.
Giddens’ senior year
Former KU guard/forward J.R. Giddens has had an outstanding senior season at the University of New Mexico.
The 6-foot-5 Oklahoma City native averages a team-leading 15.7 points and 8.6 rebounds for the 23-7 Lobos.
The 23-year-old Giddens scored 17 points, grabbed 15 rebounds and had five assists in the Lobos’ 59-45 victory over UNLV on Tuesday on Giddens’ Senior Night.
Students at Albuquerque’s Pit chanted “MVP” after the final horn, calling for Giddens to be named Mountain West Player of the Year.
Giddens was appreciative.
“That’s as good as it’s been here the past three years,” Giddens said of the crowd in an interview with ESPN.com. “And I’m saying that coming from a place like Phog Allen (Fieldhouse). It was a big-time college atmosphere.”
Wright back in the mix
Former Kansas University forward Julian Wright has had a wacky rookie season in the NBA.
Wright, the No. 13 overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft, had been on the New Orleans Hornets inactive list for several games because of what was deemed “unproductive play” by coach Byron Scott.
He entered Wednesday’s game against Atlanta having played in just 34 of the Hornets’ 59 games, scoring 73 points with 15 assists against 15 turnovers.
Yet Wednesday – after not playing in the last three games – the 20-year-old Wright had his best game as a pro.
He scored a career-high 13 points off 6-of-11 shooting and tied a career high with seven rebounds while playing a whopping 22 minutes in the Hornets’ 116-101 home victory over Atlanta.
Ex-Jayhawk Billy Thomas is into his second 10-day contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers. He has scored nine points in four games.
Case stuck it out
The fans may give Jeremy Case extra applause tonight. Remember, the fifth-year senior from McAlester, Okla., was the only player to last from a recruiting class that included J.R. Giddens (New Mexico), Nick Bahe (Creighton), David Padgett (Louisville) and Omar Wilkes (Cal-Berkeley).
“I chose to stick coach (Bill) Self out, and I’m glad I did. I definitely am glad I’ve been at KU. I’m always going to be a Jayhawk. It’s in my blood now,” Case said.
Superlatives
KU’s senior class has won three straight league titles. The squad is tied with Texas (11-3) for the league lead with two games to go.
“Making history … we’ve been together so long, we might as well finish what we started. We want to bring a (national title) banner to KU,” Darnell Jackson said.
Jackson likes the fact he’s part of Self’s first KU recruiting class.
“Coach Self never doubted us. He always believed in every player he recruited. Now we have a chance to repay him,” Jackson said.
How they turned out
Of KU’s senior class, Rodrick Stewart was the highest-rated player coming out of high school.
Stewart was ranked 25th by Rivals.com, Robinson 27th, Kaun 34th and Jackson 54th nationally.
Case was not rated.
“We were not McDonald’s All-Americans. It’s not that big a deal to me,” Jackson said. “If you are a player, you are a player. A lot of guys are McDonald’s All-Americans and not doing anything.
“You have to find who you are and what your role is on the team and go from there,” Jackson said.
Update on ‘Spoon
Brad Witherspoon, who is listed as a senior on the roster, won’t give a senior speech tonight. “He’s not a senior. He has another year of school,” Self said of the player who has a year of eligibility remaining but will not play ball next year. Witherspoon will attend class first semester and student-teach second semester. He said with teaching responsibilities he’ll be too busy to remain a member of the team. Senior managers Taylor High of Pittsburg and Bethany Scothorn of Burlington will work their last home game tonight.
Today’s foe
Texas Tech (16-12, 7-7) is coming off an 83-80 victory over No. 5 Texas on Saturday in Lubbock, Texas. Tech has won three of its last four games and is 4-4 since Pat Knight took over for his dad, Bob.
Tech is 13-2 at home this season and 3-10 away from the United Spirit Arena. Senior guard Martin Zeno averages 15.9 points and 4.5 rebounds a game. Junior Alan Voskuil and freshman John Roberson average 13.5 and 12.1 ppg.
“They move without the ball better than anybody we play,” Self said. “It’s still coach (Bob) Knight’s team as far as what he taught them. Pat the last two to three years has taken a lead role in implementing what coach wants. They are playing with a free mind offensively. They are playing faster. They are very aggressive on the offensive end.”
Stats, facts
KU leads the series against Tech, 16-3, including a 9-0 mark in Lawrence. Tech won the last meeting, 69-64, last season in Lubbock … KU has won 23 straight Senior Nights and 24 consecutive final home games. Last year, there were no seniors on the roster.
Bragging rights: Brandon Rush said the worst thing about Wednesday’s loss to Kansas State is not the ending of Kansas University’s 24-game win streak in Manhattan.
“It’s just them talking,” Rush said of the Wildcats.
Freshman Michael Beasley on Wednesday backed up his summertime prediction that KSU would end The Streak this season.
“Now we’re going to hear it from them non-stop. Now they think they can come and beat us in our own house,” Rush said.
KU will meet the Cats in a rematch on March 1 at Allen Fieldhouse. That will be with ESPN’s Gameday crew in town.
“When is that game, March? I can’t wait,” Rush said.
Rush said there wasn’t much trash talking during the game.
“Beasley was just saying funny things,” Rush said. “It wasn’t bad at all.”
Second half woes: Rush, who was shadowed by Dominique Sutton, had 15 points, off 6-of-10 shooting, but had just three points the second half, hoisting just three shots.
“He did a good job on defense. Pullen (Jacob, 20 points) had a good game, too,” Rush said. “They’re a good team. They’ve got two of the best players in the country, and other guys are good, too.”
Rebound woes: Foul-plagued Darrell Arthur had 12 points off 5-of-12 shooting with seven boards.
“We couldn’t get rebounds. They had too many offensive rebounds,” Arthur said of the ‘Cats, who had 16 offensive boards and 34 total to KU’s 30 boards. “We’ve got to do a better job of that.”
Question of his own: Bill Walker asked TV and print reporters a question before leaving the postgame interview room:
“I want to ask all of your something. Raise your hand if you thought we could win today?”
Some media did raise their hands.
Wild atmosphere: KSU students began lining up outside Bramlage Coliseum at 5 a.m. Wednesday for the big game. They were allowed into the arena at 5 p.m. for the 7 p.m. tipoff.
“It was cold, really cold,” one student in the front row said during a pre-game pep rally that did not feature any coaches this year.
Boo, boo: KU red-shirt Brady Morningstar was the first Jayhawk to take to the court for pre-game warmups at 5:44 p.m., the KSU student section booing him loudly. Morningstar had no reaction and began shooting baskets with one of the Bramlage Coliseum ballboys.
Jeremy Case, Brennan Bechard and Sasha Kaun were next onto the court, the crowd booing much louder.
They chanted, “Screech” at Kaun for his hairstyle reminiscent of a character on “Saved By the Bell.”
Russell Robinson was first to break a smile when he jogged onto the court to a chorus of boos and a sign that had a picture of Robinson next to an alien saying, “Take Me to Your Leader.”
This, that: KU had its 28-game regular season win streak snapped. KU had won 11 straight on the road. … Rush grabbed the 500th rebound of his career. … Next game is Saturday at Colorado (2:30 p.m. Central).
More on streaks: Entering Wednesday’s game, here were the longest winning streaks on an opponent’s floor in NCAA Division I history: UCLA at Cal-Berkeley (25 games, 1961-85, one of the games was played in Oakland, not on campus), KU at Kansas State (24, 1984-2007), Rhode Island at Maine (23, 1927-57), UConn at New Hampshire (17, 1951-68), South Carolina at Citadel (15, 1945-88).
Candid ‘Cat: K-State freshman Walker, who is one of the media’s favorites because of his honesty and friendly demeanor, in an interview with Sports Illustrated.com was willing to discuss an incident in which he urinated into a towel during a timeout late in an overtime loss to Oregon at Bramlage.
“It was either that or leave the court. And I was trying to win that game, so I did what had to be done,” Walker said. The full interview is available at http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/si_blogs/basketball/ncaa/2008/01/q-with-kansas-states-bill-walker.html
Debuts: Head coach Frank Martin on Wednesday became the first first-year Kansas State coach to win his first game at home against Kansas since E.A. Knoth did it twice in 1921.
Nebraska basketball coach Doc Sadler, whose Cornhuskers lost to Kansas University by 20 points in Lincoln, Neb., and 53 in Lawrence last season, fears the No. 3-ranked Jayhawks are even better this year.
“Everybody says they are playing the best (of any team in country),” Sadler told the Omaha World-Herald. “I’ve talked to a lot of people that follow it. Everybody says it’s Kansas and Memphis right now playing better than anyone. If there is somebody better, I don’t want to play them.”
Sadler’s unranked (11-2) Huskers will meet KU (15-0) at 8 p.m. Saturday at Devaney Center in Lincoln, Neb.
Nebraska defeated No. 16-ranked Oregon, 88-79, in overtime on Dec. 15 in Lincoln.
“I’m not sure Oregon has a player who could start for Kansas,” Sadler told the Lincoln Journal-Star.
“I don’t think they (Ducks) have a player who could be in their (Jayhawks’) top seven,” Sadler added, well aware Oregon boasts a superb player in senior guard Malik Hairston.
KU handed Sadler a pair of lopsided defeats in the coach’s first year in Lincoln. The Jayhawks rolled, 76-56, last Jan. 29, at NU and also, 92-39, on Feb. 17 at KU.
KU’s 53-point win at Allen Fieldhouse was the second-largest margin of victory in a conference game in school history, trailing only a 56-point victory over the Huskers in 1958.
Filled to the brim
Saturday’s game at 13,595-seat Devaney Center is sold out. A limited amount of standing-room-only tickets remained on sale as of Wednesday night at huskers.com.
More than 3,000 tickets were sold between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Tuesday, and the remaining available single-game seats were purchased overnight on the Web.
Nebraska’s last home sellout came in Sadler’s second career game at NU.
NU distributed 13,832 tickets for a win over Creighton on Nov. 18, 2006.
The last conference sellout came against the Jayhawks in 2005.
Henry faring well
Xavier Henry, a 6-6 junior guard from Putnam City (Okla.) High, scored 37 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in an overtime victory over Pennbury (Pa.) High at the Bay Ball Classic tournament in Lewes, Del.
Henry told sportsillustrated.com he had a final list of KU, Memphis, North Carolina, Ohio State and UCLA.
“The first thing coaches ask me when I sit down with them is whether or not I’m set on going to Kansas, and I always say no,” Henry told SI.com. “I have a couple of schools that I’m pretty high on like Memphis and North Carolina. They may even be ahead of Kansas at this point.”
It should be noted Henry was wearing a KU sweat shirt during a recent interview at takkle.com.
Meanwhile, Xavier’s brother, C.J. Henry, who orally committed to KU in 2005 but instead played pro baseball the past three years, will play for one of the New York Yankees’ minor league teams this season. He had considered scrapping baseball for college hoops.
“He told me that he was going to try to surprise everybody, so I’m thinking that he’s going to try to play baseball and basketball,” ex-Jayhawk Carl Henry, father of C.J. and Xavier, told SI.com. “If anybody can do it, he can do it.”
C.J. told SI.com: “Right now, I think I’m just focusing on baseball. But you never know what can happen in the future.”
Xavier, by the way, told Rivals.com on Wednesday KU, UNC and Memphis are all tied at the top of his list.
Aldriches in town
Kansas University freshman Cole Aldrich’s parents, Walter and Kathleen, made the trip from Bloomington, Minn., to watch their son score five points and grab seven boards while playing 12 minutes in KU’s rout of Yale on Saturday at Allen Fieldhouse.
KU coach Bill Self said the Aldriches celebrated their anniversary Sunday and that Walt’s birthday was Monday.
Collins not firing fully
Sophomore point guard Sherron Collins, who had eight points, two assists and four turnovers in 16 minutes Saturday, still isn’t 100 percent recovered from surgery to repair a stress fracture in his left foot.
“His foot is fine. His quads are not firing, and it’s put a little stress on his knee. His upper leg is bothering him some,” Self said.
Collins is not missing any practice time. “It’s getting better,” Self stressed on his radio show. “He works at it every day. I can see progress being made. It’s just taking a little longer than we thought. His legs aren’t firing. They will soon.”
MU tickets available?
KU fans longing to attend the KU-Missouri game on Jan. 19 in Columbia, Mo., just might be able to snag some seats online. Single-seats from the game go on sale at 6 p.m. Friday at mutigers.com.
Big 12 honors
Oklahoma freshman Blake Griffin was tapped Big 12 player of the week Monday. Griffin had 18 points and 16 rebounds in the Sooners’ double-overtime victory over West Virginia. Texas Tech’s John Roberson was named rookie of the week.
Thomas scores 22 twice
Future KU power forward Quintrell Thomas of St. Patrick High in Elizabeth, N.J., scored 22 points and grabbed 13 rebounds in the Celtics’ 66-60 loss to Houston Yates on Saturday. The game, played in Houston, was shown on ESPNU.
Friday, Thomas scored 22 points and had six rebounds in a 79-67 victory over Houston Madison.
St. Pat’s entered the weekend ranked No. 1 in the country by ESPN and No. 3 by USA Today.
