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Kansas Basketball: 3 keys for Jayhawks 2021-22 matchup vs Michigan State

By Cooper Watson

LAWRENCE, KANSAS - FEBUARY 3: Big Jay the Kansas Jayhawks mascot entertains against the Texas Longhorns at Allen Fieldhouse on February 3, 2020 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images)
LAWRENCE, KANSAS - FEBUARY 3: Big Jay the Kansas Jayhawks mascot entertains against the Texas Longhorns at Allen Fieldhouse on February 3, 2020 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) /
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Remy Martin Arizona State Sun Devils (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Remy Martin Arizona State Sun Devils (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

1. Remy Martin’s shot selection must improve

Although Drake transfer Joseph Yesefu (12.8 ppg, 24.0 mpg, .517 eFG) started at point guard in Kansas’ exhibition last week, it seems likely that Remy Martin (19.1 ppg, 3.7 apg, .505 eFG) will get the nod on Tuesday. Martin scored 15 points on 7-10 shooting in the exhibition, but Self was visibly frustrated with his shoot-first mentality—something we’ve seen consistently from Remy over the last three seasons at Arizona State.

Last season, the Sun Devils went 11-14 overall and 7-10 in the Pac-12. It was Remy’s team, meaning that he had virtually free reign to do as he pleased offensively. Admittedly, Bobby Hurley’s alternative options were somewhat limited. This Kansas team is easily the most talented and deep squad Martin has ever been a part of, though, and Self needs him to run the team as more of a true point guard.

Martin is still a scorer at heart, which is fine, but his efficiency will need to increase as his volume decreases in order for Kansas to reach its potential in 2021-22. What better time to start than opening night against Michigan State?

Most importantly, Martin needs to begin to trust that he has teammates capable of helping to carry the scoring load this season in McCormack, Yesefu, G Ochai Agbaji (14.1 ppg, .528 eFG), G Christian Braun (9.7 ppg, .483 eFG), and Wilson once he returns. Not having to score 20 a night for his team to have a chance should be a relief for Martin. His buy-in to that mentality will be a key factor in Kansas living up to their preseason No. 3 overall ranking.

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