Northern Colorado Preview

Posted on by rnorell

The #5 Kansas Jayhawks open up the regular season tonight as they take on the Northern Colorado Bears. It has been eight long months since the Jayhawks lost to Wichita State in the NCAA Tournament, but Friday night everything starts anew. The 2015-2016 season looks to be a promising one for a loaded Kansas team. With only losing one major piece from last years team (Kelly Oubre Jr.) and adding a few highly regarded players (Carlton Bragg, Chieck Diallo and Lagerald Vick) this season may turn out to be a special one. KU looked very impressive in two exhibition wins against Pittsburgh State and Fort Hays State, although there a few things the Jayhawks need to workout before they take on Michigan State next week.

Northern Colorado

The Bears are coming off a 15-15 season and 10-8 finish in the WAC. They lost four players to graduation, three of which were among their top four scorers. Northern Colorado doesn’t bring back any seniors to this years squad, so they are a bit young and inexperienced. One player they do return is junior guard Cameron Michael. The 6’5″ Michael averaged 12.9 points per game last season, which was good for second on the team. He also shot nearly 40% from beyond the arc last season. Expect a combination of Wayne Selden, Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk and Devonte’ Graham to draw the matchup on defense. Size wise the Bears are very comparable to Pitt State and Fort Hays State in that they don’t possess a ton of size. They only have one guy over 6’9″. In the very early going Kansas has been playing three or four different big men, so the Bears may have a tough time handling KU’s immense depth.

Kansas

Kansas guard Frank Mason III (0) gets up for a dunk against Fort Hays State during the second half, Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2015 at Allen Fieldhouse. Photo by Nick Krug

Kansas guard Frank Mason III (0) gets up for a dunk against Fort Hays State during the second half, Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2015 at Allen Fieldhouse. Photo by Nick Krug

I feel like we say this every year, but this is arguably Bill Self’s deepest team ever. The Jayhawks can go 10-11 guys deep. 10-11 guys that are not only talented, but also experienced. Frank Mason looked great in KU’s final exhibition game, as he posted 16 points and 6 assists, while he not turning the ball over once. The Jayhawks have another capable guard in Devonte’ Graham. Graham and Mason should form one of the better 1-2 punches in the country. Wayne Selden is coming off a great summer after a strong showing in the World University Games. I believe he will be a wild card, if he finally plays up to his potential the Jayhawks will have three solid scorers in Mason, Selden and Perry Ellis. The Jayhawks are loaded in the front court with the likes of Ellis, Jamari Traylor, Hunter Mickelson, Carlton Bragg, Landen Lucas and potentially Chieck Diallo (I’ll save talk about him for later). What has been encouraging is the early play from Mickelson. He has been much more aggressive than what we have seem from him in the past. Mickelson gives KU a reliable rim protector, something they have lacked since Jeff Withey. One thing that I saw more of against Fort Hays State was the high-low play from the KU bigs. The high-low game has been a staple of Bill Self offense, but we have seen less of it over the past two or three seasons. I hope to see a reemergence of the high-low game as the season progresses. Sviataslov Mykhailiuk looked as good as he ever has in KU’s final exhibition tune up. The Ukraine native knocked down five of eight three pointers against Fort Hays State and looked as comfortable as ever. KU as a whole looked great from behind the arc. They shot 10-21 from three against Fort Hays. The Jayhawks do have a few things they do need to work on before they take on Michigan State. One of those things being ball protection. KU turned the ball over a total of 33 times in their two exhibition games. Luckily the Jayhawks can use this Northern Colorado game as game where they can work on those kinks.

Pick to Click

Pittsburg State forward Trevor Gregory (24) reaches as Kansas forward Perry Ellis (34) drives up the court during the first half on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2015 at Allen Fieldhouse. Photo by Nick Krug

Pittsburg State forward Trevor Gregory (24) reaches as Kansas forward Perry Ellis (34) drives up the court during the first half on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2015 at Allen Fieldhouse. Photo by Nick Krug

Perry Ellis – Forward. Sr.
The elder statesman of the Jayhawks looked sharp in KU’s two exhibition games. Ellis averaged 19 and 9 in those two games. He also showcased his versatility as he saw some time at the three spot for the Jayhawks. He has become the model of consistency I expect him to have a strong start to what could be a special senior season for the Wichita native.

Prediction: Kansas 88 – Northern Colorado 61

The Jayhawks have just too much talent, size and experience for the Bears to handle. This should be merely a tuneup before KU travels to Chicago to take on Michigan State next Tuesday night.

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Photos Courtesy of LJ-World
Video Courtesy of YouTube user jayhawk2257

 

 

Wichita State Preview

Posted on by rnorell

When: Sunday March 22, 2015 5:15/4:15pm CT
Where: CenturyLink Center, Omaha,NE
Where to Watch: CBS
We will all see the matchup we all have been waiting for since the brackets were announced last week, Kansas (27-8, 13-5 Big 12) and Wichita State (29-4, 17-1 MVC). The Jayhawks come into Sunday’s matchup coming off a 75-56 win over New Mexico State. KU looked mighty impressive as they led for the whole game. They got effort out of sophomore point guard Frank Mason. The point guard matchup will be a fantastic one, as the Shockers will showcase Fred VanVleet at point. VanVleet at a phenomenal performance in their first round win over 10 seeded Indiana. VanVleet poured in 27 points and dished out 4 assists in the win. Everyone in the state of Kansas will all have their eyes on this game as it will decide bragging rights throughout the state, as well who will decide who moves on to the Sweet 16. This will without a doubt be one of the most intriguing matchups of the NCAA Tournament.

