3 Things We Noticed After Kansas Exhibition Loss vs. Duke

Kansas suffered a 90-84 loss to Duke in their final preseason exhibition game, marking the second straight defeat. The Jayhawks entered the season as one of the top teams in the Big 12, but there is still work to be done to reach championship level. Here are three key observations from Kansas' matchup against Duke.

Firstly, freshman Tyran Stokes delivered a strong performance, leading the way with 27 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists. His playmaking abilities are undeniable, and he is expected to improve as the season progresses. However, Stokes' shooting efficiency needs work, as he struggled from the field (7-for-17) and the three-point range (2-for-7), missing four free throws as well.

Secondly, the freshman class showed great promise during the exhibition game. Tyran Stokes and Taylen Kinney, in particular, demonstrated their potential with impressive stats. Kinney scored 14 points in 32 minutes, but his shooting efficiency was also subpar (5-for-15 and 2-for-6 from three-point range). With a talented pool of players, the Jayhawks' freshman class is expected to improve significantly in the regular season.

Lastly, the defensive performance of Kansas against Duke raised concerns about their overall game against tougher competition. The Jayhawks were outscored by 89 and 90 points in the two exhibition contests, a worrying trend that needs to be addressed. Kansas also struggled with rebounding, often allowing offensive players to gain position and secure another possession.

Additionally, the team missed nine free throws in the contest, further highlighting the need for improvement in this area. The question remains: will Kansas' defensive efforts improve as they transition into the regular season?