Who is your daddy? And, what does he do?

Saturday the (7-0) Syracuse Orangemen will face (5-0) Wichita State Shockers. The 'Orange Army' claims one of the nations best point guards Paul Harris. How do you counter Mr.Harris, you let the world be introduced to PJ Cousinard. One of the nations best kept secrets, PJ plays with the greatest of passion. A young version of Jamar Howard (but with a consistant jump shot), Cooz is so versitle, with the ability to play all five positions.

Our young fearless leader, Mark Turgeon enters the contest vs. Jim Boeheim; one of the games great coaches. Wichita State will face the traditional zone.

WSU has plenty of zone busters:Wilson,Ogirri,Mekel,Cooz,Matt,Bradley. Shooting and passing are the best ways to end a zone. SU's 1-3-1 has weak spots. How do you beat a zone? You pass! You shoot! Make the defense collapse around you and you will find the open man. SU has twelve players listed 6'5" and above, I am worried the Shockers will fall into a trap of the three point shot.

In the movie "Kidnergarten Cop" Arnold asks the little kids a series of questions attempting to find out more about each of the kids dads. Saturday many questions we have about the Shockers will answered. So, I ask you," Who is your shockers, and what will they do?"

Maybe I'm a dreamer....but I'm not the only one.

For over a year I have found myself in my own little world when it comes to the the state of Kansas basketball. The heart of America, with our vast wheat fields and cold winter nights.Friends and family pack into the small gyms from Cowley County to the inner city schools of Wyndotte county. We love our basketball, and this great games has roots that go far beyond your life and mine. Kansas State University, University of Kansas, and Wichita State University are rich in history over the decades. My dream would be to one day see these three basketball rich schools join together, and host a tournament, benefiting a foundation/society...agreed apon by the schools.

The idea sprang to life after viewing games being played between Northern Iowa,Iowa State University and University of Iowa, but I have added my own twist. The Kansas schools would not compete in a round robin showcase, but rather compete against schools outside the state, in a 'KANSAS SHOWDOWN'.
My first thought was to have the three state schools rotate on a yearly basis and host the 'showdown'. As a example, lets say WSU was the hoste site, they would be the feature game, based on the fact they are the host school.KU would play the first game at 1pm. Kansas State would play thirty minutes after the first game, and WSU would be the featured game of the day.

Yet, with the new Sprint Center opening in Kansas City the idea of a neutral site, and a big city seems to be a great idea.

Imagaine around the holiday season, the time of giving, lights on the plaza. Wonderful basketball taking place. KU vs Duke. K-State vs. Cinncinatti. Wichita State vs North Carolina. Our three state schools in a showdown, displaying midwest basketball at it's best.

I would love to hear your thoughts and ideas. A great deal of money would go into the project, and many sponsers and volunteers would be needed.

Tale of the Tape

As a simple disclaimer "Kansas" will represent the entire state as a whole. Not the hated university by many WSU fans. So here is a rundown between Kansas and Louisiana.

Food:
Kansas - BBQ (Debated as one of the top places to enjoy BBQ,KCMO each year holds the world championships of BBQ 'The American Royal')


Louisiana- Cajun (pronounced Kay-Jen,originates from the French-speaking Acadian or "Cajun" immigrants in the Acadiana region of Louisiana, USA. click here for more about the cajun cooking

Music:
Kansas- Jazz/Blues


Louisiana- Jazz/Blues

At first I thought this would be a "PUSH" between these two gifted music states. But after realizing just how important music remains today in the culture and history of Louisiana, including their famous jazz players, Louisiana gets the nod as best music state.

