Open Game Thread : NCAA Tournament Game #6 : #1 Memphis Tigers vs. #1 Kansas Jayhawks

by rockchalk on Apr 7, 2008 7:19 PM CDT in Basketball Comment 87 comments

I loved the game Saturday night. So much so, in fact, that while flipping through channels today, I happened upon CBS College Sports (used to be CSTV). They were replaying the KU-Carolina demolition, so I decided to check out the last fifteen minutes or so. And while re-watching the game, I noticed a couple of things I didn't notice watching it live, mostly because of my excessive joy and jumping around at that time.

You see, after Bill Self took his starters out, the CBS cameras showed Bill hugging Russell. It was sweet. I saw it on Saturday. However, immediately succeeding that we see just a small, millisecond clip of Bill Self talking to Brandon Rush. And before they cut away back to the action, you can clearly read Self's lips saying something to Brandon:

"One more"

Then, a couple of minutes later, after the final horn had blared and the players were getting ready to shake some hands, they cut towards a shot of Darnell Jackson and Tyrell Reed. Darnell noticed the camera, looked straight into the eyes of America, placed his index finger high in the air and said:

"One more"

As soon as the Carolina game ended, we were focused on one thing. The only game standing between us and a National Championship.

And despite 60% of ESPN's SportsNation choosing the Memphis Tigers, and a vast majority of the MSM choosing the 38-1 Tigs, I all of a sudden am feeling wildly confident. I'm not really sure why. I can't tell you why, but suddenly, I'm positive. We won't lose this game.

If I'm wrong, shoot me. But we are going to win this game. I promise you.

Our boys have been given a chance to be remembered among the all-time greats here at Kansas University, and an opportunity to win a National Championship.

Look
If you had one shot, or one opportunity
To seize everything you ever wanted
In one moment
Would you capture it?
Or just let it slip?
--- Eminem "Lose Yourself

How we respond to those questions, when we are presented the opportunity to "seize" a National Championship, will decide the winner and the loser.

Oh, yeah, and we are going to win. In case I didn't make that clear enough yet.

ROCK CHALK!

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i love the blue jerseys

last two times we have worn the jersey, we have played the two best games of the season (vs. texas in big 12 championship and saturday night).

not that it means anything, but i love those blue jerseys...

all we gotta do is be ourself.

by rockchalk on Apr 7, 2008 8:13 PM CDT reply actions

The Blue Jerseys

We also had them on for the '88 game.

"Kansas is a state of the Union, but it is also a state of mind. " - Wm. Allen White

by OldSchool on Apr 8, 2008 1:34 PM CDT up reply actions

lets go have some fun...

by rockchalk on Apr 7, 2008 8:19 PM CDT reply actions

should have

been a flagrant foul running under that dunk

Go Big Red Nebraska
Corn Nation - You can have *basketball*, we'll take everything else

by cornnation on Apr 7, 2008 8:28 PM CDT reply actions

OK.

we were kind of tentative at first, but we look to be settling down. at least a little.

memphis has some scary good athletes...

by rockchalk on Apr 7, 2008 8:33 PM CDT reply actions

Best of luck...

Wish I could say I'm pulling for the Big 12 [North] tonight, but I just can't do it. I do however, want you guys to put up one hell of a fight. I respect this team like hell and would even love the majority of your players if they played anywhere else, but I just can't get past that name on the front of the jerseys.

Give 'em hell, though, and good luck.

Rock M Nation
http://www.rockmnation.com

by RPT on Apr 7, 2008 8:37 PM CDT reply actions

thanks.

it means a lot.

i understand the sentiment, trust me.

i really expect this to be an awesome game, and it has gotten off to a great start.

by rockchalk on Apr 7, 2008 8:44 PM CDT up reply actions

Memphis...

... isn't used to playing teams as athletic as they are. The speed of the guard play in this game on both sides is ridiculous.

