Posts Tagged ESPN

Episode 41 – KU New Years Resolutions, Toledo, Defense, KU-Tang Clan, and Mandy Patinkin

Posted on: January 3rd, 2014 by jayhawktalk No Comments

Kevin and Andrew return from a short holiday break to talk KU-Toledo, give out our new years resolutions for KU athletics, talk a little Big 12 Preview Preview, and a bunch of nonsense about creating a KU boy band called KU-Tang Clan. Come on in, grab a beer, and enjoy yourself some Jayhawk Talk Podcast.

Find the podcast on iTunes HERE (please subscribe, rate, and comment!)

Find the podcast on Podbean HERE (for those of you with non-Apple mobile devices)

As always, thanks so much for listening and ROCK CHALK!

(Photo Credit: Kansan, WaPo)

Episode 40 – PANIC BUTTON, Talking KU Fans off the Ledge, New Mexico Preview

Posted on: December 13th, 2013 by jayhawktalk No Comments

The guys return and FREAK OUT ABOUT HOW TERRIBLE KU IS AT THE GAME OF BASKET BALL!!!! But the freak out is limited to 5 minutes. They eventually talk about what they really believe — that is, KU is going to be just fine. The rest of the podcast is spent talking KU fans off the ledge after two straight losses to Colorado and Florida. They also discuss five keys to improving the team in the short and long term, and close with a very important discussion about the Annexation of Puerto Rico.

Find the podcast on iTunes HERE (Please “Subscribe” and leave us a comment and rating!)

Find the podcast on Podbean HERE (for those with non-Apple mobile devices)

Thanks so much for listening, and ROCK CHALK!

(Header Photo Courtesy of the Kansan)

Episode 38 – Battle 4 Atlantis Preview, Towson and Iona, plus KU’s a preview of KU’s upcoming Bowl Game!

Posted on: November 26th, 2013 by jayhawktalk No Comments

The guys get together to preview the upcoming Battle 4 Atlantis tournament, including an interview of Jayhawk Talk Correspondent, @pay_heed, who will be attending the Battle. There is also some talk of Iona and Towson, with a heavy dose of Joel Embiid. The guys close with a rant about the KU football team, along with a preview of KU’s upcoming bowl game against K-State.

So come on in, grab a beer, and enjoy yourself some Jayhawk Talk Podcast.

Find the Podcast on iTunes HERE. Please subscribe to get the latest episodes to your device right away. Also please leave us a comment and rating on iTunes!

Find the Podcast on Podbean HERE. Use this link if you are on a non-Apple mobile device.

Also, be sure to join us for the first ever Jayhawk Talk Watch Party on December 10th at Johnny’s Tavern in the Power & Light District. KU plays at Florida, which is probably the best non-con game left on the schedule. Should be a fun time with great food and drink specials and giveaways.

Rock Chalk!

Episode 29 – KU-Rice Recap, Weis Concerns, Cliff Alexander

Posted on: September 17th, 2013 by jayhawktalk No Comments

The guys get together to recap Andrew’s on-sight reporting of the Rice game. We also voice our grievances with Charlie Weis and ask whether he really is the guy to lead this program to the next level. We close with some basketball recruiting talk, including Cliff Alexander and JaQuan Lyle.

Come on in, have a beer, and enjoy the Jayhawk Talk Podcast. If you like what you hear, please subscribe on iTunes and give us a rating/review on iTunes.

Find the Podcast on iTunes HERE (all computers, iPads, iPhones)

Find the Podcast on Podbean HERE (non-iPhone users)

Rock Chalk!

Episode 28 – KU v USD, Rice Preview, Football Stuff

Posted on: September 10th, 2013 by jayhawktalk No Comments

UDK

The guys get together to talk about the UNDEFEATED JAYHAWKS!!! We talk through some KU football news, reflect on fat guy touchdowns, recap the whole KU-SD game, and preview the Rice game. Come on in, grab a beer, and enjoy some time with the Jayhawk Talk Podcast.

Find the podcast on iTunes HERE (be sure to subscribe to get it right away on your iPhone or iPad)

Find the podcast on Podbean HERE (non-Apple mobile devices)

ROCK CHALK.
(Please remember to rate and review on iTunes if you like what you hear!)

Take your KU tailgate from “awesome” to “super awesome”

Posted on: September 6th, 2013 by jayhawktalk No Comments

Photo: Lawrence.com

By @pay_heed, (contributor and Jayhawk Talk Cabana owner)

It is now September. We are only days from the beginning of football season. And with football season comes tailgating. You probably think your tailgate is awesome. You’re probably right because all tailgates are generally awesome. However, I’m here to help you try to make it even more awesome this season.

At the University of Kansas, we have to make the best of our unique tailgating situation. Finding your spot is the first key to a successful tailgating season. I’m a proponent of always tailgating in the same spot, so find that special place and make it your own. It’s good to have familiar surroundings on Game Day, and your buddies will always be able to find you. Also, if you have too many adult beverages, you always know where to stumble back to find your ride home.

