Kansas Jayhawks
Head Coach: Bill Self 575-187 (.754), 368-82 (.818) in 13th season at Kansas
Current Record: 16-4, 5-3 Big 12, 11-0 home
Schedule
11/13/15 NORTHERN COLO. W 109-72
!11/17/15 vs Michigan State L 73-79
#11/23/15 vs Chaminade W 123-72
#11/24/15 vs UCLA W 92-73
#11/25/15 vs Vanderbilt W 70-63
12/01/15 LOYOLA MARYLAND W 94-61
12/05/15 HARVARD W 75-69
12/09/15 HOLY CROSS W 92-59
12/12/15 OREGON STATE W 82-67
12/19/15 MONTANA W 88-46
12/22/15 at San Diego State W 70-57
12/29/15 UC IRVINE W 78-53
* 01/02/16 BAYLOR W 102-74
* 01/04/16 OKLAHOMA Wo3 109-106
* 01/09/16 at Texas Tech W 69-59
* 01/12/16 at West Virginia L 63-74
* 01/16/16 TCU W 70-63
* 01/19/16 at Oklahoma State L 67-86
* 01/23/16 TEXAS W 76-67
* 01/25/16 at Iowa State L 72-85
* - Big 12 Conference game
! - State Farm Champions Classic (Chicago, IL - United Center)
# - Maui Invitational (Lahaina, HI - Lahina Civic Center)
Game Information:
01/30/16 Kentucky at Kansas, Lawrence, KS, Allen Fieldhouse, 7:00 pm EST, TV: ESPN
Probable Starters
F #34 Perry Ellis 6-8 225 Sr, 16.7pts, 6.6reb, 1.2ast, .455 3pt%
F #33 Landen Lucas 6-10 240 Jr, 4.0pts, 5.2reb, no 3pt threat
G #1 Wayne Selden Jr. 6-5 230 Jr, 14.6pts, 3.4reb, 2.7ast, .467 3pt%
G #0 Frank Mason III 5-11 185 Jr, 13.4pts, 4.9reb, 4.8ast, 1.6stls, .390 3pt%
G #4 Devonte' Graham 6-2 175 So, 10.5pts, 3.0reb, 3.7ast, 1.4stls, .427 3pt%
Key Reserves
G #14 Brannen Greene 6-7 215 Jr, 6.8pts, 2.4reb, 1.0ast, .541 3pt%
G #10 Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk 6-8 195 So, 5.7pts, 1.3reb, .328 3pt%
F #15 Carlton Bragg Jr. 6-9 220 Fr, 4.6pts, 2.8reb, .500 3pt%
F #13 Cheick Diallo 6-9 218 Fr, 4.4pts, 2.7reb, no 3pt threat
F #42 Hunter Mickelson 6-10 245 Sr, 2.8pts, 2.7reb, no 3pt threat
F #31 Jamari Traylor 6-8 220 Sr, 2.7pts, 3.5reb, no 3pt threat
Team Stats
Points per game 83.7
Points allowed 69.2
Scoring margin +14.5
Field goal pct .486
FG% allowed .405
3-point FG pct .430
3pt fg% allowed .346
Free throw pct .713
Rebounds per game 39.0
Rebounds allowed 33.4
Rebounding margin +5.6
Assists per game 16.7
Turnovers per game 11.9
Turnover margin +2.0
Assist/turnover ratio 1.4
Steals per game 7.3
Blocks per game 4.1
KenPom Stats (#17 Kansas)
Strengths
#6 in 3pt shooting % at 43.0%
#13 in overall offensive efficiency
#25 in effective FG%
#30 in 2pt% defense
Weaknesses
#223 in 3fg% defense (allowing 35.6%)
#201 in allowing getting shots blocked
#184 in ft attempts per fg attempt
Analysis: This is a game college basketball fans have been anticipating all season, Kentucky goes to Kansas for a blueblood clash in the SEC-BIG12 Challenge. One big change here, obviously, is that most of the conference challenges are scheduled for earlier in the season, but the SEC and B12 decided to make these games even more meaningful by placing these games right in the middle of conference play. Win or lose, I think I like the idea of having a meaningful nonconference game against a quality opponent like this. I think I speak for most UK fans in saying I'm glad we didn't have to travel to Lawrence a few weeks ago, because I doubt I'd have had any hope whatsoever at that point. Fortunately for Cats fans, UK has just finished playing its best stretch of 3 consecutive games on the season. Meanwhile, Kansas is entering this game having lost 3 of its last 5 games, all 3 by double digits. They were all conference road games, so for UK those games may not help very much, as Kansas remains a perfect 11-0 at home on the season.
