Here's Seth Greensburgs take from watching KU practice. Unfortunately you must be an insider to read the whole thing, but he sounds like a fan.
ESPN article ↗
Kansas forward Perry Ellis is one of the most complete players in college basketball this season.
Despite losing Joel Embiid and Andrew Wiggins, Kansas will once again be in the discussion for a national title. The Jayhawks have a championship pedigree and are led by Bill Self, one of the best coaches in college basketball. They also added another talented recruiting class to a strong, veteran core.
I spent time this week in Lawrence, Kansas, to check out the Jayhawks in person. After speaking with Self and watching Kansas practice, here are my biggest takeaways.
- Perry Ellis is a unique talent
The junior forward really understands how to play. He has great footwork and seals in the high-low offense as well as any player in the country. Ellis shoots the ball to 17 feet comfortably, and moves and reads the defense on the block to create angles. Though he’s not the vocal leader you expect at this point of his college career, he simply “does his job."
- Kansas is a legitimate title contender -- in time
The Jayhawks will be ready come March, but they are a work in progress at the moment. It will take time for freshmen Cliff Alexander and Kelly Oubre to reach their potential; however there is no denying their work ethic and willingness to be coached. Both work hard, and by February they will be tough to handle. Kansas has a great culture and the first-year players will benefit from that culture.
Wayne Selden
- Wayne Selden has his bounce and explosiveness back
When attacking the basket, he is almost impossible to stop. Selden cannot get caught up in showing everyone he is a jump shooter, but rather think “attack” first. He can shoot the ball, however few players in the country finish like him. The sophomore guard will be a lockdown defender, and has the versatility to play multiple positions this season.
- Oubre is an athletic freak
The former McDonald’s All-American has long arms and fast-twitch, explosive movements. He is learning what a good shot is and where his shots are coming from. Oubre plays consistently hard, runs the floor and is difficult to keep off the glass. He can play and defend both the small forward and power forward positions, which gives Kansas versatility. I expect him to be a lockdown defender early in his college career.
- The new backcourt has serious potential
Frank Mason and freshman Devonte Graham will end up playing together in the backcourt a significant amount, and especially during crunch time. Mason has a little Allen Iverson in him. He is tough, and can create separation for the jumper or the drive downhill. He has a better feel for the game than most realize. Graham plays with excellent pace, creates in the lane and is a solid on-ball defender. Both are tough enough to defend either guard position.
- Kansas has a new international sensation
Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk, a 6-foot-8 freshman shooting guard from Ukraine, is one of the most complete young players I have seen in a long time. The 17-year-old has guard skills, shoots the ball well from 3-point range and possesses a high basketball IQ. Mykhailiuk sees all five defenders off ball screens and penetration, and his international experience gives him a maturity well beyond his years. He has excellent length (which my colleague Jay Bilas will like), and with added strength will be a tough matchup. By February, it will be hard to keep him off the court.
- Alexander will be a beast -- but not right away
Alexander must understand how to use his body and seal the defender, but once he does, watch out. He runs the floor, has great hands and although he doesn't have great lift, he is explosive around the basket. An excellent defensive rebounder, Alexander was a better ball-screen defender than expected. A concern early will be his ability to pass out of double-teams. Coach Norm Roberts, who works with the Kansas big men, does an excellent job with the frontcourt players. There’s no doubt that by the second half of the season, Alexander will improve. His willingness to be coached and how he embraced coaching were impressive.
- Jamari Traylor has developed offensively
The junior forward has improved each year at Kansas, and he reminds me of a combination of former Florida big men Patric Young and Will Yeguete. He plays hard every possession, runs the floor and pursues every rebound and loose ball. Though not known as an offensive force, he’s shown signs of development. Traylor does an excellent job of sealing in the post and can drive the ball from the high post. He understands his role in the Kansas system and sets a tone for the Jayhawks.
- Brannen Greene has much to learn
Greene should be a major contributor for the Jayhawks this season, and every time he takes a shot you think it’s going in. But I'm not sure he makes enough winning plays. He rarely makes anyone else better, and does not look like he competes consistently. If he would buy in and give of himself to his teammates, he could be extremely valuable. After observing him for two days, it seems like he needs to earn the trust and respect of his coaching staff and teammates.
- Self is one of the nation’s best
This is a prior known fact, but I want to emphasize it again. Self runs a great practice and program and really relates well to his players. He demands a lot from them, but does it in such a way that they respond. Self is an excellent teacher and communicator, and he has a veteran staff that understands his system. He has a system, but will tweak it to fit his players’ strengths. Kansas plays fast and smart offensively, and is relentless defensively. Few coaches get their players to play as hard consistently as Self does.