1. Return of Udoka Azubuike
How can Santa bring something to the Jayhawks that they already possess? While Azubuike is already on the roster he has been out for the last three games with an ankle sprain. The Jayhawk offense has seen a noticeable difference in their potency with out the services of the junior big man. “Dok” as he is nicknamed, allows the Jayhawks to throw the ball in side with the confidence their big man is going to finish in the paint, and usually with an authoritative dunk.
Coach Self does have a very skilled big man in Dedric Lawson now playing the center position and filling in while Azubuike is on the mend. Lawson and the Kansas offense are better suited when he can play a wing and spread a defense out. Lawson’s and Azubuike’s backup is junior Mitch Lightfoot. Lightfoot is good for some quality minutes, but he is not going to spark fear in any of his opponents on the offensive end. The Jayhawks do have a highly touted freshman center in David McCormack, but it appears the bright lights of Allen Fieldhouse have bothered the freshman at times. He has not found his niche yet in the rotation.
Kansas has a complete mix of athleticism and shooting to win games with Azubuike as they have done while he has been out. Heading into one of the toughest conferences in the country, Coach Self is going to want his entire arsenal available to him. When Dok is on the floor, Kansas becomes that much better. If Santa were to let the Jayhawks know their big man would be back all of Lawrence would rejoice. The Jayhawks can win a national title with Azubuike healthy. Without him, they are only a second weekend team.