University Daily Kansan / Wednesday, February 1, 1989
Sports
13
Big 8 Conference is holding its own
The Associated Press
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Having two of the top five teams in the country, the Big Eight Conference is ready to lay to rest rumors of its fall from basketball grace.
"It's good to see the Big Eight up there on top," said Missouri coach Norm Stewart, whose Tigers are No. 5 in this week's Associated Press top 20 poll.
"It means the Big Eight is still alive and well," said Billy Tubbs, coach of the first-ranked Oklahoma Sooners. "Everybody talked about the Big Eight dropping off because we lost some great people last year, but you never heard the Big Eight coaches say it would drop off. We're the only conference in the country with two teams in the top five. I think that speaks well for the conference. I think it's another great happening for our league."
Kansas, which lost at home 71-70 to Kansas State on Saturday, fell out of the top 20. Kansas was No. 18 last week.
last week.
"I wasn't surprised at that, but I am surpressed Missouri remained fifth," said Kansas coach Roy Williams, whose team plays the Tigers tonight in Lawrence. "I thought they'd move up. I really think they should."
The Tigers were ranked fifth when the weekend action began. They and then-No. 4 Oklahoma were the only teams in the top five that managed to win. But while Oklahoma rose to No. 5, souri, with an 18-3 record to show against Oklahoma's 17-2, stayed put.
"Where is Missouri?" Tubbs asked Monday during the Big Eight coach briefing. "No. 87 Rally? I thought Missouri should
So did Danny Nee, whose Nebraska team was clobbered at home Saturday by Missouri, 89-72.
I think we should have the No.1
and No. 2 teams in the country."
Nee said. "Norm can put many different type teams on the floor. They can go to a small, quick team when they bring Anthony Peeler and Nathan Buntin on the bench, or they can put a big, strong team on the floor. They're very versatile in how they play."
Missouri certainly has nothing to be ashamed of when nationally ranked teams compare schedules. Its non-conference foes have included Illinois, Arkansas and Memphis State.
memphis's big game against Kansas will be the Tigers' third straight road game. They will be back home Saturday to face Kansas State before returning to the road to duel Oklahoma.
Stewart said he was happy for his buddy Billy Tubbs.
"I hear Oklahoma is No. 1 and I'm really pleased about that," Stewart said. "They're very deserving. I think Billy's done a great job again. It's nice to see the Big Eight up on top."
What does he think that does for the Big Eight?
"I don't think we need anything done for the Big Eight," Stewart said. "We're all drawing real well. There's a lot of interest. We've got good players. Everything seems to be going great, so I don't know if we need to do anything for the Big Eight."
Oklahoma center Stacey King, who scored 48 points, leading the Sooners past Nevada-Las Vegas on Saturday, was named Big Eight player of the week.
"Stacey's starting to come into his after his injury." Tubbs said. "He's done a remarkable job considering the situation he was in. He had hurt his shoulder before the game in practice on Friday. Stacey responds pretty well to those things. He had a hot hand and did a good job."
Jayhawks to face Tigers tonight; Williams calls it 'battle of inches'
bv Mike Considine
Kansas coach Roy Williams is looking for the right nutritional balance. Williams said he wanted a pregame meal that would make his team biger, stronger and tougher than it had been all season.
Kansan sportswriter
"This game is going to be a battle of inches," Williams said. "We're both going to be battling for the same turf."
for it that hard. For a few moments, he sounded like a football coach when discussing tonight's Kansas-Missouri game.
He said the Joyhawks (16-4 overall, 3-2 in the Big Eight Improvement) would have to improve their interior defense and rebounding against the Tigers.
fighters.
"We're going to have to do a much better job of boxing out (on rebounds), and we have to pressure out front to prevent their entry passes." Williams said.
Missouri (18.3, 4.0), ranked fifth in The Associated Press poll, leads the Big Eight in rebound margin. The Tigers average 43.6 rebounds a game, 8.4 more than their opponents.
