The shot missed around the world

SHOCKERS WIN. Did you see it? The Shockers win!

SHOCKERS WIN! SHOCKERS WIN!

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