Can't take Oregon lightly

One gets the sense that many in Jayhawk Nation, much less the national pundits, were so blown away by the Purdue beat-down that it's assumed KU is a lock to beat Oregon and make the Final Four. (KU as unstoppable, playing in KC, etc.)

In the process, Oregon no doubt has been given some great bulletin board material, and will get to play the underdog role.

This could be a very tough game, folks. I don't know much about the Ducks at all, but in the preseason hoops mag sitting all year in my den, they were picked to be national champs. They made Elite 8 last year, so they're experienced and hungry too.

Let's hope no one, especially the team but also the Sprint fans, are too complacent or confident. Just play loose, be aggressive, and step on their necks on every single possession.

Go get 'em, lads!

RCJHGKU!!!

Agree, Konza. Even with the loss of Pac12 blocks leader and all around stud F Chris Boucher in the Pac12 tournament, they have still been playing well. Here's ESPN on the matchups for the E8.

Listened to Around the Horn yesterday and while most of the 4 panelists agreed KU was to be favored, they did not consider the Jayhawks a lock for the FF, let alone the title. Kate Fagan went so far as to note that while KU had played very well, they had yet to face a top 15 team in the computer rankings. Well, Purdue is #18, so that argument is a tad weak, and that win just a bit more impressive. (Michigan State is #40, btw; UC-Davis #219 out of 351).

So, all things considered, have to like our chances. Play D + hit shots = KU wins!

LET'S GO JAYHAWKS!

KENPOM Rankings of E8 teams, data through games of Friday, March 24

1 Gonzaga
2 Villanova
3 Kansas
4 Florida
5 Kentucky
6 North Carolina
7 West Virginia
8 Wichita St
9 Louisville
10 SMU
11 Virginia
12 Duke
13 Baylor
14 Oregon
15 Saint Mary's
16 UCLA
17 Iowa St
18 Purdue
19 Arizona
20 Michigan
21 Wisconsin
22 Cincinnati
23 Oklahoma St
24 Butler
25 Florida St
26 South Carolina
27 Notre Dame
28 Creighton
29 Kansas St
30 Xavier