Monthly Archives: December 2015

Kansas Hosts Montana

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No. 2 Kansas (8-1) is back in Allen Fieldhouse, Saturday, December 19, for a 1:00 p.m., tip against Montana (4-5).

The Grizzlies come to Lawrence, Kan., to face one of the hottest teams in the country, having reeled off six wins in a row after dropping a heartbreaker to Michigan State in the Champions Classic.

Since that time, KU has dominated its opponents, ranking among the top 3 in scoring as well as top 3 in shooting percentage both from the floor and from behind the arc.

Wayne Selden, Jr., is playing at an All-American level, and the Jayhawks–after a hardline stance against the NCAA’s lack of cooperation–had star freshman Cheick Diallo cleared for full participation.

Kansas not how more depth than any other team in the country and can attack opposing defenses with fresh bodies and from positions on the floor.

With an 0-5 record on the road so far this season, Montana is facing an uphill battle when they take on the Jayhawks.

If there is one thing to take away from tape of KU this season, it would be playing the zone defense to slow down a potent Jayhawk offense. Lately, teams such as Harvard and Oregon State have had at least relative success using the zone to slow Kansas down.

For the most part, Bill Self’s team has done most of its damage from behind the three-point line or in transition. In half-court sets, KU has actually struggled to get into its offense, mainly because its slew of big men have been in somewhat of a funk lately–no player more than Perry Ellis, who has been called out multiple times by coach Self for not being competitive enough, and recently, saying his star senior is, “playing like he’s 18.”

Ellis has fallen into ruts throughout his career at Kansas. At times, he forgets how good he is on the offensive end and seems to forget how to use his skill set to take over a game.

While he may finish with 10-15 points, the frustration is that he could easy finish with 20-25. At this point, it’s more of a personality issue rather than actual ability. The skill is there, but the lack of demeanor from Ellis to switch into another gear and dominate a game just isn’t in his makeup as a player.

Still, he’s an all american-level talent and a player which will be significant in whether or not Kansas is able to reach and exceed its goals for the season.

Even though Montana isn’t the stiffest competition Kansas will have played this season, the Grizzlies are another chance for the Jayhawks to take the floor and get better as a team, particularly during a time where games are spread out over Christmas break. With so much time between games, practice becomes somewhat monotonous.

Having an entire week off this week between games, the Jayhawks will be ready to take the floor inside Allen Fieldhouse and put on a show for a capacity crowd.

In need of tickets for Saturday’s game? Tickets For Less has seats available throughout Allen Fieldhouse, as well as parking passes, for Saturday’s matchup with the Montana Grizzlies. With zero hidden service fees, what you see is what you get. Head to Tickets For Less and purchase your seats to Saturday’s game, as well as all future home games inside Allen Fieldhouse this season. Go Jayhawks!

KU Has Big Second Half, Beats Oregon State

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For whatever the reason, the Kansas Jayhawks seem to struggle inside Kansas City’s Sprint Center, more than they dominate.

While the Jayhawks typically come away with a victory, they don’t come with ease, and Saturday’s game against the Pac 12’s Oregon State was no different.

After a dreadful first half in which Kansas couldn’t seem to find any offensive rhythm against almost strictly a zone defense by the Beavers, and Oregon State knocking down three-pointers left and right, the halftime break came with Bill Self’s squad down 11.

The almost capacity crowd of more than 18,000 (18,612 to be exact) Kansas fans in attendance was more annoyed than they were shocked. It was almost as if the majority knew the Jayhawks would come out with a different energy in the second half, but why did it need to come to that?

This is a question that has been asked time after time with KU.

Obviously a much better club than their opponent, Kansas comes out looking slightly lethargic and almost disinterested in the game until the lead reaches 10-plus points and the team wakes up, usually following a colorful and poignant talking to by Bill Self.

Saturday was exactly that. the Jayhawks came out in the second half and immediately began attacking on the offensive end. In one spurt, Wayne Selden, Jr., knocked down a long three to bring KU within three points, then followed a steal by Devonte’ Graham with another three in stride, tying the game up and eventually leading to KU taking the lead for good.

Selden finished with a game-high 22 points on 8-of-12 shooting, and 5-of-8 from three-point range.