When you look at Kansas, their foundation is built around 3 upperclassmen (Ellis, Mason, and Selden) who have been around for a while. Their leading scorer is Perry Ellis, a guy who is now a 4-year starter and a senior. He's a 6-8 power forward who seems he's been there forever. He's averaging 16.7 points and 6.6 rebounds this season, leading the team in both categories. But the thing he's added of most significance this season is some 3pt shooting. He's been stepping outside quite a bit this season, where he's been shooting at an impressive 45.5%. His frontcourt partner is the 6-10 240 junior Landen Lucas. He's not scoring much but he's a big body down low and has played a bit better defensively than some of the Jayhawks' other options, including the guy who was supposed to step right in when he became eligible, Chiek Diallo. Diallo seems to have been benched after his performances in the last few games.
In the backcourt, Kansas runs a 3-guard lineup. The guy who runs the offense is Frank Mason, the 5-11 junior who is 3rd in scoring but leads the team in assists with 4.8 per game. He's the guy who makes the team go. He can also step outside and make the 3 at 39%. The 3rd upperclassmen that leads the team is Wayne Selden, a guy we all know well. He's a 6-5 230lb wing who is shooting an excellent 46.7% from 3pt range. He's definitely one of the guys the team looks to when a play really needs to be made. The other backcourt starter is a 6-2 sophomore Devonte Graham. He is 2nd in assists and 4th in scoring. He's another guy who can shoot it very well from distance. In fact, as a team, Kansas is shooting 43% from 3pt range, which is good for 6th in the nation.
When you look at the Kansas bench, you are looking at a bunch of other talented players anD perhaps some underachievers. The top scorer off the bench is Brannen Greene, a 6-7 wing who has been shooting a ridiculous 54% from 3pt range. Guard him when you start warmups. Kansas has another wing coming in to provide some scoring in Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk. Honestly, I have no idea how to say that name, but I can tell you he's 6-8 and plays on the wing. He's not as good a shooter as some other Jayhawks but he's scoring 5.8 points per game off the bench. The first forward off the bench lately has been 6-9 freshman Carlton Bragg. This has caused some controversy among the Kansas media and has been the subject of various message board posts among the Kansas faithful. The issue has been why Fr Diallo seems to be losing minutes to Bragg. Self addressed this recently and said he had met with the team leaders and they were not as comfortable playing with Diallo. I guess we'll see if that causes some stir in the team. Hunter Mickelson is another big man we may see. He's a 6-10 245 senior in a loaded frontcourt.
After looking more closely at Kansas, there is no question they have significant talent and will be a huge challenge to UK at Allen Fieldhouse. Kansas just doesn't lose games there, even when they probably should lose. So, the Cats are playing against, not only arguably the most talented team they've faced this season, but also the mystique of Phog Allen Fieldhouse and the significant advantage the Jayhawks enjoy on their home floor. This will be a very tough game. The last couple times UK has been there, the result has been very ugly.
Having said this, it's possible Kentucky may be catching Kansas at a good time. You could argue a couple ways, I suppose. Losing 3 of 5 and benching Diallo could make the Jayhawks even more focused and determined to win. Or the entire thing could serve as a major distraction and Kansas could be ripe for a rare home loss. I suppose it all depends on how you look at it.
I like the way our Cats have played these last 3 games. If we can come out playing strong defense at the 3pt line (which is something the Cats have done very well lately against some excellent shooting teams in Arkansas and Vanderbilt) and if they can execute the offense as they've been doing, the Cats have a shot. I think we matchup well with Ellis, and Lucas isn't a great offensive threat, though he's gonna be a load to handle and keep off the glass. So that means it comes down to the guards, and I feel good about Ulis against Mason. I also think Selden will find it tough sledding against Murray and Briscoe.
Bottom line: I think the Jayhawks are distracted and the Cats are gonna sneak out of there with a very close victory.
