Note to Brandon Rush, Jayhawks: There are no "B" games.

Brandon Rush: “I’m surprised it (Self calling him out in the media about his lack of offensive aggressiveness) became a big deal in a little ‘B-game’ we played the other day."

I'm sorry, Brandon, but what did you just say?

Do you think it's a coincidence that you (and presumably some of your teammates) looked at Loyola as a B-game and then came out with significantly less than your A-game? Did you forget already that it was a 5 point game with 4 minutes to go in the first half?

The majority of KU fans can understand when a player has an off night, but there is no excuse for changing the level of effort and intensity based on how worthy you think the opponent is. That is what loses NCAA tournament games, Brandon, or have you already forgotten about a couple of other B-games (Bradley and Bucknell)?

Have you watched the tape of the Loyola game yet, Brandon? One play in particular stood out to me. There were FOUR Jayhawks and ONE Loyola player in the lane when a Loyola shot went up. Who do you think came away with the rebound? If you answered "a Jayhawk", you'd be wrong. NO ONE put a body on the one little Loyola player and he scooted right in the middle of the four Jayhawks and got the rebound. Not bad for a guy playing in a B-game. Of course I'm assuming it wasn't a B-game to HIM.

Are the Jayhawks getting a little too comfortable? Did they get a little too fat and happy over the holidays and as they breezed through a less-than-difficult non-conference season?

Brandon is making comments about a "B-game". Other players, and even Bill Self, are making comments about a lack of respect from the national media. Are these guys just running out of things to talk about before playing the 6 or 7 A-games they have circled on their schedule this season?

In my opinion, this shows a lack of focus/execution. As we've learned over the years, a slight lack of focus/execution now can come back to bite you with a slight lack of focus/execution later in the NCAA Tournament. In the NCAA Tournament all you need is one focused team (like an underdog that has nothing to lose) and one team with a slight lack of focus (like maybe the one that missed 19 layups and dunks last year vs. UCLA) to create an upset.

And yes, I did think UCLA’s win in last year’s NCAA Tournament was an upset because I firmly believe that KU had the better team. If the Jayhawks hit half of those layups and dunks, they win by double-digits. Of course it also might have helped if the NCAA didn’t put a #1 seed in a #2 seed’s backyard.

But I digress.

For the first time in a long time, the KU Basketball team needs to take a page out of the KU Football team’s playbook: Respect EVERY opponent. Approach EVERY game with the same focus and intensity. Oh, and did I say respect EVERY opponent? I know that is a lot to ask of a bunch of young college kids that think they've got it all figured out, but THAT is what championship teams do. That is what National Champions do.

Keeping this team consistently focused and motivated is Bill Self's biggest coaching challenge this season. It will be the key to winning the Big 12 Conference and the Big 12 Conference Tournament. It will be the difference between going to the Final Four or exiting the NCAA Tournament early.

The choice is yours, Brandon. You can listen to the coaches that are trying to get you to maximize your potential, get you to the Final Four, get you a National Championship ring, and get you drafted in the first round of the NBA Draft.

Or you can keep telling yourself that you know which games are A, B or C games. If you do the latter, we just might see you back in Lawrence next year.

Please do yourself and Jayhawk Nation a favor. The next time you and your teammates think you have a B-game coming up, think about the national media (yes, the same media you are worried about not giving you enough respect now) talking about how a team with so much talent lost again in the 1st round of the NCAA Tournament.

Keep Rockin and Chalkin,

Mic
www.jaytalkers.com

KU HOOPS: At 15-0, What Do We Know?

The Jayhawks wrapped up the non-conference schedule with a spotless 15-0 record and an average scoring margin around 25 points a game. Included in the 15 were solid wins over Arizona, Georgia Tech, DePaul, USC and Boston College. Now it’s on to Season 2, the Big 12 Conference season. With that in mind, what do we know so far about the 2007-2008 Kansas Jayhawks?

*Bill Self knows what he’s doing. You want to know the kind of team and players Bill Self imagines when he thinks about putting a group together than can go far in March? It’s this one. Multiple combo-guards, a rotation of 4 quality big men, a nice blend of youth and experience, having players at all 5 positions that can score AND defend, and a team that is so well conditioned that they can run all game long. It still amazes me that there are people out there that complain about Bill Self. He has the highest winning percentage in his first five years than any other coach in KU history. He’s won 80% of his games at KU. He has two Elite 8’s and a Sweet 16 in 5 years. His teams have won three consecutive Big 12 Championships and are going for their third consecutive Big 12 Tournament Championship. He’s won 48 of his last 52 games. He is well respected throughout college basketball. He’s a loving father and husband. He gives back to the community. He’s a near-flawless representative of The University of Kansas. And he’s generally just a really nice guy. Yet there are still people that aren’t happy with him. That just blows my mind.

*Russell Robinson is the most quiet and consistent performer on this Jayhawk team. He does his job (running the team, playing excellent defense, scoring when he needs to) night in and night out with very little fanfare. This team isn’t the same without his confident, calm leadership on the court. Russell is the guy that convinces the rest of the team that, no matter what, things are going to be alright.

*Mario Chalmers, Russell Robinson, Brandon Rush and Sherron Collins make up the best backcourt foursome in college basketball.

*Sherron Collins is The Human Sparkplug. Bill Self keeps saying that Sherron’s legs aren’t “firing” fully after returning from knee surgery. Sherron’s been playing well since he came back, but whenever his leg muscles start completely “firing” again, look out. It sounds like he’s getting close: “I’m getting strength back in my left quad. My quad is firing. Before it felt like rubber. It’s solid now.”

*When this Jayhawk team needs a big bucket, it can come from any number of players. Most likely, though, it will be Sherron Collins, Brandon Rush or Mario Chalmers with the ball in their hands when the game hangs in the balance.

*What a luxury for Bill Self that his BENCH is made up of Sasha Kaun, Sherron Collins, Cole Aldrich, Tyrel Reed and Rodrick Stewart. That five could win a lot of Big 12 games in their own right. All KU fans need to seriously enjoy this depth while we have it because it’s going to be exactly the opposite next year.

