Looks like Cheick Diallo is out of the rotation at Kansas.

[Untouchables22]

You can't let the inmates run the asylum....him meeting with Mason,Graham,Seldon, and Ellis about what they want and then implementing it. Is some of the worst coaching I've ever heard. You completely undermine your authority going forward by giving your players any say in the decision making process. That's coaching 101 stuff. Give a mouse a cookie....etc. Self is really losing it. Traylor and Lucas are garbage and Diallo has been bad but it's shameful what he is doing to Bragg who played really well in limited minutes . After Selby, Cliff Alexander, and now Diallo no top 10 player should EVER go play for self.

 

[Skutt]

Skal is the one reason I'm not completely bashing Self. Skal hasn't panned out quite like we thought and hoped. That can happen (it seems to happen more at Kansas tho).

With that said, it isn't like Skal hasn't been given every opportunity to succeed. He was averaging 22 mpg over the first 10 games. And that included 4 games in which he was severely limited by foul trouble. Over the last 9 games he has still averaged 12.3 mpg as he has been moved to a reserve role, and when he is producing he stays in the game longer (see, Arkansas).

I'll be clear, I don't watch a lot of Kansas games so I'm not sure what Diallo has looked like in games. He has only played in 15 games. Before conference play he averaged 10.7 mpg. He was limited by fouls twice, although both of those games also saw some of his largest playing time. In conference Diallo is getting a whopping 7 mpg including one DNP-CD.

It's not close to the same. As you said, players get every opportunity to shine here through rookie mistakes and move on. Self denies his talent this.

 

[BigBlueFanGA]

Unbelievable article.

Diallo is basically done for this year.

Notice where Self lets it slip that "we decided, or I decided".

Sounds like the inmates are running the asylum in Lawrence.

http://www2.kusports.com/news/2016/jan/27/going-forward-self-trims-big-man-rotation-four/

Self-ish is signing his own recruiting death sentence. I feel bad for the kids who keep buying into his garbage.

 

[spotter34]

Sounds a little like the Skal situation here. Not every Freshman is NBA ready no matter how well they played in High School.

Only difference is Skal played his way to the bench. Cal started him right off the bat for the first 6-7 games of the season. His play dictated that he come off the bench. Diallo hasn't gotten to prove much on the floor.

 

[St.PatterSoN-54-]

Two comments that I actually couldn't believe from that article- both made me think that ol' Bill is scraping the bottom of the barrel.....
1) talking about how many times KU has won the conference title. Lol. What the hell does that have to do with the conversation?
2) trying to rationalize that it's ok his team struggles on the road because Danny Manning's teams also failed to win there. Really!?!?!?! hahahahaha

 

[BoulderCat]

Overall it seems like this year's class hasn't panned out as well as other's. Sure there are exceptions. Guys like Simmons, Ingram, and Murray, but there seem to be a number of disappointments other places. We've got one. KU may have as well. I don't know if Diallo is the best player or not, haven't watched them. Saturday will be the first time. If he is though and Self just isn't playing him that's curious at the least.

 

[Skutt]

Only difference is Skal played his way to the bench. Cal started him right off the bat for the first 6-7 games of the season. His play dictated that he come off the bench. Diallo hasn't gotten to prove much on the floor.

Some of these posters just make me SMFH.....

Do they think "hey, I know, I'll pull one on everybody and be ever so clever!!!!! What about Skal!!!!!!!

Yea, except no. Lol. Damn.

 

[UKWildcatT]

Only difference is Skal played his way to the bench. Cal started him right off the bat for the first 6-7 games of the season. His play dictated that he come off the bench. Diallo hasn't gotten to prove much on the floor.

Exactly and thanks. I knew we'd get the snarky Skal comment. If you haven't seen the difference in Cal and Self over the past several years, you aren't watching CBB

 

[wild mandu]

I'm no expert on Diallo, but there is no question he's at least similar to some of the other highly rated big men in this particular class. Truth is, the entire class just wasn't great.

It is worth noting how weak this class is. Brandon Ingram might be the second pick in the draft and he has some definite holes in his game.

 

[Bigkyfan10]

You do realize that Skal played what 3 minutes

 

[UK till Death]

I really hate that for the kid. Wish he would have known the mess he was walking into by playing for Bill Self.

No one kills draft stock like "The Hairpiece".

 

[Global Havok]

You do realize that Skal played what 3 minutes

Did you even read the thread? One player was given a chance while the other wasn't.

 

[BoulderCat]

Overall it seems like this year's class hasn't panned out as well as other's. Sure there are exceptions. Guys like Simmons, Ingram, and Murray, but there seem to be a number of disappointments other places. We've got one. KU may have as well. I don't know if Diallo is the best player or not, haven't watched them. Saturday will be the first time. If he is though and Self just isn't playing him that's curious at the least.

