Kansas Rolls in First Exhibition: 3 Takeaways
The Kansas Jayhawks opened their 2014-15 season with an 85-53 exhibition victory over the Washburn Ichabods on Monday night in Lawrence. The game was the first opportunity for Kansas fans to see their beloved basketball team in action after a disappointing exit in the third round of the NCAA Tournament last year.
Kansas lost plenty of talent in the offseason, including freshmen Andrew Wiggins and Joel Embiid to the NBA, but as always, Bill Self has replenished the roster with a number of talented recruits to join the returning veterans for this season’s campaign.
The Jayhawks have been in a state of flux in recent days due to the announced transfer of sophomore guard Conner Frankamp. Monday’s exhibition provided the team with a chance to adjust to the departure of Frankamp who figured to have a prominent role with Kansas this season. While this game certainly wasn’t the type of test that Kansas will see when it plays Kentucky on November 18th, it did provide some takeaways for Kansas fans.
1. The point guard play may still be inconsistent
Kansas fans have been concerned about point guard play since Sherron Collins graduated and this season is no different. With the departure of Naadir Tharpe during the offseason, the Jayhawks will be limited to sophomore Frank Mason III and freshman Devonte’ Graham as the only true point guards on the roster.
Monday’s exhibition saw Mason post the kind of stat line that anyone in the country would like to see out of the point guard spot. In 24 minutes, Mason scored 13 points on 4 of 5 shooting including hitting 2 of 3 from behind the 3-point line. Mason also posted 7 assists and 6 rebounds while only committing 1 turnover in the contest. Mason offers the Jayhawks an aggressive playmaker who can get into the lane and draw fouls against opposing big men–something that will likely be important when Kansas plays Kentucky.
Mason put his driving ability on display early in the game, quickly attacking the rim after an offensive rebound by Jamari Traylor, and drawing a foul to get to the free throw line.
While Monday’s game provided a glimpse of what Mason could be, it’s important to remember that he struggled from behind the 3-point line last year, hitting only 32.7% of his attempts, and posted a slightly worse than 2:1 assist to turnover ratio in 16.1 minutes per game. If Mason can display the same kind of play against the quality opponents on Kansas’ non-conference slate, then Kansas fans will have something to be excited about.
Devonte’ Graham offers substantial potential at the point guard spot as well. Graham, a 6’2″ freshman, expressed the need for improvement in his postgame comments, “I don’t think we’re where we are capable of being, but we’re young, so we’ve got to grow and go through the freshmen pains and just keep our heads up.” One aspect of his game that will need improvement is his post entry passing. Graham struggled at times getting the ball inside, which is a staple of Bill Self’s offense. Graham will need to improve on his 3 turnovers as well. Graham did impress on the defensive end, constantly pressuring his man, and getting in the passing lanes while generating a pair of steals for the Jayhawks. Mason and Graham offer two potential quality point guards for Kansas, but they’re both young and still developing. Kansas fans should not expect perfection early in the season, but if both players improve throughout the season, the Jayhawks may be in a fine place come Big 12 play.
2. Kansas has a plethora of quality bigs
As usual, Bill Self will wield a strong frontcourt with a number of quality big men to fill various roles throughout the season. Perhaps the most impressive of the frontcourt players against Washburn was freshman Cliff Alexander. The 6’8″ forward from Chicago scored 14 points on 6 of 8 shooting. He pulled down 9 rebounds, including 4 offensive boards, and also provided the Jayhawks with much needed rim protection, finishing with 3 blocks. Alexander is obviously impressive when chasing down offensive rebounds, but will need to use his ability to get position on the offensive end when competing against the size of teams like Kentucky and Texas later in the season. Here, Alexander is able to create space behind the fronting player, opening up a passing lane for Landen Lucas. This play resulted in an easy layup for the Jayhawks.
