Kansas Basketball: Biggest takeaways from win over Michigan State
By Connor Hope
Udoka Azubuike is huge, but not without his flaws
While Devon Dotson plays the point, Grimes provides solid shooting and Lawson brings his all-around game to Lawrence, it became clear that the offense runs through Udoka Azubuike when he is on the floor. Scoring 17 points in 20 minutes, ‘Doke was a dominant force in the paint due in large part to his size and strength.
His presence in the paint was an equally intimidating factor on the defensive end, where he recorded four blocks and a steal. It is surprising that the seven-footer only recorded three rebounds, but his height will certainly ensure better production on the boards moving forward.
The issue with Azubuike, however, was his inability to stay on the floor for more than half the game. Between getting into foul trouble and his inability to shoot from the stripe, the Jayhawks’ big man could find his minutes limited in crucial situations.
At the end of the day, Azubuike will provide Bill Self’s squad with incredibly productive minutes, even if those minutes come in spurts. However, teams may be smart to attack him knowing his tendency to foul and inefficient free-throw shooting.