Night Life:

Kansas- The Plaza/Westport
The Plaza is an outdoor museum of romantic Spanish architecture and European art where people actually live and work every day amid its beauty. It was designed in 1922 as the nation's first suburban shopping district. Since then, its open-air public art gallery has continuously added to its collection, with fountains, sculptures and murals that bring to the heart of our city the very best of the Old World and the new. For more click here

Louisiana-
Ah, The French Quarter. Booze, Beads,Booze and Bourbon St.
The French Quarter is the oldest and most famous neighborhood in the city of New Orleans, Louisiana. When La Nouvelle Orléans ("New Orleans" in French) was founded in 1718 by Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville, the city was originally centered around the French Quarter, or the Vieux Carré ("Old Square" in French) as it was known then. While the area is still referred to as the Vieux Carré by some, it is more commonly known as the French Quarter today, or simply "The Quarter." -Courtesy of


Historical Context:
Dating back to 1803 the Louisiana Purchase engulfed the largest area of the country,including our beloved state of Kansas.

Kansas- Bleeding Kansas
Also known to many as Bloddy Kansas, this term coins the Border War(Kansas/Missouri) between the Missouri Ruffians and the Free-State Kansans. The states battled each other over a period of time in the 1850s.


Louisiana- The Battle of New Orleans 1815
The battle occured at the durng the end of the battle of 1812. The United States had defeated the British troops, unknowing that the Treaty of Ghent had ended the war two weeks prior to this battle.


Important State Heroes:

Kansas-
Dean Smith
Amelia Earhart
Wild Bill Hickok
Jon Brown
Barry Sanders

Louisiana-
Louis Armstrong
Truman Capote
Jerry Lee Lewis
Fats Domino
Kordell Stewert
>
PUSH- These two states are so deeply rich in historical figures, that to pick one over the other would be a shame.

Natural Disasters:

Kansas- Tornadoes
Louisiana- Hurricanes
PUSH-
The only good a tornado did, was send Dorthy on a path to Emerald City. These two terrible happenings are no laughing matter.

State Nickname & Motto

Kansas - The Sunflower State - Ad Astra Per Aspera (to the stars through difficulties)
Louisiana- The Bayou State - Union,Justice, Confidence

State Population-
Kansas- 2,688,418 (as of 2000 Census)
Louisiana- 4,468,976 (as of 2000 Census)

The tale of the tap proves it folks. 3-3.

I believe Dorthy said it best, "There is no place like home, there is no place like home, there is no place like home."

WSU wins in OT

Geaux Shockers

Wichita State descends upon the land of creole tunes, and voodoo magic this weekend, as the (3-0) Shockers visit SEC power LSU. The Tigers; a 2006 Final Four team present a interesting challenge for the WSU big men(Kyle Wilson,Ryan Martin,Phil Thommason). The "Big Baby" Glen Davis a robust 289 lbs 6-8 frame will be a big ol' target. My player to watch will be local Kansas kid Dameon Mason, a transfer from Marquette University.

Lousiana State University and Wichita State Univesity have a close history dating many years back. 1991 and 1993 are years WSU fans soon would like to forget, as the Baton Ruge Boys defeated the Shockers on both occasions for the College World Series. LSU has marched on to win five college world series titles. As the magical year of 1989 will always belong to our university.
How I wish I could be down in the sweet south this weekend. I love cheering and following the Shockers, but you can not beat a weekend in New Orleans, or Baton Rouge. Delicious food cute co-eds and amazing football. Jazz music echoing from the smoke filled clubs.
Stay tune for predicitions on friday.

Gunston

In game blog...

16:00- Need to establish a inside game. Create better penetration into the lane.

14:20- WSU defense is creating good inside position around the glass

13:37- The Shockers need to stop Mason's dribble drive penetration. The Shockers are having a hard time closing off the driving lanes.

WAY TO TAKE A CHARGE KYLE WILSON!

+3:00 no points, Mason goes on a 8-0 run.

Half time.

* WSU must establish the ball on the inside. Yes, Kyle Wilson is being double teamed during each of his possesions.When this happens, another Shocker will be open. Work the ball around and inside.
*Do not always take the first shot, work the time clock, and work for the best shot. If need be run the shot clock down to 10 penetrate the lane and make a nice jump shot from 10 feeet in.

Second Half






17:40- Ryan staying out of foul trouble, and leading all scorers with 11 points. Feed the inside. Kyle Wilson continues to work the paint and now has five points, from hard work w/ a nice collection of post moves.

