March Madness: Are the Kansas Jayhawks Primed For a Final Four Run?

From "wanna be" to legit contender.

It's strange how much difference a year makes, but in college basketball it's not out of the ordinary.

Last year, the No. 3 seeded Kansas Jayhawks met their demise to the on a mission Michigan State Spartans 67-62, thanks to Kalin Lucas' infamous (to Jayhawk fans) Sweet 16 late-game heroics.

That was a tough pill to swallow for Sherron Collins and company—especially after winning the National Championship just a year earlier.

Now it's 2010.

The Jayhawks (14-1, 28-2) are the second-ranked team in the nation (AP, ESPN polls) and on another title hunt. The Big XII saw Bill Self's team run through its competitors like a hot knife through butter, and there was little doubt that the birds would hoist their sixth consecutive league championship banner.

Are the Kansas Jayhawks the favorite to win it all in Indianapolis?

There's no real evidence to suggest that they can't.

Kansas has only lost two games thus far, both losses came on the road. On Jan. 10 Bruce Pearl's Volunteers knocked Self's men down a notch 76-68, but it didn't slow them down for long. 

Thirteen games (and wins) later in Stillwater, OK. the Cowboys of Oklahoma State served the birds their second "L" of the season—other than those two defeats, the Jayhawks have executed their game plan to near perfection.

There's a few reasons for the ample attainment in Lawrence, KS.

The 6'11" Cole Aldrich may be the best big-man in the nation. Aldrich's presence in the paint is undeniable—he's a juggernaut. Bigs are at a premium, and essential pieces (usually) to a strong championship run. It's been said that guards win in the NCAA tournament, but it helps to have a legit big-man.

How about those Kansas guards?

Solid play from Xavier Henry and Collins have been staples of the Jayhawks' arsenal. Those consistent efforts from the duo will be a task for opponents to match—they account for just over one third of Kansas' offensive production and pack a hefty one-two punch.

And don't sleep on Marcus Morris.

Morris is one of the more athletic forwards in college ball today. His 6'8" 225-pound frame allows him to be a pest in the post, and his range makes him a viable threat from anywhere on the floor.

As it looks now, the Jayhawks may have set themselves up for a prime run at the Final Four—No. 13 Tennessee (10-5, 22-7) and No. 18 Pitt (12-5, 23-7) look to be the only valid threats standing in their way. 

Sure, No. 7 Purdue (13-4, 25-4) is in their bracket. Without its heart-and-soul Robbie Hummel, the Boilers have dropped from contender to pretender status within the blink of an eye (or tear of the knee).

What about No. 25 Texas (9-6, 23-7)?

The 'Horns were already shown who's the boss of the Big XII on Feb. 8 (losing 80-68) and have dropped seven of its last 12—assuming Dexter Pittman and company can make it out of its presumed second-round duel with the Boilers alive, the Jayhawks don't have much to worry about.

Forecast, prediction, and speculation is what March Madness is all about. Why else would fans be glued to their television sets to see who's in or who's out?

One thing is for sure in Lawrence, KS. Kansas University is in, and it's the team to beat in the NCAA tournament.

(ESPN's Joe Lundardi's mock bracket was used to base Kansas' tournament opponents. It is subject to change, but was accurate as of March 6, 2010).