BitterSweetLife

For the record: Wednesday’s McDonald’s All-America game definitely gave Jayhawk critics something to think about. Specifically, I’m thinking that radio-borne MU funs have been unusually quiet the last couple days. Less gloating about Simien being gone. Fewer “Over-rated” jibes. And those childish Bucknell pdas are on a downswing.

Of course, it could be just be my imagination. But I doubt it.

The incoming crimson & blue class are nothing short of spectacular. Mario Chalmers, a 6’2” point guard, dished out 5 assists, swiped the ball 5 times, threw down a dunk in traffic, and notched 20 points. And he did it in a matter of minutes.

Julian Wright, at 6’9”, displayed handles most guards dream about. He converted a variety of ferocious dunks, showed 3-ball and midrange ability, and gave people fits on defense. Apart from OK State recruit Gerald Green, he and Chalmers generated most of the night’s NBA hype; this would be disquieting if the two were looking to jump. They’re not, so it’s merely icing on the cake.

KU's mysterious third man, Micah Downs, displayed a propensity to sulk about playing time, but it’s hard to visualize minutes being a concern down the road. In 11 minutes Wednesday, Downs racked up a decent stat line—8 points, 2 rebounds and an assist. Six of those points came off threes, one of them Atlantic-deep. The man has range. Now, for some emotional maturity…

Incidentally, the Big 12 scored six AA players, a total rivaled only by the ACC, also with six. These McD’s games are notoriously over-hyped, but Midwestern hoops junkies have to consider this a good indicator.

I guess it goes without saying, it’s high time we start projecting next year’s starting five.