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Can anyone slow down Cooper Flagg? Kansas basketball may be the answer.

Can anyone slow down Cooper Flagg? Kansas basketball may be the answer.

Cooper Flagg has been nothing short of encouraging for the Duke Blue Devils.

The star forward has been strong this season, averaging 16.3 points, 9.5 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game. However, Kansas basketball may have the perfect arsenal to give Flagg his toughest challenge yet on Nov. 26.

With a frontcourt trio of Hunter Dickinson, KJ Adams and Flory Bidunga, the Jayhawks boast versatility and defensive depth that few teams in the country can match.

Dickinson is a proven rim protector who can change shots, while Adams has unparalleled motor and defensive switching ability.

Add in Bidunga, a five-star freshman phenom with elite shot-blocking instincts, and Kansas has a three-headed monster capable of disrupting even the most dynamic player.

Cooper Flagg

November 16, 2024; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Cooper Flagg (2) passes the ball at the three-point line as Wofford Terriers guard Corey Tripp (10) guards him at Cameron Indoor Stadium during the first half. Mandatory link: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images / Zachary Taft-Imagn Images

While Flagg’s numbers are impressive, there are areas where Kansas can exploit weaknesses.

His shooting efficiency – 44.2% overall and just 22.2% from three – leaves room for Kansas to sag on the perimeter and force him to take shots from outside.

With an effective field goal percentage (eFG%) of 48.1%, Flagg’s scoring largely depends on getting to the rim where Dickinson and Bidung will be waiting.

Another area to look at is Flagg’s ball handling under pressure. His turnover rate skyrockets when he faces physical defenders, and Kansas’ length and physicality can force him to make difficult decisions, especially in the half court.

KJ Adams Jr.

Kansas Jayhawks forward KJ Adams Jr. (24) reacts to a dunk by Kansas Jayhawks forward Flory Bidunga (40) during the first half of the game against the North Carolina-Wilmington Seahawks at Allen Fieldhouse on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024. / Evert Nelson /The Capital-Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Most teams simply don’t have the personnel to contain a player of Flagg’s caliber.

Kansas does.

The Jayhawks could look at him in a number of ways: Dickinson’s size, Adams’ versatility and Bidunga’s athleticism. This combination of defensive options allows them to adjust to Flagg’s play in real time, whether it’s countering his moves or denying him a second chance on the board.

More importantly, Kansas excels at team defense.

Their rotation is solid and they rank among the best in defensive efficiency, allowing just 66.7 points per game.

Against a player like Flagg, who thrives on exploiting defensive mistakes, Kansas’ discipline will be critical.

Flagg is undoubtedly one of the most exciting players in college basketball, but Kansas has a rare combination of talent and depth that could slow him down.

If anyone can contain him, it’s the Jayhawks.

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