Stanford Basketball: 2019-20 keys for matchup against San Francisco Dons

1. Stanford’s defense needs to come to play

While the Cardinal defense is rated by KenPom #36 in defense efficiency, San Francisco has been averaging 84.6 points per contest.  The Dons have balanced scoring and are led in the backcourt by juniors 6’2 Jamaree Bouyea (14.5 ppg) and 6’4 Charles Minlend.  Bouyea has a name that would have made Stuart Scott proud, while Minlend is more of a slasher.  6’5 senior forward Jordan Ratinho (21 for 66) and reserve 6’1 sophomore Khalil Shabazz (20 for 51) are threats from beyond the arc.  7’0 senior Jimbo Lull has been chipping in 12.8 ppg from inside, albeit inconsistently.

The Cardinal will need to play great team defense, as the points can come from anyone, but Stanford is more than capable.  Stanford is starting two freshmen in 6’1 guard Tyrell Terry and 6’7 forward Spencer Jones.  Neither are slouches on defense as Terry leads the team in steals (2.1) and Jones leads in blocked shots (1.0).  While neither are gaudy numbers, Stanford as a team is #42 in turnover percentage.

Inside, Lull could be a matchup problem.  He put in 20 points against Cal and a similar-sized front line.  Stanford starts 6’9, 225-pound junior Oscar da Silva as their biggest player, with 6’10, 245-pound sophomore Lukas Kisunas coming off the bench.  The 252-pound Lull could have his way.