Rockchalk's Ramblings // 6-17-09

by rockchalk on Jun 17, 2009 1:46 PM CDT in Kansas Jayhawk News and Notes

Slow day in the Kansas-related sports world. I think this is the fewest links we've had yet.

Kansas Football

Bruce Feldman: Top 10 softest nonconference schedules - ESPN (Insider)

I'm not an Insider, so I can just see the list through T7 Arkansas, but I'm hoping we aren't on this list. We don't deserve it. It is no gauntlet, sure, but it is not one of the "softest" in the country. Of the 9 teams I can see, 5 of them belong to the most precious conferences in the MSM's eyes; the Big Ten/Eleven and the Ess Eee See.

Rating the clipboard kings - ColumbiaTribune.com

This is a really good one. It runs through the best coordinators in the Big 12, with our own Ed Warriner clocking in at #6. The two Texas coordinators get spots 1 and 3 (Muschamp and Davis, respectively), while Oklahoma's go 2 and 4 (Wilson and Venables, respectively). So, in the non Red River Shootout-division, the top two are: Bill Young, ex-Jayhawk coordinator, and Ed Warriner. That's awesome. Not really sure how an Iowa State coordinator made the list, though.

Kansas Basketball

http://cjonline.com/sports/basketball/2009-06-16/column_familiarity_breeds_respect_in_big_12_hoops

The link is really bothering me, but whatever. Basically, it's one of those run-of-the-mill "we're all excited for hoops season!" posts. The league will be ridiculously strong this year, though, so that'll be fun to watch. It's tough to top the Big East, just because they have 16 teams and so many of them are just ridiculous, but we very well may be the second-best conference in college basketball next season.

Big 12 men’s basketball predicted to top the U.S. charts | Sports | Star-Telegram.com

Or is this one the run-of-the-mill story? This is from way down south, Dallas, and actually proclaims the Big 12 to be the best conference. So, I suppose we'll see.

KUsports.com | Ready to rumble

Sweet news. Travis Releford is all better from his skin condition, which is really good news. Releford, as everyone knows around here, is a personal favorite of mine. I hope that, amidst the ridiculous amount of talent, he can find a way to get significant minutes.

Kansas Baseball

KUsports.com | KU has filled void at short

And finally, a nice little story on Kansas' heir apparent at shortstop, Brandon Macias. I found Price's admission that he only expects Macias for a year kind of odd, but I suppose that's the plan. Play well enough to get drafted right away.

Ramble-less today, because I'm working on an actual story. Hopefully, it'll be posted today. Hopefully.

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Comments

this probably belongs in the Harrison Barnes fanshot but...

I wanted to make sure it was seen. This is from a Q&A with Barnes and he talks a little bit about Kentucky and Calipari…it’s nice to know some people still appreciate integrity.

Q. How has the departure of John Calipari from Memphis to Kentucky impacted you?

A. It hasn’t really. He’s a good coach. I don’t know if I like the way they’re doing things right there now though. Seems like he left Memphis kind of in a bad situation and then guys at Kentucky are getting their scholarships taken back. I don’t know yet. It’s a competitive place though, you know college basketball, and it’s only getting more and more competitive.

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

by Owen on Jun 17, 2009 2:25 PM CDT reply actions

That's awesome.

And yeah, like CloneChronicles was saying in the Harrison Barnes post, this guy is definitely different than your average recruit. Or at least appears that way.

I just hope that Bill Self illegally saying hello to John Wall won’t have him questioning Self’s character…

by rockchalk on Jun 17, 2009 2:35 PM CDT up reply actions

He’s a fan of Self…sounds like he might be at late night again this year.

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

by Owen on Jun 17, 2009 2:37 PM CDT up reply actions

Harrison Barnes is a stud

I would do a backflip if we landed him. As far as the Big12 article, I’m not sure. I think Texas may be overrated, and I think we’ll take OU especially with the game at the Phog. I do think that KState will be improved and be a tourny-worthy team especially with a new strong post recruit (his name escapes me… is it Wally Judge or something like that?).The Big 12 should be pretty solid, which will make winning it that much sweeter. Mmmmmm

by Andrew Clark on Jun 17, 2009 3:19 PM CDT reply actions

I'm sold on Texas myself...

they’ve got a great class coming in, Pittman vs. Aldrich will be a great matchup and Damien James is returning for his senior season. They’ll provide some good competition and we will have to win in Austin this year as well. Could be a renewing of the recent Kansas v Texas rivalry in basketball.

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

by Owen on Jun 17, 2009 3:38 PM CDT up reply actions

and yes it’s Wally Judge…Kansas State should be the 2nd best team in the North and I would expect to see them in the tourney as well.

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

by Owen on Jun 17, 2009 3:40 PM CDT up reply actions

An Iowa State coordinator is on there...

…because Tom Herman, at Rice last year, had one of the most prolific offenses in the nation last year.

We'll carry the banner high!
Bring On The Cats

by TB on Jun 17, 2009 3:55 PM CDT reply actions

Oh.

Well, I suppose that makes more sense then.

Still, though. That seems kind of odd for a new coordinator to rate that high.

I guess I’m glad people like him are getting props, though.

by rockchalk on Jun 17, 2009 7:06 PM CDT up reply actions

Texas

will be talented no doubt, I guess I’m still a bit weary of how they massivly underachieved last year, given their expectations. Losing Augustine no doubt would hit them hard, but they returned everyone else…I dunno. They will be solid no doubt, I’m just not sure if I’m ready to label them a top 5 team like some are.

by Andrew Clark on Jun 17, 2009 4:24 PM CDT reply actions