The Kansas Jayhawks have largely been reliant on a strong defense. Following yesterday’s thrilling 77-76 overtime win against the NC State Wolfpack, Kansas’ defense ranks 16th in the nation with a strong 64.8 points per game allowed. On the offensive end, things have lagged, and that is well known. Kansas ranks 176th in the nation with 74.8 points per game, and while their strength of schedule sits third in the nation according to KenPom, the Jayhawks have been squeaking by with different scorers often leading the way, including yesterday’s 36-point outing from Melvin Council Jr.
Prior to Kansas’ matchup against the Wolfpack, head coach Bill Self spoke about the speed of transfer guard Tre White and how his speed should be used to pick up the tempo of Kansas’ offense.
“He runs, he's as good as I've maybe ever had going from defense to offense running. And Melvin's as fast, and Flory’s as fast. Why aren't we running more? So that's something that we have to take advantage of his skill set and being able to do that. But we pick and choose way too much as opposed to doing it every time.”
Against the Wolfpack, Kansas mustered just 11 points. Their season average is a grand 10.80, and that falls in line with an offense that ranks 199th in the nation.
If Kansas wanted to move to a higher-transition offense, this does not feel like a complete stray away from this squad's ability. Council Jr has shown an elite ability to get to the rim, White is blazing with the ball in his hands, and with Peterson, you have a three-point threat who can stay on the perimeter or drive inside.
If Kansas can nail down patterns of movements down the court that can space out each player across the court, an innate ability for Council to get to the basket will likely provide easy opportunities for points.