Through the Phog
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Chasing history: Kansas Jayhawks in the new look Big 12

By Abhinav Kumar

Dec 6, 2016; Lawrence, KS, USA; A general view of the court as the Kansas Jayhawks and UMKC Kangaroos warm up before the game at Allen Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2016; Lawrence, KS, USA; A general view of the court as the Kansas Jayhawks and UMKC Kangaroos warm up before the game at Allen Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /
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Kansas is a perennial powerhouse of basketball in the nation. Its domination of Big 12 has been so great over the last 13 years that some may feel that maybe the other schools are just not good enough.

For 13 long years, Kansas Jayhawks won one Big 12 regular season after another. Will the Jayhawks beat UCLA’s record of 13 straight conference regular season titles?

Winning is what Bill Self does and the initial buzz around KU is strong with its backcourt rated highly in recent reviews. Myron Medcalf writes for ESPN:

"Svi Mykhailiuk’s return allows Kansas to make the case it now owns the nation’s best backcourt. Mykhailiuk, Devonte’ Graham and Mississippi State transfer Malik Newman, a former top-10 recruit, will merge into a strong unit that can lead Kansas to another Big 12 championship."

Kansas has a proven leader returning in Devonte’ Graham and a clutch player in Svi Mykhailiuk. The Jayhawks will also have Malik Newman who, having spent a year at KU, should gel easily with the Bill Self style of play. But the competition is going to be tough.

Let us look at a few threats that KU may face this upcoming season.

Tough competition ahead for Jayhawks in Big 12

West Virginia: Jevon Carter’s return may spell trouble for KU.

Bob Huggins’ General-on-court could improve upon his Junior year which was already stellar. If he finds enough support from his teammates, West Virginia could pose a tough challenge for the Jayhawks.

Texas: Mohammad Bamba is expected to provide solid defence in the paint with his 7-foot tall frame. But there is more to Texas than Bamba. The backcourt featuring returnee Andrew Jones, four star recruit Matt Coleman, and Kervin Roach who gained valuable experience last season, may be among the best in Big 12. Look out for Texas if Mohammad Bamba can stretch the defence upto the 3-point line and if the backcourt delivers.

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Iowa State is always competitive against the Jayhawks. Remember, they beat KU at the Phog last season? Oklahoma finds gold in Trae Young, adding to the great backcourt tradition that was headlined by Buddy Heild last season. Oklahoma State and Kansas State home court advantage has frequently given trouble to the Jayhawks, who must win away games to separate themselves from the competition.

Brace for an exciting season ahead and some solid ball from the Big 12.

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