“Thomas, who stands 6-8, used his combination of quick leaping ability and his broad, squared shoulders to dominate in the paint. Thomas threw down a handful of dunks that drew praise from the patrons,” Rivals.com reported.
Thomas’ teammate, St. Pat’s junior point guard Dexter Strickland, has narrowed his college choices to North Carolina and Florida.
Happy for Langford
KU coach Bill Self was thrilled to see ex-Jayhawk Keith Langford sign a contract Friday with the San Antonio Spurs.
Langford, who averaged 23.2 points and 6.2 rebounds in nine games for the Austin (Texas) Toros of the NBA Developmental League, did not score in four minutes of his first NBA game, a home loss to Toronto.
On Sunday, the 6-4 Langford scored two points off 1-of-3 shooting with two rebounds while playing 51â2 minutes of the Spurs’ home victory over Memphis. His first NBA bucket was a 22-footer from the top of the key off an assist from ex-KU point guard Jacque Vaughn.
“We are all excited for Keith,” Self said. “We were under the impression he would get called up this year based on how he played in (Spurs preseason) camp and how he was playing in the D-League.
“He’s got an opportunity now. Even though he plays just four minutes the other night at least he’s out there. I just hope he’s aggressive and makes the most of this opportunity. He’s talented enough to stay in that league a long time.”
The Spurs also called up DerMarr Johnson, 6-9 from the Toros, over the weekend. It’s believed either Langford or Johnson – not both – will stick with the team past the Jan. 10 deadline for guaranteed contracts.
The San Antonio Express News reports that the Spurs are “already pushing the luxury tax threshold and it appears unlikely they would choose to keep both players.”
Kansas University basketball fans, who love to travel to see their Jayhawks, might want to consider applying for passports in coming months.
The Jayhawks, as they did in September of 2004, will travel to Canada over the Labor Day holiday weekend (Aug. 29-Sept. 1, 2008) to play exhibition games against Canadian college teams.
The Jayhawks likely will be touring either Toronto or Ottawa, rather than Vancouver as they did in ’04.
“We’re in the process of trying to complete a scenario to take the team to Canada,” KU coach Bill Self said. “We can do it every four years (in accordance with NCAA foreign trip rules). We think it’s a good year to do it. It will be good for such a young team to be able to practice 10 days before the trip, then go and play good competition.”
Self said KU’s last trip to Canada was productive, especially for squad newcomers Russell Robinson, Sasha Kaun, Darnell Jackson, Alex Galindo, C.J. Giles and Matt Kleinmann.
“We had such a veteran team I didn’t feel the trip was as important for Wayne (Simien), Mike (Lee), Keith (Langford) and Aaron (Miles),” Self said. “Looking at it now, it made for somewhat of a long season for those guys. But we are going to have so many young guys next year. We’ll be as young as a team can be. The young guys will benefit the most.”
KU has signed five players so far in recruiting: Mario Little, Markieff and Marcus Morris, Quintrell Thomas and Travis Releford with the possibility of additional signees in April.
KU senior associate athletic director Larry Keating said the Jayhawks would play three or four games on the Canadian trip.
“The rules state you can’t leave campus until after class on Friday,” Keating said. “We could play Saturday, play two games on Sunday and one on Monday as we did last time. It’s a short trip which is why we’re looking at Toronto and Ottawa.”
¢ KU, UMass to tangle: Look for KU to play Massachusetts Dec. 13 at the Sprint Center in Kansas City, Mo. The contract has not yet arrived in the mail, but the two sides have agreed to play. UMass, coached by Travis Ford, is off to an 8-2 start this year.
¢ Coach wins 80 percent of games: Bill Self’s record at KU now stands at 116-29 following Tuesday’s 71-66 victory over Georgia Tech.
That’s an .800 win mark, second best in KU coaching history behind Roy Williams’ .805 mark (418-101). Larry Brown is third at .754.
¢ Collins’ son, girlfriend visit: Sherron Collins 8-month old son, Sherr’mari, and Collins’ girlfriend, Re’Quiya Aguirre, returned to Chicago on Tuesday after their most recent trip to town.
“After the game, I was like ‘Ah, he’s going so he won’t be home when I get back, but it’ll be all right,”‘ Collins told SI.com. “I go home Saturday to Chicago for Christmas break so I’ll see him soon. I got Christmas presents for him.”
Sports Illustrated’s story on Collins by Bill Trocchi is available at SI.com. The Journal-World’s story on Collins and his son can be read here.
¢ Slick floor: KU’s basketball players found the floor at Georgia Tech’s Alexander Memorial Coliseum slippery during Tuesday’s 71-66 victory over the Yellow Jackets.
“The guys said something about it at shootaround. I said, ‘Guys you already have (made) a built-in excuse,”‘ Self said Wednesday on his Hawk Talk radio show. “But it was slick. Somebody cleaned it incorrectly or something. It was a skating rink out there. Guys were sliding everywhere.
“There were times Mario (Chalmers) got beat with the crossover. I’m not saying he wouldn’t have got beat, but it was slick. I’m not saying anything bad about Georgia Tech, (but) I’m sure their players would tell you the same thing.”
Of KU seeing a 13-point lead dip to one late, Self said: “We played not to lose instead of to win. It was good to win the game even though we didn’t perform well. I’m glad we won. It’s still a good win. It wasn’t the way it needed to go down (at end).”
Little off to fast start
Kansas University basketball signee Mario Little is averaging 15.9 points per game off 59.2 percent shooting for 14-0 Chipola (Fla.) Community College.
The 6-foot-5 guard/forward has made 42.9 percent of his three-pointers. He also averages 4.9 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game.
Next up
KU’s next opponent, Ohio University, takes a 5-2 record into tonight’s game at Maryland. The Bobcats, who have lost to Holy Cross and Temple and defeated New Mexico State, Cornell, St. Francis, St. Bonaventure and Delaware, meet KU at 4 p.m., Saturday, at Sprint Center, then head to Honolulu for the Rainbow Classic and an opening round game against St. John’s.
Giles eligible
C.J. Giles, who was kicked off KU’s team first semester last year, is eligible to play in games at Oregon State now that second semester has started.
The 6-11 Giles is expected to provide a boost to an OSU team off to a 4-3 start.
“If he ever puts it all together, he’ll be one of the best big men in the Pac-10,” KU coach Bill Self told the Oregonian newspaper.
Giles averaged 4.9 points and 3.9 rebounds per game in his two seasons at KU. He’s currently on a diversion program to avoid conviction on a misdemeanor battery citation that led to his dismissal from KU’s team.
“Everybody likes C.J. It just kind of got away from him,” Self said. “I think he’s in a good spot. I would love see him do well. No matter what happens, I will always pull for him.”
Oregon State coach Jay John was criticized by some Oregon media members for giving Giles a scholarship.
“I still fundamentally believe that whatever that line is where you go from deserving a second chance to, ‘You blew all your chances,’ wherever that arbitrary line is, in my view, he hadn’t gone on the other side,” John said. “Certainly I took a lot of heat on that, but I also felt that we had an infrastructure where things could work.
“Obviously, we are excited about adding a player with his ability to the mix for the rest of the season,” John added. “He is an outstanding talent who should give us a very strong presence on both ends of the floor.”
Stewart playing well
Don’t be surprised if senior guard Rodrick Stewart plays a lot in Kansas University’s exhibition opener Thursday at Allen Fieldhouse.
“Rodrick has been one of our most consistent performers, counting everyone on the team,” KU coach Bill Self said. “Rod is by far the most active defender we have. He’s always been pretty good. He’s become better.”
Self said the experience of Stewart and Jeremy Case may have them a “little bit ahead” of other backup guards, including Brady Morningstar, Tyrel Reed and Conner Teahan.
“You can’t play seven guys on the perimeter,” Self noted.
Three-guard offense
Self likes his three “little guards” – Mario Chalmers, Russell Robinson and Sherron Collins.
“The beauty of those three little guys is they are all interchangeable,” Self said. “Whoever gets it, brings it. I could see them all playing 15, 20 minutes together (per game), subbing and playing with two of them in the game a majority of the other time.”
CBE field
The Syracuse Post-Standard reports that KU, Syracuse, Florida and Washington will be host schools for next year’s CBE Classic. KU will hold a two-day tournament involving four schools. Two victories there would vault KU into the semifinals at the Sprint Center.
Simien cut
The Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday released former KU forward Wayne Simien, who was acquired from the Miami Heat via trade last week. Simien, who currently is coming off arthroscopic knee surgery, is free to sign with another team or head to Europe.
“To this day, I never coached a better college player,” Self said. “Hopefully he can get healthy. Wayne can play at that level and impact a franchise. He’s not had the opportunity yet because of health concerns (salmonella and knee woes).”
Workouts
The Jayhawks normally practice 2-21â2 hours per day.
“From a practice standpoint, don’t wear your guys out in November,” Self said. “We’re trying to cut back time. We went three hours yesterday. That’s the only practice this year to go three hours.”
Still, the grind since Oct. 12 has tested the freshmen.
“We had a few morning practices. I’ve gotten up, and I’m like, ‘Boot Camp, again?”‘ exclaimed center Cole Aldrich. “It’s been a blast so far. They’re throwing a lot at us. We’re trying to understand everything.”
Trick or treat
Aldrich hopes to fit in some fun after practice on Halloween, his 19th birthday.
“I really want to go trick or treating. I love trick or treating. I don’t think I’ve taken a year off. I went all throughout high school, and I’ll probably do it until I’m 30,” he said. “I know we have a big game Thursday, so I’m really going to get some good sleep and just get as much rest as I can, but hopefully get a little candy.”
Recruiting updates
¢ Tyshawn Taylor, 6-foot-3 from Jersey City, N.J., orally committed to Marquette on Monday. He considered KU, Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech and others.
¢ J’Mison Morgan, 6-10 from Dallas’ South Oak Cliff High, will choose either KU, LSU, Alabama, UCLA or Cincinnati at a noon news conference Friday at his high school. “I haven’t made up my mind yet. I’m still thinking about everything, but I’ll be ready by Friday,” Morgan told Rivals.com.
¢ C.J. Henry, 6-3 from Oklahoma City, still is deciding whether to play baseball or basketball next year. He recently completed his third minor-league season, hitting .184 for the Philadelphia Phillies’ Class A team in Lakewood, N.J. He told Rivals.com he’ll attend either KU, Memphis or Texas if he plays basketball. KU is the heavy favorite considering he committed to KU as a senior in high school.
¢ Devoe Joseph, 6-2 from Ontario, Canada, will visit KU this weekend. He will also visit Minnesota, Virginia Tech and Vanderbilt.
Full speed ahead for Rush
Brandon Rush has cleared another hurdle in his comeback from right ACL surgery.
“Brandon has been checked out (by medical staff) and released to where he can practice full speed, no contact,” Kansas University basketball coach Bill Self said Monday. In other words, the 6-foot-6 junior from Kansas City, Mo., can do everything his teammates can do at practice – except get bumped – close to five months after his June 1 surgery.
“It will be that way awhile to make sure he advances to the point where he can have contact. It’s everything but no contact,” Self stressed.
“He obviously is not close to being ready to play, but we were certainly hoping this would be the case after being checked out. Brandon is doing very well. He had a very good week of practice.”
There has been no change in the timetable for playing in games – Dec. 1 or a month on either side.
Roster to stay at 17
Self indicated Monday the Jayhawks would not add any players following Sunday’s walk-on tryouts.
“Unless something happens injury-wise where we need practice guys, we will stick with the guys we have,” Self said. “It is a difficult year to make it, because of the number of guys we have on the roster (17 players, including five walk-ons). The (16) guys who tried out were in good shape. They did a good job. But unless something unforeseen happens, we will not add any more players.”
Joseph on radar
Devoe Joseph, a 6-2 senior guard from Pickering High in Ontario, Canada, is expecting a visit from Self today. Joseph, who averaged 27 points a game his junior year, told Rivals.com he will visit KU on Nov. 2 and also make trips to Minnesota, Vanderbilt and Virginia Tech.
Status quo
Marcus and Markieff Morris, 6-8 and 6-9 forwards from Philadelphia, told Rivals.com on Monday they will visit Villanova this weekend and choose either KU or Villanova sometime following the trip. … Quintrell Thomas, 6-8 forward from Elizabeth, N.J., still is pondering finalists, KU, Rutgers and UNLV.
Junior likes KU
Lance Stephenson, a 6-5 junior from Brooklyn, N.Y., tells Adam Zagoria of the Herald News in West Paterson, N.J., he will attend the KU-Arizona game on Nov. 25 at Allen Fieldhouse as part of an unofficial visit. He’s considering KU, Seton Hall, North Carolina, USC, Memphis, Indiana and others.
Looking good at FAU
Former Kansas University guard Rex Walters, who is in his second year as head coach at Florida Atlantic, told Fox Sports a $10 million renovation of the Owls’ hoops facility is nearly complete. The locker rooms and floor have been upgraded. FAU will play KU on Nov. 28 at Allen Fieldhouse.
Pollard still hobbling
Former KU forward Scot Pollard, who has not yet played in a preseason game with the Boston Celtics because of a deep bone bruise, wears a boot on his left foot.