*How far this team will go in the NCAA Tournament is directly related to Brandon Rush being consistently more aggressive on offense. Bill Self rarely calls a player out in the media. He did so recently with Brandon and I think that speaks volumes about the level of frustration Self has with Brandon’s “turn it on, turn it off” nature on offense. This has been an issue with Brandon since he arrived in Lawrence. Personally, I don’t think it’s in Brandon’s nature to be aggressive and it translates directly to his play on the court. He is currently KU’s 4th leading scorer. If that doesn’t change in conference play, Brandon may be back in Lawrence for another year instead of going to the NBA. And this time it won’t be because of an injury.

*Sometimes I think Darrell Arthur and Brandon Rush drink from the same cup. Darrell can be a Player of the Year candidate if he starts consistently playing aggressive on both ends of the court. Even though he disappears for stretches in the game, he still leads the team in scoring and is second in rebounding.

*Conner Teahan should be brought in for at least 5 minutes every game solely to shoot 3-pointers.

*At the end of the non-conference season, Darnell Jackson get my vote for MVP and MIP (Most Improved Player). I have never seen a player at KU improve more from one season to the next. It couldn’t have happened to a better kid.

*Sasha Kaun is much better off the bench than he is as a starter. He currently leads the team in field goal percentage at 73%. Unfortunately, he also leads the team in free throw attempts and is shooting only 56%. He has done better of late so hopefully that will continue.

*This Jayhawk team may have more (I’m inventing a new word here) ALLEYOOPABILITY than any Jayhawk team in history. It seems like every guard can throw the alley and every big man can convert
the oop.

*This team has everything it needs to make a run to the Final Four and National Championship. Knowing that makes it very hard for me to remain grounded. With that in mind, I want to offer assistance to those KU fans that EXPECT a Final Four/National Championship merely because our team has so much talent. In college basketball, if you EXPECT a Final Four/National Championship, you are setting yourself up to be disappointed the majority of the time. There are too many things that can happen, such as: (1) An officiating crew that blows too many whistles. A less talented team can stay in a game with KU when officials take away KU’s ability to be aggressive defensively, get turnovers and get points in transition. (2) Something happens that is out of character and unexplainable (i.e. missing 19 layups and dunks in last year’s NCAA Tournament loss to UCLA). (3) An over-reliance on perimeter shooting combined with a failure to consistently get the ball to KU’s big men. (4) Missed free throws. (5) Injuries. (6) A “career” night by an opponent’s player (i.e. one player hitting well above his average) or a several players (i.e. a team shooting well above its season average from 3-pt. range.)

*A friend of mine sent me this stat and I thought it was very interesting. KU’s first Big 12 Conference game is against Nebraska. Last year, against Nebraska, the scores were: 76 – 56 (in Lincoln) and 92 – 39 (in Lawrence). Last year, in Lawrence, the football score was: 76 – 39. Does that mean that KU will beat Nebraska this year 92-56? Let’s hope so.

*Even after a solid performance against Loyola-MD, I’m convinced that Jeremy Case will go down as the “Best Three Point Shooter In Practice” in KU history. That being said, he’s been a great teammate and representative for KU even though consistent playing time never materialized for him.

*The Jayhawks must become a more consistent free throw shooting and rebounding team.

*Cole Aldrich and Tyrel Reed are going to be a very good players for the Jayhawks. Once they leap over the “I’m not a freshman anymore” wall, they will help the Jayhawks this season and in the future.

*This group plays great team defense. If you ever see this Jayhawk team get into serious foul trouble, it’s not their fault and you have every right to blame the officials. KU has only had 3 players foul out in the first 15 games.

I’m ecstatic about what I’ve learned about the 2007-2008 Jayhawks thus far. They have all of the pieces it takes to make a run to the Final Four. I’m going to enjoy the ride one game at a time and hope and pray that this is the year that the college basketball gods bless KU with the National Championship.

Keep Rockin’ and Chalkin’,

Mic
www.jaytalkers.com

Thank You Coach Mangino, KU Football Team

TO: KU Football Head Coach Mark Mangino and the entire KU Football team

FROM: Jayhawk Nation (courtesy of Mic Johnson, Jayhawk Blogger extraordinaire)

THANK YOU.

THANK YOU.

THANK YOU.

…for making oranges my new favorite food. I will NEVER eat another one without thinking of this season.
…for 12 wins for the first time. Ever.
…for all of your hard work, determination and resolve.
…for all of the hours spent making yourselves better when no one was watching.
…for believing that you could take the mess that Terry Allen left behind and turn KU Football into something special.
…for representing my alma mater with class and dignity.
…for not listening to the “experts” (hear that, Mark May, Lee Corso, Chris Fowler of ESPN?) who said that you didn’t play anyone and that you couldn’t beat Virginia Tech.
…for taking a knee at the 2 yard line to end the Orange Bowl out of respect for Virginia Tech and their coach Frank Beamer.
…for making KU fans care about football again.
…for beating K-State for the first time in Manhattan since 1989.
…for making up for, in one game, years of humiliating losses to Nebraska.
…for quietly and respectfully flipping the bird to all of the “perfect people” who made fun of Coach Mangino’s weight.
…for reminding people that it’s more important to play as a TEAM than to highlight any individual.
…for taking this program, in just six years, to a level no one except you could have imagined.
…for making the right changes so that KU can routinely compete for the best high school recruits in the country.
…for ending the season ranked higher than any other school in the Big 12.
…for making sure that MU had to share the spotlight with KU all season long and, for most of the year, give up that spotlight to the rival they are too proud to admit they envy.
…for laying claim to the title of “Best College Football Team in The State of Kansas”.
…for winning the Orange Bowl so that we can talk about you for the rest of our lives.

THANK YOU. THANK YOU. THANK YOU.

As a wise Jayhawk fan I know was fond of saying: “Every day is a great day to be a Jayhawk. But some days are just a little better.”

