KU Xavier Henry gets his first taste of KU hoops - Page 4

blazzin311 · 10-20-2009, 05:15 PM

Don't know if it's a repost or not. I don't think it is.

Xavier Henry gets his first taste of KU hoops
By J. BRADY McCOLLOUGH
The Kansas City Star

LAWRENCE | C.J. Henry looked at his little brother and knew. There was Xavier, the 6-foot-6 man-child with the broad shoulders, watching the video board from underneath the tunnel at Allen Fieldhouse with his hands pressed together below his chin, waiting for his name to be called.

“He was just looking real nervous,” C.J. said. “I could tell. I’m his brother.”

During the last few years, Xavier had played in venues bigger than Allen, in high school all-star games with just as much talent as what surrounded him on Friday night at KU’s annual “Late Night in the Phog.” So what was there to be nervous about? Well, it was his first time playing in front of a fan base that had been awaiting his arrival basically since he was born to former KU basketball players Barbara and Carl Henry in 1991. Yes, 18-year-old Xavier was a bit nervous.

C.J., his senior by five years but also a member of KU’s freshman class, just told him to be himself — the supremely gifted, confident No. 3 overall player in the class of 2009 who is expected to be a first-round pick in the 2010 NBA draft.

“I kind of tried to settle him down,” C.J. said, “just told him to have fun.”

C.J. did the best he could, but it didn’t exactly work. In the Blue-White scrimmage, Xavier played like a freshman trying too hard to please. He made one of four shot attempts and finished with six points. He added three steals. More than his play, it was important just to get his highly anticipated unveiling over with.

“I played here one time but not with a crowd like that,” Xavier said. “It was special with 16,300. It’s a lot different than playing a high school game. Next time, I’m sure I’ll be more calm and go out and play and relax. Tonight, whew, it was just adrenaline.”

For the Jayhawks’ fans, it had to be nice to see Xavier and C.J. with the name ‘KANSAS’ stamped across their chests, their well-publicized recruiting saga far in the past. When Xavier’s name was finally called, he received one of the loudest player ovations.

“I’ve been feeling like a college student for the past six or seven weeks,” Xavier said. “It’s fun. I’m ready to take these recruits out, have fun, have a good night. Practice starts tomorrow morning.”

The recruits Xavier will be entertaining are five-star talents Harrison Barnes, a small forward from Ames, Iowa; Josh Selby, a point guard from Baltimore, Md.; and Doron Lamb, a shooting guard from Mouth of Wilson, Va.

It was just last year that Xavier was sitting where they were, watching a slew of recruiting-based videos and trying to make his college decision. A year later, after signing with Memphis and then choosing KU after John Calipari’s departure for Kentucky, Xavier was a part of the action.

In his freshman skit, Xavier was forced to wear an afro and butt-hugger KU game shorts from the 1980s and dance to rapper Lil’ Flip’s “The way we ball.” Xavier had been nervous about that, too, of course.

“They made us do some goofy stuff tonight,” Xavier said. “We stressed over it the whole week. We practiced earlier (Friday), made sure we got it down. It was good. I enjoyed it while we were out there.”

•TAYLOR PLAYS: KU guard Tyshawn Taylor, who dislocated a finger during a fight between KU football and basketball players, played 9 minutes during the scrimmage and dished out five assists.

The stars of the game were Markieff Morris and Travis Releford, who each had 15 points.

http://www.kansascity.com/842/story/1513230.html#

ROYC75 · 10-21-2009, 09:18 AM

I'm excited about this season and at the same time, can the Henry boys blend in with the rest of the team?

If so, I don't see another team with as much talent across the country. If BS has them all on the same page, it will be a fun ride.

CoMoChief · 10-21-2009, 09:21 AM

I haven't been this excited coming into a season since the 2002-03 season.

I knew the 07-08 team would be good (Final 4 good to be in fact) but I thought UNC would pull it off for the NC, and man am I glad I was wrong on that. Nothing was better than to see KU beat Roy's team senseless into the wooden floor and to see Aldrich hammer Tyler Hansbrough inside the paint. Then Mario's shot in the NC game.

FishingRod · 10-21-2009, 09:39 AM

You know this is what is great and really tough about being a KU fan.
Great = Every single year we have a chance to win the national championship.
Tough = Every year some red hot shooting punk can play the game of his life a beat you in the tournament and the year is over. Last year was a "down" year for KU going into the season and I fully expected KU to do no worse than 2nd in the Big 12 and get to the sweet 16. This year I 'EXPECT" to win the Big 12 and do no worse than a final 4 appearance. It kinda sucks to be disappointed in an Elite 8 appearance.

