KU Jayhawks Season Preview – CBB Handicapping
Kansas is always good it seems. Last year there was some concern because of all the players they lost but they won yet another Big 12 title and collected more than 30 victories once again.
Kansas Jayhawks Odds to Win (By bovada.lv)
Big 12
2011-12 Record: 32-7
Odds to win title: +2200
Odds to win conference: +175
Key losses:
Thomas Robinson – You could argue that he was the best big man in the country last season. He dominated in big games too.
Tyshawn Taylor – A much maligned player who never lived up to expectations was one of the best point guards in the nation last year as a senior. There is no obvious heir apparent either.
Top Newcomers:
Ben McLemore – Sat out last season due to academics but has a very high ceiling and will likely fill the 6th man role.
Perry Ellis – Fantastic power forward prospect who get this won 4 state titles in high school.
Zach Peters – Not as highly touted as Ellis but bigger and stronger. Could spell both Ellis and Withey to bang down low.
Top Players
Jeff Withey – The tall center was a defensive force this year. They are hoping he adds to his offensive game as a senior
Elijah Johnson – Lone returning double digit scorer might double his production this season. They may need him to
Travis Releford – The athletic wing has been waiting for his chances to shine and this is it.
This year they lose a unanimous All-American power forward and a senior point guard but their path to another conference title might actually be easier with Missouri moving to the SEC. They may not have the star power we are used to but this is still a very good team.
Coach Bill Self has developed one of the most consistent programs in America so even though we might not know now who the point guard or leading scorer will be right now we can be confident they will develop. This year’s team might have more freshmen than we are used to seeing but in Withey, Johnson and Releford, they also have 3 seniors that are likely to log heavy minutes. By the end of the year they should be a fully formed product that will compete. [ad-6571516]
Strengths
Kansas seems to always have a good mix, never too dependent on any one player for success. That trend should continue this year with increases in production from stalwart player as well several new Jayhawks having the opportunity to contribute. Kansas players are almost always unselfish teammates who play great team basketball. That is why they always have good flow to their games and don’t go through stretches of ugly play you see at other top programs.
Weaknesses
For Kansas to have the kind of season we are accustomed to they are going to need to have a member or two of their 8 player freshman class step up. Kansas hasn’t been too affected by players leaving early and none of these prospects are of the one and done variety either. The question is whether that means they are still able to make a significant impact from the time they throw the ball up there.
Top Games
Nov 13 – The Jayhawks will take on Michigan State. It should be a fun game to watch between two of the best coached teams in America.
Dec. 22 – Kansas takes on another Big 10 heavyweight when they visit Columbus to take on the Buckeyes.
Mar. 9 – No Mizzou no problem. Kansas will close the regular season by visiting their top remaining conference competition – Baylor
Prediction
Another Big 12 Championship seems like a good place to start…they have only won the last seven or eight. With three hungry seniors this team should be built for the postseason but I wonder about their lack of clarity at the point guard position and whether perhaps having too many new faces will make it tough for one or two to shine. Look for an upset of the Jayhawks in the second round of the tournament. They seem to either go all the way or out early don’t they?
