Kansas vs. North Carolina March 24 Free Pick
Kansas draws a nightmare game in the Round of 32 with a small North Carolina team that loves to run and shoot the three. The line opens up listing the Jayhawks as six point favorites, however, ahead of the Sunday tip.
Free Pick
If you watched Big-12 basketball this year it was pretty evident that Iowa State consistently gave Kansas the
toughest time and it was because of
their undersized roster that rendered Whithey ineffective. Whithey’s shot-blocking ability is vital to this
Kansas defense because of the pressure it allows Johnson, McLemore and Releford to play with on the perimeter.
However, when Whithey has played against smaller foes that draw him away from the basket it opens up driving
lanes and makes Kansas extremely vulnerable to the three-point basket.
North Carolina essentially runs five perimeter players in their five man rotation that will play the vast majority of the ball game. James Michael McAdoo is the biggest starter and he is projected as an NBA small forward. I have a hard time seeing how Whithey and Kevin Young are effective in this game with guarding the quicker Carolina shooters. Obviously Whithey should have his way in the paint if Kansas is able to keep things under control and if the ‘Heels miss their shots early. The only way I see this game really being a resounding Kansas win is if UNC comes out cold shooting from the outside.
I called Freshman forward Perry Ellis the biggest x-factor in the country months ago and I really stick to my comment with this game looming. I could probably tell you who wins this game based off of Ellis’ stat line in this one. As a forward who can play on the perimeter and make life tough for a scorer, Ellis has to play a lot and play well against the Tarheels. If the kid from Wichita can’t give KU good minutes I think they’re done. I believe Ellis will play big, but I’m not sure it will be enough if and when North Carolina runs KU up and down. A more intense version of what Iowa State brings to the table, I’m taking North Carolina to knock off Kansas in the one game I see KU being vulnerable in their region.
Pick: North Carolina +6