Washington Huskies @ Kansas Jayhawks GameThread, Nov 24, 2008 9:00 PM CST

Open Game Thread :: Game #3 :: Washington Huskies 1-1 (0-0) vs. #23 Kansas Jayhawks 2-0 (0-0)

by rockchalk on Nov 24, 2008 8:15 PM CST in Basketball Comment 62 comments

Washington Huskies @ Kansas Jayhawks

Well, here we go. Our first real test of the season, although even this one looks to be a should-be win. Sure, it is entirely possible we lose, but I'd be plenty happy to wager that we are the better team, and we will win tonight.

But maybe I'm being too optimistic. Maybe I'm expecting too much from our young players, because no matter how good the relevant returning duo are, we will need at least two-or-three other players to come out and play, at the least, decent. Because, while the Washington Huskies are also riddled with youth, they do possess Jon Brockman, who is an absolute beast. It should be a great barometer on where Cole Aldrich currently stands in his defensive game. And it's really nice that, even if it is in November, he will face at least one All-American-quality big man before he has to match up with Blake Griffin, who is probably the best player in the country.

However, beyond Brockman, the Huskies have very, very little. At least, very, very little experienced talent. Sound familiar? And while there certainly are some similarities between the two teams, and they do possess the better humongous white post guy, there are three key reasons why we will win this game.

Sherron Collins - It's pretty simple, really. Sherron Collins will be the best perimeter player on the court at all times tonight, and it won't be too close. He seems to be at that magic weight, under 200, if just barely, where he can skeedattle in-and-out of the lane with ease. It's a blast to watch him play, and it should be quite fun to watch him, at times, take over the game.
Our Young Talent is, well, More Talented - Sure, it may sound snooty and, in all honesty, we can't say for sure right now. That is the whole meaning of the word 'young'. But, by all accounts, our young crop of freshmen figure to be significantly more talented and more ready for primetime action this early on in the season. So, while both teams are riddled with some unproven commodities, ours are better commodities.
Homecourt Advantage - Yes, I know this isn't Allen Field House. Trust me, if it was, this would have been #1. But while it doesn't have all of those cool banners that freak you out, or the tradition seeping out of the walls, or the goosebump-filled pregame video that makes you want to jump around and scream, especially when that one shot from Mario Chalmers sinks, it will have plenty of Kansas fans. Plenty of 'em. I guess that is sort of the added bonus to playing a November Tournament Classic less than an hour from your home.

So, yeah, tonight should be fun. At the very least, it should be mildly nerve-racking in the first half, likely because of some Jon Brockman-inspired U-Dub run. But it ain't happenin'. We are going to win this game. If you want a more-specific prediction, I'll give you 79-63.

Oh, and I should be here throughout the game, finally, chatting up Jayhawk hoops. Hope you can join in.

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Anybody out there yet

Some people are like Slinkies...not really good for anything but they make you smile when pushed down the stairs.

by Denverjhawk on Nov 24, 2008 8:29 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Syracuse wins.

Hopefully, we can beat the Huskies and have a 2003 National Championship Game rematch.

In entirely unrelated news, Gus Johnson is calling a game for the Big 10/11 Network. Hadn’t seen him switch to the BTN, and hopefully he will still call CBS games down the stretch and, more importantly, in March Madness. He is awesome.

by rockchalk on Nov 24, 2008 8:33 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Wasn't my first choice...but either team was going to be fun to play

Some people are like Slinkies...not really good for anything but they make you smile when pushed down the stairs.

by Denverjhawk on Nov 24, 2008 8:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

So while we've got some time...

thoughts on the Snyder hire??

Some people are like Slinkies...not really good for anything but they make you smile when pushed down the stairs.

by Denverjhawk on Nov 24, 2008 8:37 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I think it's stupid.

Sure, it might get them to improve the next year-or-two, and they could make a bowl next year with J-Free as a senior (unless, of course, he leaves early for the $$$$), but unless they clearly establish some type of long-term plan soon (i.e.: this offseason) it is awfully short-sighted.

by rockchalk on Nov 24, 2008 8:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Definetly the million dollar question out there right now...

