[JoeWolf1]

 KU kicked off their season last night against Washburn, a D2 school from Kansas.  Here are some observations I made based on improved player skills while taking in to consideration the size and caliber of their opponenets.

Marcus Morris – Played like a pre-season All-American last night.  He is in excellent shape and although not a great natural athlete, he works so hard every summer he is noticably more explosive and stronger than last season.  Did a little bit of everything, he’ll need to develop more of a face up game to play in the next level, but his jumper was nice and with a quicker release than in the past two seasons.  Displayed a great high- low post game last night and fundamentals around the rim.  Dropped like 28 points last night went 11-11 from the line and did a little bit of everything.

Markeiff Morris- I was very impressed with Markeiff last night, like his brother he is a gym rat and in excellent shape, he has bulked up to around 240-245 lbs while adding more explosiveness to his game.  He remains the "post" twin, but his jumper was smooth last night, he stepped out and went 2-2 from 3 point range last night and a nice fade away in the post.  He isn’t the type of player who is going to face up and take you to the hoop, but if he continues to hit that 15-20 foot jumper his value as a pro prospect just took him from a 2nd rounder to a late frist/ bubble pick.  Impressed me with his passing too, and it’s nice to see big men finish strong around the rim.  Good funamental D also, didn’t leave his feet, bodied up.  Noticable improvement since last season.

Tyshawn Taylor – I think Sherron Collins sticking around last season hurt his confidence and development.  Taylor looked more like the potential first rounder with upside than he did last year where he played his way out of every mock.  Still lightning quick and used his length to cause havok on D.  With his wingpan and speed he plays at about 6’5”.  Hit a couple nice jumpers, and didn’t force shots, I think he went like 5-6 or 5-7 for the whole game, but although not a pure point guard, he did what a point should do.  Like most KU guards, he is great at pushing the ball.

Thomas Robinson- I was a little disappointed by him last night.  He is a physical specimen with fantastic size and athleticism for a pf, but remains very raw on offense, no one on Washburn could compete with him physically, but he didn’t dominate.  He could have developed his post game over the off season, but I didn’t see it last night.  He is a good rebounder, and did clean up on the glass in the time he was on the floor, and had a nice finish at the rim, but Robinson is going to be more of a work in progress, and probably a 2013 prospect.

[McDunkin]

 

Thanks for this JoeWolf.

From what you saw who do you think will get the start at the 3?(if Selby is cleared) Morningstar, Releford, or Little and what did you see from these 3

and is it true elijah johnson is 6’4" now?

 

[McDunkin]

 

Thanks for this JoeWolf.

From what you saw who do you think will get the start at the 3?(if Selby is cleared) Morningstar, Releford, or Little and what did you see from these 3

and is it true elijah johnson is 6’4" now?

 

[delfamParticipant]

are the Morris’s going to play at PF and C or is Withey going to start?

[delfamParticipant]

are the Morris’s going to play at PF and C or is Withey going to start?

[McDunkin]

delfam for now probably the Morris twins because Withey is still out from a broken foot

[McDunkin]

delfam for now probably the Morris twins because Withey is still out from a broken foot

[JoeWolf1]

 McDunkin,

They started with a 3 guard lineup last night, they had Taylor, Reed and Morningstar and then Little at the 4 and Marcus at the 5.  From what I understand Selby has been cleared academically, has been going to classes and was with the team last night, and they’re just checking his amateur status now.  Washburn’s tallest player was 6’8” so they could get away with this lineup, Self likes the 3 guard lineup, but I’d expect Marcus and Markeiff to start at the 4 and 5 when the season starts.

Travis Releford – He is a great athlete and excels running the floor and is capable of making big plays, because of that and his shakey jumper I expect him to be an energy player off the bench.

Brady Morningstar – As a 5th year player, he is as veteran as it gets, he knows his role, doesn’t make mistakes and plays good D on the perimeter.  He may end up a starter if they continue with a 3 guard lineup, but won’t play the bulk of the minutes as I expect Elijah Johnson, Travis Releford, and Mario Little to play increased roles.

Mario Little – He is in shape and looked pretty good, he plays more like a foward although he is only 6’5” and Self is high on him, so if he opts for a more traditional 2 guard, 2 forward 1 center lineup.  I’d say Little is the favorite to start at the 3.

Elijah Johnson – yep grew since last year and is an extremely explosive athlete.  He didn’t have a great game, but displayed top end speed and his only bucket was off a 2 handed alley oop dunk where the top of his head was only a couple inches below the rim.  He’s still a little raw, but he’ll play more this year.

[JoeWolf1]

 McDunkin,

They started with a 3 guard lineup last night, they had Taylor, Reed and Morningstar and then Little at the 4 and Marcus at the 5.  From what I understand Selby has been cleared academically, has been going to classes and was with the team last night, and they’re just checking his amateur status now.  Washburn’s tallest player was 6’8” so they could get away with this lineup, Self likes the 3 guard lineup, but I’d expect Marcus and Markeiff to start at the 4 and 5 when the season starts.

Travis Releford – He is a great athlete and excels running the floor and is capable of making big plays, because of that and his shakey jumper I expect him to be an energy player off the bench.

Brady Morningstar – As a 5th year player, he is as veteran as it gets, he knows his role, doesn’t make mistakes and plays good D on the perimeter.  He may end up a starter if they continue with a 3 guard lineup, but won’t play the bulk of the minutes as I expect Elijah Johnson, Travis Releford, and Mario Little to play increased roles.

Mario Little – He is in shape and looked pretty good, he plays more like a foward although he is only 6’5” and Self is high on him, so if he opts for a more traditional 2 guard, 2 forward 1 center lineup.  I’d say Little is the favorite to start at the 3.

Elijah Johnson – yep grew since last year and is an extremely explosive athlete.  He didn’t have a great game, but displayed top end speed and his only bucket was off a 2 handed alley oop dunk where the top of his head was only a couple inches below the rim.  He’s still a little raw, but he’ll play more this year.

[magmo68Participant]

ROCK CHALK JAAAAAAAAYYYYYHAWK!

[magmo68Participant]

ROCK CHALK JAAAAAAAAYYYYYHAWK!

[McDunkin]

You know what i dont get? How Terrel Reed is the most athletic player on the team(reportedly…and did throw some nast dunks down at midnight madness) is pretty much a clone of Kirk Hinrich..but never even came close to touching his potential

[McDunkin]

You know what i dont get? How Terrel Reed is the most athletic player on the team(reportedly…and did throw some nast dunks down at midnight madness) is pretty much a clone of Kirk Hinrich..but never even came close to touching his potential

[Author]

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