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

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

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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CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA – NOVEMBER 12: Nassir Little #5 of the North Carolina Tar Heels drives against Lukas Kisunas #32 of the Stanford Cardinal (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

1. Stanford needs points off turnovers and to protect paint

Stanford’s defense has been their strength. While the Cardinal defense is rated by KenPom #23 in defense efficiency, Kansas has been averaging 81.9 points per contest and is ranked #14 in offensive efficiency.

The Cardinal likes to score points off of turnovers. Stanford is #56 in steal percentage, led by guards Daejon Davis and Tyrell Terry and forward Oscar da Silva. The Jayhawk offense is led by sophomore Devon Dotson. Dotson is one of the top point guards in the nation, but the Cardinal will need to force some turnovers for breakaway buckets.

In the paint, Stanford is averaging nearly four blocks per game, led by the defense of 6’9 da Silva and 6’7 Spencer Jones. Kansas likes to penetrate the ball into close range rather than fire up the three. 7’0 senior Udoka Azubuike is averaging 14.0 ppg while shooting an amazing 80.5% from the field, to go along with 8.4 rpg.

6’10 sophomore David McCormack is coming off the bench for the Jayhawks with 9.5 ppg and 5.2 rebounds in just 17.7 minutes. Meanwhile, Stanford may need to rely more on 6’10 reserve Lukas Kisunas to match up against the Kansas bigs.

Stanford will need to keep Kansas off the offensive boards. The Cardinal is ranked #33 in offensive rebounds allowed, while the Jayhawks are ranked #90 on the offensive side.

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