Keep Rockin and Chalkin,

Mic
www.jaytalkers.com

Note to Brandon Rush: It’s Time to Get Offensive

Let me start by saying that I think Brandon Rush is a great basketball player and has done a tremendous job since coming to The University of Kansas. When he got to KU, there was talk that he might be selfish, focused on being “one and done” and then heading to the NBA. The reality is that Rush has been the poster-child for unselfishness since he arrived in Lawrence. But there’s a saying about too much of a good thing.

Rush has a pure shooting stroke to go with what I can only describe as a “natural smoothness” to his game. After admittedly being poor defensively in high school, he now plays very strong defense and has learned to use his length to his advantage. When healthy, Rush is the defensive stopper assigned to the opponent’s best player. Additionally, he showed maturity in handling the emotional blow of having to put his NBA dreams on hold for another year because of a knee injury. Rush responded by rehabbing his tail off and returning to the court ahead of schedule.

On top of all of that, Brandon Rush likes being at KU, enjoys the college experience
(ok, not the studying part), and loves being around his teammates. He has embraced what it means to be a Kansas Jayhawk and has, other than a couple of issues around parking tickets, been a great representative for the University.

But if I’m honest (which I am), I’d have to admit that I’ve had some concerns for the last couple of years about Brandon Rush’s mental approach to the piece of his game that I believe will be his ticket to playing at the next level for years to come: SCORING.

Don’t get me wrong. Brandon Rush has incredible offensive basketball skills. He can dig-in, pull back and swish the sweetest pull-up jumper you’ve ever seen. He can cruise along the baseline and effortlessly elevate to alley-oop level. He can swish 3-pointers as if he was born to do it. He can penetrate into the lane, stop on a dime, elevate well beyond his opponent’s reach, and hit mid-range jumper after mid-range jumper. While his ball-handling skills are not exemplary, they are good enough to get him to the rim on occasion. He also can hit short runners in the lane with ease.

But I have to admit my concern with Brandon Rush is that, as amazing as he can be when he’s “feeling it” offensively and being aggressive, he can also become just as amazingly average when his first couple of shots don’t fall and he doesn’t get into a rhythm offensively. When this occurs, Brandon becomes hesitant, tentative, defers too much to his teammates to handle the scoring, and turns the normal asset of unselfishness occasionally into a liability.

It’s with this in mind that I turn towards thinking about Brandon Rush playing at the next level in the NBA. I don’t think he will be able to excel in the NBA by being a passive scorer, by routinely deferring to other players to make plays. Some players have the mentality that when the game is on the line or when their team is struggling, that they want the ball in their hands. Brandon has the physical and athletic ability to be the guy to make big plays in critical situations, but I am not convinced that he has the mentality, the mindset, to be that guy. I think his mental makeup is one that is heavy on the passive and light on the aggressive. I think he prefers that someone else will be the one to step up so he won’t have to.

I think Brandon’s brother Kareem, who played at Missouri, had that aggressive, scoring mentality. Kareem is now averaging 5 points a game with the NBA’s Indiana Pacers. I can’t help but think that if Kareem struggles to be a consistent scorer in the NBA and at least at one time had that scorer’s mentality, then will Brandon even be able to equal the limited success of his older brother in the NBA?

Bill Self preaches offensive balance, particularly for this year’s talent-laden team. I like that approach and think it is in the best interest of the Jayhawks to continue to focus on having that balance and playing unselfish basketball.

At the same time, I think it’s time for Brandon Rush to CONSISTENTLY become more aggressive offensively. It’s not about being “the man”. It’s about imposing his will on the opponent and on the game. It’s about embracing his God-given abilities and no longer being the reluctant superstar. It’s about shedding his Clark Kent suit and tie and revealing the flowing red crimson and blue cape that lies beneath. (As an aside, I think the same thing can be said right now for Darrell Arthur.)

It’s time, Brandon. It’s time for you to put this team on your back and lead them to the Final Four and National Championship. You must embrace your offensive abilities, become more aggressive on that end of the floor, and let your teammates know that they can count on you to set the tone offensively night in and night out. If you find that inner strength and fortitude, much like you did when rehabbing from knee surgery, you will set the stage for a long and rewarding career doing what you love to do: Playin’ Ball.

Keep Rockin’ and Chalkin’,

Mic
www.jaytalkers.com

Darnell Jackson: I Have a Confession to Make

He hasn’t called me. He hasn’t sent me letters. He hasn’t texted me. I’ve never met him. I’ve never talked to him. I met his mom briefly a couple of years ago, but I’m sure she wouldn’t remember me. I’ve never had any direct interaction with Darnell Jackson, but I have a confession to make.

I have a man-crush on Darnell Jackson.

Let me explain this to you, but more importantly to my lovely wife of 15 years, Missy, who may not understand how a man-crush develops.

It’s been well documented that Darnell Jackson has been through quite a few difficult situations in his young life. We know that his mother and grandmother were in a car accident a couple of years ago. We know his mother was badly injured and his grandmother passed away. We know about the booster/family friend that gave Darnell money in an effort to help him out in a difficult time. We know about the subsequent suspension that he had to serve. We can only imagine how difficult that was for him and how easily he could have responded to those challenges in a negative way.

Instead, Darnell Jackson took it like a man. He learned from it. He took those negatives and turned them into positives. When I watch him play, hear him talk, or read quotes from him, I can’t help but think of Darnell Jackson as a radiant butterfly bursting from its cocoon ready to embrace its new life. It’s a beautiful and inspiring site to behold.

The next time you watch a KU game, spend a little extra time watching Darnell Jackson. Watch how much fun he has on the court. See how his huge physique is now more lean and chiseled. See how hard he works. Pay attention to how he willingly accepts whatever role Bill Self wants for him, starter or 6th man, and excels in either role. Watch how teammates feed off of his intensity and envy the pure joy with which he plays the game.

This Jayhawk team has depth and loads of talent when you look down the names on the roster. Rush, Chalmers, Arthur, Collins, Kaun, Aldrich, Reed, Stewart and more. But the one player that can lead this team to the Final Four and National Championship is Darnell Jackson. He’s not the one the announcers always talk about. He’s not the one that is hyped when KU plays on national television. He’s not the one that everyone is talking about when discussing KU players going to the NBA after this season.

