The Kansas Jayhawks have had their ups and downs this season, but the NCAA Tournament is a crazy, unpredictable saga. What can Kansas do to repeat its Final Four run from last season?
Before I begin, I understand this Kansas men’s team has had to face circumstances that no other Kansas squad has had to face. The reliance on freshmen experience has many fans hoping the Jayhawks make it past Northeastern, not even considering a Final Four run.
But hey, anything can happen, and I am going to discuss what 3 things need to happen for a Final Four run to occur.
1. Finding an identity
The main problem facing this Jayhawk team is finding an identity. Coming into the season, the formula seemed so simple: feed the beast on the block in junior Udoka Azubuike and attack the perimeter with freshman guards Devon Dotson and Quentin Grimes.
Without Azubuike in the post, Kansas has no real brute down low and both aforementioned guards have proved inconsistent in their offensive attacks.
The way this team can advance in the tournament is committing to its perimeter game throughout and ride the hot and cold streaks that follow. Look at Auburn for example, they have taken a nation leading 1052 three-point shots and obliterated the SEC tournament.
The emergence of freshman big David McCormack could allow the Jayhawks to fall back on an off-brand version of what they intended for their scheme this year, but the three ball seems like the most effective method to be successful.
2. Lawson to start dominating
To begin Big 12 play, junior forward Dedric Lawson was a leader in national player of the year talk. While his production has stayed elite, he has not been a dominant presence in the post.
Against Iowa State in the Big 12 Championship, Kansas was ice cold from three and needed Lawson to take advantage of the year-long mediocre Cyclone defense, but he just couldn’t will the offense.
I know Lawson is an elite talent and is vital to the Jayhawks’ success, but if and when Kansas goes cold in the tournament, Lawson will need to prove to be able to be successful when the rest of his teammates are not.
3. Quentin Newman?
Everyone remembers the beautiful emergence of junior guard Malik Newman last March. The question lies, can Grimes repeat Newman’s success and become Mr. March?
Grimes shows the purest three-point stroke Kansas obtains and proved it against West Virginia in the second round of the Big 12 Tournament, when he scored 18 points and shot 5-of-8 from behind the arc (he was a perfect 5-of-5 at halftime).
With Grimes hitting threes, the Jayhawks can certainly compete with anyone. Just as Newman did last season, Grimes could elevate his game and carry Kansas to a Final Four.