16:10 Sean hits a BIG THREE POINTER
15:43 Sean hits a BIG THREE POINTER
-The shockers need to score of turnovers. Mason is doing this.
13:33-Shocker T.O. (mason scores) down 42-43
12:59- Missed 3 by WSU Mason runs the floor, scores.
12:30- Kyle nice inside move WSU back on top.
10:30- Defense by Wichita State is doing a nice job keeping Mason's "O" from the paint.
8:50- Sean hits a big three pointer. He is having a fine fine second half
6:26 - Sean again! WOW!!! a shooter will continue to shoot...
3:44-Ryan makes a very nice rebound, and he is fouled.

Game over- Shockers win 72-66.

Post game thoughts: Wichita State played George Mason for the third time in 2 years. These games have been very enjoyable. Yes, the sweet 16 game hurt; but hey WE made the SWEET 16!!
The Shockers were able to build up a 8 point lead with just over one minute to play. The boys in black were not able to build upon this lead, as the 'Pats scurried back to close the gap as time was going down. Yet, being a positive person, WSU did what the must and hit important free throws.
PJ, today played nice, as the season moves along I believe it will be important for him to establish his presence on the court each night. Teams will continue to key in on Wilson, as they should. With PJ you have a player who will be able to guard inside with the big boys, and quick and long enough to to play outside the three point line. Sean was a ghost the first half. Second half... well the fog lifted, as Sean sunk three pointer after three pointer.
The two gents covering the game made a very nice statement about WSU, talking how we were not picked to finish 1st in the MVC last season, after loosing Rob,Jamar, and Randy. We win the MVC, and again are not picked to win the regular season title, yet the team (WSU) is lead by Seniors and Juniors who play very poised.

OUR BOYS FROM THE Roundhouse have three big road games left, Syracuse, LSU and Wyoming. One down..three to go.

You want facts....

Wichita State 73.5 PPG
George Mason 79.0 PPG
this comes out to be a difference of 5.50 points

Wichita State 17.5 AST
George Mason 17.0 AST
a difference of .5 AST

Wichita State 40.0 REB
George Mason 33.0 REB
a difference of 7 REB per game.

Wichita State .472% FG
George Mason .608% FG
a 0.13% advantage for GMU

Wichita State .738% FT
George Mason .750%FT
a 0.02% advantage GMU

Wichita State .410% 3P%
George Mason .385% 3P%
a 0.03% advantage WSU

Ok, I sure hope this makes one reader happy. Wichita State's has five players scoring over 10.0 PPG, while George Mason has four players scoring higher than 12.0 PPG. I admit, I fucked up and should have used Joe Dimaggio (and not sweet Lou) my fault.

WSU vs. GMU III

Muhammad Ali had Fraizer Ted Williams had DiMaggio, Wichita State has Geogre Mason.
For the thrid time in less than 10 months, these two schools will be squaring off on the court. Last season George Mason out lasted a ferious comeback from Wichita State during a ESPN bracket busters game. As fate would have it, WSU and Geogre Mason touched gloves and went at it for another 40 minuets during the 2006 NCAA sweet 16.
Saturday is round III.

WSU comes into the contest (2-0) defeating Rockhurts and Chicago State. This season Wichita State will be going to battle with two 2006 final four teams George Mason and LSU. Wichita State fans remain very excited to see how these two games will turn out. Maybe a certain coach from Maryland will be able to Tivo this game and know just how great basketball across this country can be, no matter if you are a mid-major or not.
So many fans of bigger schools, find it hard to understand how their big time program can loose to these tiny directional schools with no name players, and small financial support. So, how do schools such as Bradley,Wichita State and George Mason do it? What these big boys of college basketball have lost, fans of smaller schools have gained. Fans grow attached to players. Players become attached to city, and the support grows like wildfire. Small schools understand that experience counts. A team with seniors teach the new fresh faces, and so when these freshman grow up...it becomes their turn to be men and lead the team. Kyle Wilson, Karon Bradley, and Ryan Martin...PJ Cousinard, Matt, and so on down the line.



Well back to the game.....
9,000 plus fans will be packing into the gym Saturday afternoon as these to teams face off in round III. So here are my keys to the game.

