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COLUMN
Kansas bench could make the difference
Two years ago, Sherron Collins and Cole Aldrich came off the bench to help the Jayhawks win the National Championship. Each of them had their shining moments during the NCAA Tournament, as Aldrich outplayed National Player of the Year Tyler Hansbrough and Collins delivered the pass to Mario Chalmers to set up his game-tying three-pointer. Both are now the leaders of this year's team, but both still know how important it is to have players who are ready to come off of the bench and contribute.
People often underestimate the value of a deep bench that is filled with quality players. In 2003, the Jayhawks had perhaps the best starting five in the country, but their lack of depth eventually caught up to them when just six or seven players had to carry the load. The 2008 team was different, as Kansas had reserves such as Sasha Kaun, Sherron Collins and Cole Aldrich who could all contribute to the Kansas effort.
As the Jayhawks enter the home stretch of the season, their bench will be one of the big keys to their success. As Bill Self rotates four or five players into the game, Kansas should be able to wear out some teams and should not have to worry too much about foul trouble. Here's a closer look at the players who could make an impact in March.
The sophomore guard has not been playing his best this season, but he has the ability to break out for a big game against anyone. Taylor would likely be starting every game for some teams, but he is still
Tyshawn Taylor
the Jayhawks' sixth or seventh man. He already has significant big-game experience after starting for Kansas during its Sweet 16 run last season. Taylor's poise and experience should not be underestimated
Tyrel Reed
Reed hustles as much as anyone on the Kansas team. He does not always score many points, but he is always prepared to put up the outside shot. At home against Missouri, Reed connected on all four of his three-point attempts and finished with 14 points. If Reed can keep providing the Jayhawks with another outside threat off the bench, he should be able to help take some of the pressure off Collins.
Morris still makes his fair share of mistakes, but he has shown flashes of being a solid contributor to this year's team. He is capable of scoring in double figures, but Morris will help Kansas more if he does all of the little things well. Rebounding, blocking shots
Markieff Morris
and playing good post defense are the things that Morris can do to complement his scoring.
Thomas Robinson
Robinson has the potential to be a great player for the Jayhawks. He hasn't had the chance to play a lot of minutes so far this season behind Aldrich and the Morris twins, but he is capable of coming up huge for Kansas in the postseason. His defense will be important as the Jayhawks face teams that are strong inside. If Aldrich or Marcus Morris is in foul trouble, Robinson might get the chance to step in and shut down another team's interior threat.
Jeff Withey
Withey still has not become a regular in Self's rotation, but Self has to feel pretty good being able to bring in another 7-footer to back up Aldrich. The freshman played well at Iowa State, and his wingspan could bother some bigger players. He may not see the court much down the stretch, but he will be ready to play.
The deeper the Jayhawks get in the NCAA Tournament, the more likely their opponents will have a great starting five. And when that happens, I feel confident that the Kansas bench will make the difference.
Weston White/KANSAN
The Kansas bench celebrates during the Jayhawks game against Kansas State two weeks ago. The Jayhawks defeated the Wildcats 81-79 in overtime.
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
THE WAVE FEBRUARY 10,2010