By Kristi Chartrand

October 20th, 2004
 

Breaking Down The KU Non-Conference Schedule

The most obvious thing that stands out about the Kansas Jayhawks 2004-2005 schedule is that they don’t leave the friendly confines of home until January 9^th. That’s 10 straight home games (with one game being played in Kansas City).

But I’m not just ready to hand Head Coach Bill Self the “Jim Boeheim Award” because the competition is no pushover.

For those of you who don’t “get” the Boeheim reference it’s a yearly tradition that the team formerly known as the “Orangemen”, tour the state of New York until January playing the likes of Colgate, Siena and Hofstra .

In all honesty, that’s Coach Boeheim’s prerogative. No one can argue with the results. They’ve taken up a permanent residence in the Top 25, won a national title in ’03, and I certainly haven’t seen Syracuse in the Big East cellar lately.  Boeheim’s reasoning is simple; he believes this is what works for his team. It gives the Orange the best chance to build confidence, beef up their record, an excellent shot at the NCAA tournament, and it prepares them for the tough conference schedule ahead. What more could a Coach ask for?

But we’re here to analyze KU’s schedule and not Syracuse’s. Simply put, Jayhawk fans should be excited about this non-conference slate.

We all know the Big XII is a tough conference. The challenge is finding the right mix of games to provide a stern test but still build confidence along the way. A wealth of experience returns for Kansas but remember, they’re also blending in 5 new faces who will see significant playing time.

I’m sure most fans would love to see the type of schedule that Michigan State played last year, EVERY year. But what’s best for the fans is not necessarily best for the team. That schedule can backfire on you quickly. Tom Izzo would be the first to admit the Spartans bit off more then they could chew with last season’s brutal slate. As a result, Michigan State was a disappointment and made an uncharacteristically early exit from the tournament; exactly what coaches don’t want to happen.

So let’s take an early peek at KU’s non-conference schedule and give each opponent a grade and what to look for. 

November 19^th – Vermont – Grade: B

The Catamounts reside in the less-than-average America East. But Vermont has enjoyed above-average results. They’re coming off back-to-back NCAA appearances and have won 64 games over the last 3 seasons. The America East tournament champions are only minus 1 starter from a team that was ousted by UCONN in the first round of the NCAA tourney.

Offensively, Coach Tom Brennan’s squad features 6-9 forward Tyler Coppenrath, a player residing on most people’s preseason All-America teams. Coppenrath is the America East’s reining Player of the Year and is packed with NBA potential. He led the league in scoring at just over 24 points, he’s versatile, he’s got range, and he’ll run the floor. He’s a fun player for any basketball fan to watch, as long as he’s not torching your team for 30-plus.

The other half of Vermont’s talented inside-outside duo is 5-11, T.J. Sorrentine. T.J. was the America East Player of the Year in 2002 when he averaged almost 19 points. Last season, the explosive Sorrentine was the featured point guard in the America East when he averaged 14.8 points, and 4.6 assists. Sorrentine is quick and an excellent passer. One thing is certain, he and Coppenrath will connect more then once this season. Sorrentine and Coppenrath have been a lethal combo combining for over 3,000 points in their 3 years at Vermont.

It’s an experienced roster with 8 returning players, but rest assured most of the focus will be on stopping Coppenrath and Sorrentine.

In all likelihood, those two will get their points but don’t expect an upset here. For KU, it’s the first game of the regular season, a fired up home crowd will be on hand, and a likely #1 preseason ranking to defend…. too much for the Catamounts!

November 23 – St. Joseph’s – Grade: B+

The B+ is not as much about the talent level KU will face but about the quality of the program and the brand of basketball played at St. Joseph’s. The Hawks are not a Top 25 team this year. A senior class that amassed 98 wins is gone.

Two important points about this Phil Martelli coached squad; The Hawks will look significantly different then last couple of seasons. Point two; you can count on them fielding a competitive bunch that will defend the heck out of you. Martelli expects to win and will not spend his time wallowing in the sorrow of losing Player of the Year Jameer Nelson, Junior Delonte West, and sixth man Tyrone Barley.

Let’s talk about what St. Joe’s does have. Three starters are back from last year’s Elite 8 team but finding ways to score may be a challenge. Will last year’s role players be able to step in and shoulder more of the load?

The focus this season for the Hawks has shifted from the perimeter to the interior.

6-11 junior Dwayne Jones will anchor the middle for the Hawks, and last season his 1.97 blocks were tops in the A-10. There were glimpses of that double-double capability but the Hawks will need that on a consistent basis this season.

