COACH: Bill Self, eight years at Kansas, eight years in NCAA tournament.
HOW THEY GOT IN: Won conference tournament.
GO-TO GUYS: Part of the beauty of Kansas is that Self can win with many different combinations, but he counts on contributions from almost his entire roster. Forward Marcus Morris is the most consistent performer and was the Big 12 player of the year. Both he and twin brother Markieff Morris position themselves well on the low block for quick post moves and for rebounds. Guards Brady Morningstar and Tyrel Reed are both homespun Kansans who know Self's system as seniors and are great with entry feeds and can net long-range shots when allowed to set and square to the hoop. Forward Thomas Robinson can be especially assertive, and productive, spelling either of the Morris twins. Mario Little and Travis Releford can play the three-spot and offer unexpected contributions.
X FACTOR: Whereas the 2009 and 2010 tournament teams were powered by Sherron Collins, point guard remains a position of concern. Tyshawn Taylor lost his starting spot when he drew a late-season suspension for an undisclosed violation of team rules. Elijah Johnson took over and remains the starter. He is more explosive offensively than Taylor, and has moments when he attacks the rim for lob dunks. Taylor, however, when motivated, is a better defender. Getting Kansas into rhythm offensively is a problem for both at times. Reed and Morningstar must offer experienced help to settle them both.
STRENGTHS: When Kansas gets rolling its offense can be as dynamic as any team in the tournament. It can get the ball to the Morris twins for easy baskets down low, it can drill 3-pointers and it can score in transition. The Jayhawks scored 82.7 points and won games by 18.2 points on average during the regular season. A seventh straight Big 12 title added to their unbridled confidence. As a No. 1 seed three of the past four seasons, Kansas knows that role and is inspired to atone for last year's second-round defeat to Northern Iowa.
WEAKNESSES: At times, both Morris twins can become flustered inside by chippy play. They let their emotions get the best of them and have drawn fouls for elbows. Defense is another potential issue. Kansas will settle for trading baskets at times and its explosive offense becomes a bail-out.