 

[nookam]

Should be a dagger for any top talent being recruited. His " it's not about any infividual" is cool in grade school, but these Ferrarl's want it about them. "Players First" works much better. Then everyone eats...many got mad when Cal said that but their is a method to his madness. If you or your child was a top 1-10 player looking to raise out of poverty and get paid as much as possible, what do you want? Players First. The rest comes with it, the wins FF, NC

 

[_NewWorldOrder_]

Cal doesn't say anything about anybody when he recruits.

I doubt that. Its human nature to use anything you have to get the prize.

 

[Jkwo]

This is exactly what some of our ridiculous posters think that Cal should do to Skal.

"Why is Skal still getting 10 minutes a game? Obviously you don't have to earn anything in Cal's system."

Those guys have NO ability to look at the big picture. Nobody is riding pine because of Skal's 10 minutes, and there is no worse look for recruiting than this ridiculous situation with Diallo.

 

[_NewWorldOrder_]

Any Kansas fan that says they aren't worried about the future is lying. Flat out.

They can barely get non-tainted recruits as is, they have a few departures coming this season, maybe more, and they have nothing coming in for the next two years so far. Self and the school certainly aren't showing recruits what they'd like to see. They will be putrid next year unless they grab some 5th year transfers, and that STILL means they needs to come on strong for the 2017 class, to get back to the level they once were.

Not to mention, all this on Self's plate. Knowing how bleak the near-future is, you have to wonder if he's thinking about pulling the rip-cord soon. He might not make it through 2017 anyways.

I mean I hate to say it, but KU will be right there again next year. They'll be one of the best teams in the country. Even if they lose Selden, which I'm not sure they do. But they'd still have Mason, Graham, Green, Bragg, Diallo, Svi, Vick, and probably Jarrett Allen. They'll definitely be top 5, because no way does Mason, Graham, Bragg, or Diallo leave. And if Brennen Green would get 30 plus mins a game he'd put up big scoring numbers. And look for LeGerold Vick to step up next year and be a impact player.

 

[Aike]

I doubt that. Its human nature to use anything you have to get the prize.

Cal doesn't have to recruit that way. Other people who have players' ears fill in those details.

 

[LineSkiCat14]

This is exactly what some of our ridiculous posters think that Cal should do to Skal.

"Why is Skal still getting 10 minutes a game? Obviously you don't have to earn anything in Cal's system."

Those guys have NO ability to look at the big picture. Nobody is riding pine because of Skal's 10 minutes, and there is no worse look for recruiting than this ridiculous situation with Diallo.

In fairness, many of us thought a. his minutes should be reduced because b. he had serious motivation and attitude problems to start and c. he would most likely earn them back. Personally, Skal's issue had nothing to do with talent, it was attitude. That's different than sitting a recruit who's simply making mistakes.

I don't recall anyone saying we should bury Skal on the bench. I certainly didn't want to. But he WAS killing us in games and it really looked like he didn't want to be there. So reduce some of his minutes, let him get adjusted and build confidence, then go from there.

 

[Untouchables22]

I mean I hate to say it, but KU will be right there again next year. They'll be one of the best teams in the country. Even if they lose Selden, which I'm not sure they do. But they'd still have Mason, Graham, Green, Bragg, Diallo, Svi, Vick, and probably Jarrett Allen. They'll definitely be top 5, because no way does Mason, Graham, Bragg, or Diallo leave. And if Brennen Green would get 30 plus mins a game he'd put up big scoring numbers. And look for LeGerold Vick to step up next year and be a impact player.

There are mocks out right now that have Bragg going 1st round....with the rule changes he will obviously declare and workout for the NBA and get some feedback. I know nothing about the kid but most guys when they hear they have a 1st round grade jump. And the draft is so ridiculously low on talent this year that Skal, Diallo, and Bragg are all likely to get a 1st round grade.

 

[Jkwo]

In fairness, many of us thought a. his minutes should be reduced because b. he had serious motivation and attitude problems to start and c. he would most likely earn them back. Personally, Skal's issue had nothing to do with talent, it was attitude. That's different than sitting a recruit who's simply making mistakes.

I don't recall anyone saying we should bury Skal on the bench. I certainly didn't want to. But he WAS killing us in games and it really looked like he didn't want to be there. So reduce some of his minutes, let him get adjusted and build confidence, then go from there.

I hear you man, but the reality is that he's played over 20 minutes a whopping two times since Nov. 30th. Cal has been steadily scaling back his minutes ever since his early-season run ended, and yet still fans bashed Cal for playing favorites, etc, when Cal was merely trying to balance developing one of our potential best players with also giving people the PT they deserve.

