KU vs WSU - Match Ups
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Match-ups, Smash ups…who wants this game more. If KU comes out and forgets who they’re playing after playing a less than NMSU, KU is in for a battle. WSU and Marshall will want this game for obvious reasons.
KU is overall the better team and are battle tested. But, teams that come and play with grit and determination tend to give KU fits on both ends of the court.
We know both teams, numbers, and hype. Here’s the question to be answered: Who wants it more?
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Frank Mason III vs. Fred VanVleet: By the numbers Scott Chasen | @SChasenKU | Updated 15 minutes ago
Following Wichita State’s victory over Indiana, Shocker guard Ron Baker jokingly said “a lot of houses are going to be divided” on Sunday, during the showdown against Kansas. However, that comment is just the tip of the iceberg, as far as the divisive nature of the teams are concerned.
Start with the point guard matchup between Kansas’ Frank Mason III and Wichita State’s Fred VanVleet. With nearly identical height and weight, the two certainly are similar and stature, and their numbers match up quite closely as well.
However, as is often the case in sports, people would rather rank the two and come to a conclusion on why one is “far better” than the other, rather than appreciating the greatness in front of them. If you think Frank Mason can hold Fred VanVleet you stupid
— Edgar Batres (@kicks4days0911) March 20, 2015 @kicks4days0911 if you think Fred can hold Mason your crazy bro
— Jacob
(@salasjacob18) March 20, 2015
Frank Mason > Fred VanVleet— campagne papi (@camrentm) March 20, 2015 My little brother just said that Frank Mason is a better basketball player and point guard than Fred VanVleet He must be drunk as hell.
— Jordan Manning (@JayMann35) January 25, 2015 While fans can argue all that they want, statistically speaking, Mason and VanVleet are incredibly, incredibly similar players. Prior to the NCAA Tournament, the two differed by less than one point, rebound and steal per game, although VanVleet did average 1.3 more assists per game than his Kansas counterpart. Percentage-wise, it was the same story, as Mason held an extremely slight advantage, shooting about half-a-percent better from the field and the free throw line and 4-percent better from three.
However, it is worth noting that VanVleet’s numbers are a little inflated compared to Mason’s, seeing as the Shockers played just three games against ranked opponent on the year, compared to fifteen for the Jayhawks. Kansas ended with the top RPI strength of schedule in the nation, whereas Wichita State’s schedule was ranked 120.
“We’ve played against a lot of good point guards. The Big 12 has plenty of them,” said Kansas sophomore Wayne Selden. “I feel like [Mason] is the toughest point guard in the country. When you’ve got that on your team, you don’t want anything else.”
Now, the advanced statistics did put some separation between the two, as VanVleet had a much higher assist rate, for example, but a lot of that is a function of two things. First, VanVleet has a higher usage rate than Mason, meaning that Wichita State possessions are more likely to end with VanVleet than Kansas possessions are to end in the hands of Mason.
Second, unlike Kansas, the roster of Wichita State is not deep at all, with just five players averaging more than 14.5 minutes per game, compared to nine for Kansas. Simply put, VanVleet has the ball in his hands in meaningful situations more often, which is kind of a double-edged sword. On one hand, it does skew the statistics in VanVleet’s favor, but there’s also something to be said about the increased role he has on Wichita State.
“He’s an aggressive player,” said Kansas point guard Devonte’ Graham of VanVleet. “He looks to attack and score. Every time he has the ball in his hands, he makes plays for others, and he’s a really good point guard for them.
On a game-to-game basis, the statistics show that Mason was the far more consistent performer, scoring at least 10 points in 29 of his 35 games, which included one stretch where he scored 10-or-more points in 20-consecutive games. VanVleet, on the other hand, had more standout games, crossing the 18-point total on eight different occasions, but he also had six games with seven or fewer points, including two games where he scored two and three points.
Mason scored at least seven in all-but three games, and he never was below four points on the year, unlike VanVleet, but whereas the Wichita State point guard had two 27-point games, Mason never scored above 21. However, either way, it’s safe to say that the two have no problem scoring when needed. VanVleet breaking ankles! #Shockers (Vine by Michael, TBL) https://t.co/20qXF3JcYD
— Alex (@AlejandroRiv__) March 2, 2015 Vine’d is the modern day YouTube’d. RT @rustindodd … RT @marshallartist Frank Mason. https://t.co/Y9wGtU0Zwf
— Sam Mellinger (@mellinger) February 8, 2014 Now, as far as assists are concerned, the numbers again say that the two are incredibly similar, as each had 20 games with at least four assists. VanVleet did have a slightly higher peak, which is why he averages 1.3 more assists per game, but typically the numbers were consistent.
For example, VanVleet’s best passing stretch saw him rack up 29 combined assists in four-consecutive games, whereas Mason peaked at 28 total assists across four-straight outings. Both players have been able to get into the lane and dish to an open man this year, and both have had games where they’ve been at their best facilitating, although they’re obviously more-than capable scorers.
