2010-11 College Basketball Predictions: Kansas Jayhawks

November 17, 2010

The Kansas Jayhawks are anxious to make their attempt at a conference championship this season. They ended up 33-3 overall last year, including 15-1 in conference games. It will be difficult to replace 49 percent of their scoring, two lottery picks and the player with the most wins in school history. Head coach Bill Self is one of the top recruiters in the country, and he’ll have no problem continuing the winning custom here in Lawrence with what he has coming back and the new guys coming in. Marcus Morris, Josh Selby and Tyshawn Taylor will be three guys that Self relies on to get the job done this season. Morris and Taylor are juniors who united for 20 points per night last year, and Selby is a freshman point guard who is almost a shoe-in for a Top-10 selection in the 2011 NBA Draft. A deep bench will have the Jayhawks competing for another Big 12 championship.

BetUS offers college basketball lines for you to bet on each night. This reliable sportsbook is also giving our visitors up to a $500 bonus on their initial deposits. They have offered the Jayhawks at +275 to win the Big 12 in 2010-11. So a $100 bet would net you $275 if this were to come true.

College basketball picks are available at basketball free sports picks. Jack Jones looks forward to extending his 37-23 (62%) NCAA basketball run to pick up right where he left off last year.

Frontcourt:

Twins Marcus and Markieff Morris are back for their junior years, and though it will be tough to replace Cole Aldrich, that pair gives Kansas a strong foundation down low. Aldrich was selected 11th overall in the 2010 NBA Draft, and his rim protection will be missed. But Marcus put up 12.8 PPG and 6.1 RPG last year while Markieff put up 6.8 PPG and 5.3 RPG and each will likely take on even bigger roles this season. Marcus really upped his play within the conference, averaging 14.2 PPG and 7.3 RPG in league play. Sophomore Thomas Robinson and Jeff Withey provide sound depth off the bench. Although Withey is no Aldrich, he’s a 7-foot presence inside and could be one of the league’s top shot-blockers if he can earn the minutes.

Backcourt:

Sherron Collins’ leadership will be tough to replace after being a part of a school-record 130 victories in his four seasons at Kansas. There’s no question that leadership along with his toughness in crucial-game situations cannot be replaced. Selby is in reality an upgrade over Collins when it comes to athleticism and overall talent. He is Self’s top-rated recruit ever, and was listed among the Top-5 prospects for this freshman class by nearly every service. Taylor will give Selby some help in the backcourt, offering the experience. But Taylor must overcome some of the troubles he had on and off the court last year. Brady Morningstar and Tyrel Reed give the Jayhawks some senior leadership off the bench it desperately desires. After redshirting last season, senior Mario Little will replace Xavier Henry as the starting small forward. Little was the 2008 Junior College Player of the Year, so he has shown he can get it done. Self thinks this team will be much more athletic than last year’s team, but it will need to find that leadership that cannot be learned if they are going to get as far as they possibly can.

Jack’s Pick: 1st Place in the Big 12 – Though Aldrich, Collins and Henry are gone, there is still enough leadership and depth on the Jayhawks to win the league once more. The Morris Twins along with Morningstar and Reed provide the experience, while getting Selby and Little offer the athleticism and talent to replace what has departed. Few schools in the country have a better home-court advantage than the one Kansas enjoys, and no team in the conference can equal the talent level of the Jayhawks. I trust in Self to put it all together as he’s shown he can do, and if Selby can live up to the hype this team will vie for a national championship.

Written by admin · Filed Under College Basketball Predictions