After the loss to UConn in early December, we published an article outlining how Darryn Peterson’s return to the lineup would help the Jayhawks clean up some early-season deficiencies. Although Peterson has appeared in only two games since then before being sidelined again, the Jayhawks have largely done a great job navigating these obstacles.
So, let’s take a look at five specific areas in which Kansas has improved since the start of December, and also dive into some additional team stats that stand out heading into conference play.
Three-Point Shooting
Last time we talked about KU’s three-point shooting as a team, they were struggling, to say the least. On December 5, the Jayhawks ranked No. 261 out of 361 Division I teams, averaging just 6.9 made threes per game. Additionally, they ranked No. 214 in three-point percentage, shooting an underwhelming 32.9% as a team.
This time around, Kansas has improved its long-range shooting, moving up to No. 202 in the nation by making 7.8 three-pointers per game. They have also boosted their team three-point percentage, climbing to No. 99 nationally by shooting 35.6% from beyond the arc.
Melvin Council Jr., Tre White, and Jamari McDowell have been the primary reasons the team has improved its three-point shooting over the past month. Other players like Kohl Rosario and Jayden Dawson have also shown confidence and a willingness to let it fly, and could see larger shooting roles as the season progresses.
Finishing Close Games
After struggling to finish close games against top opponents early in the season, the Jayhawks did a much better job in December, highlighted by a win over NC State behind Melvin Council Jr.’s 36 points. Other than that game, there haven’t been any notable close contests involving the Jayhawks since the last time we checked in on the team’s stats following its loss to UConn.
Bench Production
The lone area in which the Jayhawks haven’t found improvement is bench production. Kansas is much deeper than in seasons past, yet the bench has still failed to find any sort of consistency.
The last time we looked at KU’s scoring averages off the bench, it wasn’t good. The Jayhawks ranked No. 335 in the country, averaging just 16.4 bench points per game.
This time around, it has gotten worse, as Kansas now ranks No. 347 and is averaging only 14.9 bench points per game.
If Peterson were to return, it would drastically help by moving a current starter to the bench and instantly providing more production from the second unit. If not, Bill Self will hopefully be able to motivate someone to step up and emerge as a trusted piece of the rotation.
Rebounding
The last time we discussed the rebounding numbers, KU was excellent on the defensive glass (21st in the country) but struggled mightily on the offensive glass (330th nationally). Since then, the Jayhawks have marginally improved in both areas.
Now, Kansas ranks No. 6 nationally in defensive rebounding, pulling down more than thirty per game (First in the Big 12). Offensively, they still rate poorly, coming in at No. 309 out of 361 teams.
As the Jayhawks enter conference play, it will only get tougher to grab rebounds, but being aggressive on the glass will be of the utmost importance if they want a shot at capturing another Big 12 title.
Assist/Turnover Ratio
In the previous installment, Kansas was struggling to take care of the ball, committing 100 turnovers compared to 129 assists on the season. Those numbers ranked No. 136 in the country and twelfth in the Big 12.
Though they still must make a better effort to protect the ball, the Jayhawks have improved since the last update. They have now committed 141 turnovers compared to 205 assists on the season, which ranks 83rd in the country and tenth in the Big 12.
Additional Key Stats
– Since the start of December, KU has had the No. 1 defense according to Torvik, with an adjusted defensive efficiency rating of 85.5. Impressively, that is the same mark the 2019–20 Jayhawks finished with before the NCAA Tournament was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
– Kansas has the fifth-best defense in the country and the second-best in the Big 12, according to the ESPN BPI.
– KU ranks No. 8 in the country in blocked shots and first in the Big 12, averaging 6.2 blocks per game. The Jayhawks are aggressively getting back on defense at an elite level.
– Kansas is ranked No. 14 in scoring defense, holding opponents to an average of 63.3 points per game (fourth in the Big 12). These defensive numbers are especially impressive given the hectic schedule the Jayhawks have endured, with only Alabama and Michigan having a tougher strength of schedule (among high majors).
– KU is No. 351 in turnovers forced per game, meaning only Illinois ranks lower among high-major teams. Additionally, the Jayhawks rank 325th in steals (5.4 per game), which is dead last in the Big 12.
Despite how stellar the defense has been so far, KU surprisingly ranks extremely low in certain defensive categories. They must find a way to force more turnovers to avoid losing that battle in big games. If they can address these shortcomings, the defense would be incredibly difficult to score on.
Heading into Big 12 play, can the Jayhawks continue their high-level progress?
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