March Madness, 2010

In January after my Jayhawks first and only loss this season, I blogged on my assessment of the team just before conference play began. You can review that post here. It is time for an assessment on how prepared the hawks are for March Madness 2010.

• Bill Self - What I said then: Bill is a great coach who, no doubt, will have his team in shape come March. I think his only blunder this season was scheduling so many games in Lawrence. With the exception of the Temple game, his team has struggled in every road game, even when playing Memphis at a neutral site (St. Louis). The team just doesn't seem comfortable outside of Allen Field house. What I say now: The team is rounding into shape at the right time. Bill is the man!
  Sherron Collins - What I said then: Sherron has established himself as the leader of the team. He his the only player who seems capable of making plays in the clutch. It has become obvious that only he wants the ball when KU needs a basket. Sherron is playing as an All-American is expected to play. What I say now: No worries about Sherron. He had a couple of poor shooting games, but Sherron will come through in the clutch.
  Cole Aldridge - What I said then: Even though he averages a double double, Cole's play has been somewhat disappointing. Cole has not been dominate in many games as an All-American should. Only his rebounding and shot blocking has been consistent all season. The number of missed put-backs or lay ups has been shocking and inexcusable. What I say now: Cole is playing much better now. He has been the dominator in several recent games. Welcome back!
  Xavier Henry - What I said then: A talented freshman has been playing like a freshman. Against the lesser teams he can and has dominated. Against good opponents he seemed tentative. When the game is on the line, Xavier would rather pass the ball to Sherron. What I say now: I believe Xavier's attitude and effort has dramatically improved over the past couple weeks. He may be ready to graduate early from his freshman year. If so, KU will become dominate at tournament time.
  Tyshawn Taylor - What I said then: Tyshawn has shown flashes of offensive brilliance this season, but the repeating theme of his game is turn overs. He is careless with the ball. In certain games after a turn over, Self will put him on the bench for a few minutes. When Tyshawn returns his passes are weak and tentative as if he is trying too hard to not commit a turnover. Tyshawn must learn how to play aggressive and reduce turnovers, or he will continue to disappoint the KU faithful. What I say now: Bill has handled Tyshawn well. Self removed Tyshawn from the starting role a month ago. Against Colorado and Oklahoma he gave him the start and Tyshawn responded.
  Morris Twins - What I said then: I comment on the twins together because I really cannot tell them apart (other than one wears #21 and the other #22). Their games are nearly identical. Both have really bulked up and improved since last year. While neither will become superstars, both are physical players that can dominate their certain opponents. They are bangers that can wear down the opponents big men. KU cannot look to either Morris to carry them to a title, but both are important to KU's success. What I say now: I still cannot tell them apart. Did you know that even their tattoos are identical? I was wrong about their ability to carry a team. They have carried the Hawks through a couple of conference games. Look for them to remain dominate trough out the tournament.

I never believed the Jayhawks could go undefeated in conference play. The Big 12 is a strong conference top to bottom, with several teams having a legitimate shot at the Sweet 16 this year. Yet, KU is 3 games away from an undefeated conference schedule. The remaining 3 games pit them against Oklahoma State, Kansas State and Missouri. I think they have a better than 50-50 chance of winning all 3. Of the 3, sixth ranked Kansas State will be the biggest challenge. The game will be in Lawrence, so advantage KU. The Hawks go to Columbia to finish the season. I don't think this will be much of a game. Missouri has no inside game, so expect Aldridge and the Morris boys to have their way. Sixteen and zero would be quite an accomplishment from a league that will send at least 6, maybe 7 or 8 teams to the NCAA tournament.

The Big 12 tournament will be nothing short of a war. Kansas essentially put away the regular season title several weeks ago and officially clinched a tie on Monday. So the tournament title is all other teams could claim this year. It would not surprise me to see Baylor, Texas A&M, Texas or Kansas State win this year's conference tournament. It is all a preliminary for the big show - the NCAA tournament.

As I assess college basketball in 2009-1010, there have been 2 dominate teams - Kansas and Kentucky. A fan can only dream these 2 teams will meet in the final, but dreams rarely come true. I think they both have a 50% chance of making the final 4. The two teams are not very similar. Kansas has balance, and is defensive minded. They also seem to be peaking at the right time. Kentucky is not as balanced and relies too much on their player of the year, freshman John Wall. Wall heroics have save Kentucky a loss on at least 3 occasions this season. If Wall turns an ankle or has a tummy ache at the wrong time, Kentucky could make an early exit in this year's tournament.

Kansas has proven this year they can win whatever the lineup. Collins, Taylor, Aldridge and the Morris boys have had dreadful games, yet a different teammate stepped up to fill the void and KU found a way to win. It is this fact that makes them my homer pick for the 2010 national championship.