Finding a Way to Win

The Jayhawks find a way to win this game. We definitely did not play our "A" game but finding a way to win is important. Mr Grant-Foster was very important in getting the win, but the offensive foul very late has got to drive HCBS nuts.

Hairy, the “way” they found to win is called defense. Last season, KU was a very very good offensive team but not great. But they were a very great defensive team. And that resulted in us being the best team in the country. I am not sure what the ceiling for this team is, whether it is top 10 or where exactly. But in my opinion, the quest to reach their ceiling can only start when they start to approach their ceiling defensively. Last night was overall great defense. There were lapses and Jalen still can’t keep a man in front of him well although his stance and positioning were vastly improved. It is clear he has been heavily coached on that. And David struggles to make the right decisions on helping off and staying on. But it seemed clear to me they were more prepared both from a scouting point and a fundamental point on defense. That game gave me more hope than I have had since the Texas Tech game. If we can continue to play defense like that then our offense will hopefully come. And our offense flows much better with Harris on the floor. We made 1 3-pointer in the 2nd half but our offense was vastly better in the 2nd half. What does that tell you? I say better, because it was still not very good but better. Once we learn to attack the basket regularly but also learn how to find the open man on the perimeter when the opening is not there AND we can start hitting 3’s at 35% or better, our offense will be good enough if our defense stays as good as it was last night. Mark my words, this team will rise or fall on the back of the defensive efficiency.

I agree with you. This team has to play great defense to have a chance to win consistently. We can have a hot shooting night once in a while and win a game occasionally that way but this team does not have the tools to consistently be great on offense so we need to do it on defense. I think one of the struggles is to not letting offensive struggles affect your defensive effort and focus.