“I would expect to be back by the start of the season, but I can’t make predictions,” Pollard told the Boston Herald.
Pollard sprained his ankle after landing on a teammate’s foot during a preseason pick-up game.
“This one, I smashed it,” said Pollard, who returned from Europe a day before the Celtics’ first exhibition game in Rome. “It was just a matter of me being 285 pounds. I landed on someone’s foot, and I kept playing, because I didn’t think anything of it. Luckily the MRI showed that no surgery is required. The other thing is age (32). My ankles are pretty loose. So I’m still walking in this boot. I guess I’m lucky that I love swimming.”
Happy birthday
To ex-Jayhawk forward Paul Pierce of the Celtics, who turned 30 on Saturday.
Lots of schools considered: Willie Warren, a 6-foot-4 senior from Oak Hill Academy in Mouth of Wilson, Va., will visit Oklahoma next weekend and Kansas University the weekend after that.
“Willie is getting ready to take his two visits, but as far as narrowing down his school list, we discussed it but never put anything down,” Warren’s mother, Malaika, told Rivals.com. “He’s been so up and down with his recruitment, I’m just letting him have some fun with it right now. So I don’t want to say how many schools or what schools it is down to because it might change tomorrow.”
He’s also looking at UConn, Cincinnati, Kentucky and others.
¢ Decisions, decisions: Mario Little, a 6-6 sophomore guard from Chipola (Fla.) Community College, who has said he has grown tired of the recruiting process following visits to KU, Kansas State and Illinois, enters the weekend still pondering his three finalists. Chipola coach Greg Heiar said a decision could be reached Sunday.
¢ Boot Camp over: Kansas University’s two-week Boot Camp conditioning program concluded Friday.
The purpose in making the players report at 6 a.m. daily Monday through Friday for conditioning drills and sprints was twofold: to get in shape for the season and build camaraderie.
Mission accomplished.
“We got through it together. That’s one of the things we strive for, team unity,” freshman Cole Aldrich said. “It’s given us team unity.”
“It was everything I expected it to be,” rookie guard Conner Teahan, of Rockhurst High, said. “It was a challenge. You could get through it as long as you did what you had to do. It’s in your head pretty much. If you came in with a good attitude, you’d get everything done. I’m not saying it’s not tough, but if you go in thinking it will be terrible, you already lost.”
He said the seniors – Jeremy Case, Darnell Jackson, Sasha Kaun, Russell Robinson and Rodrick Stewart – set great examples.
“In the locker room, they have fun. On the court, they take everything seriously. They set the tone for everybody else,” Teahan said. “They showed us the way.”
Next up is next Friday’s Late Night in the Phog. Doors will open at 6 p.m. for Late Night, which should end about 9:30. KU’s men’s and women’s teams will hold intrasquad scrimmages at the event.
¢ Pollard hobbled: Former Kansas University forward/center Scot Pollard has not practiced with the Boston Celtics yet this preseason at training camp in Rome. He has a left ankle sprain.
Forward sets visit: Pencil in another blue-chip basketball player for a visit to Kansas University’s campus.
Quintrell Thomas, a 6-foot-8, 225-pound power forward from St. Patrick High in Elizabeth, N.J., tells Rivals.com he will visit Lawrence on Sept. 28-29.
“Kansas, Maryland, Rutgers, UNLV and Houston are the only schools on my list,” Thomas told Rivals. “I am definitely going to visit Maryland before I decide, but I don’t have anything planned yet. I don’t know if I am going to use all five official visits, but I am going to take some visits before I pick a school.
“The style of play is what sticks out about Kansas,” he added. “I really like the way they play the game at Kansas. The coaching staff also does a great job of developing players and preparing them for the NBA. Coach (Bill) Self isn’t going to leave for another school, which is also important.”
So far, KU also has set visit dates with Phillip McDonald, a 6-5 shooting guard from Cypress (Texas) High on Toledo football weekend Sept. 14-15 and Terrance Henry, 6-9 forward from Caroll High in Monroe, La., for the Oct. 12 Late Night in the Phog. There is no home football game scheduled the week of Thomas’ visit.
¢
Arthur a football follower: Kansas University sophomore Darrell Arthur is not just looking forward to basketball season.
He’s a big KU football fan, too.
“I will go to all the games. I love our football games. They are exciting,” Dallas native Arthur said, acknowledging he also is a fan of University of Texas Longhorns’ football.
“Dexton my cousin plays receiver. I look out for all those guys. I root for ’em,” he added.
Dexton, of course, is Dexton Fields, KU’s 6-foot, 200-pound junior wide receiver, who like Arthur attended South Oak Cliff High.
¢
College on his mind: Arthur, by the way, has made it clear he won’t be talking about the NBA in interviews with media members this school year.
On Tuesday, he was asked if he pays attention to draft sites like NBAdraft.net and Draftexpress.com that have him being tapped No. 4 and No. 9 respectively in the 2008 Draft.
“I’m not paying attention to that. I don’t check them,” he said of Web sites. “I’m just worried about the season and being healthy.”
¢
Rim rattler: Former KU forward Nick Collison, who did not make the final roster of the U.S. National Team, did leave training camp with a lasting memory.
He broke a rim on a dunk at last Saturday’s practice.
“I was hoping practice would be over,” LeBron James told NBA.com. “I was hoping coach would say, ‘Hey, practice is canceled.’ That’s the first thing that came to my mind. The second thing is ‘I hope he didn’t shoot a jumper and the basket fell,”‘ he cracked.
Collison told NBA.com something had to be wrong with the rim since he didn’t dunk especially hard.
Here, you can see a picture of Collison posing with the rim.
Chalmers receives praise
Kansas University junior guard Mario Chalmers drew rave reviews from one talent evaluator at the recent Adidas Nations Basketball Experience in New Orleans.
“Chalmers really stood out with the phenomenal on- and off-ball defense he played throughout the camp, smothering with his excellent combination of lateral quickness, tenacity and length, constantly getting in the passing lanes, finishing craftily in transition with a layup or emphatic dunk, showing a great attitude throughout, and also coming up with some excellent passes on the fast break and in half-court sets,” said Jonathan Givony of draftexpress.com.
“He has NBA potential for sure. It’s just a matter of polishing his skills and decision making and becoming a viable defensive oriented combo guard who can shoot and handle the ball well enough to make himself useful as a pro. He’s not a prototypical NBA point guard prospect, but he does have some very appealing attributes that should make him a solid draft pick either this year or next.”
Chalmers was a counselor at the camp, which also included KU teammate Sasha Kaun as well as Darren Collison, Eric Gordon, Terrence Williams, Tyler Smith, Derrick Rose and others.
KU coach Bill Self believes the experience will benefit Kaun and Chalmers.
“It was great for them,” Self said. “It’s great anytime you can play against other good players.”
Self plays Southern Hills
PGA in Oklahoma: An avid golfer and native Oklahoman, Self wanted to attend this weekend’s PGA championships at Southern Hills in Tulsa. Prior commitments will prevent that, however.
Self says his best round at Southern Hills is “an 81 or 82. It’s the nicest course I’ve played.”
He said the toughest hole is the 488-yard, par-4, No. 2 hole.
Monroe update
KU is in the running for Greg Monroe, the No. 1 player in the Class of 2008. Monroe, 6-10 from Cox High in Harvey, La., says KU will be awarded an in-home visit in September. Others on his list: Duke, LSU, Florida, Georgetown, Louisville, Southern California, Texas, North Carolina, Baylor, Connecticut and Kentucky.
Williams has vertigo: Former Kansas University coach Roy Williams, now fifth-year head coach at North Carolina, struggled to make it through his annual summertime media conference Wednesday in Chapel Hill. Williams, 56, spoke slowly and softly, barely able to move upon entering the room.
He revealed he had been suffering from vertigo, a sensation of dizziness and/or tilting. It’s his first bout with the illness since July 29, 2005.
“I have felt like the dickens the last three days,” Williams told the media. “I’ve lived a charmed life until Monday morning. I’ve got a little vertigo, and it hasn’t been very pleasant the last couple of days. I’m trying to get some extra home-cooked meals out of it.”
Vertigo, according to neurologychannel.com, “usually occurs as a result of a disorder in the vestibular system (i.e., structures of the inner ear, the vestibular nerve, brainstem, and cerebellum). The vestibular system is responsible for integrating sensory stimuli and movement and for keeping objects in visual focus as the body moves.”
Williams blasted the recruiting process Wednesday.
“Recruiting, it stinks,” said Williams, who received a commitment Wednesday from Ed Davis, a 6-foot-8 senior from Benedictine School in Mechanicsville, Va., the No. 11-rated player in the country. “It’s demeaning. … I love recruiting when I get there and get a chance to sit down and talk to a kid. I love recruiting when I get to a gym. I just hate the airplanes and rental cars. …
“It’s a wacko experience. We have guys in the 9th and 10th grade who are trying to make commitments. For us, our admissions office doesn’t want us to take them, and it’s rightfully so. They say, ‘How can you say a kid can come to North Carolina when he hasn’t taken sophomore English?”‘
Williams blamed the “Internet people” for making recruiting even more difficult.
“I think one of the reasons kids are making decisions so early are because of the Internet people. We watched a game last week. As soon as the game was over, five different (Internet) people charged this kid to ask him about what went on during the game. The pressure doesn’t come from coaches anymore. The pressure comes from the guy who doesn’t know if it’s the sun or moon that comes up in the middle of the day.”
¢Simien recovering: Former KU forward Wayne Simien of the Miami Heat, who played in just eight games last season because of a bout with salmonella, recently had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee.
“I’m just like anybody else who goes through basic trials and tribulations of life,” Simien told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. “Luckily, all of mine have been minor. There are people out there with cancer and all types of various ailments that can kill them. I had my knee scoped a few weeks ago. Somebody comes back from Iraq and has to have their leg amputated, so I just keep all those kind of things in perspective.”
The Sun-Sentinel revealed Simien was nicknamed “Brother Wayne” by his teammates because of his strong Christian beliefs.
“I can’t even describe the pain to you,” he said, crediting God for getting him through the salmonella ordeal. “It’s even more painful when the doctors don’t have anything to treat it right away with.”
Miami officials have to decide by the end of October whether to pick up his 2008-09 option of $1.8 million.
¢Hinrich headed to camp: Former KU guard Kirk Hinrich of the Chicago Bulls will be one of 17 players to participate in a Team USA minicamp Friday through Sunday in Las Vegas in preparation for the Olympic qualifying tournament that begins Aug. 22.
It will be tough for Hinrich to make the U.S. team. Guards Chauncey Billups, Jason Kidd and Deron Williams have been added to the roster since Hinrich won a bronze medal with Team USA at last year’s FIBA World Championships in Japan.
¢Manning deadline today: Today is registration deadline for KU assistant coach Danny Manning’s annual basketball camp at Free State High. The camp, to run July 23-27, is for boys and girls second through eighth grades. More information is available at basketballcampman.com.
Shady’s absence a shame
Kansas University’s Cole Aldrich and Tyrel Reed were disappointed Jayhawk teammate Darrell Arthur was unable to play for the U.S. Under 19 Select team in the Global Games finals in Dallas.
Even without the injured Arthur, U.S. Select clipped Reed and Aldrich’s Global Games AA squad, 86-72.
“We saw him at their exhibition game against China Sunday,” Aldrich said of sophomore power forward Arthur. “We couldn’t really talk. They had a busy schedule like we did. We weren’t able to talk to him until the Argentina game. He was hurt. We were all bummed about that.”
Lots of activity
This is one of the busiest summers for KU players in recent history with Reed, Aldrich and Arthur at the Global Games, Arthur at the Under 19 tryouts; Mario Chalmers and Sherron Collins at the Pan Am tryouts as well as the Steve Nash Skills Camp in New Jersey; and Sasha Kaun at the Amare Stoudemire Skills Academy for college and high school power forwards and centers in Phoenix. Also, most of the Jayhawks are playing in the Kansas City summer league at Penn Valley CC.
Recruiting:
Verdell Jones, a 6-4 senior from Central High in Champaign, Ill., improved his stock by playing well at the RBK U summer camp in Philadelphia. Jones, who has made several unofficial visits to Kansas, is considering KU, Illinois, Southern Illinois, Kentucky, DePaul, Louisville, Arizona and others.
Summer league update
San Antonio’s Keith Langford scored five points with two rebounds, a steal and a block in the Spurs’ 79-68 loss to Minnesota on Wednesday. He made two of four shots and one of two threes in 14 minutes. … Washington’s Aaron Miles scored five points off 2-of-5 shooting (1-for-3 on free throws) in the Wizards’ 84-70 loss to Detroit. Miles had seven assists against one turnover in 24 minutes. … Billy Thomas had three points off 1-for-3 shooting with two rebounds and two assists in Milwaukee’s 92-85 win over Seattle. He played 13 minutes and hit his only three.
Travels
Look for the Jayhawks to take a foreign tour of Canada over Labor Day weekend in 2008. The Jayhawks, who played four games in Vancouver in September of 2004, are eligible for an outside-the-country tour once every five seasons. Coach Bill Self has said it’s a perfect time for the Jayhawks to be allotted 10 practices and four games, with a big recruiting class coming in before the 08-09 season.