Now that you have your spot on lock, let’s talk supplies. If you want to look like a boss (who am I kidding you want to look like a boss) get team-themed gear for your tailgate.

If you already have gear and it’s not team themed, no sweat; just get some of those Jayhawk stickers and put them on your cooler. The more Jayhawks, the better. People need to know.

Having a portable grill is crucial to the success of any tailgate. If you don’t own a portable grill, the end of summer is a good time to buy one as grills will be going on sale everywhere at the end of August/early September. Coleman and Weber each make portable propane grills for under $200. Both are perfect for your tailgating experience. I suggest propane over charcoal because you don’t want to wait 20 minutes for the coals to get hot. On the same note, ALWAYS have an extra propane bottle, because no one wants to eat raw food. However, if you’re a college student (or anyone) on a budget, charcoal grills are cheaper, so go with what suits you best.

Having a folding table is also a good idea. Give yourself some space to set up and lay all your food and gear out. Otherwise you’ll always be rooting around in the back of your car to find things.

Being prepared for weather conditions is also key. As the Jayhawk Talk tailgating crew found out last year against Oklahoma State on “Get wet with Weis” day, having a tent could be very beneficial (we didn’t).

This season we opted for a tent. No more raining on our parade. But if you’re tough and badass and don’t care about a little rain, you can do without.

Now that we have our spot and our gear, it’s time to talk food and beverage. In this regard, preparation is critical. I recommend procuring all your necessary items before the day of the game, especially if it’s an early kick off. Nothing says amateur hour like showing up late because you had to run to Hy-Vee. Planning ahead will also provide you the opportunity to do some prep work in the kitchen instead of a back yard. This is especially handy if you need to cut stuff up or need to do something ahead of time like brown meat so all you need to do is reheat it.

Here are some Dos and Don’ts for your tailgate food this season:

Do:

  • Sometimes have a theme for your tailgate like “Bloody Mary’s and Bacon.” What? Themes are cool!
  • Make something unconventional for your main course (We made pizzas last year and it was awesome).
  • Have extra food. Running out of stuff is lame. If you have too much, share. People will like you for it.
  • Have options, not everyone likes the same things.

Photo: Lawrence.com

Side note: Please do not have a theme for a tailgate like ‘Kegs and Eggs’ if you will not being having both kegs and eggs.

Don’ts

  • Make the same food every week.
  • Run out of beer.
  • Share with opposing fans. Tell those losers where to go (Hell).
  • Forget to turn off your grill. That’s how fires start.

Here are some ideas for less conventional tailgating fare:

  • Beermosas- Like a mimosa, just replace champagne with beer (trust me, it’s good).
  • Pancakes- definitely a solid 11am kickoff choice
  • Stuffed Peppers (I recommend browning the meat beforehand)
  • Skewers- nothing says America like meat on a stick
  • Tacos- again, prepping ahead of time so all you have to do is reheat the meat is your best bet
  • Meatballs –no explanation necessary
  • Anything that involves bacon

Obviously this list is not exhaustive, but it should get you well on your way to impressing your friends this season with your tailgating skills. Just don’t be the guy who only shows up with one tiny deal of macaroni salad. No one likes that guy.

Rock Chalk.

 

Jayhawk Talk Podcast – Alex Kline (Recruit Scoop) Interview, Football Preview Preview

Posted on: August 2nd, 2013 by jayhawktalk No Comments

The guys get back together to talk a little July recruiting period. Joining Kevin and Andrew is Alex Kline of The Recruit Scoop on Rivals. Great interview with a lot of good information about current and potentially future Jayhawks. The guys close with a KU football preview to the preview show and talk some nonsense about fantasy football. Come on in, have a beer, and Rock Chalk!

Remember to leave us a comment on iTunes and let us know what you think. Leave your twitter handle for a chance to be in the JHT fantasy football league (if you’re into that kinda thing). Cheers.

Find us on iTunes HERE. (Listen on Apple products, any computer)

Find us on Podbean HERE. (Listen on any other devices)

ROCK CHALK.

Episode 25 – Andrew Wiggins Arrives, NBA Draft, KU Boobs, and Catfish

Posted on: July 3rd, 2013 by jayhawktalk No Comments

In this the 25th installment of the Jayhawk Talk Podcast, Kevin and Andrew get together for a special offseason edition. The guys talk NBA Draft, Jerrance Howard, Wiggins’ arrival to Lawrence, NCAA reprimands, KU football recruiting, ESPN3, and KU Boobs. Come on in, have a beer, and enjoy the Jayhawk Talk Podcast.

If you like what you hear, do us a huge favor by going over to iTunes and leaving a 5-star rating and comment. Also feel free to subscribe! Thanks and ROCK CHALK!

Find the podcast on iTunes HERE. (use this link if you have an iPhone, iPad, or Computer)

Find the podcast on Podbean HERE. (use this link if you have a non-Apple mobile device)

Jayhawk Talk Podcast – Episode 22 (Season Recap, Preview 2014, Nut Taps, Rio, and DWTS)

Posted on: April 6th, 2013 by jayhawktalk No Comments

The guys are back after a short (coping) hiatus to talk about the 2013 year that was and start previewing the 2014 season. They talk nut taps, Dancing With the Stars, Tailgating, Anrio Adams TransferGate, Andrew Wiggins, Wedding Gifts, and more. Come on in, have a beer, and join us for the Jayhawk Talk Podcast. Cheers.

