Perspective

The loss to Tennessee was painful. Remember the loss to UK last year? Perspective!

Last night we beat a less than stellar team who had won one previous game against Pac10 team, ASU. ASU is currently 6/1 with the second best record of all PAC 12. Perspective!

We beat NCS in the Bahamas, who them finished 2/1 with their only loss to KU. Perspective

We beat Wisconsin, who then finished 2/1 with their only loss to KU. Perspective

Are we as good as last year. NO! Could we be, maybe, especially if Jesufu, MJ and KJ can play consistently like last night.

The next three games will tell us more than the first 8 games. Seton Hall and Indiana will be tough. Even Missouri will be a challenge.

Other perspectives welcomed.

Thanks Hoshi. I was just logging on to ponder the same thoughts. So I'll do an update on my current observation on some issues/items.

1. I finally have accepted that under Bill Self, we will look awful at times early on. It's his plan. It's a plan that works by building on adversity. Bring the guys along slowly, and get buy in on defense and limiting mistakes. Never let the guys get full of themselves or stop working at getting better. I watched Dick start like an all american, only to disappear for a couple games. I think Self loves that. Bring the freshman back down to earth, and make him work back to dominance (he absolutely will dominate by end of year). Throw Zach in with two freshmen to fight out who will become the go to big. But also let KJ Adams get most of the minutes as he's showing how to play the Self way (and looking great at it). I think Self likes losing early to a good team. All the better to show the kids how far they have to go to win it all. I'm a big supporter now of enjoying the ride, and accepting the frustrations that are part of Self's plan in the early going.

2. Pettiford looks like he just can't stay healthy. I have high hopes for him, but sure hope he can get past the injury bug. i'm not sold on Yesefu being a KU level talent, so bobby P needs to get healthy.

3. Zach is a big disappointment so far (maybe the only disappointment I can think of so far with this team). I thought he'd be a Gonzaga type big, but he's falling way down the priority ladder right now. He has shown little inside skill, and isn't making his threes. I still think he's going to be very very good, but it may take four years to see it.

4. This team feels like the old Releford teams - tough as nails, never feel like they're out of it, and will win many games on guts alone. I like what I'm seeing from this team in terms of personality.

5. Harris is a big time winner, but despite what Self and the TV announcers say, he's not the third best shooter on the team. I'm fine with his scoop drives, but please stay away from the three.

6. I have no real idea who MJ Rice is, or what he can do. I heard last night that he's only been able to practice a few times this year. He looked very good last night, but not sure what his role is for this season.

7. I have a good feeling about how good this team can be, but we need a big to step up and become a factor.

Rock Chalk - and enjoying this season already.