06
SPORTS
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2006
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN 3B
Self's vision seems to pay off
Today, there is a fear resonating across the Big 12 Conference. It is a fear that first made its presence felt the day Kansas chose Bill Self to become head coach in 2003. Around the conference, other coaches likely cried at the thought of Kansas becoming a physical team that would have consistently talented players. Tough players and strong recruiting classes have been a hallmark of Self's coaching career.
It took some time for that vision to manifest itself, but the pay off has begun, and it seems that it will continue.
Sure, there will be a slip-up here and there because this is still a young team.
What fans should realize is that last week's comeback against
JIMMY CHAVEZ
JCHAVEZ@KANSAN.COM
Oklahoma, the easy victory against Nebraska and a victory against Iowa State are a reality of this team.
The difference in the team's progress from earlier in the year is the emergence of a true concept of a team. After all, it's not a coincidence that this Kansas team seems to have the most alley-oop or attempts at an alley-oop. It's a metamorphosis of the style of offense that is starting to take shape. It's
not uncommon on any given possession to see a no-look pass for an open basket. Some people thought Self's style of play automatically meant a resemblance to a Big Ten style. Those people are now seeing a team that is as fun to watch, sometimes as much as some of Roy Williams' teams.
This has coaches across the conference nervous. They were anticipating an inexperienced Kansas team that would provide opponents' chances to win, something that few of them had enjoyed in the 10 years of the conference's existence. Instead, they've gotten a team that is surging as March draws near.
Despite the improved play, the Jayhawks are still a mystery to
many, a thought proven by the fact that they have still yet been unable to crack the Top 25, which now seems like college basketball's secret society. After today, that will likely change Following games against Kansas this season, some coaches have expressed surprise at how talented the young team really is, and how surprised other teams may be come tournament time. Oklahoma State knows a very young and talented team is coming south to visit. After tonight, it'll be the latest to recognize that this Kansas team can be a buzz saw that will make future opponents cringe.
♦ Chavez is a San Antonio senior in journalism.
BIG 12
Tony Gutierrez/THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Missouri basketball coach Quin Snyder responds to a question during Big 12 media day in Irving, Texas. One day after saying he planned to finish the season, he resigned Friday, ending a seven-year stint that began with high expectations.
Snyder steps down surprises players
By R.B. FALLSTROM THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
COLUMBIA, Mo. — Missouri players are adamant; Quin Snyder did not bail out on them.
"I know he didn't quit," point guard jason Horton said Sunday. "I know he's not that type of person. I know that."
Snyder's resignation was made official Sunday morning and the Tigers played their first game without him later that day, beating Kansas State 74-71 to end a six-game losing streak.
He canceled a scheduled news conference early Sunday evening, instead issuing a statement through his lawyer that he
Snyder still hasn't talked publicly about his departure after nearly seven seasons at the school.
won't be talking until he and the university have a signed settlement agreement for the final two years of his contract.
In any case, players who spoke for the first time since Snyder became their ex-coach on Friday are certain leaving was not his idea, and that he was forced out.
"I don't know exactly what happened," sophomore forward Marshall Brown said. "All I can tell you is that's not in Coach Q's character."
Junior guard Thomas Gardner was cautious about getting into a discussion about whether Snyder, 39, was fired or resigned.
By all accounts, Snyder's decision to step down was a surprise to everyone. A day earlier, the coach had said he would finish the season.
TODAY! TODAY!