Kansas basketball fans unhappy with one preseason poll
By Stan Unruh
Preseason college basketball polls don’t mean much in June. Kansas basketball fans are not pleased with one new poll.
Relax, it’s only someone’s opinion. While two of the nation’s spring polls list Kansas basketball as number two right behind Arizona. The most recent USA Today poll is insulting to the Jayhawks.
I don’t even want to write why Kansas basketball fans are mad when they read this poll. Bill Self’s team is right there in the top five.
As a matter of fact, the only other Big 12 school included in the top 20 is Bob Huggins’ West Virginia Mountaineers. Why get upset?
These polls are coming out now based on the fact that team rosters are set for 2017-18 season. Players who were considering the NBA and didn’t sign with an agent made their decisions.
We know an experienced and hopefully improved defensive version of Svi Mykhailiuk is returning for a fourth season.
Devonte Graham decision to return was huge for team. Graham will lead this group and get excellent scoring assistance form Lagerald Vick and transfer Malik Newman.
With Udoka Azubuike in the middle and freshman Billy Preston, it will be a fun team to watch.
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A couple of players who could have a big impact include Mitch Lightfoot. We saw glimpses of his athleticism during his freshman season. If he adds some muscle, watch out.
It will be very interesting to see what Arizona State transfer Sam Cunliffe does in this lineup.
We know he can score. On the other hand, if he plays defense the way Self wants, he will see plenty of action.
With this great Kansas basketball lineup set, why does one meaningless poll make fans mad?
Because this poll ranked another Kansas school ahead of the Jayhawks.