Kansas Hopes to Return Back to Form

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

The Kansas Jayhawks (18-1, 3-1), before the Texas game, were one of the hottest teams in College Basketball riding one of the most historic streaks in the game.

Kansas' struggles at home finally caught back up to the Jayhawks as their 69 game win streak was put to rest by the Texas Longhorns (16-3, 4-0).

Their 18-3 lead vanished after halftime, where Texas put on a show and scored 51-points in the second half. The Jayhawks experienced roster was counted as one of the teams biggest strengths and perhaps one of the most experienced groups in the country.

But it is still a mystery as to how an experienced team like the Jayhawks, could come on the wrong end of the losing column at home, by double-digits.

"It's one game. It's a big game, but it's just one game," said coach Bill Self. His Jayhawks were out-rebounded 40-33, as well as, shooting 11-of-18 (61%) from the free throw line.

"It was a tough loss, but it's just one game and we can't let it become two," said senior guard Tyrell Reed following his 17 point performance.

But, if you ask POY candidate Marcus Morris, the Jayhawks beat themselves. "I think we really beat ourselves this game," said Marcus Morris. "We have to move on and not dwell on this loss as a team."

"We have to stay together and be leaders and get the team's mind right and keep moving forward."

Kansas has the chance to do just that against a struggling Colorado team that has fell off the radar after defeating both Missouri, and Kansas State to open Big 12 play.

With Thomas Robinson losing his mother last week, he won't make the trip to Colorado. However, the Kansas players will surely bounce back for both losses.

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Selby Deserves Some POY Hype

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Before December 18, many fans in Lawrence, Kansas, screamed "Free Selby" referring to the NCAA suspension that sidelined their combo guard for nine games.

When asked about his freshman, Head Coach Bill Self would always sound enthused about Josh Selby making his debut as a Kansas Jayhawk.

Many pegged Selby as the best guard in the 2010 class, and possibly best overall. However, nobody expected him to have such a breakout performance in his season debut.

The Kansas Jayhawks (9-0) figured out the wait for their prized freshman was well worth it, as Selby turned in a 21-point effort that led them to victory.

Selby nailed 5-of-8 three pointers, as well as grabbing five boards in the win. Not to mention, the 6-foot-2 Baltimore native showed maturity nailing, what would be, the game-winning three against the USC Trojans.

Selby played terrific all game, and granted it was one game but his ability to shoot the ball, and as Coach Self before, bail them out on offense is beneficial.

The Jayhawks had a tough time fighting off the pesky Trojans, but Selby made it possible.

Sure, Selby will have to prove he can consistently put up Player of the Year type numbers on the nations third ranked team. He will also have to display leadership, and lead Kansas to an impressive finish in the Big 12 conference.

The 6-foot-2 combo guard will most likely be inserted in the starting lineup once Kansas faces off against the (6-4) Cal Bears.

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The Jayhawks Determined to Rebound

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

When the pre-season poll was released for last year's squads, the Kansas Jayhawks embraced the No. 1 ranking. The Jayhawks did return their best player Sherron Collins, and Cole Aldrich. Not to mention, freshman Xavier Henry decided he wasn't going to follow John Calipari to Kentucky and chose the Jayhawks.

With such a talented trio, along with a lot of depth, the Jayhawks stayed inside the top-5 for most of the season.

Once the NCAA Tournament came around, the Jayhawks were still the No. 1 overall team in the nation. That led to the No. 1 overall ranking in the tournament, and many media outlets selecting them as National Champions.

The Jayhawks started off the tournament with an easy win in the first round against LeHigh. 

However, their second-round action wasn't a cake walk. The Jayhawks couldn't get the job done against ninth ranked Northern Iowa, and was sent home after a 69-67 loss to the Panthers.

After the season, both Aldrich, and Henry decided their career as a Jayhawk was over. Both bypassed another year of eligibility and entered the 2010 NBA draft. Collins, also entered the 2010 NBA draft after finishing his final year of eligibility.

But the Jayhawks did return significant players from last year's squad, while acquiring one of the best recruits in the 2010 class.

"I think this team has a chance to be very good," said Head Coach Bill Self. "I don't think that very often you lose two lottery picks and your best player and you are suppose to get better."

The Jayhawks will have a lot of new faces on the court once the season starts. However, that didn't effect their ranking at all. The Jayhawks were tabbed as the No. 7 team in both the coaches and AP poll.

One reason, was this year's leader Marcus Morris. "Marcus was our most consistent player last year," said Coach Self.

"He (Marcus) may not have been our best player in every game, but he was probably our second or third best player at worst in most every game. He is consistent."

Coach Self will also expect a lot of contributions from Tyshawn Taylor, Travis Releford, and Mario Little.

"Mario is probably a three-four, kind of a bad matchup big guy or a big guard. And Travis is definitely a tall guard. But I see them being in our rotation and both having an impact," said Coach Self.

The Jayhawks will open up their season on November 12, 8:00 PM against the Longwood Racers. They could possibly be without their freshman Josh Selby, but that will not stop the Jayhawks from rebounding.

