In the broader context of the 2023-24 Kansas men’s basketball season, the Border Showdown on Dec. 9 didn’t make a significant impact. Despite being a win over a rival, the game, which ended with a 73-64 scoreline, was uncomfortably close for KU, especially compared to their previous dominant victories. The contest didn’t age well either, given Missouri’s lackluster performance throughout the rest of the season. While memorable moments like KJ Adams’ powerful block and Thomas Robinson’s jersey retirement occurred, the game itself was overshadowed by other matchups, notably victories against UConn and Indiana.
One aspect that stood out during the Missouri game was the congestion in the paint. The Tigers, although struggling defensively overall, effectively crowded the paint against KU, particularly by playing off non-shooting threats like Adams and freshman guard Elmarko Jackson. This strategy aimed to disrupt KU’s offense and neutralize center Hunter Dickinson, a potent scoring threat.
Despite Adams’ efforts to counter this defensive approach with floaters, the issue highlighted a broader concern for KU regarding perimeter spacing. Even with additions like Johnny Furphy and Nick Timberlake, KU’s inconsistent perimeter shooting exacerbated Dickinson’s challenges. This was evident in games against Baylor and Texas Tech, where poor shooting performances hindered offensive flow.
Recognizing the need for improved perimeter shooting to complement Dickinson and point guard Dajuan Harris Jr.’s passing skills, KU’s coaching staff prioritized recruiting transfers with reliable long-range shooting abilities. Riley Kugel, Zeke Mayo, and AJ Storr, known for their offensive prowess, bring shooting reliability and scoring threats to the team. While Kugel and Storr’s shooting percentages dipped in their sophomore years, their willingness to take and make threes remains valuable for KU’s offense.
As KU prepares for the upcoming season, Dickinson’s return is expected, providing stability in the frontcourt. Despite uncertainties regarding lineup configurations and potential additions like Rylan Griffen, KU’s roster upgrades signify a significant improvement in player personnel compared to last season. With a deeper and more versatile squad, KU is poised to address previous spacing issues and elevate its performance on both ends of the court.
