College Basketball Preview: 4. Kansas Jayhawks
4. Kansas Jayhawks 32-7 in 2011 (16-2 Big 12)
Last season once again the Jayhawks were in a "rebuilding stage". The squad had lost the Morris twins, Josh Selby and a whole lot of other talent. But, once more Bill Self and Kansas defied expectations and, led by Thomas Robinson danced all the way to the championship game only to lose to Kentucky. Now, once more the Jayhawks are reloading after lsing their top backcourt player in Tyshawn Taylor and of course Robinson. But, it seems like it is the Kansas way; somebody steps up and leads them deep into the tournament. So, once more, don't count out Kansas in the title hunt.
Backcourt: Without Taylor, Self will rely heavily on senior Elijah Johnson. Self should give Johnson a lot of minutes at point where he could dominate thanks to his size and speed. Johnson isn't a great shooter, more of a passer or finisher. Also sure to see a lot of time in the backcourt is Travis Releford who doesn't score much either. Releford plays good defense and works hard which Kansas fans should appreciate. One of last year's top recruits Ben McLemore gets his first chance after being redshirted in 2011. McLemore can be a dangerous shooter and has the smarts to be truly lethal option on offense. Expect freshman Rio Adams, sophomore Naadir Thorpe, junior Niko Johnson and Self's son, Tyler, to see minutes.
Frontcourt: Jeff Withey was mainly just a defensive specialist who played alongside Robinson last season but could end up being dangerous this season. He is a shot blocker who can also rebound though must improve on his post moves. Freshman Perry Ellis was the top recruit Self managed to pull in this season. He could play at power or small forward and has the athleticism and versatility to be deadly at both. One of the biggest X-Factors for the Jayhawks will be Kevin Young, a senior who showed flashes of greatness last season. Young has good size and gives the Jayhawks a guy who can score in bunches. Junior Justin Wesley is a very valuable veteran who must turn into a consistent leader. Freshman Landen Lucas and Zach Peters should also see some valuable minutes. With the youth in the frontcourt Self will need some big contributions from Withey, Young and Wesley.
Big 12 Rank: 1st
Top NBA Prospect: Jeff Withey
PROJECTED LINEUP
PG Elijah Johnson- Senior
SG Ben McLemore- Freshman
SF Kevin Young- Senior
PF Perry Ellis- Freshman
C Jeff Withey- Senior
Sixth Travis Releford- Senior
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| Travis Releford |
Last season once again the Jayhawks were in a "rebuilding stage". The squad had lost the Morris twins, Josh Selby and a whole lot of other talent. But, once more Bill Self and Kansas defied expectations and, led by Thomas Robinson danced all the way to the championship game only to lose to Kentucky. Now, once more the Jayhawks are reloading after lsing their top backcourt player in Tyshawn Taylor and of course Robinson. But, it seems like it is the Kansas way; somebody steps up and leads them deep into the tournament. So, once more, don't count out Kansas in the title hunt.
Backcourt: Without Taylor, Self will rely heavily on senior Elijah Johnson. Self should give Johnson a lot of minutes at point where he could dominate thanks to his size and speed. Johnson isn't a great shooter, more of a passer or finisher. Also sure to see a lot of time in the backcourt is Travis Releford who doesn't score much either. Releford plays good defense and works hard which Kansas fans should appreciate. One of last year's top recruits Ben McLemore gets his first chance after being redshirted in 2011. McLemore can be a dangerous shooter and has the smarts to be truly lethal option on offense. Expect freshman Rio Adams, sophomore Naadir Thorpe, junior Niko Johnson and Self's son, Tyler, to see minutes.
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| Jeff Withey |
Big 12 Rank: 1st
Top NBA Prospect: Jeff Withey
PROJECTED LINEUP
PG Elijah Johnson- Senior
SG Ben McLemore- Freshman
SF Kevin Young- Senior
PF Perry Ellis- Freshman
C Jeff Withey- Senior
Sixth Travis Releford- Senior
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