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One step at a time
KU guard making progress after ACL tear
The saying became pretty commonplace at Kansas University women's basketball practices in regards to freshman guard Chakeitha Weldon last season: 100 miles an hour going nowhere fast. Weldon entered Bonnie Henrickson's program as a blur on the floor, able to hit top speeds unlike very few. Then, once that speed was somewhat harnessed at midseason, boom.
Another Invite crown for K.C.
Seven games in three days - including a trio on Sunday for Kansas City Pump N Run - is a lot of basketball, no matter who you are. That's why L.J. Goolsby is glad he has Mike Dixon running the show.
Talib selected 20th overall by Tampa Bay
Former KU cornerback Aqib Talib waited just over two hours from the start of the 2008 NFL Draft Saturday morning to find out he's headed to Tampa Bay. The first team All-American was selected 20th overall by the reigning NFC South champs.
Extra Minutes: Kansas 75, Memphis 68 (OT)
Tying up loose ends from Kansas 37th and final win of the 2007-08 season, one which claimed the third NCAA national title in KU history. The game featured KU capitalizing on late Memphis mistakes (mostly from the free throw line) and Mario Chalmers stepping up as the hero, sending the game into an overtime period which the Jayhawks dominated.
Arthur comes up big
'Shady' talks it up, then backs it up
All it took was Darrell Arthur opening his mouth. Seriously, that's it.
KU secures 2008 NCAA crown, 75-68 in overtime over Memphis
SAN ANTONIO - Mario Chalmers gave his team the hope when it seemed to be fading, and after his last-gasp three-pointer fell late in regulation, his teammates helped do the rest in overtime, as KU secured its third NCAA national title in school history Monday night in San Antonio with a 75-68 win over Memphis. Chalmers finished with 18 points, second only to Darrell Arthur who led all Jayhawks with 20, and KU overcame a late second-half deficit which at one point was as large as nine.
Extra Minutes: Kansas 84, North Carolina 66
Tying up loose ends from Kansas' 18-point win over North Carolina in the national semifinals, advancing KU to play Memphis for the NCAA crown Monday night. The game was won with KU playing at the pace most considered normally reserved for UNC, though the Jayhawks played at what they said was also their pace, and did so with much more efficiency.
Aldrich still awestruck after gem
Freshman 'best player in the game' for stretch, coach says
Cole Aldrich still might not fully understand just what he did. Here's the 6-foot-11 mound of a freshman forward. He just scored eight points and grabbed seven pivotal rebounds in Kansas University's 84-66 national semifinal victory over North Carolina on Saturday night.
See you Monday: KU to face Memphis in national championship
SAN ANTONIO - So in the end, a 25-2 run which, pushed KU ahead 40-12 late in the first half, was enough. Despite a second half North Carolina rally Saturday night in San Antonio, the Jayhawks downed former coach Roy Williams and the Tar Heels 84-66. KU will meet Memphis Monday night for the 2008 NCAA national championship.
A few good minutes with ... UNC's Danny Green
One unique aspect of Saturday night's KU-UNC matchup is that both team's sixth men are former McDonald's All-Americans. For Kansas, it's speedy spark plug Sherron Collins. For North Carolina, it's 6-foot-6 wing Danny Green, who was a hamburger all-star the same year as KU's Mario Chalmers. Green's minutes have bumped significantly this season, and in response, he's produced as a legit inside-outside threat. A huge factor in tomorrow night's game could be which sixth man provides the most punch off the pine. With that said, here was what Green had to say in a Q&A session Friday in the Carolina locker room ...
A dream come true
Chalmers headed to Final Four for real
Almarie Chalmers stood and watched her son, Mario, snip his rightful piece of the net at Detroit's Ford Field on Sunday, commemorating his trip to this weekend's Final Four. She knew as well as anyone how much this moment meant to the Kansas University junior guard, the Jayhawks' most mysterious star. She was watching as the dream began.
