2009-10 record: 33-3 (15-1), first in Big 12
Lost to Northern Iowa in NCAA tournament second round
Coach: Bill Self, 234-45, 7 years (441-150 overall)
Last NCAA miss: 1989
2010-11 roster [click here]
2010-11 schedule [click here]
The good: You’re not seeing double. That’s merely the Morris twins, Marcus and Markieff, who promise to give opponents fits this season. Marcus made a huge jump last season and is an All-America candidate. Markieff was more streaky and will have to stay out of foul trouble at center.
They’re just the start of yet another talented, deep Kansas roster filled with athletic guards (junior Tyshawn Taylor), shooters (seniors Tyrel Reed and Brady Morningstar) and potential breakout players (Mario Little and Thomas Robinson).
The bad: Kansas lost its three best players (Sherron Collins, Cole Aldrich and Xavier Henry), all of whom are currently on NBA rosters. Replacing their production should be easier than replacing their leadership roles, though.
Much of that will fall to Morningstar and Reed, two respected seniors who are quieter and aren’t go-to guys. It all opens the door for in-state rival K-State to snap KU’s streak of six-straight Big 12 titles.
The unknown: If Selby can play. The Jayhawks are still waiting on the NCAA to rule on his eligibility.
If he’s out, that opens the door for sophomore Elijah Johnson - who’s an even bigger question because he played sparingly last season. Or it’ll push Taylor into the point guard role, which doesn’t play to his strengths. Without Selby, drop the Jayhawks 10 spots.
Mike Miller’s also on Twitter @BeyndArcMMiller, usually talkin’ hoops. Click here for more.