He should be in the starting lineup. This is the same injury Wesley Iwundu played through for much of his junior season, wearing a boot in between games and not practicing but still playing when his team needed him. I think it’s about pain tolerance more than anything.
Wade would have played against KU had the Wildcats needed the game to reach the NCAA Tournament. Instead, they told him to rest up for this game. I will be very surprised if he's not out there.
But will he be 100 percent? Probably not. I would guess he’s in the 60-85 percent range. That might not hinder him at all. It might completely throw off his game. We’ll see what he looks like at practice today. But that’s definitely the question heading into the game.
On a scale of 1-10 how badly does Bruce need this win? I personally think a 2 when it comes to contract stability and 7 when it comes to fans liking him, coming to an average of 4.5. Feel free to use any categories and weighted averages in your answer. That’s just how I did mine.
In terms of contract stability, Bruce Weber is basically playing with house money in this NCAA Tournament. He's not on the hot seat and he has a good roster coming back next year. Put me down for a three in that category.
But ... in terms of winning over his detractors, this game ranks way up there. He hasn't advanced past the Round of 64 since he was at Illinois. Going 0-3 in the real bracket with K-State and his haters will howl if that record drops to 0-4 Friday night. He needs to win in the NCAA Tournament before some will give him a chance. Put me down for a nine there.
Guess that evens out to a six.
Looking forward to Marcus Foster reunion Friday! Oh Prognosticator, how would last 3 years have been different if he stayed at K-State?
It would be fascinating to look at the alternate dimension where Foster pushed himself after his breakthrough freshman season and was a team leader as a sophomore and brought the Wildcats together instead of pushing them apart. Maybe they could have had something special with Foster and Iwundu for four whole years. But in this dimension it's probably best that Foster moved to Creighton. I don't see how either side could have salvaged anything had Foster remained at K-State as a junior.
if everything went perfectly for KState, how far could their tourney run take them?
Well, if K-State beats Creighton and UMBC knocks off Virginia then you're looking at a potential deep run.
I don't like K-State's chances against Virginia, the top defensive team in the country. They stink on offense, so maybe the Cats could win a low-scoring game. It's possible. But I like their chances a lot more against a 16 seed in the second round!
The Sweet 16 feels like the realistic ceiling for this group. If they end up with some great matchups, maybe they can go even further. March is crazy, You never know what can happen. But K-State also hasn't won a NCAA Tournament game under Weber, so it's hard to envision a Final Four run even under perfect circumstances. Let's keep it simple and say Sweet 16.
What are the odds that K-State wears the Lucky Lavenders in the Tournament?
Who is the most comparable current Big 12 player to 2018 Marcus Foster?
Let’s put it this way: the Wildcats should definitely wear the Lucky Lavenders. They are 3-0 when wearing them this season, and the players love them. Plus, they bring shock value. I can only imagine what Marcus Foster’s reaction would be to the two-tones.
Will they wear them? I have my doubts. They didn’t even bring them to Kansas City for the Big 12 Tournament. But we’ll see. Thumbs up if they pull them out.
On Foster, that’s a good question.
I’m not sure there is a carbon copy of Foster in the Big 12. He actually reminds me a little of Barry Brown, but Foster is a better shooter and Brown is a much better defender. He’s probably more like Keenan Evans, though they play different positions. Jeffrey Carroll and Svi Mykhailiuk also come to mind, but they don’t touch the ball nearly as much as Foster. You could also call Foster a poor man’s Trae Young.
My answer is Evans. If the game is on the line, neither of those players are giving up the ball.
Who is/are your Cinderella picks this year? Who do you have in your #FinalFour?
Cinderall teams: Loyola-Chicago, South Dakota State and New Mexico State. Could even see some of them making the Sweet 16.
Final Four: Cincinnati, North Carolina, Villanova and Kansas.
Sadly, I hate those picks. But I hate them less than what I had yesterday. So I'm sticking with them!
For fun, I also helped my two sons fill out brackets this year. The 3-year old has Texas has beating Murray State in the title game ... and two 16 seeds winning. The 6-year old went with a Final Four of Loyola-Chicago, Butler, Gonzaga and Kansas.
1. Rumor is he will start, but how healthy is Dean Wade? 2. Pick for the K-State/Creighton game? 3. Since we are nearing the end of the season, who is leaving the MBB team to make room for Williams? 4. Where to Pringle and Reed get drafted? 5. Does Foster get drafted in the NBA?
2. Give me K-State by a small margin. The Wildcats tend to play their best against teams that run on offense and don’t play much defense. They will have to shoot it well, but I expect them to do exactly that. K-State will play better defense than Creighton and win.
3. The betting favorite is Mawdo Sallah.
4. Both get drafted in the late rounds.
5. No.
Im confused - the play that sent Barry to the bench looked dirty to me. Not one media person asked about it post game. Add to that some play from Lightfoot that appeared "rough". Nothing. How come no one even asked the question?
Oh, questions were asked. Devonte Graham said it was an accident and he apologized to Barry Brown afterward. It looked like incidental contact to me. The odds of trying to poke someone in the eye and succeeding at that speed seem low. Maybe it was malicious, but I don’t think it was.
The only thing I wondered afterward: Why didn’t the officials look at it to see if it was deserving of a flagrant foul. A lot of times, those are called even when the offender doesn’t show intent.
Better way to determine national champion. Bracket style tournament or ski race down Devil’s Mountain, first to cross finish line wins.
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Before every KU men’s basketball game, The Star’s Jesse Newell previews the Jayhawks’ upcoming opponent with a scouting report and prediction.
Thursday's game: No. 1 seed Kansas vs. No. 16 seed Penn, 1 p.m., Intrust Bank Arena, Wichita
TV: TBS
Opponent’s record: 24-8
KenPom (Ken Pomeroy) Ranking: 126
Point spread: KU by 13 1/2.
All statistics from KenPom.com, Hoop-Math.com and Synergy Sports Technology. KenPom stats also only include Division I competition.
3 Strengths
▪ Defensive rebounding: Penn does a great job on the defensive glass (11th nationally in defensive rebounding percentage) despite the fact that it does not have much size (276th in average height).
▪ Shot selection: The Quakers' basic philosophy is avoiding mid-range jumpers on offense and forcing them on defense, and that shows through in the team's offensive numbers. Penn takes the 30th-lowest percentage of two-point jumpshots, so it's a belief the players have bought into as well.
▪ Offensive rebounding: Though KU has had some issues on the defensive glass this season, that shouldn't be a problem Thursday. Penn ranks 304th in O-board percentage, as coach Steve Donahue puts a bigger emphasis on his team getting back in transition.
▪ Shooting: Donahue admitted Wednesday that his team's Achilles' heel has been making open shots: threes, layups and free throws. This all can be overcome in a one-game sample, but the Quakers are slightly below average in three-point percentage and also 323rd in free throw accuracy.
▪ Rim protection: Penn, with no player in its rotation taller than 6 foot 8, ranks 275th in block rate.
3 Players to Watch
6-foot-8 forward AJ Brodeur (No. 25)
Plus: Strong finisher at rim
Plus: Good defensive rebounder
Plus: Team's only shot-blocking presence
Plus: Synergy's logs list him as \"very good\" defensively
Minus: Only a 28-percent three-point shooter this year
Minus: Doesn't get to line as often as you'd expect and is poor free-throw shooter
6-foot-5 guard Ryan Betley (No. 21)
Plus: High-volume, accurate three-point shooter
Plus: Rarely turns it over
Plus: Solid defensive rebounder for his size
Plus: Good free-throw shooter
Minus: Below-average finisher at the rim
Minus: Does not create often for teammates
6-foot-4 guard Caleb Wood (No. 10)
Plus: Team's most efficient offensive player
Plus: Shoots threes often and is 38 percent shooter there
Plus: One of nation's best at limiting turnovers
Plus: Doesn't shoot inside often, but he's accurate at the rim when he does
Minus: Has played in less than half of Penn's minutes as a reserve
Minus: Like Betley, he's not much of a distributor
Prediction
Good luck making a prediction for this game.
Most of what has been said in a positive way about Penn is true. The team is one of the best 16 seeds ever. Its defensive strength (three-point prevention) matches up with KU's best offensive skillset. The spread is only 13 1/2 points, which is not that far off from KU home games against Arizona State (12) and Oklahoma State (12) this season where the Jayhawks lost convincingly.
Here's the biggest problem when trying to pick a score for this game: Penn is smart. The Quakers know they want to make this a high-variance game — one where a large number of outcomes is possible.
Most likely, Penn will find it difficult to get shots at the rim against KU. The next-most efficient option is to fire away from three, which at least gives the team a punchers' chance because attempting those shots makes the game less about skill (what KU wants) and more about luck (what Penn wants).