Kelly Oubre Jr. yells in celebration during Kansas’ 69-64 win over Texas
Frank Mason puts up a floater in Kansas’ 75-56 win over New Mexico State
Jamari Traylor reacts to a big play in Kansas’ 75-56 win over New Mexico State.

Wichita Players To Watch
Fred VanVleet – 6’0”, Junior, Guard
Stats – 13.1 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 5.3 APG
VanVleet is the heart and sole of this Shockers team. He makes this team go. Even when Ron Baker had an off game against Indiana, the Shockers still pulled off a behind the strong play of VanFleet. He had no trouble getting into the lane and getting buckets against the Hoosiers, so Frank Mason will have his hands full on the defensive end. He is the most important person to keep tabs on if you are the Jayhawks.

#23 Fred VanVleet

#23 Fred VanVleet

Ron Baker – 6’3”, Junior, Guard
Stats – 15.0 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 43 FG%
Even though he had an off day shooting the ball against Indiana, Baker is a deadly outside shooter. He was just 3-13 from the field against the Hoosiers and it was mostly him just missing a lot of open shots. Whether it is Kelly Oubre Jr. or Wayne Selden Jr. they will need to be in his face all game. It’s not likely for him to go cold for two games in a row, so Oubre or Selden will need to be on top of their games defensively in order to secure a Jayhawk win.

#31 Ron Baker

#31 Ron Baker

Darius Carter/Zach Brown – 6’7”/ 6’6”, Senior/Freshman, Forward
Stats – 11.1/3.0 PPG, 5.4/1.4 RPG, 51/55 FG%
Carter and Brown were both huge on the boards against Indiana last game. Kansas did a great job of keeping New Mexico State’s big men off the boards in the previous matchup, and again it will be imperative to do the same in this game. Carter and Brown are both much smaller than the front line players of New Mexico State, so Kansas should have the advantage on the boards. Even with that being said, Carter and Brown are both high energy, high effort players and they will put up a good fight against the Jayhawks.

#1 Zach Brown

 

My Pick To Click
Perry Ellis – 6’8”, Junior, Forward
Stats – 13.8 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 45 FG%
Perry did not have a great performance in the first round game against New Mexico State, but I think this is a much better matchup for him. Wichita State is not a big team by any stretch, so I think Perry will be able to find success in the paint against the Shockers front liners. I think this game will also mean a lot for Perry being a Wichita native. He’ll be out to prove something in this matchup. I expect a great performance out of Perry.

Perry Ellis drives to hoop for a layup in Kansas' 69-64 win over Texas

Perry Ellis drives to hoop for a layup in Kansas’ 69-64 win over Texas

Prediction – Kansas 
This game will be a great one. I think it will be close throughout the game, but I think the Jayhawks will just edge them out in the end. The Jayhawks are going to want to silence the critics who have been saying they have been “dodging” the Shockers all these years. I think this game will mean just as much to the Jayhawks players just as much as it will to the Shockers. I think Kansas’ size will be too much to handle. If Kansas can get their outside shot to fall as it did in the New Mexico State, that should also propel them to a win. Wichita State is nationally ranked 8th in points allowed per game, but that has also came against a weak Missouri Valley Conference schedule. You saw what happened when the Shockers played a step up in competition in Indiana, they gave up 76 points. If the Jayhawks shots are falling, I don’t think there should be any reason why they should lose this game. Frank Mason played at an incredibly high level in the first round game. I expect him to keep rolling in this game. KU is going to need strong performances out of Oubre, Selden and Brannen Greene. I think the Jayhawks should win this game and move on to the Sweet 16.

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Photos Courtesy of LJ-World
Video Courtesy of YouTube User Connor Smith

New Mexico State Recap

Posted on by rnorell

The two seeded Kansas Jayhawks (27-8, 13-5 Big 12) got it rolling early as they took down 15 seeded New Mexico State Aggies (23-11, 17-1 WAC) 75-56 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Kansas led for the whole the game. They played lock down defense and were very efficient on the offensive end. They kept the lengthy Aggies frontcourt players off the boards by outrebounding them 36-29. Guard play is always pivotal in the NCAA Tournament and boy did the Jayhawks get great guard play. Frank Mason was phenomenal by pouring in 17 points, hauling in nine boards, and dishing out four assists. His play could be a good sign of things to come.

Jamari Traylor reacts to a big play in Kansas’ 75-56 win over New Mexico State.
Perry Ellis skys for a dunk in Kansas’ 75-56 win over New Mexico State.
Landen Lucas is fouled as he goes up for a layup in Kansas’ 75-56 win over New Mexico State.

It was a very balanced attack for the Jayhawks. They had six guys that scored eight or more points. Landen Lucas was great down on the block all day. He did a great job of keeping the Aggies big men off the boards. Lucas hauled in nine boards and was very disruptive on the defensive end. Jamari Traylor was much of the same for Kansas. He put in a great effort off the bench for Bill Self’s squad. I thought Kelly Oubre played a fantastic game for the Jayhawks. He played a great game on the defensive end by holding Remi Barry, the Aggies leading scorer, to 10 points on 4-13 shooting.

