Big 12 Basketball: Key 2018-19 storylines for Kansas vs. Iowa State

4 of 4

LAWRENCE, KANSAS – JANUARY 02: Udoka Azubuike #35 of the Kansas Jayhawks grabs a rebound during the game against the Oklahoma Sooners at Allen Fieldhouse on January 02, 2019 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

3. Udoka Azubuike’s effectiveness

Kansas center Udoka Azubuike missed almost all of non-conference play with a nagging knee injury. The junior big man’s absence was felt, as his presence on defense was a driving force in the Jayhawk’s Final Four run last season.

In just two games this season, Azubuike is averaging 13.4 points and 7 rebounds per game. If Kansas can get the 8 points and 9 rebounds out of him that they did against Oklahoma, Azubuike will certainly play a big role in the Kansas attack.

However, Azubuike has a long, long history of foul troubles and sloppy play. A foul-troubled Azuibuike is just as good as no Azubuike, as Udoka will need to be careful to avoid being a liability for the Jayhawks, something that he has shown to be in the past due to his foul troubles.

Additionally, getting Azubuike re-acclimated to the offense is still a work in progress. Having just two games after an injury is nearly no experience before conference play, and in his first road game of the season, the effectiveness of Azubuike will be a massive storyline to watch, as it’ll certainly play a big role in determining the final outcome of the game.

Next. Big 12 Power Rankings. dark

Kansas will face a really difficult test on the road against Iowa State, a sleeper team in the Big 12. If Kansas struggles with its shooting and transition defense, Iowa State has a real chance to pull off one of the biggest upsets of the College Basketball season thus far.

Home/Big 12