So the nicknames are almost done, it's been a chore, but there's been so much going on that I wanted to chime in with my thoughts:
No surprise to me that Michael Beasley, Bill Walker, Brandon Rush and Darrell Arthur declared for the draft although I would be surprised if Walker or Arthur change their mind. Seems to me that all four should go in the first round and I'm happy for them. I always find it odd when people chastise these stars for leaving early. Who amongst us wouldn't have left college early for guaranteed millions in our field of expertise? A very small percentage indeed, and most of us don't have the same risk for injury that they would. I think Rush and Beasley will be the best pros of the four, I'm just not sure Walker and Arthur have the right make up...but the certainly have the talent.
Frank Martin's 5 year extension didn't surprise me a ton either but i don't think it'll work out very well in manhappy. I feel pretty confident saying that the Wildcats underachieved this season with Beasley and Walker. If they continue that path with considerably less talent fans in Manhappy may be right back where they were in the Woolridge era.
I hear rumors that Luke "I am your Father" Hochevar may take John Bale's spot in the rotation as early as Sunday. Hochevar looked good in his last start in Omaha and while it's earlier than I anticipated, I'm stoked. Greinke, Banny and Hochevar may make up the best young staff in all of baseball.
Speaking of starters, I owe Brett Tomko an apology. He hasn't been near as terrible as I anticipated. In fact, to this point he's been our third best starter. I don't expect that to continue, but I'll give him props now while I can.
Showing posts with label Michael Beasley. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Michael Beasley. Show all posts
Friday, April 18, 2008
Monday, February 18, 2008
Starstruck
Beasley making it difficult for teams to slow him down
Beasley's 40 and 17 against the Tigers this weekend was just another example of his amazing freshman season. All year last year we heard about how Kevin Durant's year would not be duplicated for a long time, if ever. Really? In the non-con all I heard was how Beasley's numbers weren't as impressive because K-State wasn't playing anyone, so I thought we'd look at conference stats only...Durant vs. Beasley...
Durant '07- 28.9 points(1st), 12.5 rebounds(1st), 50.5 FG%(4th), 2.06 steals(2nd, 1.6 blocks(1st)
Beasley '08- 27.7 points(1st), 11.7 rebounds(1st), 53.3 FG%(2nd), 1.9 steals(3rd), 1.1 blocks(10th)
So across the board it looks like Durant is just a little bit better right? Remember this: Durant played on a team that's currently ranked #7 in the country without him and they didn't win the conference last year. No disrespect to Jacob Pullen and Bill Walker, but how much would this year's Texas team be favored by over K-State without Beasley? 15? Yet these Wildcats are 8-2 and control their own destiny in the Big 12 race... I guess what I'm saying is Durant may have a had a slightly better statistical season than Beasley (so far) but Beasley has been much more valuable to his team.
Also consider this, Durant's Horns went 25-10, 12-4 last year with a loss in the Big 12 Finals and a 19 point second round loss to USC...not even a Sweet 16? Michael Beasley has a great opportunity to best him in those areas...and what really matters more?
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Big 12 Report Week 4
It was a busy week in Big 12 country, but not necessarily a happy one for a lot Big 12 fans...
- Texas Tech fans had to deal with the sudden departure of Bobby Knight. Even the fans that didn't like him(if there were any) have to recognize that this hurts their chances for a postseason birth this season.
- Tiger fans don't seem thrilled with the reinstatement of Jason Horton and Darryl Butterfield, and on top of that had to deal with the pounding from KU. No matter how expected, that still has to sting.
- K-State fans went from undefeated and atop the Big 12 to questioning how their team could lose to a shorthanded Missouri squad. Granted, they're still tied for first but they have to feel like any game is losable now.
- Oklahoma was 3-2 last week and giddy over the early return of Blake Griffin. Now they're 3-4 and hoping a road game at Colorado can get them back to .500 in conference.
Sure the Aggies, Longhorns and Jayhawks are happy, but we expected that from the beginning, right?
1. Kansas (7-1) I'm sure there are KSU fans out there who think they should be #1 based on their head to head victory. To them I say, the #1 team in the conference doesn't lose to a 2-5 squad missing three of their players. The Jayhawks have one heck of a tough weekend coming up with Baylor at home on Saturday followed by a Big Monday matchup at Texas. Another chance for this team to prove their toughness, let's hope it goes better than Manhatten did.
