The Kansas basketball team earned a much-needed win over fifth-ranked Houston on Monday to keep alive their slim chances at winning the Big 12 this season. They need to win out and get some help from someone else to void Arizona's two-game lead in the standings.
The Houston game was another great example of how Kansas has incredible balance in their scoring, especially from their starting five. Four of KU's regular starters average at least 13.5 points per game, and the fifth averages 8.9.
This balance allows the offense to absorb down nights from any one of their starters. Against Houston. Flory Bidunga, who averages 14.3 points, scored just four points on a two-for-six shooting. The rest of his starting teammates scored in double figures.
All of Kansas' starting five are threats to score
The KU starting five all offer different things to the offense. Darryn Peterson, of course, is the most natural and fluid scorer, tallying 19.5 points per game, despite leg issues throughout the season. He can hit pull-up jumpers and three-point shots and can attack the rim.
Melvin Council, Jr. is at his best attacking the rim in fast break situations, but he can also spot up for threes and can drive to the basket in half-court situations. Tre White, who has emerged from a bit of a shooting slump, can hit threes, drive and draw fouls, and attack the basket from the baseline.
Bidunga is terrific around the basket. While he is not much of a jump shooter, he gets to the rim for lobs, maneuvers well under the basket, and can produce points off offensive rebounds. He connects on 65.6 percent of his field goal attempts.
Bryson Tiller has shown the ability to hit spot-up threes, has an effective mid-range jumper, and is getting more aggressive around the rim. At this point in his career, he is an outstanding complementary scorer but has the ability to put up points when necessary. He's scored 16 or more points four times this season.
While the Jayhawks aren't getting much scoring from their bench, both Jamari McDowell and Elmarko Jackson can supplement the starters with smaller contributions on offense. They combine to score 8.8 points per game.
The balanced attack of the starters and their different offensive skill sets allows KU to focus on the favorable matchups. It is challenging for defenses to shut down all five of them, and there doesn't seem to be much ego on this Kansas team as far as who has to score. They all can when needed.
One other big advantage to this offense is that KU shoots 77.1 percent from the free-throw line, which is good for 30th nationally. It is one of Self's best shooting teams from the charity stripe. Even if players are hitting their shots within the offense, all can contribute if they can get to the line.
This offensive balance will hopefully help them play deep into March and maybe even into April. It is terrific that there are so many players who can score when necessary. Combined with the strong defense this team plays, that combines for a strong upside for the rest of the season.
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