NCAA Basketball: 5 biggest takeaways from 2019 Champions Classic

2) Kansas has no secondary scoring options right now

I shouldn’t say no secondary scoring options, as Kansas obviously has players other than Devon Dotson and Udoka Azubuike and, by definition, are secondary scoring options. However, KU’s options outside of those top two players are lacking.

Dotson didn’t play great (largely because of Duke’s defense) but was still productive, scoring 17 points on 5/9 shooting. Foul trouble limited Azubuike to eight points, and his lack of playing time put others in a position where they needed to step up – and no one did.

Ochai Agbaji was second on the team with 15 points, yet he also turned it over five times, neutralizing some of his production. Marcus Garrett was the only other Jayhawk in double figures (12 points) but was incredibly inefficient by going 5/13 from the field. McCormack struggled to find space in head coach Bill Self’s two-big lineups and the bench didn’t provide any relief, combining for just two made field goals.

It is worth mentioning that Kansas was playing without Iowa transfer Isaiah Moss, a noted three-point shooter who would’ve given them an element the desperately needed. Part of the reason the Jayhawks struggled was the lack of a perimeter shooting threat, which hurt their spacing and allowed Duke to play more aggressive defense than they may have otherwise.

Moss will help with that, but his presence alone won’t make Kansas’ supporting cast more effective and efficient. That will be the biggest thing to watch for the Jayhawks the season goes on because, if they aren’t able to find reliable third and fourth options, they may not win the Big 12 for a second straight year.