Monthly Archives: March 2008

Detroit, Day 2 (so far)

March 28, 20087:37 p.m.

Every once in a while, even after writing about sports for 35 years, I see something I’ve never seen before. And I’ve never seen a player like Stephen Curry carry a team like Davidson into an Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament. Curry, a sophomore guard, is incredible. You might have seen the game in which Davidson handled _ and I mean, handled _ Wisconsin. So you don’t need me to tell you how good Curry is.

What’s impressive is the way he carries himself on the floor, with pure class. And while I’m lauding Curry, I should do the same for Davidson point guard Jason Richards, who is almost as valuable. It’s as if the perfect storm has come together for Davidson with Richards and Curry in the same backcourt. They know what the other is doing before they do it. Impressive. Really impressive. Don’t think Kansas (which is getting ready to play Villanova as I write this) caught a break by Davidson beating the Badgers. If KU ends up playing Davidson, it won’t be easy. It will be interesting to see who guards Curry. I’m guessing it will be Chalmers, but he’ll need a lot of help. And Kansas’ athleticism on the front line will be an asset in the scramble to keep Curry from going crazy offensively. Wisconsin’s big guys couldn’t do much to help.

One of the great hot dogs in officiating, Ted Valentine, is set to work the Kansas-Villanova game. He’s not a bad official, but his antics are something to see.

I enjoyed talking to Stephen Curry yesterday for a story that appeared in The Eagle today. He’s humble and happy with his lot in life. Why wouldn’t he be? The guy is the biggest star in college basketball as the NCAA Tournament enters its Elite Eight round. I know this _ I’m going to vote for him very high on my Wooden Award ballot, which is due Monday.

Take care. The KU game is about to begin. I should probably pay attention.

By Bob | Filed under Uncategorized | Comments (2)

Detroit, Day 1

March 27, 20084:34 p.m.

First of all, this is no place for college basketball. It’s too vast. Wait until you see it on television tomorrow. In some venues, the fans are right on top of the action. Here, they might as well be in Kalamazoo. There will be no atmosphere, which belies the fact that 70,000 or so people will be at Ford Field for the games. I’m not a big fan of this place. I’m sure it’s a wonderful place for the Detroit Lions, but there are just a few too many Lions vibes around here for my tastes.

Don’t really have a feel for the city yet, as all I’ve done is take a cab from the airport to our downtown hotel, the Marriott, and ride the media shuttle to Ford Field. I’m not sure I want a feel for the city, although a few of “the guys” are probably headed somewhere tonight to watch the NCAA games. Can’t wait to see the Louisville-Tennessee and North Carolina-Washington State games. Of course, I’m interested in Xavier-West Virginia, too. Bob Huggins can flat coach. I wonder what Kansas State would have done with Huggins on the bench this season? That’s not a slap to Frank Martin, but Huggins is one of the best coaches in the game. I think K-State would have done better than 9-7 in the Big 12 and I think the Wildcats would still be around in the NCAA Tournament if Huggins hadn’t bolted for his alma mater.

It’s been snowing here for the past several hours. And not just a little bit. I wonder if the media people in Charlotte, Phoenix and Houston are dealing with snow? My guess is that they’re not.

Our contingent down here is a good one. Kansas State beat writer Jeffrey Martin is bringing his immense talent to covering Kansas the rest of the way. Of course, we have the tireless Rick Plumlee, who in my opinion is one of the best beat reporters at any paper in the country. And Scott Paske is here to take care of the stuff only Scott Paske can take care of. He’s working on a feature about Villanova guard Scottie Reynolds for tomorrow’s paper. Of course, photographers Jeff Tuttle and Travis Heying are on the scene, as well. Those guys sure do take pretty pictures.

There’s a little bit of a weird setup here for the media (as if you care). The workroom is in the basement of Ford Field; the interview area is two floors up. I’m just saying it’s weird, not bad.  I don’t mind Final Fours being played in indoor football facilities. But I still think regionals should be held in basketball venues, just in case the folks at the NCAA are reading this and want my opinion.

This is an exciting time of the year for a couple of reasons. First and foremost, I’m fortunate enough to get to cover the NCAA Tournament, my favorite event. But it also means basketball season is nearly over and there’s that week of time off coming in April that I look forward to so much. I’m planning on pulling out the clubs then and trying to get a little better at golf. Last year, I didn’t play nearly enough and my game suffered.