The Jayhawks kept up their high level defense against New Mexico State. KU held the Aggies to just 35% from the field and 33% from three-point land. Kansas’ double-teaming of the post caused havoc for the Aggies all game long. Their great play on defense has been a very encouraging sign over the past five to six games.

Kelly Oubre battles for the ball with a New Mexico State defender in Kansas’ 75-56 win over New Mexico State.
Bill Self barks out the call to his team in Kansas’ 75-56 win over New Mexico State.

Another encouraging sign for the Jayhawks was their outside shooting. Kansas knocked down 9-15 three pointers. Brannen Greene found his shooting touch as he knocked down 2-4 from three-point land, one of which was challenged and off balance. Frank Mason, Kelly Oubre Jr. and Devonte’ Graham were combined 6-7 from three. The three-point shot was one of the reasons that made Kansas a great team earlier in the season. If it keeps falling they will be tough to stop. So a good start from three in the first round of the tournament could be a good sign.

How My Pick To Click Fared
Wayne Selden Jr. – 6’5″, Sophomore, Guard
Stats – 6 PTS, 2 REBS, 3-6 FGs
It was by no means Selden’s best game. Only six points for the sophomore guard from Roxbury,Massachusetts, but he had many chances on the offensive end. He had an awkward attempt at a dunk in the first half where he took off too soon and had to adjust in midair for a layup that he missed. I would like to have him not handle the ball in transition. He never seems to make the right decision in transition when he handles the ball, he’s much better when receiving the ball. He also had a clean look at a three that seemed to go all the way down and then popped out. He shouldn’t lose confidence; his shot will fall.

Wayne Selden lays in two points in Kansas' 75-56 win over New Mexico State.

Wayne Selden lays in two points in Kansas’ 75-56 win over New Mexico State.

Kansas MVP
Frank Mason – 5’11”, Sophomore, Guard
Stats – 17 PTS, 9 REBS, 4 ASTS, 6-7 FGs, 2-2 3PTs
Mason played a nearly flawless game on Friday afternoon. He knocked down shots and created shots for others. He did a great job of running the offense. I thought he also did a very nice job of guarding Daniel Mullings of New Mexico State. Hopefully this sets the tone for Mason for the rest of the tournament.

Frank Mason puts up a floater in Kansas’ 75-56 win over New Mexico State
Frank Mason hustles for a loose ball in Kansas’ 75-56 win over New Mexico State.

Overall it was a nice solid victory for the Jayhawks, but at the same time you still have to realize its just New Mexico State. The Jayhawks will step up a level in competition next round, as they will take on the winner of Wichita State and Indiana. The game will be played on Sunday. Tip-off is TBD.

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Photos Courtesy of LJ-World
Video Courtesy of KU Athletics

New Mexico State Preview

Posted on by rnorell

 

When: March 19th, 2015 12:15pm/11:15am CT
Where: CenturyLink Center, Omaha, NE
Where to Watch: CBS
The two seeded Kansas Jayhawks (26-8, 13-5 Big 12) are set to make their 26th consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance on Friday afternoon, as they will take on the 15 seeded New Mexico State Aggies (23-10, 13-1 WAC). Many experts have their doubts in the Jayhawks as they are coming off a devastating loss to Iowa State in the Big 12 title game. The Jayhawks have not been playing their best ball of late, but as the tournament starts the Jayhawks have a clean slate. The Aggies are the class of the WAC as they went 13-1 in the conference and the second place team (Grand Canyon) finished just 8-6. Their tournament appearance is credited much to their weak conference slate. That being said this is New Mexico State’s fourth straight NCAA appearance, so they are experienced and prepared for this moment. The Aggies are 2-3 against NCAA tournament teams (Ws: Texas So., UC-Irvine, Ls: Wyoming, Baylor, Wichita St.) They are very good defensive team, a defense that ranks 18th national in points allowed per game. This has the potential to be the toughest 2 vs. 15 game in this year’s tournament.

Perry Ellis drives to hoop for a layup in Kansas’ 69-64 win over Texas
Kelly Oubre Jr. yells in celebration during Kansas’ 69-64 win over Texas

Players to Watch for New Mexico State
Remi Barry – 6’8”, Senior, Forward
Stats – 13.3 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 46 FG%

Remi Barry #3

The Aggies leading scorer is a very versatile player. He can handle the ball, he can shoot the midrange and he step out and shoot the occasional three ball. Although he has not played much in the tournament, he is not stranger to the stage. He has stepped his play in his senior season, as he never scored above 6.1 points per game in his three prior seasons. Kelly Oubre Jr. and Wayne Selden will have their hands full on Friday afternoon in Omaha.

Daniel Mullings – 6’2”, Senior, Guard
Stats – 12.6 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 2.8 APG, 43 FG%

Daniel Mullings #23

Mullings is a former WAC player of the year and is no stranger to the NCAA Tournament. He scored 18 points in an overtime loss to San Diego State in last year’s tournament. Mullings is a super athletic guard. Mullings missed eight weeks of the season with a broken finger, so that is part of the reason why his numbers have taken a dive. He is not going to beat you with the outside shot, but will get his points by driving the and hitting midrange shots. It’ll be imperative for Jayhawk defenders to keep him in front them. Overall he is a player that brings NCAA Tournament experience to the floor. He surely is a player to keep your eye if you’re the Jayhawks on Friday. Frank Mason, Wayne Selden or Devonte’ Graham will probably draw the defensive matchup.

