A message from Bill Self

[AdamCC]

Ya know, that horse over there lying motionless needs to be struck repeatedly with a blunt object.

This.

Give it a few years (assuming Marshall stays here and we keep winning the Valley). Then we'll be able to talk and have more bargaining power.

[SubGod22]

The thing about this topic is it was brought up by Katz and not a fan

[RoyalShock]

This.

Give it a few years (assuming Marshall stays here and we keep winning the Valley). Then we'll be able to talk and have more bargaining power.

Using Self's logic, it doesn't matter how long Marshall stays or how good we get. WSU's success isn't going to help KU's apparent struggle to fund their football, err, athletic department.

I stopped caring years ago about whether or not the game gets played. But I do find the reasons why interesting.

[Dan]

Self is looking for the path of least resistance to get a #1 seed in the dance. To do that he needs an undefeated slate of home non-conference games and a first place finish in the conference. Playing tough non-conf games aren't necessary to fulfill his goals.

[Kung Wu]

Andy Katz just became my favorite sports journalist EVER.

[RoyalShock]

Self is looking for the path of least resistance to get a #1 seed in the dance. To do that he needs an undefeated slate of home non-conference games and a first place finish in the conference. Playing tough non-conf games aren't necessary to fulfill his goals.

I think your analysis probably very close on his "you schedule to benefit your own school". I wouldn't say "path of least resistance" or they wouldn't play the Michigan States and Ohio States of the world. If Self is going to risk a loss, it's going to be to a team that has the perception or anticipation of being top-10 so that it can cause no harm to those 1-seed chances.

[choida]

who cares...KU is scared of the idea of possibly losing to us...period

[jocoshock]

The deeper run we make and the more often we make a deep run, the more often this question will be asked on a national stage by people like Katz. Frankly, I don't care if we ever play them at this stage. Would be more fun not to play them and start going to Final Fours on a consistent basis. Let everyone else ask. Let them give their bogus answers. Let Bradley, NIU, and the others have the fun... It would just be a distraction for us. Would rather stay focused on what matters....

[pogo]

To a great extent it is all about the money. I read somewhere that a home game equals about 1 million in revenue for the jaysquawks. If they could be guaranteed that then I think they would look at playing the game at a neutral aka KC site. That being said doesn't little bill always play at least one game close to a players home town? That means we will have a chance with perry and connor both being Wichita boys. Now if they play a game at Intrust and we aren't the other team then everyone should call bs. Would there be a way that the people of Sedgwick county who paid for the damn arena could mount a petition to block any effort for ku to play here and WSU not be the opposing team?

[ABC]

The comments posted after the Katz piece on ESPN.com are funny and interesting.

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/blog/_/name/katz_andy/id/8892786/bill-self-discusses-kansas-jayhawks-winning-tradition-college-basketball

[ShockerFever]

Funny how this topic is now getting national attention, two mentions by Katz in 2 weeks. I think Katz wants to see it happen. I think a lot of people want to see it happen.

It's a shame Self and KU don't want to see it happen. I'm sorry, but it really comes off as being Grade A chickensh*ts.

[rrshock]

Funny how this topic is now getting national attention, two mentions by Katz in 2 weeks. I think Katz wants to see it happen. I think a lot of people want to see it happen.

It's a shame Self and KU don't want to see it happen. I'm sorry, but it really comes off as being Grade A chickensh*ts.

ESPN might be able to make it happen but it will cost them $$$.

[XManCometh]

who cares...KU is scared of the idea of possibly losing to us...period

This is exactly right. Plus, KU is already #2 in the RPI and #1 in a poll. They basically have nothing to gain by playing us and winning when they can play crap teams like American and sprinkle in an Ohio State once in awhile and get to the same spot. I know we'd all love to see it, but unless Brownback or someone passes a bill forcing it to happen, it's not going to happen. The entire point of being KU is making it to the tournament with the highest possible seed. Not losing to an in-state rival and have it be the front page story on all the newspapers in their state and being the lead story on every single newscast/sportscast across the country.

[SubGod22]

ESPN might be able to make it happen but it will cost them $$$.

They tried six years ago and it didn't.

[ShockerKhan]

That is when Mark Turgeon found out he was a 2nd class citizen and who his real friends were/are.
He then decided to join the fratenity.