Wichita State guard Ron Baker and Kansas forward Perry Ellis, who lead their respective teams in points per game, echoed that sentiment. They said they enjoyed playing with such great facilitators and scorers, and when asked if having a point guard that can rack up points helped take the pressure off them, the two had similar answers.
“Absolutely,” Baker said on Saturday. “For me, the pressure [becomes] just making [shots].”
“It takes a lot [off of us],” Ellis said. “When [Mason] is out there playing aggressive, we’re at out best.”
The only other area of separation between to two came against top competition, where the numbers really fell in Mason’s favor. VanVleet scored more than 13 points against a ranked opponent in just one out of three games, whereas Mason did it three times in his last five games against a ranked team. Ultimately, the numbers balanced out throughout the year, but Mason did come into the tournament playing better basketball against better teams.
Simply put, overall, the two players and incredibly alike, and as far as debates between which is better, none of that will matter on Sunday. What matters is who performs when the lights are at their brightest in a one game playoff that will leave one team eliminated.
Will it be the sophomore from Petersburg, Virginia who inspired a rap before ever scoring a point in a Kansas uniform, or will it be the junior from Rockford, Illinois who has been a part of three NCAA Tournament runs, which have put Wichita State right back on the map?
Either way, it should be one heck of a matchup to watch. Share on facebook Share on twitter Share on pinterest_share More Sharing Services 0
1 image Anna Wenner/KANSAN
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@drgnslayr We have become an exceptional defensive team, and it will show tomorrow.
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That was a pretty fair article on Mason and VanVleet.
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@JayHawkFanToo I think key for KU, Mason scoring more against top teams. Anxious to see what Coach has up his sleeve, maybe some zone?
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@Hawk8086 Personally, I don’t think Traylor is ever a good match up for us. It is a rare occasion that he is an advantage. But you’re right, I think Self could use him if Carter is too quick for Lucas. I doubt Lucas will have an issue because he won’t have to follow that screen. Carter isn’t a threat from outside. Lucas can sag off and look to help on the drive. But I’m with you on Oubre. He’s kind of the “one of these things is not like the other” on the floor. No one will match up with him. Personally, I were WSU, I’d shade Oubre and make Selden beat me.
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@drgnslayr You’re right, NMSU wasn’t very good. What was with that zone? The pass to the middle was open all the time. I don’t understand the theory behind that defense.
My inclination is to think everyone will be “fresh” Sunday. All these guys are young. Can’t image anyone being worn out.
@BeddieKU23 Your first point is an excellent one. When we got up early, my daughter asked me “When do you think they’ll tie it up?” We’re all scarred by that stuff. But we did hold the lead convincingly.
@KUSTEVE We all hope you’re right.
Guy at ESPN doesn’t think so.
He’s an idiot (time for name calling). We’re better. We win by 6.
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For the record I heard JNewells podcast the other day and he thought WSU would beat us too! Of course we could boycott him.
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@wissoxfan83 Now is not the time for logic, or numbers, or stuff like that. It’s all Jayhawks. It’s positive thinking. It’s faith. At this time of the year, I have a hard time being objective. That said, I do think we match up well. WSU is not the WSU of last season. No Cleanthony Early. That’s a different team. They lost to George Washington and Illinois St. Lots of things that could happen to result in a KU loss … this is Self’s moment to shine.
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KU - 4th game in 10 days.
WSU - 2nd game in 15 days.
With a season behind and some players dealing with injuries, fatigue could have an impact.
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Jay wright going down! Go Mario! Hopefully!
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Over-rated, over-rated…
Hopefully this will give the talking heads something to talk about other than how bad the Big 12 is and how WSU will beat KU
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@JayHawkFanToo I read a study on that and there was no difference.
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@JayHawkFanToo and a rivalry!
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@JayHawkFanToo Actually, 5th game in 11 days as well.
But really, we had five full days of rest between games. So no, because of that, I don’t think fatigue is any factor at all. Their bodies have had more than enough time to recover from three games in a row.
I’m hopeful that no one is getting excuses staged and ready. Excuses won’t needed. We’re kicking WSU’s ass tomorrow.
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NC State – Barber and Lacey starting guards. We were both guys’ second choices. Lacey went to 'Bama and then transferred to NC State. We could have Barber/Lacey starting now instead of Mason/Selden. Interesting how things work out.
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@Crimsonorblue22 I knew Nova would be the first 1 seed out. Dook should be next.
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Am I missing something? WSU last game before Indiana was a loss to Illinois State on March 7…did I miss games in between?
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I like our overall matches against WSU. I’ll not go into numbers because we’ve already learned that numbers mean pretty much nothing. But, man for man, I think KU is the better team.
Mason/VanVleet/Graham - Mason should come out ready to play and have something to prove. This will be a huge game for him. It’s time to establish himself on the national scene as a pg. This game will be huge. Graham has to play within himself tomorrow.
Selden/Baker - Selden is way more athletic than Baker. Baker is a pure shooter, much like Green. I’d even take Green over Baker. Baker does have experience and doesn’t get rattled.
Oubre/Green/Cotton (?) - Again, Cotton has experience, but give athleticism to Oubre and Green.
