The No. 19 Kansas Jayhawks are reaching the end of their non-conference stretch. Until the start of Big 12 play, the Jayhawks are set to face NC State, Towson, and Davidson. So far through the early portion of the season, Kansas has managed relatively well. A 7-3 record has only seen losses to fellow Blue Bloods No. 14 UNC Tar Heels, No. 3 Duke, and No. 5 UConn.
While Kansas’ offense has consistently lagged, as the Jayhawks score only 74.6 points per game, which sits 178th in the nation. However, the Jayhawks’ defense has been one of the nation’s best by several metrics.
The Jayhawks rank 11th in the nation with just 63.7 points per game and 10th in shooting percentage with only a 37.5% field goal rate allowed.
Ahead of Kansas’ next matchup against NC State, head coach Bill Self spoke with the media about his squad’s stern defensive presence.
“I don't think it's near where it was on championship-type teams in February, but, you know, can we get there? I certainly think we have the potential to get there. So, I'm fairly encouraged this early to have the numbers that we have defensively playing a good schedule.”
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When the Jayhawks heroically came back to lift the 2021-22 title, Kansas allowed only 67.3 points per game, yet that was an offense that ranked as one of the nation’s best, as Kansas scored a whopping 78.2 points per game, still clearly pointing to a needed improvement.
When the Wolfpack and the Jayhawks meet in North Carolina on Saturday, Kansas will have a stifling test as Will Wade’s offense ranks as one of the nation’s best offenses with a monster 89.2 points per game. Wades’ offense hits an effective 50% of their shots and is led by senior Darrion Williams. Williams averages 16.7 points per game; however, the offense is not dictated solely by Williams. NC State has five scorers who total over 10 points per game, including Williams, Quadir Copeland (14.4), Ven-Allen Lubin (13.3), Paul McNeil Jr. (12.2), and Tre Holloman with 11.3 points.
Tipoff is set for 4:30 p.m. CT with streaming available on ESPN.