OK, enough for now. I’ll check in tomorrow, before the games. There will be plenty of time, since the Wisconsin-Davidson game doesn’t tip off until after 7 p.m. (EDT). KU gets going at 9:40, which means deadline pressure. One of these days, I’m going to fold under that pressure.

By Bob | Filed under Uncategorized | Comments (3)

Omaha Day 3

March 21, 200812:18 p.m.

It’s not looking good for Drake as I write this, which means it’s not looking good for me. I have the Bulldogs into the Sweet 16 in my bracket, but they currently trail Western Kentucky by 13 points with about 12 minutes left in the second half. I also picked Davidson to get to the Sweet 16, but it trails Gonzaga with about 10 minutes left. Fortunately, I didn’t turn in my bracket this year, the first time I can remember not doing so. I think the humiliation of losing year after year finally got to me.

Last week, I asked you who you would select as the top five college basketball players in the history of the state of Kansas. I appreciate the many responses I received, which you can read in the comments of that particular post. I also promised I would give you mine. The top five players are, I believe: Wilt Chamberlain, Danny Manning, Dave Stallworth, Bob Boozer and Xavier McDaniel. Now, that’s hardly a team _ all of those guys are frontcourt players; there are no guards. So if I had to pick a starting lineup from the great Kansas players from the past _ and present _ I would go like this: Point guard: Kirk Hinrich; shooting guard: Mitch Richmond; Power forward: Michael Beasley; Small forward: Dave Stallworth; Center: Wilt Chamberlain. Why is Beasley on the second team and not the first? Because he has played only one season at K-State and, that being the case, I can’t put him on my all-time Top 5. But if I were going to pick a lineup to start an NCAA Tournament game with, I’d be crazy not to include Beasley. And I’m not crazy. At least not right now.

Looks like I’ll be visiting a new city next week, Detroit. Well, Detroit is not really a new city, obviously. It’s been around for a long time. But I’ve never been to Detroit or, amazingly, the state of Michigan. So I’ll be crossing another state off my list, leaving only: Maine, Oregon, North Dakota, Montana, Washington, Idaho and Montana on my to-do list. I’m told Ford Field, which is the site of the Midwest Regional and is in downtown Detroit, is a fabulous facility. I’m also told that downtown Detroit is a little sketchy. People who have been to Ford Field and Comerica Park, home of the Tigers, tell me to be sure not to talk in that area after the sun goes down. Sounds scary, doesn’t it? Have any of you been to Detroit. Do you have any suggestions for things to do in the area of Ford Field that won’t result in my mugging? If so, be sure and drop me a line here. This all assumes, of course, that Kansas or Kansas State _ or both _ win their second-round NCAA Tournament games tomorrow. I’m sure KU will and I’m thinking K-State will, too, although Wisconsin will be a big test. The Badgers won’t let the Wildcats push them around, the way K-State did Southern California on Thursday night. But Wisconsin isn’t a supremely athletic team, so Kansas State will have a nice edge there. The more I get to see Beasley play basketball, the better. So a K-State win would be nice, setting up one heck of a week in Detroit.

I brought my iPod with me this week, so as I’m working I’m also listening to some tunes. That was a good idea. When you’re covering an NCAA Tournament, you spend hours upon hours at the arena. It’s a blast, but there is a significant amount of down time. The iPod is coming in handy. I’m also watching some NCAA games on my computer. This Davidson-Gonzaga game is becoming a classic with about three minutes to go.

I’ll write more later. Good to talk to you. Now, talk back.

By Bob | Filed under Uncategorized | Comments (8)

Omaha

March 19, 20083:45 p.m.

We’re here and it couldn’t be better. First of all, Omaha is a hop, skip and a jump from Wichita. Secondly, we made the trip up in a rented Ford Expedition, which costs about $300 a day. Just kidding, Eagle high-up types. But we packed four of us, with ample luggage, into the vehicle and had a comfortable ride up. We departed at 6 a.m. and arrived here around 11. My buddy Scott Paske drove the last 100 miles or so while I nodded off. Except I kept dreaming he was falling asleep at the wheel, which jolted me awake.

As I write this, I’m listening to the Eagles on my iPod. This is the first time I’ve listened to music while covering the NCAA Tournament. I kind of like it.