Is there a plan in place and what is that plan…if not it’s foolish…if so it better be a homerun plan or else it’s also foolish.

Some people are like Slinkies...not really good for anything but they make you smile when pushed down the stairs.

by Denverjhawk on Nov 24, 2008 8:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Super Stupid

I heard somebody trying to justify it by saying they’re going to bring in Phil Bennett as d-coordinator and groom him to take over in a couple of years… but Bennett couldn’t make it as SMU’s coach! How’s he supposed to make them competitive in one of the two top football conferences in the country?

Oh well, better for us. Heh.

by KennyGregoryRockThaCradle on Nov 24, 2008 8:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I've got my usual weekly football stuff scheduled for the week but..

I’m headed back to KC for thanksgiving so won’t be around too much after tomorrow…I am hoping to have another interview with recruit Tyler Patmon to round out some content as well.

Some people are like Slinkies...not really good for anything but they make you smile when pushed down the stairs.

by Denverjhawk on Nov 24, 2008 8:47 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Sweet. Really enjoy those. Game on!

by KennyGregoryRockThaCradle on Nov 24, 2008 8:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

KU Starters

SC
Brady
Tyshawn
Marcus Morris
Cole

by rockchalk on Nov 24, 2008 8:56 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

U-Dub Starters

Isaiah Thomas
Justin Dentmon
Quincy Pondexter
Jon Brockman
Darnell Gant

Two freshmen (Thomas and Gant), two seniors (Denmon and Brockman) and a junior (Pondexter).

by rockchalk on Nov 24, 2008 8:57 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

We're Incredible

No one will ever beat us this year. Ever.

by KennyGregoryRockThaCradle on Nov 24, 2008 8:57 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

love the confidence

Some people are like Slinkies...not really good for anything but they make you smile when pushed down the stairs.

by Denverjhawk on Nov 24, 2008 8:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Nice work downlow by Aldrich...

Some people are like Slinkies...not really good for anything but they make you smile when pushed down the stairs.

by Denverjhawk on Nov 24, 2008 8:58 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Aldrich!!!

Some people are like Slinkies...not really good for anything but they make you smile when pushed down the stairs.

by Denverjhawk on Nov 24, 2008 8:59 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I don't know what it is...

but I feel like we commit more charging fouls than anyone

Some people are like Slinkies...not really good for anything but they make you smile when pushed down the stairs.

by Denverjhawk on Nov 24, 2008 9:00 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

see above comment

Some people are like Slinkies...not really good for anything but they make you smile when pushed down the stairs.

by Denverjhawk on Nov 24, 2008 9:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Aldrich is still developing

Some absolutely awesome plays, but two terrible shots and a stupid foul.

by rockchalk on Nov 24, 2008 9:06 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

agreed...

hit those bunnies, avoid the stupid fouls and he’s having a heck of a game

Some people are like Slinkies...not really good for anything but they make you smile when pushed down the stairs.

by Denverjhawk on Nov 24, 2008 9:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I love Sherron.

And he is pretty awesome. But he is trying to juke out far too many defenders in one-on-one situations and throw the ball up towards the basket.

Sure, we need him to do it some because of our youth, but he is doing it too much IMO.

by rockchalk on Nov 24, 2008 9:09 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I think as the season goes on...

he’ll start to develop some trust with the rest of the team and his passing will improve.

Some people are like Slinkies...not really good for anything but they make you smile when pushed down the stairs.

by Denverjhawk on Nov 24, 2008 9:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Morrises

It sure seems like one of them is more than 1 inch taller than the other. Maybe he just has better posture or something (not sure which is which yet).

by KennyGregoryRockThaCradle on Nov 24, 2008 9:10 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

yeah I have no idea which is which

Some people are like Slinkies...not really good for anything but they make you smile when pushed down the stairs.

by Denverjhawk on Nov 24, 2008 9:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

names are too similar

Some people are like Slinkies...not really good for anything but they make you smile when pushed down the stairs.

by Denverjhawk on Nov 24, 2008 9:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I've got it all figured out... ;)

Markieff is #21 and the inch-taller guy. He is more of a low-post player, and IIRC the one who picked up 15 boards in the season opener.