For what it is worth I think the Big 12 is going to be a very good conference this year. KU #1 TX #2 and then 3-10 being pretty much a toss up with most of them having a legitimate chance to make it to the big tournament. Ya just gotta love college basketball.

**Buehler445** · 10-21-2009, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FishingRod

You know this is what is great and really tough about being a KU fan.
Great = Every single year we have a chance to win the national championship.
Tough = Every year some red hot shooting punk can play the game of his life a beat you in the tournament and the year is over. Last year was a "down" year for KU going into the season and I fully expected KU to do no worse than 2nd in the Big 12 and get to the sweet 16. This year I 'EXPECT" to win the Big 12 and do no worse than a final 4 appearance. It kinda sucks to be disappointed in an Elite 8 appearance.

For what it is worth I think the Big 12 is going to be a very good conference this year. KU #1 TX #2 and then 3-10 being pretty much a toss up with most of them having a legitimate chance to make it to the big tournament. Ya just gotta love college basketball.

That's a really good post.

However, Iabsolutely did not expect a Sweet 16 berth out of last years team. I just didn't think it would happen. Fortunately Collins and Aldrich went from Role Player and Benchwarmer to BAMFs. Morningstar also played better than I expected. I thought we had a legit chance of 3rd in the conference last year also.

This year is a different animal, of course. I don't think we could ever "expect" a national championship, only to be competitive for one. Sooo many things have to fall in place in order to win one, you can't think that it will just happen. The 07-08 team was one of the best I've seen. Ever. And they barely got it done. I think with a team like we have now, you just expect to get to survive the E8 and see what you can do in the Final 4.
Posted via Mobile Device

**Bearcat** · 10-21-2009, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FishingRod

You know this is what is great and really tough about being a KU fan.
Great = Every single year we have a chance to win the national championship.
Tough = Every year some red hot shooting punk can play the game of his life a beat you in the tournament and the year is over. Last year was a "down" year for KU going into the season and I fully expected KU to do no worse than 2nd in the Big 12 and get to the sweet 16. This year I 'EXPECT" to win the Big 12 and do no worse than a final 4 appearance. It kinda sucks to be disappointed in an Elite 8 appearance.

For what it is worth I think the Big 12 is going to be a very good conference this year. KU #1 TX #2 and then 3-10 being pretty much a toss up with most of them having a legitimate chance to make it to the big tournament. Ya just gotta love college basketball.

Yeah, seasons like last year and 03-04 (when they lost in OT to Georgia Tech in the EE) are much more relaxing, and while it's obviously great to be a contender every year, it's nice not having the pressure to win a tournament that's a crapshoot.

We even got a taste of that 2 years ago... the best thing for the team as far as taking the pressure off was making it to the FF, but how they won ended up being a blessing for the fans because well, if you barely beat Davidson, you have no chance against UNC...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buehler445

This year is a different animal, of course. I don't think we could ever "expect" a national championship, only to be competitive for one. Sooo many things have to fall in place in order to win one, you can't think that it will just happen. The 07-08 team was one of the best I've seen. Ever. And they barely got it done. I think with a team like we have now, you just expect to get to survive the E8 and see what you can do in the Final 4.
Posted via Mobile Device

Exactly... the EE is hard enough when you're facing a #1 or a team that could have been in the running for a #1... and that's if you survive the crazy stuff in the first few rounds.

It'll be a fun ride.

hawkchief · 10-21-2009, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CoMoChief

I haven't been this excited coming into a season since the 2002-03 season.

I knew the 07-08 team would be good (Final 4 good to be in fact) but I thought UNC would pull it off for the NC, and man am I glad I was wrong on that. Nothing was better than to see KU beat Roy's team senseless into the wooden floor and to see Aldrich hammer Tyler Hansbrough inside the paint. Then Mario's shot in the NC game.

^^^This^^^^^

CoMoChief · 10-21-2009, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bearcat

We even got a taste of that 2 years ago... the best thing for the team as far as taking the pressure off was making it to the FF, but how they won ended up being a blessing for the fans because well, if you barely beat Davidson, you have no chance against UNC...

