Kansas Basketball: 2019-20 season review of the Jayhawks
By Neil Adler
The Jayhawks’ highs and lows
Kansas enjoyed an abundance of positive occasions in 2019-20, however, things didn’t begin so rosy for the Jayhawks, as a dark cloud hovered over the squad even before it set foot on the hardwood.
In September of 2019, the university confirmed that Kansas basketball had received a notice of allegations from the NCAA revealing multiple violations stemming from the FBI’s recent investigation into bribery and corruption surrounding recruiting practices within the sport.
The university, in early March of this year, then forcefully responded to the notice of allegations, in which it disputed wrongdoing. How this case ultimately shakes out isn’t known, but the Jayhawks unconditionally didn’t allow this issue to affect what they did on the court.
Another eyesore for Kansas happened on Jan. 21, as the Jayhawks hosted in-state rival Kansas State. In the waning seconds of Kansas’ blow-out victory, a disgusting brawl ensued that carried over into an area where fans sat. The Big 12 levied numerous suspensions, and deservedly so.
When the Jayhawks stepped into Allen Fieldhouse or elsewhere to actually compete without all the nonsense, there’s virtually nothing for which to criticize them. Kansas’ trio of defeats came by two points at a neutral site to Duke, by one point at Villanova, and by a dozen points at home to Baylor. That’s mighty impressive.
Beyond culminating the abbreviated season at No. 1 in the polls, perhaps the most satisfying highlight of 2019-20 for the Jayhawks is taking back the league’s regular-term trophy a stanza after that prize eluded them. Going 17-1 in the Big 12 is a staggering effort.
During Kansas’ trip in the non-conference slate, the Jayhawks notched five strong conquests, versus BYU, Colorado, Dayton, Stanford and Tennessee.
Subsequently, Kansas trounced the bevy of its Big 12 opponents, with a thrilling three-point triumph at then-No. 1 Baylor on Feb. 22 unequivocally the juiciest event.
As the calendar turned to March and the post-season loomed, the Jayhawks clicked on all cylinders. Kansas appeared destined to secure its second Final Four berth in the last three campaigns.