People who’ve performed basketball on the College of Kansas and subsequently pursued careers within the Nationwide Basketball Affiliation signify a big contingent {of professional} athletes. These people, having honed their abilities throughout the college’s esteemed basketball program, transition to the best stage {of professional} basketball upon being drafted or signed by an NBA staff. Notable examples embrace Wilt Chamberlain, Paul Pierce, and Joel Embiid, every showcasing the expertise cultivated in Lawrence, Kansas.
The presence of those athletes within the NBA underscores this system’s efficacy in growing gamers able to competing at an elite stage. This illustration advantages the college by enhancing its popularity and attracting future expertise. Traditionally, the connection between the college’s basketball program and the NBA has been a supply of pleasure for the establishment and its alumni, fostering a robust sense of custom and excellence.
The next sections will delve into particular classes of those gamers, analyzing their particular person achievements, collective influence, and the legacy they go away behind each for the college and the game of basketball as a complete. This exploration will spotlight key contributors and analyze their affect on the panorama {of professional} basketball.
1. Longevity
Longevity, within the context of former Kansas Jayhawks within the NBA, signifies the period of their skilled careers. This can be a crucial indicator of a participant’s total influence and sustained contribution to their respective groups and the league. A protracted profession typically displays a mixture of talent, adaptability, bodily conditioning, and resilience.
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Sustained Efficiency
Gamers with longer careers usually show the flexibility to persistently carry out at a excessive stage over many seasons. This requires them to adapt to evolving league developments, preserve their bodily situation, and constantly refine their abilities. An instance is Paul Pierce, who performed 19 seasons within the NBA, sustaining a big scoring and management position all through his tenure. This sustained efficiency contributes to an enduring legacy.
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Harm Administration
Navigating the bodily calls for of the NBA is essential for extending a profession. Gamers who can successfully handle accidents, whether or not by means of preventative measures or profitable rehabilitation, usually tend to obtain longevity. Kirk Hinrich, whereas not a perennial All-Star, performed 13 seasons attributable to his toughness and skill to play by means of numerous illnesses. Harm administration immediately impacts a participant’s means to stay on the court docket and contribute to their staff.
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Adaptability and Talent Improvement
The NBA is a dynamic league the place methods and participant roles evolve. Gamers who can adapt their recreation and develop new abilities are higher positioned for long-term success. This would possibly contain enhancing capturing accuracy, enhancing defensive capabilities, or transitioning to totally different positions. A participant similar to Nick Collison, whereas not a high-scoring risk, carved out a 14-year NBA profession attributable to his intelligence, defensive versatility, and willingness to do the “soiled work” that contributed to staff success.
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Professionalism and Management
Gamers who show professionalism and possess sturdy management qualities typically discover themselves remaining within the league for prolonged intervals. These attributes contribute to a optimistic staff surroundings and make a participant priceless even when their on-court contributions could diminish. Whereas his peak was comparatively brief, Drew Gooden performed 14 seasons for 10 totally different groups, typically filling a veteran management position.
The power to maintain efficiency, handle accidents successfully, adapt to altering league dynamics, and show professionalism are essential elements that contribute to the longevity of former Kansas Jayhawks within the NBA. Longer careers lead to a better total influence on the league, enhanced legacy for the college’s basketball program, and elevated monetary rewards for the gamers themselves.
2. Efficiency Statistics
Efficiency statistics function a quantifiable measure of the influence of former Kansas Jayhawks throughout the NBA. These figures embody numerous metrics, together with factors per recreation, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks, and capturing percentages. The combination of those statistics presents a data-driven perspective on particular person contributions and the collective success of alumni from the college’s basketball program on the skilled stage. As an example, Joel Embiid’s constant excessive scoring and rebounding averages show his dominance as a middle, immediately reflecting the talent set developed throughout his time on the college and translating into impactful NBA efficiency.
