Clemson Basketball Opponent Analysis: Kansas Jayhawks

The Clemson basketball team will take on Kansas in the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 on Friday. Here’s our analysis of the No. 1 seeded Jayhawks.

Clemson basketball advanced to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 1997 with a blowout win over Auburn.

Awaiting the Tigers are the No. 1 seeded Kansas Jayhawks for a chance to head to the Elite 8.

Clemson basketball has made it to just one Elite 8 in program history and never to the Final 4. The Tigers have already etched their name in history and are now playing for a chance to do something that no one would have even though of happening heading into this season.

Of course, I don’t know many experts that had Clemson in the Sweet 16…

That being said, here’s a look at the Kansas Jayhawks.

Team Information:

Record: 29-7. Big 12 Champions

Coach: Bill Self

Last Year’s Finish: Lost to Oregon in the Elite 8

Statistical Leaders:

Sr. G- Devonte’ Graham (17.3 ppg, 7.3 apg)

Sr. G- Svi Mykhailiuk (15.1 ppg)

Jr. G-Lagerald Vick, (12.1 ppg, 4.9 rpg)

So. G Malik Newman So. (12.9 ppg)

So. C Udoka Azubuike (13.7 ppg, 7.1 rpg)—- 7-0”

Analysis:

Talk about an impressive starting lineup. The Jayhawks will go 4-around-1 with a 7-foot big man on the inside.

While this may seem like a formidable lineup, there are some holes, though. The Jayhawks live and die by the three.

If they’re hitting, they’re one of the best, if not the best, team in the country.

When they’re misfiring, though, they can have some trouble scoring the ball. Udoka Azubuike was huge in the round of 32 for the Jayhawks so Eli Thomas will have his hands full.

The key for Clemson will be limiting the Jayhawks’ effectiveness from outside and for Thomas to stay out of foul trouble.

Next: Baseball Q&A: Robert Jolly's Father

Offensively, the Tigers will need to knock down some shots. This is a really good Kansas team, but it’s not at the level of what we are used to seeing Kansas teams.