NCAA Basketball: Preseason Top-25 power rankings for 2020-21 season
462. . . . Jayhawks . 7. team
Despite an aggressive challenge from Baylor, Kansas was able to take back the Big 12 regular-season title, thanks to the dynamic duo of Devon Dotson and Udoka Azubuike. Both were elite defenders and provided the team with a ton of offense as well.
Yet don’t expect the defense for the Jayhawks to take a step back. 6’5 versatile wing Ochai Agbaji will be back after averaging double figures and showing glimpses of being a leading scorer for the team. Also back is Marcus Garrett, who actually led Kansas in assists (4.6 apg) and will be the clear-cut point guard for the team.
Joining him on the perimeter is Bryce Thompson, a five-star combo guard who Kansas hopes will help replace Dotson’s production. The other key newcomer is Tyon Grant-Foster, he No. 1 JUCO recruit from the 2020 class once Jay Scrubb left Louisville for the NBA Draft.
"The Jayhawks are always a title contender and this year isn’t any different. Lots of teams have great players and good defense but few have the overall talent and depth that Kansas has. – Bryan Mauro (@threecolorbeard)"
The interesting part of the Kansas roster will be its frontcourt. David McCormack has always been a capable player but since he and Azubuike couldn’t play together, had to come off the bench and play limited minutes. He’s now the go-to option inside and while not the same kind of defender, has the potential to be the best offensive frontcourt player in the Big 12.
The power forward spot is up for grabs, especially after Silvio De Sousa elected to leave the program recently. Redshirt senior forward Mitch Lightfoot may get rewarded for sticking around by starting, while former top-100 recruits Tristan Enaruna and Jalen Wilson will be healthy this time and look to crack the rotation. And don’t forget about Christian Braun, who actually got plenty of minutes at the four due to his spacing ability.
There are more questions this time around but if Kansas can find some go-to scorers on offense, will once again be at the top of the Big 12. They may have to rely a little more on defense this season though.