No. 1 seed Kansas: 10 things to know
They've got at least three future pros, size, shooting and defense. What else do you need for Kansas to win a second championship in three years?
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| The dangerous Jayhawks have team leader Sherron Collins and plenty of talent around him. (AP) |
Of course, those are mere factoids to the rabid Kansas fans. The real season begins this week and the Jayhawks will be expected to win it all. Again.
Why they'll win it: Few teams have the combination Self has at his disposal -- height in Cole Aldrich, gritty leadership in Sherron Collins, brawn in the Morris twins and a talented bench. Kansas shouldn't be challenged until the Sweet 16.
Why they won't: While a great leader, Collins is prone to streaky shooting. Going into Saturday's Big 12 championship game, he was shooting only 39.6 percent in the previous four games. His overall shooting percentage this season has been the worst of his career.
If Collins coughs up a 3-for-11 shooting night with a bunch of turnovers, that could be it for Kansas. Everything has to click for Kansas' most inspirational leader for six straight games because if he has one bad one, Collins potentially could drag down the Jayhawks.
Player to watch: Aldrich might be the best low-post defender in the country, however Self wants his big man to be more assertive around the basket. If Aldrich starts taking the ball to the hole, heaven help the bracket. No team will come within 10 points.
Soaring/slumping: Soaring. The Morris twins have become twin towers. Marcus is the better of the two but Markieff made huge strides this season. Kansas' most intimidating look is when the Morrises play together on the low block. Marcus is 6-foot-8, Markieff is 6-9. Their combined weight is 458 pounds. Try to drive, I dare you.
Slumping. Shooting guard Brady Morningstar has lost his touch this season. His minutes decreased as Self lost faith in him. In Morningstar's last nine games before Saturday, he had not taken more than five shots.
Best off the bench: Markieff is a 22-30 minute-a-game guy who alters the game on both ends of the court. While his offensive game needs work, it doesn't hurt to make 57 percent of your shots.
Stat of note: Somehow we got to this point without mentioning Xavier Henry. The 6-6 freshman is expected to be a one-and-done pro but it's clear his game could use some polishing if he chooses to come back next season. While he can go off at times, Henry can also disappear. Right now Henry is on -- 16.8 points per game in his last seven coming into Saturday.
Last time as No. 1 seed: 2008, won the national championship in San Antonio. You either remember it as Kansas' return to glory or one of John Calipari's most infamous brain farts. Two players from that team, Aldrich and Collins, are attempting to win their second national championship.
Last time won a national championship: Same.
All-time starting five: C: Wilt Chamberlain; G: Jo Jo White; F: Danny Manning; F: Paul Pierce; F: Clyde Lovellette.
Final thought: Kansas is the team to beat in this tournament. The 'Hawks have become so dominant that the regular season had become a bit tedious. This is what they've been waiting for. This team will rise or fall on the play of Collins. While Kansas has all the pieces, Collins leads with more than his jump shots. The only playing senior on the roster wants to add a second championship to his legacy.