2. Kansas State (6-1) The loss to Mizzou was enough to knock them out of the top spot, but really not devastating in terms of the long haul. Michael Beasely had a monster night putting up 35 and 13 against Nebraska and tying a K- State record with his 18th double double of the season. The Wildcats may not be the number one team in the conference, but he's without a doubt the #1 player.
3. Texas A&M (5-3) Things are starting to look a little more like we expected for Turgeon's Aggies. Saturday's Blackout at Mizzou could be trouble if they overlook it, but I think this team is done overlooking teams after 3 early losses.
4. Texas (5-2) So they won two games they were supposed to, whoopee. Would it surprise me if they lost at Iowa State on Saturday then turned around and beat Kansas on Big Monday? Not entirely...
5. Baylor (5-2) Are the Bears starting to come back to earth? I think it's posssible. Their next 5 are brutal: @ KU, @ OSU, UT, @ OU, KSU. I'll be impressed if they win two of those.
6. Oklahoma (3-4) Sooners need to start winning and fast. Lucky for them, Colorado is up next.
7. Texas Tech (3-4) This spot has been a revolving door, and with Bobby Knight out I don't believe the Red Raiders will be able to hold on to it. Need to win Saturday at Nebraska to preserve any chance of me saving face.
8. Iowa State (3-5) Roller coaster season for the Cyclones is probably going mostly down from here on out.
9. Missouri (3-5) I told you I only put them at the bottom because of the term 'indefinite' although in the case of Horton and Butterfield we all thought that term should have meant longer than it did. Tigers have already shocked two ranked teams at home this year, will A&M make three?
10. Nebraska (2-5) Biggest...disappointment...of... the... year...
11. Oklahoma State (2-6) I hope Sean Sutton makes it through this year with his health. He doesn't seem to handle losing very well and they've done a lot of it.
12. Colorado (1-7) 1 point loss last night at Stillwater begs the question: How many winnable games are left for the Buffs? Not many at all.
We're really close to the midway point, my awards so far:
Player of the Year- Michael Beasley
Freshman of the Year- Michael Beasley
Coach of the Year- Frank Martin/Scott Drew
All Big 12 Team
Michael Beasley
DJ Augustin
Bill Walker
Brandon Rush
Richard Roby
To see how those compare to my preseason picks, click here.
The postseason outlook looks pretty similiar to last week:
Kansas- #1 seed
A&M, Texas- #4 seed
KSU- #5 seed
Baylor- #7 seed
Oklahoma- #12 seed
Texas Tech- NIT
- Texas Tech fans had to deal with the sudden departure of Bobby Knight. Even the fans that didn't like him(if there were any) have to recognize that this hurts their chances for a postseason birth this season.
- Tiger fans don't seem thrilled with the reinstatement of Jason Horton and Darryl Butterfield, and on top of that had to deal with the pounding from KU. No matter how expected, that still has to sting.
- K-State fans went from undefeated and atop the Big 12 to questioning how their team could lose to a shorthanded Missouri squad. Granted, they're still tied for first but they have to feel like any game is losable now.
- Oklahoma was 3-2 last week and giddy over the early return of Blake Griffin. Now they're 3-4 and hoping a road game at Colorado can get them back to .500 in conference.
Sure the Aggies, Longhorns and Jayhawks are happy, but we expected that from the beginning, right?
1. Kansas (7-1) I'm sure there are KSU fans out there who think they should be #1 based on their head to head victory. To them I say, the #1 team in the conference doesn't lose to a 2-5 squad missing three of their players. The Jayhawks have one heck of a tough weekend coming up with Baylor at home on Saturday followed by a Big Monday matchup at Texas. Another chance for this team to prove their toughness, let's hope it goes better than Manhatten did.
2. Kansas State (6-1) The loss to Mizzou was enough to knock them out of the top spot, but really not devastating in terms of the long haul. Michael Beasely had a monster night putting up 35 and 13 against Nebraska and tying a K- State record with his 18th double double of the season. The Wildcats may not be the number one team in the conference, but he's without a doubt the #1 player.
3. Texas A&M (5-3) Things are starting to look a little more like we expected for Turgeon's Aggies. Saturday's Blackout at Mizzou could be trouble if they overlook it, but I think this team is done overlooking teams after 3 early losses.
4. Texas (5-2) So they won two games they were supposed to, whoopee. Would it surprise me if they lost at Iowa State on Saturday then turned around and beat Kansas on Big Monday? Not entirely...