So even if this is not a fast-paced game, I expect Penn to shoot around 35 threes. And if that's the case, I'm basically trying to guess the Quakers' shooting fortunes for Thursday, which is nearly impossible to do.
If Penn makes 5 of 35? KU wins by 30 or more. But if the team makes 18 of 35, which is possible? This 16-over-1 thing has a chance, which is why so many national media members are talking about it.
In the end, I think the Quakers will have to force some tough threes if their goal is volume. I also think KU coach Bill Self will look to take advantage of his team's athleticism (and Penn's defensive rim struggles) by scheming up multiple lob plays that should work if executed correctly.
Is this a scary matchup for KU? Yes. But only if Penn hits threes. I'll say the Quakers are below their shooting average Thursday, which would make for a comfortable KU win.
Kansas 84, Penn 63
Jesse’s pick to cover spread: Kansas
Hawk to Rock
This appears to be a great matchup for KU's Mitch Lightfoot. Penn doesn't have wide-bodied post players who can overpower him inside, and in this game, he should be able to get blocks against an opponent that won't be accustomed to his type of athleticism. Lightfoot also could get an offensive boost with additional lobs thrown his way as KU tries to attack the interior of Penn's defense.
Last game prediction: West Virginia 84, Kansas 80 (Actual: KU 81-70)
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Before every KU men’s basketball game, The Star’s Jesse Newell previews the Jayhawks’ upcoming opponent with a scouting report and prediction.
Saturday's game: No. 9 Kansas vs. No. 18 West Virginia, 5 p.m., Sprint Center, Kansas City, Mo.
TV: ESPN
Opponent’s record: 24-9
KenPom (Ken Pomeroy) Ranking: 11
Point spread: KU by 1.
All statistics from KenPom.com, Hoop-Math.com and Synergy Sports Technology. KenPom stats also only include Division I competition.
3 Strengths
▪ Defensive pressure: KU will play its fourth straight game against a team with this strength. The Mountaineers rank second nationally in defensive turnover percentage and eighth in steal rate.
▪ Second-chance points: West Virginia ranks fourth nationally in offensive rebounding percentage while grabbing the exact same percentage of its misses in both conference and non-conference play.
▪ Rim protection: The Mountaineers — led by Sagaba Konate — are eighth nationally in block rate and 12th in shooting percentage defense on shots at the rim.
▪ Shot selection: The Mountaineers attempt a high number of mid-range jumpers, posting the 86th-highest percentage of those shots nationally.
▪ Defensive rebounding: Though West Virginia is great on the offensive glass, it ranks 246th nationally in D-board percentage.
3 Players to Watch
6-foot-2 guard Jevon Cater (No. 2)
Plus: Voted first-team All-Big 12 by AP and coaches
Plus: Ranks second in KenPom's All-Big 12 player of the year ranking
Plus: Strong three-point shooter
Plus: Ranks eighth nationally in steal rate
Plus: Good passer
Minus: Below-average shooter at rim
Minus: Can struggle to get out to three-point shooters defensively
6-foot-8 forward Sagaba Konate (No. 50)
Plus: Leads nation in block rate
Plus: Strong rebounder on both ends
Plus: Good finisher at the rim
Plus: Above-average free-throw shooter
Minus: Struggles as a half-court post defender
Minus: Not much of a passer; has only eight assists in 20 combined Big 12 games
6-foot-3 guard Daxter Miles (No. 4)
Plus: Had 22 points against KU in teams' last matchup
Plus: Above-average finisher at the rim
Plus: Gets to line decent amount and is good free-throw shooter
Plus: Team's second-best passer behind Carter
Minus: Below-average three-point shooter
Minus: Like Carter, he can struggle defensively to get out to perimeter shooters
Prediction
West Virginia had a chance to beat KU twice this season before failing to hold second-half double-digit leads ... twice.
The Mountaineers definitely have a formula for beating the Jayhawks, even if they haven't been able to maintain that playing style and intensity for 40 minutes yet.
For KU, this is a tough one. With a limited rotation — and without injured center Udoka Azubuike — the Jayhawks will have to grind through the third game of a back-to-back-to-back against an opponent with a pressuring style and deep bench.
KU will likely need a great game from Devonté Graham to win, and though he's previously been great in Big 12 Tournament games, he hasn't played up to his own standard so far this week. That could obviously change Saturday, but it's still asking a lot of a guy who already has been pushed harder than any player in the Bill Self era.
The Jayhawks certainly know how to grind, and they always seems to win more than their fair share of close games.
This time, though, I like the Mountaineers' chances of playing well late with a deeper rotation and fresher legs.
West Virginia 84, Kansas 80
Jesse’s pick to cover spread: West Virginia
Hawk to Rock
West Virginia will allow open threes — especially in transition — and one player who won't be afraid to fire up those types of shots is Svi Mykhailiuk. Expect a high volume of threes from him, which also means he should easily eclipse his previous high of 13 points in this Big 12 Tournament.
Last game prediction: Kansas 69, Kansas State 66 (Actual: KU 83-67)
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Before every KU men’s basketball game, The Star’s Jesse Newell previews the Jayhawks’ upcoming opponent with a scouting report and prediction.
Friday's game: No. 9 Kansas vs. Kansas State, 6 p.m., Sprint Center, Kansas City, Mo.
TV: ESPN
Opponent’s record: 22-10
KenPom (Ken Pomeroy) Ranking: 40
Point spread: KU by 7 1/2.
All statistics from KenPom.com, Hoop-Math.com and Synergy Sports Technology. KenPom stats also only include Division I competition.
3 Strengths
▪ Defensive pressure: Kansas State finished No. 1 in Big 12 play in both defensive turnover rate and steal percentage — an impressive feat considering both West Virginia and Texas Tech are known for that type of defensive style as well.
▪ Finishing close shots: Thought the Wildcats get fewer opportunities at the rim than an average team, they've had great success there, ranking ninth nationally in accuracy on those shots.
▪ Free throws: K-State was third in Big 12 play in offensive free throw rate while also ranking 67th nationally for the season in free throw percentage.
3 Weaknesses
▪ Rebounding ... both ends: K-State is 312th in defensive rebounding percentage and 249th in O-board rate, and those numbers look even worse when you take into account that the Wildcats played a weak non-conference schedule.
▪ Rim protection: The Wildcats ranked last in the conference in block rate and also were next to last in two-point percentage defense.
▪ Three-point defense: K-State allows a high percentage of outside shots, which has been a problem in its two previous losses against KU this year. The Jayhawks made 10 of 23 threes at Allen Fieldhouse, then 9 of 20 outside shots at Bramlage Coliseum in the rematch.
3 Players to Watch
6-foot-3 guard Barry Brown (No. 5)
Plus: Voted second-team All-Big 12 by AP and coaches
Plus: Takes on team's largest offensive load
Plus: Gets fouled often and is 77 percent shooter at line
Plus: Ranks 93rd nationally in steal rate
Minus: Below-average three-point shooter
Minus: Takes too many mid-range attempts considering his poor accuracy there
6-foot-5 forward Xavier Sneed (No. 20)
Plus: Strong finisher at the rim
Plus: Rarely turns it over
Plus: Synergy lists him as \"good\" defender who is team's second-best at creating steals
Minus: Takes a lot of threes, but only a 33-percent shooter there
Minus: Only a role player offensively with below-average usage rate
Plus: Above-average shooter at rim and in mid-range
Minus: Synergy lists him only as \"average\" overall defender
Minus: Limited player offensively who struggles to create his own shot
Prediction
The big talking point Friday will obviously be K-State forward Dean Wade, an All-Big 12 first-team selection who is sitting out because of a foot injury.
Wade is a great player — and easily K-State's best — but I think there will be an overreaction when it comes to how much his absence affects the Wildcats' chances.
Both teams will likely have lengthy scoreless stretches against defenses that should have them scouted well. In the end, I like the Jayhawks in a close game (they always seem to win those against the Wildcats), though I don't think it'll be as easy as most expect.
Kansas 69, Kansas State 66
Jesse’s pick to cover spread: Kansas State
Hawk to Rock
Against K-State this season, Devonté Graham had 23 points in one game and 11 assists in the other. He'll be the most important player when it comes to KU attacking K-State's pressure defense, and don't be surprised if his aggressiveness leads to double-digit free throw attempts and also 20-plus points.
Last game prediction: Kansas 77, Oklahoma State 70 (Actual: KU 82-68)
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Before every KU men’s basketball game, The Star’s Jesse Newell previews the Jayhawks’ upcoming opponent with a scouting report and prediction.
Thursday's game: No. 9 Kansas vs. Oklahoma State, about 2 p.m., Sprint Center, Kansas City, Mo.