Swing man Pat Carroll is the only double figure scorer returning (10.1 ppg) and is certainly a serious threat from 3-point range. He shot 45.8 percent from three last season and led the A-10. However, the lefty is not the type of player to create his own shot and was often the beneficiary of the attention West and Nelson received. He won’t find himself alone for too long on the perimeter.

6-7 John Bryant is back at the forward spot but he is virtually just a solid role player.  He can certainly defend and rebound but will he provide any offensive punch? Judging by the fact he only took 62 shots all of last season, the answer is likely to be no.

One of the keys to St. Joe’s frontcourt success is junior forward Dave Mallon. Mallon fought injuries for the duration of last season but he’s 6-10 and can step outside and knock down the long range shot. He should be able to draw opposing big men away from the basket and is a big body on the defensive end.

On the perimeter the inexperienced Dwayne Lee will take over point guard duties. Lee averaged only 8 minutes a game last season and will be learning on the job. If Lee doesn’t work out don’t be surprised to see freshman Abdulai Jalloh get a crack at the starting job.

The shooting guard position is up in the air for St. Joe’s. 6-5 junior Chet Stachitas contributed off the bench last season and shot almost 44 percent from three. As is the story with most guards on Martelli’s teams, he can also defend.

The Hawks will be a hard-working group that refuses to quit but they’re a long way away from the skill level of last year’s 30-2 team. There are many more questions in Philly then answers right now. But in my experience, it’s a mistake to count out a Martelli-coached team.

The Hawks will find a way to hang with Kansas but in the end the Jayhawks will just have too much talent.

November 29 – Nevada – Grade: B

Kansas fans won’t struggle to remember this team, but the Wolf Pack paid dearly for last season’s magical run. Head Coach Trent Johnson is now Mike Montgomery’s successor at Stanford. Kirk Snyder bolted early for the NBA. And that pesky point guard Todd Okeson? Yep, he’s gone too. So will new Head Coach Mark Fox be able to keep Nevada on the upswing?

The Wolf Pack will have a solid frontcourt once again which is most of the reason for the high grade. The focal point this season will be 6-11 sophomore Nick Fazekas. Nevada’s starting center led the team in rebounding (7.6 rpg), blocks (1.3 bpg), field goal percentage (52.8) and tied for the lead in 3-point field-goal percentage (35.8); numbers that will be topped season. Fazekas will shoulder more of the offensive load so expect his points tally (12.6 ppg) to rise. Stardom is not far away in the conference and on the national scene. Nick is an excellent defender so look for a battle between both he and Simien.

Fazekas has a solid frontcourt mate in 6-9 Kevinn Pinkney. The senior has started 50 consecutive games and was a key part of Nevada’s Sweet Sixteen run. Pinkney is as tough as they come and he should add to the 13.7 points he averaged in last seasons NCAA tournament. In reserve, the Pack will have the luxury of two more 7-footers. 

The backcourt provides the unknown for Nevada. Adding to the uncertainty, sophomore Marcelus Kemp went down with an ACL injury in August. Kemp was slated to start at shooting guard.

Sophomore Kyle Shiloh, and newcomers Ramon Sessions and Lyndale Burleson will compete for point guard duties. Sessions was a star at Myrtle Beach High School in South Carolina, and twice topped the 50-point mark in a game. Shiloh contributed last season but only played 10 minutes a game behind Okeson.

6-7 JUCO transfer Mo Charlo is a likely candidate to fill the spot vacated by Snyder. He’ll bring athleticism, and perimeter shooting to the lineup but he’s no Snyder.

I don’t expect the backcourt to be ready for the type of test Kansas will provide but the competition in the frontcourt should be fun to watch.

December 4 – Pacific – Grade: B-

The challenge this season for Head Coach Bob Thomason will be replacing Big West Player of the Year Miah Davis. But the Tigers head to Lawrence with a loaded frontcourt anchored by 6-9 Christian Maraker (12.6 ppg, 5.9 rpg). KU will face yet another big man with a deft shooting touch and 3-point range. Don’t let that fool you though; Maraker can rebound and mix it up inside with the best of them.

Pacific also returns a key component from last year’s Big West tournament, Frenchman Guillaume Yango. The 6-8 seniors averaged 16 points in the Tigers’ run to the NCAA tournament, and scored a game-high 22 points against the Jayhawks.

Tyler Newton is the third part of Pacific’s front-line triple threat. The 6-10 senior made 60.5 percent of his field goals last season.

As far as the backcourt is concerned, Miah Davis’ shoes are tough to fill. David Doubley, who led the team in assists, will need to add scoring punch. Thomason recruited immediate help at guard by signing two JUCO transfers, Johnny Gray and Mike Webb. Both are good scorers and outstanding 3-point shooters.