The day before games is spent listening interviews with players and coaches from the eight teams. There’s not usually any revealing stuff said, but it’s interesting to hear the coaches, especially, respond to questions. I’m going to write about KU coach Bill Self for Saturday. I think he’s one of the best guys in the business. I’ve been around him in this setting a lot in the past five years and nobody handles a news conference better _ including Self’s predecessor at KU, Roy Williams. The thing about Self is that he gives thoughtful answers to every question. He never demeans the person asking the question, even if  the query is absurd. And believe me, some are. Personally, I have never asked a dumb question, but I know reporters who have. Don’t ask me _ I’m not naming names. Anyway, I think Self is a fascinating person and coach. And I’m pulling for him to get to a Final Four. I know, that’s not being unbiased. Sometimes, the human being in me comes out. I hate that.

I received a couple of e-mails today asking why I always write about Kansas State and not KU. Oh, brother. That’s the kind of correspondence with readers that drives me insane. People actually believe I favor one or the other. If they only knew. But what can I do except continue to re-iterate that I look for the best stories and columns without regard to the schools. Today, I had a column about Kansas State’s David Hoskins, who missed the season with a knee injury. Tomorrow, I’m writing about K-State senior guard Clent Stewart, who has had to deal with the February death of his mother. That doesn’t mean I won’t be writing about Kansas. Tomorrow, I’m going to write columns out of both the KU-Portland State and Kansas State-Southern California games. People, I DO NOT HAVE ANY FAVORITES!!!

I was blown away by the conversation I had with Clent Stewart, Sr., Clent’s father, Tuesday night. You can read what he has to say about his son, about his late wife and about the relationships in his family in my Thursday column. He was gracious with his time _ I reached him at work; he’s an office manager for Office Depot in Oklahoma City. I was very impressed and wish the best for the Stewart family.

I like the direction of the St. Louis Cardinals. I’m not expecting a lot this season _ actually, I would be happy with 85 wins. But, finally, the Cardinals are infusing their organization with some young, talented players. There are probably 12-15 players at the Double-A and Triple-A levels who will soon get a chance to contribute in St. Louis. Players like Jim Edmonds, Scott Rolen, David Eckstein and others had a lot of success with the Cardinals, but it was time to let them go. I’m eager for players such as Colby Rasmus, Joe Mather, Brendan Ryan, Chris Perez, Jason Motte, Mike Parisi and a bunch of others to get their shots.

By Bob | Filed under Uncategorized | Comments (3)

Sprint Center

March 14, 20084:25 p.m.

Those of us not from Kansas City are getting a little tired of all the boasting being done by the Kansas Citians because of their new downtown arena. But I have to admit, this place is nice. It has changed the landscape of downtown and, even though the city doesn’t have a professional sports franchise, the Sprint Center is attracting the kind of concerts and events that will make it successful. It’s just too bad nobody in Kansas City could figure out how to put the baseball and football stadiums downtown.

There is so much hoopla for this tournament, yet not much is on the line. I think Kansas State is in the NCAA Tournament, regardless of what the Wildcats do tonight against Texas A&M. Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas A&M and Texas also are in, I believe, while Baylor is on the bubble. So what am I looking for? I’m looking to see if Kansas State can find that spark the Wildcats have been missing for a few weeks. They really haven’t been impressive in a game for nearly a month and that’s not a good sign at all with the NCAA Tournament looming. As for KU, I’m looking to see if they can avoid the kind of malaise that struck them in their three losses: at Kansas State, at Texas, at Oklahoma State. Although it’s not really fair to say they were in a malaise at K-State or Texas; those two teams played extremely well in beating Kansas.

There are a ton of media folks in the room here where I’m typing this. Within my sight are Arne Green from the Salina Journal, Blair Kerkhoff and Jason Whitlock from the Kansas City Star, Tom Keegan from the Lawrence Journal-World and a bunch of guys whose faces I know but whose names I have not yet applied to memory. I just know you all were interested in who was working in the media room.

Glad to see the Cardinals pick up another pitcher, even if it was right-hander Kyle Lohse. His numbers don’t jump off the page, but he’s healthy and he is capable of pitching a lot of innings. That’s what the Cardinals need most right now _ a workhorse. I’m almost always optimistic about the Cardinals’ chances at this time of the year, but I feel a lot of apprehension about 2008. For it to be better than I expect, the Cardinals need to get injured pitchers Matt Clement and Joel Pineiro healthy and they need to get some production from middle infielders Adam Kennedy and Cesar Izturis. Not a lot, just some. Much more later on the Cardinals. I’ll preview the baseball season in a blog soon.

I’m going to wait until next week to divulge my all-time state of Kansas top five college basketball players to allow you readers more time to weigh in. I’m telling you: This state can hold its own with any other when it comes to the quality of college players. If you’ve spent any time trying to come up with a list of five, I’m not telling you anything you don’t already know.