5. Baylor (5-2) Are the Bears starting to come back to earth? I think it's posssible. Their next 5 are brutal: @ KU, @ OSU, UT, @ OU, KSU. I'll be impressed if they win two of those.
6. Oklahoma (3-4) Sooners need to start winning and fast. Lucky for them, Colorado is up next.
7. Texas Tech (3-4) This spot has been a revolving door, and with Bobby Knight out I don't believe the Red Raiders will be able to hold on to it. Need to win Saturday at Nebraska to preserve any chance of me saving face.
8. Iowa State (3-5) Roller coaster season for the Cyclones is probably going mostly down from here on out.
9. Missouri (3-5) I told you I only put them at the bottom because of the term 'indefinite' although in the case of Horton and Butterfield we all thought that term should have meant longer than it did. Tigers have already shocked two ranked teams at home this year, will A&M make three?
10. Nebraska (2-5) Biggest...disappointment...of... the... year...
11. Oklahoma State (2-6) I hope Sean Sutton makes it through this year with his health. He doesn't seem to handle losing very well and they've done a lot of it.
12. Colorado (1-7) 1 point loss last night at Stillwater begs the question: How many winnable games are left for the Buffs? Not many at all.
We're really close to the midway point, my awards so far:
Player of the Year- Michael Beasley
Freshman of the Year- Michael Beasley
Coach of the Year- Frank Martin/Scott Drew
All Big 12 Team
Michael Beasley
DJ Augustin
Bill Walker
Brandon Rush
Richard Roby
To see how those compare to my preseason picks, click here.
The postseason outlook looks pretty similiar to last week:
Kansas- #1 seed
A&M, Texas- #4 seed
KSU- #5 seed
Baylor- #7 seed
Oklahoma- #12 seed
Texas Tech- NIT
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Call him Mr. Windex, cause he gets the streak out
I was wrong, Michael Beasley was right. I'll have more on last night's game in the Big 12 Report later today, but for now quick thoughts:
- That crowd last night was amazing. They pushed their own team while scaring both the Jayhawks and the refs into submission.
- Darrell Arthur looked like a high school player compared to Beasley...he also looked scared.
- If Kansas State shoots like that in March we may have two teams from Kansas in the Final Four.
- I used to call Brandon Rush 'Casper' for his propensity to disappear in the clutch...after last night I may start again.
Like I said, more in the Big 12 Report this afternoon, but for now...congrats to the Cats and their fans.
- That crowd last night was amazing. They pushed their own team while scaring both the Jayhawks and the refs into submission.
- Darrell Arthur looked like a high school player compared to Beasley...he also looked scared.
- If Kansas State shoots like that in March we may have two teams from Kansas in the Final Four.
- I used to call Brandon Rush 'Casper' for his propensity to disappear in the clutch...after last night I may start again.
Like I said, more in the Big 12 Report this afternoon, but for now...congrats to the Cats and their fans.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Sunflower Showdown
Seems like I've been waiting forever for this game, then I thought about how long Wildcats fans have been waiting for a win over KU in Manahatten...25 years and 1 day to be exact. Yes, a quarter of a century ago yesterday was the last time K-State beat Kansas. Absurd isn't is? But there have been plenty of articles about "The Streak" and it's absurdity. Even more about Michael Beasley and his guarantees to end said streak. Even a few on Kansas' reaction to Beasley's guarantee to end "The Streak".
Yeah, the whole streak angle has been beaten into the ground, right? Maybe. One thing everyone seems to agree on is that the streak won't have any effect on tonight's game. The most common things you hear is "These kids weren't even born when this streak started"...to me that's pretty shortsighted. With everyone talking about Beasley's guarantee filling the Jayhawks' bulletin board, how can we not analyze the other side of it? These Wildcats have heard about "The Streak" since before they stepped on Kansas, you don't think they're motivated by that? You don't think they'll play harder tonight than any other? Of course they will.
So, we have the veteran Jayhawks trying to silence the confident (if not arrogant) Wildcats on one side. On the other you have the young Wildcats, tired of hearing about 24 years of disappointment, wanting to prove themselves. To me, that sounds like a recipe for one of the best games of the season...at first glance.
The problem with that theory is it doesn't take in to account the disparity in talent. All year long I've told you how Michael Beasley was this year's Kevin Durant, and I stand by that. And Bill Walker is a great young player as well...maybe the 2nd most talented player on the floor but after that there is no comparison here. Mario Chalmers, Russell Robinson, Brandon Rush, Sherron Collins...The Wildcats have noanswer for them. The guards will be the difference and I expect Mario Chalmers to have a field day.