Extra Minutes: Kansas 59, Davidson 57
Tying up loose ends from Kansas' 59-57 win over Davidson in Sunday's Elite Eight finale, giving KU its first trip back to the Final Four since 2003 and Bill Self his first trip to the NCAA Tournament's final weekend after getting to the doorstep for the fifth time.
Next up: UNC - KU downs Davidson, returns to Final Four a 59-57 winner
DETROIT, Mich. - Let the week of hype begin. Thanks to a 59-57 Kansas University victory over Davidson Sunday in Detroit which was sweated out until the closing moments, the matchup everyone has been waiting for is set. Bill Self and Kansas will take on Roy Williams and North Carolina next Saturday in San Antonio, as Sunday's victory propelled the Jayhawks to their first Final Four appearance since 2003. It also sets a Final Four field consisting of four No. 1 seeds for the first time since the field expanded to 64 teams 19 years ago. Davidson sophomore Stephen Curry got his points, but on a rough shooting night overall, he still finished with 25 points. Jason Richards, who scored seven points for Davidson, had a shot at the game-winning three at the buzzer, but missed.
Extra Minutes: Kansas 72, Villanova 57
Tying up loose ends from KU's 72-57 win over Villanova Friday night in Detroit, advancing KU to its second straight Elite Eight and the third Regional Final in Bill Self's five years as the KU head coach.
Case steps up for Jayhawks
Coach Bill Self has said it practically since he arrived at Kansas University in 2003. Now, it almost gets the 'yada, yada, yada' treatment. "I've said all along he's the best shooter and all that," Self said of fifth-year senior Jeremy Case.
Inked Jayhawks discuss their body art
Of all the comparisons between the NCAA Tournament runs KU made in 1988 and now in 2008, one of the major differences is also maybe the most visible. It's the tattoos.
A few good minutes with...Villanova's Corey Stokes
A lot of people are surprised to still see 12th-seeded Villanova still alive in the tournament. As you would expect, freshman guard Corey Stokes is not one of them. The 6-foot-5 freshman guard from Bayonne, N.J., scored a career-high 20 points in the Wildcats' second round win over Siena last Sunday, but now he and his team prepare for a whole new animal in Kansas University. He took a couple of minutes to give his thoughts Thursday afternoon after the team's practice at Detroit's Ford Field.
Extra Minutes: Kansas 75, UNLV 56
Tying up loose ends from the Jayhawks' grind-it-out second round win over UNLV, in which KU held the Rebels to 12-of-45 shooting in a foul-ridden game. Offensively, KU was pulled along late by Russell Robinson and Sherron Collins, lifting KU to its second straight Sweet 16 appearance.
UT might be better without Durant
Longhorns not slowed by loss of national player of the year
Lose the National Player of the Year one year, return to the NCAA Tournament the following spring more ready for the postseason? Believe it, because that's the case for Texas.
Xavier as experienced as balanced
Balance did Xavier just fine last year in the NCAA Tournament. Now, experience is what the Musketeers will bank on - along with balance, of course - to make their postseason stay last a bit longer.
A few good minutes with...Kansas' Russell Robinson
Catching up with Kansas senior guard Russell Robinson, who has seen it all (almost) in his first three NCAA trips, both high and low. Now, in his fourth and final try, he's hoping to take an extra step or two.
Extra Minutes: Kansas 84, Texas 74
Tying up loose ends from KU's exacting of revenge on Texas in Sunday's Big 12 Tournament title game, 84-74, in the Sprint Center. The win helped KU secure the No. 1 seed in the Midwest region, and they'll play Thursday to open the NCAA Tournament in Omaha.
KU wins third straight Big 12 Tourney, knocks off Texas 84-74
KANSAS CITY, Mo. - In what was by far the most entertaining and hard-fought game of the Big 12 Tournament, KU outlasted Texas 84-74, claiming the Jayhawks third straight league tourney crown. All three have come by beating the Longhorns, and Sunday's victory was fueled by a career-high 30 points from Mario Chalmers, coming just 24 hours after he was limited to four points in a semifinal win over Texas A&M. Chalmers did so on 8-of-12 three-point shooting, while Brandon Rush, who stroked five treys a day earlier, was 6-of-9 from deep, finishing with 19 points. Darrell Arthur also answered the offensive bell, too, scoring 16 points.