Analyzing these efficiency statistics gives a deeper understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of particular person gamers, in addition to this system’s effectiveness in growing particular talent units. Excessive three-point capturing percentages from gamers like Ben McLemore exemplify a specific space of improvement fostered throughout the program. Equally, assists and steals figures spotlight playmaking talents and defensive prowess honed by means of teaching and coaching on the college. By analyzing these metrics throughout totally different eras, it’s attainable to trace the evolving developments of participant improvement and this system’s adaptation to the altering calls for of the NBA recreation.
In the end, the evaluation of efficiency statistics gives concrete proof of the influence of former Kansas Jayhawks on the NBA. This info is efficacious for expertise analysis, scouting functions, and understanding the general legacy of the college’s basketball program. The power to quantify and assess participant efficiency permits for a extra goal understanding of their contributions and this system’s success in producing NBA-caliber athletes. Nonetheless, challenges stay in totally capturing the nuances of participant influence solely by means of statistics, as elements similar to management, teamwork, and intangible qualities additionally contribute considerably to total success.
3. Draft Positions
The choice order within the NBA draft wields appreciable affect over the trajectory of a participant’s profession and the notion of their potential. For former College of Kansas basketball gamers, draft place typically displays the scouts’ and basic managers’ evaluation of their readiness to contribute to an NBA staff. This evaluation incorporates elements similar to talent stage, athleticism, and perceived upside.
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Excessive Lottery Picks
Choice throughout the lottery (picks 1-14) usually signifies a excessive diploma of promise. Gamers chosen on this vary are sometimes anticipated to grow to be foundational items for his or her respective groups. Examples embrace Joel Embiid, chosen third total, and Andrew Wiggins, chosen first total. Such excessive alternatives deliver rapid expectations and alternatives for important taking part in time, but in addition elevated strain to carry out. These picks immediately influence a participant’s improvement and marketability.
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First Spherical Choices
Being drafted within the first spherical (picks 1-30) ensures a participant a multi-year contract and signifies an affordable expectation of contributing to an NBA roster. Gamers drafted on this vary are thought-about stable prospects with particular abilities that groups imagine may be developed. Examples embrace Markieff Morris and Marcus Morris, chosen within the mid-to-late first spherical. First-round standing gives a level of safety and permits gamers to refine their talents inside an expert surroundings.
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Second Spherical Choices
Second-round alternatives (picks 31-60) signify gamers with potential however typically carry extra threat or uncertainty in comparison with first-round picks. These gamers usually must show their worth rapidly to safe a roster spot. Gamers chosen on this vary typically must show themselves by means of onerous work and show a particular talent that fills a staff want. Cole Aldrich, chosen within the second spherical, exemplifies a participant who carved out a task based mostly on rebounding and defensive contributions. The dearth of assured contracts related to second-round picks emphasizes the necessity for rapid influence.
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Undrafted Gamers
Gamers who are usually not chosen within the NBA draft face a more difficult path to the league. They have to earn roster spots by means of summer time league performances, coaching camp invites, and G League alternatives. Overcoming this impediment requires distinctive dedication and resilience. Regardless of going undrafted, gamers similar to Ron Baker have managed to safe NBA contracts by means of sheer willpower and showcasing priceless abilities. This path demonstrates the potential for gamers to defy expectations and obtain their targets by means of perseverance.
The draft place of former Kansas Jayhawks within the NBA serves as an preliminary indicator of their perceived worth and potential influence. Whereas excessive draft picks typically result in better alternatives and expectations, gamers chosen later or who go undrafted can nonetheless obtain success by means of onerous work and willpower. In the end, particular person efficiency and adaptation decide their long-term careers in skilled basketball, no matter their preliminary draft standing. The numerous draft positions of former Kansas gamers underscores the a number of pathways to NBA success.
4. Championship Wins
The attainment of championship titles within the NBA by former College of Kansas basketball gamers represents a pinnacle of particular person and staff achievement, reflecting the fruits of years of dedication, talent improvement, and strategic execution. The connection between gamers rising from the Kansas program and securing NBA championships underscores the college’s position in cultivating expertise able to contributing to profitable organizations on the highest stage {of professional} basketball.