Kansas State is a good team no doubt, a tournament team for sure, but not the kind of team that beats an inspired Kansas team. No, their only hope was to catch this team sleeping and Mr. Beasley made sure that didn't happen. Everyone has given Beasley a free pass because he's "good enough to back it up". Everyone seems to think that great players can make guarantees...I agree...IF they're on a great team. Beasley didn't write a check that he couldn't cover, he wrote one that his team has to try and cover...and cost them any chance at a victory.
Last odds I saw had Kansas as a 7 point favorite and I'd be amazed if they don't cover that. Expect 20+ turnovers from the Wildcats, as well as a lot of frustration. The Streak continues...
Kansas 79, Kansas State 66
Yeah, the whole streak angle has been beaten into the ground, right? Maybe. One thing everyone seems to agree on is that the streak won't have any effect on tonight's game. The most common things you hear is "These kids weren't even born when this streak started"...to me that's pretty shortsighted. With everyone talking about Beasley's guarantee filling the Jayhawks' bulletin board, how can we not analyze the other side of it? These Wildcats have heard about "The Streak" since before they stepped on Kansas, you don't think they're motivated by that? You don't think they'll play harder tonight than any other? Of course they will.
So, we have the veteran Jayhawks trying to silence the confident (if not arrogant) Wildcats on one side. On the other you have the young Wildcats, tired of hearing about 24 years of disappointment, wanting to prove themselves. To me, that sounds like a recipe for one of the best games of the season...at first glance.
The problem with that theory is it doesn't take in to account the disparity in talent. All year long I've told you how Michael Beasley was this year's Kevin Durant, and I stand by that. And Bill Walker is a great young player as well...maybe the 2nd most talented player on the floor but after that there is no comparison here. Mario Chalmers, Russell Robinson, Brandon Rush, Sherron Collins...The Wildcats have noanswer for them. The guards will be the difference and I expect Mario Chalmers to have a field day.
Kansas State is a good team no doubt, a tournament team for sure, but not the kind of team that beats an inspired Kansas team. No, their only hope was to catch this team sleeping and Mr. Beasley made sure that didn't happen. Everyone has given Beasley a free pass because he's "good enough to back it up". Everyone seems to think that great players can make guarantees...I agree...IF they're on a great team. Beasley didn't write a check that he couldn't cover, he wrote one that his team has to try and cover...and cost them any chance at a victory.
Last odds I saw had Kansas as a 7 point favorite and I'd be amazed if they don't cover that. Expect 20+ turnovers from the Wildcats, as well as a lot of frustration. The Streak continues...
Kansas 79, Kansas State 66
Monday, January 28, 2008
Randomness
Not much going on today, so just a few quick thoughts:
- The Tigers lose even when they win. Arguably the best player on the team, Stefhon Hannah ended up in the hospital after an altercation at a Columbia night club Saturday night. I'm not one to chastise college kids for going clubbing, or celebrating. But these incidents are becoming far too common for Mike Anderson's team. Without Hannah the Tigers may challenge Colorado, Nebraska and Oklahoma State for the cellar in the Big 12.
- Michael Beasley keeps talking trash about Wednesday's match up with Kansas. I'll have more on this Wednesday in the Sunflower Showdown preview, but I'll say this now: Beasley is making it fun, and adding to the excitement...but I'd be nervous if I were A Wildcat fan.
- Heard Billy Butler on 810 late last week. The young slugger sounds optimistic (of course) but he did make one bold prediction: Kyle Davies in the starting rotation. With Bannister, Meche and Greinke all assured spots Davies is in a dog fight with several veterans and younger players. Butler apparently saw Davies in the Dominican League this winter and said he really looked sharp. I hope he's right.
- The Tigers lose even when they win. Arguably the best player on the team, Stefhon Hannah ended up in the hospital after an altercation at a Columbia night club Saturday night. I'm not one to chastise college kids for going clubbing, or celebrating. But these incidents are becoming far too common for Mike Anderson's team. Without Hannah the Tigers may challenge Colorado, Nebraska and Oklahoma State for the cellar in the Big 12.
- Michael Beasley keeps talking trash about Wednesday's match up with Kansas. I'll have more on this Wednesday in the Sunflower Showdown preview, but I'll say this now: Beasley is making it fun, and adding to the excitement...but I'd be nervous if I were A Wildcat fan.
