Recap: KU's offensive performance even better at second glance

Posted by Jesse Newell November 12, 2011 at 9:40 a.m.

Note: Here is a listing of definitions for some terms used in this blog. Also, feel free to ask questions in the comments section below if something doesn't make sense.

Pay no attention to that cold offensive spell from Kansas at the end of the first half.

Kansas forward Thomas Robinson, left, laughs with his teammates on the bench during the second half on Friday, Nov. 11, 2011 at Allen Fieldhouse. by Nick Krug

In reality, KU's 100-54 victory over Towson was probably as good of an offensive performance as we're going to see from the Jayhawks all season.

Because the game was played at a pedestrian pace (68 possessions; KU averaged 69.9 possessions per game last year), getting to 100 points was quite an accomplishment.

The Jayhawks offense posted 1.47 points per possession against the Tigers — the most by a KU team since a 112-75 win over Tennessee Tech on Nov. 27, 2009.

It also was KU's fifth-highest PPP mark from any game in the last 15 years and the second-highest PPP mark from any Div. I team playing another Div. I team this season.

Kansas guard Tyshawn Taylor throws down a dunk off a breakaway before Towson forward Marcus Damas during the second half on Friday, Nov. 11, 2011 at Allen Fieldhouse. by Nick Krug

Most of the time, 100-point games are the result of two teams playing at a fast pace. That wasn't the case Friday, as the Jayhawks instead were efficient with their possessions and scored at a rate they probably won't match again this season.

M.O.J. (Most Outstanding Jayhawk)

In a three-horse race between Elijah Johnson, Kevin Young and Conner Teahan, Young gets the nod with his balanced stat line.

Kansas forward Kevin Young comes away with a steal from Towson forward Enrique Gumbs during the first half on Friday, Nov. 11, 2011 at Allen Fieldhouse. by Nick Krug

The junior posted 1.73 points per possession used while ending 25.2 percent of the possessions he was in (a high number).

Though he only played 14 minutes, Young was extremely active. He pulled down 26.7 percent of the available offensive rebounds (a team high), 32.6 percent of the available defensive rebounds (a team high) and came away with a steal on 8.4 percent of his defensive possessions (a team high).

Not only that, he blocked 13.6 percent of the two-pointers taken while he was on the floor and assisted on 23.9 percent of KU's made shots while he was out there.

It's not often that a coach admits this, but KU coach Bill Self afterwards seemed to hint that this performance was the best he'd seen from Young — and that included all the team's practices.

Bill Self postgame press conference: Towson by Nick Nelson

Young will have to work especially hard defensively against bigger teams, but his play on Friday still has to be considered one of the most positive developments for the Jayhawks this season.

Room for Improvement

Rarely does a team win so easily in a game it was beaten on the glass.

Towson pulled down 42.9 percent of the available offensive rebounds — an unacceptable number if the Jayhawks are being honest with themselves.

To put that number in perspective, only two teams last year had offensive rebounding percentages higher than 42.9 percent against KU — Nebraska on Jan. 15 (45.5 percent) and Kansas State on Jan. 29 (45.3 percent).

In other words, it's not the norm for non-conference opponents to rebound like this against KU.

Kansas players Conner Teahan, left, and Travis Releford tangle with Towson players Marcus Damas, left, and Enrique Gumbs as the teams vie for a loose ball during the second half on Friday, Nov. 11, 2011 at Allen Fieldhouse. by Nick Krug

The Jayhawks actually weren't horrible on the offensive glass, grabbing 37.5 percent of their misses — a number that would have been slightly above their average last year.

The poor numbers on the defensive glass have to be a huge worry, especially with the Kentucky game looming on Tuesday. Though Thomas Robinson was just fine (32 percent defensive rebounding percentage), he needs help from guys like Jeff Withey (6.3 percent), Travis Releford (4.5 percent) and Justin Wesley (7.1 percent).

Tough-Luck Line

It's hard to pick a tough-luck line with a box score like this, but with a lack of good options, we'll go with Tyshawn Taylor.

