Through the Phog
Fansided

Kansas basketball: Three keys to winning the Big 12 Tourney

By Conner Becker

Feb 27, 2021; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Kansas Jayhawks forward David McCormack (33) high fives Kansas Jayhawks guard Ochai Agbaji (30) after a play against the Baylor Bears in the second half at Allen Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Amy Kontras-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 27, 2021; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Kansas Jayhawks forward David McCormack (33) high fives Kansas Jayhawks guard Ochai Agbaji (30) after a play against the Baylor Bears in the second half at Allen Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Amy Kontras-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 4
Next
Feb 27, 2021; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Marcus Garrett (0) says a few words of gratitude following his team’s win over the Baylor Bears at Allen Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Amy Kontras-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 27, 2021; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Marcus Garrett (0) says a few words of gratitude following his team’s win over the Baylor Bears at Allen Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Amy Kontras-USA TODAY Sports /

Three keys for Kansas basketball to win the Big 12 Tourney

3. Defensive stability

Kansas’ defense has become much stronger over the past few weeks, and it’s responsible for the fortunate finish the Jayhawks saw to their 2021 regular season.

Following Marcus Garrett‘s Senior Night, determinations should be at a high, which will give the senior a vital role in Kansas’ defense.

Head coach Bill Self has expressed his praise for Garrett’s defensive ability and he’s not wrong to do so, Marcus is one of the best defenders in the Big 12.

Along with Garrett, Jalen Wilson has also become a dependent defensive asset. While he became a little soft in January, the sophomore has made strong contributions for Kansas’ defense and his number of takeaways should impress fans.

While Kansas has been doing well defensively, their season-closer against UTEP showed that they’re not invincible. Exposing the Jayhawks’ perimeter defense, the Miners found seven crucial three-point shots that had Kansas in the dust throughout most of the game.

READ MORE: Marcus Garrett bids farewell to Kansas basketball on Senior Night

Despite the late comeback, the Jayhawks will need to re-visit what made their defense so tight against Baylor and lock-in before their first round of the Big 12 Tournament on Thursday.

Home/Kansas Jayhawks Basketball