Kansas basketball: 5 keys for Mass Street to overcome second round opponent in TBT

February 4, 2012; Columbia, MO, USA; Missouri Tigers center Steve Moore (32) looses control of the ball with Kansas Jayhawks forward Kevin Young (40) during the first half at Mizzou Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dak Dillon-USA TODAY Sports
February 4, 2012; Columbia, MO, USA; Missouri Tigers center Steve Moore (32) looses control of the ball with Kansas Jayhawks forward Kevin Young (40) during the first half at Mizzou Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dak Dillon-USA TODAY Sports
2 of 6
Kansas Jayhawks guard Tyshawn Taylor (10) Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Kansas Jayhawks guard Tyshawn Taylor (10) Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Key No. 1: Point guard play

In round one, Mass Street struggled with ball distribution. Guys like Keith Langford, LaGerald Vick, and Mario Little were in unfamiliar territory, serving as the team’s primary point guard and ball handlers.

It certainly didn’t help KU’s case when Tyshawn Taylor and Mario Chalmers were announced inactive last time out. Although Taylor (33) and Chalmers (37) aren’t as nimble on their feet anymore, the lack of a true playmaker hindered Mass Street’s offensive capability.

Acting head coach Marcus Morris revealed that Taylor might suit up next time out. Chalmers’ chances of playing seem much more slim. Having the privilege of a true ball distributor would be extremely beneficial for Kansas basketball. It would also make it much easier for big men like Thomas Robinson to score down low with the presence of someone comfortable quarterbacking the offense.