Kansas basketball: Pressure builds with jump in polls

The Kansas basketball team continues to rise in the national polls. As they do, the pressure on the Jayhawks also builds.

Kansas basketball fans love to watch the national polls. Every week, we anticipate where the voters will rank Bill Self’s guys. We love to brag, argue and complain. On Monday, the undefeated Jayhawks moved to number 2 in both the Associated Press poll and USA Today polls. We love to see the team ranked as high as possible. On the other hand, as the team moves up the pressure builds.

It’s great to see the Jayhawks in the top 5 or 10 nationally.  I prefer a safe, popular spot that doesn’t attract too much attention. Kansas basketball gets plenty of attention. They also get every team’s best shot anyway.

What Bill Self is doing with this team and where they are ranked with the limited roster is amazing. Kansas basketball fans are spoiled. We need to appreciate what this team is doing. Imagine how you would have felt if you knew on Halloween the Jayhawks might have to play without Billy Preston for the first month of the season.  I know this team has veteran leadership but I didn’t expect what we’ve seen.

Schedule becomes more difficult next month

The Champions Classic win over Kentucky impressed many. Add that to a couple of triple-digit performances and the Jayhawks are playing some great basketball.  Other than the win in Chicago, the Jayhawks have not been tested.

Next: Svi Mykhailiuk deserves Big 12 recognition

That will change soon. Arizona State who struggled to beat K-State last week is currently ranked. They come to Allen Fieldhouse on December 10. Are they worthy of a top-20 ranking? We’ll find out. I know Bill Self’s Jayhawks will be ready.  As a matter of fact, there is only one ranking that really matters. That comes in April.