Kansas Jayhawks
Big 12 (30-4, 14-2)
Seed: #1
West Region
RPI: 11
Big Wins:
11/25 vs Florida (82-80), 3/3 Texas (90-86), 3/11 vs Texas (88-84)
Bad Losses:
11/15 Oral Roberts (71-78), 12/2 at DePaul (57-64), 1/20 at Texas Tech
(64-69)
Last NCAA
Appearance: 2006, First Round loss to Bradley
Coach:
Bill Self (13-8 in 8 NCAA appearances)
Probable
Starters:
Russell
Robinson, Junior, Guard, 6.8 ppg, 4.5 apg, 3.2 rpg
Mario Chalmers,
Sophomore, Guard, 12.2 ppg, 3.1 apg, 3.3 rpg
Brandon Rush,
Sophomore, Guard, 13.6 ppg, 5.7 rpg
Julian Wright,
Sophomore, Forward, 11.8 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 1.4 bpg
Sasha Kaun,
Junior, Center, 6.4 ppg, 4.1 rpg
Key
Roleplayers:
Sherron
Collins, Freshman, Guard, 9.4 ppg, 3.0 apg
Darrell Arthur,
Freshman, Forward, 10.4 ppg, 4.8 rpg
Darnell
Jackson, Junior, Forward, 5.4 ppg, 5.0 rpg
Why They Can
Surprise:
The Jayhawks
shoot over 10% better from the floor than their opponents. That is
nice combination of great shooters and great defense. Having four quality
post players helps boost that field-goal percentage. Julian Wright, Darrell
Arthur, Sasha Kaun and Darnell Jackson comprise one of the most formidable
frontcourts in the nation. Not only can they all rack up some points in the
scoring column, but they will get on the glass as well.
However, the
best scorers on KU are in the backcourt. Brandon Rush leads the team with
13.6 points per game and is dangerous from everywhere on the floor. Mario
Chalmers has developed into a solid all-around player, but it is his defense
that makes him so important to the Jayhawks. Freshman Sherron Collins is
great long range shooter and will provide a spark off the bench.
Why They Can
Disappoint:
Despite all the
scoring options, it is the lack of a go-to-guy that has hindered Kansas. The
obvious choice is Brandon Rush, but just a sophomore, he has lacked the
initiative to use his ability to consistently take over games. Rarely is
sharing the ball too much a problem, but the Jayhawks need to know who to
look for when the game is on the line. The team has also lacked the killer
instinct and has struggled to put teams away when in the lead.
Who To
Watch:
Point guard
Russell Robinson makes the team tick on both ends of the court. The 6-1
junior dishes out 4.5 assists per game and only turns the ball over 1.9
times. It is Robinson’s job to get everybody else involved and he does a
wonderful job. He has some competition from Chalmers, but Robinson may be
the best defender on the team and his defensive play helps KU grab over nine
steals per game.
Joel’s
Bracket Says: Sweet Sixteen loss to Southern Illinois