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Influence on Legacy
Championship victories considerably improve the legacy of former Kansas gamers. Profitable a title solidifies a participant’s place in NBA historical past and reinforces the popularity of the college’s basketball program. For instance, Paul Pierce’s championship with the Boston Celtics is a defining second in his profession, inextricably linked to his time at Kansas and his subsequent success within the NBA. This affiliation strengthens the college’s enchantment to future recruits.
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Position of Group Contribution
Whereas particular person brilliance is essential, contributing to a championship-winning staff necessitates adopting a particular position and executing it successfully. Gamers similar to Mario Chalmers, who performed an important position within the Miami Warmth’s championship runs, exemplify this. Their means to adapt to staff wants and carry out persistently below strain is commonly a key think about championship success. This adaptability underscores the holistic improvement fostered throughout the Kansas basketball program.
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Affect on Marketability
Championship wins elevate a participant’s marketability and endorsement potential. Firms typically search to affiliate with gamers who’ve achieved the final word staff success, enhancing their model picture. Profitable a championship can result in elevated endorsement alternatives and better salaries, reflecting the perceived worth of a champion. This elevated marketability advantages not solely the person participant but in addition not directly elevates the profile of the college’s basketball program.
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Influence on Group Dynamics
The expertise gained by former Kansas gamers on championship-winning groups can positively influence future staff dynamics and management. Gamers who’ve skilled the depth and strain of a championship run are sometimes higher geared up to offer steering and mentorship to youthful teammates. Their data of what it takes to win on the highest stage may be invaluable in fostering a profitable tradition inside a staff. This experience underscores the long-term influence of former Kansas gamers on the league.
The connection between championship wins and former College of Kansas gamers extends past mere particular person accolades. It represents a synergistic connection the place particular person achievement reinforces this system’s popularity, and this system’s improvement fosters championship-caliber expertise. The presence of former Kansas gamers on championship-winning groups underscores this system’s enduring legacy and its continued affect on the panorama {of professional} basketball.
5. All-Star Appearances
All-Star alternatives signify a big marker of particular person excellence throughout the NBA, signifying {that a} participant is acknowledged among the many league’s elite. For alumni of the College of Kansas basketball program, All-Star appearances function tangible validation of their abilities, dedication, and influence on their respective groups. These alternatives are usually not merely reputation contests; they’re indicators of constant, high-level efficiency towards the very best competitors on this planet. For instance, Joel Embiid’s a number of All-Star alternatives immediately correlate along with his dominant play and statistical achievements whereas representing the Philadelphia 76ers. This recognition, in flip, displays favorably upon the developmental basis laid throughout his time on the College of Kansas.
The connection between former Kansas gamers and All-Star appearances highlights this system’s means to domesticate expertise able to competing on the highest stage. The popularity bestowed upon these people gives quite a few advantages, together with enhanced endorsement alternatives, elevated visibility, and heightened marketability. Past particular person beneficial properties, All-Star alternatives additionally contribute to this system’s popularity, attracting future recruits and bolstering its standing throughout the faculty basketball panorama. Think about the influence of Paul Pierce’s quite a few All-Star alternatives; they not solely cemented his legacy as a participant but in addition served as a strong commercial for the College of Kansas basketball program.
In abstract, All-Star appearances represent a crucial part in evaluating the success of former College of Kansas gamers within the NBA. These alternatives present concrete proof of their influence on the league, contributing to their particular person legacies and enhancing the popularity of this system that helped develop them. Whereas All-Star alternatives are usually not the only real measure of success, they provide a priceless perspective on the flexibility of former Kansas gamers to realize sustained excellence on the highest stage. The continued achievement of All-Star standing by former Jayhawks presents an ongoing problem to take care of this stage of participant improvement, making certain this system’s continued relevance in producing NBA expertise.
