The Rock Chalkboard

Bill Self breaks down KU basketball's 2020 signing class
"I thought it was more important this year than most just because of the unknown that waits out there," Self said. "And I don't mean unknown as being bad, unknown can be positive. You just don't know when this will be concluded. ... To have three guys like this jump on board now I think is a pretty strong move on their part, but also, more importantly, it helps us out and changes in my opinion what has been a fairly negative narrative that has been put out about us."

Bill Self sees Gethro Muscadin as future Kansas 'fan favorite'
On Thursday morning, the Jayhawks announced that three-star big man Gethro Muscadin had officially joined the Jayhawks' class. The 6-10 big man ranked as the No. 157-overall prospect and No. 19-overall center per the 247Sports Composite, though he actually told Phog.net he sees himself as more of a forward than as a true-five.

Self says early recruiting success helps change 'negative narrative' surrounding Kansas basketball | KUsports.com
On the second day of college basketball’s early signing period, Kansas coach Bill Self had the opportunity to discuss at length three new signees who made their commitments official by signing letters of intent on Wednesday.

Bill Self might prove more patient with KU's 2-big lineups than expected | Smithology | KUsports.com
“Right now” Self is sure to emphasize — meaning he doesn’t necessarily believe the statement will be true in the future — KU’s offense is better with four guards on the floor. It may be more a sliver of optimism than stubbornness that has Self waiting to watch it all play out.

KU women's basketball overcomes slow start to defeat Omaha 63-48 | KUsports.com
Fighting through defenders, Kansas sophomore Aniya Thomas somehow maintained her dribble and got back to the top of the key. Quickly, Thomas moved the ball to the corner and found freshman guard Zakiyah Franklin, who drove inside for a contested layup.

KU volleyball falls to No. 3 Baylor | KUsports.com
After falling behind 1-0, the Jayhawks were looking to even up the match in the second set as they fought their way to a 24-21 advantage over the Bears. Baylor managed to rally off five straight points to take set two 26-24 and a 2-0 advantage.

Bits o Chalk

College basketball signing day: Winners and losers after early period
In spite of an NCAA notice of allegations hanging over the program, coach Bill Self beat out Oklahoma State and North Carolina to land five-star talent Bryce Thompson, who will join two four-star players.

Notre Dame sellout streak expected to end at 273 games
"Based on ticket sales through Wednesday, we do not anticipate sellouts for our games against Navy and Boston College [on Nov. 23]," Notre Dame athletic director Jack Swarbrick said in a statement. "That this comes during a time of sustained success for our football program reflects both challenges impacting the ticket market nationwide and the unique dynamics of this year's schedule."

Mavs' Kristaps Porzingis loudly booed in return to New York
Kristaps Porzingis was booed while he went through warm-ups. Fans interrupted the national anthem and let out screams of "Go back to back to Latvia" and "Traitor."

Hue Jackson to lead Colin Kaepernick workout; 13 NFL teams have committed to attend
The NFL released more details about Colin Kaepernick's scheduled workout in Atlanta on Saturday, saying Thursday that Hue Jackson will lead the drills. At least 13 teams have committed to attend.

Cody Bellinger 1st Dodger to win NL MVP since Clayton Kershaw in 2014
Bellinger was selected first on 19 of 30 ballots and second on 10 more. Runner-up Yelich was named first on 10 ballots and second on 18. Rendon was named first and second on one ballot each.

Angels' Mike Trout edges Astros' Alex Bregman for AL MVP
Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout captured his third American League MVP Award on Thursday, edging Houston Astros third baseman Alex Bregman.

Eraser Dust

Daily Inter Lake - Local News, Feds penalize Kalispell Regional for compliance failure
According to the Office of Inspector General, Kalispell Regional Healthcare was penalized $65,000 for failing to comply with certain requirements of a corporate integrity agreement signed in September 2018.

Bigfork Eagle - This Week In The Flathead, Songwriter Festival to debut in Whitefish next fall
More than 20 songwriters will perform 30-plus shows, filling Whitefish theaters, restaurants, coffee shops and bars with some of the most talented artists in the music industry. Each show will feature two or three songwriters telling stories, trading songs and showcasing their creativity. The music begins in the morning with live songwriter interviews and ends in the late hours of the evening with songwriters and their bands at local clubs and pubs.

Victim of Columbia Falls-area logging truck crash identified | KECI
Flathead County officials have released the name of a man who died in a collision between an all-terrain vehicle and a logging truck near Columbia Falls. The sheriff's office tells the Daily Inter Lake that 64-year-old Jeffrey Louis Welle of Columbia Falls died on Nov. 8 in the crash on U. S. Highway 2 just north of Glacier Park International Airport.

Is Battery Life Gonna Be a Problem for the Foldable Razr?
Motorola’s new foldable Razr phone is pretty neat. Not only is it a pretty impressive feat of engineering, it packs a nice dose of nostalgia for those of us old enough to remember the days when the original Razr flip phone reigned supreme. There’s just one thing that, at least on paper, raises a red flag. That 2,510 mAh battery.