Pascal Siakam – 6’9”, RS Freshman, Forward
Stats – 13.0 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 57 FG%

Pascal Siakam #43

Siakam is an absolute load. The 230-pound redshirt freshman is the leading rebounder for the Aggies. He is a long and rangy athlete. Siakam gives the Aggies a presence of a shot blocker on the inside. This would be a good matchup if the Jayhawks had Cliff Alexander, but they don’t so Jamari Traylor, Perry Ellis, Landen Lucas and Hunter Mickelson will need to step up their games to keep Siakam off the boards.

My Pick To Click
Wayne Selden Jr – 6’5”, Sophomore, Guard
Stats – 9.8 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 2.8 APG

I’m going with the hot hand here in Selden. Selden stepped up his game in the Big 12 Tournament and he had the looked of the player we all thought he would be. He looked like he wanted it more. In the three games of the Big 12 Tournament Selden averaged 17.3 points per game, 5.6 rebounds per game and shot 66% from the field. I think Selden will keep elevating his game and will be one of the leaders for the Jayhawks in this tournament.

Prediction – Kansas
This will be a lot closer than a lot of people think. Kansas has tended to struggle in the first round games over the past few seasons, but have outlasted their opponents. The Aggies will keep it close in the first half, but Kansas will pull away in the second half It will be a typical grind-it-out type of game from the Jayhawks. I think Selden, Frank Mason and Perry Ellis will all have good games for the Jayhawks. Kansas will need to keep the Aggies off the boards. Kansas also needs to keep drawing fouls and going to the line. If Kansas can get to the line 20+ times like they have been doing, it will be a good afternoon for the Jayhawks. Also look for Brannen Greene coming off the bench. If he can knock down a few shots early it could be good signs for things to come. I think Kansas should be able to survive this first round game, and move on to the second round to face the winner of Indiana and Wichita State.

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Photos Courtesy of LJ-World
Video Courtesy of YouTube User: Connor Smith

Kansas Jayhawks NCAA Tournament Preview

Posted on by rnorell

The Kansas Jayhawks might have got the toughest draw of the tournament by being pegged as the two seed in the Midwest region. It maybe the best region of them all with undefeated and top ranked Kentucky Wildcats at the top. Kansas may the toughest road to the Indianapolis than any other team in the tournament. It is hard to say Jayhawks were “rewarded” with the two seed. With other teams such as Notre Dame, Texas, Butler and Wichita State a run to the Elite 8, let alone the Four Four, would be quite the accomplishment for this Kansas Jayhawks team. The Jayhawks will face the 15 seeded New Mexico State Aggies in the second round of the NCAA Tournament and with a potential intriguing matchup with Wichita State looming in the third round.

Keys For Potential Final Four Run
1. Guard Play
For most of the season Frank Mason has been great as the point for the Jayhawks. He’s been so great that Coach Bill Self has said that Mason has been the team’s MVP. Over the past three games Mason just has not been himself. He’s lost his shooting touch (29 FG%) and has not been distributing the ball (3.3 APG) like he has been all season. We all know guard play is crucial in the tournament. It can make or break a team’s season as we saw last season with the Jayhawks. Kansas was as talented as any team in the tournament last year, but did not have good guard play with Naadir Tharpe running the point. I think Mason has better intangibles than Tharpe. He just seems like a player that refuses to lose. I think Mason can step up his play here in the tournament and if he does the Jayhawks will be tough to stop. I expect a big tournament out of Frank Mason.

Frank Mason drives and dishes a pass in the finals of the Orlando Classic against #20 Michigan State.

2. Defense and Rebounding
One of the most encouraging trends for the Kansas Jayhawks is that they have been playing defense at a high level at the end of the season. Not counting the second half of the Iowa State game the Jayhawks defense has been quite exceptional over the past six games. Again not counting the second half against Iowa State, the Jayhawks have held their opponents to 36% (120-328) from the floor. Kansas has stepped up their defensive effort late in the year and could be a good sign going into the tournament. Another encouraging area for the Jayhawks in their rebounding, even without Cliff Alexander and a 100% Perry Ellis. This season when Kansas gets outrebounded they are just 6-6, but when they outrebound their opponent they are 20-2. Rebounding will be key in the tournament. They’ll have to limit their opponent’s second and third chances on the offensive end, as well as cleaning up the boards on defense. Offensive rebounds killed them in the second half against Iowa State on Saturday afternoon and that was one of the deciding factors in the game. Landon Lucas has stepped up tremendously in the absence of Cliff Alexander. He’s done much better than I expected him to. He along with Jamari Traylor and Hunter Mickelson will need to step up, especially if Perry is not going to be 100%

Perry Ellis goes up for a layup in the Jayhawks 87-60 win over the Rider Broncs.
Perry Ellis attempts to block out Myles Turner in Kansas’ 75-62 win over Texas.
Landen Lucas (33) and Perry Ellis (34) block a shot of a Rhode Island player in the Jayhawks’ 76-60 win.

