Kansas 2007 NCAA Tournament Capsule

Kansas Jayhawks - Big 12 (30-4, 14-2)

Seed: #1 - West Region

Big Wins: 11/25 vs Florida (82-80), 3/3 Texas (90-86), 3/11 vs Texas (88-84)

Bad Losses: 11/15 Oral Roberts (71-78), 12/2 at DePaul (57-64), 1/20 at Texas Tech (64-69)

Last NCAA Appearance: 2006, First Round loss to Bradley

Coach: Bill Self (13-8 in 8 NCAA appearances)

Probable Kansas Starters:

• Russell Robinson, Junior, Guard, 6.8 ppg, 4.5 apg, 3.2 rpg

• Mario Chalmers, Sophomore, Guard, 12.2 ppg, 3.1 apg, 3.3 rpg

• Brandon Rush, Sophomore, Guard, 13.6 ppg, 5.7 rpg

• Julian Wright, Sophomore, Forward, 11.8 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 1.4 bpg

• Sasha Kaun, Junior, Center, 6.4 ppg, 4.1 rpg

Key Roleplayers for Kansas:

• Sherron Collins, Freshman, Guard, 9.4 ppg, 3.0 apg

• Darrell Arthur, Freshman, Forward, 10.4 ppg, 4.8 rpg

• Darnell Jackson, Junior, Forward, 5.4 ppg, 5.0 rpg

Why They Can Surprise:
The Jayhawks shoot over 10% betterfrom the floor than their opponents. That is nice combination of great shooters and great defense. Having four quality post players helps boost that field-goal percentage. Julian Wright, Darrell Arthur, Sasha Kaun and Darnell Jackson comprise one of the most formidable frontcourts in the nation. Not only can they all rack up some points in the scoring column, but they will get on the glass as well.

However, the best scorers on KU are in the backcourt. Brandon Rush leads the team with 13.6 points per game and is dangerous from everywhere on the floor. Mario Chalmers has developed into a solid all-around player, but it is his defense that makes him so important to the Jayhawks. Freshman Sherron Collins is great long range shooter and will provide a spark off the bench.

Why Kansas Can Disappoint:
Despite all the scoring options, it is the lack of a go-to-guy that has hindered Kansas. The obvious choice is Brandon Rush, but just a sophomore, he has lacked the initiative to use his ability to consistently take over games. Rarely is sharing the ball too much a problem, but the Jayhawks need to know who to look for when the game is on the line. The team has also lacked the killer instinct and has struggled to put teams away when in the lead.

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Who To Watch:
Point guard Russell Robinson makes the team tick on both ends of the court. The 6-1 junior dishes out 4.5 assists per game and only turns the ball over 1.9 times. It is Robinson’s job to get everybody else involved and he does a wonderful job. He has some competition from Chalmers, but Robinson may be the best defender on the team and his defensive play helps KU grab over nine steals per game.

By the Numbers:

Scoring Offense: 78.4 (21st in nation, 2nd in conference)

Scoring Defense: 61.0 (26, 3)

Field-Goal Percentage: 49.0 (14, 2)

Field-Goal Defense: 37.4 (4, 2)

Free-Throw Percentage: 66.7 (240, 11)

Rebound Margin: 7.5 (6, 1)

Assists Per Game: 16.8 (19, 2)

Turnovers Per Game: 14.0 (118, 6)

Joel’s Bracket Says: Sweet Sixteen loss to Southern Illinois

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