“We’ll probably do something similar to ’04,” senior associate athletic director Larry Keating said. “Canada seems to be a good place. There are a lot of college teams available for games, though we don’t know where we’d go. We’ve not talked about it yet.”
Wright falling?: Maybe it’s because he has been slowed by a sprained ankle and not shot the ball especially well in workouts for NBA teams. Whatever the reason, former Kansas University forward Julian Wright is one player whose stock is said to be dropping just days before Thursday’s NBA Draft.
ESPN’s Andy Katz says that “after talking to a number of teams Monday, the consensus was that the biggest slider in the first round could be Kansas’ Julian Wright, who could fall to Washington at No. 16.”
ESPN’s Chad Ford has Wright the last lottery pick, going 14th to the Los Angeles Clippers.
For what it’s worth … every year, a player or two is said to be dropping in the eyes of NBA scouts, only to appear in the lottery after all.
Wright will work out today in Philadelphia for the 76ers, who have the No. 12 pick.
Wright, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer, had balked at coming to Philadelphia in earlier requests, but that has changed now.
“I thought it would work out in the long run,” Sixers general manager Billy King said.
Wright will work out with UCLA’s Arron Afflalo.
¢ Recruiting: Willie Warren, a 6-foot-3 senior from Fort Worth, Texas, says he definitely wants to attend the same school as Rotnei Clark, a 6-foot sharpshooter from Claremore, Okla.
“We are very close friends and have decided to play at the same school,” Warren told Rivals.com.
He said Kansas, Kentucky and Oklahoma were the only schools recruiting both players.
¢ Miles in Milwaukee: Former KU point guard Aaron Miles is in Milwaukee today working out with members of the Bucks. Miles next month will be playing for the San Antonio Spurs summer league team.
¢ Jersey numbers: KU’s freshmen have been awarded their jersey numbers for the 2007-08 season: Cole Aldrich (No. 45), Tyrel Reed (14), Conner Teahan (2) and Chase Buford (22).
¢ Pro-Am opens: Because of camp commitments, KU’s players weren’t able to make it to Kansas City’s Penn Valley Community College on Tuesday for the start of play in the Kansas City Pro-Am.
A maximum of two Jayhawks can play on a team. In all, there are eight teams in the league.
Tyrel Reed and Jeremy Case are on Team Jackson; Darrell Arthur and ex-Jayhawk Billy Thomas on Fade Away; Mario Chalmers and Sasha Kaun on Team Lue; Russell Robinson and Rodrick Stewart on Dates AC; Conner Teahan and Matt Kleinmann on Wolves Klub; Sherron Collins, Darnell Jackson and ex-Jayhawks Jeff Hawkins, Mike Lee, Brett Olson, Jeff Boschee, Nick Bradford and Kirk Hinrich on TDS Rocks; Brady Morningstar, Cole Aldrich on Team Holmes with the roster of Team Watson to be released soon.
For times of games and more information go to kcproamhoops.com.
Former Kansas University basketball forward Julian Wright has started working out for NBA teams leading up to the June 28 draft.
The 6-8 Chicagoan, who was in Minnesota on Friday, will travel to Boston today and Milwaukee on Wednesday. The Timberwolves have the No. 7 pick in the draft, while the Celtics pick fifth and the Bucks sixth.
Florida State’s Al Thornton apparently outperformed Wright, Corey Brewer (Florida) and Thaddeus Young (Georgia Tech) on Friday in Minneapolis.
“He’s a beast,” Minnesota point guard Randy Foye said of the 6-7 Thornton, saying it was a “no brainer” the Wolves would select the FSU standout.
The Boston Herald says Wright is one of eight players being considered by Celts’ management. The others: Brewer, Thornton, Al Horford, Brandan Wright, Jeff Green, Joaquim Noah and Yi Jianlian. ESPN’s Chad Ford believes Wright will be tapped 10th overall by the Sacramento Kings.
¢Vaughn a free agent: Former KU point guard Jacque Vaughn, who earned $1,071,000 this past season for the world champion San Antonio Spurs, will be a free agent this summer.
The Miami Heat are reportedly interested in pursuing Vaughn as a backup to Jason Williams. It is believed the Spurs will try to re-sign Vaughn to continue in his role as backup to Tony Parker.
“I’m with a special organization, and me and my family love it here,” Vaughn, 32, told the Miami Herald. “I’ve been in all type of positions as a starter, a second guy and a third guy. Right now, it’s only about winning. It’s about finding a fit, an organization that will appreciate what I bring to the table, and the chance to win a ring.”
Miami could select a point guard with the No. 20 and 39 selections in the two-round draft.
Other free agent guards on the market this summer: Detroit’s Chauncey Billups, Milwaukee’s Maurice Williams, Sacramento’s Mike Bibby, Denver’s Steve Blake, Memphis’ Chucky Atkins, Los Angeles Lakers’ Smush Parker and Orlando’s Keyon Dooling.
The Spurs, by the way, return most of their key players. Vaughn, Matt Bonner and Melvyn Ely are the only free agents. Michael Finley and Fabricio Oberto could decide to opt out of their contracts.
Former KU forward Scot Pollard of the Cleveland Cavaliers also will be a free agent this summer after earning $2.2 million this past season. Pollard says he is not ready to retire. Cleveland’s Drew Gooden, who earned $6,645,402 this past season, has one more year on his contract.
University of California guard and ex-Jayhawk Omar Wilkes has decided not to return to the Pac-10 school for his senior season, Golden Bears coach Ben Braun said Wednesday.
Braun told the Contra Costa Times that Wilkes wanted to start “utilizing his Cal social welfare degree” and pursue a career outside of basketball.
“Omar’s dedication and leadership have been invaluable to our team. He is one of the most team-oriented players I’ve ever coached,” Braun said. “He will earn his Cal degree, and I’m confident he’ll be successful in his career.
“I definitely support Omar in pursuing his career. Omar could do a wide variety of things. Who wouldn’t want to hire Omar Wilkes?” Braun added. “Omar is a multitalented guy. He appreciates art, entertainment, history. He made use of that trip to Italy (with Bears in summer of 2005) as well as anyone on the team. He took in every museum and all the people. He’s a well-rounded guy. He’ll be successful at anything he does.”
The 6-4 Los Angeles native played one season at KU before transferring closer to home. After sitting out the 2004-05 campaign, he played the past two seasons for the Bears, starting 58 of 63 games.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience at Cal with my teammates and coaches,” Wilkes said. “I’ll always cherish the memories of being a student and basketball player here. I am graduating this June with my degree in social welfare and feel it is time to pursue other areas of my life that interest me. I want to thank my coaches, teammates, professors, students and fans for their support. I will always consider myself a Golden Bear and will continue to support the program.”
Wilkes averaged 9.9 points and 2.2 rebounds a game last season. He hit 48.5 percent of his shots, including 37.8 percent of his threes. He scored a high of 18 points against Loyola Marymount in the Great Alaska Shootout and reached double figures 19 times in 33 games.
Wilkes’ younger brother, Jordan, will be a red-shirt sophomore center at Cal next season.
Kansas signee Reed state player of year
KU signee Tyrel Reed, who last week was named Mr. Kansas by the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association, on Wednesday was tapped the state’s Gatorade Player of the Year.
Reed, a 6-foot-3, 175-pound guard from Burlington High, averaged 26.4 points, 7.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 4.5 steals per game this past season for the third-place team in Kansas Class 3A.
Future KU walk-on Conner Teahan, 6-5 from Kansas City (Mo.) Rockhurst, recently was named Missouri’s Gatorade Player of the Year for the second straight season. Teahan averaged 25 points, eight rebounds and three assists his senior season.
Paper: Sutton object of Razorbacks’ affection
The Daily Oklahoman says a faction of University of Arkansas boosters are pushing for the Razorbacks to hire Oklahoma State coach Sean Sutton as replacement for Dana Altman, who had the job for one day before deciding to remain at Creighton.
The Oklahoman also reports that Arkansas has decided to hire a search firm to seek out possible candidates for at least the remainder of this week.
Sean Sutton, 38, recently completed his first year as OSU’s head coach. The Cowboys finished 22-13 and were 6-10 in the Big 12.
Sutton was named head coach designate at OSU three years ago, receiving a five-year deal that assured he would succeed his father, Eddie. Sean Sutton’s contract has four years left at $750,000 a year.
The Cowboys, who return JamesOn Curry, Marcus Dove, Byron Eaton, Terrel Harris, Kenny Cooper and Obi Muonelo, and bring in McDonald’s All-American James Anderson, are expected to be one of the top teams in the league next season.
Meanwhile, Eddie Sutton tells the Daily Oklahoman he regrets saying earlier this week he’d be interested in the Oral Roberts vacancy if his son, Scott, was to take another job this offseason.
“I am not going to get back into coaching,” Eddie Sutton told the Oklahoman. “I was asked if I would consider helping out (Oral Roberts AD) Mike Carter, and I said that since I have such respect for him I would go over and help him. I just made the comment, which I shouldn’t have.”
Sutton, 71, retired from Oklahoma State before this season after missing the second half of the 2005-06 season because of a drunk driving incident. He is just two shy of 800 career wins and has been nominated for the Basketball Hall of Fame several times, including this year.
Kansas University at one time this season was referred to as a “soft team.”
No longer, as evidenced by the Jayhawks’ 6-1 record in games decided by four points or less.
“The first day I was at KU, I got fouled hard, the whole team came over and helped me up. I was like, ‘I’m good,'” said Russell Robinson, who grew up playing on the cement courts of New York.
“We all care for each other, but you get knocked down now, you might not get helped up, this time,” he added. “They say, ‘Get up. Suck it up.’
“We definitely have a different huddle than my freshman year,” Robinson added. “Guys show more aggression – more than the past.”
Asked who helped him up the first time he was knocked down, he grinned and said: “A. Miles,” referring to point guard deluxe and one of his role models, Aaron Miles.
¢ Collins OK: KU freshman Sherron Collins, who has been suffering from tendinitis in his left knee, said Friday he was ready to play.
“It’s fine. I just had to get it loose,” Collins said. “It’s not bad at all. It’s all right.”
¢ Brown in town: Philadelphia 76ers executive Larry Brown, who coached at both KU and UCLA, will attend today’s game.
“I haven’t talked to Larry about it,” KU coach Bill Self said of Brown’s team of choice. “But since we’re probably the ones getting him the tickets, I think he should be for Kansas.”
Self was a grad assistant on Brown’s 1986 Final Four team.
“Knowing coach, he won’t cheer either way. I mean I only worked for him a year,” Self said. “But he’s really proud of both places. I think UCLA was a place he loved, and I know Kansas was as well. He’s been a couple of places. He’s got some things to judge it against. I think he may be secretly involved trying to cheer on one team or another, but I don’t see him being actively involved.”
UCLA coach Ben Howland said: “I’m sure he’ll be rooting for Bill out of friendship and deference to a former assistant coach.”
¢ Card lovers: The Jayhawks have spent most of their free time lounging at the team hotel.
“We hang out and play Spades in my room,” Darrell Arthur said of the popular card game.
“Me and (Jeremy) Case are 3-1. We lost to Mario (Chalmers) and Brandon (Rush) last night. We only play them. Nobody else knows how to play.”
Case said: “Time goes fast when we play Spades. Last night was our worst go at it, but we made out winners two to three times before that.
“The thing is, he really is good at dominoes,” Case said of Arthur.
Who brought the dominoes to Calilfornia?
“Shady did,” Case said of Arthur.
¢ UCLA has most fans: KU coach Self said he thought UCLA would have a homecourt advantage of sorts today.
“I expect it’ll be 15,000 to 3,000 (fans),” Self said. “I don’t know if it’s a road game, but it’ll be close. Our guys will be focused.”
“Nothing we can do about it. It is what it is,” Robinson said. “We have to come out and be prepared. We’ve been in a lot of hostile environments this season and done well.”
“We’re going to have a tight huddle,” Sasha Kaun said. “It’s going to be a lot more fun playing this type of game.”
“I think we play our best basketball when our back is to the wall,” Chalmers said. “I think our back will be to the wall with the UCLA crowd here. We’ve got to try to take the crowd out early.”
UCLA’s Darren Collison said he hoped the fans would be loud for UCLA.
“It’s definitely to our advantage,” Collison said. “We feed off the crowd. It was great last night (in Thursday’s win over Pitt).”
¢ You can go home again: KU assistant Kurtis Townsend was born and raised in San Jose, Calif., site of tonight’s game. His brother, Raymond, was a star player at UCLA and will attend today’s game.
“He assured me he’d cheer for Kansas because I left him tickets,” Kurtis said of Raymond, who runs a school for disadvantaged youth in San Jose.
“He has a big heart,” Kurtis said.
Asked if it was a thrill for today’s Elite Eight game to be played in his hometown, Kurtis Townsend said: “Yes, I just wish my mother was here. She passed away four years ago. We all would meet at the Final Four every year. She loved this time of year.”
Townsend’s dad will be on hand today.
¢ All in the family: KU senior associate athletic director Larry Keating said he had no mixed emotions about today’s game. His son, Kerry, is an assistant at UCLA.
