sports
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KANSAN.COM/SPORTS | THURSDAY, FEB. 2, 2017
Bill Self on Josh Jackson: 'He's beyond his years'
▶ JORDAN WOLF
@jordanWolfKU
Kansas coach Bill Self is grateful to have a player like freshman guard Josh Jackson. The freshman continues to turn in high-level performances, and after his 23-point, he appeared in the
game harden than what it should be because he's not a good free throw shooter yet — he will be," Self said.
According to Jackson, there's no better time to improve your game than against tough opponents. Such opportunities come frequently in the Big 12, and
ROOFTOP REFLECTIONS
KAT YOUTSEY
Arabic Studies Program,
Morocco, Summer 2015
Sitting on the rooftop terrace of our accommodation in Tetouan at 3 AM, a beautiful example of Moroccan architecture nestled in the winding streets of the old marketplace, I look out at the white-washed buildings glowing with lights as the haunting sound of the call to prayer emitting from mosques all over the city breaks the night silence.
The most memorable moments come at unexpected times, the ones you recognize as beautiful and can barely tear yourself away from even though you're exhausted and have to catch a bus in five hours. But even moments such as these are not the best parts of studying abroad; rather, they are the result.
While traveling overseas on vacation there are the same beautiful landmarks and delicious food, but studying abroad is about a whole experience. The most exciting part of spending an extended amount of time in a foreign location is not that every day is a novelty, instead it is when it becomes a part of the familiar, every day routine and you realize that you have managed to navigate the transportation system or negotiate the price of a scarf, things you would never do at home.
But the best aspect of studying abroad, in any place you go, is the people you meet and the friends you gain. Rather than on a trip taken with friends, studying abroad
necessitates meeting new people. It provides the time to make lasting friendships with people from all over the world and see there really are more similarities than differences between you. Since you are there together in a foreign place, you share the same struggles and successes as well as the same appreciation for the culture.I believe that is the most important thing because everyone has a true interest in and love for that country (they did commit to living there for two,six twelve months), the long, cramped rides in taxis and mash-ups of three languages trying to ask for directions become learning experiences and
fond memories,rather than travel set-backs eating up a visit of only a few days.
Then, at the end your study abroad, you can sit on the terrace of your Moroccan riad, or a cafe in Paris, or a beach in Costa Rica, and reflect that the familiarity with a foreign culture and the people you have to share it with have all made this memorable moment possible.
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The local - and national perception of the team is not good.
"I know we all want to win," said Justin Zellers, a 1999 University graduate from Overland Park. "But it's not at all costs."
Sophomore guard Lagerald Vick plays defense against Baylor. Kansas defeated Baylor 73-68
When the news came out, fans had mixed responses.
"I was kinda
Miranda Anaya/KANSAN
On Jan. 24, reports came out that an alleged rape of a 16-year-old girl had been reported at McCarthy Hall — the residence hall in which the basketball team resides. The following morning, five basketball players — senior guard Frank Mason III, freshman guard Josh Jackson, sophomore guard Lagerald Vick, freshman forward Mitch Lightfoot and junior guard Tucker Vang — were listed among the witnesses by KU Police in the Dec. 17 incident.
rape. Bragg was granted diversion on Feb. 1 for the charge.
"He's been suspended twice," said Scott Wellhausen, a senior from Brocton, Illinois. "Regardless of how serious you think it is, two suspensions is detrimental."
Bragg's first suspension back in December followed an arrest and a battery charge that was eventually dropped. After the charge against Bragg was dropped, a battery charge was filed against Saleeha Soofi.
"I think Carlton gets a bad rep," said Bryce Dieker, a junior from Westphalia. "He was accused of an assault that got dismissed."
Several students, including Wellhausen, cited that first incident with Bragg as something to learn from.
"The original Carlton
Bragg issue shows just how problematic it can be to leap to conclusions early," Wellhausen said.
On. Jan. 30, the Kansas City Star reported that a University investigation found that Vick had likely committed domestic violence and that the recommended punishment for said offense was two years of probation. In the Star's report, Vick allegedly hit a female student multiple times and kicked her in the face.
But the off-the-court news wasn't over.
All of it together has snowballed, and some fans don't know what to think.
"The news comes out and
with the environment that's around domestic abuse, honestly those are some serious issues," Wellhausen said. "We need more first. ... As far as the stuff off the court, I think you gotta wait until you hear more to make a decision. That shouldn't downplay Lagerald Vick's problems or Carlton's problems. I hate to leap to judgement before I know stuff."
When asked about the Vick report after the game, coach Bill Self delivered a prepared statement in front of members of the media, various Kansas Athletics officials, the Vice Chancellor for Public Affairs Tim Caboni and
"I have been told that I cannot comment on a University investigation or whether one is or is not taking place or has ever taken place," Self read. "And due to previous practice by the University and by the athletic department, I would not be giving any details of such investigation. What was reported was reported. I haven't been made aware of anything. That's where that is and that's the last time and the only thing I will say concerning that because I am basically been told that's all that can be said."
the University's Director of Strategic Communications, Joe Monaco.
Regardless of fans waiting for all the facts, some of the damage has already been done. Perception isn't necessarily rooted in fact. It's rooted in belief.
Kansas fans may have checked their feelings of their Jayhawks at the door, but there's doubt in their minds, albeit a small amount.
"I am a stickler for rules," Zellers said. "I think they should be followed. [The] University needs to come down on them, but they need the evidence to prove it."
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