Why am I suddenly so prolific on this blog? These are the questions that pop into my mind. As for this one, I have no answer.

Looking forward to sitting next to my Eagle cohort Rick Plumlee during the KU-Nebraska game. Rick and I go back a long time; we started at the Eagle in the mid-1970s together. Rick has mellowed in all of those years, but not much. Which is why I love him. Mellowing isn’t what it’s cracked up to be.

Check back soon.

By Bob | Filed under Uncategorized | Comments (4)

Two days in a row

March 13, 20087:50 p.m.

This is good for me. I am blogging more and enjoying it so much. Yeah.

Anyway, I was at the YMCA the other day and this woman approaches me. She’s attractive, probably in her mid- to late-30s. She’s looking at me and I’m thinking, in that typical vain male way: “She’s checking me out. I must look pretty good here on the treadmill. Oh, yeah.” She gets closer and her eyes are fixated on me, much the way women’s eyes are normally fixated on Patrick Dempsey or Brad Pitt. She begins to talk and I can’t wait to hear what she is going to say. I’m sweaty, unkempt, but I just know she’s going to drop some magic words.

Here is what she said: “Good for you.”  Then she walked out the door. “Good for you?” What does that mean? I took it to mean that she thought she was looking at this pathetic old geezer who is at least doing something to better himself. And she thought she was being kind by acknowledging that. She wasn’t being kind. Her intentions were probably good, but the result is that I know pity myself. Well, I kind of pitied myself before that, but now I really pity myself. Is this where I am in life? (Don’t answer that).

Heading to Kansas City tomorrow for the Big 12 Tournament. Looking forward to my first trip to the Sprint Center downtown. Planning on walking around the Power and Light District a little bit before the game to get a feel, and to anticipate what we might be able to do with the area surrounding our new downtown arena. I love it when cities upgrade their cores and I’m excited about it happening in Wichita.

I’m hearing Jim Littell, who I proposed in my column today would be a great fit as Wichita State’s new women’s basketball coach, is on the radar. Maybe even coming in for a landing. His flaps are down. When I get started on airplane humor, it’s difficult for me to stop. I know Littell a little bit and he’s a class guy as well as a very good basketball coach. I think he would do a fantastic job at Wichita State.

Baylor’s loss to Colorado today in the tournament puts the Bears squarely on the NCAA Tournament bubble. And while I think Kansas State is in, regardless of what the Wildcats do in the Big 12 quarterfinals tonight, it would be wise for K-State to win, just in case.

Thanks for reading. And don’t forget to send me your picks for the top five college players in Kansas basketball history. Not just KU _ but also K-State and Wichita State. I’m getting pretty good response on this question and will give the results next week. Or you can just read through the comments yourself and tabulate your own results.

More tomorrow. I’m on a roll. How long can it be sustained?

By Bob | Filed under Uncategorized | Comments (1)

Sports is me

March 12, 20081:51 p.m.

Blogging, I’m assured, is the wave of the future. I’m 53 years old and have been in newspapers since I was 17. Suddenly, I don’t know much, especially about the wave of the future. My friends, Denise Neil and Lori Linenberger, have tried to drag me into the 21st century. They’re so hip (cough). They tell me that a daily blog entry from yours truly will enhance our website, kansas.com, as it has never been enhanced. As those three or four people who have followed my blog religiously know, I have struggled with this concept. Here’s why: I write a sports column that appears in the newspaper at least four times a week, sometimes more. I am on the radio for Sports Daily two hours a day, five times a week. My simple query is this: Does anybody really need more of Bob Lutz?

But apparently there is an insatiable appetite for my musings. That was said tongue in cheek, for those of you not adept at ironic humor.

I have included personal stuff in my past blogs. I will still do that, on occasion, but beginning today this blog will take a decided turn toward sports. And issues. And anything, really. But mostly sports.

I want to begin a debate, or at least a discussion, two or three times a week. I will post the results of said discussions, provided I can built enough momentum to get them going.

Today, I want us to pick the five best basketball players in the history of college basketball in Kansas. Tough one, huh? But fun. ESPN recently used a “blue-ribbon” panel (which is slightly better than a red-ribbon panel) to name the best 25 players in the history of college basketball. I love lists. And I’m sure you love lists, too. So have at it, blog readers. Pick your top five college hoopsters for the state of Kansas; players at Kansas, Kansas State or Wichita State. Or, if you think someone who played at Fort Hays State is deserving of Top 5 status, include him. Send them to me here and I’ll post the results soon. And I’ll also give you my top five.