- Heard Billy Butler on 810 late last week. The young slugger sounds optimistic (of course) but he did make one bold prediction: Kyle Davies in the starting rotation. With Bannister, Meche and Greinke all assured spots Davies is in a dog fight with several veterans and younger players. Butler apparently saw Davies in the Dominican League this winter and said he really looked sharp. I hope he's right.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Big 12 Report- Week 2
This is just not right. Nothing about it is. I get ready to put together the Big 12 Power Poll and reasonably can only come to one conclusion...Kansas State and Baylor have to be 2nd and 3rd. What order they belong in is certainly debatable, but they have to be. How can this be? Where are the Aggies? Where's super talented Texas? Bob Knight and the Red Raiders? How can it be that any reasonable person would have to rank these perennial cellar dwellers in the top three in the league after two weeks? There's one man to blame for all of this: Mark Turgeon. In two weeks he's taken a top ten team, been blown out by Texas Tech and Kansas State and lost at home to Baylor. I thought the Turgeon hiring was a good one, and after a 15-1 start it looked like it was but now? You can bet Aggies fans are already questioning it...
1. Kansas (4-0)- The Tigers gave the Jayhawks their only scare of the conference season so far. The next close game? January 30th in Manhatten. Amazing stat of the week: Kansas is now 83-7 in Big conference home games.
2. Kansas State (3-0)- The A&M win doesn't look quite as impressive as it did, but they've now put two road wins with it. I'll really be impressed if they don't look past the Cyclones on Saturday. In the second half against the Buffs last night Michael Beasley had 26 points and 11 rebounds....that's ridiculous.
3. Baylor (4-0)- What can I say? They're undefeated....they beat my preseason #2...they're ranked in the top 25...and Curtis Jerrells is the man. They face Oklahoma at home this week before getting a week off to prepare for...
4. Texas (2-1)- I don't get this team at all. First they lose to Mizzou, then they beat Colorado and OSU by two each? This team should be crushing opponents like these. They should crush Texas Tech Saturday...we'll see.
5. Texas Tech (2-2)- Everyone keeps telling me this team isn't very good. I think as long as they have Martin Zeno they can be dangerous. I don't expect them to beat Texas this weekend, but I do expect them to finish in the top half of the conference.
6. Texas A&M (1-3)- I know, I know...I said I wouldn't be fickle and drop teams too far. Well, A&M earned this one. Getting pounded on the road is one thing but losing to Baylor at home immediately afterwards is quite another. The bad news for the Aggies? Their next three games: @ OSU, UT, @ OU. Ouch!
7. Iowa State (2-2)- They don't lose any cred for getting blown out by Kansas, almost everyone has.
8. Oklahoma (1-2)- Big win for the Sooners over Texas Tech vaulted them ahead of several teams that are struggling.
9. Missouri (1-3)- They haven't won a road game yet and if they don't Saturday in Boulder they may not all year. Tigers are better than the Buffs and are in desperate need of a parachute to keep this season from going down the toilet. The first step? Not giving up 50 free throws.
10. Nebraska (0-3)- If it weren't for Texas A&M this would be the most disappointing team in the conference. What's worse for Huskers? Their next game is at Kansas.
11. Oklahoma State (1-3)- Almost a big upset on Big Monday against the Horns. Instead, they're toiling at the bottom of the conference where everyone expected them.
12. Colorado (1-3)- The fact that Colorado had a 13 point lead on Texas in the second half is encouraging. The fact that they gave up a 24-2 run at that point is not. This team is really bad.
May as well just give the player of the week award to Michael Beasley again huh? Besides his monster 2nd half against Colorado he put up 21 against A&M. He's averaging 27 and 9 in Big 12 play so far. Not bad for a freshman. Honorable mention to Jerrells who put up 36 last night in the 5 OT win against the Aggies.
A new feature I'm adding this week is the Tourney watch, these are projections based on how I think the season will finish.
Kansas #1 seed
Texas #3 seed
Texas A&M #4 seed
Baylor, Kansas State #6 seed
Texas Tech #11 seed
Okalahoma NIT
As always, your comments are appreciated below...
1. Kansas (4-0)- The Tigers gave the Jayhawks their only scare of the conference season so far. The next close game? January 30th in Manhatten. Amazing stat of the week: Kansas is now 83-7 in Big conference home games.
2. Kansas State (3-0)- The A&M win doesn't look quite as impressive as it did, but they've now put two road wins with it. I'll really be impressed if they don't look past the Cyclones on Saturday. In the second half against the Buffs last night Michael Beasley had 26 points and 11 rebounds....that's ridiculous.