TV: ESPN2
Opponent’s record: 19-13
KenPom (Ken Pomeroy) Ranking: 52
Point spread: KU by 5.
All statistics from KenPom.com, Hoop-Math.com and Synergy Sports Technology. KenPom stats also only include Division I competition.
3 Strengths
▪ Offensive rebounding: Oklahoma State ranks 34th in O-board percentage and also grabbed 45 percent of its misses in Wednesday's 71-60 victory over Oklahoma.
▪ Defensive pressure: The Cowboys ranked fourth in Big 12 play in defensive turnover percentage and third in steal rate while forcing 17 KU turnovers in the teams' last game on Saturday.
▪ Rim protection: Oklahoma State is 68th nationally in two-point percentage defense and 82nd in block rate. The team has been especially effective limiting opponents' accuracy at the rim.
▪ Getting easy shots: Oklahoma State ranks 297th in percentage of shots at the rim, meaning it will be more reliant on jump-shooting than most teams.
▪ Free throws ... both ends: The Cowboys rank 233rd in both offensive and defensive free-throw rate. It shouldn't be a surprise if the Jayhawks get fouled more often Thursday.
3 Players to Watch
6-foot-6 guard/forward Jeffrey Carroll (No. 30)
Plus: Takes on large offensive role
Plus: One of team's best at getting to rim on drives
Plus: Gets fouled a decent amount and is 77 percent shooter at line
Plus: Synergy's logs list him as \"very good\" defender
Minus: Just a 32-percent three-point shooter this year after making 44 percent last season
Minus: Doesn't create often for teammates
6-foot-3 guard Kendall Smith (No. 1)
Plus: Had season-high 24 points in first game against KU, then posted new season-high with 25 against Jayhawks on Saturday
Plus: High-volume shooter
Plus: Good passer
Plus: Strong three-point shooter
Minus: Overall inefficient offensive player
Minus: Settles for too many mid-range jumpers
6-foot-7 forward Cameron McGriff (No. 12)
Plus: Was Oklahoma State's best player against Oklahoma on Wednesday with 18-point, nine-rebound effort
Plus: Great on the offensive glass
Plus: Gets fouled often and is 87 percent free-throw shooter
Plus: Above-average at rim and in mid-range
Minus: Poor defender who especially struggles in post-up situations
Minus: Can be turnover prone
Prediction
We've already discussed in the first and second Quick Scouts how Oklahoma State is a tough matchup for KU.
The Jayhawks' struggles on the defensive glass are exacerbated against Oklahoma State, while KU's own inability to get to the offensive glass or draw fouls keeps the team from fully capitalizing on two of the Cowboys' weaknesses.
Having said all that ... KU is better than Oklahoma State, or we would have believed that if Azubuike were healthy and available Thursday.
Without him playing, this pick is more difficult. How will KU respond? Will the Jayhawks play five guards more often? How will Mitch Lightfoot and Silvio De Sousa perform with more extended roles? Will the Cowboys be able to improve on their rebounding dominance?
I'm going to go against the grain here. A huge key for Oklahoma State against KU has been making 22 of 51 threes in the two-game sample (43 percent), which has meant the Cowboys scored about nine points per game more than expected thanks to good outside shooting luck.
If that percentage moves close to season averages, I actually like KU's chances to avoid a three-game sweep against Oklahoma State — with help from transition points and some good outside shooting of its own.
Kansas 77, Oklahoma State 70
Jesse’s pick to cover spread: Kansas
Hawk to Rock
Because of the circumstances, I think Mitch Lightfoot could have a big statistical game. Though Lightfoot struggles on the defensive glass, his specialty is offensive rebounds, and there should be plenty of openings for those against an Oklahoma State team that has trouble clearing opponents' missed shots. Lightfoot's career high for rebounds is eight, and I think he surpasses that against the Cowboys on Thursday.
Last game prediction: Kansas 81, Oklahoma State 80 (Actual: Oklahoma State 82-64)
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Before every KU men’s basketball game, The Star’s Jesse Newell previews the Jayhawks’ upcoming opponent with a scouting report and prediction.
All statistics from KenPom.com, Hoop-Math.com and Synergy Sports Technology. KenPom stats also only include Division I competition.
3 Strengths
▪ Offensive rebounding: Oklahoma State ranks 39th in O-board percentage, and the team also had success with this in Lawrence, grabbing 47 percent of its misses in an 84-79 victory over KU on Feb. 3.
▪ Defensive pressure: The Cowboys rank fourth in Big 12 play in both defensive turnover percentage and steal rate.
▪ Rim protection: Oklahoma State is 64th nationally in two-point percentage defense and 90th in block rate. The team has been especially effective limiting opponents' accuracy at the rim.
3 Weaknesses
▪ Defensive rebounding: The Cowboys rank 282nd nationally in D-board percentage, though that might not be a bad weakness against this KU team, which doesn't attack the offensive glass much.
▪ Getting easy shots: Oklahoma State ranks 301st in percentage of shots at the rim, meaning it will be more reliant on jump-shooting than most teams.
▪ Transition defense: The Cowboys allow more transition opportunities than an average defense, and they're right around average when it comes to shooting percentage allowed on fast breaks. This obviously is an area KU can exploit ... if the Jayhawks can secure the rebound needed to end defensive possessions.
3 Players to Watch
6-foot-6 guard/forward Jeffrey Carroll (No. 30)
Plus: Takes on large offensive role
Plus: One of team's best at getting to rim on drives
Plus: Gets fouled a decent amount and is 77 percent shooter at line
Plus: Synergy's logs list him as \"very good\" defender
Minus: Just a 32-percent three-point shooter this year after making 44 percent last season
Minus: Doesn't create often for teammates
6-foot-3 guard Kendall Smith (No. 1)
Plus: Had season-high 24 points in first game against KU
Plus: High-volume shooter
Plus: Good passer
Plus: Strong three-point shooter
Minus: Overall inefficient offensive player
Minus: Settles for too many mid-range jumpers
6-foot-7 forward Cameron McGriff (No. 12)
Plus: Was Oklahoma State's best player in earlier game with KU; posted 20 points and nine rebounds
Plus: Great on the offensive glass
Plus: Gets fouled often and is 87 percent free-throw shooter
Plus: Above-average at rim and in mid-range
Minus: Poor defender who especially struggles in post-up situations
Minus: Can be turnover prone
Prediction
Oklahoma State has one crazy defensive stat that's hard to explain.
In Big 12 play, the Cowboys' opponents have made 41 percent of their threes, and that's despite the fact Oklahoma State's defense has done a better-than-average job running teams off the three-point line.
Synergy's numbers are even more confusing. Oklahoma State has allowed more points per possession on \"guarded\" spot-up jumpers this season (1.10) than \"unguarded\" ones (1.01). That sure seems fluky and might indicate the Cowboys defense is better than appearances.
Playing KU only further complicates things. The Jayhawks are one of the nation's best at making threes, so even allowing small creases could be costly for Oklahoma State on Saturday.
This still seems, to me, like a tough matchup for KU. The Cowboys' strength (offensive rebounding) matches up with KU's weakness, while its weakness (defensive rebounding) isn't likely to be exploited.
Oklahoma State hasn't shot it great from three this season, but as the earlier KU game illustrated, that doesn't mean as much in a one-game sample. If the Cowboys can get back in transition like they did in the first matchup, I like their chances to keep this close.
Kansas 81, Oklahoma State 80
Jesse’s pick to cover spread: Oklahoma State
Hawk to Rock
For the second straight game, Udoka Azubuike has a promising matchup. Oklahoma State doesn't have a good defensive fit for him in its standard rotation, and the big man also will have ample opportunity for second-chance points against defenders who lack his strength. Look for Azubuike to lead in KU scoring just like he did last game against Texas.
Last game prediction: Kansas 70, Texas 65 (Actual: KU 80-70)
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It’s time for another K-State Q&A.
Lots of great questions to get to this week, so let’s dive right in. Thanks, as always, for your participation.
Has there been any talk of perhaps reinstating Stokes into the starting lineup to maybe jump start his production. Does not seem to be adjusting well to coming off the bench.
Not that I am aware of. K-State coaches are still monitoring Kamau Stokes’ minutes to make sure he doesn’t push his body too far and re-injure his left foot. It seems unlikely they would start a guy on a pitch count (baseball metaphor) over a healthy Cartier Diarra.
But it’s not that crazy of an idea.
Stokes has only had one good game since returning from injury and Diarra hasn’t been able to duplicate the numbers he produced with Stokes out of the rotation. Maybe a switch would help them both get back on track.