The Tigers' starting frontline of 6-foot-10 Doug Smith. 6-8 Mike Sandbette and 7-1 Gary Leonard is eight taller and 35 pounds heavier than their Kansas counterparts. They are supported by 6-9 junior Nathan Buntin and 6-8 senior Greg Church.
Kansas has just two players over 6-7. One of them, 6-10 senior Sean Alvarado, has been limited to 20 minutes per game in the last three games because of a stress fracture
Another frontcourt player, forward Freeman West, is playing with a sorrained thumb.
"Probably our weakest point is our depth up front and lack of size." Williams said. "We've been able to handle it a lot of the time. It will be a great challenge for us because Missouri probably has more depth up from any team in the country."
Kansas guard Jeff Gueldner said the Jayhawks would need to have a
"Our guards have to do a better job on the boards," Gueldner said. "Kansas State got a lot of long rebounds off outside shots. If we don't get those, it puts too much pressure on our big guys."
total team rebounding effort.
Williams said he was impressed with Missouri's versatility.
"I think they (Tigers) are a well-ruled team," he said. "They may be the most talented team I've ever seen."
Guard Byron Irvin, a 6-6 junior,
leads the Tigers in scoring and is third in conference with a 21.1 points per game average. Smith averages 14 points and 7.1 rebounds per game.
Point guard Lee Ceward (12.2) and freshman Anthony Peeler (10.2) are in double figures.
"They've got a lot of weapons," Guelder said. "It's hard to focus on one area. We have to do a good job with our basic defense. Against Kansas State, we broke down in our man-to-man defense."
Gueldern, who is hampered by calcium deposits in his left thigh, said Missouri's offense was more effective than a year ago.
"Last year, when they got down to crunch time, they'd run a play for (former all-conference forward Derrick) Chievous." Gueldner said. "This year they have so many players that they can depend on in a clutch situation."
"They're so talented that if we go out there and don't play our game, we're in for a long night," he said.
Williams said he thought Missouri had earned its ranking because the teams they had lost to were all from Alabama, North Carolina and Syracuse).
He said Kansas needed to attempt more free throws and have more fast break opportunities to be successful against the Tigers.
Williams said he thought Kansas had played to its capabilities in every game before the 71-70 loss to Kansas State on Saturday.
"I think it's essential to get all of
Game 21
Kansas Jayhawks
Coach: Roy Williams
Record: 16-4 (3-2)
Missouri Tigers
Coach: Norm Stewart
Record: 18-3 (4-0)
PROBABLE STARTERS
Player Ht. Ppg Player Ht. Ppg
F-Mark Randall 6-9 17.1 F-Doug Smith 6-10 14.0
F-Milt Newton 6-4 16.7 F-Mike Sandbothe 6-8 6.0
C-Sean Alvarado 6-10 4.7 C-Gary Leonard 7-1 9.1
G-Kevin Pritchard 6-3 14.9 G-Byron Irvin 6-6 21.1
G-Scooter Barry 6-4 7.8 G-Cee Law 6-1 12.2
**Game notes:** Kansas leads the series 138-78. The Jayhawks are 62-29 in Lawrence against the Tigers. The Jayhawks have won 8 of the last 11 games in the series, which has been played annually since 1907. The game is number 11 on the student ticket package. It will be telecast on ESPN (cable channel 18). It will be broadcast on KLZR-106 FM and KJHK 90.7 FM. Tipoff is 9:08 at Allen Field House.
our guys playing at a high level." Williams said. "Last week, we followed up what might have been our best performance of the year with maybe our worst performance of the year."
year.
Gueldner said the Jayhawks were capable of defeating Missouri.
captain of our team.
"We have a lot of confidence in what we can do," he said. "There's no doubt we can win if things go our way and have a total team effort."
NOTES
basketball analyst Dick Vitale calls Williams the best rookie coach of the non-conference season in his column in the Feb. 15 issue of Basketball Times. He also calls the Jayhawks a "lean, mean, winning machine."
Despite Kansas' poor shooting performance in Saturday's 71-70 loss to Kansas State, the Jayhawks maintained first place in the Big Eight in field goal percentage (701 of 1276, 54.9
percent). Kansas increased its league-leading three-point field goal percentage to 45.4.