Rock M Nation
http://www.rockmnation.com

by RPT on Apr 7, 2008 8:52 PM CDT reply actions

all year long...

people have underrated our athletic ability.

all week, since sunday, we have heard the questions about, first, whether we could keep up with the "speed kills" transition game of carolina and now, second, about whether we could keep up with the freakish athletic ability of memphis.

dont get me wrong, both squads are very good at what they do, and memphis has some pretty incredible athletes, but we do too.

we are pretty frickin' athletic ourselves, thank you very much. i just wish we wouldnt give up any more open shots in transition...

by rockchalk on Apr 7, 2008 8:55 PM CDT reply actions

well

outplaying Memphis right now, pretty cool. great defense.

Go Big Red Nebraska
Corn Nation - You can have *basketball*, we'll take everything else

by cornnation on Apr 7, 2008 9:07 PM CDT reply actions

im loving our defense right now...

and you know how i said we had to stop derrick rose?

well, so far so good. russell and sherron, the only two guys to take him on, have almost completely shut him down, as rose has scored only 3 points.

now, this is only half the game and we can only hope it continues, because if it does we are in great shape.

by rockchalk on Apr 7, 2008 9:14 PM CDT reply actions

that too...

just as jay bilas said, the bigs have played awesome as well in protecting the rim.

P.S: i love sherron collins...

by rockchalk on Apr 7, 2008 9:16 PM CDT up reply actions

20 Minutes Away!!!

Great stuff that half. CDR went off, but we were able to pound them down low. Unlike last game, our foul situation is manageable.

I expect to see a different Rose in the second half- right now Calipari is challenging his manhood in front of his teammates.

We definitely settled down after the first 5 minutes or so. Reminds me of an NBA game with each team going on runs depending on the on court matchups at the time.

Should be an absolute dandy in the second half.

by KennyGregoryRockThaCradle on Apr 7, 2008 9:21 PM CDT reply actions

there is major NBA talent on the court

at all times, and both teams almost represent NBA-style teams.

except the defense, of course.

almost like a mini-NBA game.

by rockchalk on Apr 7, 2008 9:24 PM CDT up reply actions

I could give

a shit about the NBA.....

Go Big Red Nebraska
Corn Nation - You can have *basketball*, we'll take everything else

by cornnation on Apr 7, 2008 9:25 PM CDT up reply actions

Also

Did anyone else think Roy looked rediculous with that Jayhawk sticker on? We get it Roy, you feel bad about leaving. How about we make this about the teams playing instead of you?

by KennyGregoryRockThaCradle on Apr 7, 2008 9:23 PM CDT reply actions

ehhh...

it didnt really bother me.

if i was a carolina fan, it would piss me off, but it doesnt really bother me as a KU fan.

by rockchalk on Apr 7, 2008 9:25 PM CDT up reply actions

Sounds like a great game so far.

I frequent Rocky Top Talk (where Joel sent you a little love). I'm not near a TV, but I'm keeping up online (sorta) and through here.

Best of luck to your team! From my PoV, I think I'd rather see KU win. I grew up in Wyo, and Kansas is a little closer to home. Besides, I knew a lot of KU grads, and they were all wonderful people.

by hooper on Apr 7, 2008 9:26 PM CDT reply actions

thanks.

i appreciate it.

by rockchalk on Apr 7, 2008 9:31 PM CDT up reply actions

Sure!

But if you win this after the football bowl win, is KU in danger of becoming an annoying sports school?

;)

(BTW, that bowl game was one of the most entertaining games I've seen. Right up there with the Boise State game.)

by hooper on Apr 7, 2008 9:33 PM CDT up reply actions

never.

its fun to root for kansas... ;)

by rockchalk on Apr 7, 2008 9:38 PM CDT up reply actions

Nice.