KU readies for rival
Chalmers: UT bigger than MU, KSU
To Mario Chalmers, Missouri and Kansas State at the moment are considered Nos. 2a and 2b. The order doesn't really matter.
Extra Minutes: Kansas 77, Texas A&M 71
Tying up loose ends from KU's Big 12 Tournament semifinal win over Texas A&M. In the 77-71 triumph, Brandon Rush's career-high 28 points on 9-of-13 points may have marked the best single game performance by a Jayhawk this season.
KU survives another Sprint Center scare, ousts A&M, 77-71 in semis
KANSAS CITY, Mo. - It may sound redundant, but here it goes ... KU started slow in the Sprint Center, using an early second half run to build a lead it wouldn't relinquish, advancing in Big 12 Tournament play. It was the case Friday night in a 64-54 win over Nebraska, and was again Saturday in a 77-71 semifinal triumph over pesky Texas A&M, giving KU its 30th win of the season and a berth in Sunday's title game against Texas, who earlier knocked off Oklahoma, 77-49. It marks the third straight year the league's tournament will end with a KU-UT showdown. KU won each of the past two years.
Arthur nonfactor
Sophomore takes just four shots
Darrell Arthur's a man. He's (almost) 20. That's why 22-year-old Kansas University junior guard Brandon Rush won't get after the sophomore forward following Arthur's six-point performance on just 1-of-4 shooting in a 64-54 escape from Nebraska's first-half grasp in the first round of the Big 12 tournament on Friday at Sprint Center.
Extra Minutes: Kansas 64, Nebraska 54
Tying up loose ends from the Jayhawks' ugly 64-54 win over Nebraska in the quarterfinals of the Big 12 Tournament Friday. None of the top seeds who had Thursday byes looked particularly solid, and KU's rough offensive showing had plenty to do with Nebraska's scrappy defense and the Jayhawks not getting Darrell Arthur going early on (or the rest of the night).
A true survive-and-advance story: KU downs NU, 64-54
KANSAS CITY, Mo. - It took about 20 minutes longer than would have been expected, given how Kansas University looked in its final four regular season outings, but the Jayhawks survived and advanced to the semifinals of the Big 12 Tournament. The key 10-2 run in the Jayhawks' 64-54 win over Nebraska came immediately after halftime, with KU trailing 27-22. KU shot just 8-of-17 in the first 20 minutes, failing to find any offensive flow with leading scorer Darrell Arthur having hoisted just one shot. The run was keyed by a Darnell Jackson dunk right off the bat thanks to a Mario Chalmers steal. Chalmers then cashed a three from atop the key, and following a Brandon Rush reverse layup while drawing a foul, Nebraska was never officially back in it, despite technically staying within range until the closing minutes.
Juco wideout quickly got up to speed
Hawking policies in a shirt and tie just wasn't going to cut it for Rod Harris. He knew that in his first days at Blinn (Texas) Community College. "I came in and ran like a 4.71 (-second 40-yard dash), and the receivers coach was like 'That's gonna get you selling insurance,'" Harris recalled.
Extra Minutes: Kansas 72, Texas A&M 55
Tying up loose ends from KU's league title-clinching win over Texas A&M in College Station. Behind stellar post defense and efficiency in several fast break opportunities on offense, KU outran an overwhelmed Texas A&M squad, spoiling the Aggies' Senior Day and dropping Mark Turgeon's club to the sixth seed in the upcoming Big 12 Tournament.
Post defense key for Kansas
It was just like they'd drawn it up a couple of times earlier this season. Only this time it worked.