Cal's never going to put Skal at zero or five minutes (save a matchup with bulky bigs), and nor should he. But he's striking a balance to make sure guys are getting their time and that our team is as effective as possible, while still not giving up on a guy who could well be an NBA starter some day.

 

[gossie21]

You do realize that Skal played what 3 minutes

Skal has played single digit minutes 3 times. Twice foul trouble dictated his limited minutes. Against Vandy he played 4 minutes largely because of the play of others.

Do you realize that Diallo did not even get in the game against Texas? Not for one minute. I don't see anything indicated he was injured or suspended. And that was with Josh Jackson and DeAndre Ayton sitting in the stands on their visit. I'm sure Diallo's lack of playing time made an impression.

 

[LineSkiCat14]

I mean I hate to say it, but KU will be right there again next year. They'll be one of the best teams in the country. Even if they lose Selden, which I'm not sure they do. But they'd still have Mason, Graham, Green, Bragg, Diallo, Svi, Vick, and probably Jarrett Allen. They'll definitely be top 5, because no way does Mason, Graham, Bragg, or Diallo leave. And if Brennen Green would get 30 plus mins a game he'd put up big scoring numbers. And look for LeGerold Vick to step up next year and be a impact player.

Mason really proved he's not that great the other night. He's an upperclassmen still making rookie mistakes. He's sloppy. Not convinced he's anything special. You think Selden is going to stick around? Same with Diallo? Graham and Green are meh for a Blue Blood. Svi has a ways to go. If Svi was on Kentucky he'd be a total after thought. They don't have Allen yet, and he'd be smart to take a step back on Kansas (and may do so with all the DIallo buzz).

This will be a first time in a while Kansas doesn't blow through the Big12, while that conference as a whole is much better than years past. Kansas will have a worse team next year.

 

[docholiday51]

Anyone find it odd that he makes this move with UK coming to town? I suppose it could be that he wants to see how it works without chancing a conference loss(wouldn't want to not win the Big 12 for the 142nd year in a row)
Could be his way of pulling out all the stops to try and beat UK as bad as possible or could there be a rest of the story that is not being said/told right now?

 

[_NewWorldOrder_]

Mason really proved he's not that great the other night. He's an upperclassmen still making rookie mistakes. He's sloppy. Not convinced he's anything special. You think Selden is going to stick around? Same with Diallo? Graham and Green are meh for a Blue Blood. Svi has a ways to go. If Svi was on Kentucky he'd be a total after thought. They don't have Allen yet, and he'd be smart to take a step back on Kansas (and may do so with all the DIallo buzz).

This will be a first time in a while Kansas doesn't blow through the Big12, while that conference as a whole is much better than years past. Kansas will have a worse team next year.

I think its possible Selden comes back. If I had to say one way or another I'd say he goes though. But IMO I think Bragg and Diallo definitely come back. Cliff Alexander isn't doing so well and Diallo will think about how he went for cant miss prospect to undrafted. I think they both stick around (Bragg and Diallo)

 

[KingOfBBN]

After seeing this and the fact that the school is located in freaking Kansas, why would any big time recruit want to go there?

 

[BostonCat2001]

There are mocks out right now that have Bragg going 1st round....with the rule changes he will obviously declare and workout for the NBA and get some feedback. I know nothing about the kid but most guys when they hear they have a 1st round grade jump. And the draft is so ridiculously low on talent this year that Skal, Diallo, and Bragg are all likely to get a 1st round grade.

especially once they go for individual workouts. some team will give these guys guarantees. difference being....cal wont convince a kid to stay. self will/has.

 

[LineSkiCat14]

I think its possible Selden comes back. If I had to say one way or another I'd say he goes though. But IMO I think Bragg and Diallo definitely come back. Cliff Alexander isn't doing so well and Diallo will think about how he went for cant miss prospect to undrafted. I think they both stick around (Bragg and Diallo)

I can't see Selden not bolting for the draft.. but I'm not even sure we don't see a transfer out of Kansas. I mean you can't possibly be happy if you're Diallo.

Which leads me to two scenarios:

1. Self IS holding back Bragg and Diallo, and joking aside about this actually happening, there is no WAY they stick around.
2. They truly are off the mark, and just not good at all right now.

If it's #2, then do we really think a bunch of modest holdovers and a pair of overrated sophomores, to go along with virtually no recruiting, really make Kansas top5? I personally think they are in big trouble..

 

[_NewWorldOrder_]

I can't see Selden not bolting for the draft.. but I'm not even sure we don't see a transfer out of Kansas. I mean you can't possibly be happy if you're Diallo.

Which leads me to two scenarios:

1. Self IS holding back Bragg and Diallo, and joking aside about this actually happening, there is no WAY they stick around.
2. They truly are off the mark, and just not good at all right now.