Classy and concise.

by hooper on Apr 7, 2008 9:40 PM CDT up reply actions

not a big fan of the box-and-one...

we should go back to man-to-man...

and dont let sasha take defenders one-on-one, leave that to darrell arthur.

i still like our chances.

by rockchalk on Apr 7, 2008 9:58 PM CDT reply actions

They've been a smidge better on rebounds,

but it's not enough to explain the point difference this half. Is KU turning the ball over a lot?

by hooper on Apr 7, 2008 10:02 PM CDT reply actions

tremendous gam

kansas LOOKS better, i have no idea how they are losing

by Will McDonald on Apr 7, 2008 10:05 PM CDT reply actions

we just cant hit any shots...

oh. my. gosh.

it would be really cool if we started to actually make some open shots. we are even missing layups, now.

by rockchalk on Apr 7, 2008 10:08 PM CDT reply actions

wow.

nothing you can do there but just say wow...

CDR and rose are absolutely insane...

by rockchalk on Apr 7, 2008 10:11 PM CDT reply actions

that was definitely a 2...

did they count it as a 3?

by rockchalk on Apr 7, 2008 10:12 PM CDT up reply actions

Go Time

We gotta start hitting some 3s if we want to win this game.

by KennyGregoryRockThaCradle on Apr 7, 2008 10:14 PM CDT reply actions

damn

come on guys..

I guess we're going to find out how good or bad Memphis is at FT's.

Go Big Red Nebraska
Corn Nation - You can have *basketball*, we'll take everything else

by cornnation on Apr 7, 2008 10:18 PM CDT reply actions

OK.

it would have been really cool if we could have hit some threes earlier, but now we will just have to hope they miss the FT's.

and drill some threes, now...

by rockchalk on Apr 7, 2008 10:20 PM CDT reply actions

there you

go!

nice steal and bham!

Go Big Red Nebraska
Corn Nation - You can have *basketball*, we'll take everything else

by cornnation on Apr 7, 2008 10:21 PM CDT reply actions

mario has gotta make these...

by rockchalk on Apr 7, 2008 10:22 PM CDT reply actions

four

62-58 1:15 left.

memphis misses FT.... there's still a lot of time left.

Go Big Red Nebraska
Corn Nation - You can have *basketball*, we'll take everything else

by cornnation on Apr 7, 2008 10:25 PM CDT up reply actions

YEAH!

ok, here we go...

we need one stop, thats it.

well, then a bucket of course, but first we need a frickin defensive stop...

by rockchalk on Apr 7, 2008 10:25 PM CDT reply actions

Nice comeback.

Here's hoping for the best.

by hooper on Apr 7, 2008 10:26 PM CDT reply actions

how is that not over the back?

and how is that not a T?

a rule is a rule, billy packer...

im so pissed right now...

and seriously, what was SC thinking?

by rockchalk on Apr 7, 2008 10:29 PM CDT reply actions

Billy Packer

is an ass-biting shit for brains.

Go Big Red Nebraska
Corn Nation - You can have *basketball*, we'll take everything else

by cornnation on Apr 7, 2008 10:30 PM CDT up reply actions

OT!

hwhwahahahahahahahaaaaaa!

Dorsey is out!

Go Big Red Nebraska
Corn Nation - You can have *basketball*, we'll take everything else

by cornnation on Apr 7, 2008 10:32 PM CDT reply actions

OMG! OMG!

OMG! OMG!
OMG! OMG!
OMG! OMG!
OMG! OMG!
OMG! OMG!
OMG! OMG!
OMG! OMG!
OMG! OMG!
OMG! OMG!

by rockchalk on Apr 7, 2008 10:32 PM CDT reply actions

It OT official?

ESPN is slow to update.

by hooper on Apr 7, 2008 10:33 PM CDT reply actions

we had no business being here right now...

and now we are here.

memphis has all the pressure, we just gotta play awesome for 5 minutes.

by rockchalk on Apr 7, 2008 10:33 PM CDT reply actions

yeah

well, in the end of REG it was the FT's that cost 'em a win so far.