Kansas guard Tyshawn Taylor looks for a steal as he defends Towson guard Deon Jones during the first half on Friday, Nov. 11, 2011 at Allen Fieldhouse. by Nick Krug

In his first game back from suspension, the senior posted 1.29 points per possession used while ending 22 percent of KU's possessions while he was in. Normally, 1.29 PPP used would be in the running for best on the team; in an ultra-efficient game against Towson, though, it actually was the worst.

I might be making too much of this, but did anyone else notice that Taylor was one of the last starters subbed out Friday? It seemed to me like Self was wanting to get his senior point guard a couple more minutes, just to get him back into the flow of a game situation.

Again, Taylor's numbers weren't terrible, they just weren't great. His 2.4 percent steal percentage was sixth on the team, while his assist percentage (percentage of his team's field goals he assisted on while on the floor) of 19.4 percent was sixth as well.

One area where Taylor thrived was getting to the free-throw line. His free-throw rate (free throws attempted/field goals attempted) of 85.7 was best on the team; Taylor ended up shooting exactly half of KU's free throws (six of 12).

KU's team free-throw rate of 17.1, by the way, ranked lower than all but four games from last season.

Bottom Line

KU put together a stellar offensive performance against Towson, mostly because it took care of the basketball.

Kansas forward Thomas Robinson tries to hook a shot under the bucket amidst the Towson defense during the second half on Friday, Nov. 11, 2011 at Allen Fieldhouse. by Nick Krug

The Jayhawks turned it over on just 7.4 percent of its possessions, which tied the best mark for a KU team in a game in the last 15 seasons (KU also turned it over just 7.4 percent of the time against North Dakota State in its first round game of the 2009 NCAA Tournament).

KU's 6-to-1 turnover ratio also was easily the best mark for KU in the last 15 seasons, topping the previous high of 4.6-to-1 set against against UNC-Asheville on Jan. 2, 2003.

The Jayhawks also plastered the Tigers with help from good shooting (65.7 effective FG percentage; KU averaged 57.0 eFG% last year and was the nation's leader in the stat).

On defense, KU thrived at creating turnovers, as Towson's 33.8-percent turnover rate was the highest for a KU opponent since the 2008-09 season.

Kansas guard Travis Releford signals the ball going the Jayhawks way along with a game official after forcing it out of bounds off Towson forward Deon Jones during the first half on Friday, Nov. 11, 2011 at Allen Fieldhouse. by Nick Krug

KU now will prepare for one of the biggest schedule turnarounds in its history, trading in KenPom's 320th-ranked team (out of 345) Towson for No. 1 Kentucky.

Defensive rebounding has to be the biggest concern for KU — especially against the future pros that coach John Calipari will bring to Tuesday's game.

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dagger108 1 year, 6 months ago

It all seems to point to Towson being a horrible team on D, and sending a lot of guys to crash the O-boards. It is good to get a warm up game, though not sure it was any better that Pitt or Hays State. Definitely a big turn around to UK. Glad to see Self's latest late recruiting gem come up big. Hopefully, he stays hungry and the others get motivated all the more as well.

BP2U 1 year, 6 months ago

Basically, better turnover numbers but not-so-great defense (esp. rebounds). Our made FT% hasn't looked very good either...

BUT Connor, Naadir, and Young,etc. are all very nice surprises. Even Withey is a much bigger factor now (mostly out of necessity, but still).

If we all show up on Tuesday, I like our chances.. but I'm as scared as stupidmichael!

lee3022 1 year, 6 months ago

Agreed that defensive rebounding must improve. But holding an opponent under 36% FG% is a good defense against any team. Withey is the single biggest culprit on defensive rebounds but still had some good blocks. If he is a factor it needs to be rebounding and blocks. It may be that blocks need to be closer to the rim to get rebounds.

