Does Bill Self Have a Clear Fix for the "Big" Issue?
Does Bill Self Have a Clear Fix for the "Big" Issue?
Breaking down possible solutions down low for Kansas
The following is based on conversations with people familiar with KU and the Big 12. Let me know if you have ideas for KU this year via a comment on this article or replying to this email.
It seems clear one issue KU is going through right now stands out above the others. The Jayhawks' most significant problem is at center, or the "five" spot. It's also the one issue with no easy solution. Kansas MUST get one of the bigs playing with confidence. That's it.
Since KU returned for practice in late September, it's been a problem. KU returned for practice in late September. One source told me after KU's preseason scrimmage vs. Illinois to get ready "for a long year" due to the issues at center.
Yes, Dajuan Harris and Kevin McCullar struggling in the same way at the same time is difficult to navigate. But in the Big 12, you must have a solid big — maybe even two — and the Jayhawks don't. And this isn't meant to knock KJ Adams, who is doing everything and more KU could ask this year. It goes beyond that.
The Jayhawks were able to make it work for the first few months of the year. The Big 12 is too good for KU to continue squeaking by. KU ranks 201 in opponents OReb% and No. 256 in free throw rate. Essentially: the Jayhawks are getting a taste of the nasty medicine they shoved down Big 12 throats for the last 20 years.
So what is KU going to do? Who can get going with confidence?
KJ Adams: People (myself included) keep forgetting this is only Adams' second year. It generally takes bigs longer to adjust to a new level of basketball than it does guards. Adams has great moments for the Jayhawks, but he's still developing. Normally, KU can afford to bring young talent along slowly. He’s playing more minutes per game with than some Greats.
Zach Clemence: This one is a bit hard to pin down. He's had a disappointing year, but I think it's more about his fit within Bill Self's system. Also, again, look at the chart above. Sometimes it takes guys longer to develop.
Ernest Udeh: You can see Udeh's potential and raw talent when he's out there. The game has to slow down for him before he can make an impact. All he'd have to do is ONE of these three things to get consistent playing time:
Rebound
Protect the rim
Set screens
While I'm excited about his potential and wish he got more non-con run, it's a bit concerning he can't figure out that rebounding or defense would make him invaluable. His size and athleticism could genuinely help this team. How can KU get him some confidence at this point?
Zuby Ejiofor: He's had some decent plays this year. Most importantly, he seems more comfortable than Udeh at this point. I'm not sure why he didn't get a look against Baylor. At 6'9", he doesn't help as much in the size and athleticism department, but he's more skilled right now. I've also heard he's got a quality shot, which is something to watch for in the next few years.
Cam Martin: He hasn't been healthy, but I don't see him as a potential boost to this year's team.
Go Super Small? I wonder if Self will throw a few more lineups out there with Wilson or McCullar at the 5. It's not his (or anyone's preferred option), but it may be worth trying. Still: if it doesn't help free things up on offense, then it's not worth risking a defensive drop off. Self probably wouldn’t do that.
There isn't an easy answer right now. One of Dajuan, McCullar, or a bench guard stepping up will help stop the bleeding. But the team will still have the issue down low, and it'll make Big 12 play hard to watch.
Leave a comment below if you have an idea for KU this season
Mike, I’m not one to second guess HCBS but I feel like the way we are defending ball screens (mostly switching) is not allowing us to play a more traditional big like Zuby or Ernie. I get a feeling that the staff is so worried about guarding the 3 point line that we have to switch. Rightfully so, the way Baylor shot it the other night I don’t know how you can feel comfortable icing ball screens or hedging like they always used to back when we played with two post players. Offensively, I don’t think KJ is hurting as as much as Juan & Kevin not demanding much attention from other teams. Juan has got to be more assertive offensively. They will all figure it out & will be playing a higher level sooner than later.
Playing Yesufu more may speed the game up, allowing KU to run a bit more instead of trying to run sets as much with bigs who aren't as capable of doing so? What I'd really like to see is Harris playing 30 minutes a game, and Yesufu playing around 20-25 (split as a solo PG with Harris on the bench and as a SG with Harris at the same time).
I think a lot of KU's problems come from minute management and turnovers. Someone from the bench has to start taking an actual reliable sixth man role so Juan gets a break and in general there's a bit more margin for error in terms of scoring.