No. 1 curse ‘didn’t have anything to do with this game,’ Self maintains after VU loss
Kansas’ stint as the No. 1 college basketball team in America did not last long, that’s for sure.
“It didn’t have anything to do with this game,” 17th-year KU coach Bill Self said of the so-called No. 1 jinx perhaps causing the Jayhawks’ 56-55 defeat to No. 18 Villanova Saturday at Wells Fargo Center, home of the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers.
KU, which had won nine straight games after losing the season opener to Duke, had moved from No. 2 to No. 1 last Monday following then-No. 2 Louisville’s loss to Texas Tech.
KU promptly will drop from the top spot in the next poll to be released Monday.
“I don’t know there is a No. 1, but the reason No. 1 lost today is because they played a team that’s really good in their building that made more plays than that (other team) down the stretch. It didn’t have anything to do with what anybody is ranked,” Self said.
KU joins the ranks of Michigan State, Kentucky, Duke and Louisville, who also were No. 1 for a brief period of time this season.
“It’s one of those years. There’s not one dominant team,” Villanova coach Jay Wright said. “They are worthy of a No. 1 ranking. To go on the road in college basketball is tough this time of year, after finals, before Christmas. It will be tough for anyone to hold the No. 1 ranking this season.”
Last week’s No. 2 team, Gonzaga (13-1) figures to be No. 1 on Monday.
KU players to take a few days off
KU’s players have embarked on a short holiday break — they scattered to their hometowns or hometowns of friends after Saturday’s game against Villanova — with plans to re-gather as a group the night of the 26th in Lawrence.
Considering the brief stoppage of the season for the Christmas holiday, it might be a good time to examine the performance of some Jayhawk players through 11 games.
Sophomore point guard Devon Dotson, who tested the NBA Draft waters last spring only to return for a second college season, leads the Jayhawks team in scoring (19.2 ppg) and assists (52 against 30 turnovers. He’s made 48.6% of his shots including 32.6% from three-point range (15 of 46).
“I think his confidence level is high,” KU coach Bill Self said of the 6-foot-2 Charlotte, North Carolina native, whose last-second shot missed Saturday as KU dropped to 9-2.
“I think going through NBA workouts and tryouts were good for him. I think that gave him an exact idea of what he needed to improve on so that he could play basketball for money. I think he’s hungrier to score than last year too,” Self added.
Dotson has averaged 34.9 minutes per game.
“I would say I’m understanding the game more,” Dotson said. “I’ve tried to slow the game down a little bit. I’m trying to play a little smarter, being more of a leader out there on the court. I feel I’m improved a lot with talking and taking control of the team. I can still improve a lot.”
Dotson said hard work is a reason for his success.
“I feel that physically I’ve been in the weight room. I got stronger,” said Dotson, who is listed at 185 pounds. “I got a little faster. I’m hungry for more. I want to learn as much as I can from the coaches. I’m constantly trying to figure out ways to improve, watching film after games, always trying to improve.”
He took to heart the advice given him by NBA scouts last offseason.
“They mainly said improve (your) outside shooting, be more of a leader, talk more in running the team,” Dotson said.
“I’m always in the gym now working on different types of finishes. It started in the offseason working on my shot, creating separation for my shot, different type of shots. I’m always trying to improve and take my game to the next level.”
KU has three players averaging double figures. Udoka Azubuike averages 14.0 points and a team-leading 8.4 rebounds. He’s made 80.5% of his shots but just 35.9% of his free throws. Ochai Agbaji averages 11.4 points a game on 47.5% shooting. He has made 22 of 55 three-point attempts (40%).
KU as a team averages 81.9 points a game after scoring just 55 Saturday. KU allows 62.9 ppg. The Jayhawks have outrebound their foes 38.8 to 31.4.
KU’s opponents have made just 29.2% of their threes and 37.7% of their shots overall. KU has made 36.4% of its threes and 52.1% overall.
Embiid at game
Former KU center Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers attended the KU-Villanova game. He spoke to the Jayhawks in the locker room after the contest.
“Keep trying ... profound words of wisdom,” Self said with a smile, referring to Embiid’s message to the squad.