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Kansas Jayhawks: A Freshman Changes Everything

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

The Kansas Jayhawks have consistently dominated College Basketball. Head Coach Bill Self always surrounds himself with elite talent to reload every year.

The Jayhawks lost three starters from last years squad but also had reserves and a highly-touted freshman to commend their efforts.

Josh Selby was considered the best player, and point guard overall by Rivals.com. Not to mention, he did a lot to back up the notion. Selby is one of the best scoring freshman this year.

However, Selby is still fighting for eligibility to play for the Jayhawks this season. Selby was considered to fill the shoes of former-Jayhawk Sherron Collins. Collins was the main distributor, scorer and leader of the team with 30-plus wins last season.

Selby was looked on to at least share the role of filling his huge shoes. Nonetheless, until he is granted eligibility, the Jayhawks aren't the same team that was selected to finish second overall in the Big 12 conference.

Without Selby leading the way, the Jayhawks lack the pure scoring, and presence of a marquee guard to run their offense. They still have Tyshawn Taylor, Elijah Johnson, and Travis Releford but none of these players can run the point at the college level.

They are all off-guards that commend the point guards efforts. However, with Selby the Jayhawks are among the best teams in the country.

Right now, Coach Self is still waiting for an official nod on the eligibility of his freshman guard. However, until then a freshman changes everything.

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Naadir Tharpe Commits to Kansas

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Lately, the buzz around the Jayhawks has been from highly-touted point guard Josh Selby's eligibility. Head Coach Bill Self is still waiting for the heads up as to if Selby will play for the Jayhawks this season.

With the notion that Selby could be one-and-done, if eligible, the Jayhawks pick up another point guard.


Naadir Tharpe, a 6-foot point guard from Brewster Academy ended his college quest with a verbal commitment to Kansas.

The Kansas Jayhawks picked up their first commitment of the 2011 recruiting class. The Jayhawks pickup a complete guard with Tharpe.

Tharpe is widely known for his playmaking ability. He has great court vision, and a very unselfish guard.

Kansas could acquire more highly-touted recruits like LeBryan Nash, Ben McLemore, or more recruits as a result.

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Naadir Tharpe Sets Up Visit Schedule

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Naadir Tharpe, a 6-foot guard from Brewster Academy (NH) embraces a skill set that coaches are watching closely.

Tharpe was recently visited by North Carolina State, Kansas Head Coach Bill Self, and Joe Dooley.

Now, Tharpe will be on the move to visit College Basketball programs.

Tharpe is set to visit the Oklahoma Sooners October 15. Oklahoma has been a big fan of Tharpe since he decommitted back in the summer.

Oklahoma Head Coach Jeff Capel would love to acquire a special point guard like Tharpe.

The Kansas Jayhawks will also be visited by Tharpe on October 22nd. The Jayhawks have a special interest in Tharpe and could use him after this season with the notion that Josh Selby is a one-and-done player.

Tharpe has two visit scheduled but could fit St. Johns in his schedule as well. He is currently considering Kansas, Oklahoma, Minnesota, NC State, and St. Johns.

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Collegiate Hoops: Top Ten Active College Basketball Coaches

The college game displays some of the best teams in the nation. But there are a lot of people that overlook how much the coaches mean to the success.

Just ask Michigan State right now. They're on the brink of losing Tom Izzo to the Cleveland Cavaliers. That could show just how much the guys on the sideline play a huge part.

These ten coaches are conceived as the most influential, smartest, toughest, and successful people on the sideline.

Ten isn't really enough but here are the top ten
coaches in the NCAA right now. (Hint: heading into next season.)

10. Jim Calhoun

Last year the Huskies' weren't horrible, but they were far from good.

When Calhoun left for health reasons; UConn's season left right with him.

Calhoun has won titles in the past before. He is known to play in the big games and just a few years back his Huskies' were on the brink of National Championship.

You can't tell me that he isn't still a good coach. He develops his players really well, and I can prove that by looking at the NBA talent he produces. Not to mention, his Huskies' always find a way to bounce back after poor seasons.

Calhoun has acquired a decent recruiting class that highlights one ESPNU top 100 recruit and the rest are all solid but graded above 90.

9. Bruce Pearl

I don't believe there is a more optimistic coach on this list than Bruce Pearl. He is a mastermind when you think of basketball.

Dating back to mid-season, the Volunteers lost four-of-five starters and had to play walk-ons against heavily favorite KU. However, with those walk-ons, Pearl was able to lead his team to victory.

Showing you he can out-coach the other coaches in this league.

He also established a new trend at Tennessee. It seems like every year, Pearl has been able to guide his Volunteers to the Elite Eight. Despite the loss to Tom Izzo's Spartans, Pearl is a great coach and no doubt his team will get back after it next season.

8. Roy Williams

After losing so much talent to the NBA, Roy Williams logged one of the worst seasons in his coaching career. Since this list is based on the top ten coaches heading into next season, Williams is here. However, if it was to rank the top coaches from last year, I don't think he would be mentioned.

However, Williams and newly acquired recruit Harrison Barnes are going to do whatever it takes to erase that memory.

