The Kansas Jayhawks have been primarily led by Thomas Robinson and Tyshawn Taylor this season. However, one Jayhawk has climbed his way to the top to help add to the dominance of his team.

Kansas center Jeff Withey is averaging 9.2 points per game on the season. Withey went scoreless in the loss at Missouri last week. Kansas wanted to bounce back the following Wednesday at Baylor to make a statement and get the season sweep over the Bears.

When Kansas traveled to Waco, Texas, it was Withey who stepped up to lift his team to a big win over Baylor. Withey had a career-high of 25 points along with five rebounds and three blocked shots in Wednesday's 68-54 win.

On Saturday, the Jayhawks came back to Lawrence, Kan., to host Oklahoma State. Following a career-high of 25 points, Withey had the second-highest scoring performance of his career with 18 points against the Cowboys. Withey also had a monster game defensively with career-high of 20 rebounds and seven blocks in his big game to help Kansas defeat Oklahoma State, 81-66.

In the last two games where Withey has stepped up for the Jayhawks, he averaged 21.5 points, 12.5 rebounds and five blocks.

Bill Self is loving the production he's receiving from the Withey, a junior standing at seven feet.

Withey has 6.3 rebounds and 3.1 blocks per game on the season while trying to help Kansas to compete in the Big 12. Individually, he has made his case on the floor as to why he deserves the conference's Defensive Player of the Year award.

Jeff Withey (far right) has stepped up in the last two games to help the Jayhawks compete in the Big 12.
Jamie Squire/Getty Images

Withey has been predominant from the free-throw line all season, which is a rarity from centers who play basketball as he has made over 80 percent of his free throws this year. Withey's free throws made an impact in games against Long Beach State, Texas, Texas A&M and in the second match against Baylor to help the Jayhawks come out on top in close battles.

As the Kansas Jayhawks look ahead, they have high expectations to win their conference, as they do every year. Following the Big 12 tournament in Kansas City, Mo., the Jayhawks will most likely be favorites to reach the Final Four in New Orleans, La. However, the Jayhawks have made a habit of early exits in recent NCAA Tournaments.

With the Jayhawks lacking a strong presence from their bench, Withey's recent strong level of play is exactly what Kansas needed. Withey might be the difference maker this year when it comes to helping the Jayhawks stay in the NCAA Tournament and help them advance deep in the Big Dance.

For now, the Jayhawks are thrilled with Withey's recent success and hope he can carry that over Monday night when Kansas visits Kansas State in Manhattan, Kan. Withey's biggest test will come later in the season when the Jayhawks seek revenge when they host the Missouri Tigers on February 25th.