Kansas Not Frightened: Previews and Predictions of the Weekend Ahead

Three days away before an exciting and meaningful weekend in College Hoops is set to get underway, the top team in the nation is set to take on Cornell two days prior.

For the small percentage of doubters out there that are expecting a Kansas loss anytime soon, will have to wait for another day.

In a recent highlight film put together by ESPN’s College Basketball team, Kansas looked cool and calm leading up to their game against Temple. The Jayhawks went on to win that game 84-52.

Many teams, players, analysts, coaches and fans have criticised Kansas’ season so far. The words “Haven’t played anyone decent”, have been thrown around a lot lately, and quite frankly are getting on many Jayhawk fans nerves.

One thing still remains the same though. The Jayhawks, in particular Cole Aldrich and Xavier Henry have remained calm. With each shoot around before game time the team is together and complete, and are almost blocking any negative thoughts or activity from getting into their organization.

This type of mindset is what makes a No. 1 team, well, No. 1. If they keep a “cool as a cucumber” style mindset, there is no reason why they should fall from grace.

Now onto the important stuff, the weekend ahead. With many key match ups that could ultimately decide some teams seasons, this weekend promises a highlight reel that will possibly take up a ten minute period.

No. 4 Purdue at No. 20 Wisconsin, Saturday 1:30PM

Like Georgia, the Boilermakers are also coming off a big win over young but talented Minnesota today.

The Boilermakers are amongst the favourites to topple the Top 3 at the moment a long with Syracuse, but it is a big task to ask.

However if Purdue do keep winning, we could have another Michigan State scenario on our hands, as the Boilermakers could easily be hosting in the Final Four.

The Badgers are hanging on to their No. 20 spot at the moment, and are going to have their hands full with the Boilermakers come Saturday. Luckily they will have the home court advantage, which is a positive for the Badgers to rely on.

The player to watch for in this game is JaJuan Johnson. After scoring 16 points in the game against the Gophers, expect him to outdo himself once again as he takes on the Badgers defense.

No 5 Duke at No. 17 Georgia Tech, Saturday 2PM on ESPN

Some people will argue that Duke should be ranked higher. With only one loss to the Badgers this season, I guess that case can be made fair.

Coming off a win over Clemson that left many people believing that Duke has still got it, gives Blue Devil fans a glimmer of hope that they can get back amongst the big teams and play for the top spot.

Georgia Tech suffered at the hands of Georgia today, and things don’t look to pretty in the land of the Yellow Jackets.

Jon Scheyer and Nolan Smith are arguably Duke’s top performers right now, although Georgia Tech’s Gani Lawal is a force not to be reckoned with either.

Expect Duke to come out shooting well in the first half, and Georgia Tech to follow in the second.

A loss to college rival Georgia has surely shot Georgia Tech’s confidence, but it is important they regain it if they want any shot at finishing among the ranked teams this season.

Duke still has a game in hand against Iowa State before meeting Georgia Tech. If Scheyer and Smith have impressive games again, it could be a case of Duke’s confidence winning the game for them against the Yellow Jackets.

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No. 1 Kansas at No. 15 Tennessee, Sunday 4:30PM on CBS

As I just mentioned earlier, the Jayhawks aren’t scared. Nor should they be, considering the Volunteers latest arrests and controversy.

Cole Aldrich is still going strong, and the same can be said about Xavier Henry. Sheron Collins is a man to watch in this game, he is not the Jayhawks top performer at this point, but while averaging 13.8 points per game, he may just make a statement against the Volunteers.

Tennessee has had its woes this season, just like their men’s football team has.

With this said, the Volunteers are fresh off a highly impressive win over the Tigers this week winning 66-59.

If Scotty Hopson gets moving early, they may just rally with the Jayhawks for the entire game.

No matter what the outcome though, this one is shaping up to be a game to be remembered.

By: Ryan Cook
Big 12 Fans Staff Writer