Kansas 85 - UMKC 62

Comments and Observations

Maybe this is something we'll have to get used to this season.  The Jayhawks are going to put a lot of pressure on their opponents to turn it over.  When successful, it results in opportunities for fast breaks and other easier scoring chances.  But when the opponent doesn't turn it over, it seems they are getting fairly good looks at the basket, thus resulting in higher eFG% than we're accustomed to seeing.  Maybe, not definitely.  Once Brandon Rush returns, we will likely see a return to more stifling defense in the form of low eFG% allowed.

Like any Kansas fan, I was very disappointed to see Sherron Collins' injury.  Now that we know the extent (6 weeks until return), we can start the rationalization process.  I'll contribute mine here.  This will give Tyrel Reed and Rodrick Stewart a chance for greater minutes to develop into the solid backups we'll need for a title run.  Also, adversity has often been a part of our most successful seasons.  Anyone recall an injury to a key player in the 1987-88 season?  Now, if we can make sure the TV crews get plenty of shots of SC on crutches, we might be set. 

Four Factor Analysis

• eFG% - Once again, KU sizzles at 61%.  Although UMKC didn't get 60% like UL-Monroe, they still shot 50%.
• TURNOVERS - Nice boost for KU 29-19%
• OFFENSIVE REBOUNDING - Significant edge to KU, 31-17%
• FREETHROW RATE (FTM/FGA) - Surprisingly huge in favor of KU 28-13%

CONCLUSION - KU shot the ball much better from the field and took way more free throw attempts than UMKC.  Forcing UMKC turnovers assured this of being a blowout despite KU's pathetic free throw percentage.

Player Performance Analysis

In what might become commonplace this season, a new cast of characters led KU's efforts this game compared to its last.  With a roster full of McDonald's All-Americans and other blue-chip recruits, you just never know who is going to lead the charge on any given night.  Mario Chalmers and Russell Robinson reasserted themselves against UMKC.  It was Chalmers' turn to have an unbelievable shooting night.  His 6-of-9 3FG's fueled his 85 eFG% shooting effort.  Add 6 AST and 4 STL to his 23 PTS, and it's not hard to see why he was the most efficient player on the court.  Robinson played a game-high 35 MIN on his way to scoring 15 PTS on 81 eFG%!  Thrown in 9 AST and only 1 TO to give him a spectacular night as well.

It was nice to see Rodrick Stewart play an active role on offense for a change.  In 18 MIN, he made all four of his FG's to go with 4 REB (2 OREB) but did commit 3 TO's.

We're all waiting for Darrell Arthur to have his first big game of the season.  It's not as though he hasn't contributed.  The problem is that he has too many negatives to counter the positives.  On this night, his 3-of-5 FT's netted about a zero PSAN.  His 5-of-12 FG's were slightly more negative than his 3 AST were positive.  His 2 BLK and 4 PF cancelled each other out.  His 3 STL were slightly more positive than his 2 TO were negative.  That leaves 10 REB versus the intangibles category, which was a negative in this game.  The end result is not that great.  Remember that field goal attempts and free throw attempts use up possessions.  KU's possessions are quite valuable when they are averaging around 1.12 pts/poss as they did against UMKC.

Sasha Kaun had another so-so outing.  On some level, it's not his fault.  His 6-of-13 FT's were what killed him.  Otherwise, he made both his FG's and blocked 4 shots.  But a guy his size should get way more than 3 REB in 24 MIN.

Darnell Jackson came back down to Earth this game (spare me the 'he can't jump very high away from it' jokes).  He only made 3-of-7 FG's and missed both of his FT's.  He saved himself somewhat by having 3 of his 4 REB on the offensive glass.  Tyrel Reed, meanwhile, had his first lackluster effort.  In 9 MIN, he missed his only 3FG and had 1 STL.  At least it wasn't a mistake-filled outing.

Plunging in ratings from his last game, Sherron Collins took two falls this game.  One on paper, the other on the court.  In his 29 MIN, he missed all six 3FGA's but did manage to grab 7 REB, 4-4 FT, 4 AST and 2 STL against 3 TO.  But those rebounds were all defensive and not worth that much.  In fact, they were cancelled out by his 3 TO's.  With so much playing time, he had to be more productive to rate higher.  His terrible shooting night notwithstanding, he is going to be sorely missed by Kansas during his absence.