Kansas basketball: Five things to watch against Monmouth

The Jayhawks will take on the Monmouth Hawks this Friday night in Allen Fieldhouse. What should Kansas basketball fans watch for?

Kansas basketball is still coming into its own, and it may take a few games for the Jayhawks to operate at their peak; however, that doesn’t mean Kansas shouldn’t come out with a sense of urgency.

Former #1 Kentucky proved that anybody can lose on any night, as the Wildcats were defeated at home by the Evansville Purple Aces. It was a humiliating loss for Kentucky, and Kansas has to come out and play their game so the same doesn’t happen to the Jayhawks.

So, what should Kansas basketball fans watch for this Friday night? There’s quite a bit actually, but we’ll start with the basics.

1. Will Bill Self fully embrace a four-guard lineup?

When head coach Bill Self switched to a four-guard lineup last Friday against UNC Greensboro the offense seemed to open up. Suddenly, spacing was less of an issue, and Udoka Azubuike looked as dominant as ever.

At this point, Self may start two bigs and then switch to a primarily four-guard lineup for the rest of the game. The optimum four-guard lineups probably look something like this:

2. Isaiah Moss’ impact on the floor

Isaiah Moss, the Iowa grad transfer, could be the missing piece for Kansas basketball this season. Moss didn’t play against Duke due to injury, so he made his season debut last week against UNC Greensboro. He played 25 minutes and scored eight points against the Spartans, and went 2-6 from behind the three-point line.

Other than his ability to shoot and make threes, Moss spreads the floor for Kansas and opens up scoring opportunities for Devon Dotson and Udoka Azubuike. Self said that Moss still isn’t 100%, but watch for the impact Moss has on the offense, specifically the spacing.

3. Kansas basketball’s size advantage

Monmouth is ranked #126 in the NCAA in terms of average height according to Ken Pomeroy, while the Jayhawks rank in the top 20. The starkest contrast is at the center position, where, Mustapha Traore is only six-foot-eight, compared to seven-foot center Udoka Azubuike.

Like most teams, Monmouth is going to have no choice but to double Azubuike whenever he touches the ball. If they don’t, the big man is going to have a big night. Also, look for Kansas to be dominant on the boards.

4. The spread

Good teams win, great teams cover. According to Ken Pomeroy and his adjusted efficiency margin, the Jayhawks should win this game by 28 points. Kansas basketball hasn’t covered the spread yet this season, and it’s time that the Jayhawks finally get it done.

READ: KU needs a big win over Monmouth

5. The freshmen

Now that Jalen Wilson is out for the foreseeable future, other freshmen may have an opportunity to get more minutes. Look for Christian Braun to get some playing time, and look for Tristan Enaruna to play quite a bit too.

Enaruna has a chance to play a lot this season, as he really fits well into the four-guard lineup. He could play as a stretch four, and use his size and shooting to put defenses in a tough position.

At the end of the day, this should be an easy win for Kansas basketball, but the Jayhawks don’t want to pull a Kentucky. As long as they come out and play their game right off the bat, the Jayhawks will put Monmouth away early.

The game is set to tip-off in Allen Fieldhouse at 7:00 PM central time and will be streamed on ESPN+.