Former KU players, college basketball world react to rivalry game fracas
Kansas head coach Bill Self holds back Kansas forward Silvio De Sousa (22) following the Jayhawks' win against Kansas State, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 at Allen Fieldhouse. by Nick Krug
The wild brawl that brought an ugly end to the Sunflower Showdown at Allen Fieldhouse Tuesday night, of course, drew the attention of the entire college basketball world.
While opinions varied on the fracas, which spewed off the actual court and into the seats behind the baseline, some renowned national analysts called for swift action and suspensions after KU forward Silvio De Sousa and Kansas State big man James Love were at the heart of a confrontation that cleared both benches.
KU head coach Bill Self, who called the incident embarrassing, said after the game he expected to announce punishments on Wednesday. While those haven’t been announced as of the morning, that didn’t stop some national college basketball media members from immediately speculating about what’s to come.
A couple of former Kansas players, Devonte’ Graham and Scot Pollard, also shared via Twitter their thoughts on how the rivalry game concluded.
Here are some of the many social media posts regarding the altercation.
KU players responsible for historic Big 12 title streak react to its end
Kansas guard Devonte' Graham (4) watches a highlight video with his teammates following their 80-70 win over Texas on Monday, Feb. 26, 2018 at Allen Fieldhouse. The win gave the Jayhawks an outright win of their 14th-straight Big 12 Conference title. by Nick Krug
It took 14 years, and whether they were All-Americans, all-conference talents, role players, backups, glue guys or walk-ons, Kansas basketball players coached by Bill Self helped the program set an NCAA record for most consecutive conference championships in a row.
The pride Jayhawks took in their ownership of The Streak grew year after year, so inevitably they were going to experience some disappointment, along with nostalgia, when it eventually came to an end.
That day finally arrived Tuesday, in Norman, Okla., when the 2018-19 Jayhawks were eliminated from title contention close to a decade and a half after KU’s streak of titles began in 2005.
Many of the most prominent players from the previous 14 seasons and some others who watched it from afar weighed in through social media about KU’s crazy run of Big 12 dominance finally concluding.
Here are some Twitter reactions from invested Jayhawks.
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EA Sports picks Joel Embiid as its new ‘NBA Live’ cover star
Former Kansas center Joel Embiid laughs while working with Philadelphia teammate Dario Saric in Allen Fieldhouse on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2017, during a Sixers practice.
If you find yourself shopping for video games sometime this fall, don’t be surprised to see the face of Joel Embiid staring back at you.
EA Sports announced Monday night the former University of Kansas center and current Philadelphia 76ers star will grace the cover of its upcoming release, “NBA Live 19.”
So even though the evening’s NBA Awards show didn’t include Embiid going home with some hardware — he finished second to Rudy Gobert for Defensive Player of the Year — it still went down as a sort of milestone night for the 24-year-old big man.
Embiid, remember, has only played in two seasons (94 regular-season games between them) and already is marketable enough to become the face of a video game franchise.
Although 2K Sports’ “NBA 2K” series is far more popular than its “NBA Live” competitor, some major names from The Association have graced recent covers of “NBA Live,” including two players who can now call themselves MVPs, Houston’s James Harden and Oklahoma City’s Russell Westbrook.
Only the biggest and brightest talents get their likenesses attached to video games and Embiid, an all-star starter in 2018, now has crossed another distinction off his career bucket list.
This past season, his second in the league, Embiid averaged 22.9 points, 11.0 rebounds, 1.8 blocks and 3.2 assists, while shooting 48.3 percent from the floor and playing in 63 games.
Look for Embiid’s stone-faced pose on “NBA Live 19” when it is released, on Sept. 7.
College basketball world reacts to KU’s record-breaking 14th consecutive league title
Kansas guard Clay Young hugs teammates Kansas guard Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk (10) and Kansas guard Devonte' Graham (4) following the Jayhawks' 74-72 win over Texas Tech on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018 at United Supermarkets Arena. by Nick Krug
The college basketball world already had reason enough to tune in Saturday and watch the Big 12’s marquee game of the year: No. 8 Kansas at No. 6 Texas Tech.
Throw in what was on the line for the Jayhawks — a share of the Big 12 title, and with it a historic 14th consecutive conference championship — and the result meant much more than another instance of a Bill Self-coached team earning payback for a loss earlier in the season.
KU survived in Lubbock, Texas, 74-72, against a hobbled Keenan Evans and the Red Raiders, inspiring many who follow the team to congratulate and/or celebrate Self and his Jayhawks on eclipsing UCLA’s longstanding record of 13 straight league titles.
The social media responses to the historic moment for Kansas came in from journalists, analysts, current and former KU standouts, and even some players who have yet to — or never will — suit up for the Jayhawks.
