2006 Kansas Jayhawks Basketball Preview

2006 Kansas Jayhawks Basketball Predictions

This season, the Jayhawks are the best team in the Big 12. Last year, they were out after round one in the Tournament, losing to Bradley 77- 73. This year, they are determined to go the distance. Here’s what coach Bill Self (25- 8 and 13- 3 in Big East; 72- 24 in 3 years at Kansas) and his Hawks must do to achieve their goal.

At the point, this team is strong with Russell Robinson (9.1 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 4.6 APG, 37.1 FG%, 74.2 FT%) providing tough defense and fine leadership. Along with Robinson, guard Mario Chalmers (11.5 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 3.8 APG, 44.5 FG%, 78.8 FT%) led the Big 12 in steals in 2005-06. Freshman Sherron Collins, one of the most highly recruited athletes in the nation, will provide excellent relief on either side of the court.

Swingman Brandon Rush (13.5 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 2.0 APG, 47.4 FG%, 76.1 FT%) has the power to take over and control a game. At small forward he can hit inside and steal the rebound, while outside he can hit from the perimeter. But last season the Jayhawks had trouble controlling the boards. Look for freshman forward Darrell Arthur, 6’ 9” and 220-pounds, to start. He can pound and battle for the rebound and hit from the perimeter. Returning front men Julian Wright, Sasha Kaun and C.J. Giles will all contribute.

Self has his team stacked with talented juniors and sophomores, plus all five starters are back. The Jayhawks are a deep team that has great chemistry. The biggest problem for Self and company may be the weakness of their conference. Going into the post-season, the Jayhawks may find themselves relatively untested.

Two years in a row this team has been eliminated in the first round of the NCAA Tournament by Bucknell and Bradley. That alone should be motivation for these guys to get to the Final Four. This is one of the best teams in the nation and they have a great chance to win it all, as long as they can get past that weak, first round opponent.

If you want more info on the 2006 Kansas Jayhawks College basketball team check out the NCAA's official basketball team page of the program or check out some rival previews from Maddux Sports of schools like the Texas A&M Aggies and Missouri Tigers.