Game thoughts

[fplvieyra]

Originally Posted by Wpinl

My biggest concern is that while Taylor is performing unbelievably this yr, he has never been in the tourney as a dependable scorer. I still hesitate being comfortable that after Robinson, that we can count on 14-20 points from Taylor. My hope is that Releford, and Withey, Johnson will all step up all score double figures, to compliment a strong effort from Robinson, thus allowing Taylor to not HAVE to score, but to score in the flow of the offense.

I have to say that I'm pretty much the opposite. Taylor has been consistent the past 3/4 of the season and has been decent to very good in tournament games, so I'm not very worried about him. If you recall last year's tournament, you'll remember that he was the only perimeter player who showed up in every game and that he and Marcus were the only reasons we kept close to VCU. I'm much more worried about Johnson, Withey, Releford, and Teahan. They have either been inconsistent or consistently a non-offensive threat over the entirety of the season. Plus none of them have much tournament experience at all. Johnson has the most, seeing less than 9 minutes per game in last year's tournament. The rest average less than 2 minutes per game per tournament.

[tlambrop]

can we calm down a bit on rele? he is tired, as was the rest of the team. he has probably been our best and most consistent on ball defender all year. if younhave ever played you know how exhausting playing great man defense can be.

i agree, trob looked like he played half assed. the most telling play was when we were down 70-75 and they missed the front end of a 1-1 and i think acy outworked trob for the board. the simple answer is what we all have been saying, we are just tired.

this conference tournament is not that big of a deal. there is a reason guys like self, calipari, and boeheim want to get rid of conference tournaments.

[CalHawk]

People freak out after a loss. Some people are just negative by nature and take pride in trying to "call the reason" KU doesn't achieve to their expectations. Releford has been solid for us most of the season and I expect him to do well in the NCAA. Just have to face it, until KU once again performs to expectations in the NCAA, there will always be these type of fans. Of course, when you continually get 1 and 2 seeds, the deck is often stacked against you.

[smithandy87]

Originally Posted by CalHawk

People freak out after a loss. Some people are just negative by nature and take pride in trying to "call the reason" KU doesn't achieve to their expectations. Releford has been solid for us most of the season and I expect him to do well in the NCAA. Just have to face it, until KU once again performs to expectations in the NCAA, there will always be these type of fans. Of course, when you continually get 1 and 2 seeds, the deck is often stacked against you.

Thank you for this. Let's just see this season out before going crazy.

[smdub213]

Think of your expectations before the season started, and think of where they are now. This team has over achieved all year. They are what they are. Take pride in the fact tht this is a "down year" for us.

[RockChalkWoody]

Originally Posted by smdub213

Think of your expectations before the season started, and think of where they are now. This team has over achieved all year. They are what they are. Take pride in the fact tht this is a "down year" for us.

+1

I'm tired of hearing how "lazy" or "tired" we looked last night. The bottom line is Baylor FINALLY played to their ability. Honestly, they may have the best frontline in the country. I left the Sprint Center wondering to myself what Baylor's record would be if Self was their coach?

[Wpinl]

Originally Posted by RockChalkWoody

+1

I'm tired of hearing how "lazy" or "tired" we looked last night. The bottom line is Baylor FINALLY played to their ability. Honestly, they may have the best frontline in the country. I left the Sprint Center wondering to myself what Baylor's record would be if Self was their coach?

Naw i have to disagree. They have a good front line but they do not play as aggressive as they should, they do more perimeter play than most. I think KU simply know they could come from behind like they did against Missou, and we actually did. The problem is like we experienced two years ago n the tourney when that year we did a lot of coming from behind, sooner or later that comes back to bit you.

This is not a naysayer post. Im sort of glad this happened at this point, to give them a jolt, that while its great to know we have the confidence and ability to come from behind, we do not want to be in that position. Im sure self is in their ear about that.

I think lazy or tired or not the killer instinct th first half. What ever the reason they did not have it IMO the first half, but once we went down by 14, then a trigger went off and we stepped up everything got back in the game, but a loose ball kicked out to wide open baylor player for a 3, then some other deep clutch 3's and we found ourselves on the loosing end. Lets hope this is a learning lesson for everyone going into the tourney.

I do agree that the are underachievers and if Self was their coach.. wow... but i take our team anyway..

[Wpinl]

Originally Posted by fplvieyra

I have to say that I'm pretty much the opposite. Taylor has been consistent the past 3/4 of the season and has been decent to very good in tournament games, so I'm not very worried about him. If you recall last year's tournament, you'll remember that he was the only perimeter player who showed up in every game and that he and Marcus were the only reasons we kept close to VCU. I'm much more worried about Johnson, Withey, Releford, and Teahan. They have either been inconsistent or consistently a non-offensive threat over the entirety of the season. Plus none of them have much tournament experience at all. Johnson has the most, seeing less than 9 minutes per game in last year's tournament. The rest average less than 2 minutes per game per tournament.

No doubt Taylor has been amazing this year. However, I don't want us to be in a position where only he and Robinson are stepping up and thus we need 20+ from him. IMO that is not our best chance at victory and I don't believe that he is a guaranteed scorer. He has been great this year though and he is our 2nd option that got us this far, and we will ride with him. But if releford, Withey and Johnson (especially johnson) can step up play with confidence, then Ku will be hard to beat. If Withey disappears and Releford is hesitant, Johnsoon not hitting is 3's then Ku is not the team that beat MIzzou in Lawrence.

I like our chances and I think Bill self is telling Johnson and Releford to be confident, play smart and within themselves but play aggressive, and danny and he have to be telling Withey we need a aggressive but smart Withey to remain in the game and and be productive. We need him big time if we play a UNC, Duke, Syracuse or UK, teams of that caliber.

Any notice how Kevin Young is starting to play with more confidence...... ?

[Studku]

Originally Posted by RockChalkWoody

+1

I'm tired of hearing how "lazy" or "tired" we looked last night. The bottom line is Baylor FINALLY played to their ability. Honestly, they may have the best frontline in the country. I left the Sprint Center wondering to myself what Baylor's record would be if Self was their coach?

Scott drew>frank Martin it was evident with Kstate down 8 with 42 seconds left he had his team back off Baylor. Scott drew has good game plans his teams just don't produce now that they are they r winning

[Gypsy]

Originally Posted by RockChalkWoody

+1

I'm tired of hearing how "lazy" or "tired" we looked last night. The bottom line is Baylor FINALLY played to their ability. Honestly, they may have the best frontline in the country. I left the Sprint Center wondering to myself what Baylor's record would be if Self was their coach?

Baylor played 2 good games in a row (*gasp*) before laying down a turd. They have Final Four talent but I don't think they will get there.

[RockChalkWoody]

Originally Posted by Gypsy

Baylor played 2 good games in a row (*gasp*) before laying down a turd. They have Final Four talent but I don't think they will get there.

+1

You've got to have mental toughness to get there and I don't think Baylor can overcome their lack of it.

[Gypsy]

I'm interested to see where they end up in the bracket so I can predict where they meet their demise.