But he is the one that every player on the team looks up to. Darnell Jackson is a senior in college, but he is mature and wise beyond his age. When life hit him squarely in the jaw, it followed with a crushing blow to his midsection. But he kept fighting. He kept working. Now he’s having the best season of his college career. He’s having fun and he’s playing loose. The other Jayhawk players feed off of that and it’s amazing how dominating KU’s basketball team is when they play loose; when they follow Darnell’s lead.

I’m sure a lot of people that read this article will be tempted to poke fun at me for saying I have a man-crush on Darnell Jackson.

That doesn’t bother me one bit. I love what Darnell Jackson stands for and the role model he is for kids (and adults too) all across the country. I love the fact that Darnell Jackson has figured out that life is too short to not enjoy it. I love the enthusiasm with which Darnell Jackson is embracing the opportunity he has to play basketball for The University of Kansas. I love it that now some people are starting to talk about Darnell Jackson getting an opportunity in the NBA. I love it that Darnell Jackson is being rewarded for his hard work, determination and commitment.

Keep up the great work, Darnell. You are a joy to watch and this Jayhawk fan is extremely proud of the player, and the man, you’ve become.

Oh, and Darnell…call me sometime. Let’s do lunch. I’m available. (Just don’t tell my wife.)

Keep Rockin’ and Chalkin’,

Mic
www.jaytalkers.com

Rally cry of the jealous: "KU didn't play anyone"

Fresh off the announcement that KU will be playing in a BCS game, the Orange Bowl, the jealous fans of neighboring universities are coming out in full force.

Take the following email I received this morning from a KSU alum-friend of mine:

"Nobody you've beat is ranked....sorry, but KU hasn't beaten anyone good."

Here's my reply:

"Rankings schmankings.

With this season, there are plenty of teams that beat teams that weren't ranked that now are and vice versa, so that argument doesn't hold any water in my book, particularly this year.

There were what, 17 or 18 top 5 teams this year beaten by unranked teams?

When KU went into Manhattan, KSU was coming off a 20-pt win in Austin over UT. Was UT no good? Was anyone saying that KSU wasn't any good when KU played them?

When KU played Colorado, CU had beaten OU. Was OU any good? Was anyone saying that CU was a bad team when KU played them?

When KU went into College Station, were people chalking that game up as a "gimme" for KU?

Everyone is jumping on that "KU didn't play anyone" bandwagon because it's easy to do and it's a convenient argument.

But it's being way overblown.

You don't go 11-1 over a season in the Big 12 (who has 8 bowl teams, btw) without "playing anyone". No doubt our nonconference schedule was easy (Mangino learned from Snyder, right?), but we DESTROYED those teams and that is what you are supposed to do (just ask Michigan about not taking care of business) and then we went 7-1 in Big 12 play.

KU has nothing to apologize for. They lost to a Missouri team that played as good as they are capable of playing. There's no shame in that. They turned the ball over twice and missed 2 FG's. They convert 2 of the 4 red zone opportunities, then maybe they win and then "suddenly" they are respected because they beat MU? I don't buy it.

When you think about it, you and everyone else that is hopping on the "KU didn't play anyone" bandwagon, would have an entirely different opinion if KU scored 9 more points against MU.

I also know that you would have KSU switch places with KU in a heartbeat."

So go on KU fans. Enjoy the ride. Enjoy the Orange Bowl. And try to understand the arguments from the jealous fan bases of Missouri and K-State.

That's the neighborly thing to do.

Keep Rockin' and Chalkin',

Mic

A Little KU-MU and A Lot of Perspective

For me, this past holiday weekend was about KU sports and about giving thanks for all of the blessings in my life. As I headed into the long weekend, what I didn’t realize was that it was also going to be about strong feelings of love toward a family I have never met.

All week I anticipated the KU-MU game in Arrowhead Stadium. I had my tickets. I had my tailgating plan. I had the Saturday ESPN Sports Center and Gameday broadcasts set on my DVR. My wife had planned a special game-day breakfast. I had my hat, gloves, long underwear, coat and hot chocolate ready. I scoured the internet for any and every story I could find about the game and about the Jayhawks.

My heart rate increased every time I thought about the game and the environment that I would be a part of in and around Arrowhead Stadium. I thought time and again about everything riding on this game and how KU and Missouri may never play another rivalry game with so much significance during my lifetime.

I spent countless hours emailing with my friends about every aspect of the game. I let them know that my biggest fear was that KU’s football team would do what KU’s basketball team did last year in their Elite Eight game against UCLA, which was beat themselves by doing things they hadn’t done all season long. Against UCLA last year, the KU basketball team missed something like 20 layups. That hadn’t happened all season. They didn’t play their best game and they played out of character and beat themselves.

So here I was in Arrowhead Stadium watching the same thing happen to KU’s football team. My worst fears were realized as Todd Reesing, playing with a glove on his throwing hand for the first time ever, threw two interceptions after having thrown over 200 passes without one. Kicker Scott Webb, who had been solid this year, missed two field goals. KU’s defense, which had risen to the occasion so many times this year, gave up completion after completion on 3rd and long. Our normally steady wide receivers dropped passes and ran incorrect routes. Our coaching staff inexplicably gave Jake Sharp one rushing attempt. Our offensive line got pushed around. Our defensive line got very little penetration and were exhausted after being on the field for so long.

In the end, we all know what happened. The Kansas Jayhawk football team lost by 8 points to our hated rival, the Missouri Tigers. Everyone from players, coaches, family members, students and alumni had invested so much time and energy into this game only to come away with that numb feeling that accompanies virtually every loss.

I was going to feel sorry for myself and all of Jayhawk Nation, but that’s when, as so often happens when I get caught up in the fast pace of life, I was served a full dose of perspective.

