@jaybate-1.0 "Kentucky be forewarned .... you're next!!!!"
Damn right.
Coming into this game, I was a touch worried. Coach Self made comments leading up to the game that indicated it was going to be more feed the post. I posted the link this morning. Further, Texas played a 2-3 zone. Would our offense stagnate like it did against Baylor's zone?
The Jayhawks actually attacked the zone today. The color guy commented that KU shouldn't simply "pass the ball around the horn" when facing the zone. Good advice, We saw that against Baylor. There was some of that today, but it was the exception, rather than the rule. The offensive stagnation we saw against Baylor was replaced by an "attack the seams" mentality. Most entry passes were to the high post. We also significantly more screens against the zone today, where the same type of screening was nearly non-existent against Baylor. And we weren't afraid to attack early in the shot clock. Gone was the 52 possession drudgery we left in Waco.
Mason and other used those screens to get penetration. KU was able to use that penetration to create baskets both inside and out.
Of course, Brannen Greene was dynamic. His three point shooting and scoring were just what the Jayhawks needed.
But credit coach Self for the biggest move of the game. Self again went with Greene over Selden down the stretch. And it paid off again. This time, though, Devonte Graham played the late minutes and Oubre was on the bench. The lineup of Cliff, Ellis, Greene, Mason and Graham took this team to its biggest win of the Big 12 season. No free passes here. No relying upon the presumed best players.
There was a time of concern, though. KU was in the midst of a 9-0 run in the first half, powered greatly by Greene, who tossed in five during the run. Then, inexplicably, Self replaced Greene with Selden. But Self quickly went back to Greene after Selden missed a three. Greene, following up on a strong performance against OU, again went for double digits off the bench. And Self played him when it counted. Self also stuck with Cliff in the stretch minutes once again. All great signs for this team.
Play the best players. Play the players that will win you the game.
What is clear is that Cliff Alexander and Brannen Greene are two of our best players. What is also clear is that Coach Self is seeing that as well. Cliff led KU with 15 points, 9 boards -- nearly another double-double. And Greene, who is the best shooter on the team, added 14. For a team that appeared offensively challenged, Alexander and Greene change that perception. Both bring something to the table that no other player on the team offers.
I think Self is finding the right mix. More importantly, he's showing a willingness to deviate from what appeared to be the presumptive favored lineup. Moving out of his comfort zone, which we know is a big deal with coach Self.
Next game, Selden might have the hot hand. Or Oubre might be the best match-up. For my money, Greene creates issues for defenses -- an unabashed assassin from the three point line -- that is unmatched for this version of the Jayhawks. We had an efficient and crisp eight man rotation today. And so long as Self isn't bashful about using his options, the arrow is point up for this team.
Finally, what a play by Jamari Traylor. As impressive an effort as we'll see on the basketball court.
Greene is emerging as one of those players. Again, he brought more to the table than Selden. Selden scored eight, on 2-6 shooting. But again underperformed on the boards, with only one rebound.
