There have been years with elite shot-blockers, and years without them. Backcourts that created steals and others that struggled to limit dribble penetration.
No matter the combination, Kansas basketball coach Bill Self has always seemed to make it work, as much of KU’s 12-year streak of Big 12 Conference titles can be attributed to the team’s defense.
The Jayhawks have ranked in the top 10 nationally nine times out of the last 12 seasons, according to Ken Pomeroy’s defensive efficiency numbers, and they’ve also have not finished a season worse than 21st during those 12 seasons.
So what has contributed to Kansas’ long-lasting defensive success?