Williams is still a great coach and now that he surrounded himself with elite talent, he'll be able to once again show how powerful his coaching skills are.

Something is telling me that Williams is going to have this team at the top of the ACC and competing with the title favorite Duke.

7. Jim Boeheim

Hanging on the theorem, "team-defense," Jim Boeheim has been nabbed as one of the better coaches in all of college basketball. He was able to turn an average roster with one superstar talent, into competitors and the Coach of the Year award was well deserved.

After being placed so far in the top 25 in the pre-season poll last year and still being able to reach the No. 1 ranking in the same season, says a lot about the coach.

He is much respected around the college basketball community and has his Syracuse Orange thinking potential next season.

Throughout his career as a coach, Boeheim has put the pieces together for a legendary resume. As a result, he may be in the basketball Hall of Fame one day. He is one of the coaches with the best winning percentage, out of all the other experienced coaches in the league.

6. Billy Donavan

Billy Donavan has always been a great coach. He has had the ability to cut down the nets twice with the same nucleus of players. He has a substantial say over most of his players, and that is a good thing for Florida fans.

This off-season, Donavan, made some moves to bolster his roster and now Florida is looking like a contender after the returnees, and recruits they landed.

He acquired two ESPNU top 100 players, one in which is a McDonalds All-American. Two other forwards and a point guard.

You can't tell me the Gators aren't restoring their image as a powerhouse in basketball.

With Donavan at the helm, I can envision a much better season on the way for the Gators.


5. John Calipari

I've met a lot of anti-John Calipari fans in my life. Most people hate the fact that he gets away with infractions, but I simply believe that everybody is jealous of his recruiting ability.

I don't care what you have to say, Calipari is the best recruiting coach in the NCAA. He has strung together some impressive freshman classes, and look at last season's team. That is arguably the best freshman class college basketball has ever seen.

Calipari has the ability to get to the tournament consistently and it isn't really a problem considering the talent he acquires in the off-season. One thing that is notable; John Calipari produces some of the finest guards. John Wall, Derrick Rose, and Tyreke Evans are all going to or already have impact the NBA.


4. Bill Self

After a terrible loss to the Northern Iowa Panthers, the Kansas Jayhawks have to come into next season and prove themselves. Bill Self has too as well.

Let's not forget Northern Iowa Head Coach Ben Jacobson, out-coached him in a cake-walk type game.

However, Bill Self is not known to hoist two back-to-back seasons where he let the fans down. The Jayhawks landed the No. 1 overall recruit in Josh Selby to possibly fill the shoes of Sherron Collins and the Morris twins has the job to fill Cole Aldrich's shoes in the post.

Bill Self has no problem with curbing players into aggressive and great players. In the 2008 season, the team that one that was filled with juniors and seniors that all wanted to win a championship. Put another coach at KU and I don't believe those players progress the way they do.

He always has powerful recruiting classes and great basketball players. That's always a plus when you're coaching.


3. Frank Martin

I don't care what many have to say about my Wildcats. Frank Martin was not there to keep Michael Beasley and Bill Walker around. He is not there now for recruiting reasons, but he is there to coach the Kansas State Wildcats.

Frank Martin has done a magnificent job with the Wildcats. Ensuing a season that his team came away with the most wins in school history, has a chance to once again break that record.

Look at the picture; now does that look like a coach to be messed with? Martin is live on the sideline, one of the more vocal coaches in the league, and he gets into his players. I remember he stated, "It's all about scoring one more point then your opponent." That helped and leaded the Cats' on to some milestones that haven't been achieved for decades.

Frank Martin has raised the Cats' from laughing stock to serious contenders. With the roster they have and Frank Martin on the sideline, Kansas State can be major players in this upcoming season.

2. Tom Izzo

Tom Izzo may just as well be a Cleveland Cavalier before this list has even lasted a few days. However, since he has made no commitment to the NBA, he is the second-best coach in college basketball.

Izzo is the best coach on this list when it comes to developing players. A stat you probably already know if you've read my other articles on Tom Izzo is that every player that has stayed all four-years under him has had the chance to compete in the Final Four.

That says a lot. Even considering the fact that, their best player Kalin Lucas went down during their second round game in the tournament, and they were still able to pull off an Elite Eight berth.

If Izzo decides to stay, he solidifies Michigan State as title contenders. Without Izzo? Not so much.


1. Mike Krzyzewski

Coming off a National Championship with a roster that could repeat, has Coach K at No. 1. Coach K has always been conceived as a top coach in the league, considering that he has the highest winning percentage of all active coaches.

He has been a consistent player in the NCAA tournament, not to mention his titles and Final Fours berths; all that he brought to the Duke fans.

With Coach K leading the Blue Devils next season, you have to think about the possibility of a repeat. He acquired superstar caliber player Kyrie Irving, and to play with him in the backcourt is Tyler Thornton. As long as Coach K sticks on the sideline at Duke, which I believe he will, they'll be NCAA ready, every year.

Written by DeAnte Mitchell, edits by Lauren Garrison