Kansas Basketball: 3 Keys to victory against Auburn in Round of 32
By Chris Kern
The Role Players Have To Step Up
We have seen some really good moments from every player on this team, but the problem is none of them play well consistently. Everyone outside of Devon Dotson and Dedric Lawson has struggled for much of the season in one way or another.
That is something that will cost this Kansas team a chance at a deep NCAA Tournament run unless they all step up. Quentin Grimes is the guy who everyone wants to step up, but with what he has shown us this season it is hard to see that happening. There are other guys who can contribute though who have struggled throughout the season and Kansas will need them in this game.
K.J. Lawson is one of those guys and he had a really good game on Thursday. He has been clutch for this team at times this season such as the road win against TCU, but this may have been his best game as a Jayhawk. He finished with 13 points on 6-10 shooting including one three-pointer made as well.
If he is able to pitch in 13 points against Auburn that will be a huge lift for a Kansas bench unit that doesn’t score the ball much. Another guy who comes off the bench who will be needed in this game is Marcus Garrett. His ability to defend is needed in a big way but he also will need to be able to attack the basket on the offensive end as he has shown he is capable of doing.
They will play Dedric Lawson as the only big for the majority of the game but there will still be at least a few minutes for both Mitch Lightfoot and David McCormack. They play with energy and impact the game in so many ways. McCormack has continued to develop his offensive game and can be a real weapon inside when given the chance.
The problem with getting him touches is that in a game against Auburn they won’t play big lineups so he will be a defensive liability so his minutes will be limited, but when he is in there expect him to get a few shots inside. Lightfoot won’t make the offensive impact some of his teammates will but he still makes a big impact by blocking shots and taking charges.
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It is going to be a full team effort to beat Auburn on Saturday. They need to take care of business and play like they’re capable of. They will need their stars to play well on both ends of the floor but if they get contributions from some other guys as well, then expect the Jayhawks to get the win and advance to the Sweet 16.