If it's #2, then do we really think a bunch of modest holdovers and a pair of overrated sophomores, to go along with virtually no recruiting, really make Kansas top5? I personally think they are in big trouble..

I doubt Diallo would want to transfer and have to sit out a year. He would go the NBA before he did that. A transfer is a possibility though. I could see Green transferring, and if he did I wish we would get involved. He's a 6'7 guard and one of the best 3pt shooters in the B12

 

[zoid1]

So basically the MVP of the McDonalds and Jordan brand game along with being tagged the best defender in this class cant crack the rotation at Kansas...WTF. Do you see this Bolden? its UK or bust.

 

[kyjeff1]

Overall it seems like this year's class hasn't panned out as well as other's. Sure there are exceptions. Guys like Simmons, Ingram, and Murray, but there seem to be a number of disappointments other places. We've got one. KU may have as well. I don't know if Diallo is the best player or not, haven't watched them. Saturday will be the first time. If he is though and Self just isn't playing him that's curious at the least.

Hold on now BC, you can't count Murray as a 15 recruit. Nobody else does, that's why so many show UK as having the #2 rated class. They don't count Murray. I will never understand that.

 

[SilentsAreGolden]

For those making the comparison to Skal, he has just about the same minutes as Diallo and Bragg combined.

 

[Wildcat-in-STL]

Skal played 20 minutes against Arkansas.... and would of played a lot more against Vandy but he had 2 fouls called on him relatively quick and the first one was especially bogus and phantom... Cal probably decided that playing against two 7fters wasn't good for Skal's confidence.

 

[JerseyCat84]

@RC_Texas Your opinion?

 

[TheBlueDisciple]

For those that are just blindly commenting, here's some insight into why Self is reluctant to play Diallo:

http://cjonline.com/blog-post/jesse...y-reason-cheick-diallo-struggling-get-minutes

In summary, Diallo is very long and athletic, but is often lost and doesn't know where he's supposed to be on offense and defense, and I guarantee you it's not for lack of trying to drill it into their heads from Self. As you see in that video, Diallo struggles to run what should be some very basic sets on the offensive end. Something we run all the time, so he should be familiar with it.

It sucks as KU fans, but personally it's hard for me to argue that ANY coach should play a player who doesn't understand the offense at this stage of the season and doesn't grasp some basic basketball concepts. IF Diallo had patience to develop over a few seasons, I think he'd be a top 5 lottery pick. Unfortunately the people around him will likely dictate he leave after this season.

 

[Bkocats]

Anyone find it odd that he makes this move with UK coming to town? I suppose it could be that he wants to see how it works without chancing a conference loss(wouldn't want to not win the Big 12 for the 142nd year in a row)
Could be his way of pulling out all the stops to try and beat UK as bad as possible or could there be a rest of the story that is not being said/told right now?

or maybe........MAYBE he's just saying this and Diallo is really this crazy secret weapon. One, if we think he won't be playing, we won't be ready for? bwaaaaaaaahahahaha


*note the above post was intended as sarcasm for amusement only - it not a serious post.

 

[Skutt]

I doubt that. Its human nature to use anything you have to get the prize.

It's been verified over and over dating back years, cal does not believe in negative recruiting and doesn't think he needs to at UK. Parents of recruits have confirmed this.

 

[Skutt]

After seeing this and the fact that the school is located in freaking Kansas, why would any big time recruit want to go there?

Kansas has always been extremely dirty. They hit party street USA with anything they want while in school. Everyone knows.

 

[TheBlueDisciple]

Kansas has always been extremely dirty. They hit party street USA with anything they want while in school. Everyone knows.

This post and the one that precedes it are a funny contrast. Your coach doesn't negatively recruit, but you have no problem slinging mud?

Kansas isn't dirty. Kentucky isn't dirty. They don't have to be. They get the top recruits regardless because of the exposure and success each school can bring to the table. Don't say stuff like that. It's something a Missouri fan would say.

 

[Skutt]

This post and the one that precedes it are a funny contrast. Your coach doesn't negatively recruit, but you have no problem slinging mud?

Kansas isn't dirty. Kentucky isn't dirty. They don't have to be. They get the top recruits regardless because of the exposure and success each school can bring to the table. Don't say stuff like that. It's something a Missouri fan would say.

Kansas is notorious for cheating. They've never won a championship without coming off of, or going on to, probation. It's an alarming stat.

Their favorite party street in Lawrence where athletes hang routinely is a drug and alcohol infested slumfield. Everyone around Kansas knows it, and it has helped lure recruits for years. Self isn't dirty himself, but Kansas is IMO.

Just because cal won't sling the mud doesn't mean fans won't. Deal with it.