Again, and I sense a theme here—the Tigers frontcourt will test the Jayhawks but the guards could be overmatched. I don’t expect less then a 15-point game.

December 9 – TCU – Grade: C

Former Kansas assistant Neil Dougherty brings the Horned Frogs to Lawrence after 7 Conference USA wins a season ago. Three of those conference wins were against Marquette (2) and Louisville (1); definite signs this program is headed in a positive direction. With 11 players returning, including 4 starters, Dougherty hopes the success will mount.

Here the strength is in the guard-play; more specifically, the tandem of Corey Santee, and shooting guard Marcus Shropshire. Santee is C-USA’s active career scoring leader averaging almost 16 points in league play. Shropshire led the team in 3-point shooting with 76 a year ago and he’s virtually automatic at the free throw line (92.5 FT pct.). Having an experienced backcourt that can score is a coveted commodity for any coach…

Dougherty’s troops needed muscle but added speed. Local signee Brett Hackett will impact the lineup the most. He knows how to points on the board and can pull up for an open look or drive to the hole. Temple transfer Nile Murry gives TCU an extra ball-handler, and Neiman Owens is athletic, but lacks the outside touch.

There’s not much to talk about in the frontcourt, which is definitely a weak spot. Half court offensive options are limited on the interior. KU should have their way inside with a team that lacks a physical presence and was frequently bullied. On the other end of the floor, TCU lacks the balanced scoring needed to compete with the Jayhawks. One thing you can be sure of – TCU will not be afraid to run with Self’s squad. There will be no slow-down in this game.

December 11 – Louisiana-Lafayette – Grade: C-

Louisiana-Lafayette is aiming for a 4^th straight 20-win season. The Ragin Cajuns will try to settle in after an “interesting” off season. First, Head Coach Jessie Evans bolted for San Francisco after 7 seasons. Then former Oklahoma State assistant Glynn Ciprien replaced him, but in July was replaced after lying on his resume’. So that left Robert Lee, a long-time Evans assistant, as the new coach at the helm.

Oh and by the way, three of Lee’s top 4 scorers have graduated. Not too much for a rookie a coach to handle.

6-4 senior Orien Greene will move into a starting role (10.4 ppg). Greene shot over 36 percent from 3-point range last season. Fellow senior Brian Hamilton averaged 11.4 points per game last season and a team-leading 7 rebounds. It’s a pretty safe bet that Dwayne Mitchell, who started 7 games last season, will be a regular in the Ragin Cajuns starting lineup.

But Lee will depend on a trio of transfers to round out his lineup. JUCO transfers Spencer Ford and Berry Jordan, and East Tennessee State transfer Tiras Wade. Wade will hopefully be the glass-eater the Sun Belt Champions will need.

It’s another no-contest for KU. Unless I’m missing something, I see a lot of uncertainty and holes to fill for this team. KU will take out another NCAA participant from last season easily.

December 18 – South Carolina – Grade: A-     

A quality opponent from a quality conference gets South Carolina a high grade. Last season the Gamecocks struggled on the road and dominated at home thanks to their trapping defense. After 23 wins last year, you can be sure Head Coach Dave Odom’s squad won’t sneak up on anyone this season.

This South Carolina squad needs to focus on consistency. Many of USC’s returning players showed flashes of brilliance but flashes won’t be enough for this team to take the next step.

The departure of point guard Mike Boynton left South Carolina with a huge leadership void. Odom hands the ball-handling duties to playmaker Tre Kelley, who’s a flashy player, but struggled shooting the ball last year.  Last season’s numbers (69 assists to 48 turnovers) proved the Gamecocks have reason to be confident in Kelley’s ability to handle the point.

Two other backcourt players will need to improve their consistency; Junior Tarence Kinsey and senior Josh Gonner. Both struggled shooting the ball at times last season.

Forward Carlos Powell is expected to be the team’s top scorer and more. The 6-7 forward averaged 12.2 points (tops on team), and 6.2 rebounds last season but disappeared at times. In the final 10 games of the season Powell failed to reach double-digits 6 times.

Brandon Wallace will help form a solid frontcourt. The 6-9 Wallace was a bit on the thin side last season but was rangy and blocked some shots. He gained experience as a freshman but will he have gained enough weight to bang in the paint as a sophomore?

6-7 Renaldo Balkman is another top returnee. Balkman was an SEC All-Freshman selection, led the Gamecocks in blocks (42), and was 3^rd on the team in rebounding (4.7 rpg).