Individually, Mill Newton is second (43 of 86, 50 percent) and Kevin Prichard is fourth (34 of 75, 45.3 percent) in three-point percentage
Missouri is second in team free throw percentage at 70.5. Kansas ranks third. The Jayhawks have made 767 of 538 free throws (69.9 percent). The individual leader is Newton, who has made 514 of 61 foul shots. Newton is fourth in the Big Eight this season. Last year, he made just 44 of 78 attempts (56.4 percent).
Newton and sophomore Mark Randall are the only Jayhawks among the Big Eight scoring leaders for all games played. Newton is averaging 17.1 points per game for seventh place. Randall is eighth with a 16.7 average. In Big Eight games their averages are slightly lower.
KU's senior swimmers recall fondest memories of careers
by Brett Brenner
Kansan sportswriter
For 10 seniors on the Kansas swimming and diving teams, Saturday's dual meet against Missouri will be the last home meet of their college careers.
"This is the best group of seniors that we've ever had," said Kansas swimming coach K Gary Memp. "Not only do we lead in leadership and be great people.
"One of the hardest parts of this job is watching them leave. But on the other hand, I can watch them be successful."
The seniors on the Kansas swim team will be honored Saturday at their last home meet of their college careers, in Robinson Natatorium. They are (to left) Allan Chanen, Dave Youker, Bobby Kelley, Glenn Trammel,
successful Here's a look at the seniors :
Here is a look at the seminal
Blanca Castillo is from San Francisco majoring in Spanish and Latin American studies. She has been a member of the Puerto Rican National team.
National team.
As a freshman, she placed fourth in the Big Eight Championships in both the 100- and 200-yard butterfly. As a sophomore, she placed third in the 200-yard butterfly and fourth in the 100-yard butterfly. Last season, Castillo finished second in the 200-yard butterfly and fourth in the 100-yard butterfly.
"When you're a freshman you kind of justmouth the words to the alma mater (school song), but when you are a senior, you really sing," Castillo said. "Honestly, from the bounds of my heart, I really feel that these guys want us back, now I hope we sit down and talk about all of the good times we've had."
Bobby Kelley, a mathmatics major, is from Easley, S.C. Kelley said that a Kansas-Oklahoma basketball game attracted him to Kansas. The Jayhawks won the game and a swimming recruit.
kersey set four goals when he came to Kansas. He wanted to qualify for the NCAA Championships, win an event at the Big Eight Championships, and help the team to a Big Eight Championship and a top-20.
ranking
He has fulfilled half of his goals,
making his first trip to the NCAA
Championships this spring and helping
the Jayhawks to a No. 19 ranking
In The Associated Press poll.
Last season at the Big Eight
Sue Spry is a community health major from Chicago. She said that her favorite memory of swimming at Kansas was the NCA4 Championship meet her freshman year.
Championships, Kelley placed fourth in the 400-yard individual medley, sixth in the 500-yard freestyle, and tenth in the 200-yard breaststroke. At the 1988 Olympic Trials, he finished 24th in the 400-yard individual medley.
She said that when she came to the University of Kansas she set one major goal — to be able to compete at the NCAA level. She has been to the last three years, but not to compete an individual event, yet.
individual event, yes.
"It's still in the back of my mind when I swim," she said.
"The competition and the atmosphere was just tremendous," Spry said.
"In high school, I was so alone; it has been really nice to be part of a team just to compete on reps and an experience the team atmosphere,"
sale said.
- Dave Youker is from Ft. Wayne, Ind., and is majoring in education.
Spry said that being a part of a team was a good experience.
Dan Mendenhall, (lower left), Jenny Fischer, Barbara Ann Smith, Erin Easton, Sue Spry, and Blanca Castillo. The team swims Missouri in a dual meet.
