While they may not be the sexiest pick to win the NCAA tournament in New Orleans this year, the Kansas Jayhawks are a team to be reckoned with, and they are certainly not going to lay out for Ohio State or any other teams. Regarded as 2.5 point underdogs this Saturday against Ohio State in Vegas, many people expect the Buckeyes to compete in the championship game. However, here are a few problems that the big red from Ohio might face:
Thomas Robinson: T-Rob will go up against Jared Sullinger on Saturday, one of the most enticing matchups of the weekend. Thomas Robinson has the edge though because of his strength and superior offensive rebounding ability. Kansas has the edge.
Jeff Withey: Arguably the best shot blocker in the country besides Anthony Davis, Withey will present a problem to any Ohio State player that drives to the basket. His offensive game isn’t as polished, but it’s his defensive presence that the Jayhawks will rely on this Saturday.
Tyshawn Taylor: A very quick point guard who will face a very tough defender in Aaron Craft. Should be an enticing matchup: an offensive minded point guard against a defensive minded one.
Elijah Johnson: Johnson is having a great tournament thus far, carrying the Jayhawks with his offensive abilities. A great three point shooter, Johnson has hit some big shots at the end of games, most notably the Purdue and North Carolina game.
So before you pencil Ohio State and Kentucky in your finals, don’t sleep on Kansas. They have yet to play 40 minutes of their best basketball, and when they do, they are extremely hard to beat.