Four Jayhawks in total scored at least 1o points, Frank Mason III (18), Perry Ellis (13), and Devonte’ Graham (10).

Oddly enough, Kansas is the No. 2 three-point scoring team in the country and third overall in points scored. After hitting 43-percent from behind the arc on Saturday, the Jayhawks are just behind fellow Big 12 member Oklahoma in outside shooting at 46-percent overall for the season.

Recently, Bill Self has struggled to find consistent success from the three-point line, but offensively, it has made the different for the Jayhawks, especially the few times they have found themselves behind in a game.

Next up for Kansas is a home match up against 3-5 Montana, Saturday, December 19 in Allen Fieldhouse. The tip is scheduled for 1:00 p.m., as KU looks for a 9-1 start to the season heading into a tough matchup against San Diego State on the 22nd before heading into Christmas break. Tickets for each and every home game at Allen Fieldhouse are on sale now at Tickets For Less. With zero hidden service fees, what you see is what you get on all ticket purchases. Don’t miss out on your chance to see the Jayhawks take the court in the cathedral of college hoops. Tickets to a Kansas home game make a perfect gift for family or friends, so get yours today. Go Jayhawks!

KU cruises past Holy Cross

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After a so-so performance in a win over Harvard last weekend, No. 2 Kansas took the court Wednesday night against Holy Cross in Allen Fieldhouse.

Led by Wayne Selden, Jr., and his 15 points, the Jayhawks easily handled Holy Cross, 92-59.

Six players scored in double figures for KU, including sharp-shooter Brannen Greene–back from a 5-game suspension–who poured in 14 points for the Jayhawks.

Greene has had his troubles while in Lawrence, having been suspended multiple times for behavioral issues causing concern that his time as a Jayhawk would end much sooner than expected, but the junior swingman and head coach Bill Self appear to have a unique relationship in that from the outside it looks like Self isn’t Greene’s biggest fan, but after each altercation, Self is always the single biggest influence on him improving his attitude and off-court decision making.

Perry Ellis (12), Frank Mason III (13), Devonte’ Graham (10), and Cheick Diallo (12) were the other Jayhawks to record double-digit point totals on the night.

Self, before Wednesday’s game, said he needed to do a better job of using his bench and finding out exactly what he has with this team. With the perimeter essentially set, the rotation of big men has become the biggest question mark.

With the availability and emergence of Diallo, the rotation of big men has become somewhat jumbled with Perry Ellis as the only for sure starter. Jamari Traylor had been the starter at the other post spot until Self opted to try out Hunter Mickelson against Holy Cross.

In 15 minutes, Mickelson took just one shot and finished with 0 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 blocks.

Self has always maintained it’s about who finishes and not which players start, but for the sake of getting into a rhythm to start games, figuring out that fifth starter does carry some importance moving forward.

Most feel as though Cheick Diallo should be that player, but until Self fully trusts his freshman to play both ends of the floor and stay out of foul trouble, he will use him from the bench.

Up next for the Jayhawks is a trip to the downtown Sprint Center in nearby Kansas City, Missouri.

The annually scheduled game in KC is a chance for the Jayhawks to play in front of a crowd at the high-tech arena which houses the Big 12 postseason tournament and gives fans otherwise not able to get to Lawrence, a chance to see their team take the court. Looking for tickets to see No. 2 Kansas take the floor in KC? Visit Tickets For Less and choose from a variety of seats located throughout the beautiful Sprint Center. With zero hidden service fees, the great prices you see is what you’ll get on all purchases. With Power & Light right across the street, it’s sure to be a great night for basketball. Go Jayhawks!

Kansas Defeats Harvard

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No. 4/6 Kansas took on the Harvard Crimson, Saturday, and came away with a much more difficult 75-69 win that one would have guessed prior to the game.

After leading by 15 multiple times in the first half, the Jayhawks struggled on the offensive end allowed Harvard to dictate the pace of the game, which was much slower that what KU would have liked, often times taking the ball well into the 30 second shot clock before hoisting a shot.

The slower pace and zone defense employed by head coach Tommy Amaker kept KU off balance, particularly in the second half and at one point helped the Crimson tie Kansas, 56-56, before Frank Mason III helped his team make a run and spread the game back open for good.