Another player that impressed on the offensive glass was junior forward Jamari Traylor. Bill Self called him the team’s “best offensive rebounder” during his postgame interview. Traylor exhibited his trademark hustle against Washburn, aggressively crashing the offensive glass during his 14 minutes on the floor. Early in the game, Traylor was able to pull down an offensive rebound and kick it out to Wayne Selden for an open 3-pointer.
Traylor struggled a bit defensively, picking up 4 fouls during the game. With his foul trouble, Kansas fans were exposed more to Landen Lucas and Hunter Mickelson. Those two players combined for 4 blocked shots during the game. This is perhaps the place where a caveat is most necessary. Washburn does not play through their big men with much frequency, as Self noted, “I don’t know if we can defend the block because they didn’t throw it inside very often.” So, while we know Kansas can block a few shots, we shouldn’t draw too many conclusions about their defensive prowess, yet. Mickelson looks unlikely to get a substantial amount of playing time given that he was the player on the floor with the walk-ons at the end of the game, but during his freshman year at Arkansas, he ranked 5th in the country in block percentage at 13.5%. Lucas is a player that offers interesting potential for the Jayhawks. His size will be welcome on the defensive end after the departure of Embiid and he showed flashes offensively, scoring 9 points on 4 for 4 shooting.
One player that did not impress much during the exhibition was junior forward Perry Ellis. Ellis has been described as a potential All-American candidate this season. Kansas will need Ellis to play well if it wants to compete for a Final Four birth come March, but Monday’s game showed his limitations. Ellis shot 2 for 6 from the field, which can certainly happen to anyone, but it was his shot selection that troubled me. While Ellis shot 8 for 17 from behind the arc last season, it’s unlikely that Bill Self wants to see the forward taking half of his shot attempts from there this season. Ellis is at his best when facing up against his opponent and beating them off the dribble, something we didn’t see a lot of against Washburn. On the defensive end, Ellis was slow in rotating on pick-and-roll defense. He was frequently unable to stay in front of his assignment and often didn’t contest shots well. Kansas will need more out of Ellis defensively now that he lacks the rim protection of Embiid behind him.
3. The Jayhawks may not miss Conner Frankamp too much
The transfer of Conner Frankamp created some issues for Kansas, but Monday’s game should give Kansas fans optimism that they’ll be able to handle the loss well. One major concern among commentators was the lack of point guard depth that the Jayhawks will face. The solution appears to be Wayne Selden as the 3rd point guard for Kansas. Bill Self utilized Selden as the point guard a few times throughout the game alongside players like Sviatoslav Mykailuik and Brannen Greene prior to his concussion. However, as Self noted, this is a lineup that the team hasn’t practice much and will need improvement, “I probably anticipated more situations where we’d play him at the 4 than we would at the 1, but now I see a lot of situations we’ll have to play him at the 1, at least for spot duty, so we need to get better at that.”
The other fear with the loss of Frankamp relates to 3-point shooting. Frankamp projected as a solid 3-point option for Kansas, but his loss leaves the Jayhawks looking for players to fill the void. Against Washburn, Kansas hit 9 of their 21 3-point attempts, good for 42.9% from behind the arc. Mykailuik hit 2 of his 5 attempts with Self noting that he could be a “really, really, really good shooter.” Greene connected on 1 of 2 before leaving the game. Freshman Kelly Oubre also made 1 of his 3 attempts. Oubre provided the most exciting moment of the game for Kansas fans throwing down a huge dunk in transition in the second half.
As always, it’s important to remember not to draw too many conclusions from an exhibition game against a Division II school, especially because the Kansas bigs had such a size advantage against a Washburn team that didn’t pressure the Jayhawks in the paint. However, Monday’s showing provided a few insights into what Kansas fans can expect to see in the upcoming season.
Note: this post originally appeared on www.aintnoseats.com.
Just want to say your article is as amazing.
The clarity to your submit is just cool and that i can assume you
are a professional on this subject. Fine along with your permission allow me to seize your RSS feed to keep updated with impending post.