3. Outside Shooting
For most of the season the Jayhawks outside shooting has been superb, but since the TCU game at Allen Fieldhouse in the late February the outside shot just has not been falling for KU. One can see the correlation between Jayhawks three-point woes and Brannen Greene’s (their best outside shooter) shooting slump. Since that TCU game back on February 21st Kansas has shot just 19% (16-83) and Greene has shot just 15% (3-20) from beyond the arc. The Jayhawks really need to get Greene going from three-point land. Greene is such a good shooter that he needs just one to go in to get hot. If Greene gets going it’ll set the tone for the others.

Brannen Greene attempts a three-point shot in Kansas’ 75-62 win over Texas.
Wayne Selden attempts a jump shot in Kansas’ 76-61 win over UNLV.
Perry Ellis steps out behind the arc for a three-pointer in Kansas’ 76-61 win over UNLV.
Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk shoots a three-point basket in Kansas’ 96-69 win over Lafayette.

 

X Factor Players For Kansas
Perry Ellis/Jamari Traylor
These guys are the elder statesmen of the Jayhawks and they will need to play like it in order for Kansas to make any type of run. In these days of so many guys staying for one or two years veteran leadership is so important to teams. Even with a team like Kentucky they have a guy like Willie Cauley-Stein who has been there before and brings some experience to a young group. Now as for Perry and Jamari they have both been through a lot. Don’t forget Jamari was on that 2012 team, but sat out the whole year due to eligibility issues, so he knows what it takes to make a deep run in this tournament. Perry has played since his freshman season and was on the team that lost to Michigan in the Sweet 16 in 2013. Both these guys bring invaluable veteran experience to the Jayhawks. Kansas will need both of these guys to step up in the tournament. This is where you need your older guys the most.

Jamari Traylor goes diving out of bounds for a ball in Kansas’ 75-62 win over Texas.

Frank Mason/Devonte’ Graham
This goes back to what I was saying about guard play. Mason and Graham are as talented as any other point guards in this tournament. That being said they will need to play up to their potential in order for the Jayhawks to make a run. I’ll say it again guard play is so crucial in the tournament and if Mason and Graham are clicking at the right time the Jayhawks can and will make a run. They, especially Graham, need to start making better decisions with the basketball and limit turnovers. Kansas needs both of these guys to step up.

Wayne Selden
Wayne Selden had a spectacular Big 12 Tournament. He really looked like he wanted it so bad, and there are times where it seems as if he is just going through the motions so it was nice to see him give it his all. Whenever the Jayhawks needed a big shot he wanted to be the guy to shoot it. I think Wayne is poised to have a great tournament and if he does I will not be surprised to see Kansas making a run in the Midwest region.

Brannen Greene
As mentioned before Brannen Greene needs to have his shot falling. Kansas is a much better team when Greene is hitting his shot, when he is on he is one of the best weapons off the bench in college basketball. The Jayhawks desperately need him to step up as we roll into the tournament.

Brannen Greene celebrates after making a huge three-pointer in Kansas’ 75-70 win on Wednesday night.

I think the Jayhawks are in a nice position from a perception standpoint. A lot of people are doubting the Jayhawks and that could play to be an advantage. Remember this team played the toughest schedule in the toughest conference in the country this season and won 26 games. The regular season has definitely prepared the Jayhawks for anything that comes their way. There is nothing this team has not seen. I think they’ll be ready come Friday.

The Jayhawks will tip-off on Friday afternoon/morning at 12:15pm/11:15am CT against the New Mexico State Aggies. I’ll have a preview and a prediction of that game in the days to come.

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Photos Courtesy of LJ-World

Texas Recap

Posted on by rnorell

The #8 Kansas Jayhawks (23-6, 12-4 Big 12) inched one step closer to their 11th consecutive Big 12 title and they did it in a fashion which we have become familiar with all season long. The grinded out a 69-64 victory over the Texas Longhorns (17-12, 6-10 Big 12) in front of a raucous sellout crowd at Allen Fieldhouse.

Wayne Selden reacts to a big play in the Jayhawks 69-64 win over Texas.
Landon Lucas finishes off a slam in Kansas’ 69-64 win over Texas.

The Jayhawks never backed down and put up one hell of fight. Kansas was down six with 11 minutes to go in the second half and could not get much of anything to go on offense. Their chance at the Big 12 title seemed to be slipping through the cracks, but Perry Ellis put the Jayhawks on his back and willed them to victory. Perry scored six straight points to cut the Longhorns lead to two. Then an and-one layup by Kelly Oubre Jr. gave the Jayhawks a one-point lead. A lead the Jayhawks would never relinquish. Perry scored 12 of Kansas’ last 23 points of the game and recorded a season high 28 points. Perry finished with 13 rebounds, 3 blocks and was 10-12 from the free throw line. He is playing some of his best basketball since stepping on campus three years ago. He’s playing his best basketball at the right time, as the NCAA tournament quickly approaches.

Perry Ellis slams home an alley-oop from Wayne Selden in Kansas’ 69-64 win over Texas.
Kelly Oubre Jr. yells in celebration during Kansas’ 69-64 win over Texas

Oubre also had a great game. He was very active on the defensive end, getting his hand in many passing lanes and forcing deflections and steals. His presence was also felt on the offensive end as he scored 15 points and hauled in 9 boards.

