photo by: Nick Krug

Red Team forward Cliff Alexander works his way into the post against Blue Team forward Hunter Mickelson during the Late Night in the Phog scrimmage on Friday, Oct. 10, 2014 at Allen Fieldhouse.

Hey, we’ve received enough questions to run another Kansas basketball Q and A.

You can send questions and comments to gbedore@ljworld.com and I’ll do my best to answer them.

Q from Rob Bedford III: How do you think KU will do against teams with solid big men? After Alexander I am concerned the other bigs for KU will get beat up.

photo by: Nick Krug

Red Team forward Cliff Alexander works his way into the post against Blue Team forward Hunter Mickelson during the Late Night in the Phog scrimmage on Friday, Oct. 10, 2014 at Allen Fieldhouse.

A: I think KU’s big men will be able to hold their own in most games, though it is true the Jayhawks don’t have any trees like Joel Embiid, Jeff Withey, Cole Aldrich and/or Thomas Robinson this season to serve as the last line of defense.

It should be noted Hunter Mickelson did set Arkansas’ freshman shot block record a few years ago and has only gotten better since his transfer here.

I think KU’s frontcourt play still could be extremely effective. Perry Ellis is one of the best players in the Big 12 and according to Sporting News one of the top three forwards in college basketball.

Cliff Alexander, at 6-8 1/2, 240, is expected to be a lottery pick in the 2015 NBA Draft. Jamari Traylor is tough and a great hustle guy who worked on his offensive game over the summer. Landen Lucas showed positive signs in limited duty last season an Mickelson was a solid player at Arkansas who has improved since he’s been here.

Your concern may be justified. We’ll have to see how matchups play out in certain games. A plethora of talent on the perimeter gives Bill Self various ways to win games.

Q from Jeffrey Cole Radcliff: Who will be the Jayhawks’ starting point guard heading into the NCAA Tourney?

photo by: Nick Krug

Blue Team guard Devonte Graham defends Red Team guard Brannen Greene during the Late Night in the Phog scrimmage on Friday, Oct. 10, 2014 at Allen Fieldhouse.

A: My pick to start the season is Devonté Graham. My pick to end the season? I’ll say Graham, but I wouldn’t be shocked if Frank Mason, Conner Frankamp or even Wayne Selden runs the point at that time. I know the coaches love Graham and believe he’ll be a similar player to Aaron Miles.

The bottom line is the college basketball season is a marathon and who knows what the team will look like in March? You should all send me your predictions and we can save them for the postseason.

Q from Matt Hein: What situation would need to develop to lure Bill Self away from KU (for the NBA or KU related)?  

photo by: Nick Krug

Kansas head coach Bill Self vents his frustration after a foul during the first half on Friday, March 21, 2014 at Scottrade Center in St. Louis.

A: My guess is as long as Bill Self can continue to sign blue-chip high school players, be one of the country’s highest paid coaches and have an administration receptive to providing his program what he feels it needs to stay near the top (things like the new apartment complex), he’ll likely stay.

If any of that changes, sure a guy of his stature probably would consider a move.

He’s already guaranteed a spot in the Hall of Fame (one national title, one NCAA runner-up finish, all those conference crowns). However, if he remains here, he could and probably would finish as one of the winningest coaches in college basketball history.

He’s admittedly intrigued by the NBA and that league definitely would love to have him, sooner rather than later. You can argue the pros and cons of coaching in a league that’s all about the players — not the coaches — all you want.

One thing is certain: If Self ever decides he wants to leave, it will take him less than 24 hours to find a new job.

Q from A Shawnee Fan: Hi Gary. Last year I attended an early morning basketball practice. Will there be another one this season? Do you know when and what time? 

A: As of today we’ve been told of no plans for an open practice. If this changes we’ll certainly print/post online the date and time.

Q from JW Drryden: Why is KU basketball so amazing every year? LOL

photo by: Nick Krug

A: It starts with recruiting. KU coaches Self and Roy Williams have landed the best and brightest players in the country for the last 25 to 27 years. You’ve got to have great players and KU has done a great job of finding them for decades (Larry Brown also inked a good one in Danny Manning).

There’s also great coaching, weight training and conditioning, administrative support, a great building to play in and fans who pack that building every single game.

Q from Al Shockley: I was a little bored at Late Night in the Phog. Do you have any suggestions on how KU might improve it?

photo by: Nick Krug

Kansas sophomore guard Frank Mason flips before ethe fieldhouse crowd during Late Night in the Phog on Friday, Oct. 10, 2014.

A: Not really. It is a free event, so any criticism might be a bit tacky.

I would try to get a headliner to host every year. KU basketball is a big deal … I would think plenty of A- or B-list celebrities would welcome a chance to headline at Late Night for a reasonable fee.

It’s a big deal when a Jason Sudeikis or Rob Riggle come to town. Heck, Scot Pollard did a heckuva job that one year. This year there was no host.

Maybe a few more men’s basketball skits and a longer scrimmage if Late Night continues to be held a week or so after the start of practices.

Q from Tina Mathers: Will Tarik Black make the roster of the Houston Rockets?

Houston Rockets' Tarik Black tries to pass around Sacramento Kings' Quincy Acy during the NBA summer league championship game Monday, July 21, 2014, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

A: It’s obvious he has a decent chance of sticking. The Rockets have been giving him major minutes in exhibition games and he’s responded with good bench production. It’s just a matter of whether there’s an available slot.

I think Black has already proven in summer games and exhibition games he’s capable of providing a spark off the bench for an NBA team. Hopefully if he doesn’t survive final cuts, he’ll play well in the D-League and ultimately be called up.

Q from Bart Homan: Who is the nicest guy on this year’s team?

A: Hard for me to say at this early juncture, but I will say Evan Manning would be a top contender. He’s an impressive guy, very polite and upbeat.

— Have a question for Gary? Email it to gbedore@ljworld.com or post it in the comments section below.