But the bottom line is South Carolina still lacks a dominant post presence.

The Gamecocks like to throw out more kinds trapping defenses then you can count. That’s a definite. The biggest question for USC…Will the Gamecocks develop the consistency necessary to win away from home? For Kansas the game plan centers on attacking the South Carolina trapping defenses and taking care of the ball. I expect Aaron Miles to be the star in this game and handle the pressure with ease. If the Gamecocks don’t get points off of turnovers, they will struggle to score.

December 22 – Wisconsin-Milwaukee – Grade: B+

Head Coach Bruce Pearl’s team is 37-11 in league play the last 3 seasons but Horizon League Player of the Year Dylan Page is gone. The good news is 4 other starters are back for the Horizon League Champs including guard Ed McCants. The former Paris Junior College star may pick up where Page left off, and is the early preseason favorite for conference Player of the Year.

Pearl again turns to the JUCO ranks for some instant help this season by adding 6-10 center Derrick Ford. Look for Ford to have an impact on the boards and be a defensive presence in the lane. Junior Joah Tucker brings his 12.5 points back from last season and is a legit candidate to make all-league. Fellow forward Adrian Tigert will be asked to pick up some of the slack for the departed Page. Tigert is a 6-7 forward that led the team in assists and has an excellent feel for the game. He favors the high percentage shot and shoots close to 50 percent from the field.

Two other additions come to UWM via the transfer. 6-9 forward Jason McCoy (Rutgers) and 6-3 Derrick Wimmer (Chicago State) will add depth for the Panthers.

After 70 turnovers last season, the emphasis for point guard Chris Hill will be on reducing that number. Hill started 16 games last season and finished 4^th in scoring.

There’s another capable back up on the roster thanks to a late add. In September, in-state star Allan Hanson was granted a full release from his Akron scholarship. The floor general and strong ball-handler will be eligible to compete in 2004-2005.

If you’re not playing against them, this team is fun to watch. They can score and create match up problems all over the court.

UW-Milwaukee is an excellent mid-major program that will hang with the Jayhawks for awhile. This game has a “Richmond-like” feel so beware. KU will remember their experience from last year and not let this one slip away at Allen Fieldhouse. Guaranteed this game will not be played in the low 60’s.

January 1 – Georgia Tech – Grade: A+

The high grade is because this is the first legitimate Top 25-type test for the Jayhawks. Kansas kicks off the New Year with an Elite 8 rematch where both teams boast serious national title hopes.

Georgia might just be the most balanced team in the powerful ACC. The Yellow Jackets return 6 key players from a 28-10 team that reached the National Championship. 3rd leading scorer Marvin Lewis is gone and so is Clarence Moore. But Paul Hewitt’s squad has what it takes to win the title including an outstanding backcourt loaded with depth, talent, and experience. KU fans remember how Jarrett Jack carved up a porous defense for 29 points last year. Jack is back and a preseason All-ACC selection by most.

B.J. Elder was hobbled by a bad ankle in the postseason and the bad news is Elder will, in all likelihood, be healthy for this game. The powerful guard led the team in scoring at almost 15 points a game. Prior to the ankle injury Elder’s scoring average had inflated to 17.8 in the postseason.

Jet quick and explosive. Two terms that describe super sixth man Will Bynum. The Arizona transfer is plenty good enough to start for most teams, but for Georgia Tech he’s a clutch bench performer. He brought his best when it counted most, in ACC play and the NCAA tourney. He’s not afraid to take the big shot and adds to an already solid guard core.

Luke Schenscher has spent part of his collegiate career nursing injuries. But the Australian center has proven when healthy, he can produce. Schenscher is 7-1 and skilled, not a banger, but a finesse player. Bigger and stronger foes had their way with him inside. So in order to combat that, Hewitt added freshmen Ra’Sean Dickey and Jeremis Smith. The Yellow Jackets will also welcome back shot-blocking presence Theodis Tarver, a 6-9 forward who missed 14 games last year due to injury.

Smith might be the perfect compliment to Schenscher’s skill. He’s physical, a glass eater, and maybe just what Tech needs. Don’t expect him to score much but you can bet he’ll spend some time guarding Wayne Simien.

The weapons keep on coming for Tech. High-flying forward Isma’il Muhammad, is perhaps the most entertaining piece of Tech’s arsenal. He tends to play the game above the rim and is a great finisher. He doesn’t possess much range but you better keep him in front of you. At the other end, the senior is Tech’s best on- the-ball defender. 