Thank you a million and please keep up the rewarding work.
Hi! This is my 1st comment here so I just wanted to give a quick shout out and tell you
I genuinely enjoy reading your articles. Can you suggest any other blogs/websites/forums that go over the same subjects?
Thanks a ton!
Also visit my web blog; Allura Fresh Cream
Saya akan segera kopling rss Anda karena saya tidak bisa untuk menemukan layanan email langganan link atau
e-newsletter Anda. Apakah Anda punya punya? Mohon izinkan saya tahu sehingga
saya boleh berlangganan. Terima kasih.
Here is my web site … Daftar joker123 via pulsa
It’s actually very complex in this full of activity life to listen news on Television,
thus I simply use internet for that reason, and take the hottest information.
Here is my homepage … id test aaa1188
Hello to every one, since I am really keen of reading this blog’s post to be updated daily.
It includes fastidious data.
Feel free to surf to my web site; 1 calibet
Saya tidak bisa menolak berkomentar. Sempurna ditulis!
Have a look at my page … joker123 deposit [https://joker123slots.com/fakta-yang-paling-terabaikan-tentang-situs-resmi-joker-terungkap/]
I’m amazed, I must say. Rarely do I come across a blog that’s both educative and
entertaining, and let me tell you, you’ve hit the nail
on the head. The issue is something that not enough men and women are speaking intelligently about.
Now i’m very happy I came across this during my hunt
for something relating to this.
my web site: Id test greatwall99
This article is genuinely a good one it assists new the web viewers, who
are wishing for blogging.
Feel free to surf to my homepage – i1 918kiss 2
Everyone loves what you guys tend to be up too. This
sort of clever work and coverage! Keep up the terrific
works guys I’ve included you guys to my blogroll.
Feel free to surf to my web-site – id test untuk wm casino
My relatives every time say that I am wasting my time here at web, however I know I
am getting experience everyday by reading such nice articles or reviews.
Everyone loves it whenever people come together and share ideas.
Great site, stick with it!
Here is my homepage; HemoBoost Blood Boost
This information is worth everyone’s attention. Where can I find out
more?
Here is my blog post aaa1188 trusted company
Saya tidak bisa menolak berkomentar. Sempurna ditulis!
Here is my web site … Joker168 apk – Daniele,
I simply couldn’t depart your website before suggesting that I actually loved the
standard information an individual provide for your guests?
Is gonna be again frequently in order to check out new posts
My webpage – 918kiss plus test (pussy888sg.com)
My partner and I stumbled over here coming from a different website and
thought I might check things out. I like what I see so
now i am following you. Look forward to looking at
your web page for a second time.
Feel free to surf to my homepage – live22 new version 2021
Howdy very cool site!! Guy .. Beautiful .. Amazing ..
I will bookmark your web site and take the feeds additionally?I am happy to
search out numerous useful information right here within the
post, we need develop extra strategies in this regard, thank you for sharing.
Also visit my webpage; Xtreme Shred Keto
I couldn’t resist commenting. Perfectly written!
My web page Download Game Club Suncity
I was very pleased to uncover this page. I want to to thank you
for ones time for this particularly wonderful read!!
I definitely appreciated every part of it and I have you book-marked to see
new things in your blog.
Feel free to surf to my blog post … ok388 for ios
First of all I want to say excellent blog! I had
a quick question in which I’d like to ask if you do not mind.
I was curious to find out how you center yourself and clear
your mind before writing. I have had a tough time clearing my thoughts in getting my ideas out there.
I truly do take pleasure in writing but it just seems like the first 10 to
15 minutes are wasted just trying to figure out how to begin. Any ideas or
hints? Thank you!
my web blog … download lionking888 android
Very interesting information!Perfect just what I was
looking for!
my webpage :: Cecil
cialis 5mg tablets price – costco online pharmacy where to purchase tadalafil online
Thank you for another informative blog. Where else may just
I get that kind of information written in such an ideal manner?