“I am rooting for us. I’m telling you now I have no qualms,” Larry said. “He knows that. His mother knows that. He has 30 years to go to the Final Four. We have a couple left.”
“It’s nice our family will have somebody go there,” Kerry Keating said of the Final Four. “I guarantee you there will be a Keating at the Final Four. We won’t be disappointed either way.”
¢ JaRon texts Brandon: Brandon Rush’s brother, JaRon, attended UCLA for two seasons.
“He texted me last night. He just wants me to play a good game,” Brandon said.
Howland was asked if he tried to recruit Rush.
“We made a call. His brother played at UCLA. He wanted to stay close to home,” Howland said.
¢ On Wright: Rush on Julian Wright’s sometimes out-of-control play on the court: “We call him ‘Wild-out,'” Rush said. “He’s wild out on the court sometimes.”
¢ Howland on KU: “They are by far the hottest team in the tournament. They’ve been killing people, crushing people.”
San Jose, Calif. ? Southern Illinois forward Matt Shaw, who missed the second half of Friday’s first-round win over Holy Cross and Sunday’s victory over Virginia Tech, practiced Wednesday, but still is a question mark for today’s KU game.
“We’ll prepare as if he’s going to play,” KU coach Bill Self said of the 6-foot-7 junior from Centralia, Ill., who averages 11.4 points and 5.7 boards a game. “I know Matt a little bit from him being in high school when I was at Illinois. He’s a tough kid. If he’s not going to play, he’s really hurt, because he’s tough.”
Junior big man Sasha Kaun added: “I don’t think it should affect our preparation whether he’s going to play or not. It’s just an injury. You have to get ready no matter what.”
¢New Ballard baby: KU administrative assistant Brett Ballard is back with the team this week. He didn’t travel to Chicago for first- and second-round games last weekend. Instead, he was with wife, Kelly, as she at 8:30 p.m. Thursday gave birth to baby boy, Kaden.
Ballard indicated that Kaden wore a KU T-shirt during Friday’s win over Niagara and Sunday’s victory over Kentucky and would have a T-shirt on for tonight’s game. Ballard kept Self informed about his new family addition through text messages all weekend.
¢Practice, practice, practice: The Jayhawks practiced an hour and a half at Bellarmin Prep School in San Jose, then held a 31-minute shootaround at HP Pavilion before maybe a few hundred fans. The Jayhawks cut short their workout with 19 minutes of allotted time remaining.
¢He’s healthy: Freshman guard Sherron Collins, who has been slowed by a swollen left knee lately, said he’s fine.
“It got hit in the Kentucky game. I’m OK now. It hasn’t bothered me at all lately,” he said.
¢Rush knows Tatum: KU’s Brandon Rush is a buddy of SIU standout Jamaal Tatum, a 6-2 senior from Jefferson City, Mo.
“I played against him in AAU ball. He’s really good. He can score from anywhere and plays great defense, too,” Rush said.
Rush, who is KU’s leading scorer at 14.3 points a game, is regarded as one of the squad’s best defensive players, maybe the best next to Russell Robinson.
“I am getting a lot of comments about that,” Rush said. “Some say I’m one of the best defenders in the country. I like to play defense. I take pride in it.”
He has come a long way.
“When he first came here, I remember he was asked how to describe his game, and he said, ‘Highlights, highlights,'” Self said. “He can score. He can play defense.”
¢Not another Bradley, is it?: KU players are aware Southern Illinois went 2-1 against Bradley this year. Bradley, of course, ended KU’s season a year ago.
“They kind of remind me of the Bradley team last year,” Robinson said. “Also, Texas A&M is similar (to SIU) as far as having aggressive and athletic guys that can make the physical plays. It doesn’t matter if it’s SIU or Duke, we will come out and play hard.”
“Losing to Bradley in the first round, that should be enough motivation,” Kaun said. “A team from Missouri Valley, they play hard, they’re just a great team. We have to match their intensity.”
¢SIU coach Chris Lowery on KU: “Their ability to turn a long rebound into a basket in two to three seconds is amazing. We won’t be tricked into playing the way we don’t want to play unless we lose our minds and go crazy.
“Julian (Wright) is an exceptional passer. Brandon is the next NBA guy, who can shoot and run and defend. Mario’s (Chalmers) confidence is sky high. Sherron … you think they are going fast, and he comes in and they go faster.”
¢Could this be key to game?: Self said, “Whoever defends the best the last 10 seconds of the shot clock … their chances of winning the game will be enhanced. We need to exercise patience and be aggressive both.”
¢The Stewart twins: Rodrick Stewart’s dad, Bull, will attend the USC-North Carolina game Friday, not KU’s game tonight.
Rodrick’s twin, Lodrick, plays for coach Tim Floyd’s Trojans and has no eligibility remaining after this season. Rodrick has one year left at KU.
“I had to talk him into it,” Rodrick said of making sure dad watched twin brother Lodrick.
¢ Julian Wright and Mario Chalmers scored 18 points apiece, while Sasha Kaun had 11 points and nine rebounds as KU tripped OU, 67-65, on Feb. 26 in Norman, Okla. KU blew a 17-point second-half advantage, but managed to claim the win. Nate Carter had 20 to lead the Sooners.
KU leads the all-time series, 131-64. The Jayhawks have won three of the last four games. The series is 3-3 in the last six matchups. Since the inception of the Big 12, KU is 10-4 versus OU – 9-2 in the regular season and 1-2 in the Big 12 tourney.
¢ Overall, KU is 6-4 versus OU in league tournament play.
¢ Ten of the last 11 meetings have been decided by 10 points or less, including KU’s 67-65 victory on Feb. 26 in Norman.
¢ OU defeated KU, 64-55, in the 2002 Big 12 finals in Kansas City, Mo. KU downed the Sooners, 72-58, in the 1998 finals in K.C.; 79-78, in the 1984 Big Eight finals in K.C., while OU won, 80-65, in the 1979 Big Eight finals in K.C.
¢ In the Big 12 event since 1997, KU is 10-0 in its first-round games, 9-1 in the quarterfinals, 5-1 in the semifinals and 4-1 in title games.
¢ The Sooners currently are a longshot at best to attain a 10th-straight 20-win season. Another streak is in serious jeopardy – Oklahoma made its 25th consecutive postseason appearance last year (20 NCAA and five NIT), good for the longest current streak among Division I programs. The last time OU did not compete in the postseason was in 1980-81. The Sooners have competed in the NCAA Tournament 11 times in the last 12 seasons.
Kansas University coach Bill Self said Russell Robinson, who has been hobbled by a right foot injury, would start at point guard today. Robinson started the first 28 games; Sherron Collins started the past two. Robinson has been able to practice full-time this week.
¢ Senior Day for managers: KU will honor a pair of managers on Senior Day. They are: Molly Bachand, Fairway; and Matt Wolff, Herington. There are no senior players on the roster.
¢ Trophies are in the house: Two Big 12 championship trophies arrived Friday at Allen Fieldhouse. The Jayhawks will be the only team to be awarded a trophy if KU wins. Both teams will receive trophies in the privacy of their locker rooms if the Longhorns prevail.
¢ Augustin talented, too: Kevin Durant isn’t the only UT freshman vying for all-league honors. D.J. Augustin, a 5-foot-11 guard from New Orleans, averages 14.8 points and 6.6 assists.
“He’s one of the five best freshmen in the country,” Self said. “He can shoot, drive and is a great set-up man with great poise.
“I love my point guard, I wouldn’t trade him for anybody,” Self added of Collins, “but Sherron is averaging 10 points a game, while D.J. is averaging 15 and six assists and shooting 80 percent from the line. D.J. walked into a situation where they needed him to play immediately, whereas Sherron had to take care of some things before he could really impact the program.”
Here’s Augustin’s take on the game: “It’s going to be exciting for me. I’ve never been there (at Allen), and I’ve been hearing a lot about it. I’m excited about it.”
¢ Rush hopes to rally: Brandon Rush enters today’s regular-
season finale with 26 points off 7-of-24 shooting the last three games.
“I don’t think it’s a slump, but I do think it’s something of a funk the last week or so,” Self said. “We’ve talked, and I don’t think it’s any one thing hanging over his head. For us to be a great team, we need him to perform because he is one of our best players.”
Rush said: “I don’t know what it is. I just haven’t taken that many shots. I will try to get it behind me. It was just one game (Monday’s two-point win at Oklahoma in which he had nine points). I was afraid to make a big mistake that might cost us the game.”
¢ UT coach Rick Barnes on KU: “You’ve got to admire their balance, their athleticism. They don’t have a weakness. They are an excellent transition team, do an excellent job of screening, making adjustments. They have proven on any given night they are as good as any team in the country. We know what we are up against.”
¢ Historic win nears: KU today tries for the 1,900th win in school history against 781 losses. All-time leader Kentucky has 1,946 wins, followed by North Carolina (1,907), KU and Duke (1,818).
“It will be exciting. The fans will be pumped up,” KU’s Robinson said. “Everybody will be excited for the game. We’ve got to go hard and leave it all on the court.”
¢ Aldrich’s schedule: KU signee Cole Aldrich, 6-11 from Bloomington, Minn., who will compete in the McDonald’s All-America game on March 28 in Louisville, will play in the Roundball Classic on April 3 at the United Center in Chicago.
¢ Bracketology: KU has been awarded a No. 1 seed in Joe Lundardi’s latest bracketology on ESPN.com. Lunardi has the Jayhawks No. 1 in the South (San Antonio) Region with a first-round matchup against Delaware State in Chicago. KU would play Stanford or Marquette in Round Two, according to Lunardi’s projections. North Carolina is his No. 2 team in the region. Other No. 1s: UCLA, Wisconsin and Ohio State.
¢ KU leads the all-time series, 161-58. KU is 41-9 against ISU in Allen Fieldhouse. The Jayhawks have won three consecutive games and five of six in the series. The last KU loss was a 63-61 overtime decision on Feb. 19, 2005, in Allen. That game marked the last time ISU defeated a ranked opponent on the road.
¢ ISU is 0-4 versus ranked teams this season.
¢ KU is 79-7 against league foes in Big 12 games in Allen Fieldhouse. ISU is responsible for three of the seven losses (2000, 2001, 2005).
¢ ISU is 3-7 since losing to KU, 68-64, in overtime on Jan. 13 in Hilton Coliseum.
¢ Mike Taylor now has scored in double figures in 17-straight games. Taylor has made a three-pointer in 23 consecutive games, breaking Dedric Willoughby’s former school mark (21, 1996-97) for most games in a row with a trey. Taylor has been shut out from beyond the arc just once.
¢ Wesley Johnson is second in the Big 12 in rebounding (8.3) and double-doubles (11). Johnson broke Will Blalock’s school-record for standing vertical leap at 34 inches. Blalock’s record was at 331â2 inches. Johnson also had a 41-inch step vertical leap to break the school record.
¢ ISU head coach Greg McDermott is in his first season with the Cyclones, but he already is the seventh-longest tenured coach in the Big 12. Of the six new coaches in the league (Mike Anderson, Missouri; Bob Huggins, Kansas State; Doc Sadler, Nebraska; Jeff Capel, Oklahoma; Sean Sutton, Oklahoma State; Greg McDermott, Iowa State), McDermott was the first to be hired.
¢ McDermott, 42, was introduced as the 18th men’s basketball coach in Iowa State history on March 21, 2006. McDermott took Northern Iowa to three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances and compiled a 90-63 overall record. McDermott received his first head coaching job at Wayne State (Neb.) from 1995-2000. He led the Wildcats to four straight 20-win seasons, one Northern Sun Conference title and a pair of NCAA Division II Tournament appearances.
¢ McDermott is the first native Iowan to coach the Cyclone men’s basketball team since Clayton Sutherland (1948-54). McDermott is from Cas cade; Sutherland from Nashua.
Kansas University assistant coaches Tim Jankovich and Kurtis Townsend subbed for head coach Bill Self on Tuesday on the coach’s Hawk Talk radio show. Self took advantage of the team’s off day and hit the road recruiting.
Jankovich, of course, was a standout guard at K-State.
“I take a little ribbing from both sides,” Jankovich said. “I was very proud to have gone to school at K-State. I don’t think it in any way means you can’t love somewhere else. I’m so lucky to be here. I love every minute of it.
“Manhattan was my home,” added the former Manhattan High standout. “It’s a little strange going back, even where there is no game. Everywhere you go, there is a memory. It is special to go back, even moreso because of the rivalry and the importance in this state. It’s always been important, but it had calmed down a bit. For years and years, we remember the rivalry game in the 1960s, ’70s and on. It was such a big deal. It looks like a lot of that is back and that’s only good for our state.”
¢Gottlieb’s take: ESPN announcer Doug Gottlieb commented on KU’s win over KSU in an online chat on ESPN.com:
“KSU has not beaten KU at home since 1983. As ‘Huggy’ himself has said, there is no rivalry until they win a game. The energy was great. I saw the students on the satellite at 6:30 for an 8 p.m. tip. It was awesome. More crowds like that and there will eventually be a rivalry. It used to be a great one by the way. My dad coached at Silo Tech (K-State) under Jack Hartman and it was the best rivalry in the Big Eight.”
