What we say
Faith over logic: Kansas will win Big 8
For the past three weeks or so, my friends have been asking me, "So Mark, how are we going to be this year?"
I've been telling them that we'll be all right, but I've been holding back. Not anymore.
Despite Kansas coach Roy Williams' constant reminding of how expectations are too high for this team, I still believe that the Jayhawks will earn their fourth straight conference championship.
Why? First let me define some things. Things like "expectations" and "too high."
I think there is a line between "expecting" something and "believing" in something.
I think the line divides logic and faith.
I don't expect Kansas to win the conference title. Logic suggests that they won't, but I believe they will.
Now, just what is "too high"?
If too high means expecting to see the Jayhawks in Charlotte, N.C., in March, then I agree. Kansas fans have to be some of the most spoiled people in the world. The Jayhawks have the fourth-winningest program in the nation and have been to the Final Four four times since 1986. Only Duke has had more appearances, and only Duke fans are more spoiled.
SPORTSWRITER.
Kansas fans need to judge success based on the team's finish in the conference, not on whether it gets to the Final Four. Two years ago the Hawks won their second consecutive Big
Eight championship. Two weeks later, they lost to Texas-El Paso in the second round of the NCAA tournament. Many people said the year was an unsuccessful one.
However, if "too high" means giving up the conference hardware to Oklahoma State (predicted in the preseason polls to win the title), then sorry, Coach, I disagree.
Faith over logic.
Logic shows Oklahoma State is returning four starters, including last season's player of the year, center Bryant Reeves.
Logic shows Missouri has a squad of eight seniors and three returning starters.
Logic shows Kansas has lost four starters and has unproven players at point guard, center and small forward.
Faith over logic.
I believe Kansas will be successful because I believe in the players and the coach.
I believe Richard Scott when he tells
me that he has improved his outside game and will score more. I believe him when he tells me that he is going to pull down double-doubles in scoring and rebounding more than a few times this year.
I believe Steve Woodberry when he tells me that he is going to score more, rebound more and do more of the little things that will help the Jayhawks win games.
I believe Patrick Richey and Greg Gurley when they tell me that they have been able to put up big numbers all their lives, but until this year, they weren't needed to do so at Kansas.
I believe — honestly, I do — Greg Ostertag when he tells me that he looks forward to the weight that will be put on his shoulders to have a career-type year. I even believe him when he says he is going to perform like everyone wants him to.
Ibelieve, before the year is through, the spoiled Kansas fans will see Woodberry score 30 points in a game, Jacque Vaughn hand out 15 assists in a game, Patrick Richey register a triple-double, Kansas defeat Indiana in Allen Field House and Greg Ostertag be consistent and dominant.
I believe them,but what is much more important is that they believe in themselves.
That is why I believe Richard, Steve and Patrick will hoist the conference trophy above their heads at the end of the season.
Faith over logic.
Mark Button's Big Eight picks
1) Kansas
2) Oklahoma State
3) Iowa State
4) Kansas State
5) Missouri
6) Nebraska
7) Oklahoma
8) Colorado
Player of the Year:
Donnie Boyce, Colorado
Freshman of the Year: Jacque Vaughn, Kansas
All-Big Eight Team
Newcomer of the Year Jacque Vaughn, Kansas
Steve Woodberry, Kansas Bryant Reeves.
Oklahoma State Donnie Boyce, Colorado Eric Piatkowski, Nebraska Richard Scott, Kansas
KANSAM
KU Basketball and the Air Force Dominance in the air...
AFROTC Detachment 28D
University of Kansas
Lawrence, KS 60045-2620
001
For School Year. 94
Page No. 102
Name of Student
Any Qualifying KU Student, 1
Twenty-Nine Hundred & 00/100 (Pen Year) DOLLARS
2,900.00
NEW A5096 1X024AYKJP
Uncles Sam
TO CASH, CALL 4-4676
- U.S. Citizen
- Pass Physical Exam
- Any Academic Major
- AGE: Less than 25 on 30 Jun 96
- Meet physical fitness standards
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- Have 2 years of school left starting Fall '94
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ROTC
November 17, 1993 University Daily Kansan • COLLEGE BASKETBALL PREVIEW