Volume 126 Issue 120
kansan.com
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY & ANSAN
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Two for one as time winds down
By Matt Corte sports@kansan.com
I must be frank here as I have to keep this introduction short. There were two stories I was never able to touch during the last month of the semester, and with one column left I came to the resolution that rules were meant to be broken, and both had to fit in one. So without further wait...
TARKA BLAK IN THE NFL?
Never underestimate a 6'9,
235 pound beast. Although
Black has never played a down
of organized football in his life,
an NFL opportunity still may
present itself to the former
Kansas basketball player.
After a practice in February, Black, a life-long Packers fan, had the chance to meet with Green Bay QB Aaron Rodgers. They talked about bringing a championship back to Green Bay and Rodgers suggested Black catch some passes from him. Little did he know, Rodgers was serious.
Starting May 21st in Oklahoma City, Kansas will play three games in group stage with the hopes of making the championship game. Four wins and they're in. If the team is crowned Big 12 champion and makes the NCAA tournament, be sure to show your support and cheer them on during the NCAA Regionals and hopefully beyond.
Black was recently interviewed by Forbes, sharing information that Rodgers had texted the Kansas media department following their encounter asking if he was interested about giving football a chance. When Rodgers came calling a second time one week later, Black decided it was time to acquire Rodgers' number and personally ask the All-Pro quarterback if he was serious. Rodgers responded to Black's text, saying he would pull some strings to help out.
TARIK BLACK IN THE NFL?
Edited by Kate Shelton
Even if Rodgers pulls all the strings in the world, Tarik Black won't be among the players selected this week in the NFL draft. Don't fret, though, it still doesn't mean Black won't be in an NFL uniform next year, as plenty of teams could give him a shot to showcase his athleticism during camp. If one team does, I believe the next great basketball-tight end hybrid could come from Kansas.
BASEBALL ON RECORD BREAKING PATH:
With a 30-20 record so far this season, Kansas is two wins shy of surpassing their most wins in a season since 2009. Currently, Kansas owns its second best winning streak of the season at seven games, and if they're able to win out the last six, only two Kansas baseball teams in the past ten years would have more wins. A streak of 13 straight wins may be unlikely, but if the team wants to play in the NCAA tournament they must win a majority of their remaining games.
With a win total in the mid 30s, Kansas would be a close call as a non-automatic qualifying bid. However, a win total closer to 40 would certainly put Kansas in contention for a bid. The team can guarantee themselves a spot in the NCAA tournament if they win the Big 12 tournament.
BASEBALL
GEORGE MULLINIX/KANSAN
Sophomore infielder Colby Wright tags a Wichita State player out during a game on April 1 where the Jayhawks won 4-2. Kansas has won its last seven straight games.
GEORGE MULLINIX/KANSAN
Michael Suiter slides headfirst into third base to beat the out during Kansas' game against Oral Roberts on Mar. 11. The Jayhawks are 30-20 overall and 12-9 in the Big 12.
Kansas looks to continue win streak
BEN FELDERSTEIN
sports@kansan.com
The Jayhawks are coming off their second straight Big 12 sweep. Kansas defeated Texas Tech this past weekend at Hoglund Ballpark.
Kansas has now won seven straight games and are 10 games over .500 with a 12-9 conference record. They will head to Springfield, Missouri to take on Missouri State for a mid-week matchup tomorrow. The Bears are 20-24 on the campaign and 7-8 in conference play.
Missouri State is coming off a weekend series loss to Dallas Baptist and have lost seven out
of their last 10 games. Freshman Jon Hander will be on the mound for Kansas. Hander is coming off his second victory of the season against Wichita State. The freshman has a 2.94 ERA and hasn't given up more than four runs in any of his appearances this season.
The Jayhawks are making moves in the Big 12, as they have moved into third place in the conference behind Oklahoma State and TCU. They are also third in the Big 12 with a .289 batting average. Junior outfielder Michael Suiter is fifth in the conference with a .335 batting average. Frank Duncan ranks sixth in the league with a 2.02 ERA.
THE JAYHAWKS WILL WIN IF..
The Jayhawks will defeat Missouri State Wednesday if their pitching staff can stay hot. In their current seven-game winning streak, they have given up more than four runs in only one game. The pitching staff has allowed the offense to put up unanswered runs at the plate. They gave up less than three runs three times including a complete game shutout from senior Jordan Piche', and a complete game one run performance from fellow senior Frank Duncan. Hander got a win in Kansas' previous mid-week matchup and another victory
would extend their win streak to eight.
PLAYER TO WATCH
Wright
Sophomore second baseman Colby Wright has been on a tear at the plate lately. Wright is batting .339 on the
season and has seen his average increase 77 points in the last 10 games. Wright has 14 hits 'during Kansas' current seven-game win streak and he has driven in eight runs. Wright hits in the two hole for Kansas, being a table setter for the heart of the lineup to follow. Wright has 29 runs scored on the season including 10 in the last seven games. The sophomore has been solid at second base, committing only two errors to the tune of a .987 fielding percentage. He has 99 assists and 53 put outs.
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Edited by Jamie Koziol
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