As we get set for March Madness at Top Bet, we’re taking a closer look at the college basketball teams that will affect your bracket the most: the favorites. We’ve looked at powerhouses Wichita State, Arizona, Florida and Syracuse, and today we move on to the Kansas Jayhawks.
As it turned out, Andrew Wiggins wasn’t the only high-impact freshman on the Jayhawks roster. As the season has progressed Joel Embiid, another newcomer, captured the nation’s attention with his exceptional display of talent and feel for the game. With the two freshmen playing solidly, coach Bill Self now has a team that should surpass the Jayhawks’ disappointing regional semi-finals exit last season. But the question remains: can they win it all?
Kansas Jayhawks NCAA March Madness Preview
Key to Success – Field Goal Efficiency
[sc:NCAA240banner ]The Jayhawks have been pouring in points while maintain an incredibly high shooting percentage from the field. Kansas is averaging 79.8 PPG – 23rd in the nation – on an astonishing 50.1% shooting.
The secret behind the high rate is Kansas’ apparent dislike of shooting threes. In fact, the team only launches 15.6 attempts a game from beyond the arc, which explains why only 20.8% of Kansas’ total points per game come from that area. By avoiding the long ball, the Jayhawks take more high percentage shots on their way to a 56% two-point shooting percentage.
MVP – Joel Embiid
Before the season began, the talk around the Jayhawks centered around one player: Andrew Wiggins. The highly-touted freshman had sole possession of the limelight then, leaving fellow freshman Joel Embiid out of the picture.
This lack of attention gave Embiid the opportunity to surprise without the constant scrutiny Wiggins has been under, and surprise he did. Not only has Embiid turned into an important piece of Kansas’ offense, but has also become the team’s cornerstone on defense. Embiid is averaging 11.1 PPG, 7.9 RPG, and a team-leading 2.6 BPG. He also tops the Big 12 in field goal percentage with a mark of 62.4%.
Achilles Heel – Three-Point Defense
The Jayhawks distaste for the three-ball isn’t limited to their offense. This attitude has also spilled onto their defense. In four of the Jayhawks’ losses this season, Kansas has allowed its opponents to torch them for at least seven three-point connections. The Jayhawks allowed Kansas State to burn them for eight threes while shooting 53.3% from downtown, and then surrendered nine to Villanova, who attempted a jaw-dropping 25 threes in Kansas’ first loss of the season.
Kansas had better adjust or they could fall prey should they be matched up with a great shooting team like Creighton in March.
Season Highlight – Andrew Wiggins’ Dunk in First Game Against Jabari Parker
As two of the nation’s best freshmen, the first meeting of Andrew Wiggins and Jabari Parker early in the season was must-watch basketball. Wiggins scored 16 of his 22 points in the second half of that game, including this go-ahead dunk plus a foul from Parker. The Jayhawks won, 94-83.
Prediction
Despite the losses they have on their record, Kansas has proven they can beat any team in the tournament, and the oddsmakers agree, listing the Jayhawks at +600 to win the National Tournament. If Joel Embiid’s body avoids breaking down and Andrew Wiggins play to his potential during the tournament, the Jayhawks should cruise to the Elite 8 where they may not have the perimeter defense to contend with the all-around contenders like Wichita State.
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