Wichita State
* Look past the banners and focus on the George Mason team.
* Stop Will Thomas and his 25.0 ppg
* Establish early a threat from inside, with Kyle,Phil and Ryan.
* STAY OUT OF FOUL TROUBLE

Game 1...and Chicago State.

Well, the season is under way. The 2006-2007 Wichita State Shockers busted out of the gates with a 71-47 over Rockhurst University. Coming off the bench Sean Ogirri dropped in 4 long range bombs, as the Shockers were well on their way to a victory.

Thoughts from the game

* For a season opener, it was upsetting to see a vast number of seats empty. I will give the fans a slight break this time. K-State was playing a very wild game up in Manhattan, perhaps people were either at Bill Snyder Family Stadium enjoying the night, or at home watching the game. If thesee fans decided not to come due to the fact that we play Rockhurst, then that is very upsetting. For the Chicago St. game Tuesday night, I hope more seats are filled up.

*The play of the team was so enjoyable. Team speed as improved, as witness to the team being able to convert on multiply occasions in transition. Working on defense, the team looked good. Ryan,Kyle, and Phil played did a nice job crashing the glass. This will be a key issue to focus in on coming up with George Mason,Syracuse, and LSU.

*A little on the student section. "Turgeonville Population; 10,478" t-shirts with were passed out to the student section. A very fun idea to see printed up, and passed out. Students play a important role in the atmosphere, during game time and away from the game.
When you think of some of the traditional powers i.e. Duke,KU, the students are always one of the first things mentioned. Keep up the good work students. I hope the students continue to come up with creative ideas to celebrate and cheer. Student made t-shirts are always a fun way to express your joy and passion. Whoever comes up with good ideas for games versus Creighton,SIU...etc... I know I would be purchasing a shirt or two.






Wichita State comes into the Tuesday game (1-0) versus Chicago State (1-1)with a loss to #19 Texas 92-66. David Holston comes into the contest averaging 25.o PPG. Michael Henderson 17.0 PPG, and Cam-Ron Clay 14.0 PPG. With a nice group of complementry players, CSU will be a very interesting match up.

MY KEYS TO THE GAME:
*Maintain a balance attack on offense. By doing say, it forces the defense to be accountable for all five players.

*Continue to work on defense by crashing the glass, and quickly turning up the floor into secondary break (transition).

*Hold the scoring trio in check.

Night Before Basketball

Twas the night before basketball, when all around the town, no one could wait for the season ahead.
Each jersey was hung in the locker with care,waiting and ready for these the players soon would wear.
The team asleep snug in their beds,
while visions of baskets danced in their heads.
and me with a blanket and you with your cap
we all setteld down for a long winters nap
when outside the aren arose such a clatter, I sprang from the house to see whats the matter.
Away to the arean I flew like a flash
tore down the street and made a mad dash.
The moon on a breast of the new fallen snow
Gave lustre to mid-day to the court down below,
When, what to my eyes shall appear
But 1,000 SHOCKER MANIACS ready to cheer,
A group of kids so lively and qucik
I knew in a moment the visiting teams would feel sick
More rapid than Creighton, his coursers they came,
And the fans whistled, and shouted, and cheered them by name!
"Now Kyle, now PJ!, now Matt! and Phil!
On Gal! on Wendell! on, Ryan and Karon!
To the top the Valley! To the top of the league!
Now, dunk away! dunk away! dunk away all!"
As the fans cheered and let their screams cry out
When the team faces and obstacle no matter how long,
So come the 1,000 Maniacs cheering from high!
with mothers and fathers and a cheering kids ready to cheer at your side.

And then, on the floor, loud voices did cheer
While we threw up are hands and could not wait for another basketball year,
down from the tunnel did WU SHOCK walk,
His eyes ablaze, he was ready to rock!
He had a broad yellow face and a little round belly
A wink from his eye and a turn of his head,
made us know we have nothing to dread.
He spoke not a word and went straight to his work,
Filling the stands with fans, he turned with a jerk,
laying his finger aside on his nose
and giving a nod, as he rose,
he sprang to his feet, and SHOCKER FANS all whistled!
and away WU went like a dawn of thistle.

