As Selection Sunday gets nearer and the complete NCAA field comes into focus, I wonder if it's possible for the Kansas Jayhawks to do the unthinkable and REPEAT as National Champions.

Most NCAA basketball coaches admit that it takes a team that is peaking at the right time, has discipline to respect each opponent, and maybe gets a timely dose of “lady luck” to survive the grueling six game gauntlet that is the NCAA Tournament.

Additionally, the bracket is always littered with potential landmines…teams that pose difficult match-ups for a higher seeded opponent. Coaches know that despite their success during the season, there are particular teams with the right assets in place that can expose one of their team’s weaknesses. 

Today we examine Bill Self’s Kansas Jayhawks and scan the field for potential land mines they may encounter on their quest to defend their National Title because as they say, “It’s all about the matchups.”   

Arizona State (22-8)

The Arizona State Sun Devils are an enigma. They have had runs where they dominated their PAC Ten opponents and then within a few days look dead and lose to a weaker team. 

How good are they, really? James Harden is the engine that makes this team run at its best. When James Hardin is having his way, the team as a whole is generally clicking as well.

Meanwhile, Jeff Pendergraph has stepped up his production and playing hot right now.  The senior forward posted a double-double in five of his past six games and his overall shooting percentage is rising.

The Sun Devils' inside-outside game compliments what they generate off the fast break. Kansas would likely use the Morris twins to work Pendergraph outside and aggressively contest his shots there. They will not mind funneling him into the lane, where Cole Aldrich could provide help in the paint. 

A potential problem is that the Morris twins might provide Pendergraph plenty of free throw opportunities because they are quite foul prone.

Louisiana State (25-6)

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