From: January 18
This year’s college basketball season has been a year like no other. Every team in the top five has lost, there have been countless upsets, and bluebloods are struggling. The AP Poll this year has been almost impossible to predict week to week at this point. In the latest poll, Houston has been given the nod at the number one spot. So who really is the best team in basketball?
In my opinion, it is the Kansas Jayhawks. It is crazy to think that this team is possibly better than last year’s national championship team, but Bill Self has his team in prime position to win the tournament again.
BALANCE:
Offensively, Kansas has so much balance in scoring. Yes, they have an All-American in Jalen Wilson who has been playing out of his mind recently, but the Jayhawks have gotten production out of some unexpected pieces. Dajuan Harris Jr. has been one of the best point guards in the country this year, bringing a steady force to the position with his elite playmaking ability. The junior guard is top five in the country in assists per game at 6.5, and is averaging less than two turnovers per game. Harris’ decision making has been at an elite level this year, and it is part of the reason why Kansas is rolling.
FRESHMAN:
The Jayhawks only give significant minutes to one freshman this year, tending to rely on their veteran leaders. Their one freshman contributor is Gradey Dick, a 6’8” wing who is an elite shooter, both off and on the ball. He has taken over as an Ochai Agbaji Lite, as Bill Self has been able to run a lot of the same offense for Dick that he did for Agbaji. The Jayhawks tend to empty out the court to one side, leaving Dick and a big man by themselves in a two man game. If the defender trails Dick behind the screen, he can curl or come off into a catch and shoot opportunity. If he tries to jump ahead of the screen, a back cut opens up a wide open layup opportunity. His quick shot and smart decision making takes the Kansas offense to another level.
REVOLUTION AND ADAPTATION:
When you think of Kansas basketball, there is normally a big man who comes to mind (Joel Embiid, David Mccormack). This year is different, with the Jayhawks resorting to a small ball lineup due to inexperience at the center position from freshman. KJ Adams has revolutionized the offense, and gives Kansas a different look than in years past. Adams has been able to guard the position well enough, and is an elite lob threat with his athleticism and burst of speed.
Big picture, it doesn’t really matter who I believe is the best team in the country in the middle of January. For now, it’s Kansas. In a week I may think it is Xavier. The week after it might be Houston. In fact, as I’m writing this article, Kansas just lost to Kansas State on the road. This season is a tumultuous and bumpy ride, but it might lead to the most wide open tournament we have ever seen. In a 64 team tournament, anything can happen, so watch out for Jalen Wilson and the Jayhawks come March.