But I heard fans all exclaim, ere they marched out that night;

"HAPPY SEASON TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GOODNIGHT!"

Final 4

College basketball remains on the back burner as many teams do not open the season for a few more days, but I could not help my excitment!! So my dear friends, I am going to present to you my 2007 Final 4 picks (Why these teams will be doing the Chattanooga Choo Choo two step)....

Georgetown: Come on can you blame me?! One of the greats, a true beast of the east, Da Hoyas are coming off a very fine season (23-10). A four point defeat to Florida in the 2006 Sweet 16 (53-57) John Thompson III ....no no, not THE John Tompson of the Ewing era....er, scratch that too! HA. Ewing and Thompson are back together again. Ewing Jr. along with John Thompson's son, will look to head up a team led by five juniors and two seniors. Junior, Roy Hibbert, and Jeff Green will be two players to watch in the box scores.

Kansas: A few hours drive north of Wichita State University we find the University of Kansas. Coming off two first round exits from the NCAA big dance, Coach Self once again brings in a very nice core group of freshman, that will push along the veteren leaders of Wright, Chamers, Rush. Coming into the 2007 raned #3 in the AP poll, the KU Jayhawks are out to prove just how great they can be. Brandon Rush, who showed everyone how pooped out he really was during the strech run of last season, will be back to lead the boys of Allen Fieldhouse. KU plays a very nice defensive game with "Super" Mario leading the way. Big man Julian Wright, with his presence in the paint to shot block and cover so much ground with his wing span will be fun to watch. I love Julian's ability to pass! One of the most overlooked skills in basketball is making a good pass. Sit back and just watch him, when he has the ball.
Bill Self during his time at KU has brought in many good players. The incoming classes have been ranked in the top five on paper numerous occasions. Now KU basketball needs to convert what is said about them onto the floor and dominate.

Florida: Chomp! Chomp! Chomp! The 2007 Gators return all five starters from last seasons National Championship team. No more needs to be said.

North Carolina: Oh heck. Gosh darnit, Roy Williams is back. Let me go spit off a bridge! Yes, Williams does have a nice big championship ring to flash in the face of many bitter KU fans. But you know what I enjoy the most, those were not his players. Matt Doherty brought all of those players to Chapel Hill. Maybe just maybe good ol' Roy will win a national championship with his own players. This season he just may be able to acomplish this might task. UNC remains a very young and fresh faced team. I believe this is the best thing they have going. Yes I realize Tyler Hansbrough will be the big man in the middle, but the team can grow and gel over the next few years to be a dominate force. Tyler may be the focal point of the team, but I for one will be watching how the guards play this season.


Georgetown,Kansas,Florida,North Carolina. Check back with me in few months to see how this early season prediction turns out. Heck, with the wild ride from last who knows what could happen.

Countdown

If anyone is around these days, I am picking back up on the WSU blog. I would like to say how impressed I am with Wichita State having a new website for all major sports. www.goshockers.com
How about we just hit up on a few key issues.

1. Wichita State Men's Basketball team just ranked outside the top 25. WSU coming in at #27, opens the regular season Saturday November 11th versus Rockhurst.

2. A great number of people realize the absence of Paul Miller, as a notable difference in how the team looks. Listen folks, the team will be fine. Coach Turgeon may play a more open style offense this season, with Paul being away playing overseas. Look for the team to run more, and always work hard on the defensive side of the ball.

3. Non-Conference ga (HOME/AWAY)mes. Reading over the scedule, you are hard pressed to find a good non-conference home game. In no way, shape, or form can one of us be upset at the WSU coaching staff. Turgeon works so hard to bring in quality teams to CKA. Will the lesser known teams hurt our RPI? Will we see a major upset this season at CKA?

O my O my! WSU will be rushing into the lion's den this season. Games versus two final four teams (LSU and George Mason), big showdown versus Syracuse..and a very interesting game playing Wyoming. This fan, could not be more happy with how the first few months of the season may go. Oh....least we forget, a possible date with K-State.