Marcus is #22, the shorter Morris and the more perimeter-oriented player.

I also think that Marcus has slightly darker skin, but that may just be based off different angles and such.

by rockchalk on Nov 24, 2008 9:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

works for me I’ll remember that now because Markieff is the longer name and the taller player.

Some people are like Slinkies...not really good for anything but they make you smile when pushed down the stairs.

by Denverjhawk on Nov 24, 2008 9:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Quintrell Thomas in the game

Some people are like Slinkies...not really good for anything but they make you smile when pushed down the stairs.

by Denverjhawk on Nov 24, 2008 9:13 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

shocker...another charge

Some people are like Slinkies...not really good for anything but they make you smile when pushed down the stairs.

by Denverjhawk on Nov 24, 2008 9:17 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Thomas got caught a little to far under and out of position...

chalk it up to youth

Some people are like Slinkies...not really good for anything but they make you smile when pushed down the stairs.

by Denverjhawk on Nov 24, 2008 9:18 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Coach Knight sure has been complimentary tonight..

Some people are like Slinkies...not really good for anything but they make you smile when pushed down the stairs.

by Denverjhawk on Nov 24, 2008 9:19 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Agreed.

Especially on Aldrich, who the play-by-play guy (Shulmanm I think) said he loves.

by rockchalk on Nov 24, 2008 9:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The other night...

before the UNC v UK game coach Knight said Aldrich would be seen as one of the premiere big men in the country by the end of the year.

Some people are like Slinkies...not really good for anything but they make you smile when pushed down the stairs.

by Denverjhawk on Nov 24, 2008 9:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Think at some point this year he’s going to explode when someone does something sufficiently stupid?

by KennyGregoryRockThaCradle on Nov 24, 2008 9:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Possibly throw the replay monitor accross the court

Some people are like Slinkies...not really good for anything but they make you smile when pushed down the stairs.

by Denverjhawk on Nov 24, 2008 9:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

lol

by rockchalk on Nov 24, 2008 9:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Another Charge...and I believe that is actually 4

Some people are like Slinkies...not really good for anything but they make you smile when pushed down the stairs.

by Denverjhawk on Nov 24, 2008 9:23 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Bah

They need that arc under the basket for college like they have for the pros. Hate that crap.

by KennyGregoryRockThaCradle on Nov 24, 2008 9:23 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Agreed.

You take away the aggressiveness of the players.

by rockchalk on Nov 24, 2008 9:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

convert the bunnies big guy...

nice play though.

Some people are like Slinkies...not really good for anything but they make you smile when pushed down the stairs.

by Denverjhawk on Nov 24, 2008 9:24 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I thought that interview with John Berkowitz today was interesting. Especially the part where he said that UW is still a football school, given how they’ve had a lot of recent success in hoops, but the football program hasn’t been a national player in something like 15-20 years.

by KennyGregoryRockThaCradle on Nov 24, 2008 9:27 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

yeah he did have some interesting comments...

Some people are like Slinkies...not really good for anything but they make you smile when pushed down the stairs.

by Denverjhawk on Nov 24, 2008 9:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Minus the fouls...

Aldrich is just a smart player…very aware

Some people are like Slinkies...not really good for anything but they make you smile when pushed down the stairs.

by Denverjhawk on Nov 24, 2008 9:29 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Not to be negative about the football team but...

look at the swagger and drive of this team that lost far more from last year than the football team. I know it’s early for bball but nobody stepped up to lead the football team this year, and I don’t think the same will happen with this team.

Some people are like Slinkies...not really good for anything but they make you smile when pushed down the stairs.

by Denverjhawk on Nov 24, 2008 9:34 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I'm surprised by the rebounding stuggles

Some people are like Slinkies...not really good for anything but they make you smile when pushed down the stairs.

by Denverjhawk on Nov 24, 2008 9:42 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Growth, Baby

This was the first challenge of the season, and so far, so good- despite the rebounding problems, still up 10. Cole is dominating the Pac 10 preseason player of the year. What more can you ask for?

by KennyGregoryRockThaCradle on Nov 24, 2008 9:44 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Cole is impressive...workhorse down low

Some people are like Slinkies...not really good for anything but they make you smile when pushed down the stairs.

by Denverjhawk on Nov 24, 2008 9:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

My thoughts...

very happy with Aldrich as a player, leader and the guy is active inside…Tyshawn Taylor, great hustle…Morningstar getting a ton of minutes and has a lot of heart.

