Following Kansas’s 61-80 drubbing at the hands of Tennessee, here is what the stats look through 17 games.
For the game itself, Jalen Wilson was KU’s best player, finishing in double figures (10 points) but also balancing it with four assists and 10 rebounds. His defense was solid as well in a game where no one played great on defense. Marcus Garrett had a few uncharacteristic defensive lapses, and Tennessee made everyone pay tonight. He is still extremely solid, and the good news is that his offense is picking up. David McCormack put in another solid offensive performance, but couldn’t contain his man from matching his output.
On the down side, Christian Braun’s offensive slump continued while he fell victim to Tennessee’s hot shooting on defense. Ochai Agbaji had a poor showing defensively as well, but was able to score some points to counter what he gave up. Dejuan Harris took 0 FG attempts in 21 minutes, leading to questions as to why he’s on the floor. Tyon Grant-Foster played solid defense, but his offense was inefficient and erratic. Tristan Enaruna played carelessly, and Mitch Lightfoot played hard but without much value-adding plays. Jossell, Muscadin, and Teahan posted 1 trillions.
However one slices it, the team is on pace to be KU’s worst in the past 20 seasons. It doesn’t run good offense, weaving laterally instead of getting the ball inside the 3-point line like it should. Its defense is inconsistent, and too easily countered because it is too predictable. It has good pieces, namely Garrett, Agbaji, and McCormack; but below that is filled with role players. Can Wilson step up and become the player he was the first 10 games of the season? Can Braun begin to make shots and drive on occasion, using his 6’6 frame and strength and get easy points at the line? Can Grant-Foster improve his decision making, and get 20-25 minutes so he can help the team night-in, night-out? These 6, along with spot minutes from Harris/Lightfoot/Enaruna, give KU its best chance of winning. But they need to find a new offensive system quickly.
Charting the Hawks 