IIRC Davidson played UNC earlier that season in their non conf schedule and it came down to the last few posessions. Curry went off on them, UNC barely won, 72-68

blazzin311 · 10-21-2009, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saccopoo

I think that Billbo wanted to redshirt him because of his injury and Mario wanted to fight through it. The guy is very strong for his size and can be an offensive burst type of player. I think he's going to be the guy at the three spot when push comes to shove along with Releford. I know that the twins are practicing at the three along with the front court positions, but I'm not sold on their ability to guard effectively at the three with their new size.

I see the lineup as follows:

C: Aldrich, Mk. Morris, Withey
PF: Mc. Morris, Robinson
WF: X. Henry, Little, Releford
SG: Taylor, CJ Henry, Morningstar, Teahan, Buford, Juenemann
PG: Collins, Johnson, Reed

Although, I think it would be a complete waste of a very deep team if he didn't run three waves at people and just overwhelmed them. Some of the players have recently commented that the summer pickups consisted of three five man teams that were pretty equal in terms of talent and quality on the court. Just bury people by wholesale substitutions every five minutes or so.

And the three guys I've got at the WF position could theoretically switch in and out on three different positions (PF, WF, SG) along with Marcus who can play C, PF and WF. There is a lot of different lineups that they could potentially throw at people during the course of the season.

That lineup is absolutely sick!

Mr. Laz · 10-21-2009, 11:39 AM

Teahan, Buford and Juenemann redshirt or transfer i image.

**Bearcat** · 10-21-2009, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CoMoChief

IIRC Davidson played UNC earlier that season in their non conf schedule and it came down to the last few posessions. Curry went off on them, UNC barely won, 72-68

Yeah, and there were a few other close games against quality competition in their non-conference schedule... the doublespeak was hilarious. Davidson is for real, don't overlook them, Curry can win games by himself... then even after they beat the team that people said would upset Kansas (Georgetown) and took Kansas down to the final shot, it's "well, look at how Kansas struggled to beat little ole Davidson...".

**Buehler445** · 10-21-2009, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bearcat

Yeah, and there were a few other close games against quality competition in their non-conference schedule... the doublespeak was hilarious. Davidson is for real, don't overlook them, Curry can win games by himself... then even after they beat the team that people said would upset Kansas (Georgetown) and took Kansas down to the final shot, it's "well, look at how Kansas struggled to beat little ole Davidson...".

Yeah. It was rediculous watching that skinny little dude just score. You know, whenever he wanted.
Posted via Mobile Device

Pants · 10-21-2009, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buehler445

Yeah. It was rediculous watching that skinny little dude just score. You know, whenever he wanted.
Posted via Mobile Device

Makes me think of that Texas Tech abortion of a game. God, I don't think I have ever been as pissed watching KU BBall than that night.

**Buehler445** · 10-21-2009, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Metrolike

Makes me think of that Texas Tech abortion of a game. God, I don't think I have ever been as pissed watching KU BBall than that night.

Bradley?
Bucknell?

Just askin....
Posted via Mobile Device

Pants · 10-21-2009, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buehler445

Bradley?
Bucknell?

Just askin....
Posted via Mobile Device

Wiped from memory. Sorry.

**Buehler445** · 10-21-2009, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Metrolike

Wiped from memory. Sorry.

