KU was overwhelmingly dominant. They led at one point 37-15 including a 23-0 run in the first half. At another point, they led 53-17. And, the final margin was 50. For the most part, the game was an exhibition in KU’s depth – which included CJ Henry getting his first minutes and making the most of them (3-4, 8 points, including 2-3 from threes). But, of course, with that comes the problem of the 10th man. Self’s nine-man rotation didn’t last long and it is only going to get worse in few weeks when Withey and Morningstart to demand time.

Obviously, anyone who watched the contest realizes that Cole Aldrich didn’t have a particularly good game. An EFF of 9 would have to be considered horrible for him. His first two games were 20 and 31. And, he had a 23 average last season. Still, I think it was obvious the emphasis against Central Arkansas was going to be perimeter play. That kept CA out of the mix most of the night with only seven shots and two FTAs.

BTW: I loved the nickname given to him by “Big Al in the truck” - Swat King Cole. Clever, even if it doesn’t roll off the tongue.

Robinson was back to previous form with 11 rebounds in just 18 minutes. He’s a machine. Johnson was very solid in his time in the game. And, Reed was the old Reed we knew we had (4-5 from threes). Collins looked good, but I’m starting to get nervous seeing him (horizontally) on the floor so often.

KIEFF AND CUS

I really hammered these two guys last year and IMO justifiably so. However, now it is time to really start singing their praises. Here are their main stats in the three games this season.

-

They have combined to play just under 3 full games between them. That means the bolded numbers above represent the PF position per game – and that’s pretty outstanding for two sophomores especially considering they were highly suspect last season. In fact here is the comparison between the first three games in 2009-10 to 2008-09.

-

Their joint rebounding per game is lower, but overall, they are playing at a much higher level.

BY GROUP

I mentioned before that I see KU’s groups as Leaders (Collins, Aldrich, Reed), Sophomores (Twins, Taylor) and Freshmen (X, Johnson, Robinson). That’s three in each group. However, now that CJ is playing, he’s got to be included in the freshman group. When Withey is eligible, he will have to be in the sophomore group and, of course, Morningstar will be in the leadership group. That will make four per category – a super nice mix. I’m keeping stats for each game based on EFF.

-

UGLY POINTS

After the Memphis game, I indicated that KU had 106 UGLY points. The formula is (100 minus points scored) + missed FG + missed FT + turnovers + fouls. Against Central Arkansas, KU had a 66 rating. That’s on par with the other four games (including exhibitions). KU had a 61 vs Pittsburg State, 67 vs Fort Hays State and 69 vs Hofstra.

GAME FLOW

KU didn’t have a single 4 minute segment in double figures against Memphis. Of course, the competition level is a little different, but vs C-Ark, they had five double digit segments – including the last four. KU scored 57 points in the second half.

-

PLAYER PRODUCTION

Here are the player’s points and EFF. Cus and Robinson tied for the best game (19).

EFF = (Pts + Reb + Ast + Blk + Stl – Missed FG – Missed FT – TO)

NOT IN THE BOXSCORE

-

Hustle = Blocks + Steals + Off Rebound

After the Memphis game, I complained that KU didn’t shoot the trey often enough and that they didn’t press. Believe it or not, I actually saw a full court press against Central Arkansas. Ok, it was only once or twice, but that’s still infinitely more than normal. Maybe… just maybe… Self will employ it in the future. And, instead of only five three-pointers against Memphis, the Hawks shot 19 Thursday night, hitting 11. Obviously, my opinion had nothing to do with it, but it’s always good when I don’t have to complain.KU was overwhelmingly dominant. They led at one point 37-15 including a 23-0 run in the first half. At another point, they led 53-17. And, the final margin was 50. For the most part, the game was an exhibition in KU’s depth – which included CJ Henry getting his first minutes and making the most of them (3-4, 8 points, including 2-3 from threes). But, of course, with that comes the problem of the 10th man. Self’s nine-man rotation didn’t last long and it is only going to get worse in few weeks when Withey and Morningstart to demand time.

Obviously, anyone who watched the contest realizes that Cole Aldrich didn’t have a particularly good game. An EFF of 9 would have to be considered horrible for him. His first two games were 20 and 31. And, he had a 23 average last season. Still, I think it was obvious the emphasis against Central Arkansas was going to be perimeter play. That kept CA out of the mix most of the night with only seven shots and two FTAs.

BTW: I loved the nickname given to him by “Big Al in the truck”  – Swat King Cole. Clever, even if it doesn’t roll off the tongue.

Robinson was back to previous form with 11 rebounds in just 18 minutes. He’s a machine. Johnson was very solid in his time in the game. And, Reed was the old Reed we knew we had (4-5 from threes). Collins looked good, but I’m starting to get nervous seeing him (horizontally) on the floor so often.

KIEFF AND CUS

I really hammered these two guys last year and IMO justifiably so. However, now it is time to really start singing their praises. Here are their main stats in the three games this season.

-

They have combined to play just under 3 full games between them. That means the bolded numbers above represent the PF position per game – and that’s pretty outstanding for two sophomores especially considering they were highly suspect last season. In fact here is the comparison between the first three games in 2009-10 to 2008-09.

-

Their joint rebounding per game is lower, but overall, they are playing at a much higher level.

BY GROUP

I mentioned before that I see KU’s groups as Leaders (Collins, Aldrich, Reed), Sophomores (Twins, Taylor) and Freshmen (X, Johnson, Robinson). That’s three in each group. However, now that CJ is playing, he’s got to be included in the freshman group. When Withey is eligible, he will have to be in the sophomore group and, of course, Morningstar will be in the leadership group. That will make four per category – a super nice mix. I’m keeping stats for each game based on EFF.

-

UGLY POINTS

After the Memphis game, I indicated that KU had 106 UGLY points. The formula is (100 minus points scored) + missed FG + missed FT + turnovers + fouls. Against Central Arkansas, KU had a 66 rating. That’s on par with the other four games (including exhibitions). KU had a 61 vs Pittsburg State, 67 vs Fort Hays State and 69 vs Hofstra.

GAME FLOW

KU didn’t have a single 4 minute segment in double figures against Memphis. Of course, the competition level is a little different, but vs C-Ark, they had five double digit segments – including the last four. KU scored 57 points in the second half.

-

PLAYER PRODUCTION

Here are the player’s points and EFF. Cus and Robinson tied for the best game (19).

EFF = (Pts + Reb + Ast + Blk + Stl – Missed FG – Missed FT – TO)

NOT IN THE BOXSCORE

-

Hustle = Blocks + Steals + Off Rebounds

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Sprosen, from Hillcrest High, had been playing for a year when she introduced Polley, from Fraser High School, to the idea of playing together. "It’s new to me, I’d never actually paid much attention to beach volleyball beforehand," Polley said. They attended a camp in Tauranga where there was a division for more serious players and one with a more social aspect, and the pair did well in the latter before deciding to enter competitions in Auckland and Tauranga, where they performed creditably without getting any placings.It took us a while to figure out who went in different positions and stuff, but after a while we just worked really well," Polley said.We don’t get angry at each other, a lot of teams get frustrated but we just keep going, it’s really good.The pair said there were clear differences to indoor volleyball.Because there’s two people on the court you always get to touch the ball most times and being on the beach is quite good as well,Sprosen said.

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