I’ve a undertaking that I am simply now operating on, and I
have been on the glance out for such info.
Also visit my webpage: 3DS Pills
genuine viagra – sildenafil 130 mg viagra 150mg
What’s up, its pleasant article regarding media print, we all understand media is
a impressive source of information.
my site … Alpha Extracts CBD Review
herbal ed treatment – what are ed drugs ed pills walgreens
5443 prednisone – where can you buy prednisone without a prescription prednisone brand name in india
sildenafil pills in india – buy female viagra from united states viagra prescription online canada
no prescription needed canadian pharmacy – Buy now cialis discount cialis canada
ivermectin tablet price – ivermectin pills canada ivermectin 3mg dose
generic ed drugs – generic ed drugs ed treatment pills
ventolin price australia – gnrventolin ventolin cost australia
buy cytotec 100mcg – cytotec where to buy online order cytotec online usa
doxycycline pharmacy online – doxycycline 100g tablets doxycycline hyclate capsules
I love examining and I conceive this website got some really utilitarian stuff on it!
my web-site :: Natural Burn Keto Review
buy neurontin canadian pharmacy – neurontinpl.com best generic synthroid
where to get viagra online – generic viagra from usa best viagra online
cialis 10mg for sale – can you buy cialis over the counter canada cheap tadalafil no prescription
vardenafil coupon – vardenafil reviews buy vardenafil in india
This page truly has all of the info I wanted
about this subject and didn?t know who to
ask.
Here is my site Gold Leaf CBD Gummies Reviews
ivermectin generic cream – ivermectine ivermectin oral solution
prednisone uk – prednisone brand name cost prednisone rx
accutane rx – buy accutane 20mg online accutane europe
I blog frequently and I genuinely appreciate your information.
This article has really peaked my interest.
I am going to book mark your website and keep checking for
new information about once per week. I subscribed to your RSS feed too.
Here is my web site :: Far East XL Pills
Hello! I’m at work browsing your blog from my new apple iphone!
Just wanted to say I love reading through your blog and
look forward to all your posts! Keep up the great
work!
Have a look at my website http://www.sygk100.cn/
I real happy to find this website on bing, just what I was searching for
😀 too saved to fav.
My website :: Primal Testo XL Ingredients
Some really howling work on behalf of the owner of this site, absolutely great content.
Feel free to visit my blog – Donna
amoxicillin – amoxicilina 500 mg amoxicillin over counter
methylprednisolone generic prices – lyrica 50 mg cost lyrica cheapest price
letter writing services – write my law essay help with essay writing
Aw, this was a really good post. Taking a few
minutes and actual effort to create a great article?
but what can I say? I procrastinate a whole lot and don’t seem to get nearly
anything done.
Also visit my page; Wawza Apple Cider Gummies
viagra low cost – Buy viagra on internet sildenafil Dallas
With havin so much content and articles do you ever run into any issues of plagorism
or copyright violation? My site has a lot of exclusive content I’ve either created myself or outsourced but it appears
a lot of it is popping it up all over the internet without my permission.
Do you know any techniques to help prevent content from being stolen? I’d definitely appreciate it.
Feel free to surf to my blog :: https://yunke029.com/home.php?mod=space&uid=1398870&do=profile&from=space
Hi, I do think this is an excellent website. I stumbledupon it 😉 I
may come back once again since i have saved as
a favorite it. Money and freedom is the greatest way to change,
may you be rich and continue to help others.
my website; Cool Wave Portable AC
super cialis – fspcia cheap cialis canada
ivermectin 200mg – stromectol virus ivermectin 15 mg
buy prednisone from india – average cost of prednisone buy deltasone no prescription
furosemide coupon – clomid tablet furosemide nz
ventolin generic price – cheap albuterol ventolin cost canada
can you get cytotec over the counter – cytotec 25mcg tabs cytotec generic
Nice post. I was checking continuously this blog and I am inspired!
