Here’s the good news for Kansas’ Southwest Region opponents: The Jayhawks are not invulnerable.
Kansas won two relative nail-biters and one one-point squeaker in the Big 12 tournament and suffered a number of close calls in the regular season.
Here’s the bad news for Notre Dame, Boston University and the like:
Everything else.
The Jayhawks (32-2) aren’t the overall No. 1 seed, but many oddsmakers have installed them as the favorite to win it all in Houston.
Kansas hasn’t lost since Feb. 14, and Marcus Morris is one of the best the Jayhawks have had in years.
But the road won’t be easy. No. 2 Notre Dame flirted with a top seed before a Big East tournament loss, and Purdue somehow got through Robbie Hummel’s injury.
Inside the bracket
» Best matchup
UNLV vs. Illinois. The appeal of this 8-9 contest isn’t just on the court; it’s personal. UNLV coach Lon Kruger was at Illinois from 1996 to 2000.
» Most vulnerable
Vanderbilt?… if John Jenkins isn’t healthy. A stunning shooter, Jenkins is battling turf toe. If he’s at half-speed, Richmond wins in the round of 64.
»The pick: Notre Dame
Ben is the new Tyler.