Kelly Oubre Jr. trys to get his hands on the ball as Demarcus Holland drives to the hoop in Kansas’ 69-64 win over Texas

Kansas had one of their best games all season at the free throw line. The Jayhawks shot 26-32 from the line and was one of the deciding factors of the game.

With the win the Jayhawks have recorded 23+ wins for the 26th consecutive season, a truly remarkable streak.

How My Click to Pick Fared
Perry Ellis – 6’8”, Senior, Forward
Stats: 28 PTS, 13 REBS, 3 BLKS, 10-12 FTs
Once again, Perry was great. He was uber-aggressive on the offensive end. He was outsized by the Texas big men and kept getting his shots blocked and altered, but he never relented. He kept going at them and getting points. It was super important that Perry kept going back inside for his points as the outside shot was not falling for the Jayhawks. In fact Kansas only shot 1-8 from three-point land. As I said before, Perry is playing great basketball. If he keeps up this play and the Jayhawks’ outside shot starts to fall, they will be tough to beat going forward.

Perry Ellis drives to hoop for a layup in Kansas’ 69-64 win over Texas
Perry Ellis lays one in amongst the Texas big men in Kanas 69-64 win over Texas.

For those out there who have said and are saying the Jayhawks aren’t going anywhere when they get to the tournament, I would say to cease those thoughts. From what I can remember many people said the 2012 Kansas team was one of their least talented and not very deep. That team got hot in the tournament and made a run to the national title game. Anything can happen once March rolls around. Who would have thought UConn would have made the run they did last year? A lot of times one player can carry a team throughout the tournament. We saw it last year with Shabazz Napier and UConn and we saw it in 2011 with Kemba Walker and UConn. We could see it with Kansas and Perry Ellis this season. Before the game yesterday, Jay Williams and Stephan A. Smith were talking about Kansas’ tournament hopes. Both commented that it all comes down to guard play in the tournament and Kansas has some very good guards. I would just say to those fans who don’t have high hopes for the Jayhawks that to not count the Jayhawks out. They’ve been counted out many times before and always seem to wedge themselves into the conversation. Any team can get hot in the tournament.

Head coach Bill Self walks off the floor in celebration after Kansas’ 69-64 win over Texas

Kansas will return to action on Tuesday night, as they will host the West Virginia Mountaineers (22-7, 10-6 Big 12). With a win on Tuesday the Jayhawks will clinch at least a share of their 11th straight Big 12 title. If Iowa State beats Oklahoma on Monday night and then the Jayhawks win on Tuesday, Kansas will then win the Big 12 outright. Tip-off is set for 9/8pm CT. The game can be seen on ESPN2 or the WatchESPN app.

Follow us on Twitter at @BeyondThePhog
Photos Courtesy of LJ-World
Video Courtesy of KU Athletics

Texas Preview

Posted on by rnorell

When: Saturday February 28, 2015 5/4PM CT.
Where: Allen Fieldhouse
Where to Watch: ESPN or WatchESPN App

All hopes for an outright Big 12 championship seemed to be loss after an underwhelming performance in Manhattan on Monday, but the Baylor Bears came to the aid of the #8 Kansas Jayhawks (22-6, 11-4 Big 12) on Wednesday night as they took down Iowa State in Ames. The Jayhawks are back in sole possession of first place in the Big 12, and have almost no room for error from here on out. The Jayhawks will welcome the Texas Longhorns (17-11, 6-9 Big 12) into Allen Fieldhouse on Saturday evening. Kansas took the first matchup in Austin back on January 24th. It was one of the most complete games the Jayhawks played all year. With Kansas having their backs against wall, I see the Jayhawks playing another complete game on Saturday evening.

Brannen Greene attempts a three-point shot in Kansas’ 75-62 win over Texas.

Texas Players to Watch
Isaiah Taylor – 6’1”, Sophomore, Guard
Stats: 13.4 PPG, 4.4 APG, 3.9 RPG
Taylor is one of the most exciting guards to watch in the Big 12. He had 23 points in the previous meeting with the Jayhawks and will be an important player to stop on Saturday. In my opinion I don’t think he’ll have a great game on Saturday. I think the Allen Fieldhouse crowd will rattle him and I think Kansas will pressure him quite a bit. If the Jayhawks can deny Taylor of getting into the lane they should do a good job of limiting his production.

Myles Turner – 6’11”, Freshman, Forward
Stats: 11.2 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 2.6 BPG
Kansas did a pretty nice job of shutting Turner down in the first matchup. He only scored 8 points, nabbed 8 boards, and fouled out. He hasn’t had the type of season the Longhorns had hoped for after he was named the #2 overall recruit in the nation last year. Turner has the ability to dominate the game on each end of the floor. He’s had nights where he’s gone off for 25+ points and 10+ rebounds and then he’s had nights where he scored six points and collects four rebounds. For the Jayhawks sake, hopefully he has a night were he has six points and four rebounds.

