Challe Barton isn’t playing down the importance of playing a basketball game at Kansas.
After all, Kansas is a perennial power and one of the most storied programs in college basketball history.
Barton and his Oregon State teammates will take on the Jayhawks today at Kansas City’s Sprint Center.
“For me, it’s going to be the biggest game of my whole life and I guess for other players it’s going to be the same thing,” Barton said.
“It’s probably the best team I’ve ever played in my whole life and playing in Kansas is also a different experience because you know how their fans are. I just never played that kind of game before.”
Corvallis Gazette-Times
OSU's last road win over a top 10 team came against No. 6 Washington (72-70 in 1976). The last win over a top 25 team on the road was in 1985 (No. 15 Washington, 52-45). ... Defensive-minded reshman forward Jarmal Reid, who suffered a sprained ankle in Sunday's win over Montana State, is expected to get his second straight start.
The Oregonian
Self has specific memories of Oregon State coach Craig Robinson, a guard on the Princeton team that beat Self’s Oklahoma State squad in the 1983 NCAA Tournament.
Coincidentally, that game was played in Corvallis, Ore., on Oregon State’s homecourt.
“Our immaturity and lack of discipline allowed Princeton to beat us 56-53 running all their stuff,” Self said. “That was the year NC State goes on and wins, and NC State was in Corvallis with us as well.”
These days, Robinson is better known as the brother-in-law of president Barack Obama, whom Self met last year.
“He’s a good guy,” Self said. “You’d think he would have a little bit more juice making recruiting calls over the last four years and the next four years than most college coaches would.”
…Oregon State is 4-1 with a win against Purdue and a loss to Alabama in the 2K Sports Classic.
Forward Angus Brandt, a two-time team captain who averaged 11.3 points and 8.5 rebounds, recently suffered a knee injury and will be out for the season, but they still list three starters at 6-foot-7 or taller.
“They’re really, really long,” Self said. “They’re probably about as a big a team as we’ll play this year.”
TCJ
Kansas junior Kevin Young is slotted into the role as the Jayhawks’ starting power forward. But for now, the designation is hardly set in stone.
Self said he was still searching for more consistent production from the spot after the Jayhawks’ 70-57 victory over San Jose State on Monday. Young finished with six points and eight rebounds in 20 minutes, while freshmen Perry Ellis (four points) and Jamari Traylor (two points) were largely unproductive.
“If we combine those three guys the other night, we got very little out of any of them,” Self said.
For now, the Jayhawks are taking a forward-by-committee approach. Self views Traylor as the best defender, Ellis as the most natural scorer and Young as the best at stealing extra possessions and facilitating offense.
KC Star
BOTTOM LINE: Kansas was at its best last week in the Sprint Center, winning the CBE Classic with two double-digit victories. Oregon State could provide a tougher challenge. And the Jayhawks must be better than they were against San Jose State, especially on the glass and from the three-point line.
KC Star
As one of Oregon State’s top targets in recruiting, Landen Lucas developed a close relationship with Beavers basketball coach Craig Robinson, the brother-in-law of President Barack Obama.
“I never got to meet President Obama, but I did talk to him (Robinson) one time on Thanksgiving when he was in the White House having dinner, so I can say I talked to somebody in the White House,” Lucas, Kansas University’s freshman center from Portland said, smiling.
…“It’s one of the deals in his recruiting process: (If you go to OSU) you get to meet the president. Every year, they play a game in front of him and get to meet him.”
Barring a big surprise, President Obama will not be in Sprint Center tonight. Lucas, who is red-shirting the season (practicing but not playing in games) will, however, still get a chance to meet with Robinson and some of the OSU players he’s played with and against throughout the years.
“When I first saw the schedule, I was looking forward to this game. The coaches have recruited me since eighth grade. They were one of the schools that recruited me the hardest since the first day they could,” said Lucas, whose house in Portland is located about 85 miles from Oregon State’s campus.
“I know a lot of guys on the team, a lot of people from the fanbase. With my dad (Richard) going to Oregon, I’d like to beat them and stuff, but it’s fine (that he can’t play). Hopefully we might get a chance to play them again sometime.”
…“I’m making practices like my games, making it a competitive, spirited environment,” Lucas said. “Trying to help the team as much as I can. It sucks when game day comes around ... obviously you want to be out there playing. I can see where I can assert myself on the floor and next year, having it only be my freshman year, I can bring a lot to the team.”
LJW
The state of Kansas has produced 30 college All-America basketball players through the years, including 13 who were selected to the first team by the Associated Press.
On our radio show this morning, we talked briefly about the top five college players to come out of Kansas and there have been some really good ones who weren’t All-Americans. Former Wichita State forward Warren Armstrong (Jabali) comes to mind.
But for the purposes of this list (and who doesn’t love a list?), I’m going to impose an All-America limit. If a player wasn’t a first-, second- or third-team All-American, he doesn’t get a nod here.
