The No. 14 Kansas Jayhawks are wrapping up a season that fans won’t soon forget.
With standout players like Melvin Council Jr. and Flory Bidunga, this team has captured the hearts of many. Transfer Tre White has shown he can ignite any game, as evidenced by his impressive 23-point performance in Kansas’ 69-56 victory over No.
5 Houston. And the return of star guard Darryn Peterson to full health has the Lawrence faithful buzzing.
While the Jayhawks have brought plenty of excitement, they've also shown vulnerabilities that could be exposed as March Madness approaches.
Kansas’ Interior Defense: A Closer Look
Flory Bidunga is a force in the paint, known for his game-changing presence. Even with just four points against the Cougars, his +17 plus-minus highlighted his impact beyond the stat sheet. However, there have been times when Bidunga has been left to fend for himself inside, a challenge for any defender.
This was evident when Cincinnati's Baba Miller and Moustapha Thiam visited Allen Fieldhouse. The duo combined for 46 points, taking advantage of moments when Bidunga couldn’t cover both threats. While not every opponent will boast such size, Kansas must provide Bidunga with the necessary support to bolster their interior defense.
Pushing the Pace
Offensively, the Jayhawks are versatile. They can slow the game down and still find success, but there’s an undeniable edge when they push the tempo. The dynamic duo of White and Council excels at cutting to the basket, with Council particularly adept at drawing fouls and making tough shots.
In the second half against Houston, White and Council combined for nine fastbreak points, showcasing their ability to capitalize on quick transitions. Despite ranking 214th nationally with 70.1 possessions per game, Kansas shouldn’t shy away from easy fastbreak opportunities as the season progresses.
Looking ahead, the Jayhawks face a significant challenge next Saturday against the No. 2 Arizona Wildcats.
Tipoff is at 3 p.m. CT, and fans can catch the action on ESPN.
This matchup will be a true test of Kansas' mettle as they gear up for the postseason.