I’m not totally sure what to make of Diarra’s slump. He averaged 12 points and 3.4 assists with Stokes watching in street clothes, but his production has slipped considerably since Stokes returned to the rotation. They don’t play together all that much, and Diarra has started every game, so they shouldn’t be throwing each other off.
All I can think of is that Diarra felt the Matthew Dellavedova Rush and played with reckless abandon with Stokes out of the lineup, knowing that if he didn’t step up the team was going to lose. Now that Stokes is back, it’s possible he lost some of that motivation. And Stokes clearly isn’t 100 percent.
K-State hoped to have the equivalent of six starters when Stokes returned, but it hasn’t worked out that way. Against TCU, the Wildcats got so little from their point guards it felt like they only had four starters.
What conference tournament favorites do K-State fans need to cheer for? In other words, what conferences could steal bids and shrink the bubble?
Let me start by saying K-State fans need to cheer for the Wildcats to beat Baylor on Saturday. Every Big 12 team with a winning conference record has made the NCAA Tournament since 2009, and every Big 12 team with 10 conference wins has made the NCAA Tournament since 2007.
The Wildcats probably lock up an at-large bid with a win (though K-State was the unlucky team that missed out in 07 and 09). Beat Baylor (a win in KC would also probably be enough) and they won’t have much to worry about in the other conference tournaments.
But they will be sweating if they lose their next two games.
If that happens, K-State fans will be rooting for the following teams: Loyola-Chicago, Rhode Island, Gonzaga, St. Mary’s, New Mexico State and Middle Tennessee State. The last thing the Wildcats need is extra teams from the Missouri Valley, Atlantic 10, WAC, WCC or Conference USA getting in.
They might also want to root against Nebraska, Washington, UCLA, Alabama and St. Bonaventure.
Good morning Kellis , ya think we are in the tourney or do you think we needa couple more wins?
It’s possible K-State has already done enough to earn a return trip to Dayton for the First Four. The Wildcats can finish no worse than fifth in the Big 12 standings, and a 9-9 conference record has been good enough to get teams into the Big Dance in recent years.
But I have my doubts.
K-State’s RPI (62) is not good. Neither is its strength of schedule (92). Ending the season on a four-game losing streak would be a bad idea. Beat Baylor and the Wildcats are probably in. Beat Baylor and win a game in KC and they are a stone-cold lock. Anything less keeps the NIT in play.
How much better do you expect the men's bball team to be next year? Can we expect a few wins against the top 3 B12 teams? Or have we seen the ceiling for Weber-ball?
Barry Brown and Dean Wade are already two of the best basketball players in the conference. If they return and Xavier Sneed improves and Kamau Stokes gets healthy, and Cartier Diarra develops and Makol Mawien learns to score/rebound the Wildcats could challenge for a Big 12 championship. They should, at least, be picked to finish in the top three or four.
The Wildcats need better production inside and more consistency at point guard.
If they can add or develop a rebounder and figure out a way for Diarra, Stokes and incoming recruit Shaun Williams to co-exist they will be good.
Expectations will be much higher than this year.
Do you think DeanWolf takes the leap to the NBA, or is he coming back for one last ride?
I think Wade tests the NBA waters and makes himself eligible for the NBA Draft without hiring an agent. Brown and Stokes (he did it last year) probably do the same thing. But I bet they ultimately decide to return to K-State for their senior years.
Wade is a pro prospect, but he doesn’t seem like a lock to get drafted yet. He can change that with a big senior season.
If lost to Baylor and can’t join ‘March Madness’, how do you expect BW fate? Is NIT enough to save his life?
As disappointing as it would be for Kansas State to lose its final four games and miss the NCAA Tournament, I don’t sense that Weber is on the hot seat.
K-State has won 20 games and gone 9-8 in the Big 12 without a scholarship senior. If everyone comes back and Weber finds or develops a rebounder the Wildcats could be quite a bit better next year. And with FBI scandals happening across college basketball, Weber will probably benefit from his squeaky-clean image.
Hi Kellis hope you’re doing well. What’s more likely: Bruce Weber retires a wildcat, he takes another job, or he’s fired before the 2020 season? The more and more I think about it, I cannot see any realistic scenario at all that Bruce isn’t coaching the Cats in 2020-21.
If he retains the core of K-State’s current roster and strikes gold next year (25-plus wins or Sweet 16) he will probably still be coaching at K-State in 2021. If things go poorly next season (bubble or worse), it’s hard to see him coaching at K-State in 2020.
I’ve said before on here that I don’t see him taking another job. He’s 61 and he says he wants to retire in Manhattan. It would probably take a bigger/better job to lure him away. So this might be his final coaching stop.
But if he does have a good 2018-19 season expectations will rise, meaning he would have to follow it up with another good year. He needs to secure a good recruiting class to help replace Barry Brown, Kamau Stokes and Dean Wade. It will be hard to keep the haters at bay if K-State slumps without them. Heck, the last question was about Bruce’s status for next season.
Has your faith in our airline industry been shaken in light of your plight this week?
I’m not going to start driving to road games in Lubbock and Fort Worth and Morgantown, if that’s what you’re asking.
This week wasn’t that bad. Had a noon flight canceled into DFW and still made it to Schollmaier Arena in time to watch most of the K-State/TCU basketball game. I listened to the beginning in my rental car, so I think I got the gist of what happened.
I’ve experienced worse. I remember having a string of flight delays prevent me from arriving on press row at Madison Square Garden for a K-State/Delaware game in the 2012 preseason NIT until the 8-minute mark of the second half. And as soon as I got my computer fired up, Will Spradling crashed into the media table and doused me with half-empty cups of soda. That wasn’t fun.
But, hey, it still beats driving.
K-Dawg, if you could construct the world's greatest breakfast burrito, how are you whipping up that bad boy and what ingredients lie within its tortilla?
When I’m looking for the world’s best breakfast on a tortilla, I go to Juan in a Million in Austin, Texas. The Don Juan Taco is the best there is.
But if I’m constructing it myself inside my Manhattan kitchen, I’m rolling with chorizo, eggs, cheese, breakfast potatoes, sour cream and little bit of salsa. No beans, rice or lettuce like you’d find on a normal taco. If I’m hungry enough, I’m making another one with bacon instead of chorizo.
Who would be the top 3 favorites in a foot race of K-State media members? Say a 100 meter dash.
This seems like an easy debate to solve. Next time we’re all waiting for interviews to start at Bramlage Coliseum we have a media race!
I’m only a couple months away from graduating. What things do I absolutely need to do in Manhattan before I leave? Anything off the beaten path you can think of?
Pillsbury Crossing is a fun spot to swim or sip on a beverage when it gets warmer. Little Apple Brewery has good food and beer without the hustle and bustle of Aggieville. The Chef is hard to beat for breakfast, if you can avoid the line. Those would be my suggestions.
But you can’t go wrong with more So Long, Taco Lucha and Coco Bolo’s. Enjoy them while you can. These days, I spend most of my nights out at Widgets.
NFL prospects of Reed and Pringle.
— StraightOuttaEMAW (@StraightOuttaEM) March 1, 2018
Here’s guessing both get drafted.
D.J. Reed was an excellent cornerback at Kansas State, and he got an invitation to the NFL Combine as a junior. It seems like teams think he is ready to play at the next level. He will need to back up what he’s shown on film with solid numbers in front of the scouts, but he’s in good shape to be a mid-to-late rounder.
I didn’t like Pringle’s draft chances at first, but he seemed to have a good Senior Bowl and then also got an invite to the combine. He will either be a late-rounder or an undrafted free agent. Right now, I bet he gets picked.
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Before every KU men’s basketball game, The Star’s Jesse Newell previews the Jayhawks’ upcoming opponent with a scouting report and prediction.
Monday's game: Texas at No. 8 Kansas, 8 p.m., Allen Fieldhouse
TV: ESPN
Opponent’s record: 17-12
KenPom (Ken Pomeroy) Ranking: 43
Point spread: Kansas by 9 1/2.
All statistics from KenPom.com, Hoop-Math.com and Synergy Sports Technology. KenPom stats also only include Division I competition.
3 Strengths
▪ Interior defense: Texas has the nation's 20th-best block rate, and it also ranks 38th in two-point defense. Interestingly, Texas' defense is excellent in mid-range but below average shooting-percentage-wise when opponents get shots at the rim.
▪ Three-point defense: Though KU fired up 35 threes (and made 17) in its 92-86 victory over Texas in December, we shouldn't expect nearly as many of those tries from the Jayhawks on Monday. Texas has been the Big 12's third-best at limiting outside attempts in league play, and no school has shot more than 30 against the Longhorns since KU's hot shooting night.
▪ Foul prevention: Texas is the Big 12's best at avoiding whistles, which could limit some of the positive benefits KU gets from playing at Allen Fieldhouse.
