SportsBeat KC

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In NFL speed dating, coaches, prospects get acquainted at combine Feb 24, 2020

Show notes

The NFL Scouting Combine is like speed dating. Teams get to know prospects quickly through scouting and interviews and have to make a decision about a relationship over the next few weeks.

The Super Bowl champion Chiefs join 31 other teams at the event in Indianapolis, some of which will be televised by the NFL in primetime, and covering the combine are The Star’s Herbie Teope and Sam McDowell. Before heading out, they joined Blair Kerkhoff on SportsBeat KC.

Story links:

Action away from NFL Scouting Combine workouts essential for Chiefs in draft process

Chiefs offensive line rated well in one area, could use improvement in another

NFL dynasties start somewhere. We look back at five to see if Chiefs can join them

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What will decide the college hoops game of the year, KU at Baylor? Feb 21, 2020

Show notes

Third-ranked Kansas has won 11 straight games and stands 12-1 in the Big 12. But that’s not good enough to lead the league. Top-ranked Baylor rides a 23-game winning streak into Saturday’s game against the Jayhawks in Waco, Texas. They’re two of the nation’s top defensive teams, and Baylor has already won in Lawrence. What are the factors that will decide this college basketball game of the year? KU beat writer Jesse Newell breaks down the game with SportsBeat KC host Blair Kerkhoff.

Story links:

Versatile KU forward David McCormick explains efficiency with both hands

https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/university-of-kansas/article240383141.html

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Joe Lunardi breaks down bracketology, the study he helped create Feb 20, 2020

Show notes

It’s one thing to watch a college basketball game but if your team is having a good season, you want to know where it might stand in the NCAA Tournament selection pecking order. That’s where Joe Lunardi comes in. Lunardi has been projecting brackets since the mid-1990s and has helped turn bracketology into its own sport for ESPN. Many project brackets. No one is more popular than Lunardi, How does he do it? What are his concerns? And how did bracketology come up during a golf outing in Ireland?

Story links:

Joe Lunardi on the slice of March Madness he helped create, bracketology

ESPN’s bracketology

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Mizzou once again in victory lane, with Kansas State on skid row Feb 19, 2020

Show notes

With Tuesday’s heart-stopping triumph against Mississippi, Missouri has won three of four and is playing its best basketball of the season. Reasons for the improvement? Start with the terrific play of point guard Xavier Pinson, who has scored 60 in the previous two games.

On the opposite track is Kansas State, which can’t buy a victory these days. The Wildcats take a five-game losing streak into Wednesday’s game at Texas Tech.

Beat writers Souichi Terada and Kellis Robinett check in to talk about their teams on SportsBeat KC, The Star’s daily sports podcast.

Story links:

“I felt untouchable:” How Mizzou’s Xavier Pinson dominated Mississippi

As Mizzou hoops heat up, Tigers enter critical stretch with SEC standing at stake

Why K-State Coach Bruce Weber is considering a new starting five against Texas Tech

Why Bruce Weber thinks Kansas State is due for some good luck after latest Big 12 loss

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Dealing with free agents Chiefs’ first major offseason priority Feb 18, 2020

Show notes

As Herbie Teope likes to call it, “speculation season” in the NFL as commenced. As Sam McDowell responds, “When is it not speculation season?” But free agency for the Chiefs has been a popular topic since their Super Bowl victory, and the Chiefs beat writers join SportsBeat KC host Blair Kerkhoff and discussing the futures of players like Chris Jones, Bashaud Breeland, Sammy Watkins, Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, Kendall Fuller, Mike Pennel and more.

Story links:

Without much salary cap space, Chiefs will need creativity to manage 2020 roster

Defensive line stood tall in playoff run, specially with sacks, but changes loom

The Chiefs good Chris Jones problem and what KC can do about this off season

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How the Big 12 turned into a two-team race between Baylor and KU Feb 17, 2020

Show notes

The latest AP basketball poll is out with no change at the top. Baylor is first, Kansas is third, meaning their meeting on Saturday in Waco will be the biggest game of the college basketball season. The Bears are bidding to become the first 18-0 team in Big 12 history, while the Jayhawks also are having a FInal Four-type season. How did they get here, and what does their success mean for the Big 12?

Story links:

Kansas Jayhawks having a top-seed type of season but chasing Baylor in Big 12

https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/article240354226.html

Marcus Morris No. 22 jersey to be retired in KU rafters Monday night

https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/university-of-kansas/article240324576.html

With old friend Svi in the stands, Marcus Garrett sparks Kansas Jayhawks’ big win over OU

https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/university-of-kansas/article240244676.html

Baylor Bears’ men’s basketball

https://baylorbears.com/sports/mens-basketball

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Negro Leagues turns 100, celebration begins in Kansas City Feb 14, 2020

Show notes

A baseball milestone birthday was celebrated this week. The Negro Leagues turned 100, and the occasion was recognized in the place of its birth. On Feb. 13, 1920 the Negro National League was formed at the Paseo YMCA in Kansas City, and this week that’s where baseball commissioner Rob Manfred, Royals owner John Sherman and Negro Leagues Baseball Museum president Bob Kendrick joined others to celebrate the birthday. SportsBeat KC was there to record their tributes.

Story links:

Negro Leagues at 100: A story of resiliency, courage and America to be shared forever

A year with the Negro Leagues: Players visit iconic KC museum to connect past, present

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What a victory for Jayhawks at West Virginia. Let’s talk about it Feb 13, 2020

Show notes

After trailing for most of the game, Kansas picked up a huge victory on Wednesday, defeating West Virginia 58-49. The Jayhawks dominated down the stretch getting get play from Marcus Garrett, Isaiah Moss and Devon Dotson. KU beat writer Jesse Newell breaks down the game and discusses the Marcus Morris jersey retirement on Monday on SportsBeat KC, The Star’s daily sports podcast.

Story links:

KU’s defense has been stellar, especially in last two Big 12 road victories

A pretty good guess what went into Marcus Garrett’s best steal vs. WVU

KU basketball will retire Marcus Morris’ jersey this month, Bill Self announces

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After the Super Bowl, how do the Chiefs keep Mahomes, Jones happy? Feb 12, 2020

Show notes

Chiefs are the topic for Star sports columnists Sam Mellinger and Vahe Gregorian. Last week’s Super Bowl championship held deeper meaning for the city than just a championship celebration, and is there a way for the Chiefs to be financially creative and not only sign quarterback Patrick Mahomes to the NFL’s most lucrative contract but also find a way to give defensive lineman Chris Jones a deal he’s earned?

Story links:

Mellinger Minutes: Time for wasp? Keeping the Chiefs together...and the Royals?

Pelosi pays up on Super Bowl bet as Cleaver predicts championship repeat

Chiefs fans left a reminder of Super Bowl LIV victory at Hank Stram’s grave

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Measures taken to avoid another non-playoff season for Sporting KC Feb 11, 2020

Show notes

Sporting KC finds itself in an odd position, entering the season as the hunter and not the hunted. For the first time in nine seasons, the club missed the postseason and finished with more losses than victories. A new season dawns and Manager and Sporting Director Peter Vermes sat down with The Star’s Sam McDowell for a revealing conversation about what went right and wrong last season and prospects for 2020.

Story links:

After arriving in KC, new Sporting striker Alan Pulido soaked up Chiefs playoff win

Sporting KC adds midfielder Gida Kinda on 1-year loan from Isreali Preimer League team

Sporting KC’s second jersey for 2020 pays homage to Children’s Mercy Park

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