Very helpful information specially the final section 🙂 I
care for such information a lot. I was looking for this particular
info for a long time. Thank you and good luck.
My web-site :: http://www.chubbychannel.com
doxycycline 250 – where can i purchase doxycycline prednisolone 40 mg tablets
ivermectin 3mg – stromectol uk buy stromectol price us
What’s up, I wish for to subscribe for this blog to obtain newest updates, thus where can i
do it please help.
Feel free to visit my blog post increase testosterone levels
ivermectin 4 – ivermectin lotion 0.5 ivermectin cream
Definitely, what a great website and informative posts, I definitely will bookmark your
website.Have an awsome day!
Stop by my web-site; http://www.j-scripting.com/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=1393760
best generic sildenafil – sildepl.com order sildenafil online
tadalafil 20 mg – generic tadalafil at walmart tadalafil buy online
Well I really enjoyed studying it. This subject offered by you is very constructive for accurate
planning.
Also visit my web-site http://www.zicd.com
Awesome information once again! I am looking forward for your next post=)
Here is my web blog :: weed doctor websitehope
Oh my goodness! Impressive article dude! Many thanks,
However I am experiencing troubles with your RSS. I don’t understand the reason why
I can’t join it. Is there anyone else having identical RSS issues?
Anybody who knows the answer will you kindly respond?
Thanx!!
Feel free to surf to my site substance abuse treatment
cheapest accutane prices – buy accutane canada accutane canada online
You actually make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this topic to
be really something that I think I would never understand.
It seems too complicated and very broad for me. I’m looking forward for your next post, I’ll try to get the hang of it!
Also visit my website :: purchase hemp
cheap custom essay – custom dissertation services academicwriters
Hey very interesting blog!
Feel free to visit my homepage … weight loss results
What’s up, I desire to subscribe for this webpage to obtain newest updates, therefore where can i do it please help out.
Look at my web blog; teenager smoking
I am continually looking online for tips that can assist me.
Thanks!
Also visit my web-site … hemp seed oil capsules
Appreciate this post. Will try it out.
Visit my page crash diets
ivermectin 1 cream – stromectol cost in usa stromectol 0.1
Please let me know if you’re looking for a author for your blog.
You have some really great articles and I believe I
would be a good asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d absolutely
love to write some material for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine.
Please shoot me an e-mail if interested. Thank you!
Have a look at my blog post … drug crime
I always used to study piece of writing in news papers but now as I am a
user of net so from now I am using net for posts, thanks to web.
my page – portable generator
buy usa viagra online – Cialis in usa buy cialis 5mg online australia
buy viagra vardenafil alternative lavitra – levitra 10 mg buy erection pills
buy hydroxychloroquine – buy hydroxychloroquine online prednisone without prescription.net
buy vidalista 60 mg online 20%off – fildena 150 usa and uk all types of ed products at cheapest price in usa
xenical fda approval – alli or xenical xenical 120mg price
In fact when someone doesn’t know then its up ways to have better sex other viewers that they
will assist, so here it occurs.
stromectol ivermectin buy – stromectol online stromectol brand
sildenafil 50mg brand name – sildenafil dosage buy viagra online no rx
You are so interesting! I do not suppose I’ve read a single thing like that before.
So great to discover someone with a few genuine thoughts on this subject.
Seriously.. thanks for starting this up. This site is something that’s needed
on the internet, someone with a bit of originality!
My homepage: http://www.fles.hlc.edu.tw
tadalafil 50mg – reputable canadian pharmacy cialis super active 20mg
Hey there! Do you know if they make any plugins to protect against hackers?
I’m kinda paranoid about losing everything I’ve worked hard on. Any recommendations?
My web site – hatched seeds
prednisone 20 mg price india – 10 mg prednisone prednisone online
can you buy generic cialis – pharmacy cialis tadalafil india buy online
buy ivermectin 2mg – purchase ivermectin ivermectin for sale online
ivermectin ebay – ivermectin usa stromectol for sale
sildenafil 25mg over the counter – sildenafil medication 200 mg viagra
I’ve been exploring for a little bit for any high quality articles or weblog posts in this kind
of space . Exploring in Yahoo I finally stumbled upon this site.
