First of all, condolences to sophomore Thomas Robinson on the loss of his mother. She died suddenly on Friday evening, apparently from a heart attack. She was 37 years old.
That comes upon the recent loss of Robinson's grandfather and grandmother as well. The kid has had more grief in a month than many people have in twenty years.
By all accounts, Bill Self handled this difficult situation with full consideration and support for Robinson, as did the entire team. Jayhawk Nation is a family. Self was right to say that, under the circumstances, he didn't care much about the Allen Fieldhouse winning-streak.
It may have affected the Jayhawks' play on Saturday. They got the news around midnight Friday and the whole team was up until the wee hours of the morning. They came out strong, running on adrenal--it seemed--but then ran out of gas late in the second half.
That's to take nothing away from Texas, however, who badly outplayed the Jayhawks on their home court in the second half. Texas barely lost to No. 4 Pittsburgh, keep in mind, and some people think Pittsburgh may be the best team in the country.
Both teams played excellent defense, but the Longhorns had more offense in the second half. They made 45% of their three-point shots, and put up quite a few more foul shots than did the Jayhawks, which, uncharacteristically, they made.
I did keep wondering why Self wanted to keep fighting it out in the paint when it was pretty clear that Texas was going to win that battle, especially with the Morris twins in foul trouble. Why not let Tyrel Reed put up a three-pointer every trip down the court? Making 40% of your three-point attempts, which Reid can do--he made 5 of 9 yesterday--is the same as making 60% of your two-point attempts.
Tyshawn Taylor did a good job on defense, but shouldn't try to drive the lane. Reed played a good game, as per usual. Other than that, the highlight reel is pretty short. (I haven't seen every game. Have Elijah Johnson and Mario Little made any contributions this year?)
Josh Selby might want to re-think playing one year and going pro. You contribute nothing to the game, then get a technical late? The young man seems to be taking awhile to adjust to college-level hoops, let alone the NBA.
Keep T-Rob in your prayers.
Photo: Richard Gwin
Well said. I am keeping T-Rob in my prayers. The past several days have shown the love of the Jayhawk family, which vastly exceeds the fandom for a simple game.God bless you T-Rod and Jayla, you have reminded me to hold my children tight.
Posted by: Gary Swanson | January 30, 2011 at 02:01 PM
I'm enjoying having your son in the congregation. Wish Adrienne lived in the neighborhood.
Posted by: John Petty | January 31, 2011 at 12:50 PM