Prediction: Kentucky 73 Kansas 70
Head Coach: Bill Self 575-187 (.754), 368-82 (.818) in 13th season at Kansas
Current Record: 16-4, 5-3 Big 12, 11-0 home
Schedule
11/13/15 NORTHERN COLO. W 109-72
!11/17/15 vs Michigan State L 73-79
#11/23/15 vs Chaminade W 123-72
#11/24/15 vs UCLA W 92-73
#11/25/15 vs Vanderbilt W 70-63
12/01/15 LOYOLA MARYLAND W 94-61
12/05/15 HARVARD W 75-69
12/09/15 HOLY CROSS W 92-59
12/12/15 OREGON STATE W 82-67
12/19/15 MONTANA W 88-46
12/22/15 at San Diego State W 70-57
12/29/15 UC IRVINE W 78-53
* 01/02/16 BAYLOR W 102-74
* 01/04/16 OKLAHOMA Wo3 109-106
* 01/09/16 at Texas Tech W 69-59
* 01/12/16 at West Virginia L 63-74
* 01/16/16 TCU W 70-63
* 01/19/16 at Oklahoma State L 67-86
* 01/23/16 TEXAS W 76-67
* 01/25/16 at Iowa State L 72-85
* - Big 12 Conference game
! - State Farm Champions Classic (Chicago, IL - United Center)
# - Maui Invitational (Lahaina, HI - Lahina Civic Center)
Game Information:
01/30/16 Kentucky at Kansas, Lawrence, KS, Allen Fieldhouse, 7:00 pm EST, TV: ESPN
Probable Starters
F #34 Perry Ellis 6-8 225 Sr, 16.7pts, 6.6reb, 1.2ast, .455 3pt%
F #33 Landen Lucas 6-10 240 Jr, 4.0pts, 5.2reb, no 3pt threat
G #1 Wayne Selden Jr. 6-5 230 Jr, 14.6pts, 3.4reb, 2.7ast, .467 3pt%
G #0 Frank Mason III 5-11 185 Jr, 13.4pts, 4.9reb, 4.8ast, 1.6stls, .390 3pt%
G #4 Devonte' Graham 6-2 175 So, 10.5pts, 3.0reb, 3.7ast, 1.4stls, .427 3pt%
Key Reserves
G #14 Brannen Greene 6-7 215 Jr, 6.8pts, 2.4reb, 1.0ast, .541 3pt%
G #10 Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk 6-8 195 So, 5.7pts, 1.3reb, .328 3pt%
F #15 Carlton Bragg Jr. 6-9 220 Fr, 4.6pts, 2.8reb, .500 3pt%
F #13 Cheick Diallo 6-9 218 Fr, 4.4pts, 2.7reb, no 3pt threat
F #42 Hunter Mickelson 6-10 245 Sr, 2.8pts, 2.7reb, no 3pt threat
F #31 Jamari Traylor 6-8 220 Sr, 2.7pts, 3.5reb, no 3pt threat
Team Stats
Points per game 83.7
Points allowed 69.2
Scoring margin +14.5
Field goal pct .486
FG% allowed .405
3-point FG pct .430
3pt fg% allowed .346
Free throw pct .713
Rebounds per game 39.0
Rebounds allowed 33.4
Rebounding margin +5.6
Assists per game 16.7
Turnovers per game 11.9
Turnover margin +2.0
Assist/turnover ratio 1.4
Steals per game 7.3
Blocks per game 4.1
KenPom Stats (#17 Kansas)
Strengths
#6 in 3pt shooting % at 43.0%
#13 in overall offensive efficiency
#25 in effective FG%
#30 in 2pt% defense
Weaknesses
#223 in 3fg% defense (allowing 35.6%)
#201 in allowing getting shots blocked
#184 in ft attempts per fg attempt
Analysis: This is a game college basketball fans have been anticipating all season, Kentucky goes to Kansas for a blueblood clash in the SEC-BIG12 Challenge. One big change here, obviously, is that most of the conference challenges are scheduled for earlier in the season, but the SEC and B12 decided to make these games even more meaningful by placing these games right in the middle of conference play. Win or lose, I think I like the idea of having a meaningful nonconference game against a quality opponent like this. I think I speak for most UK fans in saying I'm glad we didn't have to travel to Lawrence a few weeks ago, because I doubt I'd have had any hope whatsoever at that point. Fortunately for Cats fans, UK has just finished playing its best stretch of 3 consecutive games on the season. Meanwhile, Kansas is entering this game having lost 3 of its last 5 games, all 3 by double digits. They were all conference road games, so for UK those games may not help very much, as Kansas remains a perfect 11-0 at home on the season.