¢Jankovich on both teams scratching and clawing all night: “A friend called me today and said, ‘Great game. I really enjoyed the football game last night.’ I thought that was clever and correct. It was a hard-fought physical game. Both teams are coached to play tough. What was at stake last night took it to another level.”
¢Aldrich growing: KU signee Cole Aldrich of Jefferson High in Bloomington, Minn., is now 7-feet tall and 245 pounds, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. He has grown an inch since the start of the season. Aldrich, who has passed the 1,000-point, 1,000-rebound marks in high school, is expected to be named a McDonald’s All-American in coming days.
¢Freshmen excel: KU assistant Townsend on the play of freshmen Sherron Collins (20 points) and Darrell Arthur (13 points, 12 rebounds) on Monday:
“It’s good to see ‘Shady’ come out of his thing,” Townsend said of Arthur’s recent slump. “He’s gaining confidence and had only one foul. The game before he didn’t have any (fouls). To have only one foul and have his mom (Sandra) there to see him play like that had to be special for him.
“Sherron … like coach (Bob) Huggins said, he has such a strong base. He is so low to the ground it’s hard to knock him off line. You get on the side of him, he will not let you get back around him. He looks big, but he is really quick. He can hold you on his hip or side and then he can finish inside with the big guys.”
¢Next up: KU will meet Iowa State at 5 p.m. Saturday at Allen Fieldhouse. The Cyclones (13-13, 4-8) play host to Colorado tonight.
Kansas University freshman forward Darrell Arthur has been amazed at the recent play of Darnell Jackson, who had 11 rebounds, four points and two blocks versus Colorado.
“He’s been blocking shots lately. He had a couple of nice blocks (against CU),” Arthur said. “The one off the backboard he grabbed with two hands : that was nice. He’s been pretty intense on defense, grabbing boards, taking charges. That’s what we need, guys who play with intensity and give us energy.”
¢ Quitters?: Neill Woelk of the Boulder Daily Camera was not pleased to hear outgoing CU coach Ricardo Patton say his players have quit on him.
“There’s a shocker. The coach announces before the season that he’s quitting, then expresses surprise and dismay when his players do the same to him,” Woelk wrote in his Thursday column. “Never saw that one coming in the old scouting report, Ricardo?”
Woelk said CU’s next hoops coach should emulate former CU football coach Bill McCartney, who turned around the program. Woelk indicated when McCartney took over, he decided Nebraska was the Buffs’ main rival and CU’s program should aspire to be better than NU’s. McCartney went on to win a national championship.
“Colorado’s next basketball coach – whoever he might be – should land on campus and vow to drown out ‘Rock Chalk (chant at Coors Events Center),'” Woelk wrote. “Of course he’d be laughed at. No man in his right mind would set his sights on unseating the tradition-rich Jayhawks – just like no man in his right mind would have dared set his sights on Nebraska football. (Yes, I laughed at ‘Mac.’ For years. Until, oh, about 1989).
“But just for the heck of it, I’d love to hear the next coach – Jeff Bzdelik, Mike Dunlap, Alvin Gentry or a name none of us have heard yet – step up on the day he is hired and say, ‘Colorado will compete with Kansas. When Kansas comes to Boulder, the Coors Events Center will be all black and gold.”‘
¢ Gooden eyed: The New York Daily News reports the Knicks would like to acquire ex-Jayhawk Drew Gooden of the Cleveland Cavaliers. The paper says New York might trade Channing Frye and others for Gooden.
¢ Upcoming: KU next will meet Nebraska at 3 p.m. Saturday at Allen Fieldhouse. The Huskers (15-9, 4-6) have won three of their past four games since a 76-56 loss to KU in Lincoln.
Kansas University coach Bill Self believes at least five Big 12 teams will receive NCAA Tournament bids on Selection Sunday.
“I counted them yesterday. I went through the BCS conferences. Who the fifth one is, who knows?” he said. “I believe Texas A&M, hopefully ourselves, K-State, Texas, Oklahoma State have put themselves in good position. Oklahoma is right there, too. A lot depends how it plays out. Texas Tech could get a big one on the road.”
¢Bumps, bruises: Self said the Jayhawks likely would cut down on “reps” at practice for the rest of the season with the team “nicked up.” Darnell Jackson has been battling a bad back for several weeks, as has Sasha Kaun of late.
“Having rested bodies is as important as anything,” Self said.
¢Milestones: Self, who won his 300th game Saturday at Missouri, needs seven wins to hit 100 in his four years at KU. A reporter on Monday’s Big 12 teleconference asked what would be the significance of 100 wins.
“It means you won an average of 25 a year. People around here would probably say that’s not great, but that wouldn’t be a bad milestone,” Self said. “Hopefully we can get hot and do better than that (this year).”
¢Rodrick returns: KU junior Rodrick Stewart is back from Aberdeen, Miss., where he attended Saturday’s funeral for his great-grandfather, Pompie Randle.
“He and my (late) grandma are the backbone of our family,” Stewart said Monday. “I was very close to him. It’s hard, but a part of life. You never know when it is going to happen. He did have a long life, a great life.”
Randle died last week at the age of 98.
Stewart said the funeral took place at the same time as the KU-Missouri game. “A lot of guys ‘texted’ me after the game,” Stewart said. “They told me Julian got 33. I thought, ‘That’s crazy.’ I wanted to be at the game, but I had to go down and pay respects to my family.”
Stewart and his brother, Lodrick, tried to visit their mother, Lisa, in a Mississippi hospital over the weekend. Stewart, who hasn’t seen his mom in five years, was denied entry to her hospital room.
“The hospital wouldn’t give me any information on how she was doing,” Stewart said. “Nobody in our family knows anything. I don’t know what’s wrong (with her).”
¢Next up: KU will meet Colorado at 8 p.m. Wednesday at Coors Events Center in Boulder. The Jayhawks have won 10 of their past 13 conference road games the last two seasons. KU is 4-1 on the road this season; 6-2 last year.
“We’re only as good as our next one, so all this could change if we don’t play well Wednesday,” Self said.
¢Collins off bench: Self said to not expect red-hot guard Sherron Collins in the starting lineup anytime soon.
“I don’t see making a change. Does he deserve to start? Certainly he’s played as well as anybody we have in our program the last month, but you’ve got to do what’s best for your team,” Self said. “His attitude is so good it gives us a spark off the bench. Also at times Russell (Robinson) and Mario (Chalmers) were playing as well as anybody in our program, too. I like the way things are going. I won’t say it definitely won’t happen, but I don’t see it right now.”
Collins did 30 extra minutes of cardio work before practice Monday.
“If his weight is not going down he does extra work. He won’t bat an eye. He knows it’s good for him. He’s so coachable,” Self said.
¢No vulgarity, please: On his Hawk Talk radio show Self was asked about lack of sportsmanship at the KU-K-State game. KU’s student section chanted “DUI, DUI” at K-State coach Bob Huggins after waving newspapers with Huggins appearing behind bars and the inscription “Hugs and Thugs.”
One fan entered into a shouting match with Huggins following the contest.
“It’s great for fans to be creative, fun, funny, witty. There’s no place for, in my opinion, vulgar chants or unbecoming chants that are really hurtful and not creative,” Self said. “Fans should not get in verbal confrontations, nor should coaches get in verbal confrontations with fans. We don’t need to do anything but support our team and be creative in how we throw jabs at the other team. We get it wherever we go, but it should be done with taste. Vulgarity … there’s no place for it.”
¢ KU leads the all-time series, 171-89. The Jayhawks had a 31-game win streak over the Wildcats snapped last season at Allen Fieldhouse. The Wildcats won, 59-55, on Jan. 14. KU avenged the loss in Manhattan, 66-52, on March 4.
¢ KU is 77-35 versus KSU in Lawrence and 36-18 in Allen Fieldhouse.
¢ Since the inception of the Big 12, KU holds a 24-1 record against Kansas State. The Jayhawks won the first-ever meeting with K-State, 54-39, on Jan. 25, 1907, in Lawrence.
¢ Kansas State has won three straight conference road games for the first time since the 1987-88 season.
¢ Kansas State’s 17-6 record is the best after 23 games since coach Jack Hartman’s 1981-82 Sweet 16 squad also produced a 17-6 mark. The win total also ties for the most by a Wildcat squad (the 2003-04 team also produced 17) since the team posted a 20-13 record in 1998-99.
¢ KSU’s six league victories ties for the second-most (6-10 done four times) by K-State in the Big 12 era. The last time the Wildcats had more than six wins in a league season was 1998-99 when the squad won seven (7-9).
¢ Kansas State has not been four games above .500 in league play since the 1987-88 squad started Big Eight play with six straight victories.
¢ The win over Texas Saturday was Kansas State’s first over a ranked opponent on the road in more than 10 years since beating No. 23 Iowa State, 92-87, on Feb. 28, 1996.
¢ Kansas State has won seven consecutive games dating to the Missouri game on Jan. 13, including six in a row in the Big 12. The team has won 13 of its last 16 contests since starting the season 4-3. The Wildcats’ current six-game conference winning streak is the longest since also winning six straight from Jan. 16 to Feb. 6, 1988. The team has also won three straight conference road games for the first time since beating Oklahoma State, Colorado and Kansas from Jan. 23 to Jan. 30, 1988.
¢ Kansas State has a Big 12-leading seven victories away from Bramlage Coliseum this season, including five ‘true’ road wins – at Rutgers, North Dakota State, Missouri, Iowa State and Texas – for the first time since the 1995-96 season. This is in contrast to the previous seven seasons, in which, the team posted no more than four wins away from Manhattan in a season and compiled a 15-72 overall mark away from home, including a 10-63 mark in a ‘true’ road venue.
¢ Senior Cartier Martin has connected on 26 straight from the free throw line. If one takes away his first two misses on a 3-point foul against Colorado State on Dec. 2, Martin has hit on 17-of-18 from the line in the last five minutes. Martin has scored in double figures in eight of the 10 games he has not started for the Wildcats, including four 20-point performances against Maryland-Eastern Shore (23) on Dec. 19, Chicago State (25) on Jan. 22, Missouri (22) on Jan. 31 and Texas (27) on Saturday.
On Monday’s Hawk Talk radio show, Kansas University coach Bill Self fielded a couple of phone calls from fans who disagreed with his decision to leave center Sasha Kaun in the game during crunch time Saturday.
Kaun, who is a 50 percent free-throw shooter, missed the front end of a pair of 1-and-1 situations down the stretch.
“Should he be in the game or not? That’s something you talk about around the watercooler, I’m sure,” Self said. “From our perspective, we did not think there was any chance in a one-possession game he (Texas A&M coach Billy Gillispie) would do that (foul Kaun) because you risk it being an intentional foul. Hindsight being 20-20 … I believe Sasha can make them, but you have to play percentages, too. I think that’s something we could certainly do differently.”
He said “could” do differently. It’s not automatic Self will remove a player late because of past free-throw difficulty.
“It was a great call by A&M to do that under those circumstances,” Self said of fouling Kaun late. “Maybe he should have been out of the game in some people’s minds. I will not come out and say I will definitely take one of my players out every time the game is on (the line). I will not say that, even if I feel it, because what message are you sending to your players?”
He said he did not wish to “plant a seed” with a player that ‘You are not good enough to be in the game late,’ when the player likely will be playing in crunch time in upcoming games.
A junior starter, Kaun is likely to be used extensively the rest of his career.
“I’m not saying it (the decision) is right. Everybody has a right to their opinion. It was our thinking at the end,” Self said, noting Kaun was a defensive presence, helping hold Joseph Jones to a 4-for-11 shooting night.
¢Go-to-guy chatter: Acie Law dominated the end of the KU-A&M game. Self was asked if he thought a KU player would take on that role in coming games.
“Obviously we need to continue to try to develop somebody we can just throw the ball to and get out of his way a lot like A&M did Acie, but that’s really not who we are yet,” Self said. “We have to have guys step up and make plays when they have the opportunities.
“It may be a different guy game to game.”
Who would Self like to take over?
“I would say based on what we’ve seen and past history … Sherron (Collins) has been good in that role and Mario (Chalmers) good in that role and Brandon (Rush) has been good making plays late. I will not sit here and say we have one guy you would say no matter what this is what we do, because that is not the case with this team. This team has a lot of balance and one of the weaknesses is it’s a different guy game to game.”
Self added the difference in the A&M game was on defense, not offense.
“We didn’t get stops,” he said.
¢Law’s hoop revisited: Rush on Law sinking a game-winning three-pointer from the corner Saturday:
“I looked at the tape over and over again. At the end of the game I contested the shot pretty well. It just went in. He hadn’t made a shot, made a three-pointer the whole game. I played off him a little bit. He made one at the end.”
¢ KU leads the all-time series, 11-0, including a 5-0 mark at Allen Fieldhouse. Ten of the 11 meetings have been while the two schools have been members of the Big 12 Conference, which was formed in 1996-97. The previous meeting was in 1967 – a KU 78-52 win in Manhattan as part of a Sunflower Double-Header.
Though Kansas has won every meeting, the last three Jayhawk-Aggie battles have been decided by 10 points or less.
