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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 coach Bill Self looks back towards his bench during the second half of Wednesday’s exhibition game against Fort Hays State inside Allen Fieldhouse.
Kansas coach Bill Self looks back towards his bench during the second half of Wednesday’s exhibition game against Fort Hays State inside Allen Fieldhouse. /

Key No. 3 for Kansas Basketball: Guarding the perimeter

While Kansas basketball has surrendered just 56 and 61 points in its two games, they haven’t necessarily been against the most formidable of opponents. UK posted 86 and 81 points in its first week of play and they’re projected to finish in the mid-60s-to-high-70s range in the Champions Classic.

The Jayhawks have left a handful of shooters wide open but they connected on just 28.6% of threes. If they leave players unguarded on Tuesday, there likely won’t be as many breaks versus Kentucky. Graduate transfer Antonio Reeves is an absolute sharpshooter, connecting on seven of his first 14 long-range attempts this season and shooting 39.8% last year in Lexington.

While strong offensive performances will be needed from KU’s top dogs, Bill Self and Co. must scheme up a top-notch defensive gameplan to take down the Wildcats.

3 Jayhawks who should see increased minutes. dark. Next

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