I realize that the most likely, and perhaps best, answer to the following question is “nobody” but let’s toss it out there anyway.
Which former Jayhawks would have the best shot at guarding Kobe Bryant?
In the history of this game only a handful of players — maybe 3-5 at most — have proven themselves to be unguardable.
Michael Jordan certainly was one, LeBron James is on his way to becoming another and maybe, if you’re stretching things a little, guys like Wilt, Bill Russell, Kareem Abdul-Jabar and Magic Johnson are on the list as well.
One guy who’s definitely on that list just happens to still be playing this season. His name, like him or hate him, is Kobe. Like Pele, Shaq (go figure, right) and Tiger, he needs only one name to be known and two or three bodies to be guarded.
In 20 games this postseason, Kobe is averaging 30.1 points per contest, has shot 47 percent from the floor, 34 percent from three-point land and 90 percent from the free throw line.
But those numbers barely begin to tell the story. Although guys like Houston’s Shane Battier (6-8, 220), Utah’s Ronnie Brewer (6-7, 227) and Denver’s Dahntay Jones (6-6, 210) tried admirably to guard him but failed, Kobe’s rare blend of size, speed, smarts and quickness makes him nearly impossible to check.
So, with that in mind, which former Jayhawks would you give half a chance to guard the league’s best player?
Here’s my list:
1. Brandon Rush, 6-6, 198:
Ironically, Rush is listed on nba.com to stand 6-foot-6, 198 pounds, the exact same measurements as Bryant. But that alone does not make Rush a worthy defender. In addition to his great athleticism and size, Rush has the length it takes to keep Kobe’s drive at bay with one hand without taking away the ability to challenge his jumper in a split second.
2. Kirk Hirnich, 6-3, 191:
Once called by Allen Iverson one of the toughest defenders he’s ever faced, Hinrich certainly would have to be in the conversation here. What he lacks in size, he more than makes up for in athleticism. Perhaps his best attribute, and the one thing that might give him a chance, is his ferocious competitiveness. Former KU coach Roy Williams once grouped Hinrich with Michael Jordan when listing the most competitive players he’d ever coached.
3. Alonzo Jamison, 6-6, 225:
Known back in the day as KU’s defensive stopper, Zo certainly has the size and strength to keep Kobe out of the post and to make his drives miserable. The tough part for Jamison would be matching Kobe’s quickness.
Anyone I’m overlooking? Keith Langford, Danny Manning, BJ Williams, Mario Chalmers?
It’s not an enviable task, but there have to be a few former Jayhawks who would be up for the challenge….. Right?