¢ A win would give KU 20 victories for the 18th straight season dating to 1989-90.
¢ KU won last year’s game, 83-73, in College Station, Texas. Down by two at halftime, the Jayhawks scored the first 16 points of the final half. KU hit 33 of 44 free throws to A&M’s 19 of 26. Russell Robinson hit 12 of 13 free throws and had a career-high 24 points. Acie Law scored 17 points, and Joseph Jones 15 for A&M.
¢ KU has won three straight games and 13 of 14. KU is 12-1 at home, including 11 straight wins and a 3-0 mark in Big 12 play.
¢ KU leads the Big 12 with 6.9 blocked shots per game. Freshman forward Darrell Arthur leads the team with 38 blocked shots, four more than Julian Wright.
¢ Texas A&M leads the Big 12 in scoring defense (54.3), scoring margin (+21.5), free-throw percentage (74.8), field-goal percentage (50.5), field goal percentage defense (34.9), three-point field goal percentage defense (27.0), assists (19.0) and assist-to-turnover ratio (1.44).
¢ The Jayhawks are 2-0 against Top 10 teams this season with victories against No. 1 Florida (84-82, OT) on Nov. 25 and No. 9 Oklahoma State (87-57) on Jan. 10.
¢ The Jayhawks are second in the league in scoring margin (plus 17.7), field-goal percentage defense (37.6), rebound average (39.7), rebound margin (plus 6.5), steals (9.59) and assists (17.0). KU is third in the Big 12 in scoring defense (62.0), turnover margin at (plus 3.41) and assist-to-turnover ratio (1.16).
¢ Sixteen of Kansas’ 19 wins have been by 10 or more points. Two victories were in overtime – 82-80 vs. Florida and 68-64 at Iowa State.
Saturday’s game marks the return of ESPN College GameDay to Lawrence. In its inaugural season, the GameDay crew was on hand for Kansas University’s 90-65 victory over Texas on Jan. 29, 2005. Last year, KU fell at Texas on GameDay, 80-55.
The GameDay crew of Jay Bilas, Rece Davis, Hubert Davis and Digger Phelps will hold a pair of shows – from 10 to 11 a.m. and 7-8 p.m. in the fieldhouse.
“Last year we didn’t handle GameDay very well in Austin. LaMarcus Aldridge probably had something to do with it, too. He was spectacular that night,” KU coach Bill Self said of the UT center who scored 18 points, with eight rebounds and four blocks.
“The biggest thing is the hype leading up to it. When you play at night, players sit around all day and watch games. When watching games, the focal point will be Allen Fieldhouse and ‘tonight’s game’ because ESPN does a great job of promoting it all day.
“Whether we can stay poised and calm will be a key. Last year we were too keyed up. I don’t care if they watch games,” he added of the Jayhawks. “I don’t want them spending their energy: ‘I can’t wait; I can’t wait; can’t wait (for KU’s game).”‘
KU’s players will not be in the building for the morning GameDay show, though Self will be interviewed at that time.
“It makes for a long day, (but) it’ll be a lot of fun,” Self said, noting the publicity also helps recruiting.
A&M coach Billy Gillispie, who considers Self his best friend, said this of GameDay: “It’s always exciting to watch. I think it will be great for our program – only if you do well, though.”
¢Restful sleep: KU’s Brandon Rush, on what he’ll be doing all day prior to the 8 p.m. tipoff: “I sleep a lot. Period. I sleep after shootaround. I take a load off every time I get a chance to.”
¢Recruiting: Self made a recruiting trip to Meridian, Miss., on Tuesday night to watch Romero Osby, a 6-foot-8, 230-pound junior forward from Northeast Lauderdale High. Osby scored 22 points and had 12 rebounds in victory. He’s considering KU, Florida, Mississippi State, Mississippi, Georgia Tech, Alabama, Tennessee and others. KU signee Tyrel Reed is back after sitting out almost a month with an ankle injury. The Burlington High guard has combined for 41 points in his last two games.
¢Bennett leaves team: Martellus Bennett, who appeared in just four basketball games for A&M this season, is giving up hoops to concentrate on football.
“I’m just mentally and emotionally exhausted right now,” Bennett told the Bryan-College Station Eagle. “I’ve never been a quitter, but sometimes you just have to do what’s best. I really love everybody on the team, and I want them to know I’ll always have their backs.”
He played in 26 games as a freshman. “Martellus has been a great member of our family and will remain so,” Gillispie said. “We all love him and will miss him, but we respect his decision.”
¢Quick turnaround: Win or lose, Texas A&M will have to forget the KU game quickly. The Aggies return home to play Texas on Monday. KU won’t play again until Wednesday, when Kansas State comes to Allen for an 8 p.m. tipoff.
¢On the mark: Rush, who has not shot as well as he did as a freshman when he made 47.4 percent of his shots (48.2 in league play), has made 22 of his last 39 shots over three games (56.4 percent). For the year, he is shooting at a 43.2 percent clip, 43.8 in Big 12 games.
“I had fans, people telling me I wasn’t living up to all the preseason things,” Rush said of his low point of the season, a 1-for-7, three-point effort in a loss Dec. 2 at DePaul. “I still kept my head up, talked to coach, and he told me to keep my head in the game and keep shooting it.”
Fans, media and coaches alike were shaking their heads in amazement as Kansas University raced to a 43-8 lead en route to a 76-56 victory against Nebraska on Monday at Devaney Center.
“I was thinking, ‘This is surreal,”‘ KU assistant coach Tim Jankovich said Tuesday night, subbing for head coach Bill Self – who was out recruiting – on the weekly Hawk Talk radio show. “I tried to think back, I don’t remember a scoreboard looking like that as time was running out in the first half. It was an amazing performance by our guys, a lot of fun.”
Not for Nebraska, in its first season under Doc Sadler.
“I think we were star-struck,” Sadler said. “Our guys had no intention of not going out and competing. I think they got hit so hard, so quick . . . and then it dominoed. It was over.”
NU did win a small victory in outscoring the Jayhawks by 15 points over the final 22 minutes. KU couldn’t clear the bench until the final two minutes.
“We were hoping the second half to play better and substitute earlier, give guys more time than they normally get. Coach was less than pleased for a stretch defensively. They made some tough shots and continued to play hard,” Jankovich said, lauding the Huskers.
Indeed, the Huskers did not wilt.
“Doc (Sadler) is tough,” KU coach Self said. “The personnel (at NU) is going to get better and better. We were pretty good, but they never quit.”
Nebraska, 12-8 overall and 1-5 in the league, next hits the road for games at Missouri and Texas Tech.
“No,” Sadler said, asked if the loss would have a lasting effect on his team. He said he’d take care of that.
“It’s my job. I’ve got complete confidence in myself. We’ve got to shrug it off. I totally believe come Saturday, you are going to see us play as hard as we’re going to play.”
¢
Freshman brags: NU freshman Ryan Anderson, who hit six of nine three-pointers, including four of five in the second half, earned a spot on the bench and a chewing out from Sadler after drilling a second-half trey. He ran by KU’s bench and was heard yelling, “You better guard me.”
KU was leading by 25 at the time of his taunt.
“Unfortunately, we let one slip away,” the freshman from Seattle said of the game. “As a team, we just weren’t ready. We weren’t ready to stand our ground. We took some quick blows, and unfortunately we just kept going back.”
Anderson, who finished with 19 points, attended Rainier Beach High in Seattle, alma mater of KU junior Rodrick Stewart.
¢
Game over … at the half: Sadler had a unique take on the rout at halftime: “I told our guys, ‘The game’s over guys. We’re not going to come back and win this game.”‘
Yet he stressed they continue to compete.
Of the rout, Lincoln Journal-Star columnist Steven Sipple wrote: “You figured Nebraska would have to play perfectly to make a game of it. After all, Kansas features four former McDonald’s high school All-Americans. Nebraska? Well, Nebraska has a McDonald’s a few blocks from the Devaney Sports Center.”
Of the Huskers going 13 minutes, 43 seconds without a field goal in the first half, he penned: “I’ve seen relationships begin and end within 13:43.”
On a serious note, Sipple praised senior guard Marcus Perry for even playing in the game. Perry’s left foot has been a mess the past six months because of plantar fascitis and two stress fractures. He rarely practices and plays games in pain.
“I just pray every day to give me strength to go out and perform,” the 6-foot-2 sharp-shooter told the Journal-Star.
He had nine points, four rebounds and two assists in 27 minutes versus KU.
¢
Huskers may lose prospect: NU received some bad news Tuesday. Rishawn Norwood, a 6-3 junior-college guard who was to play at Nebraska next season as one member of Sadler’s seven-man recruiting class, is not enrolled in any school for second semester classes after leaving Mount San Antonio (Calif.) Junior College.
Rich Kollen, commissioner of the South Coast Conference, of which Mount San Antonio is a member, told the Lincoln Journal-Star that Norwood had been declared ineligible for not taking required 12 units of classwork. The Mounties forfeited nine victories – all after Nov. 22 – in which Norwood played while not taking enough credit hours.
“It’s a constant fight to make sure these kids are in 12 units,” Kollen told the paper, “and we have zero tolerance for this kind of stuff.”
Last season, Norwood averaged 27.2 points per game.
¢ KU leads the all-time series, 159-71, including a 14-16 mark in Devaney Center. KU has won six straight in the series and 15 of the last 16. KU’s last loss to NU was a 74-55 decision on Feb. 15, 2004, in Lincoln, Neb. KU has won seven straight in Lawrence and two in a row in Devaney.
¢ Bill Self is 8-1 against Nebraska; Doc Sadler has not played against KU.
¢ Today’s game is NU’s first appearance on ESPN’s Big Monday since 2000. The contest will be NU’s only game at home during a 17-day stretch as NU plays three of four games on the road until Feb. 10 when Texas A&M will come to Lincoln.
¢ Nebraska is 9-1 at home this year – its only loss a one-pointer to Texas, 62-61.
¢ Aleks Maric is the only Husker to post a double-double this season. He has five.
¢ Charles Richardson has moved into the NU career top 10 for assists. He now has 330 in his career, passing Eric Piatkowski (324) for 10th place.
¢ The Huskers are 0-3 in conference road games this season and 0-6 overall in true road games. Away from the Devaney Center, Nebraska holds a 3-6 record this season with victories against Wyoming, Houston and Miami on neutral courts.
¢ Richardson has played all 40 minutes of a game four times this season. He is on pace to average more minutes per game in a season than any Husker since Tyronn Lue in 1997 and 1998 when he averaged 35.9 minutes per game.
¢ Coach Doc Sadler took over the Husker program after gaining a reputation as a strong defensive coach at Texas-El Paso. The Miners finished last season ranked 15th nationally by allowing just 59.5 points per game and setting a Conference USA season record by giving up just 56.0 points per contest in league action.
That defensive effort has carried over to Lincoln as the Huskers have held 12 of their first 19 opponents to 62 or fewer points in their first year under Sadler. NU’s foes average 61.2 points a game.
¢ The Nebraska roster went through a makeover at the beginning of the second semester as a pair of players announced they were leaving the team while another player was added.
On Dec. 27, true freshman forward Kris Douse announced his decision to transfer and left the squad before the trip to Miami. Then, on Jan. 7, sophomore forward Jim Ledsome, a native of Severna Park, Md., announced he was transferring to Delaware to be closer to his family and concentrate more on academics while still playing Division I basketball.
The Huskers also made an addition to the roster as 6-8, 265-pound forward Jeremy Barr enrolled at Nebraska and joined the basketball team. Barr played last season at Southern California and was a top-125 recruit out of Houston’s Westbury Christian High School. He began practicing with the Huskers on Jan. 8 (the first day of second-semester classes). He will be eligible following the completion of the 2007 fall semester.
Kansas University coach Bill Self said he counted 22 “wasted possessions” in the Tech game.
“Possessions where we had no chance to get anything,” Self lamented. “We have to exercise more patience, rebound better.”
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Storming the court: More than 1,000 Texas Tech students stormed the court after Saturday’s game, nearly trampling KU’s Sherron Collins in the process.
“The storming-the-court deal is getting real old,” said Self, who estimates fans have stormed the court in about 50 percent of the team’s losses on the road the last four years.
“I’m all into people having a good time. Enthusiasm is great for college basketball. I’m not knocking storming the court. I just wish security was such if you storm, you can’t get close to the players. I wish there was a way to keep them from coming in areas they can come in contact with players.”
He fears a serious incident if storming the court continues to happen.
“College campuses have been very fortunate not to have more incidents that occurred,” he said. “What is going to happen is one student will unintentionally ‘chicken wing’ a guy (player) and the next thing you know somebody is going to be on the floor. That’s all it takes. You will have a player or coach feel threatened because a guy is running at him and he (player or coach) will ‘chicken wing’ a guy. It will not be an intentional deal. We saw it happen at Missouri in football against Nebraska.”
That’s the game in which a NU player clobbered a Missouri fan on the field after a Tiger victory in Columbia, Mo.
“Whenever you put players’ safety in question … frustration does set in after a tough loss,” Self said, suggesting schools make sure fans are unable to storm the court from behind the visitor’s bench.