Essentially, this is a list of the greatest college players from either KU, KSU or WSU, and it was tough to put them in order. And there’s a good chance you’ll disagree with some of the rankings. But I can’t let that keep me from having some fun. And remember, this list is for fun, only. Any nasty reaction will be punished accordingly.
Here we go with an interesting Top 30:
1. Wilt Chamberlain – A first-team All-American in both seasons he played at Kansas.
2. Danny Manning – Another two-time first-team All-American who also made the second team once.
3. Clyde Lovellette – Don’t worry, we’ll get to some non-KU players soon. But big Clyde was a two-time first-teamer and a one-time third-teamer.
WE Bob Lutz
Current members of the Williams Education Fund (WEF) will be able to purchase general admission single-game tickets for select men's basketball games in Allen Fieldhouse beginning Thursday, Nov. 29.
Games for sale include: American (Dec. 29, $20), Temple (Jan. 6, $50), Iowa State, (Jan. 9, $50), Baylor (Jan. 14, $50), Oklahoma (Jan. 26, $50) and Oklahoma State (Feb. 2, $50).
In addition, fans can purchase the new "GA Pack" which includes all six games for just $220 - a $50 savings.
WEF members can purchase single-game tickets by logging into their ticket account at KUAthletics.com. They can also contact the ticket office at 800-34-HAWKS. Jayhawk fans who are not WEF members can also take advantage of this advanced sale by joining the WEF with a minimal $100 contribution. Contact the WEF at 785-864-3946 or visit KUAthletics.com for more information.
Originally founded as the Outland Club in 1949 by Dick, Skipper and Odd Williams, the Williams Education Fund is the official fundraising department for Kansas Athletics. Contributors to the Williams Education Fund provide academic and athletic support to over 500 University of Kansas student-athletes representing KU in 18 intercollegiate sports.
Tickets will be available for the general public beginning Monday, Dec. 3. General admission ticket sales are based on student redemption and ticket availability.
KUAD
Kansas 2012-13 MBB Schedule
Kansas 2012-13 WBB Schedule
Big 12/College News
Missouri basketball guard Michael Dixon Jr. announced his transfer from the school Thursday evening, according to an email from Dave Reiter, director of strategic communications for the basketball team.
…Earlier, Dixon revealed in a text message sent to a friend Thursday afternoon that he is no longer with the basketball team.
This message was sent to Dixon's friend: "Yea I'm done here bro I'm not gonna be here anymore another girl my freshman year pulled this ... on me now it's coming out and everyone is gonna think it's real so I'm thru bro I appreciate you tho just let as many (people) as u can know"
He then wrote in a subsequent message: "I have never harmed anyone"
The texts were forwarded to a Missourian reporter by the recipient, who asked to remain anonymous.
According to a 2010 MU Police Department report the Missourian received Thursday evening, a woman accused Dixon of forcible rape on Jan. 11, 2010.
The news came just two days after a report that another woman tweeted she was also sexually assaulted by Dixon on Aug. 20 of this year.
…The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported that the woman met with then-Missouri basketball coach Mike Anderson, and that he was sympathetic and even cried during their meeting. But Anderson also told the woman he could do nothing until she moved forward with the accusation, according to the Post-Dispatch.
According to a source who worked in the basketball office in 2010, Anderson said there was no substantial evidence to suspend Dixon indefinitely, but that Anderson knew that if he did not take any action, it would cause a backlash.
"Anderson was like, 'We're going to believe our players,'" said the source, who requested anonymity for fear of reprisals. "It was important that they suspend Dixon those first few games because it wasn't in the real season, and they needed him to play during the actual games."
"They weren't adamant about finding the truth out," the source said. "It was good that she dropped it and they weren't going to push it any further."
Columbia Missourian
The alleged victim declined to press charges, she said in a supplemental follow-up interview conducted by Det. Sam Easley, for various reasons “including not wanting her family to know and not going through the pressure and harassment from outside sources.
“(She) stated she was concerned that since Dixon is a basketball player (for Mizzou) that no one would believe her about what happened and she may be persecuted for it.”
That fear included concern about reprisal from Dixon, who she said with descriptions consistent in both interviews forced intercourse upon her despite her protests and struggle.
A nurse who attended the initial interview indicated that “from the injuries sustained, she believes force was involved,” the report summarized.
Dixon also allegedly disregarded being told the accuser was not on birth control, something she said in hopes of deterring him. Afterward, she reported, Dixon said, “If you’re pregnant, you can’t be.”
“She told Dixon she would never get an abortion, and she stated Dixon told her that if he found out she was pregnant he would ‘kick her in the stomach and push her down the stairs,’” the report said. She “stated Dixon was laughing as he was saying this and did not think anything was a big deal.”
But she did, and that influenced some of her thinking as she tried to determine what to do afterward.
“ ‘If he’s going to threaten to do this to me if I get pregnant, what would he threaten to do if I pressed charges or pursued it?’ ” a source close to the woman said Wednesday, explaining what he believed her thinking to be.