Ellis/Wessel/Brown/Traylor (?) - Ellis should have a festive day. I’d even give Traylor the edge over Wessel and Brown.
Lucas/Carter - Lucas should be strong and after scrimmaging against Embiid, he should be the better of the two. I think with Alex out, Lucas has come into his own. I see him getting better as we move forward. I’d even throw in the Red Fury @KUSTEVE…This might be a great opportunity for Mickelson.
We have to play smart and with intensity. I thought IU did a great job pushing the ball against WSU. We need to gas them like IU. We should get a lot of high percentage quick shots. I thought Yogi Ferrell provided so much for Mason. He gave Mason a great blueprint at the pg.
RCJHGOKU
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@HighEliteMajor Barber and Lacey were the difference against Nova.
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@JayHawkFanToo No. You said 4 in 10 days for Kansas. I just added that it will be 5 in 11 days tomorrow.
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NC State survives the first round because LSU didn’t make another basket for the last 10:12 of the game and also missed their final 6 FTS.
Now NC State is moving on to the sweet 16 by beating a #1 seed! Amazing really. It’s what makes this tournament so much fun.
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Baker is more than just a pure shooter, he is also a good defender/rebounder, can create his own shot and drive to the basket. Green might have more upside, if he ever develops the rest of his game, but at this point Baker is the better player. Given the choice, I would start Baker over Greene any day.
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@JayHawkFanToo Oh sure…not taking anything away from the guy. I like his IQ too. KU needs to play KU’s game. The team with fewer TOs will win this game.
I also like Green coming into his shot. He’s back in rhythm and Ellis also had a great confidence game against NMSU.
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@truehawk93 I think we could see some hm too. Speedier guy. I also thought we might have oubre guard baker some, who’s been slumping on his jumpers. We are quicker and deeper!
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@Crimsonorblue22 come on, Butler…pull the upset!!!
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Tied now…
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@KUSTEVE I don’t like yellow either!
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Be careful what you wish for ( a la VCU in 2011).
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@jhawkintexas OU has a better path now, you think?
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One important point being over looked. HCBS has denied the Shockers of playing KU every year. For good reason. Sure the Shockers could win a game here and there, but in the end KU starts kicking their ass every year.
HCBS will be about proving his point. KU will be ready.
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@jhawkintexas Is there anybody you aren’t afraid to play?
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@KUSTEVE Anywhere, anytime, Mizzery!
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OU cannot overlook Dayton. If they win they still have to contend with the winner of Michigan State-Virginia first…
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@JayHawkFanToo better than Kentucky!
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Notre Dame barely beat Butler in OT; second close call for the Irish, the third on is a charm and they will go down…
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@JayHawkFanToo If we win tomorrow, which we will. I think is better to face a Non “B” name school. RCJH!
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@Shanghai_RCJH let’s go w/it!
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Forget about all the hype. Think like a Jayhawk (Blue Blood), Behave like a Jayhawk, Play like a Jayhawk, Win like a Jayhawk, and March on like 2008 and 2012! RCJH!
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They are a double “B” team…Butler Bulldogs and as such, the kiss of death for KU. Luckily we don’t have to worry about this year since Notre dame won.
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This IS the BEST thread on a college basketball game I have ever read!
“This is where all the posting, all the reading, all the arguing , all the analysis, all the up votes, pays off! No other online community in the world could move from a winter battle trying to figure out what this team ought to be, pack up after a 3 in three grind in Kansas City, move 180 virtual miles to Omaha Nebraska, change themes, unify and get behind this coach and team. God, I love these men (and women)!”–jayINAWEbate 1.0
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Hell, yes, we are going to beat Marshall’s Munchkins!!!
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@jaybate-1.0 I had a dream last night that KU beat WSU with ease and that one of the announcers said “This is why Kansas doesn’t need to schedule Wichita State”. I was sad when I woke up as it was just a dream but I have a feeling it is prophetic. I feel a big win coming and a lot of crow to be eaten by all of the CBS/TNT/TruTV morons, excuse me “experts”.
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@joeloveshawks Nice!
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I hope our fan base goes out, and buys out the Grecian Formula, and throws them on the floor when “Greasy Greg” is announced.
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On a 10.0 scale, Self and Marshall face 1.o more pressure than in most contests this season. On a lighter note, I was very surprised that Self employed Mickelson so few minutes last game. I look to see our #1 candidate for a superstud role on FARMERS.COM earn some significant attention today.
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Hey Shockers! Ever danced with the Devil in the pale moonlight?
Pic Editing by http://instagram.com/jayhawks_inkd
Original photo by: Ben Lipowitz
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@drgnslayr I fully agree. This game will be a tough bar brawl all the way down to the final second. I think KU matches up very well with WSU based on your descriptions. Height doesn’t mean everything as we have seen already this season. If our boys can take care of the ball, win the boards and at least break even with fouls and t/o’s, it’ll be a close game. Both teams will leave it on the court. This game means more than a sweet 16 appearance.
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Do we put Oubre on Baker for most of the game?
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The double header in Omaha today is my dream doubleheader. If money were no object…