Of Saturday’s specific incident, Self said: “Tech’s security did a good job once it happened, but I don’t know if they were prepared to handle 2,000 people on the court in a matter of minutes. I think Sherron shot in front of our bench and Julian (Wright) was on the other side of the court. But our players were not in danger.
“The way your players should handle it is exactly the way we did. Emotionless, let’s get out of here as quickly as possible. Our players should beeline to the locker room as quickly as possible with security’s assistance and that’s what happened. Texas Tech did nothing wrong.”
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No KU-MU hoops in KC: Self said it’s unlikely KU and Missouri would move one of their basketball games per season off campus into the new Sprint Center in Kansas City, Mo.
On Monday it was announced the two schools would play football at Arrowhead Stadium instead of on campus each of the next two seasons.
“Football is a Saturday and more of an event,” Self said. “I don’t think you could do it in basketball because if you do it, one team would have an advantage over another because you play twice in basketball.”
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Bumps, bruises: Darnell Jackson’s back, which has given him problems off and on since his freshman season, has flared in recent weeks. He played just four minutes in Saturday’s loss at Tech. He took two shots – one was rejected.
“Darnell has a bad back now. He can’t do much,” Self said, noting Jackson is not expected to miss any games.
Missouri sophomore guard Matt Lawrence, who hit four of 10 three-point shots en route to 19 points, was impressed with KU’s freshman duo of Sherron Collins and Darrell Arthur.
Collins had 23 points and five rebounds; Arthur had nine points, four boards and two blocks. They combined for 17 of KU’s final 19 points.
“Those two guys are McDonald’s All-Americans,” Lawrence said. “They are freshmen, but they’ve got game.”
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Stats, facts: Collins had a career-high not only in points, but also field goals (eight) and attempts (14). : Russell Robinson’s two threes tied a career high. : Julian Wright (five) and Sasha Kaun (two) tied career highs in assists. Kaun had a season-high seven boards. : KU had a season-high 35 defensive rebounds. : MU attempted 16 more field goals than KU while outrebounding the Jayhawks, 43-42. It’s the largest differential since Iowa State attempted 27 more shots on Jan. 28, 2006. : Kalen Grimes’ 11 defensive boards are most by a KU foe since Jozsef Szendrew of Oklahoma had 10 in 2003. Grimes finished with 12 boards.
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Faces in crowd: ESPN SportsCenter anchors Neil Everett and Scott Van Pelt sat at midcourt. : KU signee Tyrel Reed of Burlington and his family sat behind the KU bench with recruit Travis Releford of Roeland Park Miege. : Kaun’s mom, Olga, was on hand. She lives in Tomsk, Russia. : Wright’s mom, Gina, who lives in Chicago, attended.
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Coach’s routine: Wonder what KU coach Bill Self did prior to walking through the northwest tunnel onto the Allen Fieldhouse court minutes 121â2 minutes before tipoff Monday night?
“I do the same thing every time,” he said of his pregame activities before home games.
“I huddle in the office and go over the scout (scouting report) one last time. I study it one last time while I’m watching ESPN probably. I change clothes and go downstairs, usually 10 minutes before I address the team. I try to get 30 minutes of quiet time where I gather my thoughts before I address the team.”
It’s not like he’s trying to meditate upstairs in his Parrott Athletic Center office.
“It’s not like I’m crawling in a bunker by myself saying, ‘Everybody stay out,”‘ Self said with a laugh. “The study materials are my last bullet points I want to know going in. Any last things I want to make sure our team knows.”
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Border Showdown: Self has coached at both Illinois and Kansas. Both schools have rivalries with Missouri.
“I thought the Illinois-Missouri rivalry was great, and it is,” he said. “There is a little more hatred here. It goes back to centuries ago, the Civil War time or just after that. There are some deep-rooted feelings about the opponent that have evolved over time.
“When I say hatred, I’m not saying disrespectful. It’s a great rivalry. I don’t think it gets the recognition it deserves nationally as being one of the best in basketball.”
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The series: KU has won eight straight games versus MU in Allen Fieldhouse. KU has won six of the last eight meetings and 11 of the past 14. Yet the teams have split the last four meetings. KU is now 83-33 versus MU in Lawrence, 37-14 in Allen Fieldhouse. KU is 16-8 versus MU since the start of the Big 12.
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Nike Summit: KU signee Cole Aldrich was not one of 10 players selected for the 2007 USA Junior National team that will compete in the 10th-annual Nike Hoop Summit. Players who made the team are: Jerryd Bayless, 6-3, Arizona; Michael Beasley, 6-9, Kansas State; Jonny Flynn, 5-11, Syracuse; Donte’ Green, 6-9, Syracuse; Kevin Love, 6-9, UCLA; O.J. Mayo, 6-5, USC; Patrick Patterson, 6-8, Undecided; Derrick Rose, 6-4, Memphis; Kyle Singler, 6-8, Duke; and Nolan Smith, 6-4, Duke.
¢ Kansas University’s team experienced no travel delays on the flight to Des Moines, Iowa, and short drive from the Des Moines Airport to the team hotel in Ames, Iowa. The squad held a shootaround Friday night at Hilton Coliseum.
¢ KU leads the all-time series 160-58, including a 17-18 mark at Hilton Coliseum. KU is 6-4 in Hilton since the inception of the Big 12.
¢ KU won the last meeting, 88-75, on Feb. 11, 2006, in Allen Fieldhouse. KU also won in Ames last season, 95-85.
¢ Greg McDermott, 42, was introduced as the 18th men’s basketball coach in Iowa State history March 21, 2006. McDermott took Northern Iowa to three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances and compiled a 90-63 overall record. McDermott received his first head-coaching job at Wayne State (Neb.) from 1995-2000. He led the Wildcats to four-straight 20-win seasons, one Northern Sun Conference title and a pair of NCAA Division II Tournament appearances.
¢ McDermott is the first native Iowan to coach the Cyclone men’s basketball team since Clayton Sutherland (1948-54). McDermott is from Cascade, Sutherland from Nashua.
¢ ISU’s 16-point comeback victory at Missouri was the second-largest second-half come-from-behind victory since ISU rallied from an 18-point deficit to down No. 2 Oklahoma State, 84-83, in 1992. ISU was actually down by six points (65-59) with less than a minute remaining at Mizzou.
¢ Wesley Johnson broke Will Blalock’s school-record for standing vertical leap at 34 inches. Blalock’s record was at 331â2 inches. Johnson also had a 41-inch step-vertical leap to break the school record.
Kansas University junior Russell Robinson practiced on Thursday with a deep thigh bruise he suffered at a recent practice. Self said it shouldn’t keep Robinson from playing in Sunday’s 3:30 p.m. battle at South Carolina.
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Resolutions: KU sophomore Brandon Rush says he made a New Year’s resolution: “Mine is to go undefeated in the Big 12.”
Asked if that’d be difficult, he said: “Yes, it’d be difficult. Our league is tough. We have three teams in the top 25 right now (KU, Texas A&M, Oklahoma State). K-State, Missouri and some others are real good, too.”
Any other resolutions? “Win the national championship,” he said.
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Kelly practices: South Carolina senior point guard Tre’ Kelley, who has a sprained knee, took part in an individual workout with coaches Thursday and fared well, according to a USC official. Kelley’s knee will be checked for swelling today.
“He wants badly to play,” South Carolina coach Dave Odom said of Kelley, who averages 16.8 points a game. “He’s convinced me and the doctors that he’s OK. We’ll see.”
“He’s such a competitor I can’t imagine him staying out long unless he has to,” KU coach Bill Self said. “We anticipate him being back.”
Kelley missed USC’s 67-53 victory over Western Carolina on Wednesday. Kelley had started the previous 53 games.
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Big game for SC: KU will be the highest-ranked nonconference team to play in Columbia since No. 7 Syracuse beat the Gamecocks, 77-74, in overtime on Jan. 13, 2000.
“I’ve been doing this a fair amount of years, and I’ve always felt that you have an obligation to your home fans to bring in national powers, nationally recognized, marquee teams,” Odom said Thursday on the SEC coach’s call. “I think you owe that to your fans.”
Winners of six straight games, USC takes a 10-2 record into the game against 12-2 KU.
¢ Bosom buddies: Sherron Collins said he had a “good time” playing against fellow Chicago Crane High grads Florentino Valencia (11 points, six rebounds) and Tyrone Kent (two points, four rebounds) of Toledo.
“We didn’t talk a lot on the court. We said a few words to each other,” Collins said after scoring five points with four assists and six turnovers. “It was a good memory.”
“It was good to see one of my old teammates and play against each other,” Kent noted. “I think we all did a good job today. It was fun seeing us all on the court at the same time.”
¢ KU’s sharks: Toledo coach Joplin on the Jayhawks: “Kansas spreads the floor and never slows its attack on offense. Defensively, if the other team makes a few turnovers, then they really intensify the pressure. They’re like sharks smelling blood.”
¢ Former KU coach not to quit soon: North Carolina’s Roy Williams, who won his 500th game Saturday at the age of 56, told the Winston-Salem Journal he had no timetable regarding retirement.
“Coach Smith used to tell me, ‘Don’t quit too soon,”‘ Williams said of his mentor, Dean Smith. “I want to coach a long time. With me it’s easy. When I walk out there and I’m not excited on game night or when I walk out there and start looking at my watch and wondering how much longer we’re having practice, that will be when I say, ‘That’s it.’ I’m hoping that doesn’t happen for a long time because I really do enjoy what I’m doing.
“Sometimes you don’t enjoy the rental cars and the airplanes, but I really enjoy the kids. I can get on them, I can praise them, I can hug them, I can scream at them, and they know the bottom line is I want them to be the best players they can possibly be and our team to be the best team.”
Kansas University assistant basketball coach Joe Dooley has withdrawn his name from consideration as a candidate for the head-coaching job at UNC-Wilmington.
Dooley, who interviewed for the job last week, reportedly was one of three finalists – with North Dakota State head coach Tim Miles, who will interview today, plus Texas assistant Rodney Terry.
“Essentially, after meeting with coach (Bill) Self and Mr. Perkins (Lew, athletic director), I felt there were unfinished things to accomplish at Kansas,” said Dooley, who has been on Self’s staff for three seasons.
“The people at Wilmington were great. It’s a terrific opportunity. We’ve just not done everything we came here to accomplish. At this point in my career, we felt it’d be good to try to get us where we want to go.”
Dooley, a former head coach at East Carolina and who worked as an assistant at South Carolina and is quite familiar with Wilmington, said he appreciated the people at Wilmington.
“They were awesome. Mike Capaccio (athletic director) is first-class,” Dooley said. “It’s a great program, a great operation. At this point in our lives, it was not time to make the move. Who knows? Maybe in a few years.”
¢ Exempt tourney update: KU basketball fans soon will be able to finalize travel plans for a Thanksgiving-week trip to Las Vegas.
The NCAA Management Council on Wednesday approved a proposal allowing men’s and women’s teams to compete in one exempt tournament per season instead of two in a four-year period.
The NCAA Board of Directors is expected to rubber-stamp the Council’s action April 27, paving the way for a KU-Florida matchup Nov. 25 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, which when set up for basketball seats about 6,000 fans.
KU will also play a game in Vegas on Nov. 24 against either Ball State, Western Kentucky, Hartford, Tennessee-Chattanooga, Tennessee State or Prairie View. Two of the teams in the field will play KU in round-robin games earlier Thanksgiving week at Allen Fieldhouse.
Teams starting next year will have the option to play 27 regular-season games, plus a preseason tournament such as the Vegas Invitational or Maui Invitational. Teams not involved in tournaments could play up to 29 regular-season games. The regular season also could start as much as one week earlier, on the second Friday of November.
KU will play in the Las Vegas Invitational in 2006, the Preseason NIT in ’07, likely the Guardians Classic in Kansas City in ’08 and the Maui Invitational in ’09.
¢ More on Arthur: Darrell Arthur, a 6-foot-9 senior forward from Dallas’ South Oak Cliff High, will be visited by coaches from LSU on Friday, his prep coach and AAU coach said. Arthur’s AAU coach, Jazzy Hartwell, grew up in Baton Rouge, La., home of LSU.
Arthur is considering KU, Texas, Baylor, Oklahoma, LSU and possibly Arizona. His high school coach, James Mays, said Wednesday there was no timetable for a decision. The late signing period started Wednesday and runs until May 15.
¢ No Love lost: KU is not recruiting Josh Love, a 6-8 sophomore forward from Hill Junior College in Texas. Love, who like KU’s C.J. Giles and Rodrick Stewart attended Seattle’s Rainier Beach High, may not be able to qualify for a four-year school academically. Baylor, Nebraska, Marquette, Purdue and South Florida have been listed as possibilities. Out of high school, Love signed with Eastern Washington before heading to Hill JC.
¢ KU recruit overseas: Future KU center Cole Aldrich, 6-11, 250 pounds from Bloomington, Minn., is in Mannheim, Germany, preparing to play an opening game in the Albert Schweitzer Tournament on Saturday. The U.S. team of high school stars will play Croatia, Israel and Spain in the first three games. Aldrich, a junior, has committed orally to attend KU.