College Basketball Power 10: Florida State Best Team In ACC?
By Jeremy Karll
1. Kansas Jayhawks (18-1)
Kansas looks near unbeatable on their current 18-game winning streak. The Jayhawks took down Texas, 79-67, in a game they controlled the whole way and once again asserted their dominance over the Big 12 in.
Frank Mason and Devonte’ Graham, one of the best backcourts in the nation, combined for 35 points on extremely efficient 13-of-25 shooting. The key to stopping Kansas, or at least slowing them down, is stopping this backcourt.
They combine to average 33.6 points, 10.2 assists, 7.4 rebounds and 3.0 steals per game. They even forced Monte Morris to turn the ball over three times and held Jawun Evans 6-of-22 shooting and four turnovers. They disrupt opposing teams’ best players while they can’t be stopped on the other end.
Kansas has a struggling West Virginia team on the road before traveling to Kentucky to take on the Wildcats and a backcourt that can test Mason and Graham.
Assuming De’Aaron Fox is healthy enough to play, this could put either Mason or Malik Monk in the running alongside Josh Hart for the Wooden Award. Both players have had great seasons but each need another big game late in the season against a marquee opponent.
Besides individual awards, this week is the test everyone has waited for in regards to Kansas. The Jayhawks haven’t faced a ranked team since the first week of the season but now have three in a row.
Next: NBA Power Rankings: Week 14
Kansas will either prove they benefitted from an easy non-conference schedule or show why many think they’re the top team in the nation.