Sunday morning my wife got a phone call. It was from a good friend of a woman
(we’ll call her Jane) that my wife had just hired on Wednesday from another department within the company. This was a great promotion for Jane, who was in her early 30's and I believe the mother of 2-3 children. My wife told me how happy Jane was about this new job opportunity, what a perfect fit she was for the role, and how Jane and her husband (we’ll call him John) were going to celebrate over the long holiday weekend. John was also going to the KU-MU game and I imagined that he must have had the same sense of anticipation leading up to the game that I did. I’m pretty sure John was an MU fan, but as you will come to see, that doesn’t matter.

After the game, John and four of his friends decided to do some off-roading in the Hummer they were driving. I imagined that this was something that they had done several times over the years. From what I’ve been told, they went up a steep hill figuring it was a downward hill on the other side. Unfortunately, it was a straight drop-off. The Hummer fell several feet and 4 guys walked away.

John didn’t.

So while normally I would be feeling down and frustrated by KU’s loss to MU, emailing friends about everything that KU could have done differently, analyzing how a play here or there could have changed the outcome, scouring the internet for all the articles I could find about the game, I’m not. The truth is that I just can’t stop thinking about John.

I didn’t know John. I didn’t know Jane. I just knew they were a young, happy couple celebrating a great moment in their lives and looking forward to a brighter, better future. And then it all came to a sudden, inexplicable stop. I can’t help but think about how unfair it is. No one deserves going through something like this.
More importantly, I can’t help but think how much time I spent reading, writing, texting, worrying, analyzing, cheering, and agonizing over a KU-MU football game hyped as “Armageddon at Arrowhead”. It’s all so painfully insignificant right now.

It’s a cliché, but it’s one of the statements I’ve come to appreciate as life slaps me time and again with these perspective-filled moments: LIFE IS TOO SHORT.

I’m sad today. I’m sad that KU lost in Arrowhead on Saturday night. I’m sad at how Jane, John, their children and their families’ lives changed forever in an instant.

At the same time, I’m happy. I’m happy for the incredible Jayhawk football season. I’m happy that basketball season is just getting underway. I’m happy that I have a loving wife, family and friends. And I’m happy that God gave me the ability to realize just how fortunate I am and to not take anything for granted. Some people live their entire lives and never realize that. I have lost so many people close to me in the short time I’ve been on this earth and I live my life as a tribute to them. And now John is going to be a part of that tribute.

I don’t typically ask readers of my column for favors, but today is different. After you finish reading this, please say a prayer for John, a prayer for Jane, a prayer for their children, a prayer for their families, and a prayer for yourself and your families.

Keep Rockin’ and Chalkin’,

Mic
www.jaytalkers.com

Jayhawk Fans: It’s Time to Give Thanks. And Lots of It.

As I woke this morning, I was overcome with feelings of anticipation as I thought about the week ahead and the Thanksgiving holiday. Thanksgiving is a time for reflection, introspection and taking time out to give thanks for the many people and blessings in our lives. It’s a time to gather with family and friends, to enjoy a long holiday weekend, to savor every bite of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and pie.

This Thanksgiving, however, is going to be an extra special one for Jayhawk fans all across the country.

This Thanksgiving, Jayhawk hearts will be overflowing with more love and joy than ever. This Thanksgiving every Jayhawk fan is going to have an extra bounce in their step. This Thanksgiving every Jayhawk fan is going to be talking about the game in Arrowhead Stadium on November 24th against the Misery Tiggers. This Thanksgiving will be one that Jayhawk fans will talk about for years to come.

With that in mind, here is the Jayhawk version of “Things I am thankful for.”:

*11-0
*#2 BCS ranking and #2 ranking in the AP and Coach’s poll
*Mark Mangino and his entire coaching staff
*A legitimate shot at the National Championship in both football and basketball
*The sustained ability to take it “one game at a time”. Brandon McAnderson said it best: "This week our focus was Iowa State, and last week our focus was Oklahoma State. It sounds like a cliché, and it sounds like something that everybody says, but it's just the way we are."
*Todd Reesing. His 30 touchdown passes have him tied for second-place on KU's all-time TD pass list. And he’s only a sophomore. Oh, and he has yet to lose as a starting college quarterback.
*The least penalized team in college football
*Winning on the road
*The entire wide receiver corps with their ability to create separation, catch the ball, get yards after the catch, and sustain their downfield blocks.
*Turnover margin. KU has gone 18 quarters without a turnover and leads the nation plus-21 in turnovers.
*Jake Sharp and 1,000 yard rusher Brandon McAnderson
*KU students camping out for football tickets
*The fact that KU is, as ESPN college football analyst Kirk Herbstreit termed it, “THE story of the year in college football”
*76 points on Homecoming against Nebraska
*Ed Warriner. Someone should create an Offensive Coordinator of the Year Award with his image and likeness. They can call it The Warriner Award.
*KU football games on national television every week
*Lew Perkins
*The fact that, though few will admit it, KU and MU fans both respect what the other has accomplished this year.
*KU football games in HD
*KU cheerleaders and the Rock Chalk Dancers
*Marcus Hereford
*The infamous YouTube video of Mark Mangino ripping into Raimond Pendleton
*The infamous YouTube video of Misery Tigger QB Chase Daniel picking his nose and then enjoying
an “appetizer”
*Memorial Stadium and a single season attendance record, averaging 46,498 fans over 7 games
*That most KU fans that own a “MUCK FIZZOU” shirt have finally decided to quit wearing them and use them for what they were originally intended: Cleaning the toilet.
*Expansion of the football facilities
*Derek Fine
*That KU fans won’t rush the field at Arrowhead Stadium when we beat MU.
*Kerry Meier, EASILY college football’s M.U.P. (Most Unselfish Player)
*Beating K-State 3 out of the last 4
*The most underrated offensive line in college football
*Mike Riviera
*Easiest bet to win: The Jayhawks are 10-0 against the Las Vegas point spread this season.
*Scott Webb: KU’s new leading single season scoring leader with 110 points.
*Bill Young
*Former KU football coach Don Fambrough’s absolute disgust for Missouri.
*Punter Kyle Tucker has rarely been needed this season.
*Aqib Talib
*Winning with CLASS and knowing that MU never will.
*The 13 seniors on the Jayhawk football team that have been instrumental in laying a foundation for the future success of the program. Sometimes there aren’t enough words…
*The #2 ranked scoring defense in the country
*James McClinton
*My friend’s parents who are selling me their two extra tickets to the KU-Missouri game and not ripping me off like every ticket broker in the country.
*A chance to shut up the predominantly ignorant MU fan base for another year.
*A chance to hear the Rock Chalk Chant throughout the state of Kansas…AND Missouri…on Nov. 24th.
*Joe Mortensen
*Keeping the Jayhawk train rolling after football season. The Jayhawk basketball team is in the Top 5, Brandon Rush is back, and we’ve got a team that has a legitimate shot at the Final Four and National Championship. Oh, and we just signed another Top 10 recruiting class.