Find us on iTunes HERE (Apple products and most other products too)

Find us on Podbean HERE (non-Apple mobile devices)

As always, if you’re into such things, please rate us 5 stars and leave a comment on iTunes. It helps us get the word out about the podcast. Rock Chalk!

There is more to a championship team than “guard play”

Posted on: March 28th, 2013 by jayhawktalk 1 Comment

“Guard play wins NCAA championships.”

If you’ve been around college basketball long enough, you’ve heard this old adage. It’s a very easy (read: lazy) way to attempt to understand what a team will need in order to weave its way through the madness of March and emerge victorious in April. Pundits gravitate toward it even more once the smoke of the first weekend subsides — when all that’s left is a pool of legitimate contenders.

Pundits are pundits for a reason. They are usually very capable at breaking down and analyzing a team’s makeup and then will use this analysis to help handicap and predict the team’s chances versus another team. When comparing a team against the field, however, assumptions must be made. This is when we get into the lazy adages.

This particular adage is drawn from a number of assumptions. It is first based on the premise that the tournament normally ends up coming down to guys that can create — not only for themselves but for their teammates. It assumes that the guy with the ball has the power to both make or break you. It assumes that you can game plan and strategize against a post threat, but it’s much harder to take a guard out of the game. It assumes that if you’re faced with a must-make situation, everything starts with the guard. To an extent it also assumes defense doesn’t matter.

That’s all well and good, but I ask that you allow me to introduce you to a couple of gentlemen you might have heard of. Their names are Danny and Anthony.

Danny was not a guard. He was 6’10. His height and skill set propelled him to one of the most impressive performances of all time in an NCAA tournament game — 31 points, 18 rebounds, 5 steals, and 2 blocked shots against OU in the 1988 Championship Game. This was no fluke. His teammates might have earned the moniker, “the Miracles,” but he was just Danny. And he was good. Darn good.

And Danny wasn’t a guard.

Anthony flew slightly lower under the radar in his MVP Championship Game performance (at least as low as he could for a 6’11 guy with a mustache above his eyes). He didn’t score 31 points. In fact, he went 1-10 from the field with six points. How does a guy with 6 points win MVP of college basketball’s most important game? Size. Effort. Rebounding. Defense. He had 16 rebounds, 6 blocks, 5 assists, and 3 steals. Not to mention the plays that didn’t show up in a box score.

I chose two examples that I thought would hit closest to home for KU fans. These are not the only instances of big guys leading their teams to NCAA championships.

Let’s fast forward to the present. KU will be facing off against a Michigan team on Friday that probably has the best guard tandem in the country. Tim Hardaway, Jr. and Trey Burke are probably better than some recent tourney tandems that come to mind too — Juan Dixon and Steve Blake of Maryland, Jay Williams and Chris Duhon of Duke, Charlie Bell and Mateen Cleaves of Michigan State.

If guard play is, in fact, the best measure of success, then Kansas is in trouble.

But there’s one little thing the pundits don’t seem to want to talk about. Something that isn’t near as flashy or sexy as scoring guards.

There are 5 guys on the other bench wearing crimson and blue that take more pride in guarding than they do in scoring.

And this is dangerous.

Michigan destroyed the media’s darling in VCU — a team that some pundits said had the “best defense in the country.” This is a farce. They were the best trapping team in the country. Trapping and defense are not the same thing.

Michigan guards were salivating at the idea of facing a trapping VCU team. Much like Kansas guards were salivating at the idea of facing Mike Anderson’s UAB team in the 2004 regional semifinals. “40 minutes of hell” can be a double edged sword if you face guards that can break it. Michigan broke VCU’s 1-2-1-1 zone press with ease.

But they will not break Kansas.

The difference is that Kansas plays smothering man-to-man defense — a defense designed to take advantage of individual athleticism but has just as much of a team element as any zone defense. It is also a defense that, when run correctly, will rarely give up an uncontested basket. Last, it is a defense that is based 100% on effort, energy, and most importantly, pride.

With four senior starters and a freshman fifth unlikely to return, KU’s effort, energy and pride ought to be at an all-time high. I imagine it will result in a defense Michigan has never seen before.

Unlike VCU, Kansas doesn’t have to turn teams over to be successful. It only needs to pressure them into bad shots and then crash the hell out of the boards. This is KU’s bread and butter. And while it isn’t nearly as exciting to talk about, I believe it will prove far more important on Friday than any old adage about guard play.

When faced against top 10 defenses this year, Michigan was 2-4. And not one of those six teams included a shot blocker of any merit.

Withey may not be the next in line to be mentioned in the same sentence as Anthony and Danny. But I do believe his play is just as likely as any guard to be the reason that Kansas advances on Friday.

Stick with an adage that works.

Keep calm and Rock Chalk.