Did KU discover its best lineup Saturday?

Read the article, and this MIGHT be the best lineup, but it also might not be. Based on how they played in the 2nd half with 4 guards including Braun, you could certainly make that argument.

But I wouldn't put Enaruna or Moss on the scrapheap just yet. Ditto for McCormack and DeSousa, but that's a different story.

Self is a master of using psychology to get the most out of his players. By saying he needed his "toughest" guys out there, he clearly sent a message to Enaruna and Moss where they stand comparatively in that department. I would imagine that if I'm in their shoes and the coach thinks I'm not as tough as the other guys, that I'd start demonstrating some more toughness in practice. Even if I'm stuck on the bench, I don't want it to be for something controllable like "toughness". If somebody is more skilled, stronger, more experienced, etc., that's a different story. As much as I think Braun earned his minutes (and probably more minutes going forward) I think there was an equal case of sending a message to a couple of guys.

As for McCormack and DeSousa, it's a different story. Doke is clearly a beast and the best of those 3, so the only way he'll be on the bench is if he's in foul trouble, injured, or needs a break (or if it's late in the game and we're worried about free throws). By going to a 4 guard lineup, I don't think Self was making a statement about McCormack or DeSousa's toughness (not directly anyway) but instead just had to resort to his depth chart at center: Doke, followed by McCormack, followed by DeSousa.

I also don't think Self is abandoning the 2 bigs option entirely. I think emotionally he prefers it, and will continue to use it when it's working. In other instances, he's got a viable "small" option, so it's really a "best of both worlds" situation where can beat you either way depending on the circumstances.

If Garrett can guard every 4 like he guarded Culver, then the options increase for the remaining lineup. McCormack has had a couple good games offensively but other than that has not delivered. He and De Sousa should rebound better than a smaller replacement but they have not always done that either. We need better rebounding and a more effective offense. We can show we can defend well even with a 4 guard lineup. We sacrifice offensive rebounding with a 4 guard lineup typically, but guys like Enaruna and Braun could pick up that slack if they learn how to play the positioning better. Agbaji has been more often disappointing in the rebounding department but not entirely his fault. If Braun or Enaruna start hitting 3's they will slip into the greater minutes whether they start or not. But first and foremost, Self will continue to put a stifling defensive team on the floor. I don't think he sacrifices that.

Self will continue to put a stifling defensive team on the floor. I don't think he sacrifices that.

Yep. Want to get minutes on a Self-coached team? Play defense.