But the one thing that I am MOST THANKFUL for?

KU-Misery: November 24th: Sold out Arrowhead Stadium. 7 p.m. on ABC. 100% of ABC affiliates will air the game. Yes, that means the ENTIRE COUNTRY will be watching. ESPN College Gameday in Kansas City. The most anticipated college game in Kansas City history. The biggest game in the long history of the rivalry. The biggest game in college football to this point in the season. Coach of the Year on the line. Big 12 North title on the line (KU is already guaranteed a share of the Big 12 North title. But we don’t like to share. Especially not with Misery.) Entry into the Big 12 Championship Game on the line. National Championship aspirations.

Yes, Jayhawk fans, we have so much to be thankful for this season. Perhaps more than ever. Eat some turkey, then eat a little more, and then get your GAME FACES on.
Oh, who am I kidding? My game face is already on.
GO JAYHAWKS! POUND THE MISERY TIGGERS!

Keep Rockin’ and Chalkin’ and Happy Thanksgiving to all,

Mic Johnson
www.jaytalkers.com

KU-MU: I can't help but look ahead

During this most improbable and incredible of KU Football seasons, I have tried extremely hard to embrace the "one game at a time" mentality that Coach Mark Mangino, his coaching staff and his players have been preaching. So far, I've done a pretty good job of it.

But I have a confession to make.

I can't do it anymore.

I want to. I really do. But I just can’t.

While I know Iowa State has recent wins against Colorado and K-State, have an experienced quarterback in Bret Meyer, have up and coming coach Gene Chezik, and would love nothing more than to beat the only undefeated team left in the Top 10, I just can't focus on this game.

Why, you ask?

Ok, you probably don't have to ask because you know, in your heart of Jayhawk hearts: You're just as guilty as I am.

November 24th: KU-Missouri in SOLD OUT ARROWHEAD STADIUM.

Ok. There. I said it.

With Thanksgiving right around the corner and visions of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, rolls, pie and more, Jayhawk Nation is going to be treated to a smorgasbord of football with a fervor and anticipation that most Jayhawk football fans have never experienced in their lifetimes.

Let’s assume that KU beats Iowa State this weekend. Let’s assume that Missouri beats KSU (though this is my upset special of the week because (A) It’s Senior Day in Manhattan (B) KSU’s pride is still aching after the 73 point massacre in Lincoln last week and they will want to prove it was a fluke, and (C) Missouri ALWAYS seems to find ways to screw up a good thing.)

There is so much riding on this game. Here are my thoughts, in no particular order:

*The MU game concerns me. Just like KU, MU has an explosive offense led by an excellent quarterback. If I’m honest with myself, I think MU’s offense is more polished at this point. *Both teams have solid defenses that have, at times, risen to the occasion, and at other times, given up big plays. KU’s defense has given up 39 and 28 points, respectively, in the last two weeks. Missouri’s defense has given up more than 20 points in 6 of their games this year.
*The winner wins the Big 12 North.
*The winner goes on to the Big 12 Championship Game in San Antonio.
*The winner keeps their dream of a National Championship alive.
*The winner, and it’s fan base, gets bragging rights for an entire year.
*The winning coach catapults to the top of the Coach of the Year rankings.
*I literally get sick to my stomach when I think of what it would be like to be in Arrowhead if MU won the game. Not only because of all of the previously mentioned benefits to the winner, not only because I would have to watch the MU fan base celebrate (I like to say: “Every fan base has ignorant fans. At MU, they just have more.”), but also because everyone and their dog in the national media will quickly hop off the Kansas bandwagon and say "See, their schedule was weak. When they played a quality opponent, they lost. And now they're going to the Holiday or Alamo Bowl". As quickly as KU rose to be “the story of the year in college football” (Thanks Kirk Herbsteit), that’s how quickly some people will pounce on them if they lose.
*If KU wins, it will INCREDIBLE. It will be a celebration not seen in Kansas City since the Jayhawk basketball team won the 1988 National Championship in Kemper Arena. We certainly know Kansas City has pretty much given up on the dream of any mass celebrations for the Chiefs and Royals anytime soon.

My prediction?

I can’t make a prediction. I don’t want to look ahead. I….must….focus….on….Iowa…State.

Oh, forget it. I can’t do it.

It's going to be a major battle that will come down to second half adjustments by the coaching staffs and a few big, key plays. I really think it’s too close to call but in the interest of getting off the fence and supporting my beloved alma mater, I’m going with….wait for it…wait for it….

KU: 42 MISERY: 35

Keep Rockin’ and Chalkin’,

Mic
www.jaytalkers.com

Enough with the fat, er PHAT, jokes

Our coach can eat your coach.

Ha,ha. Good one.

Our coach is PHAT.

Chuckle, chuckle.

Our coach beat anorexia.

Hilarious. Now you are poking fun at two different groups of people and getting more bang for your insult buck.

ENOUGH ALREADY.

Will we, as KU fans, as human beings, ever move on from making fun of how much people weigh? I mean, seriously, is it really that funny that people die every year because of weight issues? What a great topic to make fun of.

Mark Mangino has done an incredible job with the KU football team this year and is on the verge of possibly doing the unbelievable.

And yet every day I see, hear and read about all of these t-shirts and sayings making fun of his weight.

Why is it ok in our society to make fun of someone that is overweight? It’s become acceptable as if those words don’t hurt the people they are targeted at.

People are so insecure with their own bodies, jobs and lives that they have to spend time making fun of other people.

