Kansas Basketball: 5 Exciting Lessons Learned in Maui

Even though Kansas didn't pull off a sensational upset against Duke in the Maui Invitational Championship Game, Bill Self learned some exciting and valuable lessons about his 2011-12 team.

KU is having to replace as much as any Top 25 team in the country. After showing some toughness and tenacity in Hawaii, members of the Jayhawks Nation can be excited about what's ahead.

Here's a quick look at five lessons learned in Maui.

5. Jeff Withey Is a Good Complementary Post Player

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

Jeff Withey will probably never make Jayhawks' fans forget the likes of Raef LaFrentz or Nick Collison.

The 7' junior center is stepping into a nice complementary role with Thomas Robinson.

On the year, Withey is averaging 7.8 points, 6.4 rebounds and two blocks (leads the team) per game.

He had his best game since he has been at KU against Duke in the Maui Championship Game, scoring 14 points and grabbing 10 rebounds.

4. Travis Releford Can Hit Some Shots

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

Travis Releford was 9-for-18 from the floor in Maui.

He had a perfect night against Georgetown, hitting all four of his field goals and both of his free throws.

While no one expects him to make all of his shots every night, Releford needs to consistently contribute 10 points per game.

He can do that!

3. Elijah Johnson Can Be a Consistent Scorer

Chris Trotman/Getty Images

Elijah Johnson scored 42 points in the three games at Maui.

Johnson had his first back-to-back double-figure scoring games of his Jayhawks' career there.

He dropped 23 on UCLA (his career high; going 8-for-13 from the floor and 4-for-8 from beyond the arc) and 10 on Duke.

Kansas will count on the 6'4" junior from Vegas to keep up the regular point production as they head toward the Big 12 season.

2. Tyshawn Taylor Has Stepped Up as a Floor Leader

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

Tyshawn Taylor has played in a secondary role for the first three years of his Kansas career.

Freshman year, there was Sheron Collins and Cole Aldrich.

Sophomore year, the Jayhawks added Xavier Henry and Marcus Morris.

Last year, the focus was on the Morris twins.

This year, KU is counting on Taylor to be a primary scorer and floor leader.

He has hit for double-figure points in all five games this season.

And, aside from an 11-turnover game (four more than he had in the first four games combined) against Duke, Taylor is doing a great job in running the team.

1. Thomas Robinson Is the Real Deal

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

Thomas Robinson was a great player off the bench last year, and everyone anticipated a big year from the Big Man from D.C.

Robinson is not disappointing.

He has gone for a double-double in all five games this season, averaging 16 points and 12 points.

Even though he was targeted by all three opponents in Maui, the 6'9" junior forward shot 50 percent from the field, averaging 17 points and 13 rebounds.