3. Baylor (4-0)- What can I say? They're undefeated....they beat my preseason #2...they're ranked in the top 25...and Curtis Jerrells is the man. They face Oklahoma at home this week before getting a week off to prepare for...
4. Texas (2-1)- I don't get this team at all. First they lose to Mizzou, then they beat Colorado and OSU by two each? This team should be crushing opponents like these. They should crush Texas Tech Saturday...we'll see.
5. Texas Tech (2-2)- Everyone keeps telling me this team isn't very good. I think as long as they have Martin Zeno they can be dangerous. I don't expect them to beat Texas this weekend, but I do expect them to finish in the top half of the conference.
6. Texas A&M (1-3)- I know, I know...I said I wouldn't be fickle and drop teams too far. Well, A&M earned this one. Getting pounded on the road is one thing but losing to Baylor at home immediately afterwards is quite another. The bad news for the Aggies? Their next three games: @ OSU, UT, @ OU. Ouch!
7. Iowa State (2-2)- They don't lose any cred for getting blown out by Kansas, almost everyone has.
8. Oklahoma (1-2)- Big win for the Sooners over Texas Tech vaulted them ahead of several teams that are struggling.
9. Missouri (1-3)- They haven't won a road game yet and if they don't Saturday in Boulder they may not all year. Tigers are better than the Buffs and are in desperate need of a parachute to keep this season from going down the toilet. The first step? Not giving up 50 free throws.
10. Nebraska (0-3)- If it weren't for Texas A&M this would be the most disappointing team in the conference. What's worse for Huskers? Their next game is at Kansas.
11. Oklahoma State (1-3)- Almost a big upset on Big Monday against the Horns. Instead, they're toiling at the bottom of the conference where everyone expected them.
12. Colorado (1-3)- The fact that Colorado had a 13 point lead on Texas in the second half is encouraging. The fact that they gave up a 24-2 run at that point is not. This team is really bad.
May as well just give the player of the week award to Michael Beasley again huh? Besides his monster 2nd half against Colorado he put up 21 against A&M. He's averaging 27 and 9 in Big 12 play so far. Not bad for a freshman. Honorable mention to Jerrells who put up 36 last night in the 5 OT win against the Aggies.
A new feature I'm adding this week is the Tourney watch, these are projections based on how I think the season will finish.
Kansas #1 seed
Texas #3 seed
Texas A&M #4 seed
Baylor, Kansas State #6 seed
Texas Tech #11 seed
Okalahoma NIT
As always, your comments are appreciated below...
Sunday, January 20, 2008
KC Sports Report TV
Thought I'd start this week off with the man(kid) that's made the biggest impact in area sports in 2008...Michael Beasley was sick long before he got to Manhatten.
To hopefully make the Tiger fans feel better, a pretty fantastic Anthony Peeler dunk montage...and for those who thought the refs were bad last night, probably the worst call in Border War history.
Remember when all those Japanese kids were throwing up because of the cartoons? Hope they don't go to Brigade games at the Sprint Center...from the Brigade Open House...that scoreboard is wild.
In case you didn't make it to Royals FanFest, here's new manager Trey Hillman...and Trey from his 2006 Japanese Championship.
To hopefully make the Tiger fans feel better, a pretty fantastic Anthony Peeler dunk montage...and for those who thought the refs were bad last night, probably the worst call in Border War history.
Remember when all those Japanese kids were throwing up because of the cartoons? Hope they don't go to Brigade games at the Sprint Center...from the Brigade Open House...that scoreboard is wild.
In case you didn't make it to Royals FanFest, here's new manager Trey Hillman...and Trey from his 2006 Japanese Championship.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Manhappy!
It takes a lot to upstage MU vs. KU, but the Wildcats have done it. They didn't just beat A&M, they hammered them 75-54. I said in my Big 12 Power Poll that there was no way the Wildcats upset the Aggies and I was obviously wrong. I thought that A&M coming off an embarrassing loss at Tech would be ready for the Cats...they may have been, but it didn't matter. I thought A&M would contain Michael Beasley and they did...kind of...to the tune of 21 points. I also said that if the Wildcats would become the number one challenger to Kansas if they won, that I was right about. I also think they deserve to be ranked now...probably in the vicinity of 21st. The last thing I think? No longer is the discussion about whether this Wildcat team will be in the tourney, only what seed they'll receive Congrats to the Cats and their fans, now let's get ready for that Border War!