6. Profession Earnings
Profession earnings, for people who transitioned from the College of Kansas basketball program to the NBA, signify the cumulative compensation acquired all through their skilled careers. This determine is immediately correlated with elements similar to draft place, on-court efficiency, longevity, and endorsement offers. Increased draft positions usually result in extra profitable preliminary contracts, establishing a basis for better profession earnings. Sustained efficiency, as measured by statistics and contributions to staff success, typically interprets to greater salaries throughout contract negotiations and extensions. Longevity within the league permits gamers to build up earnings over an extended interval. The late profession earnings of Paul Pierce, as an example, displays his sustained excessive stage of efficiency over a few years, mixed with astute contract negotiations. As well as, endorsements with main manufacturers considerably complement on-court salaries, additional rising profession earnings.
The monetary success of those gamers serves as a tangible indicator of this system’s efficacy in growing athletes able to competing and thriving on the highest stage {of professional} basketball. These substantial earnings present monetary safety for the gamers and their households. Furthermore, high-profile monetary success tales can have a cascading impact, inspiring future generations of basketball gamers to pursue their desires and take into account the College of Kansas as a possible path to the NBA. Gamers like Andrew Wiggins, who signed a number of profitable contracts, show the potential monetary rewards attainable by means of dedication and talent improvement.
Analyzing profession earnings knowledge gives insights into the financial influence of the College of Kansas basketball program. Whereas profession earnings signify just one side of a participant’s success, this metric presents a transparent perspective on the tangible advantages derived from the abilities and alternatives cultivated throughout their time on the college. Challenges stay in predicting profession earnings precisely, as unexpected accidents, adjustments in staff dynamics, and fluctuations available in the market for participant expertise can influence particular person monetary trajectories. Nonetheless, the correlation between a robust basis on the College of Kansas and subsequent monetary success within the NBA stays a major factor of this system’s total legacy.
7. Particular person Accolades
Particular person accolades attained by former College of Kansas basketball gamers within the NBA signify formal recognition of remarkable efficiency and important contributions to the league. These honors prolong past staff accomplishments and focus particularly on a participant’s particular person achievements, highlighting their talent, influence, and total excellence. The attainment of such awards reinforces the standard of expertise rising from the College of Kansas program and serves as a testomony to its developmental capabilities.
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Most Beneficial Participant (MVP) Awards
The MVP award acknowledges the participant deemed most precious to their staff throughout the common season. Incomes this accolade signifies dominance and a considerable influence on staff success. Whereas no former College of Kansas participant has secured an NBA MVP award thus far, constant high-level efficiency and statistical dominance, as seen with Joel Embiid, place future gamers as potential contenders. The acquisition of an MVP award displays distinctive particular person talent and management talents, elevating each the participant’s profile and the college’s popularity.
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Defensive Participant of the Yr Awards
This award honors the league’s finest defensive participant, recognizing their influence on the defensive finish of the court docket by means of steals, blocks, rebounds, and total defensive presence. Whereas no former Kansas participant has received this particular award, gamers like Marcus Morris and Joel Embiid have persistently demonstrated defensive capabilities worthy of consideration, showcasing the defensive coaching instilled throughout their collegiate careers. Profitable this award highlights a participant’s dedication to protection and their means to considerably disrupt opposing offenses.
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All-NBA Group Choices
Choice to an All-NBA Group (First, Second, or Third Group) signifies {that a} participant is taken into account among the many league’s prime performers at their respective place. A number of All-NBA alternatives underscore constant excellence over an prolonged interval. Paul Pierces All-NBA alternatives all through his profession validate his standing as one of many league’s premier gamers and replicate positively on his developmental years on the College of Kansas. These alternatives replicate a participant’s sustained influence and skill to persistently carry out at an elite stage.
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Rookie of the Yr Awards
The Rookie of the Yr award acknowledges probably the most excellent first-year participant within the league. Profitable this award demonstrates rapid influence and potential for future success. Whereas no current Kansas Jayhawk has received this, Andrew Wiggins garnered the award in 2015. This early recognition can considerably enhance a gamers confidence and marketability, setting the stage for a profitable and profitable NBA profession.