Go Big Red Nebraska
Corn Nation - You can have *basketball*, we'll take everything else

by cornnation on Apr 7, 2008 10:34 PM CDT up reply actions

I'm willing to bet that's all you'll ever hear

if KU wins; that UM can't hit FTs.

by hooper on Apr 7, 2008 10:36 PM CDT up reply actions

i'm

old school. I won't let 'em forget. :)

Go Big Red Nebraska
Corn Nation - You can have *basketball*, we'll take everything else

by cornnation on Apr 7, 2008 10:37 PM CDT up reply actions

Dude

That shot was fantastic.

Go Vols!

by Rocky Top Talk on Apr 7, 2008 10:36 PM CDT reply actions

I haven't a clue

about the etymology or etiquette of "rocky chalk Jayhawk," but . . . Rock Chalk!

Does that work?

Go Vols!

by Rocky Top Talk on Apr 7, 2008 10:37 PM CDT up reply actions

for sure.

by rockchalk on Apr 7, 2008 10:39 PM CDT up reply actions

BTW,

I like "Rocky Chalk". Has a sense of comeraderie. Or something.

by hooper on Apr 7, 2008 10:41 PM CDT up reply actions

lol

My fingers have a mind of their own. I had a friend in law school who could not type the word "member" if his life depended on it. Our 40-page outline for a class was filled with "memeber"s.

Go Vols!

by Rocky Top Talk on Apr 7, 2008 10:46 PM CDT up reply actions

Here's hoping that UM has to go foul-happy.

That'd be poetic.

by hooper on Apr 7, 2008 10:38 PM CDT reply actions

Yes, yes, yes

There's your theme for the morning, if it happens.

Go Vols!

by Rocky Top Talk on Apr 7, 2008 10:41 PM CDT up reply actions

score

here..... damage them further.

Go Big Red Nebraska
Corn Nation - You can have *basketball*, we'll take everything else

by cornnation on Apr 7, 2008 10:38 PM CDT reply actions

Does Dorsey make that much of a difference?

Or does Kansas just have the mo?

Go Vols!

by Rocky Top Talk on Apr 7, 2008 10:40 PM CDT reply actions

mo and mojo...

by rockchalk on Apr 7, 2008 10:41 PM CDT up reply actions

Lotsa game left.

If KU can come back, so can UM. But, wow.

by hooper on Apr 7, 2008 10:43 PM CDT reply actions

it's

getting closer!!!!!!!!

Go Big Red Nebraska
Corn Nation - You can have *basketball*, we'll take everything else

by cornnation on Apr 7, 2008 10:43 PM CDT reply actions

we make our FTs

we win.

that is what it will come down to, just as it came down to memphis...

by rockchalk on Apr 7, 2008 10:43 PM CDT reply actions

D

Memphis really picked up its defense that series.

Go Vols!

by Rocky Top Talk on Apr 7, 2008 10:44 PM CDT reply actions

Ooh! Free Throws!

Novel Concept!

by hooper on Apr 7, 2008 10:47 PM CDT reply actions

Here are your FTs

Result?

. . .

hit one

. . .

hit two.

Go Vols!

by Rocky Top Talk on Apr 7, 2008 10:48 PM CDT reply actions

that was graceful

Go Vols!

by Rocky Top Talk on Apr 7, 2008 10:50 PM CDT reply actions

About seven seconds ticked off

after that foul was called.

Go Vols!

by Rocky Top Talk on Apr 7, 2008 10:50 PM CDT reply actions

there you go

congrats to you guys....

Go Big Red Nebraska
Corn Nation - You can have *basketball*, we'll take everything else

by cornnation on Apr 7, 2008 10:51 PM CDT reply actions

Congrats!

Celebrate! Be Merry! Be alive tomorrow to tell us all about it!

by hooper on Apr 7, 2008 10:51 PM CDT reply actions

I'm feeling . . .

