Super Scintillating Selections Top 30 Countdown: #3 Kansas Jayhawks

Three. More. Teams. Day 28, here we go. As a reminder, from here on out I will not be giving a prediction for the featured team. For the predictions on the remaining teams you will have to listen to my podcast I will be releasing Tuesday 3/14. The podcast will include previews of highlighted matchups, predictions for the last seven teams, possible cinderellas, future content ideas I've been brewing in my head, and more.

Today we spotlight the reigning champs, THE Kansas Jayhawks. They finished the regular season with a 25-6 overall record and an impressive 13-5 record in a very challenging Big 12 conference. We are going to keep it short this Friday, nobody wants to read for longer than a couple minutes today I get it.

Lets get it.

Why can Kansas repeat?

Hardware Kids. As many of you know, every conference just came out with their regular season awards. If you asked any of the players or coaches who won these awards, they would all tell you they are playing for something bigger, the national championship. But, the players who won for the Jayhawks serve a huge purpose in why I like them so much. Big 12 Player of the Year, Jalen Wilson, is the full package. Led the Big 12 in scoring (19.7 ppg),rebounding (8.4 rpg), and double-doubles (10). Then, Dajuan Harris took home Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. Something I have seen and read on Harris is that his play this year has been “inconsistent”...give me a break. He had an iffy start to the year for sure, turning the ball over and making some silly plays that a veteran isn't expected to make, but his play as of recent shows that he is March ready. Harris ended up leading the conference in assist/turnover ratio (3.4), was second in assists per game (6.3 APG), and was fourth in steals (2 SPG). This man WILL step up in March on offense as well I am certain of it. Yesterday in their first game of the conference tournament he had 13 points, 8 assists, 5 steals, and 4 rebounds. Jalen Wilson and Dejuan Harris are exactly the type of players I look for when searching for a champion.

Dick. Gradey Dick that is. If you have read most or all of these blogs, you know I'm hesitant to be high on a freshman in March. There ARE exceptions though. Mr. Dick is one of them, not only is he surrounded by veterans who were on the championship team last year and make him better, he already plays and has the decision-making of an upperclassman. It is not often he makes mistakes. He shoots 45% from the field, 84% from the charity stripe, 41% from three (wtf), and can clamp up on the defensive side. How did Keyonte George win Big 12 freshman of the year?? Anyways, don’t expect any freshman mistakes from Dick in March, it won't happen.

Bill Self. First of all, I really hope that Bill Self is okay. I am not 100% sure what he is dealing with health wise, but let's all hope he is healthy and ready to go soon. He is one of the best coaches in the country and his leadership will be a big part of Kansas’ run in March. Obviously, my hope is that he is okay first as a person, and second as a coach.

What’s holding them back?

Depth. The Jayhawks really only play six or seven guys a game. Only five guys play over 20 minutes a game. Joseph Yesufu got a lot of minutes yesterday because McCullar was dealing with back spasms, but he only averages around 12 MPG. Foul trouble will be something this team tries very hard to avoid in the tournament, because they don't have a lot of options coming off the bench. Ernest Udeh and Yesufu are really the only players they have turned to, and they don't make the greatest impact when they get in. Kansas does a decent job in being disciplined and not fouling a ton, but you just never know.

If this team goes far the whole world will know Jalen Wilson, Dajuan Harris, and Gradey Dick’s name if they don't already. The vision I have for them is that those three take over the way Kyle Guy, Ty Jerome, and De’Andre Hunter did in 2019.

Next Game: Today vs Iowa State