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THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2014
PAGE 11B
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KANSAS TIPOFF
KYLE PAPPAS
@KylePap
AT A GLANCE
The Jayhawks began the season strong and quelled concerns about their guard situation in the process. Sure, they've struggled shooting the ball for brief stints, but it's clear that this Kansas offense is dangerous when running correctly. After a poor year on defense in 2013-14, Self has made it a focal point this year, and it has showed — Kansas has 11 blocks and is outrebounding opponents by 22 through two games.
Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk,
Guard
The Ukranian freshman had a tough time in his first collegiate start against Emporia State—he was 1-of-5 from the field and was one of two Jayhawks to receive double-digit minutes but not eclipse five points. So far, all 10 of his shot attempts have been from behind the arc; he's converted three of those.
QUESTION MARKS
What's wrong with Kansas at the free-throw line?
PLAYER TO WATCH
While Kansas has excelled in most aspects of its game, it's struggled mightily shooting from the charity stripe. The Jayhawks are converting only 64 percent of their shots at the line, including just 59 percent in the second half.
KANSAS VS. UC SANTA BARBARA NOV.14,7 P.M., ALLEN FIELDHOUSE
BY THE NUMBERS
BASKETBALL GAMEDAY
35 Turnovers forced by the Kansas defense after its two exhibition games.
Kansas' freshmen continue their solid production. Graham has provided a noticeable boost to the Frankappess backcourt. Alexander has proved that he can immediately serve as a dominant presence in the paint. Oubre and Mykhailuki bring length and top talent to the two- and three-guard. If this group continues to play at the level it has been, Kansas will be in a good position on Friday night.
Fouls committed by the Jayhawks on Tuesday night against Emporia State.
Times that Kansas has eclipsed 100 points in exhibition play under coach Bill Self after its 109-56 defeat of Emporia State on Tuesday.
BABY JAY WILL CHEER IF
— Edited by Logan Schlossberg
No.8 KANSAS (0-0, 0-0 Big 12)
STARTERS
Frank Mason, Guard
Mason and freshman guard Devonte' Graham have both performed strongly in Kansas' first two contests, reassuring fans that it'll manage without the departed Conner Frankamp. Though Graham appears to be closer to a true point guard, Mason has shot 80 percent from the field and has only turned the ball over one time.
Brannen Greene, Guard
Greene is recovered from a concussion and presumably no longer in coach Bill Self's doghouse; he's set to be among the top options at the guard position for the Jayhawks. Junior guard Wayne Selden Jr. called him "the best shooter I've ever played with" before the season and he 's Kansas' most serious threat from behind the arc.
Wayne Selden Jr., Guard
Selden has quietly been among the Jayhawks' most consistent performers thus far into the season. Several of Kansas' big plays have come via dishes from Selden, who's second on the team with eight assists. Against Emporia State, he was 5-of-7 from the field and collect- ed 12 points on the evening.
ed 12 points on the evening.
snoveR
UC SANTA BARBARA (0-0, 0-0 Big 12)
Perry Ellis, Forward
With the start of regular-season play, it should become more apparent that Ellis will be the go-to in Kansas' offense. Self said he expects the junior to average somewhere between 15 and 18 points a game. The Jayhawks' lone preseason All-Big 12 selection, Ellis averaged 13.5 points and 6.7 rebounds per game last year.
Traylor has established himself as one of Kansas' top defensive bodies in the paint. He's had at least two blocks and four rebounds in both of the Jayhawks' exhibition games, and received the starting nod in both contests. Self isn't short on talent in the post, and may tend to ride the hot hand, but Traylor has been impressive thus far.
Jamari Traylor, Forward
STARTERS
Zalmico Harmon, Guard
Harmon is one of the important UC Santa Barbara returning starters. Harmon averaged 5.1 assists per game last season and played more than 30 minutes per game. Harmon is the floor general for the Gauchos, and during their last exhibition game against Point Loma, Harmon had a team-high of four assists.
Michael Bryson, Guard
Bryson was the leading three-point shooter last season and second on the team in rebounds per game (4.3). That's an odd combination, but Bryson could have a field day because Kansas can't guard the three. Kansas allowed Emporia State to shoot 18 three-pointers.
Eric Childress, Guard
Childress is one of the two new starters for the Gauchos. He averaged 20 minutes per game the previous season but didn't contribute offensively, averaging only 5.3 points per game. The 6-foot guard will have trouble guarding the taller Kansas guards, and he will have trouble staying on the floor. The Gauchos won't need him Friday because they'll need a bigger body on defense.
Mitch Brewe, Forward
Brewe is a big man with above-average shooting ability. The 6-foot-8 forward shot over 50 percent from three last season, but he struggled rebounding the ball with only three rebounds per game. In the past, Kansas had trouble guarding the stretch forwards who can shoot, and Brewe can be another one of those guys.
Alan Williams, Forward
Williams averaged over 11 rebounds per game last season, which was good enough for second in the nation. At 6-foot-8, Williams uses his big body and athleticism to outrebound the taller guys on the floor. Williams is the only true danger to the Jayhawks because of his scoring and rebounding ability.
UCSB
TIPOFF
BLAIR SHEADE
@RealBlairSheady
AT A GLANCE
The Gauchos return three of their five starters this season, including the reigning rebound leader, Alan Williams. Williams also averaged 21 points per game last season, which ranked in the top 15 in the nation. The other two starters played over 30 minutes each last season, and UC Santa Barbara has the most talented and experienced squad it's had in years, Kansas coach Bill Self said.
PLAYER TO WATCH
Alan Williams. Guard
Williams is the Gauchos go-to guy, and the Kansas frontcourt will have problems containing the 6-foot-8 forward. Williams isn't tall for his position, but he has a knack for grabbing rebounds by using his 265-pound frame to move others out of the paint. Williams also can score at will. He didn't attempt a single 3-pointer all of last season and shot 53 percent from the field.
QUESTION MARKS
Can the Kansas defense stop Alan Williams?
Kansas outrebounded its opponent by 16 during the course of the two exhibition games, but UC Santa Barbara isn't Washburn or Emporia State. Williams separates himself from the rest of the team, and the Gauchos will depend on him as their leading contributor.
21
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UC Santa Barbara coach Bob Williams is entering his 17th season as the Gauchos' head coach.
The Gauchos won their season-opener last season at UNLV by 21 points.
The Gauchos shot an average of 18 3-pointers per game last season.
BABY JAY WILL CRY IF
Prediction: Kansas 86, UCSB 71
Kansas allows Williams more than 9 rebounds. Coach Bill Self likes the way all five big men (Elis, Traylor, Mickelson, Lucas and Alexander) can play at a high level. All five recorded at least four rebounds against Emporia State, and they will have their hands full against Williams.
Edited by Alyssa Scott
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