KU clinches share of fourth straight Big 12 title at A&M, 72-55
COLLEGE STATION, Texas - Proving on the road that the February swoon is out of its system, Kansas University went on the road and clinched at least a share of its fourth straight Big 12 regular season title Saturday at Texas A&M, 72-55. KU finishes at 28-3 overall in the regular season, and 13-3 in conference play. With that mark, KU can be no lower than the No. 2 seed at next week's Big 12 Tournament in Kansas City's Sprint Center. If Texas defeats Oklahoma State in Austin Sunday, KU will take the No. 2 seed, playing at 6:00 p.m. in the quarterfinals Friday. If OSU should win, KU will draw the top seed and play at 11:30 a.m. Friday.
Extra Minutes: Kansas 109, Texas Tech 51
Tying up loose ends from a Senior Night which couldn't have possibly gone any better for KU. Aside from the numbers in the 109-51 blowout win over Texas Tech, including solid showings from each senior, the night finished with the traditional speeches, giving Bill Self's first KU senior class a night to remember.
Jackson's speech a tear-jerker
Seniors take turns at microphone to thank coaches, fans
Even though Darnell Jackson promised himself he wouldn't shed a tear while speaking to 16,300 Allen Fieldhouse fans Monday night, senior teammate Rodrick Stewart knew better.
Seniors go out in style, each contributes in 109-51 thumping of Texas Tech
The five Kansas University seniors started the night running things on the floor in Allen Fieldhouse Monday, and by the time they walked off - one by one to standing ovations - business had been taken care of and then some. The class of Russell Robinson, Darnell Jackson, Sasha Kaun, Rodrick Stewart and Jeremy Case finished their home careers as KU waxed Texas Tech 109-51, improving to 27-3 overall and 12-3 in Big 12 play. Chants of 'Thank-you-seniors' replaced the Rock Chalk hymn in the final minute, as each senior played a role in the most emphatic win of the season.
Extra Minutes: Kansas 88, Kansas State 74
Tying up loose ends from KU's 88-74 victory over Kansas State, in which the stat sheet was filled with things worth mention on the Kansas side. What isn't as visible, though, is the mixture of defense and crowd noise which helped take Kansas State out of its rhythm, compared to how KSU looked in downing KU in Manhattan on Jan. 30.
Jayhawks' Collins plays like a 'beast'
The pain that lingers less and less each passing day in his right knee was the farthest thing from Sherron Collins' mind Saturday night. Sure, the adrenaline of the situation once the game got under way had something to do with that. It was flowing for about two straight hours as Kansas University trounced Kansas State, 88-74, in Allen Fieldhouse. But, as Collins admits, the presence of family made the ultimate difference.
Best served cold: KU exacts revenge on KSU in 88-74 Fieldhouse thumping
Revenge came quick and hard in Allen Fieldhouse, as Kansas University may have officially busted out of its February mini-slump with an 88-74 thumping of Kansas State Saturday night. KU withstood a 39-point, 11-rebound barrage from K-State standout freshman Michael Beasley with a deep, balanced effort, points coming from several reliable sources. Brandon Rush led the Jayhawks with 21points, including a 5-of-9 showing from long-range. As a team, the Jayhawks hit 11 of their 23 three-point attempts.
GameDay guys gush over KU
Recent struggles don't hurt team's luster, Bilas says
If you're looking for Rece Davis in Lawrence this afternoon, your best bet is to post up east of the Kansas University campus. "The Wang Burger at The Wheel, can't miss it," the host of ESPN College GameDay said of the famous ground beef morsel topped with fried egg, cheese and bacon. "I'll be doing that at some point."
KSU guard proves a giant killer
Freshman Pullen has had his best games against Big 12's elite
Following the first meeting of the season between Kansas University and Kansas State on Jan. 30, Jayhawk junior guard Mario Chalmers was - as usual - in a pretty truthful mood. At least he was in regard to the 20 points K-State freshman guard Jacob Pullen dropped in the Wildcats' 84-75 streak-breaking victory.
Extra Minutes: Kansas 75, Iowa State 64
Tying up loose ends from KU's 75-64 win over Iowa State in Ames, which helped shake some rust off of the Jayhawks' spotty road resume this season. Working through Darrell Arthur opened things up for KU, and Arthur finished with 18 points and 10 rebounds.
