/ SPORTS / MONDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2011 / THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN / KANSAN.COM
Chalmers continues in his successes three years later
BY BLAKE SCHUSTER
bschuster@kansan.com
It's been nearly three years since Mario Chalmers sunk the three-pointer that virtually won Kansas the NCAA title, yet the fans at the Oread Hotel Saturday for Mario and Almarie Chalmers' book signing were still congratulating him on it. In the book, "The Ball is in Your Court", Almarie Chalmers discusses raising Mario and his sister. The fans came in droves, carrying Chalmers memorabilia, talking about the shot like it happened yesterday.
like it happened to his days at Bartlett High School in Anchorage, Ala., Chalmers always came through in clutch, having many last-second game-winning shots. This trait carried over to his collegiate career where Chalmers had many unforgettable game-winning shots.
"He just wanted to win, and would do whatever it takes," former Kansas, and current Charlotte Bobcats guard Sherron Collins said.
That work ethic played a big part in Chalmers starting all 82 games with the Miami Heat in his rookie season.
"It was a great experience for me," Chalmers said at the book signing. "I
worked hard trying to get that spot, and I was able to get it"
and I was too late to get there.
Chalmers went on to average 10 points, 4.9 assists and 2 steals per game that season.
game that he and his sophomore season with Miami, Chalmers started again as starting point guard, until the Heat acquired Carlos Arrovo.
the Titleie Leap. While the Miami Heat had the luxury of two strong ball handlers, Chalmers was finding himself in a tougher battle for the starting role, but kept his spirits high.
"It was a good move to help out our team." Chalmers said.
Chalmers played in 73 games his second season, but only started 22.
The following summer would be a life-changer for Chalmers. The Miami Heat's front office was busy, and in the current season, the Heat acquired Lebron James, Chris Bosh, as well as resigning Dwayne Wade.
Still, this was a positive summer for Chalmers when the team around him attained championship caliber.
him attained champion jockey.
"I was excited." Chalmers said.
"Any time a player gets to play with those three guys it's a great opportunity, and a lot of fun."
This season Chalmers has played in 50 games and has started 14 of them; Carlos Arroyo has started 42.
Chalmers has come a long way from his superstar status in college. During his three years at Kansas, Chalmers started 96 of the 110 games he played.
games he played.
"I went from being a star, to that guy, to just another person on the team," Chalmers said, "in high school I was the man, in college I was the man, and in the NBA it's kind of hard to be the man when your playing behind those guys."
in playing While his NCAA glory days are behind him, Chalmer's relives his experience with clips of his miracle shot in the 2008 championship game.
"I probably watch it every two weeks." Chalmers said with a grin.
He says he still practices every shot like it's the last of the game.
"Every time I'm shooting I'm counting down 3,2,1 in my head, it's something I've been doing since high school." Chalmers said.
high school. While his role in the NBA has yet to be solidified, Chalmers is still working on becoming "the man" on the professional level, and he hasn't lost his will to win.
"I'll just keep working." Chalmers said.
Edited by Emily Soetaert
Almarie and Mario Chalmers sign Almarie Chalmer's book, "The Ball is in Your Court, Embracing Your Child's Dream," Saturday night. The Oread Hotel hosted the signing session in its main lobby from 4 to 6 p.m.
Jayhawks claim victory against top-ranked Horned Frogs
BY MIKE VERNON
mvernon@kansan.com
The Kansas baseball team entered this season with multiple question marks across the roster. After a wild weekend in Fort Worth, Texas, one of those questions has been answered.
It was a big opening weekend for the Kansas baseball team, which after dropping its first two games, came back strong with a 14th-inning win in Forth Worth against Texas Christian University. In that wild 14-inning game, closer Colton Murray, a junior pitcher, gave the
Jayhawks seven strong . innings out of the bullpen.
Murray, who has had consistency issues in the past, was instrumental in the Jayhawks'
Murray
victory Sunday against the topranked Horned Frogs. In his seven innings pitched, he gave up seven hits and allowed only two runs.
Murray pitched five consecutive scoreless innings after giving up a game-tying run in the eighth. The junior pitcher managed to get out of
several jams late in the ballgame.
"Ive never had to get out of that many (jams)," Murray said. "I just tried to keep my mind set straight, and just go after the hitter and not worry about anything else."
worry about anything. Zac Elgie had a two-run double in the top of the 14th, which allowed freshman indefender Tucker Tharp and senior outfielder Jimmy Waters to score, giving Kansas a late two-run lead. With a pitch count approaching 100, Murray had to dig deep to muster the energy to finish TCU off.
the energy When asked about his arm wearing down, Murray said, "I feel it now, but during the game I really didn't
feel it at all."
Starting pitcher sophomore Tanner Poppe also proved himself Sunday, giving up only three hits and one run in six innings.
in the bottom of the 14th, with a 4-2 Kansas lead, Murray gave up a home run to TCU's Joe Weik. The teams were separated by one run, and the pressure was on Murray. Murray briefly struggled, allowing TCU to load the bases with two outs. Murray responded to the pressure by striking out Brance Rivera to end the game.
the series. Walz, a senior, walked four batters and gave up seven hits and seven earned runs as Kansas fell 8-2 in the opening game of the series.
The Jahawk's Friday starting pitcher, TJ. Walz, also struggled with his control during the first game of
series
"TJ, Walz really struggled Friday night," coach Ritch Price said. "He walked more guys Friday night than I've seen him walk in the four years he's been in our program."
he's been in his pajamas
Saturday's starter, Wally Marciel,
had a strong night, pitching five
innings and up giving three runs off
of seven hits. TCU's starting pitcher,
Kyle Winkler, only gave up one hit to
the Jayhawks Saturday, and Kansas
fell 8-1.
especially against a team like this', senior shortstop Brandon Macias said after Saturday's game.
After Sunday, the team learned from its previous days' faults and got the job done with a 4-3 victory on Sunday. Coach Price is now 6-3 against No. 1-ranked teams, and the team returns home with momentum, and confidence in their closer, after a victory against the top-handed Horned Frogs.
"One run is never going to do it.
Edited by Helen Mubarak
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