Box out a bit, knock down some of these threes and stay active defensively and I’ll feel pretty good about both our chances and where we are as a young team at this point

Some people are like Slinkies...not really good for anything but they make you smile when pushed down the stairs.

by Denverjhawk on Nov 24, 2008 9:46 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

On to the 2nd half

Some people are like Slinkies...not really good for anything but they make you smile when pushed down the stairs.

by Denverjhawk on Nov 24, 2008 10:01 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

And another Charge

Some people are like Slinkies...not really good for anything but they make you smile when pushed down the stairs.

by Denverjhawk on Nov 24, 2008 10:03 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Feels like we are going to pull away in this one...

and to answer their question, yes Mario Chalmers shot was THE MOST clutch shot ever…so log on and vote

Some people are like Slinkies...not really good for anything but they make you smile when pushed down the stairs.

by Denverjhawk on Nov 24, 2008 10:13 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

A BLOCK...

finally

Some people are like Slinkies...not really good for anything but they make you smile when pushed down the stairs.

by Denverjhawk on Nov 24, 2008 10:14 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

The big guys cheesin a little...

Some people are like Slinkies...not really good for anything but they make you smile when pushed down the stairs.

by Denverjhawk on Nov 24, 2008 10:17 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Releford?

Has he played tonight? Is he hurt?

by KennyGregoryRockThaCradle on Nov 24, 2008 10:23 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Haven't seen him yet...

and I don’t think he is hurt…

Self did talk about experimenting with shorter rotations…he’s not a huge fan of going 10-11 deep so I think he wantto find a good 8 man rotation and seems to be tinkering with the same group tonight pretty consistently.

My guess is we’ll see quite a bit of fluctuation in playing time in certain areas as he refines it.

Some people are like Slinkies...not really good for anything but they make you smile when pushed down the stairs.

by Denverjhawk on Nov 24, 2008 10:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Harsh for the kid not to get to play in his home town, though. Must be slacking a bit in practice.

by KennyGregoryRockThaCradle on Nov 24, 2008 10:30 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

My guess is...

we’ll see him tomorrow. I doubt it’s practice related, he’s a good kid.

Some people are like Slinkies...not really good for anything but they make you smile when pushed down the stairs.

by Denverjhawk on Nov 24, 2008 10:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I coulda sworn he came in late.

Looked up the Box Score, he played 3 minutes, got a foul, went 1-2 and hit 2-2 FTs.

by Slica on Nov 25, 2008 2:18 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

All Right...

It has become clear to me when and why Knight will blow up as an announcer….

the Jackasses behind press row, that act like they’re 8 years old when the camera turns onto the announcers.

Some people are like Slinkies...not really good for anything but they make you smile when pushed down the stairs.

by Denverjhawk on Nov 24, 2008 10:31 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

he will eventually go off on one of those clowns...

maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow but someday

Some people are like Slinkies...not really good for anything but they make you smile when pushed down the stairs.

by Denverjhawk on Nov 24, 2008 10:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

If your still out there...

it’s been fun, thanks for the company…looks like a good win, Syracuse tomorrow but I’ve got to go pack now so have a good one.

Some people are like Slinkies...not really good for anything but they make you smile when pushed down the stairs.

by Denverjhawk on Nov 24, 2008 10:37 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Hello

New here, but I have been a Jayhawks fan since 2001. They are tied my favorite team, with Michigan St. who I have followed since 1997. Gonna suck when they play each other later on this year. But at least I got to see them both win Championships since I have followed them. How awesome was last year?

Ill try to come around every now and then and give you guys some more company. Go Jayhawks!

by Slica on Nov 25, 2008 2:20 AM CST reply actions 0 recs