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Texas Tech basketball: Scouting the No. 3 Kansas Jayhawks

By Matthew Conner

LAWRENCE, KANSAS - NOVEMBER 08: Head coach Bill Self of the Kansas Jayhawks coaches from the bench during the game against the UNC-Greensboro Spartans at Allen Fieldhouse on November 08, 2019 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
LAWRENCE, KANSAS - NOVEMBER 08: Head coach Bill Self of the Kansas Jayhawks coaches from the bench during the game against the UNC-Greensboro Spartans at Allen Fieldhouse on November 08, 2019 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images)
(Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) /

KU is second in the Big 12 in defense.

For years, we’ve associated the Jayhawks with top-notch offense.   While this year’s Jayhawks are capable of filling it up at times, their identity is rooted in the other end of the floor.

Allowing an average of just 60.3 points per game, they rank second in the Big 12 in scoring defense behind Baylor.  What’s more, they are second in the KenPom.com adjusted deficiency ratings by allowing an average of just 85.3 points per 100 possessions.

Teams are shooting just 37.3% against Bill Self’s team this year.  That includes 29.4% from behind the 3-point line.

Only one team this year, the Dayton Flyers, has managed to surpass 70 points against KU.  In a 90-84 loss to in the Maui Invitational, Dayton hit 16-33 shots from deep to help them stay in the game.

It is interesting to note that teams are shooting a ton of 3-pointers against the Jayhawks this year, due in large part to their incredible size inside with 7-footer Udoka Azubuike and 6-foot-10, David McCormack.  So far, KU opponents have hoisted 507 shots from deep, second-most any team in the Big 12 has had shot against it.

Expect KU to try to put extra pressure on the Red Raider ball handlers almost as soon as they cross center court.  Tech has been sloppy with the ball in recent weeks, especially at the guard positions (they have 22 turnovers against West Virginia and 17 came from guards).

KU is also starting to try to mimic Texas Tech’s side defense and push the ball away from the middle of the court.  Self has admitted studying Beard’s teams extensively to pick up this technique. 

Of course, it’s also nice to have a pair of rim-protectors in the paint, especially the mountainous Azubuike.  He’s the main reason KU leads the Big 12 in blocked shots per game at 4.9.

Last game, the Red Raiders hung 89 points on the No. 3 defensive team in the nation and now, they face another stiff test in trying to solve what has arguably been the top defensive team in the nation this year.  If Tech has another standout offensive day against this defense, it will be a very encouraging sign for what the rest of the season could hold.

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