Collins makes stride forward
Guard not his best, but he's better than last game
The first open-court chance he got Wednesday night, Kansas University guard Sherron Collins may have had a flashback to his football-playing days at Chicago's Crane High.
Arthur, Jayhawks answer call of the road, smack Cyclones 75-64
AMES, Iowa - Many - if not all - eyes were on Darrell Arthur heading into Wednesday night's Kansas University road trip to Ames, Iowa. Led by 18 points from the sophomore forward - three days after his roughest outing of the season in a 61-60 loss at Oklahoma State - KU ousted a pesky Iowa State club 75-64 in Hilton Coliseum, improving to 25-3 overall and 10-3 in league play. More importantly, the well-rounded showing from the Jayhawks gave KU a nice boost heading into Saturday's rematch with Kansas State in Allen Fieldhouse. It will be KU's most anticipated home game of the 2007-08 season, followed Monday night with a Senior Night matchup against Texas Tech.
Extra Minutes: Oklahoma State 61, Kansas 60
Tying up loose ends from an ugly KU loss Saturday in Stillwater, Okla. The Jayhawks couldn't take advantage of a distinct size advantage against Oklahoma State, as the big men were pushed out of the game offensively after halftime and KU didn't register a single dunk.
Stewart: 'It was hard'
Amid a small cluster of recorders and notebooks outside the Kansas University locker room, senior guard Rodrick Stewart glanced to his left to see Darnell Jackson with an unusual expression. At least, one that's unusual of late.
Rush's last-second three falls short, KU drops nail-biter in Stillwater, 61-60
STILLWATER, Okla. - Bill Self said his team played like one that was distracted. Distracted or not, the result Saturday in Stillwater was a 61-60 setback in the KU coach's third trip back to Gallagher-Iba Arena as the Jayhawk sideline commander. The win boosts the surging Oklahoma State Cowboys to 14-12 overall and 5-7 in the league with three straight wins over three of the top five teams in the league. KU drops to 24-3 overall and 9-3 in Big 12 play, falling behind Texas' pace atop the conference standings.
McCray's free throw pushes KU women past Nebraska, 62-61
On Jan. 12 in Lincoln, the Kansas University women's basketball team was pushed aside largely because of Nebraska's 30-of-32 showing from the free throw stripe. With :1.4 seconds left on the clock in Saturday's rematch, Danielle McCray evened the score for the Jayhawks. The KU sophomore drew a blocking foul against Nebraska with the game clock dwindling and the score tied 61-61. With a smile on her face, she cashed the front end of the trip, then missed the second to leave Nebraska without a shot at a legitimate game-winning attempt. The win gave KU two straight conference wins for the first time this season, raising the Jayhawks' record to 15-9 overall and 4-7 in league play.
Extra Minutes: Kansas 69, Colorado 45
Tying up loose ends from KU's 69-45 win over Colorado. It was the second time in two weeks the Jayhawks have used the Buffs as a bounceback victim while coming off a loss. Mario Chalmers was as steady as always for KU with 13 points, five assists, three rebounds, two blocks and two steals.
Throwback beatdown: KU thumps Colorado, 69-45, in front of Jayhawk hoops alumni
Wearing blue throwback uniforms, Kansas University got back to its pre-Texas ways in thumping Colorado Saturday in Allen Fieldhouse, 69-45, in front of several KU hoops alumni in town to celebrate the program's 110th birthday. Mario Chalmers led the way for KU with 13 points, including a three-of-five showing from three-point range. KU, which had been 4-of-26 from deep in the past two outings, went 8-of-19 Saturday from beyond the arc. Chalmers also had five assists, two blocks and two steals to his name. Darnell Jackson was the only other Jayhawk to score in double figures for the Jayhawks (12 points), who were an efficient 24-of-50 from the floor. Sasha Kaun and Darrell Arthur each scored eight for KU, while Brandon Rush chipped in seven.
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