One of the things you might notice if you peruse the Kansas roster is how well it mirrors UConn’s. Perry Ellis and Wayne Selden are basically better versions of Shonn Miller and Rodney Purvis, but not so much better that their UConn counterparts couldn’t outplay them. And that’s the first thing that’s going to have to happen. Miller is going to have to stay in the game, which is going to be difficult against a versatile player like Ellis. If Miller can avoid foul trouble, and limit Ellis’ offensive effectiveness while attacking him when UConn has the ball, it’s going to give the Huskies a chance up front.
Regarding Selden, Purvis is going to have his hands full. Selden is basically a bigger, more consistent version of Purvis, but if Purvis continues to play the way he did against Colorado – on both ends of the floor – he’s capable of making that matchup a wash.
Kansas has two playmaking guards in the backcourt in Devonte Graham and Frank Mason, but not much depth behind them. Adams and Gibbs will need to start sharp to keep up with them. Adams needs to limit turnovers, and Gibbs needs his 3-point shot to be hot from the start.
At center, Kansas basically has a revolving door of foul-prone big men (sound familiar?) in Jamari Taylor, Hunter Mickelson, and Landen Lucas. This is one place where UConn probably has an advantage, particularly if Amida Brimah can keep up his recent defensive dominance.
The one player that Kansas doesn’t seem to have an answer for is Daniel Hamilton. If Hamilton can get going early and make some big plays, it could disrupt the Jayhawks’ game plan, forcing Bill Self to make adjustments mid-game, something that isn’t Self’s strength.
Not to make it sound like this is going to be easy. Kansas is, without question, the best team the Huskies have played all year, and Kevin Ollie and company will need to be at their sharpest if they’re going to have a chance. Here’s hoping they are.
Shonn Miller needs to stay out of foul trouble and STAY ON THE COURT!!!!