The Yellow Jackets had the upper hand vs. KU in several key areas in their last meeting. Schenscher & Co. dominated in the paint 40 to 28. Hewitt’s squad won the turnover battle and scored 24 points off turnovers to Kansas’ 15. Bench points went to the deeper Tech team 30-15. Finally, the Jayhawks failed to muscle Schenscher and allowed him to score 15 points on 5-5 shooting. Don’t expect a repeat performance but expect B.J. Elder to have an impact. I give the Yellow Jackets the slight edge in the backcourt but the frontcourt, and home court advantages go to the Jayhawks…

January 9 – at Kentucky – Grade: A+

The Jayhawks finally hit the road for a serious test. Rupp Arena will be rocking for this one, especially if KU comes in as the number one team.

The Cats return only one starter but that won’t stop them from competing for yet another SEC East title. It will take time for the Cats to really purr this season but help is on the way. Tubby Smith has put together yet another terrific recruiting class packed with talent and McDonald’s All-Americans.

6-11 Randolph Morris contemplated the NBA but instead he’ll occupy the middle for the Cats. He’s exactly the type of player the Cats were lacking last year in the post.

6-1 guard Rajon Rondo sees the floor well, and can break you down off the dribble but probably won’t start. Detroit native Joe Crawford is a likely starter and long range bomber. He’s versatile and can take you off the dribble. Both will occupy the UK backcourt for years to come.

Look for Western Kentucky transfer Patrick Sparks to start at the point position where he’ll be asked to provide some leadership. Sparks could be the steadying influence needed as freshman Rajon Rondo learns the ropes.  

Kelenna Azubuike has improved every season in Lexington and capped off last year by scoring 69 points in 5 postseason games. He will be the third part of Cats’ 3-guard lineup and a focal point of the offense.

Senior Chuck Hayes is one of the most underrated players in the country, and has started 76 straight games for Kentucky. At 6-6 he’s UK’s do-everything-guy and the heart and soul of this team. 

Kentucky may have lost a lot but they don’t rebuild, they reload. With three McDonald’s All-Americans the only question is WHEN Kentucky will come together. The KU game at Kansas will be a great test for this young team. For Kansas, it’s a much needed barometer game before they get into the heat of conference play. This game is too close to call but I’m going to give the home folks the slight edge in Lexington. Can’t wait for this one.

January 22 – at Villanova – Grade: B

The Jayhawks face yet another Wildcat. Jay Wright is without a doubt on the hot seat this season and a win against Kansas would certainly help his cause. Consistency has eluded Wright’s teams at ‘Nova, but trouble hasn’t. The program is currently on 2 year’s probation for recruiting violations.

The top 6 are back led by the backcourt of Allen Ray and the streaky Randy Foye. Ray was the team’s top scorer and is a serious threat from deep (39.2 3-pt FG Pct.).Foye will again play the small forward position although he’s only 6-3. Foye proved size doesn’t matter for him when he averaged 13.5 points and 4.7 rebounds last season.

Sophomore Mike Nardi started all 35 games as freshman and will again be the point in Wright’s 3-guard lineup. The talented rookie averaged 9.9 points and nearly 4 assists per game, but has been susceptible to turnovers at times. If he doesn’t perform Philadelphia freshman Kyle Lowry will be there to back him up. Lowry’s solid decision-making may get him a lot of minutes with this squad.

The Wildcat to keep an eye on is Curtis Sumpter. The rangy 6-7 forward was a third-team All-Big East selection last season. It’s not a stretch to think he can contend for Player of the Year honors in the conference. He’s a tough match up because of his size, length, range, and athleticism. Sumpter can play the 3 or a power forward making him a nightmare to guard.

Jason Fraser came out of high school highly touted but has been plagued by knee problems that have limited his effectiveness. To his credit he’s played through the pain but college basketball hasn’t seen the true potential of this 6-10 junior. Fraser still managed to lead the team in rebounds, blocks and field goal percentage in ’03-’04.

Villanova has lacked the passion and consistency needed for a 20-win season. Though their guard play has gotten stronger, turnovers are still a  problem for the Big East Tournament semi-finalists. Sumpter is still by far the toughest guy to guard on this ‘Nova team. With the scoring ability of Foye and Ray, never count this team out of a game. They can get hot in a hurry. However, there’s no way I believe Kansas will walk out of Philly without a win.

OVERALL – Grade: B+

Overall it’s the perfect schedule for this team. That’s just my opinion though and time will tell. I think I would’ve wanted one more road test in December added but that’s the only negative I can see. The Top 25 caliber competition won’t start until January folks but the mid major slate is not a bad one. Plenty of good competition here for the home fans to enjoy.