What an idea, huh? This blog is going to take off.

By Bob | Filed under Uncategorized | Comments (18)

State tournaments and other things

March 7, 20084:28 p.m.

My day is off to a good start. Olathe South has been defeated in the semifinals of the Class 6A girls state tournament at White Auditorium in Emporia. I’m not sure why I dislike Olathe schools so much. Actually, I am. It stems back to Jon McFall, who used to (or still does?) coach the Olathe South boys team. McFall is a nice enough guy, but a geek. He used to wear the same thing to every game _ khaki pants and a silly looking blue and gold rugby shirt. McFall turned me off of Olathe; in fact, when I’m driving to Kansas City I take a different route just so I don’t have to go through Olathe. That’s a lie, but if there was a different route, I might think about it.

I’m here for the celebration of the Wichita City League (and Goddard) that is about to ensue. I grew up in Derby and will always have great affection for the Panthers. But I’m a City League guy from my days as a high school beat writer for The Eagle. That’s where I got my start in journalism and it’s really where I learned to do what I now do so very well. That’s a cheap plug, but I’m feeling insecure today. Anyway, covering the City League from 1975 through 1982 afforded me an opportunity to see many of the best athletes Wichita has produced. Guys like Darnell Valentine, Ricky Ross, Antoine Carr, Greg Dreiling, Aubrey Sherrod and a whole lot of other football and baseball players. That was the best sports era in the history of the City League and I was lucky enough to get to cover it. And that’s when I developed my passion for all things City League. I like the coaches in the league and, even though I’m supposed to be impartial, I like it when City League schools do well. What can I say? Blogs are a place for totally honesty, and I’m being totally honest.

I’ve enjoyed the blogging being done by our various high school writers at the six sites. It has been a really good added touch to our coverage. I hope you’re following it at varsitykansas.com. Another cheap plug.

As I get older, I’m noticing more bad driving. Especially on the Kansas Turnpike, which I drive so frequently that a portion of it should be named for me. People, do not drive in the left lane. That’s the passing lane. Which means it’s for passing only. Don’t make me pass you in the right lane. The right lane is not to be used for passing. And when I have to pass you on the right lane, I’m probably going to give you a dirty look as I’m doing so. It’s at that time I’ll also be hoping you’re not carrying a handgun.

There is an irritating chant being used by many of the student body crowds here at the 6A tournament. Any time there is a blocked shot, the students who are supporting the player who blocked the shot start to chant: You got swatted, you got swatted. When did this start? How soon can it stop?.

Emporia’s White Auditorium, which is where I am at this very second, is one of the most quaint and interesting venues in the state for basketball. I love this place. Whenever I’m here, I think about the South basketball dynasty under Steve Eck from 1987 through 1996. South won sixstate championships during those years, many of them right here.

OK, now I’m feeling bad about what I said earlier about Olathe. The Olathe South girls just congratulated Lawrence for winning the game and were gracious in doing so. OK, I won’t look for a detour when I go through Olathe. But I will not shop at your stores and you cannot make me.

I will check back later.

By Bob | Filed under Uncategorized | Comments (3)

Saturday in the Phog

March 1, 20087:39 p.m.

Awaiting the beginning of the Kansas-Kansas State game. I’m told I won’t be courtside for this one. Because of the media “crush” I’m sitting up high tonight, with several other newspaper people. There are scouts from NBA teams sitting down on the floor. There are KU administrators, a bunch of them, sitting on the floor. But I’m not a complainer. I go where I’m told.

Other matters:

I did a short 5 questions with Kansas State beat writer Jeffrey Martin on his K-Stated blog the other day. It was a fun little exercise. But here is a sampling of some of the comments from K-State fans. Perhaps it will explain my caustic demeanor.

  1. slumpbuster

    Wow……there’s 3 minutes of my life I’ll never get back.

  2. steve dave

    Jeff, you did what you could to set him up but even you couldn’t save that trainwreck. What an extremely unfunny human being.

  3. Jesus Shuttlesworth

    You can tell Lutz is a KU fan. The arrogance comes through loud and clear.

  4. mr. & mrs. lutz

    Bobby, come inside it’s time to eat. Your father wants to know when you’re going to move out and get a real job.

  5. catzacker

    Whitlock is much better at this than Bob.

  6. Ron_Burgandy

    J-Mart-

    I thought you said that you had Curtis Malone for this week. What gives?

