Bench minutes and MJ

The bench issue this year is truly perplexing. Either KU didn’t recruit any real talent, or the talent hasn’t performed in practice to warrant even five minutes in a game. Either way, it’s been a bizarre year in that regard.

I read today that Bronny James, Lebron’s son, is consideration Oregon, USC and Ohio State. Think about that. KU, KY, UNC, Duke, Zaga and other blue bloods aren’t even in the running. NIL certainly is playing a role, but so is the current thoughts of young players that blue bloods are less important now that ever before. Go where you get money, immediate playing time, a coach who will expand your skills and experience, but also let you do your thing.

Very little of that seems to exist at KU, and maybe we’re all in for a big change coming in terms of what the KU program looks like. To be very honest, if my son was a top recruit, I would be concerned about a KU program that has so many young players riding the pine permanently. I love Self, and he’s more than earned his HOF status, but times are changing and I wonder how much longer the “KU way” will be attractive to players. Quentin Grimes was the first who left and saw success at another program. I know nothing about Rice, but I suspect he’ll be taking that same route.

Sorry about the typos in my last post. Not wearing my reading glasses.

Not sure where I heard it (maybe on the radio broadcast?) but supposedly Self looked at MJ and he pointed to his back and declined to go in. No clue if that's true.

As for transfers that did well, Andrew White left for Nebraska and did quite well.

Bryce Thompson is doing well at OKC

I think it's a fair topic to discuss but I'd also say, when we are winning we are all fine with Self's decisions. As soon as we lose a game or two we begin questioning what's he's doing and how the program is going to be long term. I don't really think that's fair. We just won a national championship. We were expected to win another one in the COVID cancelled season. Kids don't mesh with coaches sometimes. Maybe that's what is happening with MJ. Remy did awesome transferring in.

I guess what I'm saying is, I'd rather get players that will be here for 3-4 years and we win a title than get immediate impact freshmen that then end up leaving for the NBA. I will say I'd hoped one of the big's would have produced but suffice it to say, I'm guessing Self expected Zach to be more impactful than he is.

I do not want my mention of Bryce to say I agree with the overall sentiment. As Replay points out nobody complains when we win. I thought it was just one of those games. The Hawks could not make a layup and TCU could not miss. As the saying goes you are going to have some games that we just do not play well like Tenn. Hopefully The boys can play better tonight. I think HCBS does a pretty good job overall though nobody is perfect. I am sure he second guesses some of his decisions but probably not for long as what is done is done and you need to look ahead. Go get em tonight. RCJH