 

My Pick To Click
Perry Ellis
Stats: 14.0 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 47 FG%
For the third straight game I’m going with Perry as my pick to click. He’s playing his best ball as the games begin to mean more. This is a huge game for Kansas and I expect Perry to come up with another big night. He has been much more efficient the past five games. He’s shooting 59% from the field in that five game stretch and is averaging 19.6 points per game. Perry is just playing too well for me not to pick him.

Perry Ellis attempts to block out Myles Turner in Kansas’ 75-62 win over Texas.
Perry Ellis slams down a dunk in Kansas’ 78-62 win over Kent State.

Prediction – Kansas 
I think Kansas has their backs up against the wall and I think they realize they have no room for error. Baylor bailed them out on Thursday and this is where they take advantage of the opportunity they have presented to them. Allen Fieldhouse will be rocking and I don’t think Texas will be able to handle it. This will be a close game in the first half, but Kansas will turn it on in the second half on the backs of Perry Ellis and Frank Mason.

Follow us on Twitter at @BeyondThePhog
Photos Courtesy of LJ-World
Video Courtesy of YouTube User: Jayhawk2256

Kansas State Preview

Posted on by rnorell

When: Monday February 23, 2015 9/8pm CT
Where: Manhattan, Kansas
Where to Watch: ESPN or the WatchESPN App.
It is often said in a rivalry game, “throw the records out the window”, and that is never more true than in the Kansas-Kansas State rivalry. The stage is set for round two of the Sunflower Showdown on Monday night in Manhattan between the Jayhawks and Wildcats. The Jayhawks are coming off a nine point home win over the TCU Horned Frogs on Saturday afternoon. Kansas State, who early was near the top of the Big 12, is reeling of late. The Wildcats have lost 6 of their last 7 contests, including a 14-point loss at TCU. That being said, I still expect a fight out of the Wildcats on Monday night. This will undoubtedly be K-State’s biggest game of the year because let’s face it they are not going anywhere.

Kansas State Players To Watch

Marcus Foster – 6’2”, Sophomore, Guard
Stats: 13.4 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 40 FG%
Foster scored 19 points on 7-18 shooting in the first matchup against Kansas. He will get his average, there is not question about it. The Jayhawks just have to make sure he is not efficient in doing so. He shot 7-18 in Lawrence and if he is going to need to take near 20 shots to get it will spell good things for the Jayhawks.

Nino Williams – 6’5”, Senior, Guard
Stats: 11.4 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 48 FG%
Williams was hobbled by injury in the first matchup with Kansas, but he still managed to play 22 minutes and score four points. He’s healthy now and has scored in double figures in four of his last five games. I’m sure he’ll be motivated to play one of his best games, because this will probably be the last KU-KState game for him. Wayne Selden Jr. and Kelly Oubre Jr. better come and play their A-game on defense as they will probably matchup with Williams.

My Pick To Click
Perry Ellis
Stats: 13.7 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 46 FG%.
I’m going to ride the hot hand by picking Perry here. Perry had probably his best game of the year last time out against TCU, notching 23 points and hauling in 7 boards. The most encouraging thing about Perry is that he has been so efficient with his shots. Over his last four games he’s shot 58% from the field. He is making the most of his opportunities when he gets close to the basket. He is not missing any bunnies. I expect him to step up in this game and lead the Jayhawks once again.

Perry Ellis attempts to block out Myles Turner in Kansas’ 75-62 win over Texas.
Perry Ellis fights for a rebound in Kansas’ 68-57 win over K-State.

Prediction – Kansas
I’m a little cautious with this pick because this being a rivalry game. Even though Kansas is 23-3 all-time at Bramlage Coliseum, it is still a tough place to play. It should be no different on Monday night. I think if Kansas gets out to good start they should win this one with ease, but if they let Kansas State hang around this will probably go down to the wire. Any slip up from here on out could cost the Jayhawks a shot an outright Big 12 title and with that being so I think Kansas will be motivated to not let a slip up happen. I think Perry Ellis is hitting his stride on the offensive end and will have a great game. I think this will be close, but the Jayhawks will pull out a win in the end.

Follow us on Twitter at @BeyondThePhog
Photos Courtesy of LJ-World

TCU Recap

Posted on by rnorell

Grind it out, three words that describe the 2014-15 Kansas Jayhawks. Those words rang true on Saturday afternoon as #8 Kansas (22-5, 11-3 Big 12) took down the TCU Horned Frogs (16-11, 3-11 Big 12) 81-72 in front of a capacity crowd at Allen Fieldhouse. The Jayhawks had plenty of chances to put away the Horned Frogs in the second half, but they just could not get over the hump. Perry Ellis had a steal that led to a break away dunk late in the second half to give the Jayhawks a 16-point lead. TCU quickly stormed back to go on a 12-2 run and cut the Jayhawks lead to 6. It was a point of the game where the Jayhawks had the chance to completely put away an inferior opponent and they could not do it. No, the Jayhawks were never really in danger of losing the game, but it would be nice to beat a team like TCU by 20 rather than by 9. As we get close to tournament time and the games will most likely be close and down to the wire, hopefully the Jayhawks experience in close, grind it out games will help them in the long run.