Here are some of the highlights from the aftermath of yet another Big 12 championship for Self and Kansas.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BfmUq7KHGOI/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BfmVc3wFsgp/
https://twitter.com/sportsiren/status/967557359861088256
By the Numbers: Kansas 74, Texas Tech 72.
and 2 others
Frank Mason, former Jayhawks, college basketball observers react to KU’s win at WVU
Kansas guard Devonte' Graham (4) grabs Kansas guard Lagerald Vick (2) as the Jayhawks celebrate their 71-66 win over West Virginia, Monday, Jan. 15, 2018 at WVU Coliseum in Morgantown, West Virginia. by Nick Krug
When two top-10 teams square off in prime time, the rest of the college basketball universe makes a point to tune in and watch the show.
ESPN’s Big Monday matchup between No. 10 Kansas and No. 6 West Virginia wasn’t always the most visually appealing display, but the Jayhawks’ unlikely rally for a rare “Country Road” win made it a captivating finish.
For the more prominent viewers — some former KU players, others national college basketball writers and analysts — the battle between two of the Big 12’s top teams and the Jayhawks’ first win at WVU Coliseum in five years not only proved entertaining but also telling.
Here are some of the social media reactions to KU’s 71-66 win, from around college basketball, including a couple from Jayhawks who made it possible.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bd_4EaXHwP1/
More news and notes from Kansas vs. West Virginia
- Mountain of a comeback: Jayhawks stun West Virginia, move atop Big 12 standings
- Tom Keegan: Jayhawks far more effective with Azubuike on the floor
- Notebook: WVU’s Harris earns start despite reprimand; Self wears Huggins’ pullover
- The Keegan Ratings: Graham leads comeback, tops ratings at West Virginia
- Matt Tait's Postgame Report Card
- Pressing on: Jayhawks rally for rare victory at West Virginia
By the Numbers: Kansas 71, West Virginia 66
Jayhawks old and new react to KU’s 13th consecutive Big 12 title
The Jayhawks' 13-straight Big 12 conference trophies are lined up along the court, Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2017 at Allen Fieldhouse. by Nick Krug
Kansas versus TCU didn’t exactly stand out on the college basketball schedule Wednesday night in terms of mass appeal, what with Duke facing Syracuse and North Carolina tangling with Louisville. But there’s something about a team winning its league 13 seasons in a row that will capture any college basketball observer’s attention.
Though some might have considered it a foregone conclusion, the Jayhawks officially became Big 12 champions yet again, sealing at least a share of the title with an 87-68 win over the Horned Frogs, allowing them to hoist a league championship trophy at Allen Fieldhouse afterward.
KU’s latest hardware put the program in a tie with the UCLA teams of the 1960s and ’70s for most consecutive conference championships in a row and set off reactions from current and former KU players on social media platforms.
National analysts, too, weighed in on the Jayhawks’ long run of dominance. Below are some of the highlights from the aftermath.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BQ1tSkGlycr/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BQ116AOhLsq/
By the Numbers: Kansas 87, TCU 68.
— See what people were saying about the game during KUsports.com's live coverage.
More news and notes from Kansas vs. TCU
- Historic Achievement: Jayhawks crush TCU, earn 13th-straight Big 12 title
- Benton Smith: Carlton Bragg looked more like the player KU hoped for
- Notebook: Birthday Boy Graham celebrates ‘special’ day; Jackson OK after injury scare
- Brandon Rush fights back emotions during jersey retirement ceremony
- The Keegan Ratings: All-around action puts Josh Jackson at top of ratings in title-clincher vs. TCU
- Matt Tait's Postgame Report Card
- Make it 13: Jayhawks match UCLA’s league-title run
Norman prep PG Trae Young announces he’ll play for Oklahoma
Kansas recruit Trae Young (11) pushes the ball up the court during the KC Hardwood Classic Friday at Shawnee Mission South High School in Overland Park. by John Young
A five-star point guard from the heart of Big 12 country, Norman North High (Okla.) senior Trae Young made his college basketball destination official Thursday just after noon.
A dynamic 6-foot-2, 170-pound play-maker who is ranked the 14th-best prospect nationally in the Class of 2017 by Rivals.com, Young’s options came down to choosing between the University of Kansas and Oklahoma.
Play for Bill Self at Allen Fieldhouse? Or stay at home and star in your own backyard for Lon Kruger at OU?
Ultimately, Young went with the Sooners.
It had to be a difficult, yet exciting, decision for Young, as he weighed the pros and cons of his options.
Young’s choice was big news not just in Lawrence, but also in his home state, where The Oklahoman covered his announcement live.
Watch Young's press conference from the NewsOK.com live feed below.
‘Anything is possible!’: Jayhawks, college basketball world react to KU’s wild rally and OT win
Kansas head coach Bill Self celebrates with Kansas guard Devonte' Graham (4) following the Jayhawks' 84-80 overtime win against West Virginia, Monday, Feb. 13, 2017 at Allen Fieldhouse. by Nick Krug
No one who stuck around for the entirety of the Kansas Jayhawks’ Big Monday showdown versus West Virginia could quite believe what they witnessed.