. . . uh, what is it? A little schadenfreuderiffic? Does that make me bad?

Go Vols!

by Rocky Top Talk on Apr 7, 2008 10:52 PM CDT reply actions

Heh.

I'm just happy to not have to deal with Calimari blab 24/7 for the next year.

by hooper on Apr 7, 2008 10:53 PM CDT up reply actions

and

the Big 12 has won a basketball championship!

Go Big Red Nebraska
Corn Nation - You can have *basketball*, we'll take everything else

by cornnation on Apr 7, 2008 10:52 PM CDT reply actions

Rock Chalk Championship

Nice, Nantz.

Go Vols!

by Rocky Top Talk on Apr 7, 2008 10:53 PM CDT reply actions

OH! MY! GOSH!

i dont really know how it feels to be a National Champion...

it probably wont hit me for awhile. for the first time in my entire frickin' life, my team is a frickin' National Champion.

i love this game...

oh, and i was talking about making memories before the final four?

id say the mario chalmers three at the end of regulation counts as a pretty damn good memory.

my favorite memory of all time...

by rockchalk on Apr 7, 2008 10:54 PM CDT reply actions

Again, congrats.

I gotta go, but I'm happy for you. Enjoy this and have a great night.

Take care, rockchalk.

by hooper on Apr 7, 2008 10:54 PM CDT reply actions

Holy Crap

We are national champions.

by KennyGregoryRockThaCradle on Apr 7, 2008 10:54 PM CDT reply actions

rockchalk

Congrats. Enjoy. These moments are too few and too far between.

Unless you're a Lady Vol.

;-)

Go Vols!

by Rocky Top Talk on Apr 7, 2008 10:54 PM CDT reply actions

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sorry, that's about all I'm coherent for right now

YES YES YES YES YES

by Rhodri2112 on Apr 7, 2008 10:55 PM CDT reply actions

I need to see that one more time

We are national champions.

by KennyGregoryRockThaCradle on Apr 7, 2008 10:55 PM CDT reply actions

Congrats

I remember posting on here after KU's win at Mizzou Arena that if there was a better team in America than the Jayhawks, I'd yet to see it. You guys proved me right tonight.

I don't have to like this Jayhawks team, but damn do I respect them. Congrats, and enjoy it.

Rock M Nation
http://www.rockmnation.com

by RPT on Apr 7, 2008 10:55 PM CDT reply actions

Nope, not enough

We are national champions.

by KennyGregoryRockThaCradle on Apr 7, 2008 10:55 PM CDT reply actions

congrats.

you are a frickin' national champion, KGRTC...

and thanks for being, by far, the main commenter for this entire journey. it is a lot easier to put up material knowing that at least one person out there reads most of it, and cares enough to comment.

it really means a lot...

thanks.

by rockchalk on Apr 7, 2008 10:57 PM CDT up reply actions

thanks to both hooper and RTT..

you guys made it a little more fun, and am glad you joined us here at RCT.

thanks to you too, corn i always love when you are active.

this is a crazy feeling, knowing that you are the best team in the all the frickin' land.

by rockchalk on Apr 7, 2008 10:55 PM CDT reply actions

by craig on Apr 7, 2008 10:59 PM CDT reply actions

Well...

I guess we're done with the Bill Self can't win the big one bit.

by Rhodri2112 on Apr 7, 2008 11:00 PM CDT reply actions

Congratulations, Jayhawks!

Well earned. Nobly won.

A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan

by Truzenzuzex on Apr 7, 2008 11:00 PM CDT reply actions

post game thread up...

by rockchalk on Apr 7, 2008 11:10 PM CDT reply actions

Last night's game was about the best

college baseketball game that I have ever watched. It is so good when the two best teams in the nation get to the championship, and they both play well.

by James Quinn on Apr 8, 2008 9:34 AM CDT reply actions