Kansas basketball: 3 keys for the Jayhawks to win the Maui Invitational

3 of 3

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – NOVEMBER 14: K.J. Adams Jr. #24 and Johnny Furphy #10 of the Kansas Jayhawks block out during the game against the Kentucky Wildcats in the Champions Classic at the United Center on November 14, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

Kansas Basketball Key No. 3. More productive bench minutes

Kansas’ bench didn’t play like most fans expected them to against Kentucky. While Bill Self has never been known to utilize his bench much, the second unit totaled just four points and there were minimal contributions from Johnny Furphy and Nick Timberlake.

KJ Adams is expected to miss the first game of the tourney against Chaminade, which should result in Furphy starting alongside Kevin McCullar at the 3-spot. That should get his confidence back up ahead of a daunting matchup against Marquette.

KU would also like their transfer guard from Towson to get it going. If Timberlake isn’t hitting his outside shots, it’s difficult to keep him on the floor, so he’ll need to make the most of his opportunities.

Parker Braun and Jamari McDowell should see a few minutes, but not enough to be major contributors. Furphy getting back up to speed tonight is very important for the Jayhawks.

Next. 5 stats that stick out from Kansas' win over Kentucky. dark

Home/Kansas Jayhawks Basketball