How My Pick To Click Fared
Perry Ellis – 6’8”, Junior, Forward
Stats: 23 Pts, 7 Rebs, 2 Ast, 9-10 FGs

Perry Ellis looks to be back on his game. It was the third straight game where Perry has notched 18+ points. He has been the Jayhawks best player four games, and looks to be hitting his stride as we inch closer and closer to tournament time. I met Digger Phelps at a Notre Dame football tailgate this past fall and had the opportunity to ask him about then the upcoming season for the Jayhawks. I remember he said that he could see the Jayhawks making a deep run into March on the shoulders of Perry Ellis. He compared to Perry to what Joakim Noah was to those great Florida teams. Not so much the emotional type of leader Noah was, but the upperclassmen that everyone relied on. If Perry keeps his play at the high level it is at, Kansas will be a tough team to beat with an efficient scorer on the inside, and a plethora of shooters on the outside.

Kansas MVP(s)
Perry Ellis and Devonte’ Graham
Stats
Ellis: 23 Pts, 7 Rebs, 2 Ast, 9-10 FGs.
Graham: 20 Pts, 3 rebs, 3 Ast, 7-7 FGs.

It would have been too tough just to pick one guy for the MVP of the game, so I had to go ahead and pick two. Graham and Ellis were by far the best players on the court on Saturday afternoon. It is too bad that Graham can’t play TCU every game because he has yet to miss a shot against the Horned Frogs in his young career. Kansas is a much better team when Graham is playing well. He said before the game he wanted to be more aggressive and boy he was. If this new and aggressive Graham is present from here on out, they will be tough to stop. As for Perry, it’s pretty apparent why I picked him as a game MVP. It is hard to argue with 23 pts, 7 rebs and 9-10 from the floor.

It is worth noting that student manager Chris Huey got to suit up and actually saw playing time in Saturday’s win over TCU. Huey is a student manager who had to give up basketball because of medical reasons. He did get a chance to score a basket, but missed. Huey is the first student manager to suit up for the Jayhawks in the Bill Self era.

Kansas will now travel to Manhattan to take on the hated Kansas State Wildcats on Monday night. The game is a part of ESPN’s Big Monday and tip-off is set for 9/8pm CT.

Follow us on Twitter at @BeyondThePhog
Pictures Courtesy of LJ-World.

TCU Preview

Posted on by rnorell

After a few games absence I am back to preview the TCU game round two.

When: Saturday February 20, 2015. 4/3PM CT
Where: Allen Fieldhouse
Where to Watch: ESPN2 or WatchESPN App

After a suffering a heartbreaking and controversial loss in Morgantown on Monday night to West Virginia, the #8 Kansas Jayhawks (21-5, 10-3 Big 12) look to rebound on Saturday afternoon as the they take on the TCU Horned Frogs (16-10, 3-10 Big 12) at Allen Fieldhouse. The Horned Frogs are riding high as they are coming off two consecutive wins over #21 Oklahoma State and Kansas State The Jayhawks took down the Horned Frogs last month in Fort Worth in what was a pretty ugly ballgame. The Jayhawks should be hungry for a W as another slip up could cost them their 11th straight Big 12 title.

TCU Players to Watch
Kyan Anderson – 5’11” Senior, Guard.
Stats: 12.9 PPG, 4.1 APG, 39 FG%.

Most Jayhawk fans should know who Anderson is by now. Anderson is not only the leader scorer, but he is also the Horned Frogs leader. They go as he goes. He led TCU with 17 points last time out against KU, but he did it on 5-18 shooting. He is an important guy to contain because they rest of the TCU team is rather young. If Anderson gets stopped and the Horned Frogs have to rely on some freshman and sophomores on the road at Allen Fieldhouse, that will most likely spell trouble for TCU.

Kenrich Williams – 6’7” Sophomore, Forward.
Stats: 8.6 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 50 FG%.

Williams poured in a career high 13 points in the last matchup with the Jayhawks. I don’t see him repeating that this time at Allen Fieldhouse. This will be Williams first time in Allen Fieldhouse. I don’t think he will be able to handle the pressure that will be placed upon him.

My Pick to Click
Perry Ellis – 6’8” Junior, Forward.
Stats: 13.3 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 45 FG%

Perry Ellis attempts to block out Myles Turner in Kansas' 75-62 win over Texas.

Perry Ellis attempts to block out Myles Turner in Kansas’ 75-62 win over Texas.

Perry has been playing like his usual self lately. Over his last three games he’s averaging 17 points, 6.6 rebounds and is shooting 50% from the field. He got off to a fast start in the previous tilt with TCU but then quickly got into foul trouble and just could never get back into the groove. I think he has a great matchup. He has been hot lately and I think he will continue that on Saturday

Prediction – Kansas 
Simply put, Kansas is by far a better team than TCU. I do not think there is any way TCU will come into Allen Fieldhouse and pull off the upset. Kansas is coming off a heartbreaking loss and I think they will come out and play angry to try and crush TCU early. I expect Cliff Alexander to get some more minutes. Last game was just not a good matchup for him. Brannen Greene had an off night on Monday and I think will rebound and get back to hot shooting. Frank Mason almost came up big the other night, but I expect him to shake it off and move on to the next game. There are too many weapons for Kansas on offense and not enough on offense for TCU. I think Kansas will win this one going away and the Jayhawks will keep sole possession of first place in the Big 12 standings.

Follow us on Twitter @BeyondThePhog
Photos Courtesy of LJ-World
Video Courtesy of YouTube User jayhawk2257