State of the Kansas Jayhawks

March is a very special time of year for various college towns throughout the country, one could argue there is no better place to be during March Madness than a town in Kansas named Lawrence. This town that consist of less then 100,000 people that really take their college basketball serious.

Looking at the Jayhawks now with a 25-2 record (10-2 in the Big 12) one would say all is good in Lawrence. Although, if you have been watching the Jayhawks all year one might have a little reason for concern. Granted, Jayhawk fans expect their team to bring home a National Championship every year, but I do have some concerns. I will start with my smallest concerns and end with my biggest concern.

The least of my concerns (yet still a concern) for this team are the Morris twins. Marcus and Markeiff Morris are two stellar players for the Kansas basketball team and there is no question the Jayhawks would not be where they are if they did not have these twins. My concern comes in when these brothers decide to turn into the Bash Brothers. We have already seen Marcus suspended earlier this season for elbowing an opposing player, and have also seen the brothers throw other elbows in games with no penalty. My concern is not only there, when the Morris twins are in foul trouble (which happens too often) KU plays timid and has no down low presence. Besides Thomas Robinson (who in my opinion is just filled with raw talent)the Jayhawks really have no one down low. It is crucial that both these twins keep their cools and stay out of foul trouble if we want to be cutting down nets in Houston. (we really don't want Withey ever seeing double digit minutes)

My next concern is Tyshawn Taylor (not even getting into his attitude and recent suspension). Granted, Tyshawn has very big shoes to fill tyring to replace Sherron Collins, but he needs to step it up. For the first two and a half years of his Jayhawk career Tyshawn has shown many moments of promise, but too many moments of lackadaisical play. Sometimes it honestly looks as if his head is somewhere else and he is just waiting for the game to end. I don't dislike Taylor (unlike most Kansas fans) because I know how important he is to this team. He has struggled with reading defenses and controlling the tempo, but those skills will come with time and experience at the position. He is very good at getting the ball to the basket but doesn't finish nearly enough, he may be getting to the line, but is not taking advantage of those opportunities. This team needs Tyshawn Taylor just as much as he needs this team.

Josh Selby is my X-factor for this team. I went to the USC game (Selby's debut) and saw Josh Selby light it up with five three pointers, well that's about all he has done. Josh Selby has not lived up to his "one and done" persona, he honestly looks lost out there at times. Besides the USC game and the Iowa State game Selby has struggled from the field and he is not known for his defensive play. The reason he is my x-factor is when this Kansas team is clicking and Josh Selby decides to finally show up, it will be a B-E-Autiful sight. The tournament heavily relies on the play of your point guard, with Tyshawn Taylor and Josh Selby not playing to the standards most expected gives me reason to raise my eyebrows. The good thing about these two is they have shown flashes of brilliance, we know they can do it, they just need to be consistent.

Now, not all is bad in Lawrence for the Kansas basketball team. Both Morris twins have played great thus far, Marcus Morris looking like a lock for a lottery pick, and Markieff not far behind. Brady Morningstar (the oldest player in the NCAA) is coming off a career game, and is one of the few seniors on this team. Solid play, as always, by Tyrel Reed. Oh and the Jayhawks are #2 in the country looking at yet another possible #1 seed for the 2011 NCAA Tournament.

Rock Chalk Jayhawk