Youker said that he came to Kansas for three reasons; it was a big school; it had a good swimming team; and it had a top-10 basketball team.
least has gone to the NCAA Championships each of her three years and made her mark at the Big Eight Championships. In 1877, she set a national record in medley. Last season, she placed second in the 200-yard individual
Erin Easton came to Kansas from San Antonio, Texas, and is majoring in health education. She said that she was attracted to the Kansas swimming program because of Kempf's caring attitude.
Youker said that his favorite memory of swimming at Kansas could be when he receives his K-ring at the end of the season at the swimming banquet. A swimmer receives a K-ring after swimming for four years.
swimming for four years.
"I've really loved it there," Youker
said. "It's been a lot of fun."
mean, and is majoring in pre-means. He said that unlike many other college teachers, he separate their men's and women's teams. the Karsas squad was close-knit.
medley and third in the 200-yard breaststroke at the Big Eight meet. Allan Chanen is from Farbanks, Alaska, and is majoring in pre-med.
Chaney placed third last season in the 50-yard freestyle and eighth in the 100-yard butterfly during the Big Eight Championships.
"The team is together a lot." Chaney said. "It is like one big family."
"No one expected anything from me," Fisher said. "I can remember the very first meeting we had, before school had started my freshman year. I was so nervous. We had to stand up and introduce ourselves."
State University of Alabama
Dan Mendenhall is from Pleasant
Hill, Calif., and is majoring in business
administration and accounting.
■ Jenny Fisher is an exercise science major from Goddard. She walked on the team when she was a freshman.
Mendenhall said that he would remember swimming on the 400-yard
When Mendenhall came to Kansas, the team had finished fourth in the Big Eight the year before. He said his goal was to help turn around the program.
medley relay team that won the Big Eight Championships last season. The victory set a new school record
program:
■ Barbara Ann Smith is a theater/
media arts major from Laguna
Niguel, Calif.
Although Smith wants to place at the NCAA Championships this year, she has not had many long term goals.
Her most memorable moment in her Jayhawk swimming career was when the women's team won the reference last season.
conference last season
■ Glenn Trammel is an economics major from Topeka.
rrammel said that he would remember his sophomore year at the NCAA Championships. Not only was he named an All-American, he seated second backstroke, and he had the chance to spend one-one time with Kempf and his staff.
"It's family here," Trammel said. "Everyone helps everyone out."
Sports Briefs
SPANISH PRINCE KILLED: Stunned officials were investigating the death of Prince Alfonso de Boron of Spain, who died Monday after he skied into a cable stretched across the finish line of the men's downhill course at the World Alpine Ski Championships.
in the World War II era. Alfonso de Borbon, $2, a cousin of King Juan Carlos and a member of the international governing body of ski racing, had been free-skiing with companions when he collided with the cable, which was being raised to support a banner at the finish line of Beaver Creek Resort.
a baiter, but no official cause of death has been determined. Jeff Beavers of the Eagle County Sheriff's
Department said the prince suffered severe neck lacerations.
The incident occurred at about 4 p.m. as the slalom course was being converted for downhill competition. SUTTON MAY WRITE BOOK: Eddie Sutton said he might write a tell-all book about the NCAA probe of his basketball program if he doesn't return as head coach at the University of Kentucky.
Sutton said Monday that he had been offered an advance guarantee of at least $100,000 from New York literary agents to write the book about the specifics of the probe.
Three more ballplayers sign deals
NEW YORK — Teddy Higuera, Tracy Jones and John Russell agreed to new contracts yesterday, reducing the players in salary arbitration in major-league baseball to 65.
The Associated Press
Milwaukee Brewers on a one-year contract worth $1,525 million, a raise of $500,000.
Higuera, who is recovering from hernia surgery, settled with the
In addition, he would get a $100,000 bonus for winning the Cy Young Award, $40,000 for making the All-Star team, $25,000 for being named Most Valuable Player of the playoffs and $25,000 for World
Series MVP.
Higuera was 16-9 last season with a 2.45 earned run average, the second-lowest in the American League and the 8-38 in four major league seasons.
Jones and San Francisco agreed to a one-year deal for $300,000, a raise of $142,500.