It'll get you going

Yesterday I spent one of the few days I take off from work every year to enjoy something unlike anything else, basketball practice. (we'll have pics and video up within the week)

It was really crazy in Allen last night and I thought for sure that people had left doors open because it was awful windy in there but then I realized it that it was just the walls and the halls breathing tradition and boy were they breathing.
I had the opportunity to tour the donor atrium, the new practice facility, the renovated hall of athletics and the rest of the renovated lower concourse of Allen and it was special.

Only on Naismith drive can you take a place with some much tradition add all the bells and whistles you could possibly want and still keep it the same imposing barn.

The court is the exact same as last year, save the posting of the 5th Big 12 Title in a row in the rafters but outside of that is different but in a way that it still feels like it always has, like home.

If last night was any indication this is going to be a wild winter and spring in the Phog. We arrived at about 10:30AM, 7 hours before doors open to camp out and check out all the amenities. Well, some wise asses beat us there, there was a guy who got there at 3:45AM, that over 14 hours before doors open and that's what makes KU the best place to play, coach and watch basketball at as Larry Brown once said.

Onto the scrimmage and some player notes. First let me share an interesting story from my travel buddy, Piotr.
While at the new Johnny's on 6th street, he saw Self, Ballard, Manning, Hinson, Cole, Sherron, Tyshawn and recruits Royce Wooldrige (already committed) and the crown jewel of the 2010 class, Harrison Barnes.
Barnes mother and sister were there as well, both of whom he is very close to and Self was working them like it was his job, Self walked out of the place with his arm around Barnes sister and was telling Shirley Barnes (mom) how much they were alike and to top it off they got a standing ovation upon their exit. You can't make that up.
According to the Polak, all the players were really friendly and were really hamming it up with Harrison.

The scrimmage was great, there is so much talent out there its disturbing, it really is.
Sherron looks the best he's ever looked. The whole team just looks bigger stronger and faster. Maybe I missed something but Tyshawn was really quick last night a lot quicker than last year and that's frighting. Tyshawn played without any type of wrap or brace from his beating of Anthony Davis, which I guess would make Tyshawn just leave every wide receiver from Northern Colorado since they all beat Davis as well.

Jeff Withey is a space filler on the interior and while he didn't show many offensive moves, his D will be an asset to this club at semester. He can simply alter shots, and if the twins foul like they did last year will need Withey to put some minutes up, unless -

Thomas Robinson plays like he did last night, he is a stud, point plankin or point blank if you prefer. T-rob is athletic and he does go and go and go. He showed a nice jumper last night and some good moves on the block while also being able to get to the tin from the perimeter a bit. One of the nicest plays of last night was him hustling back on D to swat a shot from Withey, a hustle play in a game where D was scarce.

Releford was high scorer for the losing Red team, but I didn't put a lot of stock into his performance just because I saw him play last year. Now if he comes out in the exhibition game and does what he did at Late Night, namely, hit open shots and get to the cup, he'll probably factor into the rotation a bit more. For now, with me, he's on a wait and see basis.

CJ Henry-
During the whole recruiting saga I really was worried that he was going to be a bad apple, but after last night I couldn't be anymore wrong. After the seniors finished their skit and all the players had retreated to the locker room, CJ was the only one waiting in the tunnel to dole out some high 5's to Sherron and Mario Little.
During introductions, CJ was first and he pretended to hit a baseball before running out which was a nice touch.
CJ's game was okay, he is athletic and I think in spurts he wouldn't hurt the team and might even make a play or two but he is by no means a star.

Markieef showed a little stroke from beyond the arch last night and was active. He didn't stand out to me on anything else minus his shooting, but the type of game that was played last night was a guards game and the centers and 4's rarely stand out in any way.

His brother, Marcus, however did stand out, with some nice mid-range game and deep shooting. Marcus was in much better shape than last year and he looks like he is ready to take the next step and be a major player for this team. In the summer he was all the rage and some of that has certainly carried over to the season.
I still think that he will be used in a Julian Wright type role, where Self will say he's better suited for the 3 but he'll play the 4 out of necessity, but I think Marcus can score from the 3 spot but can he guard will be the bigger question. Last year he shut down Brackins from iowa st in one game but was lame on D beside that time, so we'll see.

X-
He looked nervous and tense but once he got a sweat going he looked better. He has a smooth shot and can get to the rack whenever and however he wants. He effectively used his right and left hand to get penetration and broke down people in the half court and drew a foul in the open court.
He'll be great in pick and roll and in iso plays. I have to remind myself that he is still just a freshmen but he is built like a man, much the same with T-rob, so its hard to keep that in perspective at times. As with all of Self's guys it'll depend on how they guard but X is such a prolific scorer that he'll see minutes regardless and with his athletic ability he should be able to guard based on talent alone.

I'm really looking forward to the season, its going to be a banner year in the Phog. Now lets go take care of business tonight on the gridiron.

Rock Chalk