The view from KU — defensive whiz Garrett one key if Jayhawks hope to knock off Zags

By MATTHEW GWIN

Special to The Press

Top-ranked Gonzaga tips off the 2020-21 season in Fort Myers, Fla., today against perennial powerhouse and preseason No. 6 Kansas.

The Jayhawks finished the 2019-20 season as the unanimous No. 1 team in the country, just ahead of the Zags, before the coronavirus pandemic forced the NCAA Tournament to be canceled.

However, that Kansas team lost two All-Americans, guard Devon Dotson and center Udoka Azubuike, to the NBA.

KU still returns plenty of talent, led by reigning Naismith defensive player of the year Marcus Garrett.

The 6-foot-5 senior point guard from Dallas should provide Zags’ freshman phenom Jalen Suggs with a not-so-warm welcome to college basketball.

As good as he is defensively, Garrett struggles to consistently knock down perimeter shots. He looks to pass first on offense, and is much more comfortable driving to the basket than pulling up from 3.

Don’t be surprised if Garrett winds up with seven or eight assists.

In fact, that number will likely be a measuring stick for the game. If Garrett can dish out double-digit assists, then the Zags are in trouble. If he’s held around five, the Jayhawks will struggle to win.

Junior wing Ochai Agbaji will also need to step up for the Jayhawks this season with Dotson and Azubuike gone.

The Kansas City, Mo., native can shoot the 3 ball, but also struggled with consistency last season.

Agbaji is not always smooth as a ballhandler, so expect to see him working the perimeter and slashing to the basket off ball screens.

Another good defender, his length and strength will be critical against Gonzaga senior wing Corey Kispert.

The wild card is five-star freshman Bryce Thompson, a 6-foot-5 combo guard with NBA potential.

Despite the limited preseason, those around the KU program expect Thompson to contribute right away.

Another newcomer who could make an immediate impact is junior college transfer Tyon Grant-Foster.

The 6-foot-7 wing from Kansas City, Kan., figures to be a true slasher, opting to attack the rim rather than settle for jump shots.

How quickly these two can gel with their new teammates will determine the ceiling of this KU team, and could decide the outcome of today’s game.

Junior forward David McCormack will be tasked with filling Azubuike’s shoes, though the two have different styles of play.

McCormack can knock down some mid-range shots and shoots a very high free-throw percentage for a big man, but he’s not as physically dominant around the rim.

A capable rebounder and improving shot blocker, the real key will be limiting his fouls and turnovers. Don’t be shocked if Drew Timme gets McCormack in early foul trouble.

Rounding out the rotation, the Jayhawks feature several young and talented role players who will look to emerge this season.

Sophomore guard Christian Braun (pronounced Brown) shot a scorching 44.4% from 3 last season, so the Zags will need to stick to him on defense.

Lanky 6-foot-8 sophomore wing Tristan Enaruna could be critical in defending Kispert for stretches when Agbaji needs a rest.

Redshirt freshman Jalen Wilson — another 6-foot-8 wing — could fill that role, too. Wilson is a better ballhandler than Enaruna, so expect to see him if and when Garrett comes off the court.

Fifth-year senior forward Mitch Lightfoot will be asked to do all the dirty work, and in the opening game after a wacky offseason, the style of today’s contest might be perfect for his game.

Of course, almost anything could be the difference for two talented teams who haven’t even played an exhibition game.