Wichita State Shockers vs Kansas Jayhawks Predictions: Refreshed and Ready

Kansas returns from the holiday break looking to avoid an upset in the final game of the non-conference slate.

The Kansas Jayhawks are back from the holiday break to finish up the non-conference slate. Their annual foray into the T-Mobile Center comes with a little bit of local intrigue, as the Jayhawks host the Wichita State Shockers.

With as easy of a start to the conference slate as possible in the brutal Big 12, can the Jayhawks avoid looking ahead and keep from getting upset? Or will the time off not be enough to keep the focus against what should be an overmatched team?

Do you disagree with our assessment? Make sure you read them all and then hope over to the Discord or on Twitter to share your own thoughts.

Kyle Davis

Check out our Wichita State Preview for Kyle's full breakdown and prediction.

Wichita State vs Kansas Preview

Derek Noll

I guess I’m supposed to care about a game against Wichita State, but I just don’t. It seems like all we heard about in those brief years when WSU was relevant was how KU was scared to play them, but what exactly were the benefits? There weren’t any and there still aren’t many considering that the Shockers are 117th in KenPom, not exactly a resume building opponent. But, they do get to play this in-state rivalry in nearby Kansas City, Missouri so we get a game that has some local interest for the mandatory game at the T-Mobile Center. Fine. Anyway, you’re not going to get much analysis from me on this one, but if Bill Self is to be believed, the guys have come back from Christmas refreshed. That’s enough for me to believe that KU will be focused and win by double digits. 

Kansas 83, Wichita State 67.

Brendan Dzwierzynski

I think this is an improved Wichita State team relative to the last couple of years, but they’ve sputtered as their schedule has gotten tougher. Enter the best team they’ve played yet and I’m feeling good about KU in this matchup. Like Derek already mentioned, I’ll trust Self when it comes to the Jayhawks being more rested after getting 8 days between the Yale tilt and this one. Frankly, I don’t think the Shockers have the horses to keep up with the Jayhawks over 40 minutes, and I think Kansas will pull away late. 

Kansas 78, Wichita State 63.

Andy Mitts

Wichita State grades out similarly to Yale in that they don't do anything well enough to be their signature attribute. Instead, they do a pretty good job on the boards and don't turn the ball over much, but they don't shoot particularly well. Like the guys mentioned above, Kansas has benefitted immensely from the time off, and I expect to see a refreshed Hunter Dickinson making a huge impact.

Kansas 87, Wichita State 71.

Follow Us: Twitter | Instagram | Discord | The Rock Chalk Podcast