Kansas Basketball: 3 keys for Jayhawks 2021-22 matchup vs Michigan State
3. Don’t settle for threes
Kansas has a legitimate seven rotation players who can step out to the three-point line with confidence. The team’s roster turnover coupled with how long it takes to learn a new offensive system would make it easy for the Jayhawks to come out firing on Tuesday.
David McCormack is the best returning center in the Big 12. Remy Martin and Ochai Agbaji in particular excel off of dribble-penetration—not settling for jumpers. Michigan State has also ranked first in the Big 10 in opponent three-point percentage for back-to-back seasons.
Self’s teams have never really struggled with their three-point attempt rate, but the premium placed on shooting across the game of basketball has also never been higher and I’m not sure Self has ever had a roster with as many capable shooters like this one.
In a season opener, Kansas simply can’t afford to ignore their star center and slashing guards to settle for threes against a team that defends them as well as any in the country.
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Kansas has an incredible opportunity to open the season with an impressive Quad 1 win, considering they will be missing one of their best players in Wilson. In order to capitalize, Remy Martin’s shot selection will need to improve, they will need to keep Michigan State off of the offensive glass, and they will need to maintain an attacking mindset offensively.