Big 12 Basketball: Mid-season power rankings

2. Kansas Jayhawks

17-4, 5-3 Big 12

On Saturday night, in the midst of Wayne Selden’s career high 33 point performance, Jay Bilas and Dan Shulman began talking about how they believe Wayne Selden is the “x-factor” for the Jayhawks this season.

Kansas Jayhawks

“I think he’s the difference between good and very good, for them to take it up to the next level,” Bilas said on the telecast.

And he very well may have had a point. In wins this season, Selden is averaging almost 17 points per game, on 54% from the floor and 51% from the three-point line. In losses, he’s averaging 10 points per game on 35% from the floor and just under 32% from downtown.

I’ve probably pointed out in other articles how much I hate cherry-picking stats like this, but the difference between those two numbers is staggering. In wins, Selden is basically good enough to be a Player of the Year candidate. In losses, he’s one of the least efficient players in the country. Last season, there was almost no difference in Selden’s stats in wins vs. losses.

Bilas and Shulman also were quick to point out how Selden’s high shooting percentages this year could be a result of him attacking the rim more often. While he’s not necessarily attacking the rim more often this year than last (this year, 28% of his shot attempts are at the rim, whereas last year it was 24.5%), he’s converting a whole lot more often. After shooting just 50% at the rim last year, he’s shooting 65% at the rim this season, an outstanding percentage for a guard.

Next: Number One