Mason ended the game with 21 points on 7-for-11 shooting, and was by far and away the catalyst for Kansas.

For the second straight game, forward Perry Ellis seemed to be out of it, mentally. Following the win, head coach Bill Self talked about the lack of toughness and competitiveness a player who gets out of the way and lets an opponent dunk on his head on his home court. While he didn’t exactly name Ellis, it was indeed his senior forward which allowed a thunderous first-half dunk, on his head and on his home court.

In the second half, Ellis was better offensively, but otherwise struggled to really impact the game as he normally does.

Luckily for the Self, his depth in the low post can make up for one or two players which may be struggling.

In his second game as a Jayhawk, Cheick Diallo was again extremely active for Kansas. His offensive output wasn’t as impressive, but Harvard did a good job of collapsing on the freshman whenever he had the ball, and nothing easy was given up inside.

Diallo’s first basket came on a smooth elbow jumper, showing his mid-range face up game which will add to his rating in the minds of NBA scouts.

Overall , the Jayhawks made enough plays to win against a feisty and well-coached Harvard team, but certainly didn’t play their best basketball.

Self’s team will have another opportunity to take the court and improve on their play Wednesday, December 9, when they host Holy Cross in Allen Fieldhouse. Tickets are on sale now for all Kansas home games. Visit Tickets For Less and choose from a variety of seating options inside Allen Fieldhouse. With zero hidden service fees, what you see is what you get on all ticket purchases. Don’t miss out on your chance to see all the action. Go Jayhawks!

Diallo Soars For KU

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It was the night everyone had been waiting for.

Cheick Diallo was finally going to take the court for No. 4 Kansas, and it was as exciting and entertaining as one could have hoped.

In Kansas’ 84-61 win over Loyola (MD), Diallo overcame some early struggles (obviously nerves) to score 13 points, haul in 6 rebounds, and record three blocks.

KU played a lackluster first half, leading 40-36 at the half, but in the second half, Jamari Traylor came out with energy and helped set the tone for a 27-9 run to start the half and open the game up. During that stretch, Diallo put on a display of an array offensive moves, an extremely high motor, and the enthusiasm of a stud freshman who is quite simply a playmaker.

His first bucket came from a nice behind the back assist from Wayne Selden, Jr., leading to a two-handed flush.

Diallo would later show a smooth baseline jumper from short range, a drop step and baby hook, an ally-oop throw down from a pass by fellow frosh LeGerald Vick, and the highlight of the night, a thunderous breakaway slam on a fast break, with some added flair and eventually earning the No. 3 highlight on ESPN Sportscenter’s Top 10.

All in all, it was a good night for the Jayhawks, who played their first game since returning from a championship at the Maui Invitational, as well as Thanksgiving break.

Self certainly wasn’t pleased with his teams’ effort in the first half, and had particularly harsh words for the play from Perry Ellis, who appeared to have a very off night for KU, but the second half play made Self feel slightly better about his team being able to reign things in when they weren’t playing as well and turn the game into a blowout.

More importantly, Kansas showed just how much depth it has with the addition of Diallo.

To put that into perspective, Landen Lucas wasn’t able to play, and Brannen Greene is still serving a six-game suspension.

Self played 9 players for relatively significant minutes–Vick getting the least of the bench minutes among rotation players–and he still had two players considered important pieces to the roster, sitting.

It’s doubtful Self will go 11 deep unless the game is out of hand or a he feels like he can get more production from his bench on a  given night, but the fact that he has as many talented players at his disposal gives the Jayhawks an edge most teams simply don’t have.

Down the road, it will be difficult for a player like Brannen Greene to work himself back into the rotation. His shooting stroke will always serve as a weapon for KU, but defensively, Greene is often a liability.

It should be expected that Diallo will continue to see his minutes increase as the season progresses, which means Lucas and Hunter Mickelson will see fewer and fewer minutes on the floor.

Next up for Kansas is a home game on Saturday, Dec. 5 against Harvard. Tickets for Saturday’s game are available now at Tickets For Less. Don’t miss out on your chance to see Cheick Diallo and No. 4 Kansas take the court inside Allen Fieldhouse. Choose from a variety of great seating options and cheer on your Jayhawks!