Sparko 1 year, 6 months ago

The numbers say that Towson played a lot of zone and Kansas shot well. Had Towson kept with man-to-man, Kansas would have scored 150. If the team doesn't force the ball inside against the zone--like last night--that strategy to beat Kansas is a non-starter. Like the way this team strokes the ball. Teahan and Tharpe have great shots to compliment the starters.

afmoore06 1 year, 6 months ago

It seems to me like we should be able to match up with UK's athleticism and talent. It will be necessary for us to avoid foul trouble and limit turnovers. I think the length of the UK front line, especially with Anthony Davis, will be a factor for us to overcome offensively. On the boards, we should be OK. UK does not have the beef that some other teams have. They are like us, having some slender long guys that could use some weight. On the perimeter, a lot depends on how Kidd-Gilchrist and Teague play together in critical moments. I think from a team defense standpoint, we should have the edge. Can Releford shut down Gilchrist? Can Tyshawn stay in front of his man? Can Trob guard Jones on the perimeter? And can we avoid foul trouble?

Up to this point, I've been impressed by what we've seen from Tharpe, Young and Teahan. I'm really liking this team, and should be a fun group to watch. The schedule is unbelievable, so the results may not be as favorable as we'd hope, but it may just payoff by conference play.

lee3022 1 year, 6 months ago

I am surprised to be saying this but Tuesday's game is a game I will watch for improvement and assessment considerations rather than stress about the win. The wins needed will come in January when we go for our 8th straight BIg XII title. There is little doubt that we can get to the March tournament and no matter the seed we will already have played better teams than there in the first two rounds.

Alohahawk 1 year, 6 months ago

TRob must have zero body fat. Kudos to Nick Krug for the photo of Thomas attempting the shot under the basket. You couldn't ask for a better "flex your muscles" shot. I've heard him described as "Greek God". What an understatement!

ralster 1 year, 6 months ago

Best signs so far: Kevin Young doing it inside, outside, on the glass. Wesley realizing his 'moment' is now and trying hard to improve/produce. Tharpe has been a gem. And Teahan has been a big net positive.

None of this means we are world beaters, but it simply adds to the fact that our starting 5 can play with anybody in the nation, and now we have some balanced depth off the bench: 6'8 Young, 6'5 Teahan, 6' (-ish) Tharpe. (Keep on keepin' on, Justin--we need u!).

TRob really is a hoss! But you can still see a bit of rawness to some of his game. He's gotta be near-automatic inside. I thought he had a couple more misses on point blank shots than he should have, but Towson was playing physical. I like SirThomas playing physical & the technical foul/not backing down--although that cannot become a habit, as that will get exploited like opponents tried w/Marcus...

lee3022 1 year, 6 months ago

I know about coach Self's coaching credentials. He has won 95% of his AFH games and 85% overall at Kansas. I don't know your coaching credentials. But the clue you might consider is coach considers Morningstar among the top three defenders he has had a Kansas. Defense is tricky to watch and fully appreciate. Especially since there were fewer defenders than normal from the other players last year.

drgnslayr 1 year, 6 months ago

"Bottom Line - KU put together a stellar offensive performance against Towson, mostly because it took care of the basketball."

That is the bottom line. Not only in this game, but also how our season will turn out.

If we are able to become a team that takes care of the ball, we'll be in every game this year with anyone.

Rebounding is important, too, but you don't always decide the outcome of the rebounding category. Kevin Young is the big positive surprise here. He has the same scrap TRob had in his first seasons as a Hawk. I haven't really seen the same scrap in TRob yet this year, but I believe he is focusing on contributing 30+ minutes a game, and in order to do that much time, he has to keep some reserve in the tank, and also take fewer foul risks.

Great job, Jesse! Glad to see we haven't lost you to the lottery! ; )

actorman 1 year, 6 months ago

Thanks as always for the great analysis, Jesse. One concern I have was the high number of fouls in the game. I would have liked to see a stat on how that compares to KU history. Do you have info. on that?

lee3022 1 year, 6 months ago

Appreciate the analysis. It is a decent start and shows the team where they need to improve while concentrating on what they are already doing well.

No, I don't think we will see these numbers on Tuesday. What I do think will surprise Kentucky is the defense. Hold them also under 40% FG% and perhaps win the game. Towson was under 36%.

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