RSITY
DAILY KANSAN
MONDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2011
PAGE 5
season's frontcourt depth chart with the Morris twins and Robinson ahead of him. Others say that Withey never earned playing time because he was soft, a word that follows so many talented, but stoc centers. Taylor said that shouldn't be a problem this season because Withey truly wants to be the best.
"That attitude helps him get that much tougher," Taylor said. "He's not going to let that loose ball go or let his guy push him off the block."
Releford is from the same recruiting class as Taylor and the Morris twins, but he mostly sat on the bench while Tyrel Reed and
Brady Morningstar were on the court at his position and adored by all. Now it's Releford's time, inconsistent jump shot or not, and Self thinks his small forward is ready to be an elite defender.
"We plan on hanging our hat on defending and being one of the best defending teams in the country." Releford said.
"You're sacrificing things offensively to be a great defender," Self said.
Self recognizes that this isn't his most talented offensive team. He can't rely on Sherron Collins, Xavier Henry or Josh Selby to pull a circus shot from nowhere with the final seconds of the shot clock ticking away. But he's got Releford. If all goes to plan, he's the defensive stopper. He lifts up his team by shutting down the opposition's best player. He creates offense with pressure packed defense, despite the cost.
Johnson, yet another top recruit before he was somewhat forgited on Self's bench, is of another breed. His two front teeth sneak through his smiles and his Popsicle-stick jokes usually poke at Taylor, Tharpe and Robinson. Lost in the shuffle of keeping team chemistry cool, his game can be overlooked.
"We plan on hanging our hat on defending and being one of the best defending teams in the country."
TRAVIS RELEFORD junior guard
Johnson ably stepped into the starting lineup last season when Taylor was suspended. He doesn't wow anyone until there's a fast break, but he worked on his jump shot all summer and his defense is steady with room to improve.
"I feel like I own a piece of the Fieldhouse, in respectful way." Johnson said. "That fan base just really cares about us."
Tharpe is a true point guard who passes with caution and roots for the Lakers, despite his Massachusetts roots. Teahan is a shooter, failed quarterback and bench regular turned rotation player. Young fights relentlessly for rebounds and will do the same for playing time.
"Wesley is a rail," Self said.
These unknown pieces, under tow of Taylor and Robinson, will shed the mystery. Their chance is now and there's no hiding behind lottery picks. All have something to prove. It's time to grow up, young men.
"We've got guys that are just hungry," Taylor said. "Flat out hungry."
Edited by Mike Lavieri
*all games in bold are at home
Date Opponent Result/Time Jan. 7 OKLAHOMA 1 p.m.
Nov. 1 PITTSBURG STATE (EXHIBITION) 7 p.m.
Jan. 11 TEXAS TECH 8 p.m.
Nov. 8 FORT HAYS STATE (EXHIBITION) 7 p.m.
Jan. 14 IOWA STATE 3 p.m.
Nov. 11 TOWNSON (MAUI INVITATIONAL) 7 p.m.
Jan. 16 BAYLOR 8:30 p.m.
Nov. 15 KENTUCKY (CHAMPIONS CLASSIC) 8 p.m.
Jan. 21 TEXAS 3 p.m.
Nov. 21 GEORGETOWN (MAUI INVITATIONAL) 11 p.m.
Jan. 23 TEXAS A&M 7 p.m.
Nov. 22 UCLA/CHAMINADE (MAUI INVITATIONAL) TBA
Jan. 28 IOWA STATE 1 p.m.
Nov. 23 FINALS/CONSOLATIONS (MAUI INVITATIONAL) TBA
Feb. 1 OKAHOMA 8 p.m.
Nov. 30 FLORIDA ATLANTIC 7 p.m.
Feb. 4 MISSOURI 8 p.m.
Dec. 3 SOUTH FLORIDA 4:15 p.m.
Feb. 8 BAYLOR 6 p.m.
Dec. 6 LONG BEACH STATE 8 p.m.
Feb. 11 OKLAHOMA STATE 3 p.m.
Dec. 10 OHIO STATE 2:15 p.m..
Feb. 13 KANSAS STATE 8 p.m.
Dec. 19 DAVIDSON 8 p.m.
Feb. 18 TEXAS TECH 7 p.m.
Dec. 22 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 10 p.m.
Feb. 22 TEXAS A&M 8 p.m.
Dec. 29 HOWARD 8 p.m.
Feb. 25 OKLAHOMA 3 p.m.
Jan. 31 NORTH DAKOTA 3 p.m.
Feb. 27 OKLAHOMA STATE 8 p.m.
Jan. 4 KANSAS STATE 7 p.m.
March 3 TEXAS 8 p.m.
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