The nationally-ranked Kansas Jayhawks Men’s Basketball team began the 2010-2011 exhibition season with a 92-62 rout of Washburn on Tuesday, November 2nd. The Ichabods from neighboring Topeka, Kansas were no match for the Hawks, but they played hard and allowed KU to work on their offensive and defensive sets. Marcus Morris led the Hawks with 28 points and 7 rebounds.
The team Coach Bill Self sent onto the James Naismith Court in Allen Field House wasn’t yet what fans will watch when the season begins in earnest. Jeff Withey was still recovering from a foot injury and did not play, and freshman sensation Josh Selby has still not been declared eligible by the NCAA. Although KU controlled both ends of the court, their absence was felt.
The Morris twins dominated the highlights. Marcus scored 28 points and teamed with his brother to dominate the interior with quick, agile play. They were joined inside by sophomore Thomas Robinson and Mario Little, who returned to action after a red-shirt season.
Tyshawn Taylor performed admirably at point guard, moving the ball around well and hitting open shots. More important for KU, he played with control and discipline. Tyrel Reed joined Taylor in the backcourt, and Reed also looked good. He has transformed himself from a “catch-and-shoot” scorer into a fine all-around player. (He reminded this writer of Dale Greenlee, who joined Brady Morningstar’s father Roger on the 1974 Kansas team that made the Final Four).
Despite the Jayhawks’ impressive showing, the absence of Jeff Withey and Josh Selby was apparent. The frontcourt lacked an intimidating defensive presence on the interior. Thomas Robinson still looked lost on the court, and the Morris twins are finesse players. Mario Little saw most of his minutes as a power forward, which raises some interesting questions. Did Self play Little on the inside to take advantage of mismatches, or did he see the need for another interior player? Fans can only hope Little isn’t playing inside because Thomas Robinson still isn’t ready for extended minutes.
Withey should be able to help. He doesn’t have to score and rebound like the departed Cole Aldrich; it should be sufficient to block shots and anchor the interior defense with his length and quickness.
The backcourt was steady but unspectacular. Elijah Johnson was a disappointment, bricking shots repeatedly from the outside. If he can’t consistently score from the perimeter, his minutes will remain limited. Self can’t play Johnson and Taylor together if both are inconsistent from long range.
KU needs Josh Selby. They need a star in the backcourt to add scoring and leadership. Taylor, Johnson and Reed will be challenged by the elite teams. Selby should be the equalizer.
An exhibition game against Washburn University is not a true indicator of the Jayhawks’ strengths and weaknesses, but it was sufficient to clarify some things. 1.) KU will be very good without Selby, but they need him to be great. He will make the difference this season for the Jayhawks. 2.) KU will be a faster team that should benefit from a pressing, trapping defense. If Withey can anchor the frontcourt, that defense could be fearsome. 3.) KU’s sophomores didn’t show the progress fans surely hoped for. Despite their physical talents, it is unclear if they will be major contributors on this year’s squad. 4.) The Morris twins, Tyrel Reed and Tyshawn Taylor all look improved from a season ago.
The second exhibition game for the 7th ranked Jayhawks will be Tuesday, November 9th against Emporia State. Many more questions will be answered then.
Go Jayhawks!
For more about the Hawks by this author, read:
KU Men’s Basketball 2010-2011: A Look Ahead with Zach Peters and Nino Jackson Update
The Jayhawks are counting on Selby in 2011