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Big 12 Report- Week 1
If you drove to work in Kansas City this morning you probably know exactly how most Big 12 coaches feel this morning...flustrated...disoriented...maybe even a little angry. Funny what impact 2 inches of snow can have huh? Much like the impact of a road loss in the first week of the conference season. Think Rick Barnes felt a little better before the Catastrophe in Columbia? Yeah, but at least that made Mike Anderson feel good about his Tigers...until last night in Ames...What about Bobby Knight? A 19 point loss at OSU followed by a 15 point win over the A&M...Does any of this make sense? About as much sense as closing schools citywide for 2 inches of snow. With that, our first Big 12 Power Poll of the 2008 Season.
Kansas (2-0)
Nothing surprising here, except that the Jayhawks already have a one game cushion over both A&M and Texas in the standings. Rivalry game at Mizzou this week could be one of the few stumbling blocks for KU.
TexasA&M (1-1)
A lot of people might drop the Aggies after the beating they took at Tech last night, but I'm going to try not to be that fickle. Besides, I took a lot of flack for placing the Raiders 4th in my preseason rankings, so for now I'll pretend like that loss isn't that terrible.
KSU (1-0)
Michael Beasley carried the Cats to one of the few road victories in the conference in week one and that's why they made the leap to number 3. A win Saturday against Texas A&M and people may actually start to believe this team could challenge Kansas for first, but it won't happen.
Texas (0-1)
I pity Colorado. Texas, maybe the 2nd most talented team in the league, has had a full week to think about a 13 point loss at Mizzou. If the Horns don't beat the Buffs by 20, there really may be something wrong in Austin.
Baylor (2-0)
If there were any Baylor Bear fans that read this, they'd surely complain over this ranking, after all they're tied with Kansas for the conference lead. Single digit wins over OSU and ISU don't impress me.
Missouri (1-1)
To quote Dennis Green "They are who we thought were!" Fantastic win for the Tigers followed by a disappointing loss. But that bad taste in Tiger fans mouths? It could be gone by about 9:30 Saturday night. Anderson will have the kids ready for the Border War.
Nebraska (0-2)
In all honesty, they should maybe be last. 19 point loss at home and then putting up 51 against Colorado? Gross.
Oklahoma State (1-1)
I predicted a terrible year for the Cowboys and they came out and dominated Bob Knight's Red Raiders to start the season before losing a close one to Baylor. Now I have no idea who they are. Games in Ames and at home against UT should tell us.
Iowa St (1-1)
I expect the Cyclones will sneak up and bite a couple more teams like they did the Tigers last night...but not more than 3 or 4 more the rest of the year.
Oklahoma (0-2)
The Sooners were upset after losing the home opener vs. KSU, and then embarrassed by Kansas 2 nights later. I really don't think they're this bad but you can't argue with the results so far.
Colorado (1-1)
I still think Colorado is terrible with a capital T.
Michael Beasley has to be the player of the week in the conference even if he only played one game. He's going to have to be player of the week this week as well if he wants to hang with the Aggies. I'd guess he'll hit his first speed bump as the Aggies slow him down. I refuse to speculate on the results of Missouri/Kansas Saturday night except that the crowd is jacked up and the Tigers play exceptionally hard.
After week one it's pretty ridiculous to try to rank these team, so I'm sure everyone has a bone to pick with these rankings... I tried to go off my Preseason Predictions and add in what the team's had done so far, but I'm sure that a lot of you disagree.. That's what the comments section is for. Let me have it...
Kansas (2-0)
Nothing surprising here, except that the Jayhawks already have a one game cushion over both A&M and Texas in the standings. Rivalry game at Mizzou this week could be one of the few stumbling blocks for KU.
TexasA&M (1-1)
A lot of people might drop the Aggies after the beating they took at Tech last night, but I'm going to try not to be that fickle. Besides, I took a lot of flack for placing the Raiders 4th in my preseason rankings, so for now I'll pretend like that loss isn't that terrible.
KSU (1-0)
Michael Beasley carried the Cats to one of the few road victories in the conference in week one and that's why they made the leap to number 3. A win Saturday against Texas A&M and people may actually start to believe this team could challenge Kansas for first, but it won't happen.