  7. Kristina

    Love the blog, but not loving this ‘Got 5 on it’ for this week. Hopefully a new ‘Mama Sayz’ tomorrow?!?

  8. SimpsonSampson

    Uh? I bet you you have to act like you like this guy on a daily basis, dont you Jmart? I feel sorry for you. Please dont let the words ‘Bob Lutz’ sully such a fine blog anymore.

  9. WillieWC

    Good Got 5 with Bob. Unlike most K-Staters I really like Bob, his columns and radio work. He is right about one thing though….he sucks at predictions.

  10. ksu777

    Holy crap. Lutz sure is an arrogant a-hole.

    He is one of those people who seem to thrive on believing they’re ‘controversial’, but in reality, people just want him to leave the party.

    He has his head so far up his butt that he truly doesn’t comprehend what a complete and immature moron he is.

    Grow up, Bob. You’re not funny; you’re an old man. Give me some decent reading material for the john…that’s what you’re paid to do.

  11. J-Mart

    1. Bob is not a KU fan.
    2. Curtis told me to get with him at tomorrow’s game. I will.
    3. Not sure about “Mama Sayz.” Fatima doesn’t have a strict deadline, you know?
    4. Truth is, I really like Bob. I wasn’t sure what to think about him at first, but he’s a good dude.
    5. Bob is the WORST at predictions.

  12. Josh

    Please do one follow-up question w/Bob - Has he ever been to the Casey’s in Burlington, KS?

  13. sys

    teased with curtis malone, and then slapped in the face with bob lutz.

    I hate the slap in the face to the ksu fanbase. but i have to admire the technique. kudos, mr. martin, kudos.

  14. slumpbuster

    is Curtis Malone related to Kurtis Blow? If he is, tell him I love that song “The Breaks”“da da da…..da da da da da da da da da da da”

  15. WildcatPride

    Please. Never have Lutz in your column again. I feel like I need a shower after being exposed to his vitriol.

  16. Jackinthebox

    I think I went to high school with a relative of Lutz. Name was Jeremy. Hanging drywall now. I think he got the better job than Bob. Really. I’d live in Kosovo before I’d write bad copy in the Ta for a decade. Talk about getting “passed over.”

Isn’t that good stuff? K-Staters are my favorites.

I have been following, with a lot of interest, ESPN’s ongoing series on the Top 25 players in college basketball history. On Saturday, they announced the player at No. 6, Jerry West. We tried to pick the top eight on our radio show, Sports Daily. And, I must say, West wasn’t one of the players we chose. We had Bill Bradley, David Thompson, Bill Walton, Danny Manning, Oscar Robertson, Lew Alcindor, Pete Maravich and Bill Russell. Bradley and Thompson have been named to the list, at Nos. 8 and 9. That means one of Walton, Robertson, Alcindor, Maravich, Manning and Russell won’t be on the list. I’m afraid it’s going to be Manning, KU’s all-time leading scorer (2,951 points) and rebounder (1,187). He put a team on his back and led it to a national championship in 1988. But I think Manning is going to be shut out of the Top 25, which would be a big mistake.

The Top 25, from 6 down, is: West (6), Bradley (7), Thompson (8), Larry Bird (9 and too. I think Russell, Walton, Alcindor and Robertson are locks. That means either Manning or Maravich is about to get shunned.

I just read on Kansas.com that Wichita school superintendent Winston Brooks, who is trying to push through a much-needed bond issue to improve schools, including athletic facilities, has applied for the superintendent’s job in Albuquerque, N.M. I consider Brooks a friend and a really good guy. But this is not good. Brooks has been a champion for this bond issue and he should stay around to see whether voters approve. He should continue to be the loudest proponent for this important issue. Instead, he’s wanting to leave for New Mexico? I don’t like it.

I think Kansas wins tonight, 82-68. I can’t predict the sun coming up in the morning, so don’t put a lot of stock in this prediction. I think the environment and atmosphere and Dicky V and all of the attention this game is getting is going to be too much for K-State. Or, perhaps it will inspire the Wildcats. They struggled in Big 12 road games at Missouri, Texas Tech and Nebraska, but those weren’t the hostile places Allen Fieldhouse is.

Instead of watching the game from the upper reaches of Allen Fieldhouse, where some of the media has been stuck, I’m going to stay in the media room and watch on TV. Glamorous life, huh? Hopefully, in the second half I can get out to the floor while one of my buddies from the Topeka Capital-Journal, Kevin Haskin, works here in the media room.

Later.

By Bob | Filed under Uncategorized | Comments (2)