Nick KrugNo. 11 Kansas Jayhawks (16-5 overall, 5-3 Big 12) vs. No. 16 Texas Tech Red Raiders (17-4 overall, 5-3 Big 12)
Time: 3 p.m. | Location: Allen Fieldhouse, Lawrence, Kansas
TV: CBS | Radio: IMG Jayhawk Radio Network
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1. Assists so important
The Red Raiders are one of the best defensive teams in the country and their defense in the half court is as nasty as any Kansas has seen in a while.
While the Jayhawks no doubt will look to get out in transition as much as possible in this one, it’s inevitable that there will be a bunch of possessions played in half-court settings.
If Kansas wants to survive those, it is going to have to be smart with the basketball. And that does not just mean take care of it and don’t turn it over. That also means extra passes, moving that defense and forcing the Red Raiders to break down. The easiest way KU can do that is by racking up the assists, something that has been an issue for this team all season.
“First of all, you have to be able to get the ball reversed,” Self said of attacking Tech’s defense. “There have to be ways you reverse the basketball. And we’ve had success with that. But you also have to have some guys make some individual plays, too.”
The Jayhawks’ assists per field goals made percentage currently sits at 48.3 percent for the season and 42.3 percent in Big 12 play.
That’s more than 10 percent lower than KU’s all-time mark under Self at Kansas (58.6 percent) and more than 15 percent off the average for Self’s teams against Big 12 foes (57.5).
Both numbers finished right around 55 percent last season and the Jayhawks need to find a way to get others involved — from all five positions — if they want to get closer to that number for the season and survive a stingy Texas Tech defense in this one.
2. New-look offense ready?
The Jayhawks tweaked some things with their offense this week and today will be the first time they utilize them in a game setting.
While the changes are more of the subtle and philosophical variety than an all-out overhaul of what Kansas wants to do, there will be some areas that are emphasized more than others.
One will certainly be trying to get the ball to junior forward and leading scorer Dedric Lawson where he can attack quicker and draw less attention.
Another figures to come in transition, where the Jayhawks could look to turn up the heat with their defense to force easy transition buckets for some free points.
Kansas has the highest tempo rating in the Big 12, according to KenPom.com, and Texas Tech ranks 7th in that same category.
Ever since freshman guard Ochai Agbaji joined the rotation — Agbaji is slated to start again in this one — Self has sprinkled in a little full-court pressure to try to turn up his team’s activity level.
“Sometimes the best way not to put too much pressure on your offense to score against a really good defense is to make sure they don’t score,” Self said. “So we need to do a great job on that end.”
3. Looking for a leader
Leadership was also a popular topic this week with the Jayhawks, who lamented the absence of any true and consistent leader on this squad after Tuesday’s loss at Texas.
Agbaji, in just seven games, already has shown some natural leadership tendencies and freshman point guard Devon Dotson, as much because of the position he plays as anything else, also has the potential to step into that leadership role the rest of the way.
As long as someone does, it won’t matter as much who it is and Self said this week he thought there were more than a couple of good candidates.
“I think Dedric’s a good leader,” Self began. “And I think Marcus (Garrett) has a chance to be a very good leader. We’re just young. … There were some things that took place in the Texas game from that standpoint that really encouraged me, with Ochai and Devon keeping everybody together.”
Added Dotson of the leadership void: “That’s something that this team needs right now, and we just keep working at it and leading each other in the right direction and helping each other out.”
KU junior Dedric Lawson vs. Texas Tech sophomore Jarrett Culver
Consider this a battle of two players who could push for Big 12 player of the year honors.
Both, at this point, are almost certainly first-team all-Big 12 picks and both are incredibly important to their teams even if they don’t play the same position and likely will not guard each other in this one.
Lawson is second in the Big 12 in scoring, at 19.2 points per game and also leads the conference in rebounding at 10.9 boards per game. Culver is third in scoring, at 18.5 points per game, and also ranks in the top 10 in field goal percentage (51.8), rebounding (7.3 per game) and assists (3.9 per game), while ranking just 15th in minutes played (31.8 per game).
At 6-foot-5, with good length, strength and agility, Self calls Culver a true guard in a big body and the sophomore has delivered a heck of an encore to a strong freshman season.
Asked what has stood out about Culver’s game this season, compared to last, Self pointed to attitude.
“I think a lot of it’s probably confidence, believing that you’re really, really good,” Self said. “He seems to have a great swagger about him from a confidence standpoint. … He plays both ends, too. And he should be commended for that as much as anything, as well.”
Added Agbaji, when asked about defending Culver: “We know our focus is obviously going to be towards him. He’s a great player, so we’re just going to have to shut him down first and then focus on everybody else.”
It’s been six seasons since the Kansas men’s basketball team dropped three games in a row. And even though the Jayhawks went on to finish that season with a trip to the Elite Eight, their current situation feels a little bit different than that one did.
Scoring is an issue. This team’s 3-point shooting is nearly non-existent. And teams are starting to figure out ways to guard the Jayhawks’ leading scorer and best player, using length and physicality to frustrate Lawson.
What’s important to remember about KU’s current two-game losing streak is that both of the losses came on the road. That doesn’t entirely make up for the issues that plagued them in those losses, but it does provide a little bit of comfort for a Kansas team coming home.
The Jayhawks are just 1-5 this season in true road games but 11-0 at Allen Fieldhouse. Getting back home, in front of their adoring fans and in a familiar setting, could be exactly what this team needs to get back on track.
One thing that makes that idea very interesting is the fact that Texas Tech was the last team to beat the Jayhawks at Allen Fieldhouse. And Self says last year’s win by the Red Raiders on KU’s home floor could provide a serious dose of confidence for the visitors this weekend.
“They had success here last year so they’ll come in believing they can do it, and they can,” Self said. “There’s no question. They’re very capable of winning anywhere any time.”
With both teams at 5-3 in the Big 12, one will move forward in great shape and the other will be fighting to stay alive in the race in the weeks to come.
“You can’t look at it as this is a must-win game,” Self said. “It is a big game for a goal of winning the league. But it’s not going to determine if you do or not. I do think our chances will be enhanced tremendously if we do take care of business.”
KU leads the all-time series with Texas Tech, 34-5, a run that includes victories in 16 of the last 17 meetings. The Jayhawks are 17-1 all-time against the Red Raiders inside Allen Fieldhouse and are considered 3 1/2-point favorites by oddsmakers in Las Vegas.
Note: Marcus Garrett, who suffered an ankle injury during Friday’s practice, has been ruled out for today’s game vs. Texas Tech.
No. 11 Kansas
G – Devon Dotson, 6-2, 185, Fr.
G – Ochai Agbaji, 6-5, 210, Fr.
G – Lagerald Vick, 6-5, 190, Sr.
G – Quentin Grimes, 6-5, 210, Fr.
F – Dedric Lawson, 6-9, 235, Jr.
No. 16 Texas Tech
G – Matt Mooney, 6-3, 200, Sr.
G – Davide Moretti, 6-3, 175, Soph.
G – Jarrett Culver, 6-5, 195, Soph.
F – Norense Odiase, 6-9, 245, Sr.
F – Tariq Owens, 6-10, 205, Sr.
