Big 12 Basketball: 2019-20 power rankings heading into conference play
Jayhawks . 1. team. 462. . 10-2. Previous:
As usual, the path to the Big 12 title once again goes through Kansas. The 10-2 Jayhawks are hungry to reclaim the conference title that they lost last season for the first time since 2004. Kansas was the AP #1 for a short time in December, but like many other early-season number-one teams, they were quickly knocked off of the top spot. The two losses are nothing to be ashamed of, coming at the hands of Duke and Villanova, and Kansas has looked really good in wins over Kansas and Dayton.
Kansas is led by sophomore guard Devon Dotson and big man Udoka Azubuike. Both players are making early-season cases for national player of the year honors. Dotson is the team’s one true playmaker, and most possessions see the ball in his hands. He’s recording 18.8 points, 4.6 assists, and 2.3 steals per game this season, and he has often carried this Jayhawks team which doesn’t quite have the depth we are used to seeing in Lawrence.
Azubuike has had a terrific career at Kansas, but he has struggled with injuries. He is fully healthy this season, and it shows in his performance. Azubuike is averaging 13 points and 8.8 rebounds per game, all while shooting nearly 80% from the floor. He doesn’t have a perimeter game, but the ability to catch and score consistently in the low post is extremely valuable for Kansas.
The load carried by Dotson and Azubuike is the biggest concern for Kansas. They will need other players to grow into bigger roles as the season goes on, especially if either star is forced to miss any time. Junior guard Marcus Garrett has shown some decent playmaking ability, but he has been inconsistent. Athletic wing Ochai Agbaji has played really well in recent games, giving the Jayhawks a dangerous outside shooter. He might be able to take some of the scoring load off of Dotson’s plate, but he doesn’t have the skillset to take over if Dotson misses any time.
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Despite the limited depth, Kansas is still the safest bet to win the conference. They have one of the toughest defenses in the nation, with Azubuike controlling the paint. They score really efficiently, and they have better athletes than nearly everyone they play. The competition in the Big 12 will be tough once again this season, but for now the Jayhawks are the leaders in the clubhouse.