ALDRICH IMPROVING

Bill Self has been blunt about Cole Aldrich’s development during the first few weeks of practice. The speed game has been simply too fast for the 6’11” McDonalds All-American from Bloomington, Minn. Self isn’t trying to be negative. Aldrich is just going through the normal freshman growing pains. But after two games, Self said he was pleased with the way Aldrich is coming along.

“That’s not as fast as it’s going to get,” Self said about the speed of Kansas’ exhibition games. “But Cole’s improved a ton since practice has started. He’s still got a ways to go, and the game is fast for him, but as he gets stronger, he’s going to be okay. He’s going to be a good player for us.”

KANSAS VS. KANSAS STATE

Fort Hays State has played two exhibition games this season, one against Kansas and one against Kansas State. The results of the games look similar on paper. The Jayhawks beat the Tigers by 37 points while the Wildcats cruised to a 36-point victory, 95-59, on Saturday. Which team does Fort Hays State think will win when the two rivals face off in Big 12 Conference play?

“KU plays at a quicker pace; K-State has some amazing athletes,” Tiger freshman guard Corbin Kuntzsch said. “But I feel like KU as a team gels better.”

“Both teams are athletic and tall,” junior guard Tyrone Evans said. “To me, KU’s guards are better, but it is going to be a battle when those two meet. I am going to be watching that, believe me.”

ALLEN FIELDHOUSE EMPTY

Sections of Allen Fieldhouse were completely unoccupied in the game against Fort Hays State. Despite an announced attendance of 16,300, parts of the student section and general admission section looked uncharacteristically vacant. The northeast end of Allen Fieldhouse was particularly empty.