3 Weaknesses
▪ Three-point shooting: This is ugly. Though the Longhorns take more threes than an average team, they've made just 31 percent. That ranks 337th nationally.
▪ Defensive pressure: Texas is ninth in Big 12 play in defensive turnover percentage, which makes some sense. Because the team has good shot-blockers, it's likely not trying to gamble much defensively while forcing opponents to make contested shots.
▪ Mid-range shooting: The Longhorns are not only 327th in two-point jumper percentage, but they're also 313th in free-throw accuracy.
Plus: Fifth in KenPom’s Big 12 player of the year measure
Plus: Elite shot-blocker who had eight swats in first KU game
Plus: Excellent finisher at the rim
Plus: Strong rebounder on both ends
Plus: Draws fouls often
Minus: Poor shooter in mid-range and from three
Minus: Only an \"average\" defender, via Synergy, in post-up situations
6-foot-4 guard Kerwin Roach (No. 12)
Plus: Does good job getting to the rim and finishing
Plus: Decent passer
Plus: Team's best three-point shooter still available to play
Minus: Poor mid-range shooter
Minus: Can be turnover prone
6-foot-9 forward Dylan Osetkowski (No. 21)
Plus: Takes on large offensive role
Plus: Good free-throw shooter
Plus: Above-average finisher at the rim
Minus: Has blocked four shots all year
Minus: Poor three-point shooter who takes too many
Minus: Below-average defender, especially when pulled away from rim
Prediction
I've got conflicting thoughts about his pick.
It's always difficult to anticipate the emotions of Senior Night, as this game will have a different pregame routine with the potential for players to have their minds elsewhere early.
This also sets up to be a tough game for this KU offense. The Longhorns limit threes, get back in transition well and also don't foul often, meaning the Jayhawks will have to run good half-court offense to get open shots.
Texas, though, has its own problems. The team has major offensive issues, and those aren't helped by the fact that one the roster's only decent three-point shooters — Eric Davis — is being held out after being named in a recent Yahoo report relating to the FBI's investigation into college basketball.
Texas certainly has a lot to play for, as it appears on the \"last four out\" in ESPN's latest Bracketology. This feels like a game where the Longhorns play well early, have a lead for a while, then lose that advantage in the second half when KU's seniors settle themselves.
If that happens, I think it's closer than Vegas anticipates.
Kansas 70, Texas 65
Jesse’s pick to cover spread: Texas
Hawk to Rock
Synergy's logs list Texas as a \"below average\" defensive team in post-up situations, and KU coach Bill Self commented after his team's game against Texas Tech on Saturday that the Jayhawks didn't look inside enough. That makes this an easy choice: Udoka Azubuike, barring foul trouble, should be the biggest part of KU's offensive gameplan.
Last game prediction: Texas Tech 71, Kansas 66 (Actual: KU 74-72)
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Before every KU men’s basketball game, The Star’s Jesse Newell previews the Jayhawks’ upcoming opponent with a scouting report and prediction.
Saturday's game: No. 8 Kansas at No. 6 Texas Tech, 3:15 p.m., United Supermarkets Arena, Lubbock, Texas
TV: ESPN
Opponent’s record: 22-6
KenPom (Ken Pomeroy) Ranking: 10
Point spread: Texas Tech by 2.
All statistics from KenPom.com, Hoop-Math.com and Synergy Sports Technology. KenPom stats also only include Division I competition.
3 Strengths
▪ Transition defense: Texas Tech's defense does a better-than-average job at limiting fast breaks while posting the eighth-best defensive shooting percentage numbers in that situation.
▪ Creating havoc: The Red Raiders have forced turnovers on 22 percent of their defensive possessions in Big 12 play. That number is best in the conference — and, yes, even better than West Virginia.
▪ Offensive rebounding: Texas Tech ranks 50th nationally in O-board percentage, and it dominated KU in that facet during the teams' first matchup. In that game, the Red Raiders grabbed 46 percent of their missed shots.
3 Weaknesses
▪ Carelessness: Texas Tech ranks eighth in Big 12 play in offensive turnover percentage, with most of those giveaway issues appearing to come from the team's big men.
▪ Fouls: For the season, the Red Raiders rank 285th in defensive free-throw rate, which means the Jayhawks should have opportunities to get to the line Saturday.
▪ Three-point shooting: While Texas Tech's three-point accuracy is right about at NCAA average, the team does not attempt as many of those shots as most teams. The Red Raiders' main offensive focus is scoring inside and also getting fouled.
3 Players to Watch
6-foot-3 guard Keenan Evans (No. 12)
Plus: Ranks seventh in KenPom’s national player of the year measure
Plus: Efficient player who takes on huge offensive load
Plus: Gets to line often and is 84-percent shooter there
Plus: Does great job creating for himself and finishing at rim
Saturday's biggest unknown, obviously, is the Evans' toe injury. This is a Texas Tech team that leans heavily on him offensively, so if he remains hobbled, that would be a significant setback.
Then again, Texas Tech's identity this season has been defense, and Evans is not a main cog with that (in fact, he's probably the team's worst defender, according to Synergy's logs). The Red Raiders showed how good they could be in their 85-73 victory at Allen Fieldhouse on Jan. 2, holding the Jayhawks to 1.01 points per possession while limiting transition and also forcing lots of contested jumpers.
There's something else to factor in here: Ken Pomeroy's numbers say Texas Tech has the sixth-best home-court advantage, with the Red Raiders getting a better-than-average while at home while also having the benefit of playing at altitude — something that is difficult for road teams to adjust to.
For a long time, I thought this would be the game KU would win to get back to the top of the Big 12 standings. With the Jayhawks leading by a game, though, some of the urgency is gone, as this contest is important but no longer a must in the team's pursuit of a 14th straight title.
I think we'll see a bounceback defensive effort for Texas Tech following Wednesday's road loss to Oklahoma State. KU struggled to score in the first matchup, and I can see that happening again Saturday against a motivated Red Raiders' team.
Texas Tech 71, Kansas 66
Jesse’s pick to cover spread: Texas Tech
Hawk to Rock
I already mentioned above that Evans is Texas Tech's weakest player defensively, and add an injury onto that, and the clear pick for HTR is the player he'll match up against: KU's Devonté Graham. The Jayhawks' point guard also is the team's best at getting to the free-throw line, and that should only help his point total against the foul-happy Red Raiders.
Last game prediction: Kansas 86, Oklahoma 84 (Actual: KU 104-74)
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It’s time for another K-State Q&A.
Thanks, as always, for your questions. We’ve got a lot of good ones on tap this week, so let’s get right to them.
Can you explain why K-State is still seen as in the bubble? Is our non conference schedule enough to negate a third place standing in the Big 12?
I must admit I am a little perplexed that Kansas State remains so close to the NCAA Tournament cut line in the eyes of bracket experts. The Wildcats are tied with West Virginia for third place in the Big 12 at 9-6, they have won eight of their last 11 games and their lone bad loss (Tulsa in Wichita) doesn’t really seem all that bad. They were on the bubble going into last week’s game against Oklahoma State and remain there despite winning three in a row.
I guess Oklahoma State, Iowa State and Texas don’t move the needle.
A few weeks ago, someone asked what Big 12 record K-State would need to lock up an at-large bid. My response: 9-9. Now, I’m thinking it will take 11-7 or 10-8 with a win in the Big 12 Tournament to achieve lock (no way they get left out) status.
One thing to remember: bracket experts like Lunardi and Palm aren’t actually on the committee. They were just as surprised as the rest of us by the top 16 reveal earlier this month. They are guessing same as the rest of us. With the new quadrant system, there might be more misses than usual on those mock brackets.
From what I can tell, the committee is valuing good wins (especially good road wins) over everything else. That’s something the Wildcats don’t have many of. They haven’t beaten a single team currently ranked in the top 25 or that has achieved lock status for the Big Dance. Perhaps that is why they are the David Wooderson (Matthew McConaughey’s character in “Dazed and Confused) of this year’s NCAA Tournament candidates. They keep winning, but the bubble stays the same.
K-State’s best RPI wins have come against TCU (21) at home and Oklahoma (32) at home. Going 0-6 against Kansas (7), Texas Tech (17) and West Virginia (27) is probably holding the Wildcats back, at least in the eyes of some. Beating the Horned Frogs and the Sooners on the road in their next two games would be big. Knocking off KU, Tech or WVU in Kansas City would be even bigger.
There is also a pillow-soft nonconference schedule to consider. K-State’s early slate ranks 336th nationally. Compare that to TCU (49th) or Oklahoma (110th) or Texas (76th) and it’s easy to see why there isn’t separation. The selection committee isn’t supposed to look at a team’s conference record. So, while I agree the top four teams in the Big 12 standings should qualify for the NCAA Tournament no questions asked, that’s not how the committee thinks.