Texas Tech (1-1)
What an enigma Bobby Knight's team was this week. It'll be amazing if Knight doesn't completely blow a gasket in the upcoming 3 game stretch: @ OU, Mizzou at home, @ Texas. The 4th best team in conference would win at least 2 of those...we'll see. Blow up or not, Knight will still have his 900 wins and I'll still enjoy watching him and his teams.
Texas (0-1)
I pity Colorado. Texas, maybe the 2nd most talented team in the league, has had a full week to think about a 13 point loss at Mizzou. If the Horns don't beat the Buffs by 20, there really may be something wrong in Austin.
Baylor (2-0)
If there were any Baylor Bear fans that read this, they'd surely complain over this ranking, after all they're tied with Kansas for the conference lead. Single digit wins over OSU and ISU don't impress me.
Missouri (1-1)To quote Dennis Green "They are who we thought were!" Fantastic win for the Tigers followed by a disappointing loss. But that bad taste in Tiger fans mouths? It could be gone by about 9:30 Saturday night. Anderson will have the kids ready for the Border War.
Nebraska (0-2)
In all honesty, they should maybe be last. 19 point loss at home and then putting up 51 against Colorado? Gross.
Oklahoma State (1-1)
I predicted a terrible year for the Cowboys and they came out and dominated Bob Knight's Red Raiders to start the season before losing a close one to Baylor. Now I have no idea who they are. Games in Ames and at home against UT should tell us.
Iowa St (1-1)
I expect the Cyclones will sneak up and bite a couple more teams like they did the Tigers last night...but not more than 3 or 4 more the rest of the year.
Oklahoma (0-2)
The Sooners were upset after losing the home opener vs. KSU, and then embarrassed by Kansas 2 nights later. I really don't think they're this bad but you can't argue with the results so far.
Colorado (1-1)
I still think Colorado is terrible with a capital T.
Michael Beasley has to be the player of the week in the conference even if he only played one game. He's going to have to be player of the week this week as well if he wants to hang with the Aggies. I'd guess he'll hit his first speed bump as the Aggies slow him down. I refuse to speculate on the results of Missouri/Kansas Saturday night except that the crowd is jacked up and the Tigers play exceptionally hard.
After week one it's pretty ridiculous to try to rank these team, so I'm sure everyone has a bone to pick with these rankings... I tried to go off my Preseason Predictions and add in what the team's had done so far, but I'm sure that a lot of you disagree.. That's what the comments section is for. Let me have it...
Monday, January 14, 2008
Don't forget the Wildcats
I wrote earlier this month(and even had a poll up) about people feeling like I gave too much credit to the Jayhawks, and not enough to Mizzou. In the interest of fair and balanced coverage, I think the Wildcats from way out west earned a little bit of hype this weekend...
First you have Michael Beasley scoring 32 and 11, not to mention the game winner with 2 seconds left, to defeat Oklahoma. Okay, that's big enough, now remember it's his first Big 12 game...his first Big 12 road game...It's games like those that make me look not quite so silly for predicting he'd win player of the year in the conference. Great start to the season for the Cats.
Then yesterday, a former Wildcat on a much bigger stage also put on a show. Former K-State running back Darren Sproles took a Philip Rivers pass 56 yards to the house to end the third quarter. His team the Chargers went on to defeat the Colts and will face New England next week in the AFC Championship. Sproles is the third back on the Chargers and usually nothing more than a kick returner, but with LT out he made the most of his opportunity yesterday.
So the Wildcats pretty much covered it this weekend. Mr. Everything doing everything in his first Big 12 road game, and the little guy that no one thought belonged in the league took his one chance to the house to knock off the favorites. It's a great day to be a Wildcat.
First you have Michael Beasley scoring 32 and 11, not to mention the game winner with 2 seconds left, to defeat Oklahoma. Okay, that's big enough, now remember it's his first Big 12 game...his first Big 12 road game...It's games like those that make me look not quite so silly for predicting he'd win player of the year in the conference. Great start to the season for the Cats.
Then yesterday, a former Wildcat on a much bigger stage also put on a show. Former K-State running back Darren Sproles took a Philip Rivers pass 56 yards to the house to end the third quarter. His team the Chargers went on to defeat the Colts and will face New England next week in the AFC Championship. Sproles is the third back on the Chargers and usually nothing more than a kick returner, but with LT out he made the most of his opportunity yesterday.
So the Wildcats pretty much covered it this weekend. Mr. Everything doing everything in his first Big 12 road game, and the little guy that no one thought belonged in the league took his one chance to the house to knock off the favorites. It's a great day to be a Wildcat.
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