ENOUGH ALREADY.

If there is anyone out there that is perfect, please let me know.

If there is anyone out there that enjoys being made fun of, please let me know.

If there is anyone out there that loves it when people continually make fun of their physical appearance, please let me know.

ENOUGH ALREADY.

Let’s give Mark Mangino credit for what he’s accomplishing at KU right now. Let’s judge him on how well he does his job. But let’s knock off all of the fat jokes. Our own students are wearing shirts that poke fun at their head football coach. Are you kidding me?

ENOUGH ALREADY.

We have enough ignorant fans from other schools that routinely poke fun at Mark Mangino’s weight. We, as KU fans, must rise above this. We’re better than that.

At least I thought we were.

Keep Rockin’ and Chalkin,

Mic
www.jaytalkers.com

KU FB: OSU 4th quarter collapse: Good or bad for KU?

Do you think it was good for KU or bad for KU that OSU's defense completely imploded in the 4th quarter yesterday, at home, allowing Texas to score 24 points and over 300 yards of offense?

Personally, I can't stand UT (and their arrogant fan base) and never want to see them win, however with the way it played out, I think this bodes well for the KU-OSU game because it was a huge emotional blow to OSU's players, coaches and fans. Their confidence has to be shaky as a KU team that just threw up 76 points on NU comes to town.

KU has done a good job of taking it one game at a time and I don't expect a letdown next week. Our guys will be ready just like they have been every week.

That being said, I was frustrated at times with our first half defense yesterday and, in particular, the failure of the coaching staff and players to make in-half adjustments. They made adjustments at the half as the D played better in the second half, but next week we won't have the luxury to wait until halftime because I don't expect our offense to blow up again, particularly on the road.

So while I have great confidence in our coaching staff and this team, I'm nervous about the OSU matchup as they are a better passing offense than the NU backup QB that just put up 400 passing yards and 4 TD's against the KU defense.

So, back to my original question: OSU's collapse in the 4th quarter yesterday. Good or bad for KU?

Keep Rockin' and Chalkin',

Mic

In Sport, In Life, at KU: Unselfishness is cool

I was reading an article recently that talked about KU quarterback/wide receiver/running back/punter/Mr. Everything Kerry Meier and his unselfish approach during Todd Reesing’s rise as KU’s undisputed signal caller. And it got me thinking.

Being unselfish is cool. You hear that kids? Heck, you hear that adults? It’s cool to be unselfish. Darn cool.

Last year one of the things I liked the most about the KU basketball team was how unselfish they were. In today’s age of “ME FIRST” and “IT’S ALL ABOUT THE BENJAMINS” athletes, it was refreshing to see a group of very talented athletes set their egos aside and work together, as a team, toward a common goal. We all know when a player says he’s about team, but then his actions on the court/field tell us differently. And last year’s KU basketball team, and presumably this year’s KU team, has that unselfish factor. And it’s cool. Darn cool.

As I’ve watched KU’s football team this year, one thing that stuck out to me immediately was how unselfish the players were. Watch for yourself. EVERY time a player makes a good play…and, more importantly, a not-so-good play…there are MULTIPLE teammates coming over to congratulate or pick that player up. It’s so refreshing. And it’s cool. Darn cool. Not only is this KU team playing like no other KU team of recent memory. Not only does this KU team have the ability to do something no other KU team has ever done. Not only is this KU team a joy to watch. Not only are Mark Mangino and his coaching staff doing an incredible job. But they are all doing it unselfishly. It’s all for one and one for all. And it’s genuine. And it’s cool. Darn cool.

What other teams can you think of off the top of your head that epitomize the “Unselfishness is cool” mantra? The first team that comes to my mind is the New England Patriots. Yeah, yeah, we know about the infamous sideline videotaping “scandal” that was way overblown, but watch those Patriots players on Sunday. It’s all about the team. It’s all about putting your individual ego and goals to the side and sacrificing for the greater good of the team. I mean, seriously, even Randy Freakin’ Moss has been converted under the all-consuming aura of unselfishness that infiltrates every individual in the Patriots organization. It’s cool. Darn cool.

Ditto for the San Antonio Spurs. They win championships. They do it unselfishly. Anyone surprised that Mr. Unselfish, Jacque Vaughn, is a part of that team? It’s so cool, isn’t it? Darn cool.

You hear people talk about how sports sometimes imitate life. It is my hope that, in this instance, life will start imitating the examples of unselfishness in sport. So do something for someone else today….and every day. Put your ego aside. You don’t need it. At the end of the day, it’s not about what you do for yourself or what you can get or buy for yourself. It’s what you do for others, what you do for the greater good, that will be remembered.

And the bonus?

It’s cool. Darn cool.

Keep Rockin’ and Chalkin’,

Mic
kumic94@gmail.com

KU Sports: To Blog or Not To Blog?

That was the question I had to ask myself a couple of years ago when a friend of mine kept telling me that blogs were the future and that I should start my own Jayhawk blog to share my passion of KU basketball with others. Don't get me wrong, I'm a KU football fan too, but honest enough to say that basketball is my first love. Always has been. Growing up, I had the build to play football, so I did, but I went out for the basketball team too in hopes that they would have a need for a 5'11" "big guy" that thought he could shoot the 3. Unfortunately that wasn't the case, but my passion for basketball continued and reached a whole new level as I experienced game after game in Allen Fieldhouse my freshman year: 1990.

Over the last several years, I've been on various Jayhawk boards and written articles for a couple of Jayhawk web sites. Each had their own advantages and disadvantages, so I decided to start my blog, Jaytalkers.com, so I could have a place to share my thoughts and opinions with others. Mind you, I’m not trying to CHANGE anyone’s opinion or force my beliefs on them. I’m just sharing one man’s view of all things Jayhawk.

So while Jaytalkers.com will continue and has some of my historical blogging for those that are interested, I now enter a new venture with The Topeka Capitol Journal and will be blogging for them on KU Sports at least a couple of times a week during the football and basketball seasons.