Figured. Sorry I brought it up.
Posted via Mobile Device

10-20-2009, 05:15 PM
blazzin311 Blazzin311 Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Miami, FL Casino cash: $9455101	Xavier Henry gets his first taste of KU hoops Don't know if it's a repost or not. I don't think it is. Xavier Henry gets his first taste of KU hoops By J. BRADY McCOLLOUGH The Kansas City Star LAWRENCE \| C.J. Henry looked at his little brother and knew. There was Xavier, the 6-foot-6 man-child with the broad shoulders, watching the video board from underneath the tunnel at Allen Fieldhouse with his hands pressed together below his chin, waiting for his name to be called. “He was just looking real nervous,” C.J. said. “I could tell. I’m his brother.” During the last few years, Xavier had played in venues bigger than Allen, in high school all-star games with just as much talent as what surrounded him on Friday night at KU’s annual “Late Night in the Phog.” So what was there to be nervous about? Well, it was his first time playing in front of a fan base that had been awaiting his arrival basically since he was born to former KU basketball players Barbara and Carl Henry in 1991. Yes, 18-year-old Xavier was a bit nervous. C.J., his senior by five years but also a member of KU’s freshman class, just told him to be himself — the supremely gifted, confident No. 3 overall player in the class of 2009 who is expected to be a first-round pick in the 2010 NBA draft. “I kind of tried to settle him down,” C.J. said, “just told him to have fun.” C.J. did the best he could, but it didn’t exactly work. In the Blue-White scrimmage, Xavier played like a freshman trying too hard to please. He made one of four shot attempts and finished with six points. He added three steals. More than his play, it was important just to get his highly anticipated unveiling over with. “I played here one time but not with a crowd like that,” Xavier said. “It was special with 16,300. It’s a lot different than playing a high school game. Next time, I’m sure I’ll be more calm and go out and play and relax. Tonight, whew, it was just adrenaline.” For the Jayhawks’ fans, it had to be nice to see Xavier and C.J. with the name ‘KANSAS’ stamped across their chests, their well-publicized recruiting saga far in the past. When Xavier’s name was finally called, he received one of the loudest player ovations. “I’ve been feeling like a college student for the past six or seven weeks,” Xavier said. “It’s fun. I’m ready to take these recruits out, have fun, have a good night. Practice starts tomorrow morning.” The recruits Xavier will be entertaining are five-star talents Harrison Barnes, a small forward from Ames, Iowa; Josh Selby, a point guard from Baltimore, Md.; and Doron Lamb, a shooting guard from Mouth of Wilson, Va. It was just last year that Xavier was sitting where they were, watching a slew of recruiting-based videos and trying to make his college decision. A year later, after signing with Memphis and then choosing KU after John Calipari’s departure for Kentucky, Xavier was a part of the action. In his freshman skit, Xavier was forced to wear an afro and butt-hugger KU game shorts from the 1980s and dance to rapper Lil’ Flip’s “The way we ball.” Xavier had been nervous about that, too, of course. “They made us do some goofy stuff tonight,” Xavier said. “We stressed over it the whole week. We practiced earlier (Friday), made sure we got it down. It was good. I enjoyed it while we were out there.” •TAYLOR PLAYS: KU guard Tyshawn Taylor, who dislocated a finger during a fight between KU football and basketball players, played 9 minutes during the scrimmage and dished out five assists. The stars of the game were Markieff Morris and Travis Releford, who each had 15 points. http://www.kansascity.com/842/story/1513230.html#
Posts: 1,429

10-21-2009, 09:18 AM	#46
ROYC75 Time For Your Wake Up Call !!! Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Barn Yard Casino cash: $5339400	I'm excited about this season and at the same time, can the Henry boys blend in with the rest of the team? If so, I don't see another team with as much talent across the country. If BS has them all on the same page, it will be a fun ride. __________________ Our society is run by insane people for insane objectives. I think we're being run by maniacs for maniacal ends and I think I'm liable to be put away as insane for expressing that. That's what's insane about it. John Lennon
Posts: 37,025

10-21-2009, 09:21 AM	#47
CoMoChief Mahomes Dynasty Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Parts Unknown Casino cash: $8022254	I haven't been this excited coming into a season since the 2002-03 season. I knew the 07-08 team would be good (Final 4 good to be in fact) but I thought UNC would pull it off for the NC, and man am I glad I was wrong on that. Nothing was better than to see KU beat Roy's team senseless into the wooden floor and to see Aldrich hammer Tyler Hansbrough inside the paint. Then Mario's shot in the NC game.
Posts: 39,165

10-21-2009, 09:39 AM	#48
FishingRod Veteran Join Date: Mar 2006 Casino cash: $10016661	You know this is what is great and really tough about being a KU fan. Great = Every single year we have a chance to win the national championship. Tough = Every year some red hot shooting punk can play the game of his life a beat you in the tournament and the year is over. Last year was a "down" year for KU going into the season and I fully expected KU to do no worse than 2nd in the Big 12 and get to the sweet 16. This year I 'EXPECT" to win the Big 12 and do no worse than a final 4 appearance. It kinda sucks to be disappointed in an Elite 8 appearance. For what it is worth I think the Big 12 is going to be a very good conference this year. KU #1 TX #2 and then 3-10 being pretty much a toss up with most of them having a legitimate chance to make it to the big tournament. Ya just gotta love college basketball.
Posts: 4,265

10-21-2009, 11:39 AM	#54
Mr. Laz Don't Tease Me Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: KS Casino cash: $11047037	Teahan, Buford and Juenemann redshirt or transfer i image. __________________
Posts: 95,626