ESPN.com Preseason Power Rankings
14. Kansas
The Jayhawks have won seven straight Big 12 titles and averaged 33 wins in the past five years. But success may not come as easily for Bill Self's squad in 2011-12. Point guard Tyshawn Taylor is a fourth-year starter, and forward Thomas Robinson is being hailed as an All-American candidate. But beyond that, the Jayhawks' roster is stocked with former role players. Combo guard Elijah Johnson and forward Travis Releford and Jeff Withey -- the other projected starters -- have all shown encouraging flashes in the past. But KU's bench is as deep as a kiddie pool, which could be a problem if players such as Robinson get into foul trouble. The other problem is a nonconference schedule that includes Kentucky, Ohio State, USC, Georgetown and potentially UCLA. Building confidence could be tough. -- Jason King
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