Second-seeded Kansas has a potential third-round game with in-state foe No. 7 Wichita State, a match up fans have wanted for years but that hasn't happened in 22 years. While that has caused some excitement for the fans of both schools and talked about in the media here on Thursday, Jayhawk players said they have been focused on Friday's game against No. 15 New Mexico State.
The Shockers face No. 10 seed Indiana on Friday.
"If it happens, it happens and we will look at it when it happens," Kansas sophomore guard Wayne Selden said. "But right now, we're just focused on the first game."
Kansas accustomed to teams with size
The Jayhawks are well aware of New Mexico State's size and Jayhawks junior Kelly Oubre said they've played teams like NMSU in the Big 12.
"We have played against big teams throughout the Big 12, like Texas and Baylor, who have a similar zone-style like New Mexico State," Oubre said. "We pretty much have to play physical, play smart and just execute our game plan."
Self says Jayhawks need to attack Aggies zone
Kansas coach Bill Self said while New Mexico State's zone is different from what they've seen, it's from the "same family" of what Baylor does in its zone. NMSU plays a 2-3 zone with the wings extended past the free throw line at times to protect against the 3-point shot.
Self said the Jayhawks needs to attack it from the onset.
"I think a lot of times people get content on playing around the perimeter," Self said. "And when they do that, they get a little passive, and when it's time to go and attack, they've lost their confidence to do so.
"I want our guys to be in attack mode, because their zone will change shapes. Don't worry about what they're doing, let's just make sure we get the ball to certain areas of the floor."
Self says Perry Ellis looks better
Kansas just got back All-Big 12 first-team forward and leading scorer Perry Ellis last week in the Big 12 Tournament from a knee sprain.
Ellis, who is averaging 13.8 points and seven rebounds per game, had 11 points and six rebounds in his return against Baylor before a seven-point, nine-rebound performance against Iowa State in the Big 12 title game.
"He hasn't missed any practice time," Self said. "He's been terrific. He hasn't winced once; he hasn't had to come out, none of that stuff. He probably hasn't shot the ball consistently as well as what he was before the injury, but I don't think it has anything to do with that."
The Shockers face No. 10 seed Indiana on Friday.
"If it happens, it happens and we will look at it when it happens," Kansas sophomore guard Wayne Selden said. "But right now, we're just focused on the first game."
Kansas accustomed to teams with size
The Jayhawks are well aware of New Mexico State's size and Jayhawks junior Kelly Oubre said they've played teams like NMSU in the Big 12.
"We have played against big teams throughout the Big 12, like Texas and Baylor, who have a similar zone-style like New Mexico State," Oubre said. "We pretty much have to play physical, play smart and just execute our game plan."
Self says Jayhawks need to attack Aggies zone
Kansas coach Bill Self said while New Mexico State's zone is different from what they've seen, it's from the "same family" of what Baylor does in its zone. NMSU plays a 2-3 zone with the wings extended past the free throw line at times to protect against the 3-point shot.
Self said the Jayhawks needs to attack it from the onset.
"I think a lot of times people get content on playing around the perimeter," Self said. "And when they do that, they get a little passive, and when it's time to go and attack, they've lost their confidence to do so.
"I want our guys to be in attack mode, because their zone will change shapes. Don't worry about what they're doing, let's just make sure we get the ball to certain areas of the floor."
Self says Perry Ellis looks better
Kansas just got back All-Big 12 first-team forward and leading scorer Perry Ellis last week in the Big 12 Tournament from a knee sprain.
Ellis, who is averaging 13.8 points and seven rebounds per game, had 11 points and six rebounds in his return against Baylor before a seven-point, nine-rebound performance against Iowa State in the Big 12 title game.
"He hasn't missed any practice time," Self said. "He's been terrific. He hasn't winced once; he hasn't had to come out, none of that stuff. He probably hasn't shot the ball consistently as well as what he was before the injury, but I don't think it has anything to do with that."
