Locked On Jayhawks - Daily Podcast On Kansas Jayhawks Football & Basketball · Locked On Podcast Network, Derek Johnson

BETTER or WORSE? Kansas Jayhawks in Big 12 Play Approach Postseason Hoping for More

·29 min·2 clips

KU is in the 93rd percentile for adjusted net rating in quad one games, performing better against elite competition.

This episode of Locked On Jayhawks, hosted by Derek Johnson, evaluates whether the Kansas Jayhawks men's basketball team has improved or declined since entering Big 12 conference play. Johnson analyzes statistical trends to assess the team's postseason prospects and examines historical correlations between Big 12 and NCAA tournament performance for KU. Johnson notes that Kansas ranks 23rd nationally in adjusted efficiency since January 1st, a drop from 19th overall, with its defense slipping from 10th to 23rd. The team performs in the 93rd percentile for adjusted net rating in Quad 1 games, suggesting it plays better against top competition. Kansas improved its corner three-point shooting from 30.4% in non-conference to 36.5% in Big 12 play, led by Trey White. The team's turnover rate improved from 14.4% to 12.8%, placing it in the 85th percentile nationally for ball security during conference games. Key weaknesses include a drop in assist rate from 58% to 50% and a decline in defensive rebounding rate from 72% to 68%. Transition field goal percentage plummeted from 71% in non-conference to 54% in Big 12 action. Hunter Dickinson increased his blocks to 3.1 per game in conference play and improved his shooting at the rim. Dajuan Harris's offensive rebound rate for guards jumped from the 12th to the 68th percentile, while Elmarko Jackson saw significant rises in effective field goal percentage and steal rate. Johnny Furphy's three-point shooting fell from 42% to just over 30% in league games. Johnson argues that with a healthy and effective Dajuan Harris, Kansas could be its best version for the postseason. Historically, under Bill Self, KU teams that lose in the Big 12 quarterfinals average an NCAA tournament finish between the second round and Sweet Sixteen. Teams that lose in the semifinals average a finish just beyond the Sweet Sixteen, while Big 12 tournament champions average a run just beyond the Elite Eight. The three Kansas teams that lost the Big 12 championship game all lost in the second round of the NCAA tournament. Johnson theorizes that losing a conference title game might expose a team's flaws more than an early tournament upset. The tone is analytical and data-driven, blending advanced metrics with observational commentary on player and team trends. This episode is ideal for Kansas fans and college basketball enthusiasts seeking a detailed, statistical breakdown of the team's strengths and weaknesses ahead of March Madness. Listeners looking for pure narrative storytelling or casual conversation might find the heavy focus on analytics less engaging.

As heard by us

A sharp KU tournament check-in that centers block rate and links Big 12 results to the NCAA picture.

Kansas enters the Big 12 tournament with a plain but useful question hanging over it: is KU better, worse, or about the same as it was when league play started?

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Want a quick read on whether Kansas is peaking or slipping before the Big 12 tournament?

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