KU hoops squad hits the hardwood this Thursday
The Kansas Jayhawk basketball season tips off this Thursday when the 'Hawks take on Pittsburg State in exhibition fashion. Enlarge video
Who's to argue with Sports Illustrated? Not Kansas University sophomore Sherron Collins, that's for sure.
"I think we have one of the greatest backcourts in the country," Collins, KU's point guard from Chicago, said, agreeing with SI's Luke Winn, who recently said Collins, Mario Chalmers, Russell Robinson and Brandon Rush rate as the No. 1 backcourt in the United States.
Winn ranked them ahead of guards from Memphis, Marquette, Washington State, North Carolina, UCLA, Tennessee, Louisville, Texas, USC, Oregon, Michigan State, Villanova, Butler and Davidson.
"It doesn't matter who brings it up the floor. We've got good players and good depth," Collins added.
So much depth that, after the return of the injured Rush, it is not a given that Collins will maintain a spot in the starting lineup his sophomore campaign.
Not that it matters to the 5-foot-11, 205-pounder who averaged 9.3 points and 2.9 assists per game while starting three games and coming off the bench in 35 his rookie season. His numbers were even better in Big 12 play.
"It doesn't matter," Collins said of getting introduced before games. "Just like last year, I want to win. Anything coach asks me to do, I'll do if it helps us win."
Collins - he made 47.8 percent of his shots, including 40.5 percent of his threes (52.4 percent overall, 45.1 threes in Big 12 games) - said he went to work on his game last summer.
"A lot of individual work," Collins said. "I got in the gym and shot extra jumpshots. Other than that, I listened to the coaches. This year, being a sophomore, I know what is expected of me and know what to expect.
"I have to be able to do more, play hard on both ends of the floor. As a team, we must do that. I am in better shape than last year and everything. Everything is good now."
Collins was hit hard by tendinitis at the end of last season.
"It was bad ... not that bad, (but) it hurt every step of the way when I ran," Collins said. "I could have done more to get my body in better shape. I think I did this summer."
Once again, he watched his diet and worked out ... a lot.
"I've gotten in the habit of eating right," he said. "No greasy foods. You can't eat the wrong things. I kept my weight off all summer. Coach has been proud of me and doing things with me. He says 'eat right, and you'll lose the weight.'"
Of Collins staying in shape, coach Bill Self said, "He's doing a lot better. I think he has worked really hard. Nobody in the athletic department burns more calories a day than Sherron. He does extra regardless of the situation.
"He has to be disciplined because genetically he is a big guy, powerful, explosive. Still I'd like him to be more explosive. He's worked hard on doing that. His knees feel better. When he's on ... last year for a stretch of time he was as good as any guard in our league. I expect him to play to that level again this year."
Self expects a lot out of all his guards, starting with Thursday's 7 p.m. home exhibition against Pittsburg State. Self figures to open with Collins, Robinson and Chalmers in the backcourt and on the wing, with Darrell Arthur and Sasha Kaun on the inside.
"I personally wouldn't trade them for anybody," Self said of SI's top-rated unit. "I really believe there are a lot of good guards in the country right now. This is the year of the point guard, so to speak. Just like last year there were more tall guys, this year more good guard play as far as what NBA people think. Our guards can match up with anybody."
If they hope to stay on the court, they best go inside to snag a few rebounds.
"I think all three can play together if we can rebound the ball at the 4 and 5 position. That's one thing we will give up not having Brandon," Self indicated.
"They (guards) need to help clean up. There's no reason those three cannot play together and can't have as much success as any threesome out there."
Comments
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shockchalk (anonymous) says…
Looking forward to tomorrow night..........Rock Chalk Jayhawks!
MuWalt (Walter spears) says…
Well you can have the best backcourt in the world., But somewhere in there there needs to be some good coaching. So Jayhawkers dont get your hopes to high as usual.
BLITZED (anonymous) says…
kubacker, believe it or not it IS Basketball season too. I know that the football team is still playing, and playing great, but lets not forget about the girl that brought you to the dance. we are a basketball school. Now that does not mean that we can't be a football school as well, but there is no reason to dismiss hype on the basketball team too. There is not a football game until Saturday, so lets enjoy the hype for the season that begins tomorrow night.
ralphralph (anonymous) says…
Football blows. Bring on the hoops!
cooonrod (anonymous) says…
muwalt: Guess no one in Missouri can produce a paper or internet site worth your reading.
How many final fours over there in the big Misery?
Ever had top ten football and basketball team?
you sit on your couch in march and watch the NIT with hopes you may make it someday. Big talk from big mouth billybass, sister kissing , meth mullet head, walt from ole mizzou
looking forward to Kansas City football , even though you guys will have lost 2 MORE games by then as KSU and Colorado will hand it to you big talkers. Has ole Mizzou won big 12 road game?
cooonrod (anonymous) says…
One other thing MUWALT if you remember Self beat ole Mizzou like a drum when coaching Illinois and Tulsa and you question his coaching skills????
Like Mike Anderson as a coach but come on.... you talk bad on KU coaches??
MU and final four words will never be in same sentence.
Superheated (anonymous) says…
One key to getting in awesome shape is replacing regular breakfast (and sometimes lunch) with High nutrient low carb Protein shakes. (not calorie shakes) I dropped twenty pounds of fat in about a month and my lean muscle mass is way up. I only wish I would of figured this out earlier.
I use a blend of herbalife and herbalife chocolate protein powder, but you could use any brand you can...I also mix it with raw cacao beans or blueberries just to occasionally mix it up. Stuff tastes great. KU BBallers..try it. That will give guys a huge edge. If you want to be a pro's you better start eating like one....