To give you a little more info on how I view things as a Jayhawk fan:
*I LOVE Jayhawk Basketball. The amount of time and effort I put in watching, reading, writing and talking about the games during the season can only be described as “fanatical”. My wife may choose a different phrase. Thankfully, we just celebrated our 10-year wedding anniversary, so I think I’m ok. Hey, look, she knew what she was getting into when she married me (She’s a Jayhawk fan too. We met at KU. But she’s just not a freak about it like I am.)
* My approach as a fan, after years of getting my hopes way up only to have them inevitably crushed, is to take the games one at a time. I know it's cliché, but I'm not going to walk around with my chest pumped out as though we are taking over college football (or basketball for that matter) because I've seen way too many fans from MU and KSU look ridiculous for doing that very thing only to have the bubble explode in their faces for the nation to see. (Note: KSU Nation is ALREADY doing it with the ridiculous over-hyping of Michael Beasley. I’m not saying he won’t be a good, or maybe great, player, but let’s wait to see him actually PLAY A GAME IN COLLEGE before we start comparing him to LeBron James or Kevin Durant.)
*In the end, as much as I want to go "all in" and believe that KU, in football and/or basketball, is a team of destiny, it just hurts too much to set that expectation in my mind/heart only to have it burst. IF KU were to win a national title in either sport, I would celebrate to the point of exhaustion and, most likely, tears. And I’m not joking.
But until then, I don't get too high after wins and I don't get too low after losses. I haven't always been that way. That approach has been molded after years of heartbreak after getting too emotionally invested. It's like putting your heart and soul into the relationship with your first love....and then finding out later she cheated on you. The pain is just too great. So, if I were to label myself as a Jayhawk fan, I would say that I am predominately CAUTIOUSLY OPTIMISTIC.

At the end of the day, I bleed Crimson and Blue and always will. I hope that the readers of the Topeka Capitol Journal enjoy reading what I write and I look forward to fine-tuning my own fanaticism with the combined wit and intelligence of the KU fan base.

Keep Rockin’ and Chalkin,

Mic
kumic94@gmail.com

TEAM. TEAM. TEAM.

After re-watching the game last night one thing that sticks out to me is how much of a TEAM effort yesterday's win was.

Several players stepped up at various points in the game. Russell Robinson hit some big 3's early in the game and his finger-roll-with-spin layup was huge later in the game, not to mention his FT that sealed it. Mario launching 3-after-3-after-3-after-3-after-3. Sasha going on a nice spurt where he hit the boards hard and got a couple of putbacks. Brandon hitting a couple of big 3's. Julian Wright was everywhere, blocking, dunking, passing. Darrell Arthur while silent most of the day offensively had a nice 2-pt bucket in the second half. Sherron, while scoreless, had a few nice passes that led to buckets. Darnell had that sweet alley-oop dunk and a few other strong plays inside.

TEAM, TEAM, TEAM.

I turned to the guy I was with at several times in the game and said "we've got to attack on offense" and that is exactly the mentality that the team took on.

The other thing I was thinking about is: Think about how easy it would have been for our team to mentally fold the tent down 12 at half with Durant and co. completely on fire.

Folks, that shows toughness. A toughness that I don't think any team before this one under Bill Self has fully grasped. It will serve us well in the postseason.

I wish I didn't have to wait 5 days for another KU game!

Mic

1900 Wins & Big 12 Champions

Just returned from Lawrence.

WOW...what a GREAT game and an INCREDIBLE experience!

Below are some of my thoughts as well as a link to some pictures of the day's events.

1. I am so thankful for friends like Mark Robinett, who offered me a ticket a few days ago. Thanks Mark. It was an awesome experience.
2. Kevin Durant is the National Player of the Year. End of story. His first half was one of the best I've ever seen from any player against KU, much less a freshman.
3. UT played one of the best first halves that any opponent has ever played in Allen Fieldhouse. They were mindbogglingly proficient.
4. Even though KU was down 12 at the half, I had a good feeling that our guys were going to find a way to get back in the game. I was THRILLED when they started the second half with a 22-7 run.
5. I've been to a lot of games in Allen Fieldhouse. I'm not sure I've ever seen the Fieldhouse rocking more than it was today. Every single fan was into it and helped WILL this team to the outright conference championship.
6. I am so happy for this team and for Bill Self. Watching them celebrate after the game and cut down the nets will forever be a great memory in my mind.
7. It was really cool being in Allen Fieldhouse for win #1900.
8. 50 Conference Championships in 100 years. Are you friggin' kidding me?
9. It was great to see so many Jayhawk friends today, both in Allen Fieldhouse and at the Salty Iguana post-game.
10. Allen Fieldhouse: There is not a better place in the country to watch a college basketball game.
11. When Kevin Durant rolled his ankle, I took a moment to thank the ghost of Phog Allen.
12. As I waited in the line outside of Allen Fieldhouse before the game, with Phog Allen's statue just a few feet away, I mentioned to the group I was with that I knew the EFKAN paver was somewhere nearby. Sure enough, I look down and my right foot was standing right on it. Check the pictures for a shot of the paver.
13. For all of those KU fans that criticize Bill Self for losing in the first round of the NCAAs the last couple of years, please take a moment to kiss my ass. He is the right man for the job and is an excellent representative for the University of Kansas. Plus, he doesn't have two DUI's like the guy that coaches in Allen Fieldhouse West. (congrats to K-State, by the way. I think they locked up their NCAA tournament bid with a win today over OU in Manhattan).
14. Shame on CBS for assigning two no-name announcers to the battle for the Big 12 Title with the #3 team in the country and the likely National Player of the Year.
15. It takes a lot of guts, determination and toughness to bounce back from a first half like the one our Jayhawks faced today from Texas. They pulled together and got the job done. This team has learned a lot about themselves with the last two close games. Hopefully that experience will help them in the postseason.

Click the link below for the pictures.
http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slideshow.jsp?mode=fromshare&Uc=wb94q1i.31mm9y5a&Uy=-8eyr09&Ux=0

As a wise man once said: "Every day is a great day to be a Jayhawk, but somedays are a little bit better."

Rock Chalk,

Mic