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Stanford Basketball: 2019-20 keys for Cardinal in matchup against Kansas Jayhawks

By J.D. Caldwell

CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 12: KZ Okpala #0 of the Stanford Cardinal dunks against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the first half of their game at the Dean Smith Center on November 12, 2018 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 12: KZ Okpala #0 of the Stanford Cardinal dunks against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the first half of their game at the Dean Smith Center on November 12, 2018 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /
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LAWRENCE, KANSAS – DECEMBER 01: Udoka Azubuike #35 of the Kansas Jayhawks grabs a rebound under the basket during the game against the Stanford Cardinal (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
LAWRENCE, KANSAS – DECEMBER 01: Udoka Azubuike #35 of the Kansas Jayhawks grabs a rebound under the basket during the game against the Stanford Cardinal (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

Stanford Basketball hosts the Kansas Jayhawks on Sunday.  What are the keys for the Cardinal to get a signature win?

The 11-1 Stanford Basketball team is looking for respect. Despite their impressive record, Kansas alum, Jerod Haase’s team has not been given serious consideration for the AP Top 25.  A victory at home over the #5 Kansas Jayhawks would go a long way to reestablish the Cardinal program in Haase’s fourth year as the head coach.

Tip-off will be at 3 p.m. ET, Sunday, and will be televised on ABC.

Stanford has been the surprise of the Pac-12 this season after being pegged 10th in the league’s preseason poll.  Currently ranked #55 in the KenPom rankings, the Cardinal received seven AP Top 25 votes this week.  Haslametrics.com has Stanford at #21 in its rankings.

The Cardinal has not played a tough schedule.   Their best win came over KenPom #50 Oklahoma 73-42 at the Hall of Fame Classic on Nov. 25.  Unfortunately, Stanford dropped a tough game 68-67 the next night in Kansas City to KenPom #7 Butler in a game that Stanford led by seven, midway through the second half, for their only loss of the season.

Kansas (9-2) was ranked #1 in the AP Poll for one week before losing 56-55 at #10 Villanova.  The Jayhawks have one of the most storied programs in the nation and a Stanford signature victory should propel them into the Top 25. From there, with a top-tier finish in the Pac-12, the Cardinal should get a bid into the NCAA Tournament.

Stanford is out to show that men’s basketball is back on The Farm.  To do so, the Cardinal must excel in the following areas.

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