The Little Ball of Hate liked what he saw in KU's 2nd game of the season.
Ok, yes it was against Manhattan College, but the Jaspers' program has a history of going to the NCAA Tournament. Manhattan has gone to the NCAA tournament many times by winning the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference tournament championship five times (1993, 2003, 2004, 2014, 2015).
That being said, the season really starts on Tuesday against the Calipari cheaters of Kentucky.
Check out this series Beyond the Phog
This is what a Jasper looks like.
What is a Jasper?
The unique nickname of Manhattan College's athletic teams, the Jaspers, comes from one of the College's most memorable figures, Brother Jasper of Mary, F.S.C., who served at the College in the late 19th century,
Once again a great start, a 31-15 run
A good start to the game from both offense & defense. Looks like Self so far is leaning toward Jackson as the fifth starter.
Even though Nicholas Timberlake has more experience, his defense is a little suspect so far this season.
An impressive Duo: Batman and Robin.
Hunter Dickinson starts strong again. Harris and Dickinson could be the best scoring-assist tandem in the Big 12 this year. Harris could set an assist record this year. Still surprised at how great a passer Dickinson is. Harris is already 14th all-time in assists in Jayhawks history. 50th Collegiate double-double for Dickinson. How did Michigan struggle with this guy on their team?
KJ Hops definitely looks bouncy here.
Quality commentary during the game
Favorite comment from the broadcast: “KJ Adams is very bouncy tonight.”
“If you are John Gallagher (Manhattan’s head coach) you’ve got to feel good, well not about the score, but….” By the way that jacket looked like the scene from Spaceballs. He’s gone plaid.
Some good developments in the first half
It was good to see KU having to face a zone defense. Many years in the past, KU struggled against a zone due to bad three-point shooting.
Kevin McCuller Jr., at this rate, could play himself into a lottery pick. His driving and outside shooting is a great combination. He might be set to have a better year than Jalen Wilson did last year.
Bench guys are stepping up to push for playing time
Johnny Furphy could become a great sixth man this season. Good vision, a good outside shooter, and for a 6-foot-9 player he runs the floor very well. He finished with 6-10 shooting, 3-7 from the 3-point line, scoring 15 points.
Braun is a great sub for Dickinson off the bench. He's got the height, and he can go on the perimeter to play defense.
McDowell looked good as well. Comments during the game were warning that KU may have a limited bench, so these early games could be very beneficial.
My attempt at nicknames for this season
Johnny Furphy-Ferbie
Parker Braun-Brawny 2.0
Kevin McCuller Jr.-Cutter
Hunter Dickinson-Lurch
Nicholas Timberlake-Sexy Back (Good play), Bricky-T (Bad play)
Jamari McDowell-Aqua Pipe Cleaners
Michael Jankovich-Janky
Elmarko Jackson-Jay-Z
KJ Adams Jr.-KJ Hops
Dajuan Harris-DH Dish
Nicknames are fine. When you claim that is your name, that is when it turns into Redneck! You are good Jimbo!
Hey pal, I’m not too keen on that Jimbo statement.
Nice!!