Reading this information So i am satisfied to express that I have an incredibly good uncanny feeling
I came upon just what I needed. I such a lot without a doubt
will make sure to don?t forget this web site and give it a look
on a relentless basis.
Here is my web site … Helene
on line viagra – site pfizer viagra for sale
Hello mates, fastidious paragraph and fastidious arguments commented here, I
am truly enjoying by these.
my web-site … low-carb diet
I’m gone to convey my little brother, that he should also visit this webpage
on regular basis to take updated from latest news update.
Stop by my website; cleveland clinic diet
price for generic cialis – cialis 20mg price tadalafil 5mg buy
If you would like to obtain much from this paragraph then you have to apply these techniques to your won website.
Also visit my blog … hoyt buck
us cialis – Buy cialis cheap online cialis
buy stromectol 3mg – ivermectin purchase generic ivermectin online
What’s up friends, how is all, and what you want to say
regarding this piece of writing, in my view its really awesome for me.
Feel free to visit my webpage: substance abuse treatment
ivermectin buy online – stromectol pills canada stromectol 6 mg tablet
real money online casinos usa – casino online slots play for real online casino games
Hey there! Do you know if they make any plugins to safeguard against hackers?
I’m kinda paranoid about losing everything I’ve worked hard
on. Any recommendations?
Take a look at my blog :: eating healthy foods
I wanted to follow along and allow you to know how , a great deal I cherished discovering this blog today.
I will consider it an honor to do things at my office and be able to make real use of the tips shared on your blog
and also engage in visitors’ opinions like this.
Should a position associated with guest article writer become on offer at your end, please let me know.
Also visit my blog – http://www.meteoritegarden.com
write thesis – research paper editing write me a paper
canada pharmacy viagra – Buy viagra no prescription genuine viagra australia
generic ivermectin online – buy ivermectin pills ivermectin 12 mg over counter
cialis canadian pharmacy – ed drug trusted online pharmacy reviews
prednisone 475 – prednisone 10mg for sale generic prednisone otc
prednisone tablets 2.5 mg – prednisone pill 15 mg prednisone daily
buy accutane without prescription – buy accutane 20mg online accutane pills buy online
amoxicillin on line – buy amoxil 500mg usa amoxicilina 500 mg from mexico
stromectol tablets buy online – ivermectin 6 mg for sale stromectol 3mg online
ivermectin 400 mg brands – cost of ivermectin pill stromectol pills
online casino slots no download – casino games free casino online real money
stromectol 2mg online – buy ivermectin 12 mg ivermectin 6 mg for humans for sale
pharmacy online – ed drugs cheap viagra canadian pharmacy
erection problems – ed pills cheap pills erectile dysfunction
how fast does viagra work active ingredient in viagra
canadian online pharmacy adderall online canadian pharmacy store
reddit cialis online cialis 20 mg
prednisone tablets india – 60 mg prednisone prednisone pill cost
online pharmacy technician revive rx pharmacy
prices for 5mg prednisone – prednisone 60mg pills prednisone 20mg prescription cost
can you buy accutane over the counter in canada – buy isotretinoin roaccutane without a prescription
ivermectin and alcohol ivermectin wormers for horses
purchase amoxicillin 250mg usa – purchase amoxil uk amoxil for uti
ivermectin paste for horses stromectol cvs
ivermectin mange treatment dosage oral ivermectin for pigs
free slots online – online casino games for real money real casino online
cialis with dapoxetine cialis vs viagra cost
ivermectin price canada – cost of ivermectin medicine ivermectin ireland
tadalafil 20mg india tadalafil tamsulosin combination
cheap tadalafil online cialis tadalafil 20 mg 30 tablet