The No. 9-ranked Mountaineers let a 14-point lead with less than three minutes remaining in the second half slip from their grasps and the No. 3 Jayhawks happily took advantage, setting up an epic rally and 84-80 overtime victory that seemed just about impossible minutes earlier.
From Super Bowl comparisons, to bewilderment regarding the Mountaineers’ collapse, to giving KU credit for pulling it off, the college basketball world had plenty to say about the Kansas comeback.
Some famous Jayhawks who used to call Lawrence home had to hop on Twitter to let their followers and fans know about the victory, while a number of college basketball media members chimed in, as well.
Even a few of the players who helped pull off the unlikely victory shared some of their thoughts.
Below are the social media highlights from the aftermath of an absurd night at Allen Fieldhouse.
and 1 others
Current, former and future players react to KU’s win at Kentucky
Kansas guard Frank Mason III (0) gives some of his family members a hug following the Jayhawks' 79-73 win over Kentucky, Saturday, Jan. 28, 2017 at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky. by Nick Krug
Bill Self will tell you his Kansas basketball team’s game at Kentucky Saturday night doesn’t mean as much as the Big 12 games against West Virginia and Baylor that bookend it. But the KU coach also realizes how important a showcase matchup such as KU versus UK is to fans and the people who follow college basketball closely.
As you might have guessed, when the Jayhawks toppled Kentucky Saturday night at Rupp Arena, it sent KU fans, and even some former and future players, into a frenzy on Twitter and other social media platforms.
Analysts and national journalists, too, had plenty of praise to send KU’s was following an impressive road victory.
Below are some of the highlight reactions to the Jayhawks’ win in the SEC-Big 12 Challenge, including some from the men who made it happen.
Frank Mason’s case for national player of year gaining momentum
Kansas guard Frank Mason III (0) looks back to the cameras after hitting a three over UMKC guard Dashawn King (1) during the first half, Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2016 at Allen Fieldhouse. by Nick Krug
Nearly every time Kansas basketball coach Bill Self fields questions from the media, someone will bring up Jayhawks senior point guard Frank Mason III and the impact he has made this season.
“How good has Frank been?”
“What has Mason meant to your team?”
“Did you think when you were recruiting him Frank would turn out this good?”
Without hesitation, Self will highlight Mason’s toughness, driving, shooting, passing, rebounding, etc., and share his opinion that his senior point guard has been as good as any player in the country at this juncture.
Self isn’t the type to campaign for his players to win national awards, but such statements are his way of doing so in a low-key fashion. When Self talks, people around the college basketball world listen.
Anyone who has watched No. 2 Kansas (17-1 overall, 6-0 Big 12) play this year knows where the team would be without Mason, who is averaging a team-best 20.3 points per game, while also contributing 5.3 assists and 4.5 rebounds. The 5-foot-11 senior from Petersburg, Virginia, is even shooting 52.4% from the field and connecting more often from 3-point range, where he is 42-for-78 (53.8%).
As KU keeps on winning and Mason continues to carry the team, it boosts his case for national player of the year honors. At CBSSports.com, Gary Parrish ranked the top 25 candidates for the ultimate individual award gave Mason No. 1 billing, edging out the heart and soul of defending national champion Villanova, senior guard Josh Hart.
Neither Mason nor Hart are going to be NBA lottery picks the way past Wooden Award winners such as Buddy Hield, Anthony Davis and Blake Griffin were, but both are integral parts of two of the nation’s best teams, so Parrish ranks them ahead of UCLA freshman point guard Lonzo Ball, who many expect to have a long, successful NBA career.
As can be found on sports-reference.com, Hart’s player efficiency rating of 29.5 is one of the best in the country, ranking sixth overall. But Mason isn’t too far behind, with a PER of 26.1 (27th nationally).
Villanova guard Josh Hart (3) hangs on the rim before Kansas forward Perry Ellis (34) and guard Frank Mason III (0) after a dunk during the first half, Saturday, March 26, 2016 at KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Kentucky. by Nick Krug
Likewise, the debate between Hart and Mason, Parrish wrote, is close:
“I’ve had Josh Hart atop these Player of the Year rankings, and it's reasonable to keep the Villanova senior there. He's still fabulous and leading a team ranked No. 1 in the Top 25 (and one). But Frank Mason has never been far behind. And he's playing better than Hart lately. So now the Kansas senior is the headliner.”
The top 10 players in the running, according to Parrish, also includes one of Mason’s teammates, freshman Josh Jackson.
No. 1: Frank Mason III, Kansas
No. 2: Josh Hart, Villanova
No. 3: Lonzo Ball, UCLA
No. 4: Caleb Swanigan, Purdue
No. 5: De’Aaron Fox, Kentucky
No. 6: Nigel Williams-Goss, Gonzaga
No. 7: Johnathan Motley, Baylor
No. 8: TJ Leaf, UCLA
No. 9: Bonzie Colson, Notre Dame
No. 10: Josh Jackson, Kansas
— See the complete list: KU’s Frank Mason moves to No. 1
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