K-State will get the opportunity to move off the bubble in its final three games. Oklahoma, TCU and Baylor are all solid opponents. Win two and the Wildcats move into lock territory.
If TTU collapses to end the season and the Cats win out, does Bruce sneak into the Big 12 COTY conversation?
He’s already in the conversation. If K-State wins out and finishes even or ahead of Texas Tech you could make a case for Bruce Weber as Big 12 Coach of the Year.
It would be an interesting debate. Texas Tech was picked seventh and appeared on its way to winning the league before Keenan Evans got hurt. K-State was picked to finish eighth and currently sits in third. You could also go with Bill Self if Kansas finishes first again.
Do you give the award to the coach who wins the league? Or do you go with the biggest over-achiever?
Right now, it’s a three-man race between Chris Beard, Bill Self and Bruce Weber. A lot will depend on what happens over the next three games.
Looks like Bruce won’t be dumped by K-State. Should we be concerned that Bruce dumps K-State for greener pastures? One that would embrace the play-hard chart?
Anything is possible ... But that would surprise me.
Bruce Weber likes Manhattan and he has said several times his dream is to coach here until he retires. One way or another, I think this will be his last coaching stop. He also should have a good team coming back and his buyout is $2.5 million. If he does look to coach elsewhere, it will probably be after that number drops to $500,000 on April 30, 2019.
Is this the best K-State team since the Big XII championship team?
Last year’s team had more high-shelf wins (Baylor twice, West Virginia) and smoked Wake Forest in the First Four. It also had the best overall player (Wesley Iwundu), but this team is so much more consistent. Barry Brown and Dean Wade should both land on the all-Big 12 teams. Cartier Diarra, Xavier Sneed and Kamau Stokes are all good. If everyone comes back this group could challenge for another conference title next season.
Do you think the Cats still have a shot at playing in Wichita? If so, how many more wins seals the deal?
If Kansas State ends up in Wichita it will most likely be as a random gift from the selection committee.
Only the top four seeds in each region are supposed to get preferential treatment when it comes to sub-regional sites, and it’s unlikely the Wildcats will earn one of those. Maybe that could come into play if they win their final three games and follow that up with a Big 12 Tournament championship, but even then that’s a big climb up from their current projection.
I remember asking Bruce Weber before the Tulsa game if he would use returning to Intrust Bank Arena for the NCAA Tournament as motivation and it was hard for him to take the question seriously, saying the Wildcats would have to win “a whole lot of games” for that to become a possible reward.
Still, random gifts have happened plenty of times before. There’s no rule that says a 7 seed can’t play close to home. Kansas State went to St. Louis as a 9 seed with favored teams Kansas and Wichita State in 2014. West Virginia usually ends up in Pittsburgh when the NCAA Tournament goes there, regardless of seed. I once covered a NCAA Tournament game in Boise in 2009 when Marquette flew across the country as a No. 6 seed to play Utah State in its own backyard in the first round.
It happens. The Wildcats can keep their fingers crossed and hope for Wichita.
What is K-State's best possible scenario regarding tourney seed? If the team continues to heat up (big "if," I know), is a 6 possible?
If ... remember, I said if ... K-State finishes on a nine-game winning streak and hoists a trophy in Kansas City I could see a 5 seed. As mentioned above, maybe even a 4. Depends on who it faces along the way.
More realistically, the Wildcats could push for a 6 seed with a 2-1 finish and then a pair of wins in KC. That would give them 25 wins, and that’s probably enough for a 6 seed.
Do you think we have a few guys transferring in the off season? Sallah and Patrick haven’t played in 3(?) games
K-State needs to make roster room for 2018 commit Shaun Williams, so someone is definitely going to have to transfer or turn pro.
My guess (and that’s all it is) is that we see more roster turnover than that.
As you pointed out, Mawdo Sallah hasn’t played in seven games. As a grad transfer, he remains eligible to play immediately elsewhere next season. Unless he can suddenly crack the rotation, it’s hard to envision him sticking around for another year on the bench. Brian Patrick hasn’t played in three of the past four games. I think he has potential, but if he’s not playing he could also look elsewhere.
Transfers are so common in college basketball, almost everyone is a candidate.
Kamau Stokes tested the NBA waters last spring. Will he do so again? Will Barry Brown or Dean Wade join him?
Those are all decisions that will be made after the season.
If you could greenlight the next big facilities project for K-State athletics (i.e. West Stadium Center, Basketball training facility) what would it be?
I want a new media room/interview center at Bramlage Coliseum. The current setup (in a storage closet at the top of the arena ramp) is sub-optimal. That’s what I would green light!
If you’re looking for something that benefits fans, I would invest in a new video board on the South side of the football stadium. The current one is starting to feel small.
Thoughts on the Cats sweeping ISU/OSU in both sports during the same academic year for the first time...ever?
Dean Wade has been a model of consistency this season. He’s like a golfer that never shoots over par. Even when he doesn’t score 20-plus points he piles up assists and rebounds. He even had four blocks against Texas. He is a very complete player.
Lots of chatter this week about decreased attendance across the board for college football, so if you were appointed College Football Czar what 3 things would you dictate down to the world of CFB?
1. Faster games. College football games last way too long. They need do away with all the clock stoppages after first downs and quit reviewing so many plays. Switch to the NFL system, let the clock run between snaps and only review non scoring plays when a coach throws his challenge flag. That would cut down on the four-hour games and reduce dead time.
2. Sell beer. Some colleges already do it. Everyone should.
3. Better Wi-Fi in stadiums? I admittedly don’t have a great third suggestion for making the in-stadium experience better than the stay-home experience. Better, and cheaper, concessions would be another good idea. But maybe a stronger Internet connection would help. There is so much dead time at games it would be nice for fans to know they can always check other scores of post photos to Instagram at the stadium.
\n","template_type":"","story_teaser":"","lead_media":{"id":"201750434","url":"https://www.kansas.com/sports/college/big-12/kansas-state/u59h0s/picture201750434","asset_type":"picture","state":"published","title":"Texas Tech Kansas St Basketball(3)","publication":"kansas","layout_option":"","home":"/web/v1/sections/3318","modified_date":1519417121,"allow_comments":false,"allow_index":false,"allow_follow":false,"published_date":1519400965,"thumbnail":"https://www.kansas.com/sports/college/big-12/kansas-state/u59h0s/picture201750434/alternates/FREE_1140/Texas%20Tech%20Kansas%20St%20Basketball(3)","href":"/web/v1/content/201750434","access_tags":["matbasic"],"credit":"","dateline":"","is_mugshot":false,"text_alignment":"Default","summary":"","byline":"","kicker":""},"owner":"Wichita","allow_comments":true,"topic_tags":[],"image":"https://www.kansas.com/sports/college/big-12/kansas-state/u59h0s/picture201750434/alternates/LANDSCAPE_768/Texas%20Tech%20Kansas%20St%20Basketball(3)"},{"id":"200923019","url":"https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/campus-corner/article200923019.html","asset_type":"story","state":"published","title":"Podcast: Mizzou’s Sophie Cunningham on goals, haters and being a role model","publication":"kansascity","layout_option":"none","home":"/web/v1/sections/2703","home_section":{"name":"Campus Corner","url":"https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/campus-corner/"},"modified_date":1519066755,"allow_index":true,"allow_follow":true,"meta_title":"Podcast: Mizzou basketball's Sophie Cunningham embraces haters","originating_url":"http://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/campus-corner/article200923019.html","meta_description":"Missouri Tigers women’s basketball star Sophie Cunningham joined The Star’s SportsBeat KC podcast to talk about her NCAA Tournament aspirations and becoming “elite.”","published_date":1519066483,"thumbnail":"https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/campus-corner/wfnohv/picture200923014/alternates/LANDSCAPE_768/sophie","authors":[{"name":"Aaron Reiss","email":"areiss@kcstar.com"}],"keywords":"Sophie Cunningham, mizzou tigers, missouri, mu, women's basketball, wbb, ncaa tournament, college basketball, missouri women's basketball, mizzou women's basketball, podcast, sophie","access_tags":["matbasic","matsport"],"additional_sections":["2703","2415","75103","2662","2672"],"credit":"","dateline":"","summary":"Missouri Tigers women’s basketball star Sophie Cunningham joined The Star’s SportsBeat KC podcast to talk about her NCAA Tournament aspirations and becoming “elite.”","content":"
Before she became the hometown star for the Missouri women’s basketball team, Sophie Cunningham was a seventh grader who received her first scholarship offer from … the Kansas Jayhawks.
