Here is what national media is saying about KU heading into the 2022 NCAA Tournament
The Kansas men’s basketball team is riding a five-game winning streak, its first in two months, heading into the NCAA Tournament.
In the Big 12 Tournament, the Jayhawks picked up two double-digit victories, then cut the nets following a nine-point win. That seems to be a good way to head into the NCAA Tournament.
“I’m probably as optimistic as I have been all year long about this team right now,” KU coach Bill Self said on CBS, ahead of the NCAA Tournament Selection Show.
Is Self’s optimism justified?
Here is what national experts are saying and writing about the Jayhawks heading into the NCAA Tournament.
The Sporting News’ Mike DeCourcy thinks KU will make the Final Four and can’t complain about the competition in the Midwest Region.
Here is a passage from his story: “Top seed Kansas got itself a mighty fine draw here. Auburn is sagging. Wisconsin has one star on a team of overachievers. Providence has no stars on a team of overachievers. It was almost as if Bill Self sat in the Selection Room nodding to the committee members each time a team went up on the Midwest board.”
The Athletic’s Joe Rexrode and Jesse Temple offered their analysis of the Midwest Region.
This is part of what they wrote about the Jayhawks: “Kansas has great offensive balance. During the regular season, the Jayhawks shot 36.1 percent from outside the arc (which led the Big 12) and 54.1 from inside (which ranked 37th nationally). In a March 5 win over then-No. 21 Texas, the Longhorns limited Kansas’ 3-point shooters only to see big man David McCormack go for a season-high 22 points and 10 rebounds.”
CBS Sports’ Kyle Boone picked the Jayhawks to make the Final Four.
This is a snippet from his story: “Losses sprinkled about at the end of the regular season largely kept the spotlight off of Kansas, but the top-seeded Jayhawks are the clear favorite to advance to the Final Four out of this bracket. ...
“(Ochai) Agbaji’s play will dictate all. He slumped late in the season but had a really nice Big 12 tournament showing on the whole. His shot-making and defense is key. So, too, is Remy Martin’s presence.”
CBS Sports’ Clark Kellogg says there could be many upsets in the Midwest Region.
Sports Illustrated’s Jeremy Woo took a closer look at KU’s chances in the Midwest Region.
Here is an excerpt from his story: “This isn’t the most talented team Self has had in his 19 seasons at Kansas, but it has been remarkably steady, employing a fast-paced and highly democratic offense while using its size and strength effectively on the defensive end. ...
“The good news for Kansas is that its route to New Orleans is reasonable, as top challengers Auburn, Wisconsin, Providence and Iowa all have their flaws, and will have individual hurdles to clear to simply make the second weekend. But this region is high on quality and star power, and could breed some unexpected results.”
Andy Katz of NCAA.com has the Jayhawks falling to No. 5 seed Iowa in the Sweet 16.
Katz wrote: “Keegan Murray is the star here. He was phenomenal in the Big Ten tournament. He’s been great all season, could’ve been Player of the Year, may end up being the Most Outstanding Player. I think Iowa beats Kansas.”
USA Today’s recap of the bracket reveal had Kansas advancing out of its region.
It seems too easy to simply pencil in the top seed. Only once in the history of March Madness have all four No. 1’s made it to the Final Four.
Bearing that in mind, Kansas is still the pick in the Midwest Region. Second-seeded Auburn’s recent results suggest it is a prime candidate for an early exit.
“As for a sleeper, you’d be hard pressed to find a more dangerous team than Iowa right now.”
The Field of 68 podcast said KU should have an easy path to the Final Four.
Ricky O’Donnell of SB Nation offered picks for each region, and he has Kansas winning the Midwest.
This is an excerpt of what he wrote: “This feels like the easiest region for any top seed. Can Kansas get it done? The Jayhawks will face a tough round of 32 matchup against San Diego State. ...
“I like Kansas over Iowa in the Sweet 16, and the Jayhawks over Wisconsin in the Elite Eight to reach the Final Four.”
This story was originally published March 15, 2022 at 10:57 AM.
