LAURENT — Kansas basketball will face Creighton on Wednesday, in the Big 12-Big EAST battle, in what will also be the Jayhawks’ first true road test of the season.
This will be the first time the two teams have played since KU topped the standings. Blue Jays in the 2022 NCAA tournament, en route to coaching Bill Self’s final national championship. No. 1 Kansas (7-0) will look to remain undefeated this season. Creighton (5-3) will look to regain momentum after losing three of its last four games.
Here are some things to think about, along with a prediction, ahead of tipoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m. (CT) Wednesday in Omaha, Nebraska:
Kansas basketball’s Hunter Dickinson addresses his ejection in victory over Duke
Bill Self explains the challenge Creighton presents
Although Creighton has yet to shoot 3s as well as Self believes the Bluejays are capable of this season, at 31.4 percent so far as a team from behind the arc, he still pointed out that It would be important for Kansas to defend. It’s something that’s a huge part of Creighton’s offense, and Self isn’t looking to be caught off guard if the Bluejays continue to do it — especially given the talent of their core guard trio. That’s just one element of Wednesday’s game, besides the fact that Creighton will be playing with home-field advantage.
Bluejays senior center Ryan Kalkbrenner, one of the best players in his conference in recent seasons, did not play in his team’s last game. Self, who said he wasn’t sure if Kalkbrenner would play, said the Jayhawks are preparing as if Kalkbrenner would play. This would be a key matchup between Kalkbrenner and KU graduate center Hunter Dickinson, as Dickinson and the Jayhawks try to combat Kalkbrenner’s ability to score, block shots and more.
Kansas’ respect for Ryan Kalkbrenner is clear
Kalkbrenner is an experienced big man averaging 18.1 points, 8.6 rebounds and three blocks per game. He himself was pleased with Kalkbrenner’s improvement over time. He joked that it would be like two dinosaurs battling each other, due to the time Kalkbrenner and Dickinson spent in college, and added that they are both projected All-Americans.
Dickinson said he is excited to face Kalkbrenner, at least I hope so. Dickinson also considers them among the best important men in the country. Dickinson explained that Creighton excels in how it uses Kalkbrenner.
Bill Self addresses Shakeel Moore’s health
Kansas graduate guard Shakeel Moore made a few appearances earlier this season, with limited minutes, as he returned from an offseason injury. These were home games in mid-November against Oakland and UNCW. But Moore hasn’t played since, and the way Self spoke about Moore on Monday, it seems like it could be a while before Moore can return.
Self did not provide a definitive answer as to whether or not a medical redshirt was possible because it is unclear how Moore will feel a month from now. But Self pointed out that they recruited Moore as a transfer from Mississippi State because they saw a role for Moore this season. It is of course disappointing that Moore’s recovery process has not reached a point where Moore feels he can contribute.
Prediction Kansas basketball vs. Creighton
Considering this is Kansas’ first true road test, the Jayhawks may have to go through some growing pains on Wednesday. Even though Creighton has endured its own struggles this season so far, they are still a team with a lot of talent. But KU should be able to come out of this game undefeated, with an 80-71 victory.
Jordan Guskey covers University of Kansas sports at the Topeka Capital-Journal. He is the National Sports Media Association Sportswriter of the Year for the state of Kansas for 2022. Contact him at [email protected] or on Twitter at @JordanGuskey.
This article was originally published on Topeka Capital-Journal: Kansas Basketball vs. Creighton Prediction: 3 Things to Think About
