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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The Loss Of Collins, Aldrich, and Henry Not a Huge Blow For Kansas

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

The Kansas Jayhawks were equipped with one of the most talented and experienced groups in college basketball.

They had Cole Aldrich in the paint to block and rebound the ball. He was also used a lot in the pick-and-roll game, where he would slash to the basket for an alley-oop slam.

Xavier Henry was the aggressive slasher. He mostly set up for the three-balls on the wing but that didn't stop him from taking it to the basket on occasions. 

Then you had super bad Sherron Collins. He only stood 5-foot-11 but his heart made up for the lack of size. 

2010 NBA Draft: The All-2010 NBA Draft Team

The 2010 NBA draft is now behind us, and some people are starting to make observations of the biggest night in college and professional basketball.

The NBA draft was very deep in terms of talent, but outside of the lottery picks all I see is solid contributors. 

With that said, here is my All-2010 NBA Draft Team

PG - John Wall 6'4'' Washington Wizards

Who else did you think you were getting here? John Wall has the most upside of any player in this draft and will be a great pro.

He is very long and has the ability to use that length on defense. Wall comes in as the face of the franchise and will take on the challenge of being the leader of an NBA team.

Down the road, John Wall will prove to be the best player in this year’s draft.

SG - Evan Turner 6'7'' Philadelphia 76ers

Turner was the best player in this draft. He is 6'7'' and because of his skill-set, he can play three positions on the court.

He has elite ball-handling skills and drives into the paint at will. Not to mention, his ability to finish around the basket or pull up for the mid-range jumper.

Turner is just an all-around talent that you want to have. He attacks the glass on both ends of the floor. He is a solid defender, and he makes his teammates better.

If this isn't the guy you want on your team, I don't think you're a real basketball fan.

SF - Wesley Johnson 6'8'' Minnesota Timberwolves

I don't know how he is going to be set up with the T'Wolves, considering they acquired more two more small forwards in the draft. Despite that, Johnson is a great player. 

Johnson is 6'8'' but has the ability to guard out of position because of his lateral quickness and length.

With that comes a very offensive player as well. Under Boehim's system we weren't able to see a full arsenal of Johnson's moves but once he gets to showcase his skills we'll all know just how good he is.

Dick Vitale has pegged him as the Rookie of the Year--although, I don't think he will be that good.

PF - DeMarcus Cousins 6'11'' Sacramento Kings

Cousins' is the total package. Because of his so called "attitude-problems" teams passed on him and the Kings cashed in.

Cousins at 6'11'' is an extraordinary athlete. He can play at different speeds, beat defenders off the dribble, shoot the three; it's just a lot of things he does that you don't expect from a player 6-foot-11.

To add to that, he is a monster in the paint and likes to use his strength to overpower players. Not to mention, he does have the ability to play defense and if he is committed he will be a monster.  

You think John Wall is good, wait to you see Cousins at his full potential.

C - Cole Aldrich 6'10'' Oklahoma City Thunder

Aldrich is the most complete center that was drafted. 

He brings defensive intensity to the post that lacks it. He brings amazing size, and the ability to alter and block shots. Not to mention, he will be a nice addition to the pick-and-roll game.

He is very long and can score outside the paint if needed. At Kansas, you didn't witness much of this because he wasn't as aggressive as he should have been. 

But once he gets to the pros you'll witness his jump shot--it's ugly, but goes in--and his ability to score with an array of post moves in the paint. 

Written by DeAnte Mitchell