When you look at Kansas, their foundation is built around 3 upperclassmen (Ellis, Mason, and Selden) who have been around for a while. Their leading scorer is Perry Ellis, a guy who is now a 4-year starter and a senior. He's a 6-8 power forward who seems he's been there forever. He's averaging 16.7 points and 6.6 rebounds this season, leading the team in both categories. But the thing he's added of most significance this season is some 3pt shooting. He's been stepping outside quite a bit this season, where he's been shooting at an impressive 45.5%. His frontcourt partner is the 6-10 240 junior Landen Lucas. He's not scoring much but he's a big body down low and has played a bit better defensively than some of the Jayhawks' other options, including the guy who was supposed to step right in when he became eligible, Chiek Diallo. Diallo seems to have been benched after his performances in the last few games.
In the backcourt, Kansas runs a 3-guard lineup. The guy who runs the offense is Frank Mason, the 5-11 junior who is 3rd in scoring but leads the team in assists with 4.8 per game. He's the guy who makes the team go. He can also step outside and make the 3 at 39%. The 3rd upperclassmen that leads the team is Wayne Selden, a guy we all know well. He's a 6-5 230lb wing who is shooting an excellent 46.7% from 3pt range. He's definitely one of the guys the team looks to when a play really needs to be made. The other backcourt starter is a 6-2 sophomore Devonte Graham. He is 2nd in assists and 4th in scoring. He's another guy who can shoot it very well from distance. In fact, as a team, Kansas is shooting 43% from 3pt range, which is good for 6th in the nation.
When you look at the Kansas bench, you are looking at a bunch of other talented players anD perhaps some underachievers. The top scorer off the bench is Brannen Greene, a 6-7 wing who has been shooting a ridiculous 54% from 3pt range. Guard him when you start warmups. Kansas has another wing coming in to provide some scoring in Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk. Honestly, I have no idea how to say that name, but I can tell you he's 6-8 and plays on the wing. He's not as good a shooter as some other Jayhawks but he's scoring 5.8 points per game off the bench. The first forward off the bench lately has been 6-9 freshman Carlton Bragg. This has caused some controversy among the Kansas media and has been the subject of various message board posts among the Kansas faithful. The issue has been why Fr Diallo seems to be losing minutes to Bragg. Self addressed this recently and said he had met with the team leaders and they were not as comfortable playing with Diallo. I guess we'll see if that causes some stir in the team. Hunter Mickelson is another big man we may see. He's a 6-10 245 senior in a loaded frontcourt.
After looking more closely at Kansas, there is no question they have significant talent and will be a huge challenge to UK at Allen Fieldhouse. Kansas just doesn't lose games there, even when they probably should lose. So, the Cats are playing against, not only arguably the most talented team they've faced this season, but also the mystique of Phog Allen Fieldhouse and the significant advantage the Jayhawks enjoy on their home floor. This will be a very tough game. The last couple times UK has been there, the result has been very ugly.
Having said this, it's possible Kentucky may be catching Kansas at a good time. You could argue a couple ways, I suppose. Losing 3 of 5 and benching Diallo could make the Jayhawks even more focused and determined to win. Or the entire thing could serve as a major distraction and Kansas could be ripe for a rare home loss. I suppose it all depends on how you look at it.
I like the way our Cats have played these last 3 games. If we can come out playing strong defense at the 3pt line (which is something the Cats have done very well lately against some excellent shooting teams in Arkansas and Vanderbilt) and if they can execute the offense as they've been doing, the Cats have a shot. I think we matchup well with Ellis, and Lucas isn't a great offensive threat, though he's gonna be a load to handle and keep off the glass. So that means it comes down to the guards, and I feel good about Ulis against Mason. I also think Selden will find it tough sledding against Murray and Briscoe.
Bottom line: I think the Jayhawks are distracted and the Cats are gonna sneak out of there with a very close victory.
Prediction: Kentucky 73 Kansas 70
Last edited:
![[roll]](http://l.yimg.com/j/assets/img/emoticons/classic/roll.r191677.gif "roll [roll]")
