In what looks to be quite an interesting final four, one team is being systematically overlooked, much to the chagrin of this writer. That team is the Kansas Jayhawks.
Sure, UCLA may have more star-power, and Memphis may have won more games, but when it comes down to the talent of the teams in question, no team in this tournament is deeper then the Jayhawks.
While Kansas may not have any 20 PPG scorers, four of their five starters average double figures, and three other players average at least seven points per game.
Kansas also boasts a very balanced game. Guards Mario Chalmers and Brandon Rush combine for a fantastic 45% three-point shooting percentage and forwards Darrel Arthur and Darnell Jackson control the paint despite their lack of gaudy numbers.
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Kansas is also by far the most experienced team left. Two of their starters are seniors and the rest are juniors.
Furthermore, Kansas also has a great coach patrolling their sideline in Bill Self, who finally got his first Final Four berth this year. Throughout his stint in Kansas, Self has proven to be a great leader and a smart coach who is universally respected among his players.
Most importantly, however, this year's KU team has shown something that they lacked in year's past: the determination and drive needed to win when it counts.
I admit, I was a doubter of this team's heart in seasons past, but times have changed and so have the Jayhawks. Despite their recent early exits in the tourney, the Jayhawks have come in to this year's tourney with their game faces on as illustrated by their thrilling victory over Davidson.
Speaking of Davidson, during that game, Kansas did a fantastic job of containing phenom Stephon Curry. Despite his 25 points, Curry only went 9-25 from the floor and was visibly flummoxed by the tenacity of Kansas's defense.
Tyler Hansbrough may be the best in the nation, but this Kansas team has proven time and time again that they are able to rise to a challenge when they are called upon.
The heart of a champion or the eye of the tiger. Whatever you want to call it, Kansas has it, and that's why they will be on top when the smoke clears.
Rock Chalk Jayhawk!
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8 months ago
one game down, one to go
7 months ago
Rock Chalk! :)
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