Sunday, January 29, 2012

No Margin for Error

The loss at Iowa State was not shocking given how tough they played us at Lawrence, of course. But somehow I was expecting more. Self should have them amped up after that near-disaster vs. Royce and co. at home.

T-Rob and Withey had subpar games (the latter plagued by ridiculous calls, but that's what happens on the road). And because no consistent offensive contributor has emerged beyond TT and T-Rob, we suddenly looked very anemic on offense.

Credit to both EJ and Travis for continuing to play good D, but we really, really, really need one or both of those guys to start putting points on the board consistently. They've both proven they can do it, but intermittent greatness isn't going to be enough this year.

The other problem, of course, is Conor. TT and EJ have made it a point to get him the ball in position to hit 3s, but he isn't holding up his end of the bargain.

The good news: TT seems to have turned the corner (10 assists to 2 turnovers); also, Mizzou lost this week, so we're still ahead in conference. But we have two games vs. the Tigers yet to come in this gauntlet of a schedule, plus road games vs. Baylor and K-State. Our margin of error is dwindling.

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Hooked 'Em

Uncle Greg's postgame report from the stands in Austin: "Holy canoly."

Tyshawn continues his hot streak, makes the go-ahead play -- and this time, no turnovers. Oddly enough, this morning I saw the documentary about TT's high school team in Jersey and their coach Bobby Hurley. Ty, as a senior, recovered after breaking two fingers in midseason, and led the team to a 32-0 record and the title. Then consider that he's lost all of about 16 games in his entire KU career: Of all the things that have been said about the kid over the years, it must also be said that he's a winner.

We also saw some flashes from EJ. It's strange how he disappears for long stretches, but he stepped up and made huge shots vs. Duke and Texas.

Really sweet bit in the LJW wrap-up about Angel Morris coming down to be with T-Rob. (I appreciated the late-Stones reference in the headline. I also would have accepted "Start Me Up," or "Tattoo You" in honor of T-Rob's arms, or if we had lost, "Shattered.")

Monday, January 16, 2012

Big Monday, or the Biggest Monday?

Here we are, #7 Kansas hosting #3 Baylor.

Current Big 12 Player of the Week Perry Jones III vs. current Big 12 Player of the Week Tyshawn Taylor.

Could the stakes be higher?
Actually, they probably could. But this should be a hell of a game!

Thoughts, Nation?