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MONDAY. NOVEMBER 5, 2012
PREVIEW
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
WHAT TO WATCH FOR IN MEN'S BASKETBALL
TREVOR GRAFF
tgraf@kansan.com
NEW LEADERSHIP
After averaging 16 points and hitting several clutch shots in last year's NCAA tournament, senior guard Elijah Johnson is stepping into a new role as the vocal leader of this year's squad. Johnson averaged 32 minutes per game last year with Tyshawn Taylor at the helm. This year, it's up to Elijah to run the show.
REPLACING T-ROB
Replacing the fifth pick in the NBA draft isn't easy. For this year's squad, senior center jeff Withey
will be expected to fill the void in the paint. Withey, who averaged 9 points and 3.6 blocks per game last season, worked this offseason to improve his game on the offensive end of the floor. The layhawks need him to provide a physical presence under the basket.
MCLEMORE AND TRAYLOR DEBUT
Freshman guard Ben McLemore and freshman forward Jamari Traylor join the lineup this year after sitting last season due to NCAA eligibility rules. Look for McLemore to play solid minutes, giving the Jayhawks a scoring threat at the shooting guard position. Traylor should get minutes as well.
THE YOUNG GUNS
This year's class of freshmen, featuring two ESPN 100 recruits in freshman forward Perry Ellis and freshman guard Andrew White III, is talented to say the least. Look for Ellis to crack the starting five and White to provide a spark off of the bench.
THE ROTATION
This year's roster features three seniors and seven freshmen. Although inexperienced, this lineup is definitely deeper than last year's. For coach Bill Self, the question now becomes how to best use this depth. Look for Self to start
the year with an eight- and possibly nine-man rotation.
GAMES TO WATCH
Michigan State is adding depth this season after the departure of Draymond Green. This early season matchup in Atlanta will test the cohesiveness of the Kansas squad early in the year.
Tuesday, Nov. 13, Michigan State
Saturday, Dec. 22 @ 22 Ohio State
Junior forward Deshaun Thomas and junior guard Aaron Craft return, but the Buckeyes will need a serious boost from their incoming class. That said, this roster is still very tough and the matchup in Value City Arena makes it even tougher.
Monday, Jan. 19 @ 24 Texas
young talent abounds on this year's Longhorns roster. This season's class adds four top-100 recruits to the mix. After a tough home matchup with Baylor, the first road game in the Frank Erwin Center will be difficult.
Tuesday, Jan. 22 @ Kansas State
The rivalry is reignited in Manhattan. The tough environment of the Bramlage Coliseum in Manhattan, the returning cast
of players, and new coach Bruce Weber make the Sunflower Showdown interesting. Look for the Jayhawks to win a tough one in Manhattan.
Saturday, March 9 @ Baylor
The regular season finale in Waco could be the toughest Big 12 game of the year for Kansas. Baylor is the popular choice for those picking against Kansas in the conference this season. With more young talent coming in, coach Scott Drew's Bears could be playing this game for a share of the Big 12 title.
— Edited by Brian Sisk
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SCHEDULE
*all games in bold are at home
*all games in bold are at home
Date Opponent Time
Oct. 30 EMPORIA STATE (EXHIBITION) 7 p.m.
Nov. 5 WASHBURN (EXHIBITION) 2 p.m.
Nov. 9 SE MISSOURI STATE 7 p.m.
Nov. 13 MICHIGAN STATE 6 p.m.
Nov. 15 CHATTANOOGA (CBE) 7 p.m.
Nov. 19 WASHINGTON STATE (CBE) 9 p.m.
Nov. 20 CBE CLASSIC 6/8:30 p.m.
Nov. 26 SAN JOSE STATE 8 p.m.
Nov. 30 OREGON STATE 7 p.m.
Dec. 8 COLORADO 1 p.m.
Dec. 15 BELMONT 6 p.m.
Dec. 18 RICHMOND 6 p.m.
Dec. 22 OHIO STATE 3 p.m.
Dec. 29 AMERICAN UNIVERSITY 7 p.m.
Jan. 6 TEMPLE 12:30/3:30 p.m.
Jan. 9 IOWA STATE 6 p.m.
Jan. 12 TEXAS TECH 3 p.m.
Jan. 14 BAYLOR 8 p.m.
Jan. 19 TEXAS 1 p.m.
Jan. 22 KANSAS STATE 7 p.m.
Jan. 26 OKLAHOMA 3 p.m.
Jan. 28 WEST VIRGINIA 8 p.m.
Feb. 2 OKLAHOMA STATE 3 p.m.
Feb. 6 TCU 8 p.m.
Feb. 9 OKLAHOMA 3 p.m.
Feb. 11 KANSAS STATE 8 p.m.
Feb. 16 TEXAS 8 p.m.
Feb. 20 OKLAHOMA STATE 3 p.m.
Feb. 23 TCU 3 p.m.
Feb. 25 IOWA STATE 8 p.m.
Feb. 29 OKLAHOMA STATE 7 p.m.
March 2 WEST VIRGINIA 1 p.m.
March 4 TEXAS TECH 6 p.m.
March 9 BAYLOR 5 p.m.
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