thursday, december 11, 2003
sports
the university daily kansan
11A
Kansas freshman guard J.R. Giddens held possession during the game against Michigan State on Nov. 25.
well to Stanford's defensive schemes. Advantage: Oregon
Advantage: Oregon
Benches: What exactly can Kansas expect from senior center Jeff Graves, sophomore guard Jeff Hawkins, senior forward Bryant Nash and freshman guard Jeremy Case? Offensively, not more than about 15 points, which is what it got from those four players combined in the Stanford game. Graves is good for four to five rebounds but can't stay out of foul trouble, meaning that a few more minutes out of sophomore forward Moulaye Niang may soon be necessary, if not ideal. Hawkins isn't lacking for confidence as an outside shooter, throwing up seven three-pointers against Stanford while making just one. He'll be able to play solid defense on Brooks, Davis or Joseph. But any real offensive boost from the bench is a bonus, which makes it all the more important for Simien to be a factor.
Oregon's top two backup guards, Davis and sophomore Brandon Lincoln are both — guess what? — outstanding three-point shooters. Davis is arguably the team's best three-point threat and
has hit 7 of 13 threes while averaging 12.5 points in two games. Lincoln, who backs up Brooks, hasn't shown pure point guard skills, but he's hit six out of 10 threes and
Kansas File Photo
Hawkins
scored 10 points per game.
The Ducks' only regular big man off the bench is senior center Jay Anderson, who grabs a few
rebounds in about 20 minutes a game. Oregon coach's son, Jordan, is essentially the last guard off the bench.
Advantage: Oregon
Coaching: Kent switched defenses several times against Marshall. Doing so against Kansas is a nobrainer, especially with the trouble the Jayhawks have had with zones. With Miles, Langford and Simien are all used to running, Self would be best served to have the Jayhawks play at the tempo they played at the last two seasons under Roy Williams. Defensively, coming up with a way to contain Jackson has to be
Self's top priority. Advantage: Kansas
Final analysis: This game comes at a dangerous time for the Jayhawks. Last night's demolition of Fort Hays State is a nice confidence builder, but it's not the way to prepare for a team that can destroy Kansas! questionable three-point defense. If the Ducks get cold from three-point range, Kansas will have its best chance. Otherwise, this looks like another tough outing as the transition to a new coach continues.
Prediction:
Gregon 80, Kansas 77
Megan True/Kansar
Senior forward Bryant Nash guarded Fort Hays State's Justin Best in the first half of the basketball game last night in Allen Fieldhouse. Kansas defeated Fort Hays State 80-40.
John Nowak/Kansas ABOVE: Kansas guard Keith Langford shot over Michigan State's Shannon Brown during the second half of the Nov. 25 game. Langford scored 13 points in 21 minutes for the Jayhawks.
Kansan File Photo LEFT: Kansas coach Bill Self pondered a decision during a game earlier this season.
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