The buildup of particular person accolades by former College of Kansas gamers not solely celebrates their private achievements but in addition underscores this system’s continued means to provide NBA-caliber expertise. Whereas particular awards stay elusive for some, the constant recognition and excessive stage of efficiency demonstrated by these athletes attest to the enduring affect of the college’s basketball program. The pursuit and attainment of those accolades function a testomony to the dedication and abilities honed in Lawrence, Kansas, solidifying this system’s legacy inside skilled basketball.
8. Group Management
Group management, within the context of former Kansas Jayhawks within the NBA, encompasses the flexibility of those gamers to positively affect and information their teammates in direction of attaining widespread targets. This affect can manifest in numerous types, each on and off the court docket, and is essential for fostering a cohesive and profitable staff surroundings.
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On-Courtroom Route and Determination-Making
Efficient staff leaders show distinctive basketball IQ and the capability to make sound choices throughout crucial recreation conditions. This entails directing teammates, calling performs, and making changes based mostly on the stream of the sport. Some extent guard like Kirk Hinrich, recognized for his ground generalship, exemplifies this management side. His means to manage the tempo and make sensible choices immediately impacted his staff’s efficiency. On-court route considerably enhances staff effectivity and competitiveness.
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Vocal Management and Communication
Open and efficient communication is paramount for profitable staff dynamics. Vocal leaders take the initiative to speak with teammates, providing encouragement, offering constructive criticism, and fostering a way of unity. Paul Pierce, famend for his outspoken nature and skill to encourage his teammates, embodied vocal management. He persistently communicated expectations and held teammates accountable. This kind of management cultivates a optimistic and supportive staff surroundings.
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Main by Instance and Work Ethic
Actions typically communicate louder than phrases. Gamers who show distinctive work ethic, dedication, and dedication to enchancment set a optimistic instance for his or her teammates to observe. They persistently show a willingness to go the additional mile and persistently put within the effort required for fulfillment. Even when not probably the most vocal participant, a persistently excessive work ethic and willingness to do the soiled work can encourage different teammates. Main by instance evokes others to raise their very own efficiency.
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Mentorship and Participant Improvement
Skilled gamers typically assume the position of mentors, guiding youthful teammates and facilitating their improvement. This entails sharing data, offering recommendation, and providing help each on and off the court docket. Mentorship contributes considerably to the long-term success of a staff by nurturing rising expertise and fostering a tradition of steady enchancment. Veteran gamers can typically help youthful growing gamers to enhance staff performances.
The presence of those management qualities amongst former Kansas Jayhawks within the NBA highlights this system’s emphasis on growing not solely expert basketball gamers but in addition people able to main and contributing to a staff’s success. Their management contributions prolong past particular person statistics, positively influencing staff dynamics and fostering a profitable tradition. Whereas not all former gamers show the identical diploma of management, the constant presence of management qualities underscores the lasting influence of the College of Kansas basketball program on the NBA.
Ceaselessly Requested Questions
This part addresses widespread inquiries relating to people who’ve performed basketball on the College of Kansas and subsequently pursued skilled careers within the Nationwide Basketball Affiliation. The knowledge introduced goals to offer readability and perception into the subject.
Query 1: What’s the whole variety of former Kansas Jayhawks who’ve performed within the NBA?
The exact quantity fluctuates attributable to ongoing participant transitions, nonetheless, over 70 people who performed for the College of Kansas have performed within the NBA.
Query 2: Which former Kansas Jayhawk achieved the best NBA draft place?
Andrew Wiggins was chosen as the primary total choose within the 2014 NBA draft, representing the best draft place attained by a former Kansas Jayhawk.
Query 3: Has a former Kansas Jayhawk ever received the NBA Most Beneficial Participant (MVP) award?
So far, no former Kansas Jayhawk has been awarded the NBA Most Beneficial Participant award.
Query 4: What’s the significance of NBA All-Star alternatives for former Kansas Jayhawks?