“I think I had like three or four offers. Maybe five,” Cunningham said. “But yeah, they didn’t matter.”
Cunningham joined The Star’s SportsBeat KC podcast before MU’s big win over Tennessee. Here’s a brief Q&A of the full podcast with Cunningham, which you can listen to below.
\n
When you came here, when you envisioned what it would be like and try to build something, where did you envision the process would be in Year Three?
Cunningham: I really didn’t plan on years. But I knew that I wanted an SEC championship. I want two, honestly. I’m running out of time. It’s this year and next year. I for sure want one, but I would love to have two. I want to go to the Final Four. I want a national championship. I want to compete at the highest level.
Is there a milestone win to you during your career?
Cunningham: I think winning twice in one year against South Carolina is pretty awesome. People don’t really acknowledge you until you’re consistent. No one has ever beat South Carolina twice in a year. That’s why people are starting to hate us, because we’re starting to become elite. I like that. I like that. I don’t want anything else. You must be doing something right, honestly.”
Your Twitter mentions are going to blow up now.
Cunningham: That’s fine. I’m going to have haters along the way. The more elite you get, the more you’re going to have. I’ve always wanted — not haters — but to become elite.
I would characterize you as this player that, if she’s on your team, she’s awesome. If she’s not, she’s dirty. Do you feel like you’ve always played that way?
Cunningham: Oh my gosh. That has literally been the name of the game for me always. People who don’t like me think I’m dirty, all that stuff. But if I was on their team, they would love me. I’ve got a lot of that this year. I’m proud to represent the University of Missouri. I wanted Mizzou to get on the map. This is what we’re doing. We’re doing it right now. It’s kind of hard to take a step back and realize how much we’ve accomplished in the last three years, but I just want more. I’m not satisfied.
This team has been very open that it is the most talented team coach Pingeton has had. Would it be a disappointment if you didn’t make it out of the first two rounds of the NCAA tournament?
Cunningham: I don’t know. I’m not even thinking about it. I think our team will be ready when it’s time. I know we are. I know we will be. I think that failure gives you more motivation. I still have a year left. But I’m still not really worried or focused about that.
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Before every KU men’s basketball game, The Star’s Jesse Newell previews the Jayhawks’ upcoming opponent with a scouting report and prediction.
Monday’s game: Oklahoma at No. 13 Kansas, 8 p.m., Allen Fieldhouse
TV: ESPN
Opponent’s record: 16-10
KenPom (Ken Pomeroy) Ranking: 38
Point spread: KU by 8 1/2.
All statistics from KenPom.com, Hoop-Math.com and Synergy Sports Technology. KenPom stats also only include Division I competition.
3 Strengths
▪ Transition offense: Oklahoma gets a higher percentage of fast-break opportunities than any major-college program, and the team is efficient with those chances too. The Sooners have an “excellent” transition ranking in Synergy while ranking 45th in fast-break points per possession.
▪ Three-point shooting: Oklahoma has taken the second-highest percentage of threes in Big 12 play while making 37 percent of those attempts.
▪ Free throws ... both ends: The Sooners have done a great job avoiding whistles all season, and in league play, they’ve also done a better job at drawing contact to get to the line.
3 Weaknesses
▪ Defensive pressure: Oklahoma has the most passive defensive team in the Big 12, so it wouldn’t be surprising if the ball-secure Jayhawks keep their turnovers to 12 or fewer, even in a high-possession game.
▪ Carelessness: The Sooners’ offense has regressed with giveaways in conference play, as both the team and star guard Trae Young have seen recent increases in turnover rate.
▪ Getting back: Oklahoma ranks 292nd when it comes to limiting opponents’ shots in transition.
3 Players to Watch
6-foot-2 guard Trae Young (No. 11)
Plus: Ranks first in KenPom’s national player of the year measure
Plus: Takes on greatest offensive load of any college basketball player in last 18 seasons
Plus: Has top assist rate in nation
Plus: Gets fouled often and is 86-percent free throw shooter
Plus: Strong three-point shooter
Minus: Has started to turn it over more often in Big 12 play
6-foot-9 forward Brady Manek (No. 35)
Plus: Scored 14 points and made 4 of 6 threes in first game against KU
Plus: High-volume, accurate three-point shooter
Plus: Rarely turns it over
Plus: Solid defensive rebounder
Minus: Doesn’t create much offense for himself
Minus: Almost never gets to free-throw line
6-foot-4 guard Christian James (No. 0)
Plus: Strong three-point shooter
Plus: Finishes well at the rim and can create his own shot there
Plus: Doesn’t turn it over often
Minus: Synergy lists him as “average” defender who can struggle to get out to perimeter shooters
Minus: Has low assist rate for a guard
Prediction
This line honestly surprises me.
I understand KU is coming off a home win where it covered the spread, and Oklahoma has lost five straight. But I still see a lot of reasons to like the Sooners’ chances to keep this close.
Here are a few things I see working against KU:
1. The Jayhawks had trouble guarding Young the first game, and that problem likely won’t fix itself in the rematch. KU’s best defensive success was probably with its “Combo” Triangle-and-2 defense, and the Sooners likely will be more prepared for that this time too.
2. There will be a lot of emphasis on the officiating after KU out-free-throwed West Virginia 35-2, and that isn’t likely to play in the Jayhawks’ favor. It won’t be surprising at all if Monday’s officials try to over-correct for last game while making sure the fouls and free throws appear more even in this one.
3. It’s a short-rest game that should be fast-paced, and Oklahoma has a much deeper bench.
The Sooners, to be fair, have some of their own problems to worry about. A defense that is poor in transition and allows a healthy amount of threes has the potential to get shredded at Allen Fieldhouse, especially if the Jayhawks shoot like they are capable.
To me, though, that defensive concern doesn’t outweigh the other three factors above. I’ll take KU to win, but in a tighter game than Vegas expects.
Kansas 86, Oklahoma 84
Jesse’s pick to cover spread: Oklahoma
Hawk to Rock
Devonté Graham should be ready for this one. He made just 4 of 19 field goals in the teams’ first matchup this season and also had a blown defensive assignment that led to a crucial Manek three in the final 30 seconds of KU’s 85-80 loss. Graham should have plenty of opportunities for threes and assists again Monday, and that means the potential is there for a big statistical night.
Last game prediction: Kansas78, West Virginia 71 (Actual: KU 77-69)
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Hearts went wild after Kansas State football coach Bill Snyder kissed his wife on the Kiss Cam while watching K-State men’s basketball beat Iowa State on Saturday.
He didn’t kiss her immediately, though.
“Bill Snyder shown on Kiss Cam,” Manhattan Mercury reporter Ryan Black tweeted. “He waits. And waits. And waits. Then he finally relents... ”
After hesitating, Snyder finally kissed his wife, Sharon, on the cheek before blowing a kiss to the fans in Bramlage Coliseum.
The fans loved it.
“Loudest cheer of the day comes after Bill Snyder pops up on the kiss cam,” Aaron Marner posted on Twitter. Marner is the assistant sports editor for Iowa State’s college newspaper.
Loudest cheer of the day comes after Bill Snyder pops up on the kiss cam.
\n","template_type":"","story_teaser":"","lead_media":{"id":"200804319","url":"https://www.kansas.com/sports/college/big-12/kansas-state/g25pn2/picture200804319","asset_type":"picture","state":"published","title":"031413ksu_th23.JPG","publication":"kansas","layout_option":"","home":"/web/v1/sections/3318","modified_date":1518966832,"allow_comments":false,"allow_index":false,"allow_follow":false,"published_date":1518965778,"thumbnail":"https://www.kansas.com/sports/college/big-12/kansas-state/g25pn2/picture200804319/alternates/FREE_1140/031413ksu_th23.JPG","href":"/web/v1/content/200804319","access_tags":["matbasic"],"credit":"The Wichita Eagle","dateline":"","caption":"Kansas State football coach Bill Snyder kisses his wife Sharon as the appear on the Sprint Center's scoreboard \"Kiss Cam\" in March 2013. The couple showed up on the Kiss Cam again during Saturday’s game against Iowa State.","photographer":"Travis Heying","is_mugshot":false,"text_alignment":"Default","summary":"","byline":"","kicker":""},"owner":"Wichita","allow_comments":true,"topic_tags":[],"image":"https://www.kansas.com/sports/college/big-12/kansas-state/g25pn2/picture200804319/alternates/LANDSCAPE_768/031413ksu_th23.JPG"},{"id":"200719614","url":"https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/campus-corner/article200719614.html","asset_type":"story","state":"published","title":"Rob Riggle explains his love for KU hoops in return to Allen Fieldhouse","publication":"kansascity","layout_option":"none","home":"/web/v1/sections/2703","home_section":{"name":"Campus Corner","url":"https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/campus-corner/"},"modified_date":1518895964,"allow_index":true,"allow_follow":true,"meta_title":"Actor, KU fan Rob Riggle explains his love for Jayhawks hoops","originating_url":"http://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/campus-corner/article200719614.html","meta_description":"Actor and comedian Rob Riggle was back in Lawrence on Saturday morning to be a part of ESPN’s GameDay show from Allen Fieldhouse. He said his more important job, though, was going to come later when the Kansas Jayhawks faced the West Virginia Mountaineers.","published_date":1518894324,"thumbnail":"https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/campus-corner/dqqbwu/picture200719609/alternates/LANDSCAPE_768/rob%20key%202","authors":[{"name":"Jesse Newell","email":"jnewell@kcstar.com"}],"keywords":"Kansas, KU, basketball, Jayhawks, actor, Rob Riggle, Allen, Fieldhouse, big 12, ku basketball, ku hoops, fan, celebrity","access_tags":["matbasic","matsport"],"additional_sections":["2703","2739","69897","2415","2662"],"credit":"","dateline":"","summary":"Actor and comedian Rob Riggle was back in Lawrence on Saturday morning to be a part of ESPN’s GameDay show from Allen Fieldhouse. He said his more important job, though, was going to come later when the Kansas Jayhawks faced the West Virginia Mountaineers.","content":"
Actor and comedian Rob Riggle was back in Lawrence on Saturday morning to be a part of ESPN’s GameDay show from Allen Fieldhouse.
