Kansas basketball is doing what Kansas basketball does best-locking in on the defensive end and making life miserable for opposing offenses. Through December, the Jayhawks have been nothing short of elite on that side of the floor, and the numbers back it up in a big way.
Since December 1, Kansas has held the No. 1 spot in adjusted defensive efficiency according to Bart Torvik, a go-to source for advanced college basketball metrics. That stat isn’t just a nice feather in the cap-it’s a reflection of the kind of defensive dominance that wins games deep into March. Torvik’s formula, which blends opponent strength, pace, and possession-based metrics, paints a clear picture: Kansas is setting the defensive standard.
And this isn’t just about numbers-it’s about personnel and attitude. The Jayhawks have leaned heavily on players like Melvin Council Jr., whose energy on the perimeter sets the tone, and Flory Bidunga, who’s been a force around the rim. That combination of hustle on the outside and shot-blocking inside has created a defense that’s not just good-it’s suffocating.
Head coach Bill Self, known for building teams that hang their hat on defense, summed it up after Kansas held Towson to just 49 points earlier this month: “Our first-shot defense was really good.” That’s a classic Self understatement. What he means is Kansas isn’t giving up clean looks, and when opponents do manage to get a shot off, they’re often one-and-done.
The team’s season-long numbers tell the same story. Kansas is holding opponents to just 63.3 points per game, and they’ve already tallied 70 steals and 81 blocks-proof that this defense isn’t just about effort, it’s about execution.
Council Jr. echoed his coach’s mindset earlier this year: “He was preaching defense all summer. His best teams were defensive teams.
If we get stops, our offense will be great. Defense wins championships.”
That’s the blueprint, and it’s clear the Jayhawks are buying in.
Now, with non-conference play in the rearview mirror, Kansas turns its attention to the Big 12 gauntlet, starting with a road trip to UCF on January 3. If their December form holds, the Jayhawks won’t just be in the hunt-they’ll be setting the pace.