All-Star alternatives point out recognition as one of many league’s elite gamers, enhancing each particular person legacies and the popularity of the College of Kansas basketball program.
Query 5: How does taking part in on the College of Kansas influence a participant’s potential for fulfillment within the NBA?
The College of Kansas basketball program gives a basis of talent improvement, teaching, and publicity that may considerably improve a participant’s readiness for the calls for of the NBA.
Query 6: What assets can be found to trace the efficiency of former Kansas Jayhawks within the NBA?
Official NBA web sites, sports activities information shops (e.g., ESPN, Bleacher Report), and college athletic web sites present statistics, information, and updates on the efficiency of those gamers.
Understanding the accomplishments and influence of former Kansas Jayhawks within the NBA requires contemplating numerous elements, together with particular person statistics, draft positions, and contributions to staff success. The knowledge supplied addresses widespread inquiries and presents a basis for additional exploration.
The subsequent part will summarize the important thing findings and supply concluding remarks on the subject.
Analyzing Success Patterns
Analyzing profession trajectories reveals key attributes of profitable alumni of the College of Kansas basketball program within the NBA. Figuring out patterns assists aspiring gamers and program strategists alike.
Tip 1: Emphasize Foundational Talent Improvement. The College of Kansas program locations a excessive worth on basic basketball abilities. Gamers who show distinctive proficiency in capturing, passing, and ball-handling set up a robust base for NBA success. This consists of capturing, footwork, protection and court docket consciousness.
Tip 2: Prioritize Bodily Conditioning and Harm Prevention. The calls for of the NBA require sturdy bodily conditioning. Gamers ought to give attention to power coaching, agility, and suppleness to reduce damage threat and maximize longevity. The Kansas program emphasizes sports activities medication and bodily coaching to construct resilient athletes.
Tip 3: Domesticate Adaptability and Position Acceptance. The NBA requires gamers to adapt to evolving staff wants and settle for particular roles throughout the system. Those that show versatility and a willingness to contribute in numerous capacities usually tend to thrive. Understanding the staff’s wants is essential.
Tip 4: Develop Management and Communication Expertise. Efficient management and communication abilities are extremely valued within the NBA. Gamers ought to domesticate the flexibility to encourage teammates, present constructive criticism, and lead by instance. Vocal management can deliver groups nearer collectively.
Tip 5: Keep Professionalism and a Sturdy Work Ethic. Professionalism and a relentless work ethic are important for long-term success within the NBA. Gamers ought to show dedication to steady enchancment and a dedication to their craft. A participant’s willpower is significant for fulfillment.
Tip 6: Search Mentorship and Steerage. Studying from skilled gamers and searching for steering from mentors can considerably speed up participant improvement. Mentors can present priceless insights and help. Mentorship builds relationships and character.
Tip 7: Maximize Publicity Via Sturdy Efficiency. Constantly sturdy efficiency throughout faculty play maximizes publicity and will increase draft prospects. Gamers ought to try to excel in each recreation, showcasing their abilities and potential. Publicity creates alternatives.
The following tips spotlight the multifaceted nature of success for former Kansas Jayhawks within the NBA, emphasizing the significance of talent improvement, bodily conditioning, management, and professionalism. Mastering these areas will assist a participant’s NBA profession.
The following part gives a abstract of the data lined and can deliver the article to a conclusion.
Conclusion
This exploration of kansas jayhawks nba gamers has illuminated the numerous presence and influence these people have had inside skilled basketball. From draft positions to championship wins and particular person accolades, their contributions replicate the enduring legacy of the College of Kansas basketball program. The information examined highlights this system’s effectiveness in cultivating expertise able to competing and succeeding on the highest stage.
The accomplishments of those athletes function each a supply of pleasure for the college and an inspiration for future generations of basketball gamers. Continued evaluation and help of this ongoing connection between collegiate improvement {and professional} success stay very important to understanding the dynamics of expertise acquisition and the evolution of the game.