He said his more important job, though, was going to come later when KU faced West Virginia at 5 p.m.
“This is an important game,” Riggle told The Star. “And I’m really glad that I’m here for it.”
Riggle, who graduated from Shawnee Mission South and KU, rattled off the Big 12 standings by memory. Texas Tech is 10-3, KU is 9-4 and West Virginia is 8-5.
“It couldn’t be any tighter right now. We’re coming down the home stretch,” Riggle said. “I want to be here to support the Jayhawks.”
Riggle later explained that his connection to KU went back many years.
“I used to sit in that section right there when I was a student here,” Riggle said, pointing up to the northwest corner of Allen Fieldhouse. “So coming back here always brings back a lot of great memories.”
As part of his appearance on GameDay, Riggle received a huge ovation from KU fans when he took numerous other teams out of the ESPN analysts’ “Circle of Tournament Trust” board before putting the KU sticker squarely in the middle. Riggle also attempted a few half-court shots on TV, with one of them glancing off the rim.
Many KU fans lingered after the show ended to take selfies with Riggle.
“Kansas people in general, but KU fans especially are incredibly nice to me,” Riggle said. “And it’s fun to be in this environment.”
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Before every KU men’s basketball game, The Star’s Jesse Newell previews the Jayhawks’ upcoming opponent with a scouting report and prediction.
Saturday’s game: No. 20 West Virginia at No. 13 Kansas, 5 p.m., Allen Fieldhouse
TV: ESPN
Opponent’s record: 19-7
KenPom (Ken Pomeroy) Ranking: 14
Point spread: KU by 3 1/2.
All statistics from KenPom.com, Hoop-Math.com and Synergy Sports Technology. KenPom stats also only include Division I competition.
3 Strengths
▪ Offensive rebounding: West Virginia has the best O-board percentage in Big 12 play and also grabbed 37 percent of its missed shots in its first game against KU.
▪ Creating havoc: The Mountaineers rank second nationally in defensive turnover percentage and fourth in steal rate. Their best defensive trait continues to be an ability to force opponents into mistakes.
▪ Rim protection: Helped by Sagaba Konate, West Virginia has the best block rate in league play while also ranking in the top 10 nationally. Konate himself had five swats in his first game against the Jayhawks.
3 Weaknesses
▪ Fouling: This is the biggest downside to West Virginia’s pressuring style, as the team’s defensive free-throw rate is the worst in the Big 12.
▪ Shooting: West Virginia is a below-average shooting team from both two- and three-point range. The team is built more on physicality than it is skill.
▪ Three-point defense: The Mountaineers have allowed a high number of three-point attempts to opponents. In the halfcourt, an outside shot is often the most efficient play against this defense.
3 Players to Watch
6-foot-2 guard Jevon Carter (No. 2)
Plus: Ranks third in KenPom’s All-Big 12 player of the year measure
Plus: Great passer
Plus: Ranks eighth nationally in steal rate
Plus: Strong outside shooter
Plus: An 88-percent free-throw shooter
Minus: Poor finisher at the rim
Minus: Shoots too many mid-range jumpers
6-foot-8 forward Sagaba Konate (No. 50)
Plus: Elite shot-blocker
Plus: Good rebounder on both ends, though defensive boards are his specialty
Plus: Draws fouls often and is good free-throw shooter
Plus: Rarely turns it over
Minus: Synergy lists him as “below average” defender in post-up situations
Minus: Not yet a go-to player offensively
6-foot-3 guard Daxter Miles (No. 4)
Plus: Overall efficient player
Plus: Great finisher at the rim for a guard
Plus: Above-average shooter in mid-range
Plus: Decent passer
Minus: Poor three-point shooter
Minus: Can struggle to get out to perimeter shooters defensively
Prediction
It’s difficult to know how KU’s players will handle the many emotions that are sure to come Saturday.
Add to all that the fact that KU desperately needs a win while trying to rally to get at least a share of its 14th straight Big 12 title, and you can expect that coach Bill Self will try to keep his players calm and focused in what should be a frantic environment.
As far as the game goes, this — like the first matchup — should be a battle of beauty versus brawn. KU has the team that can hit shots and look impressive while putting up points. West Virginia, meanwhile, would rather the game look like a bar fight, hoping that its toughness wears the opponent down.
For KU, getting three-point attempts will be key. That’s been a defensive weakness for West Virginia, and the Jayhawks rarely have an off-shooting night at Allen Fieldhouse; in fact, KU has shot worse than 33 percent from three only once in 14 home outings this season.
West Virginia has given KU problems in Lawrence each of the last two seasons, and the Vegas line would indicate this one should be close as well.
I still like KU for both the win and cover here. The Jayhawks should get a few more calls at home, and I don’t expect them to go cold from three in a place that rarely happens.
Kansas 78, West Virginia 71
Jesse’s pick to cover spread: Kansas
Hawk to Rock
Lagerald Vick was the pick to break out his slump in this location Tuesday, and one of his teammates should have a good chance to stop his own mini-skid against West Virginia. Svi Mykhailiuk has made just 4 of 22 threes combined in his last four games, but he should get open attempts Saturday in the building where he has been most accurate. Look for a 20-plus-point night from him.
Last game prediction: Kansas 86, Iowa State 75 (Actual: KU 83-77)
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It’s All-Star weekend for the NBA, which means Saturday will bring back a large number of former Kansas basketball players who typically aren’t able to come back in season.
One pro who fits that description, in fact, appears to have returned to Lawrence already.
Frank Mason, who was last year’s national player of the year, showed up to KU’s practice Friday at Allen Fieldhouse, according to social media photos.
KU has plenty going on during Saturday’s 5 p.m. game against West Virginia. The Jayhawks will honor the 10-year anniversary of the 2008 national championship team and also will retire Cole Aldrich’s No. 45 jersey at halftime. ESPN’s “College GameDay” is in town for the game as well. That broadcast starts at 10 a.m. on ESPN.
\n","template_type":"","story_teaser":"","lead_media":{"id":"200612979","url":"https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/campus-corner/25il58/picture200612979","asset_type":"picture","state":"published","title":"mason","publication":"kansascity","layout_option":"","home":"/web/v1/sections/2703","modified_date":1518821732,"allow_comments":false,"allow_index":false,"allow_follow":false,"published_date":1518821732,"thumbnail":"https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/campus-corner/25il58/picture200612979/alternates/FREE_1140/mason","href":"/web/v1/content/200612979","access_tags":["matbasic","matsport"],"additional_sections":["2703"],"credit":"","dateline":"","caption":"KU basketball’s Andrea Hudy, an assistant athletics director for sport performance, took this photo of former KU guard Frank Mason and Devonté Graham at practice on Friday.","photographer":"Twitter","is_mugshot":false,"text_alignment":"Default","summary":"","byline":"","kicker":""},"owner":"KansasCity","allow_comments":true,"topic_tags":[],"image":"https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/campus-corner/25il58/picture200612979/alternates/LANDSCAPE_768/mason"}],"showSummary":false,"initialQuantity":0,"isLoading":true,"isVisible":false,"areMoreResults":false,"page":0,"offset":0},"sectionConfig":{"lang":"en","pubTimeZone":"America/Chicago"}}