St Louis Post Dispatch
There are a few issues with the Michael Dixon Jr. situation at Missouri. I'm not sure why Missouri allowed Dixon to announce he was transferring from the program instead of dismissing him first. The reporting on the story from Kansas City, St. Louis and Columbia paints a much different picture, indicating that the senior guard was accused of two sexual assaults during his time at the school. Dixon, whom the Tigers suspended to start this season, will likely have trouble finding a new home to finish his college career. Based on the news Thursday, I find it hard to believe that another school would take a chance on him. The Tigers did the right thing by suspending him, but could have taken another step and let him go before the stories broke Thursday.
ESPN Katz
College hoopsters can be an honest bunch—even more so under the cover of anonymity. Athlon Sports talked to dozens of college basketball stars from coast to coast—at 50 schools in 18 conferences—and got them to open up on a variety of topics, from the hottest woman alive, to which coach (other than their own) they'd like to play for, to overrated opponents to improper benefits. Their replies are sometimes predictable (Kim Kardashian and Kate Upton, anyone?), sometimes provocative. Read on.
http://www.athlonsports.com/college-basketball/college-basketball-player-survey-record
In a rematch of last season’s Sweet 16 game, No. 7 Florida blew out Marquette 82-49 at the O’Connell Center. The Gators (6-0) have not had a game closer than 13 points so far and have five wins by at least 18.
“We’re just trying to play defense and stay consistent,” forward Will Yeguete said. “Tonight was a really good win. I’m glad we beat them so bad because I really don’t like Marquette. I really don’t like them. I don’t think they really appreciate us.
“They played a little dirty, but we handled ourselves pretty well.”
Florida beat the Golden Eagles (5-2) despite significant personnel issues and a dreadful shooting start.
Palm Beach Post
Last season, the Baylor men’s basketball team fell in the Elite Eight to the eventual national champion Kentucky Wildcats.
Even though every starter from that Kentucky team is gone, the Bears will still get their shot at revenge at 11:30 a.m. Saturday in Lexington, Ky.
The Bears have stumbled out of the gate so far with a 4-2 record.
Baylor started the season in the top 25 and has been ranked as high as 16, but losses to Colorado and College of Charleston have dropped the Bears out of the rankings.
Now they are only receiving a few votes.
“We’re upset, but we can only be upset with ourselves,” senior guard Pierre Jackson said after the loss to College of Charleston. “Prior to the game, we didn’t prepare well enough as a team. We didn’t pay enough attention to the scouting report, and they executed well and capitalized on our mistakes.”
Baylor Lariat
“It’s tough coaching new teams every year. This is part of what we have to deal with,” Calipari said. “I didn’t expect us to come in here and play out of our minds, but I would’ve hoped we would’ve competed. … You can play poorly, but you still defend and compete. In other words, two teams just battling each other and Notre Dame wins.
“That’s not what this was. This was Notre Dame throwing around Kentucky.”
LCJ
2012-13 Early Season Events List
Big 12 Composite Schedule
Recruiting
With his college choices whittled down to eight schools, the recruiting process will take a different approach during Jones' junior season. He said he doesn't currently have any plans to pare that list down even more. In fact, he's not sure whether he'll do so at all before making his final decision.
Then there's the question of how he'll announce it. Perhaps on Twitter, like he did with his eight finalists? Or maybe during a hyped TV appearance, which seems to be the way so many top recruits do it these days?
"I don't know yet," he said. "I'm just kind of focusing on the main process."
…In the end, Jones will have a tough decision to make, one that he'll make by weighing more than just each school's basketball program. Academics are among the top priorities, he said. But of course, he'll be looking for the team and the coach that best fits his needs as a basketball player.
Regardless of any pressure he might feel from those in the state of Minnesota, Jones knows the decision is his and his alone.
"I've got eight very good schools," he said. "That's why it's kind of like wherever I end up choosing to play college basketball, I'll be happy with it because I've got eight very good schools I'm considering. You can't really go wrong with any one of those."
FS North
The Harrison twins, Andrew Wiggins, Cliff Alexander, Quentin Snider and Troy Williams are among the nationally renowned high school basketball stars who will descend on Benton, Ky., Friday and Saturday for the 17th annual Marshall County Hoop Fest – a 13-game showcase of top teams and top college prospects.
The 2012 Hoop Fest – to be played at 5,000-seat Marshall County High School – looks to have one of the event’s strongest slates ever, and it figures to be a treat for fans, particularly of the University of Kentucky.
“I think is probably one of the best events in the country this year,” said Marshall County High School athletic director Jeff Stokes, who began organizing the event as soon as last year’s Hoop Fest ended.
The Hoop Fest has three sessions – Friday night, Saturday afternoon and Saturday night – Stokes is expecting sell-outs for both the night sessions. Tickets are $10 per session or $25 for an all-sessions pass.
LCJ
My 2012 KU Alumni games, 2011-12 Border War, Legends of the Phog, KC Prep Invitational, & Jayhawk Invitational Videos, Late Night in the Phog, and more now on YouTube
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