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Kansas basketball: 3 keys to victory for Jayhawks in Champions Classic vs. Kentucky

By Joshua Schulman

LEXINGTON, KY - JANUARY 28: Kevin McCullar Jr. #15 of the Kansas Jayhawks dribbles against Antonio Reeves #12 of the Kentucky Wildcats at Rupp Arena on January 28, 2023 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
LEXINGTON, KY - JANUARY 28: Kevin McCullar Jr. #15 of the Kansas Jayhawks dribbles against Antonio Reeves #12 of the Kentucky Wildcats at Rupp Arena on January 28, 2023 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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Kansas basketball will take on its first real test against No. 16 Kentucky in the Champions Classic. These are three keys to a Jayhawks victory.

The No. 1 Kansas Jayhawks take on Kentucky in the annual Champions Classic tomorrow. Both schools have played lower-end mid-majors as a tuneup for this huge matchup. UK might not be at the level it once was, but they are still one of the best teams in the SEC. Kansas must continue its sharp play in this one.

3 keys to victory for Kansas basketball vs. Kentucky

LEXINGTON, KY – JANUARY 28: Kevin McCullar Jr. #15 of the Kansas Jayhawks dribbles against Antonio Reeves #12 of the Kentucky Wildcats at Rupp Arena on January 28, 2023 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
LEXINGTON, KY – JANUARY 28: Kevin McCullar Jr. #15 of the Kansas Jayhawks dribbles against Antonio Reeves #12 of the Kentucky Wildcats at Rupp Arena on January 28, 2023 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

Key No. 1 for Kansas Basketball: Exploit size advantage

Highly touted international freshman Zvonimir Ivišić is still not partaking in-game action as he looks to overcome eligibility issues. Therefore, Kentucky’s roster is extremely small, with their tallest player being 6-foot-9 forward Tre Mitchell. For reference, that is the height of Kansas guard Johnny Furphy.

Nobody on the Wildcats will be able to stop Hunter Dickinson. That stands true for 99% of teams in the nation, but Dickinson towers over every Kentucky player by no less than five inches. He is a dominant force in the post and can step outside the arc to shoot the three-ball.

Kansas should be able to dominate the paint all night. And if Coach Cal decides to play five guys on the perimeter, KJ Adams has experience at center from last season and is a better rotational defender than Dickinson. If KU plays its cards right, this game will be won inside five feet with alley-oops, driving layups, and dish-outs when Dickinson gets double-teamed.

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